Find out About the EDH Course

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The Efficient Deckhand (EDH) course is an essential course for deck crew working towards their OOW 3000GT or any CoC higher than a Master of Yachts 200. The course must be completed at least 18 months prior to the issuing of an OOW and it is therefore advised to complete the course at an appropriate time. The theory and practical skills learned during the course are extremely valuable to any member of the deck team. It indicates that the candidate has a strong set of fundamental deck skills and knowledge required for safe and effective operations. It is therefore also recommended for deck crew who may not be working towards a higher CoC.

Course Outline:

The Efficient Deckhand course is an MCA-approved 5-day course that focuses mainly on deck safety. The course covers:

  • Basic seamanship
  • Lifting equipment and safe working loads
  • Characteristics of different types of rope
  • Line & Wirework
  • Splicing, whipping, seizing
  • Pilot ladders, the rigging of a painting stage and bosuns chair
  • Berthing procedures
  • How to safely operate capstans and windlasses
  • Snapback zones
  • Steering and duties of the lookout
  • Responsibilities of crew members under the Code of Safe Working Practices
  • Other Operational & Safety related topics

The EDH course emphasizes safe operations and will cover risk assessments and permits to work under the Code of Safe Working Practices for Seamen (COSWOP).

White Caucasian Male Deckhand Engineer operating the hydraulic crane controls on the deck of a superyacht, with white t-shirt on a sunny day
Rope Inspection during EDH course

EDH Prerequisites:

The Efficient Deckhand course is designed for any member of the deck department and is a prerequisite for OOW certification. To qualify to attend this course, the candidates must:

  • Be over 17 years of age,
  • Hold a valid ENG1 medical certificate, (or ENG1 equivalent)
  • Hold one of the following:
    • RYA or IYT Yachtmaster offshore,
    • Yacht rating with at least 6 months of sea service and a steering certificate,
    • Fishing Class 2 CoC,
    • A Boat Master License (BML) Tier 1 level 2 certificate
    • Tug rating with at least 6 months sea time and a steering or NRW certificate,
  • Have a minimum of 6 months seagoing service on vessels greater than 15m.

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