The all-in-one packages that take a complete beginner to job-ready deck crew.
A deckhand or “introduction to yachting” package is the fastest way onto the deck of a superyacht with no experience. These courses bundle the mandatory STCW with practical seamanship — line and anchor work, tender driving, deck maintenance, and often powerboat and CV help — so you finish genuinely job-ready rather than just certified. They typically run one to two weeks. Here are the packages we'd send green crew to, starting with Flying Fish, where I did my own training.
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My own starting point — I trained with Flying Fish back in 2018. Purpose-built superyacht training base on the water in Cowes, RYA Training Centre and MCA-approved, with one of the widest course ranges in the UK: STCW, deckhand and interior packages right through to Yachtmaster. Book online and hold a place for 48 hours.
Large charity-run academy in Cowes, MCA-approved and an RYA Training Centre, also running full cadetship pathways for crew who want the professional route.
Major Fort Lauderdale training campus, MCA / USCG / RYA approved — the main US hub for crew training either side of the Atlantic.
Antibes-based, MCA and RYA approved, right in the heart of the French Riviera crew hub.
Palma de Mallorca academy (formerly SOVREN), RYA and Marshall Islands approved, in the busiest Med yachting port.
Sydney academy, IYT / MCA / AMSA approved — the established pathway for crew starting out in Australia.
Phuket-based, MCA and IYT approved — the leading superyacht training hub in South-East Asia.
Cape Town entry-level academy, MCA-approved, popular with green crew starting in South Africa.
This is our shortlist. See every accredited provider offering Deckhand / Superyacht Intro Packages in the full Deckhand / Superyacht Intro Packages directory →
No. Deckhand introduction packages are built for complete beginners. You do need to be reasonably fit and a confident swimmer.
Most packages include the full STCW Basic Safety Training, VHF radio, practical seamanship and tender handling, and often powerboat training and CV guidance.
Introductory packages usually run one to two weeks, depending on how many extras (powerboat, EDH, CV help) are bundled in.
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