What you need to perform it
Primary qualification
- MCA Yacht Rating Certificate: minimum age 16, yacht sea service and training per the MCA large-yacht deck certification guidance (yacht ratings/deck officers MSN — verify current number and amendment). It accredits the holder as a rating forming part of the watch on yachts.
- STCW framing: functionally equivalent to a rating forming part of the navigational watch (Regulation II/4), with a route to able seafarer deck (II/5) and EDH depending on service and training (as a guide).
- Valid ENG1 medical certificate (or ML5 depending on operation).
Basic STCW
- Full STCW A-VI/1 (survival, fire fighting, first aid and personal safety/social responsibilities).
- Five-yearly A-VI/1 refresher per the Manila amendments.
Specific courses
- RYA Powerboat Level 2 and tender driving: essential in practice for guest transfers (as a guide).
- RYA SRC (short-range VHF radio operator).
- EDH — Efficient Deck Hand, the next mandatory step on the route to OOW Yachts.
- Large-yacht deck maintenance: teak, paints and lacquers, fittings and stainless steel.
- Watch duties as lookout and helmsman per STCW A-VIII/2 (watchkeeping arrangements).
Indicative experience
As a guide: the certificate requires on the order of 6 months of yacht sea service (reducible with approved training — verify the current MSN); the reality of the job is back-to-back Mediterranean/Caribbean seasons of daywork and watches.
Observations
MCA large-yacht deck ladder: Yacht Rating → EDH → OOW Yachts < 3,000 GT → Chief Mate/Master. Sea service must be documented with signed testimonials and a discharge book: without rigorous records, days do not count towards the OOW. Do not confuse with RYA leisure qualifications (Competent Crew, Day Skipper): the industry uses them as training, but they are not MCA professional certificates. Real employability is also decided by the ENG1, references and attitude on deck.
What this role does
It is the first professional certificate on the MCA large-yacht deck ladder: it turns the deckhand into an accredited rating who can form part of the watch. Everything that follows —EDH, OOW, Master— is built on the sea service documented at this stage.
Typical watches
- Navigation and mooring watches per assigned role, plus deck daywork
Key responsibilities
- Support navigation, mooring, anchoring and deck operations.
- Stand bridge watches as lookout and helmsman under officer supervision.
- Maintain deck, teak, fittings and paintwork to yacht standard.
- Drive tenders and toys for guest transfers and water-sports support.
- Comply with the vessel's safety and emergency procedures.
Operational scope
- Deck
- Basic maintenance
- Operational support
Profile reviewed by HydroAbyss (2026). Cited rules and timeframes are indicative: the final requirement is set by the flag State, the Administration and each company.