Deckhand courses offer an excellent opportunity for entry-level deckhands to hone their skills or for aspiring deckhands to understand the work environment. The course offers a well-balanced introduction to the superyacht industry, providing sufficient knowledge to secure your first job. In this article, let’s see where you can find a reliable and value-packed deckhand course in Cape Town.
The Deckhand Course in South Africa
The deckhand course is a premium, value-packed course that equips an aspiring seafarer with the necessary qualifications to secure a job in the superyacht industry. This also includes all the crucial licenses to provide you with better opportunities in the superyacht industry—the more diverse your skillset, the better your chances.
So, where do you find a Deckhand Course in Cape Town?
Deckhand Course with Sail & Power SA in Cape Town
At Sail and Power SA, we focus on delivering theoretical and practical knowledge to prepare you for the superyacht industry. The reality of the superyacht industry is that it requires flexible crew candidates. Our deckhand course in Cape Town prepares you for that reality. Depending on your requirements, you can choose one of the three deckhand packages available at our institution.
Let’s briefly take a look at our packages.
a. Deckhand – Minimum
Our Minimum package focuses on meeting entry-level requirements to secure a job in the superyacht industry. We highly recommend having prior experience in the marine industry, such as being a dive instructor or a charter boat operator. While experience is optional, many superyacht recruiters would prefer a candidate to be at least familiar with a few marine activities.
Our Deckhand Minimum covers the following modules.
- STCW Basic Safety Training with Proficiency in Designated Security Duties (PDSD);
- RYA Powerboat Level 2;
- RYA PWC Proficiency;
- SRC VHF/SRC Radio; and
- The Deckhand Course training.
These qualifications and licenses are a must to enter the superyacht industry. Apart from this, you will require an ENG1 Medical Certificate of fitness. You should procure this certificate before enrolling in this course.
b. Deckhand – Pro
The Pro package focuses on providing a little edge in the competition while covering all the aforementioned modules in the Minimum package. The added qualification in the Pro is the RYA Superyacht Tender Operator course. Not all deckhands know how to operate a superyacht tender, and having that edge will put a shining mark on your resume.
It is also a perfect stepping stone to the Advanced Powerboat course and exam. So, even if you wish to leave the superyacht industry at some point, you still have a concrete direction to work with.
c. Deckhand – Advanced
The superyacht industry is always recruiting individuals with a diverse set of skills. Hence, our Advanced course aims to deliver the best possible value to aspiring deckhand seafarers. Stay assured and confident with the Deckhand Advanced course and enter the market with confidence as you attempt to secure your first job.
This course includes all the aforementioned modules from the Minimum and Pro packages. Furthermore, we focus on the following modules.
- RYA Diesel Engine;
- RYA Advanced Powerboat Course; and lastly
- RYA Day Skipper Theory
Why Should I Become a Deckhand on a Superyacht?
Becoming a deckhand on a superyacht offers adventure, travel, and growth. You have a chance to visit stunning destinations worldwide, work with a diverse crew, and gain transferable maritime skills.
Not to mention, the role provides excellent pay, a hefty amount of tips, and living expenses covered so that you can save more. Furthermore, ambitious seafarers also find the deckhand position as an entry point to secure higher-ranking positions.
If you enjoy teamwork, the ocean, and hands-on work, being a deckhand can be a rewarding and life-changing opportunity for you.
Find the Right Deckhand Course for You in Cape Town
There are plenty of institutions in Cape Town that provide a quality deckhand course. Sail and Power SA is one of them. While the deckhand course may not be cheap, it offers rewarding insights into the industry, so that you are prepared for what comes next.
Before joining a deckhand course, we highly recommend that you verify whether the institution is accredited or not. If you require further information regarding the deckhand course or the superyacht industry, contact our experts today.