Deckhand Foundation · Pocket card · Chapter 01

Welcome to the World of Superyachts

Your vessel's procedures and senior crew come first.

  1. 1.1Who to ask, and when

    Know who is running your work. Keep them informed. If something is immediately unsafe, speak up clearly and without delay.

    • Remember: On joining, ask who gives you the daily work list, who signs off your training and who must be called for each type of problem.
    • Stop: Use sample names in course notes; do not upload crew details or emergency codes.
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    • Task supervisor known.
    • Relief or alternate route known.
    • Safety concern raised while actionable.

  2. 1.2Yacht etiquette is a professional standard

    Know the crew routes, check before entering guest spaces and leave no trace of the job behind you.

    • Remember: It is rarely malicious. But one careless shortcut can cost the chief stew's confidence in your judgement, and that takes time to rebuild.
    • Stop: Do not enter private or restricted spaces to complete the exercise.
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    • Approved route known.
    • Current guest or operation restrictions checked.
    • Assigned station remains covered.

  3. 1.3Good crew in a small space

    Clean up, leave enough for others, lend a hand and do not become the vessel's unofficial news service.

    • Remember: Keep private crew matters off social media and do not carry gossip between departments. If you have a genuine issue, speak to the person calmly or take it to the right senior crew member.
    • Stop: Do not record personal complaints or names in your course notes.
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    • Noise and lights suited to rest.
    • Personal kit stowed.
    • Shared supplies replaced or reported low.

  4. 1.4Learn the boat's language

    Learn the basic language, then learn the particular names used on your vessel. When unsure, repeat the location back.

    • Remember: If you do not understand an instruction, ask once and remember the answer. Guessing costs more time than asking.
    • Stop: Stay in authorised areas; identifying a space does not authorise entry.
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    • Bow forward; stern aft.
    • Port is left when facing forward.
    • Starboard is right when facing forward.

  5. 1.5Your job does not end at your department

    Finish your work, pass on what matters and ask where you can help next. Be useful, not theatrical.

    • Remember: During working hours, be working. When you finish, ask what is next. If you cannot ask, do a round on deck. The phone waits until the day is done.
    • Stop: Do not leave an operational station to perform a course exercise.
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    • Priority change agreed.
    • Area and equipment left safe.
    • Completed work described.

  6. 1.6Find the safety equipment before you need it

    Find it, name it, keep it clear and report anything wrong. Using it comes from your training, the vessel's induction and the drills.

    • Remember: Do the walk-round again on every vessel you join, however many you have worked on.
    • Stop: Do not touch, open, move, test or activate any safety equipment to complete this exercise.
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    • Liferaft and its cradle.
    • Lifebuoys.
    • Lifejackets.
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