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How do I become a Deckhand?

Discussion in 'Licensing & Education' started by BobbyDeck, Feb 8, 2017.

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  1. BobbyDeck

    BobbyDeck New Member

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    Austin
    I'm a senior in high school from Texas and lately have been thinking about taking a year off before college. I've been considering becoming a deckhand and working on a yacht in the Mediterranean or Australia. I recently started reading forums on how to become one, however I am struggling with the certifications and time they require as I only have a year before college. The STCW Basic Safety Training is what I believe is a must.

    Can someone provide insight into what else I would need for being a deckhand, the time it takes to get certified, and where to look for a job to get into yachting. Is it possible to get all that in Texas? I have no maritime experience and nothing related to it. I guess in maritime talk I'm "green."

    Thanks,
    Bobby
  2. olderboater

    olderboater Senior Member

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    So you want to be a deckhand for a year? The universal response to that is going to be, "Thanks, but no thanks." You're talking about a career and you're talking about someone training you. This isn't a vacation job or a way to see the world before going to college.

    As to the Mediterranean or Australia, how much are you going to spend then getting your STCW, getting your medical, getting a Visa, flying across the world, paying for lodging, while you hope to get a job? And, I say hope, because you'll be competing against experienced hands from around the world. That's without even all the considerations of where and who can legally hire you.

    Out of curiosity, what do you intend to study in college and pursue as a career? What led you to this idea? Did you just think it would be fun to spend a year in exotic locations? Do you know how little of those locations you would actually see as a beginning deck hand?
  3. BobbyDeck

    BobbyDeck New Member

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    Thanks for the response. I understand that being a deckhand is a career but I was just looking for a response to the questions I posed. I don't feel that I need to be questioned on the reality of the subject. I know it's a lot to ask for, but how do you get into something if you don't know what to do? If you are actually curious into what I'm going to study, I plan on pursuing marine biology. I'm very interested in marine life and just being on the water somewhat relates to that.
  4. Wally

    Wally New Member

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    You would need the STCW Basic Safety Class. Its 5 days and $1000. An internet search should list schools that provide the training. Without an in, into the industry it could be a long and difficult task at your age and time frame. Your other avenue is to register with crew placement agencies. An internet search will provide many from around the world.
  5. K1W1

    K1W1 Senior Member

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    If thats your chosen profession and you fancy a trip to Australia why don't you contact James Cook University in Australia and see if you can combine the two.
    https://www.jcu.edu.au/courses-and-study/courses/master-of-science-in-marine-biology-and-ecology
  6. CaptPKilbride

    CaptPKilbride Senior Member

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    You are getting questioned on the subject because the reality is that you seem to have a pipe dream already in your head that is pretty unrealistic. You got some pretty good answers about the reality of the subject from olderboater and now you are giving back some 'tude? The reality is this: that kind of 'tude as a green newb will have you off a boat with your bags in hand in a New York second.

    If you truly have your sights set on a career in marine biology, maybe spend your year off in the SCUBA industry. As a marine biologist you should be as comfortable underwater as you are sitting in your living room. Is there a local dive shop that would let you do an internship with them? Get a lot of dives under your belt, then take classes that build your knowledge and skills and work up to dive leadership certifications. These leadership qualifications will be a help if you continue in marine biology, you may be able to parlay that into a position as a diving officer for an educational institution. There isn't a lot of money in marine biology, so to be employable you pretty much have to get your Ph.D. ... something to think about before racking up 10's of thousands in student loan debt.
  7. Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    OTOH, The OP may have incorrectly stated his goal. In one year before collage, he may pick up a puke barge bait mate job for a year.
    A NFG will take a year before he knows how to wash a boat. A small commercial hand will take some knee time before he's allowed near the helm within a year.
    I'm sorry BobbyDeck, in one year; maybe someone will remember your name.

    Go to school, find an educated niche, get a real job and then, hire us.
  8. Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

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    Sure, I've got the PERFECT mate job for you. The Water Taxi in Fort Lauderdale is hiring mates, perfect!
  9. gokul shaji

    gokul shaji New Member

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    i would like to know more about this
  10. K1W1

    K1W1 Senior Member

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    Google is your friend. Use it
  11. JimmyL

    JimmyL Member

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    I have to say these are some pretty stern words and may sound offensive. I think what the experienced people are trying to get across to you will save you some potential heartache and money. Read between the harshness and grasp the message that you could find a better way to attain your professional goals.
  12. charlesde

    charlesde New Member

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    My son is looking as well. He is in Antibes France working through Y Crew. He has been 5 years in the NZ Navy and still finding it hard to get a full time position
  13. K1W1

    K1W1 Senior Member

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    I have sent you a Private Message
  14. charlesde

    charlesde New Member

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    cheers will do