Lead Deckhand

An experienced deckhand can become a lead deckhand. Aboard large yachts with multiple deck crew, the lead deckhand manages the day to day of deck management and operations. Deckhands will be building logged sea time towards an RYA Yachtmaster certification for career advancement.

Bosun

A bosun is the most senior ranked deck crew member, responsible for overseeing all of the deck crew, tender operations, and will have gained skills in carpentry, painting, and project management. A bosun will often be in the process of completing modules towards their MCA Officer Of the Watch certification.

Officer Of the Watch (OOW)

Larger yachts can have 3rd, 2nd and Chief Officers, responsible for navigational watches, vessel administration, and safety management. Persons who hold this job role will have completed their MCA OOW license (500 ton or 3000 ton), which have prerequisites of significant time logged at sea, additional courses & successful completion of an oral examination by the Maritime Coastguard Agency. The next steps would be working towards an MCA Master (200/500/3000) license

Captain

The highest ranking position onboard and is tasked with the management and safe operation of the entire yacht. While there is an established support consisting of shoreside management, heads of department and crew, the captain is ultimately responsible for ensuring that all legal, administrative and safety standards are met. The Captain is responsible for navigation and emergency management. It is an exceptionally big job, and one which requires an incredibly varied skill set, experience and precision execution

The Deck & Bridge Journey

Career Progression

Yachting Industry Introduction & Guidance Introduction to the roles and responsibilities on board, certifications, and standards required by a seafarer in the yachting industry

STCW Basic Safety Training The Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping Convention mandates that ALL seafarers undergo training modules for Personal Survival Techniques, Safety & Social Responsibility, Fire Prevention & Fire Fighting, Elementary First Aid

RYA Personal Watercraft Practical qualification teaching safe and confident jet ski (PWC) operation, covering essential skills like launching, recovery, high/low-speed handling, collision avoidance, navigation, and emergency procedures

RYA Power Boat Level II Beginner-friendly, two-day practical course teaching essential powerboat handling, seamanship, and safety for inshore waters, covering close-quarters maneuvers, man overboard recovery, basic navigation, and collision regulations, leading to an internationally recognized International Certificate of Competence (ICC) application and useful for yacht tender operations.

Proficiency in Security Awareness Mandatory maritime training for seafarers without specific security duties, teaching them to recognize threats, support ship security plans, and maintain vigilance as per the STCW Code and ISPS Code. It covers recognizing security risks, understanding security levels, identifying dangerous items, and knowing emergency procedures, ensuring a heightened awareness to contribute to overall maritime safety.

Tender Operators Focuses on skills for superyacht crew to manage day/night guest transfers, passenger safety, and boat handling, building on Powerboat Level 2 with practical experience, preparing them for maritime careers.

Deck Work This is an intensive course covering practical seamanship, vessel maintenance, safety, and operations in preparation for the day to day aboard

Short Range Radio Certification This certificate is required to operate a marine VHF radio on a boat, proving you know how to use it for routine and emergency communication

BOW Sponsored Education for Deck Candidates

Introductory kelp e-Learning Modules-

These modules are designed to get you started. Our recipients have access to over 1,000 modules for a two year period

• Introduction to Mental Health for Yacht Crew

• IAMI Introduction to Yachting & Yachting Life

• Mental Health Support and Resources for Yacht Crew

• Introduction to Budgeting & Accounting

• Leadership & Management Skills

• The Crew Academy Learning Styles Course

• Kelp Managing Relationships Course