If you are just starting out as a deckhand, this article is for you. Knowing what to expect before you start your career as a deckhand can significantly accelerate your learning curve. In this article, we state ten hard-earned lessons many experienced deckhands say they wish they knew before starting their deckhand careers.
Things I Wish I Knew Before Starting as a Deckhand
Let’s start with the very first point: being a glorified janitor of a very expensive and big boat.
Cleaning is 90% of the Job
If you are just starting out as a deckhand, your duties will mainly consist of just cleaning, and more cleaning…
and more cleaning…
It is not glamorous at the beginning. Washing and polishing decks and other surfaces, scrubbing teaks, cleaning tenders and other yacht toys will become your life for a long while.
However, how you approach your work and how well you do it influence the future of your career. Tackling these ‘boring’ or ‘tedious’ tasks meticulously and methodically will set the tone for how much responsibility you will have as you progress.
Discretion is More Important Than You Think
Superyachts have this conventional rule: what happens on the yacht stays on the yacht. You should never talk about the owner, guests, or whatever you see onboard to anyone, especially if it is a private vessel.
This conventional rule is also why it is important (and difficult) to find the right superyacht that aligns with your morals and comfort zone.
Learn the Correct Way, not the Shortcuts
If you do not know certain things on your job, it is a good idea to ask your seniors to teach you. Don’t guess or wing it.
Remember, your scope of responsibility extends beyond yourself when you work on a superyacht. Hence, it is crucial to learn things correctly to ensure the safety of your fellow crew members and the ship.
Bad habits are harder to unlearn than taking the time to do it right from the start.
Initiative is Everything
An assertive, prompt personality is highly appreciated on a superyacht. Being able to fit as a part of a well-oiled machine on a superyacht is very important.
Don’t wait to be told what to do. If there is something you see you can do within your job description, get to it. For example: clean up tools, organise lockers, wipe down tenders. These little things not only reduce the burden on your fellow crew members, but they also show how prompt you are.
Anticipating what’s needed before someone even asks is a skill that will take you far in this career.
Keep a Notebook (A Personal Log)
It’s a great idea to keep a log of your works and learnings. It does not have to be fancy.
Write down every task, product name, procedure, knot, tender system, and maintenance routine you’re taught. It is easy to forget such things. And also, your senior crew will definitely respect the effort.
Respect the Hierarchy
Yachting is very structured. Don’t overstep—understand the chain of command. It’s okay to be friendly, but stay professional with officers, the captain, and heads of department.
Always stay professional and do not do anything that would make you look bad if you get caught on camera. If any order seems questionable, please seek confirmation or advice from fellow crew members.
Presentation is Everything
Superyachts are a flex. And when there’s a ‘flex’, there is presentation. In other words, a superyacht needs to ‘look’ pristine under a guest’s sunglasses and in Instagram photos. Minor spots, smudges, smears—everything matters. Even if they are away from everyone’s sight, consider cleaning them.
Tender Driving—A Must-Have Skill
Even though the RYA Powerboat Level 2 certification is a requirement to join a superyacht crew, you may not be used to driving an actual boat in a real-world setting. It could be the lack of confidence, lack of practice, or both.
Ask for practice time when appropriate. It’s a massive asset, and often what sets junior deckhands apart. Be honest about your experience—don’t pretend to know more than you do.
Be Mindful of What You Share Online
It is not uncommon for a superyacht’s management to ban its crew from posting anything about the boat online. Even innocently sharing a sunset or your uniform can get you fired.
If you want to create content around your superyacht life or similar topics, always ask for permission before you share anything.
Reputation is Currency
Deckhand jobs are often temporary positions. Once a season ends, the deckhands go on a short vacation before dockwalking again to join a new yacht. In that sense, every superyacht you work on is a reference for the next.
Hence, it is extremely crucial to be dependable, respectful, and drama-free. Really, just stay out of drama if you care about your career, because people will talk, for better or worse.
Conclusion
What I wish I knew before starting out as a new deckhand on a superyacht is that attitude, discretion, and attention to detail are everything—every small task matters. Learn fast, stay sharp, and build a solid reputation from day one. If you think deckhand is still your calling after knowing these things, we have excellent news for you.
Our Superyacht Crew Courses are designed to help you familiarise yourself with your responsibilities and etiquette in the scene. For more information, connect with us today.