A deckhand is the foremost responsible team member at a yacht irrespective of its size, location, or journey time. A deckhand is supposed to take complete charge of looking after the boat’s exterior for its functionality. Generally, there are two categories depending upon the yacht’s size; Junior Deckhand and Senior Deckhand. A junior deckhand is an entry-level position and usually becomes your first joining role on the board of a super yacht. When you get to work on a super yacht, there is a possibility of multiple deckhands. The junior deckhands are the ones with relatively lesser experience and skills. However, the senior Deckhand would be the one managing this tea of junior deckhands. Usually, at luxury yachts and mega yachts, there are two positions for deckhands. The Bosun or First Officer assigns tasks and duties.
What does a deckhand do?
There are some vital responsibilities at the hands of a deckhand. He is assigned to manage and maintain the exterior of the yacht. There are various duties that can be possibly assigned to deckhands. Usually, they are given a combination of the tasks at hand. These tasks can include polishing, varnishing, wash-downs, teak cleaning, painting, sanding, loading and unloading barges material, inserting blocks under wheels of vehicles, lubricating machinery and equipment, maintaining cables and ropes, caution passengers for unsafe practices, and any other deck related task.
What qualification do you need to become a deckhand?
There is usually not any specific qualification required to become a deckhand. Once you have taken little experience in the field, you can complete the General Purpose Hand Near Coastal Certificate of Competency. This certification allows you to work as a Deckhand in all states and territories. Usually this training does the purpose for a deckhand salary package. Usually, this kind of certification is required to get hired at a Luxury Yacht.
How much does a deckhand make on a yacht?
The deckhand salary depends on the yacht he is employed at. You can check out our Yacht Crew Salary Guide to get an idea on what salaries are paid.
Compensation package for super yachts
If you are working as a deckhand on a super yacht stretched at 80-99 ft., you are looking at earning over $12 – 18 per hour, which sums up to almost $2000 – 3000 per month. The super yacht deckhand salary can vary based on your skills, qualification, and number of years of previous experience.
Compensation package for luxury yachts
Sometimes you get close to the maximum limit if you have an extraordinary experience. However, if you get employed at a mega yacht or a luxury yacht, the deckhand salary would be even more lucrative. If you are working at a mega yacht of 100-119 ft., you must earn a minimum of $3000 per month and a maximum of $4000 per month. The perks of working at a luxury yacht are beyond imagination. This deckhand salary is way more than the average income of many people working at stores, restaurants, and convenience stores. Along with the lucrative compensation, you get to enjoy the picturesque views, exotic locations, and lifetime experiences.
Still want to work as a Deckhand on a megayacht? Check out these posts:
– 10 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Work on a Yacht
– How to join the crew of a mega yacht
– Super Yacht Crew Salary Guide
Search for Deckhand Jobs on Nauticjobs.
