Study maritime superyacht crewing and become a deckhand

Programme highlights

Have you ever dreamed of working on a superyacht?

Study this course and you will open the door to an exciting career working on board luxury boats. You could find yourself sailing the Pacific one season, and the Bahamas the next. Crew members are currently in demand in this industry.

In just 12 weeks, you will get the practical experience and the skills and knowledge required to work under supervision as crew on vessels operating in unlimited waters.

This programme will cover:

• Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) basic safety certificate to be crew onboard superyachts both in New Zealand waters and internationally. This includes basic sea survival, fire fighting, first aid, personal safety and social responsibilities, crowd management and security awareness training.
• RYA (Royal Yachting Association) certificates: Powerboat Level 2 and Personal Watercraft Certificate (Jet Ski).
• IAMI (International Association of Maritime Institutions) GUEST certificates in yacht interior, basic food service and introduction to wine, bartending and mixology.

You will also learn basic skills in food safety and barista, floristry, yacht deck maintenance, watchkeeping, diesel and outboard maintenance, and CV writing.

Students have to pass a medical fitness assessment for the lifesaving and firefighting components. If you would like to use this qualification internationally you will need to complete a Maritime Rules Part 34, Medical Fitness certificate.

Please note: In order to gain work experience on a super yacht, you must meet their employment criteria, which includes being over 18 years. Applicants who are under the age of 18 should contact the School to discuss their options.

Entry requirements

Give yourself credit with Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Did you know you can use the knowledge and experience you already have to your advantage?

Your previous work experience and on-the-job skills, volunteering, professional development, and other providers’ qualifications can be recognised as prior learning, matched against credits in our courses, and put towards your qualification – potentially saving you money and possibly helping you to complete your qualification faster Learn more.

Programme structure

You will need to complete the below six courses (75 credits):

Do you want to study a single course, without enrolling into the full programme?

Courses within some of our programmes may be offered as an individual Certificate of Proficiency (COP). Programme entry requirements and course fees apply. For more information, please speak to our friendly Ask Me! team.

Further training or study

Graduates may progress to qualifications recognised internationally under the STCW:

• New Zealand Certificate in Maritime Crewing (Level 4) with stands in Deck Crew, Electro-technology, and Engineering
• New Zealand Certificate in Maritime Operations (Level 4) with strands in Fishing and Watchkeeping
• New Zealand Certificate in Maritime Operations (Level 5)
• New Zealand Diploma in Nautical Science (Level 6)
• New Zealand Diploma in Yacht Operations (Level 6)

Graduates may also progress to marine engineering qualifications recognised internationally under the STCW:

• New Zealand Certificate in Marine Engineering Class 6 (Level 4) with an optional strand in Marine Engineering Class 5
• New Zealand Diploma in Marine Engineering (Level 6)

Career opportunities

Crew on a superyacht (deckhand).