Your certificate guide
Certificates for Deckhand
Entry-level deck crew. None for entry.
Requirements depend on your vessel, flag state and duties. Confirm which apply before booking.
Showing 11 certificates for Deckhand.
Required
7 certificatesPersonal Survival Techniques (PST)
Sea survival, life raft deployment, cold water survival, and rescue procedures.
5 years
Find courseFire Prevention and Fire Fighting (FPFF)
Live fire exercises, breathing apparatus, and shipboard fire team operations.
5 years
Find course- Find course
Elementary First Aid (EFA)
CPR, wound management, and casualty stabilisation for maritime environments.
- Find course
Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities (PSSR)
Shipboard safety procedures, environmental awareness, and crew responsibilities.
ENG1 Seafarer Medical Certificate
Mandatory medical fitness certificate for all seafarers. Issued by MCA-approved doctors; each certificate states its own period of validity.
2 years
Medical certificate
- Find course
RYA Powerboat Level 2
Powerboat handling, launching, recovery, and man overboard procedures.
- Find course
VHF/SRC Radio Licence
VHF radio procedures, distress calls, and maritime communication protocols.
Recommended
3 certificates- Find course
Proficiency in Security Awareness (PSA)
ISPS Code awareness, security threats, and shipboard security procedures. Required on vessels the ISPS Code applies to.
Yacht Rating
Watchkeeping, seamanship, and deck operations for entry-level crew.
No course listed
- Find course
RYA Day Skipper Theory
Navigation theory, chart work, tides, and passage planning.
Optional
1 certificates- Find course
Personal Watercraft (PWC/Jet Ski)
Jet ski handling for tender operations and guest activities.
STCW is the starting point. Medical fitness and specialist qualifications are separate.
Compare all six roles ↓Vessel size
How requirements change with tonnage
Certification requirements scale with vessel size and operation.
Under 24m
Private yachts under 24m may not require STCW if not commercially operated.
Qualifications to check
- RYA qualifications may suffice
- National boating licences
Check flag state requirements. Charter operations always need STCW.
These are the guide’s existing vessel categories. Confirm the requirements for the vessel and its operation.
Back to contentsFlag state guide
Check the administration requirements
Which administrations accept which certificates. Plan based on where you will work.
Maritime and Coastguard Agency
United Kingdom
Requirements
- STCW 2010 compliant certificates
- ENG1 medical (MCA-approved doctor)
- UK-issued or recognised CoCs
Recognition guidance
- All STCW signatory nations
- EU member state certificates
- Commonwealth nations
Most common flag for superyachts. Highest global recognition.
Recognition and endorsement can be separate processes. Confirm with the relevant administration before booking.
Back to contentsCost comparison
Training prices by region
Typical course prices by region. Prices are indicative and vary by provider.
| Course | UK & Ireland |
|---|---|
| STCW BST (5 day) | £850 - £1,200 |
| ENG1 Medical | £80 - £120 |
| AEC (Engine) | £750 - £1,000 |
| OOW Yachtmaster | £1,000 - £1,500 |
| Master 200GT | £1,500 - £2,500 |
Compare local currency figures with care. These are estimates from the existing guide, not live quotes.
Back to contentsStay current
Stay ready.Keep them current.
Which certificates expire, when to renew, and where to find refresher courses.
Check the renewal date
Some safety certificates need refresher training.
Read your medical
Use the validity printed on your own certificate.
Confirm any updates
Check the issuer and your employer for updating requirements.
Deckhand: renewal guide
ENG1 Seafarer Medical Certificate
2 yearsBook with an MCA-approved doctor. Allow 2-4 weeks for appointment availability.
Personal Survival Techniques (PST)
5 yearsCombined STCW Refresher course covers PST and FPFF together (2 days).
Find refresherFire Prevention and Fire Fighting (FPFF)
5 yearsCombined STCW Refresher course covers PST and FPFF together (2 days).
Find refresher
No expiry listed in this guide
Elementary First Aid (EFA) · Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities (PSSR) · Proficiency in Security Awareness (PSA) · RYA Powerboat Level 2 · VHF/SRC Radio Licence · Yacht Rating · RYA Day Skipper Theory · Personal Watercraft (PWC/Jet Ski)
All roles
Compare the certificate requirements
See which certificates each role requires at a glance.
| Certificate | Deckhand | Steward / Interior | Chef | Engineer | Officer of the Watch | Captain / Master |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PST | Required | Required | Required | Required | Required | Required |
| FPFF | Required | Required | Required | Required | Required | Required |
| EFA | Required | Required | Required | Required | Required | Required |
| PSSR | Required | Required | Required | Required | Required | Required |
| PSA | Recommended | Recommended | Recommended | Recommended | Recommended | Recommended |
| ENG1 | Required | Required | Required | Required | Required | Required |
| PB2 | Required | Not required | Not required | Not required | Not required | Not required |
| VHF | Required | Not required | Not required | Not required | Not required | Not required |
| YR | Recommended | Not required | Not required | Not required | Not required | Not required |
| DST | Recommended | Not required | Not required | Not required | Not required | Not required |
| PWC | Optional | Not required | Not required | Not required | Not required | Not required |
Career path
From entry level to command
Estimated timelines, required certificates, and sea time at each career step.
Entry Level
Deckhand, Steward/ess, Chef
Sea time
None
Estimated progression
2-4 weeks training
Certificates at this step
- STCW BST
- ENG1
- Role-specific certs
Career steps are indicative. Actual pathways depend on department, qualifications and sea service.
Back to contentsBefore you book
Common questions about STCW and maritime certification.