The information below is not a definative guide. It's a rough guide to what skills and experience is needed. The salaries mentioned are not set in stone they are only approximations. The higher salaries relate to the more experienced and qualified crewmembers.

		Qualifications Needed

• On most yachts, the deckhand position is an entry level position and a license is not required.
• You may be required to hold STCW '95 certification. This is necessary if working on commercial vessels/charter vessels (Passenger carrying). STCW 95 is made-up of four parts: 1. First Aid 2. Fire Fighting 3. Sea Survival 4. Social responsibility on board vessels.
• You do not need STCW 95 to crew as a deckhand on private non-commercial vessels. Some Captains only employ experienced professional deckhands, but some will take on a mix of experienced deckhands and novice deckhands. This is why the salary guideline varies so much between novices and professionals.
• A new to industry deckhand should consider approx. $2,000 per/month as a starting salary.
• An experienced professional deckhand can earn considerably more depending the vessel type, size, use and owners requirements.
• Whether you are new to the industry or an experienced professional, you should always give 110% on whichever vessel you crew on.
• You could soon find yourself black-listed for upsetting a Captain or vessel owner by neglecting your duties or generally being slack.
• If you have never crewed on a yacht before it does not mean that you are unsuitable, many Captains and owners take on crew with varying non-sailing related backgrounds such as; Nurses, Chefs, IT Technicians, Musicians, Hotel and Catering Staff, Carpenters, Nanny's/Child Minders, Cruise Line Staff, Engineers, Electricians, Divers and Watersports Instructors and Tour Guides etc.

		Summary

• The Deckhand position will entail a variety of responsibilities, but most importantly, you will maintain the exterior of the yacht and keep it in gleaming condition at all times.
• Your day will typically start very early and end very late. You may be on a 4 hr rotating watch system involving 4 hrs on watch then 4 off watch. During the off watch you would need to eat, sleep and wash before returning for the next watch (This is usual on long passages).
• You will be involved in everything from cleaning, polishing, painting, varnishing, line handling and general exterior maintenance, to helping the stewardess serve meals, drinks, clean cabins and even occasional assistance with the Chef in the Galley.
• You may also be asked to assist the Engineer with the engine logs, or helping the Chef to serve meals and assist with the clean-up.
• You will probably help with the launching of jet-skis, water toys and driving the tender (Small boat for running guests and crew ashore).
• Be ready to undertake any tasks assigned to you by the Captain or senior crewmembers. Be polite to guests at all times.

		Deckhands Salary Guidelines and Vessel Sizes

Licenses not always required but STCW 95 needed to crew on commercial yachts and charter yachts (See our FAQ pages).

120 ft to 200 ft plus
$2,000 - $4,500+ (Approx. per month)

100 ft to 160 ft
$2,000 - $3,000+ (Approx. per month)

60 ft to 110 ft
$1,500 - $2,500+ (Approx. per month)