A deckhand is the entry level for almost all professional exterior crew jobs on yachts. A deckhand can be male or female, as with all other jobs on board.

They will be expected to do a variety of jobs and experience in the following can only be an asset. Painting, sanding, varnishing, carpentry, buffing, polishing and finishing. Deckhands do not have to have sailing qualifications but having them is an asset.

A good deckhand will bring the following to the boat: STCW 95 Basic Training; RYA / MCA Personal Survival Techniques, MCA Personal Safety and Social Responsibility, MCA Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting, MCA Elementary First Aid.

Competent crew, Day Skipper Practical, Day Skipper Theory, Powerboat Level 2, Diesel Engine Maintenance, Short Range Radio, Pumps and water makers, Heating systems onboard, Heads, plumbing and sanitation, Boat electrics, generators, batteries, GPR repair, varnishing, paintwork, anti-foul, Rigging, winch servicing, sail repair, flag etiquette, Propulsion systems, stern gear, hydraulics operation, Electronic Chart Display Information System (ECDIS) and Automatic Radar Plotting Aid (ARPA), Use of other navigational aids including GPS, log, depth.