Course Overview
The Deck Course is designed to prepare aspiring deckhands with the practical knowledge and operational understanding required to work safely and professionally on board luxury yachts.
Developed by experienced yacht captains and senior deck crew, this self-paced online course introduces the day-to-day responsibilities of the deck department, from vessel operations and mooring procedures to preventative maintenance and onboard safety systems. You’ll also develop an understanding of the professional standards, equipment, and practical skills expected of entry-level deck crew before stepping onboard.
Whether you’re preparing for your first deckhand position or looking to strengthen your foundational knowledge before practical training, this course provides the confidence and understanding needed to begin your career.
What You Will Learn
By the end of the course you will understand:
• Essential nautical terminology used by professional deck crew
• The basic knots every deckhand should know
• Deck equipment, vessel layouts and stowage plans
• Standard operational procedures for mooring, anchoring and port operations
• Tender handling equipment and hydraulic systems
• Guest interaction and onboard deck protocols
• Safety management checklists and operational documentation
• Preventative maintenance procedures and cleaning standards
• The correct use of deck products, tools and equipment
• How professional deck departments organise projects, worklists and vessel maintenance
Price:
€45
Course Features
Fully online and self-paced
Approximately 7 hours of learning
Interactive lessons and knowledge checks
Module assessments
Final course examination
Accessible on desktop, tablet and mobile
12 months of access
Certificate of Completion upon successful completion
Syllabus
Module 1
Introduction to Deck
Build the foundations of professional deck work by learning essential nautical terminology, fundamental knots, vessel stowage, wash-down procedures, generator start-up routines, and the basic skills expected of entry-level deck crew.
Module 2
Operational Drills
Gain a theoretical understanding of the operational procedures performed by deck crew, including mooring, anchoring, port arrivals and departures, shore utilities, tender lifting, guest operations, and other essential day-to-day deck activities.
Module 3
Safety Management Checklists
Learn how safety management systems support safe vessel operations through emergency procedures, duty watch routines, and operational checklists used by professional yacht crews.
Module 4
Preventative Maintenance Activity Plan
Develop an understanding of preventative maintenance by learning the correct products, tools, cleaning methods, surfaces, locations, and maintenance procedures used to keep a yacht operating to professional standards.
Module 5
Worklists, Project Documentation and Special Purchases
Learn how deck departments organise maintenance schedules, manage onboard projects, maintain accurate documentation, and coordinate equipment and purchasing requirements to support efficient vessel operations.
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