Extensive Deckhand Training and Guidance From Industry Professionals with Decades of Experience.
Gain a significant advantage over other deck crew by building years of knowledge and experience in just 8 weeks with Savvy Maritime Academy. Kickstart your deckhand career by enrolling in the most thorough and relevant deckhand course available (Fort Lauderdale-based).
Extensive Deckhand Training and Guidance From Industry Professionals with Decades of Experience.
Gain a significant advantage over other deck crew by building years of knowledge and experience in just 8 weeks with Savvy Maritime Academy. Kickstart your deckhand career by enrolling in the most thorough and relevant deckhand course available (Fort Lauderdale-based).
Fort Lauderdale Deckhand Course Breakdown:
Practical courses on extensive tender handling, painting, or paint detailing are also available on an individual basis.
Section 1: Introduction to the World of Yachting as a Deckhand
- The importance of the chain of command, Maritime Conventions and Codes, Your specific rights on board
- Understand your role onboard and how to add value to your position
- Learn how to conduct yourself with and without guests on board
- Learn how to make the most of your time in the yacht industry
Section 2: Deckhand Certifications and Contracts
Make sure you understand the legalities and your rights before making decisions.
- Understand the minimum required certifications as well as additional certifications that may or may not be beneficial.
- Know what to expect and how to handle Seafarers’ Employment Agreements, Official Logbook & medical insurance.
Section 3: Habitation
- Close quarters living with others.
- Living in your limited space.
- How to live with strangers.
- Living where you work! What it means
Section 4 - Social Understanding and Awareness
- Avoiding and managing conflict.
- Social behavior and interaction.
- Personal and general hygiene.
- Privacy and discretion. Managing your social media etc.
Section 5 - Mental, Emotional and Financial Preparedness For Your Role as a Deckhand
- Taking care of yourself physically and emotionally.
- Steps to help you thrive on board.
Financial planning, taxes and legal
Section 7 - Deckhand Practical Work
- Comprehensive knowledge and terminology of all aspects and components on the exterior of a yacht.
- Line handling, fender use and all aspects of docking and securing a vessel.
- Knowledge of anchoring procedures and how to properly anchor a vessel.
- How to tie knots specific and crucial to the job, where and how to apply.
- Knowledge of products commonly used in the maintenance of yachts.
- Washdown process and procedures.
- Maintenance and care of teak decks
- Paint Care
- Polishing Techniques.
- Knowledge of paint preparation and application
- Varnish preparation and application.
- Maintenance of teak cap rails
- Cranes and Lifting procedures.
Section 7 - Tender Handling
- Thorough knowledge of all components of a tender.
- Reading and understanding gauges.
- Knowledge of all electronics and equipment on board the tender.
- Knowledge of lubricants, coolants, and fuels.
- Maintenance.
- Pre-Departure and Arrival Checklists
- Towing systems and procedures.Practical Sessions
- 10 days of practical tender driving
- Thorough practical knowledge of maneuvering, docking in all conditions and circumstances
- Open water driving.
- Understanding how to operate in different sea conditions.
- Beam Sea
- Following Sea
- Head Sea
- Confused Sea
- Understanding tender stability when loaded.
- Disembarking and embarking guests
- Underway with a fully loaded tender
- Thorough knowledge of all ways to secure a tender
- Tender towing
- Watersports towing and activities
- Thorough knowledge of all types of securing a tender
Section 8 - Safety
- Joining the vessel and familiarizations.
- Muster Lists and Fire Safety Control Plans
- SOLAS Crew Safety Training Manual
- Safety Equipment
- International Safety Management- ISM introduction.
- International Ship and Port Security ISPS Introduction
- Safety Management System (SMS) and Management company
- Code of Safe Working Practices (COSWP)
- Personal Protective Equipment
- Drills
Section 9 - Deckhand Duties in the Bridge
- Bridge Equipment
- Standing orders
- Publications
- Logbooks and Plans
Section 10 - Basic Navigation Tools
- Collision Regulations
- Charts
- Buoyage
- Voyage Planning
Section 11 - Watches
- Bridge Watch
- In Port Watch
- At Anchor
Section 12 - When Yacht Owners, Charterers and Guests are on Board
- Understanding why a person would own a yacht.
- Why do people charter a yacht and the process?
- Job description and expectations when guests are on board.
- Tasks are required when guests are on board.
Watersports Activities
Find out More Information About The Deckhand Academy:
Use the form below or give Savvy Maritime Academy a call.
