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Deckhand and superyacht introductory packages are the starting point for most crew entering the professional yachting industry. These combined programmes typically bundle the mandatory STCW BST modules with practical seamanship skills — line handling, anchor work, dinghy/tender driving, basic maintenance, and deck work — giving entry-level crew everything they need to secure their first superyacht position. Many packages also include the VHF SRC and an introduction to the Efficient Deck Hand (EDH) standard. The Efficient Deck Hand qualification itself is a practical-skills certificate recognised in the commercial shipping and yachting sectors. Intro packages are a popular choice for career-changers and school-leavers. Duration is typically one to two weeks, and courses take place at major yachting hubs including Antibes, Palma, Fort Lauderdale, and Cape Town.
Most packages include STCW BST (four modules), VHF SRC, and practical seamanship training. Some also include EDH, powerboat handling, and CV guidance.
Introductory packages typically run one to two weeks. If you need to complete individual modules separately, the STCW alone takes four days.
No prior experience is needed. These courses are specifically designed for complete beginners. You do need to be physically fit and able to swim.
Major training hubs include Antibes and Marseille (France), Palma (Mallorca), Southampton and Lymington (UK), Fort Lauderdale and Newport (US), Cape Town (South Africa), and Auckland (New Zealand).
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