All roles/Deck and Bridge/Deckhand
Deck and Bridge
Deckhand
A deckhand keeps the yacht's exterior immaculate, handles lines, tenders and water toys, and keeps guests safe on the water. It is the backbone of the deck team and the usual way into yachting.
- Department
- Deck and Bridge
- Reports to
- Bosun / Boatswain
- Yacht size
- 30m to 150m+
- Contract
- Seasonal or permanent
- Starting pay
- €2,500 per month
What the job is
A deckhand keeps the outside of the yacht in perfect condition and helps run it safely. Most of the day goes on washing down, polishing stainless, caring for teak and touching up paint and varnish. You handle lines and fenders when the yacht berths or anchors, stand watches at anchor and underway, and keep the lazarette and deck lockers organised. On a 40m boat you might be one of two deckhands. On a 90m yacht you could be one of eight working under a bosun.
When guests are on board the job shifts towards them. You drive tenders to shore, launch and recover jet skis, seabobs and inflatables, set up the beach club and stay close to anyone swimming or using the toys. You lay out sunpads and towels, carry luggage and often help the interior with heavy lifting or a late shore run. Good deckhands read what guests want before they ask, and keep every toy fuelled, rinsed and ready to go.
It is the most common entry point into yachting, and the one where attitude counts more than experience. Captains hire for a strong work ethic, tidy habits and the ability to live in close quarters for months. Charter days often run to 12 hours or more, but food and accommodation are covered and the yard period brings shorter days. Deckhands who log sea time and add tickets can reach bosun within three to four years.
What makes a good one
- Exterior detailing and teak care
- Line handling and anchoring
- Tender driving
- Water toy operation and safety
- Stamina for long days
A day in the life
- 06:30Start with the morning wash down of the exterior decks and windows before guests wake. Chamois every surface so there are no water spots by breakfast.
- 08:00Crew breakfast, then a short briefing from the bosun on the guest plan, toys needed and the afternoon move.
- 08:45Launch the jet skis and seabobs with the crane, set up the swim platform and inflate the water slide. Check fuel and kill cords on everything.
- 10:00Drive guests ashore in the tender for a beach walk, then stay on standby at the dock with water and towels.
- 12:30Watch guests on the toys from the tender, keeping a safe distance from swimmers. Help two guests try seabobs for the first time with a clear safety brief.
- 14:30Grab lunch in shifts, then recover and rinse all toys before the anchor is lifted. Stow the slide and secure the beach club for sea.
- 16:00Stand by on the foredeck with the bosun to weigh anchor, then take your turn on bridge watch during the two hour passage.
- 18:30Drop anchor in the new bay, lay out fenders for the tender and set up the aft deck for sundowners. Run a tender to collect the guests' restaurant booking details ashore.
- 22:00Run the evening tender shuttle to and from the restaurant, then a final deck check and anchor watch handover before bed.
Pay by country
Monthly salary, food and accommodation included, for yachts of 30m to 80m. Larger yachts pay towards the top of the range. Charter tips are extra and can add €1,000 – 3,000 a month in a busy summer.
- France and Monaco
- €2,500 – 3,500
- Spain
- €2,400 – 3,300
- Italy
- €2,400 – 3,400
- United Kingdom
- £2,150 – 3,000
- USA (Florida)
- US$2,700 – 3,800
- Caribbean
- US$2,700 – 3,800
- UAE
- AED 10,000 – 14,000
- Australia
- A$4,300 – 6,000
- New Zealand
- NZ$4,600 – 6,500
Required
- STCW Basic Safety Training
- ENG1 medical
- PDSD (Proficiency in Designated Security Duties)
Recommended
- RYA Powerboat Level 2
- RYA PWC
- Efficient Deck Hand (EDH)
- RYA Yachtmaster Offshore
- PADI Divemaster
Visas
- Schengen
- US B1/B2 or C1/D
- Australian MCV
Where it leads
Deckhand jobs open now
Questions crew ask
Can I get a deckhand job with no yachting experience?
Yes. Many first jobs go to green crew with STCW, ENG1 and a strong practical background such as boat handling, construction or watersports. Daywork in Antibes, Palma or Fort Lauderdale is the usual way to prove yourself.
Which extra tickets will help me get hired?
RYA Powerboat Level 2 and RYA PWC are the most useful, because they let you drive tenders and toys from day one. A diving qualification or a trade such as carpentry also makes your CV stand out.
Do deckhands get charter tips?
Yes. On most charter yachts the tip is shared equally between all crew, so a deckhand receives the same share as a senior crew member. In a busy Mediterranean season that can match or exceed your salary.