Deckhand Familiarization, Mental Preparation & Theory
Insight, understanding, and mental preparation are key to a successful career as a deckhand. We ensure that you know what to expect in your role as a deckhand as well as in your personal & financial life, helping you to excel.
In this section, we will cover topics such as:
- Components of the yachting industry and how they integrate with each other
- The importance of the chain of command
- Maritime Conventions and Codes
- In-depth understanding of your role and how to add value to your position
- Guest interaction
- Certifications and contracts including Minimum Required Certification, Official Log Book, Seafarers' Employment Agreements and Medical Insurance
- Habitation, living where you work and how to live with others in a close quarters.
- Social understanding and awareness
- Mental, emotional, and financial preparedness to help you thrive during and after your career
Practical Deckhand Training Modules
Practical training is done at our 10 000sq. ft facility, on our tender, and on locally based yachts & superyachts that we have access to.
Gaining practical exposure to a broad range of deckhand duties takes time. Becoming competent at these tasks takes practice. We provide a unique opportunity for you to refine your deckhand skills under the supervision of captains and experienced deck crew.
A few points covered:
- 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 and practice 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 the knots & bends
- Knowledge & application of products commonly used in the maintenance of yachts.
- Washdown process and procedures
- Maintenance and care of teak decks
- Paint education & application (building coats & top coats including spray gun training & practicals)
- Fairing & filler education and application
- Polishing Techniques
- Sanding techniques (fairing, wood, paint, varnish)
- Varnish preparation and application
- Maintenance of teak cap rails
- Cranes and Lifting procedures.
Bridge Familiarisation & Duties, Watches & Basic Navigation Tools For Deckhands
As a deckhand, it is important to have an understanding of the safety systems and operations, be familiar with the bridge and watch duties, as well as use some basic navigational tools.
Having a good grounding in the above, allows you to take on more information from the start and ultimately increase your competency and the value that you add onboard. Learning the above can take time on the job and it is hugely beneficial to be familiar from the start.
A Few Topics Covered Relevant to Deckhand Duties:
- Standing orders
- Publications
- Logbooks and Plans
- Collision Regulations
- Charts
- Buoyage
- Voyage Planning
- Bridge Watch
- In Port Watch
- At Anchor
Tender Handling (12 Day)
We have designed our Tender Handling Academy to specifically address the needs of the deckhands and other yacht crew working in the and superyacht industry. It is a unique opportunity to gain confidence and competence so that you can take on more responsibility as a deckhand and apply for jobs that require tender handling experience (a Powerboat Level II or Rib Master does not count as tender handling experience).
With 2 days of theory combined with 8 days of practical training, we will ensure that you are exposed to all avenues of superyacht tender handling so that you can step into your deckhand role with confidence.
*The 10 day tender handling course is included in the Deckhand Academy but is also run as an individual course*
Savvy Deckhand Academy Google Reviews
Very professional and hands on. High quality training with amazing staff. Irma went above and beyond to help us gain skills for the yachting industry. Highly recommend.
Amazing facility and staff that help with every step, or any questions that I might have. Being a hands on learner really helped me with the practical training the stewardess course provides. Definitely would recommend just starting out, or just gaining more knowledge that you might not have already known.
I recently had the incredible opportunity to enroll in the 10-day stewardess course at Savvy Maritime Academy, and I must say it was nothing short of amazing. Our instructor, Irma, deserves special recognition for her outstanding teaching approach.Irma made the entire learning experience truly exceptional. Her teaching style was incredibly practical, allowing us to immerse ourselves in the world of being a yacht stew through hands-on activities and real-world scenarios. It was evident that she was passionate about sharing her knowledge and expertise with us.Throughout the course, Irma's guidance and mentorship were invaluable. She encouraged us to ask questions, explore, and learn by doing, which made the learning process not only effective but also immensely enjoyable. Her dedication to helping us succeed was truly commendable.I left the course feeling well-prepared and confident in my abilities as a stewardess, thanks to Irma's exceptional teaching and the practical approach taken by Savvy Maritime Academy. If you're considering a career in this field, I highly recommend this course, as it's a fantastic opportunity to learn from a great teacher like Irma and gain practical skills that will serve you well in your future endeavors.
I have done the 10-days interior course. I’m really thankful for my instructors. They are really dedicated and put so much love to it . I want to specially mention Ms Irma because she made me feel confident as a stewardess
I just finished up the week deckhand course and it was amazing. All of the instructors were knowledgeable, kind and helpful.
A fantastic group that strives to make you a better deckhand. New or experienced, there is something everyone can learn, or at least gain incredible experience time with. The teachers are patient and supportive with the student, excellent in adjusting their instruction to best suit your learning style and strengths. Highly worth while to attend classes from Savvy to set yourself ahead of the curve
I completed the 10 day Yacht Stewardess Course! I had such a pleasant experience and an amazing teacher, Ms. Irma. The staff are truly sweet and care about wanting to expand your knowledge. Thank you so much, Savvy Academy. Highly recommend!
I can't say enough about how grateful I am to have found such a great course for my 17 year old daughter. She took the 10 day steward(ess) course and she loved it. As a parent I was so worried to send her out of state for it but the staff were excellent in providing the perfect host family and reassuring me every step of the way. I don't know what I was worried about looking back. My daughter was sad to say goodbye after a super hands on and very educational course with a great group of new friends. I'm so thrilled that my daughter has the skills and a certification to get a job when she graduates from high school. She's even thinking of taking a gap year to work before attending college for hospitality management. Thank you so much, Savvy Maritime Academy!
I just completed Savvy's 8 week deckhand course and I was lucky enough to be one of the first students to complete this course. I had travelled from out of country to do this and honestly it felt as though these guys have been running this course for years. It was incredibly structured and professional. The passion behind this business is incredibly prevalent. If you are looking at getting into the yachting industry come to Fort Lauderdale and get this done, it will throw you ahead of the crowd and I simply can't recommend this course enough with knowledge that I will implement for a life time. Nick, Doug and Brian are absolute legends and teach things in a fun, enticing manner and cater to different learning styles where required. Although I'm sad that the 8 weeks flew by, I'm now ready to start my yachting career with complete confidence which was of course my main objective, if you told me 8 weeks ago I would be able to drive a 31ft centre console, twin engine, 250hp tender and dock it alongside the hip of a 130ft Westport I wouldn't of believed you at ALL and I did not think I would get as much theoretical knowledge and practical knowledge as I did. So if you are unsure whether or not to go with Savvy for your training, I can assure you its incredibly worth it!
Amazing school great teachers (I did the deck hand course) and it was 100% worth it!!!!
Savvy’s tender handling course was extremely helpful and I would recommend it to anyone who is wanting to learn how to operate a tender. All of the staff were very knowledgeable and helped me so much. I really liked how we were only inside if it was raining. The course was completely hands on and I learned more than just operating a tender. I learned how to tie knots, different traffic patterns when driving a boat, flags and there meaning, lights on boats and there meanings, and so much more. Once again the tender class was very helpful and everyone was so kind, knowledgeable, and patient! 10/10 recommend!
10 days interior training.Is one of the most complete training for yachting.I recommend this courses 💯% if you want to join yachting or refresh your skill.
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Savvy Definition: "Shrewdness and practical knowledge. The ability to make good judgements."
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