Hello, I hope you all are having a fantastic day. This is the fourth of hopefully many newsletter emails. I'm starting this to help new and experienced crew get the information they need and also some helpful tips and tricks along the way. If there are any particular topics in the yachting industry you would like to see covered, please respond to this email!

fact of the day

€2 billion worth of yachts attend the Monaco Formula 1 Grand Prix every year

In today’s email

• Deckhand spotlight

• Recent news

What is a Deckhand

A deckhand on a superyacht is the entry-level position in the deck department. Deckhands are the backbone of keeping the vessel sparkling and operational, with a strong focus on guest service. Here's a breakdown of their typical duties and responsibilities:

Maintaining the Yacht's Pristine Condition:

• Washing the entire exterior of the yacht, including decks, windows, and superstructure.

• Polishing stainless steel fixtures and handrails.

• Cleaning and maintaining teak decks, which involves scrubbing a lot

• Operating tenders (small boats) to ferry guests to shore or water toys.

• Maintaining and deploying watersports equipment like jet skis, diving gear, and wakeboards.

Guest Service and Operations:

• Assisting with guest arrival and departure, ensuring their smooth transition on and off the yacht.

• Setting up and taking down furniture covers, deck furniture, sun loungers, and shade umbrellas.

• Standing watch while the yacht is underway, looking out for potential hazards.

• Assisting the bosun (supervisor) with mooring and docking operations.

• Learning basic navigation and safety procedures.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Depending on the yacht size and crew structure, deckhands might help with painting, varnishing, and other maintenance tasks.

• Reasonable requests from the Captain.

Essential Skills for a Deckhand:

• Physical fitness and stamina for long hours of manual labor in all weather conditions.

• A meticulous eye for detail and a commitment to keeping the yacht spotless.

• Excellent teamwork and communication skills to collaborate effectively with other crew members.

• A positive and service-oriented attitude to ensure a delightful experience for guests.

• A willingness to learn and grow within the yachting industry.

What to expect

The Allure of the Job:

• Travel the World: Explore exotic destinations, experience diverse cultures, and witness breathtaking scenery – all part of the job!

• Dynamic Environment: Every day brings new challenges and opportunities. No two days are the same on a superyacht.

• Develop Valuable Skills: Learn seamanship, boat handling, guest service, and gain valuable teamwork experience.

• Potential for Growth: The yachting industry offers a clear path for advancement to higher positions like bosun or mate.

• Adventure and Camaraderie: Bond with fellow crew members over shared experiences, creating lifelong friendships.

The Realities of the Job:

• Long Hours and Physical Demands: Expect to work long shifts, often in hot or cold weather, performing physically demanding tasks.

• Limited Personal Space: Living quarters on a superyacht are typically compact, requiring a minimalist lifestyle and adaptability.

• Guest Service Focus: Maintaining a positive and accommodating demeanor is crucial, catering to sometimes demanding guests.

• Potential for Seasickness: If you're prone to seasickness, be prepared to adjust and find remedies.

• Following Orders: Deckhands operate within a hierarchical structure, taking instructions from superiors.

Things to Consider:

• Salary and Benefits: Salaries can vary depending on experience, yacht size, and location. Some yachts offer benefits like travel allowance

• Qualifications and Training: Basic boating experience and a strong work ethic are essential. Some employers might require formal STCW (Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping) qualifications.

• Personality and Adaptability: A positive attitude, ability to work independently and as part of a team, and a willingness to learn are key.

Overall, being a deckhand on a superyacht offers a unique opportunity to travel the world, work in a dynamic environment, and gain valuable skills in the yachting industry.

Where to start

• Gain experience by joining in on Sailing regattas, Yard work or day working on yachts

• Complete STCW Basic Safety Training: This is mandatory for working on commercial vessels.

• Obtain a ENG1 Medical Certificate: A medical certificate confirming your fitness for sea duty.

• Additional certifications: Depending on the yacht's size and activities, certifications like powerboat licenses, water sports instructor qualifications, or diving licenses can be valuable.

Stay tuned! Next week we will look at the role of Stew.

Recent news

• Singapore Yachting Festival 2025 dates announced

• Ambition and acrimony: Inside the plans to clean up the Pacific Ocean’s Great Garbage Patch

This weeks to-do list

1. Apply to 3 Deckhand positions.

2. Read and learn the COLREGS.

3. Learn how to varnish and put it on your CV.