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How do I become a deckhand?

Discussion in 'Yacht Crews' started by Jcogovan, Feb 12, 2017.

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  1. Jcogovan

    Jcogovan New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 12, 2017
    Messages:
    4
    Location:
    Hawaii
    I am a 21 year old man who is currently in the US Navy. I have over 250 days of sea time on 2 deployments so being out to sea will not bother me. I will be separating near the middle of the year and I am strongly considering becoming a deckhand for a yacht. But I have absolutely no idea what qualifications I might need or how to even pursue for a job. In all honesty I learned about the Yachting industry through the Bravo TV show "Below Deck" (I understand that yachting is nothing like the show) and it peaked my interest. So I have been doing a lot of research but have not found a core set of qualifications or avenues to start a career. I also have many basic questions like "How is the pay?" and "What does the job entail?". I am completely green but also entirely serious about making it a career and one day being a captain. Any information would be greatly appreciated!
  2. olderboater

    olderboater Senior Member

    Joined:
    Sep 2, 2013
    Messages:
    7,132
    Location:
    Fort Lauderdale
  3. CaptPKilbride

    CaptPKilbride Senior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 16, 2004
    Messages:
    586
    Location:
    On the water
    Your seatime in the Navy can be very valuable, but as I have been told by several veterans, you will have an easier time of it by making sure you get the right documentation before you are separated.

    250 days is a nice chunk of seatime, at 21 years old it helps jumpstart what you may need to obtain licenses and qualifications that will help you with your professional development.

    https://www.uscg.mil/nmc/about_us/brochures/Military_Brochure.pdf

    https://www.uscg.mil/nmc/professional_qualifications/pdfs/crediting_military_ss.pdf