Key takeaways
- ✓Almost every role starts with STCW Basic Safety Training and a seafarer medical (such as the ENG1).
- ✓Security training (PDSD) is often asked for on larger yachts and ships.
- ✓Skippers and officers need a certificate of competency for the size of vessel and the area — for small-yacht deliveries usually an RYA Yachtmaster with a commercial endorsement.
- ✓Requirements depend on flag, vessel size and whether the vessel is used commercially — this table is a starting point, not a legal ruling.
The checklist
| Role | Usually required | Often requested | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deckhand (yacht) | STCW Basic Safety Training; seafarer medical (e.g. ENG1) | PDSD; RYA Powerboat Level 2; VHF/SRC radio | Many yachts also value a yacht rating or watch-keeping experience |
| Steward / stewardess (yacht) | STCW Basic Safety Training; seafarer medical | PDSD; food safety / hygiene | Silver service or wine courses help on charter yachts |
| Chef / cook | STCW Basic Safety Training; seafarer medical | Ship’s cook certificate; food safety / hygiene | MLC 2006 (Regulation 3.2) requires a qualified ship’s cook on vessels above a certain manning level |
| Delivery skipper (small yacht) | Certificate of competency for the area — e.g. RYA Yachtmaster Offshore/Ocean with commercial endorsement | VHF/SRC radio; sea survival; first aid | Commercial endorsement needs a valid medical, first aid and sea survival |
| Officer of the watch (yacht) | OOW (Yacht) certificate of competency or equivalent; STCW Basic Safety; medical | GMDSS radio; ECDIS; PDSD | Size limits apply — check the certificate’s tonnage and area limits |
| Engineer (yacht) | Approved Engine Course (AEC) for small yachts; STCW Basic Safety; medical | Higher engineering certificates for larger yachts | The engineering ladder depends on the yacht’s propulsion power |
| Commercial deck rating | STCW Basic Safety Training; flag-state medical | Navigational watch rating; PDSD | Shipping companies often ask for sea service records |
The two certificates almost everyone needs
STCW Basic Safety Training covers personal survival, fire fighting, first aid and personal safety. Parts of it must be refreshed every five years. A seafarer medical — the ENG1 in the UK, or your flag state’s equivalent — confirms that you are fit to work at sea and is usually valid for up to two years.
Get these two first. Without them most employers cannot take you on board, whatever your other skills.
Security training (PDSD)
Proficiency in Designated Security Duties (PDSD) is asked for on many larger yachts and ships that follow the ISPS security code. It is a short course, and some yachts arrange it for new crew — but holding it already makes your application stronger.
Plan your training in the right order
- •Start with STCW Basic Safety Training and a seafarer medical
- •Add PDSD and role-specific courses (powerboat, food hygiene, radio)
- •Build and log sea time — most higher certificates need it
- •Move up the ladder for your role (Yachtmaster, OOW, AEC and beyond)
- •Keep copies of every certificate and note the expiry dates
On Maritime Delivery you upload your certificates once — or import them from your CV — and our team checks them. Jobs that require them become open to you, and verified crew get reminders before a certificate expires.
Frequently asked questions
What certificates do I need to work on a yacht?+
Almost every yacht role requires STCW Basic Safety Training and a seafarer medical such as the ENG1. Many yachts also ask for PDSD security training, and deck roles often value a powerboat or radio certificate.
Do I need PDSD to be a deckhand?+
Not always, but many larger yachts and ships ask for it because they follow the ISPS security code. Some yachts arrange the course for new crew; having it already strengthens your application.
How long is STCW Basic Safety Training valid?+
The personal survival and fire fighting parts must be refreshed every five years to stay valid. Check the exact requirements with your training provider and flag state.
What do I need to skipper yacht deliveries?+
For small yachts, usually an RYA Yachtmaster Offshore or Ocean (or equivalent) with a commercial endorsement, plus a radio licence, sea survival and first aid. Larger or commercial vessels need professional certificates of competency.
Sources
Put it to work