REQUIREMENTS · DECK
What Deck crew need on paper
Deck runs 10 ranks in this table, starting at deckhand. The entry rank is set out in full below, and every rank above it has a page of its own. All of them carry the basics on top of what is listed for the rank.
START HERE
Deckhand
The entry rung on deck, washing, driving the tender and standing gangway, and the paperwork is light because most of it gets bought during the first season. Plus the basics.
MUST HAVE
Nothing at this rank beyond the basics.
EXPECTED
- RYA Powerboat Level 2 with Commercial Endorsementcourse
- VALID
- No fixed expiry. The commercial endorsement depends on a current medical and certificate status.
- UNLOCKS
- Driving the tender and running guests ashore, which is most of a junior deck day.
SOURCE superyachtpwc.com 19.08.2026
NICE TO HAVE
- PADI Open Watercourse
- VALID
- Lifetime, the card does not expire. A Scuba Review or ReActivate is advised after 6 to 12 months out of the water.
- UNLOCKS
- Diving at recreational level and the first step onto the dive ladder that actually pays.
SOURCE blog.padi.com 19.08.2026
- RYA Personal Watercraft Proficiencycourse
- VALID
- No fixed expiry.
- UNLOCKS
- Running the jet skis, and it is the prerequisite for the PWC Instructor ticket.
SOURCE superyachtpwc.com 19.08.2026
MORE RANKS IN THIS DEPARTMENT
FROM THE BRIDGE
- Efficient Deck Hand has to be held for at least eighteen months before an officer of the watch certificate can be issued, so the clock starts long before the exam.
- A new Yacht Unlimited route opened on 18 May 2026 and it needs no cargo ship sea time, which removes the old reason to leave yachting for a merchant ticket.
- A certificate issued after 1 January 2017 without ECDIS carries a negative endorsement, so skipping the five day course marks the certificate itself.