Yacht Industry Theory & Practical Training Programs for Deckhand, Tender Handling & Steward/ess
Located at Fort Lauderdale, Savvy Maritime Academy provide crew hands on practical training and knowledge, as well as mental preparation & understanding for the yacht industry. Savvy Maritime provides industry leading deckhand, steward(ess) and tender training for the yacht and superyacht industry with emphasis on extensive practical exposure.
The 10000 sq. ft training facility was built around real yachting applications and you will also be exposed to duties on locally based yachts that Savvy Maritime has access to. This allows you to become experienced in your duties and step onboard with confidence and competence. The course material is based on extensive experience combined with consultations with other industry professionals. The training framework is organic and always up to date with new technology, training methods and trends in the industry.
Fort Lauderdale is the ideal city to complete your deckhand or steward(ess) yacht training. Savvy Maritime Academy is close to all essential services and most importantly, where you need to be to find your dream job on a yacht. Our staff are well connected and respected and will help you to create strong networks in the area.
Training Programs
Deckhand Training
- Yacht Deckhand Introductory Course (5 days): Topics include - Introduction to Yachting & Yachting Life, Line Handling and Docking, Yacht Washdown and Maintenance, and Basic Tender Driving & Watersport.
- Deckhand Training (4 weeks): Become a competent deckhand with practical experience in duties essential to your role by completing our training program. Yacht Deckhand Course include - Insight & Overview, Familiarization, Mental Preparation & Theory, Hands-on Practical Deckhand Duties & Training, Bridge Familiarization & Duties, Watches & Basic Navigation, and 5 Day Yacht Tender Handling (31ft Twin Outboard Center Console).
- Essential Deckhand Theory & Practical Skills (5-8 weeks): Gain a significant advantage over other deck crew by building years of knowledge and experience combined into an 8-week intensive course led by captains, experienced deck crew, and specialist industry professionals. This is a unique opportunity that will allow you to gain extensive knowledge and practical experience in tasks that can take years to become competent at without a training program such as this. Length of course is dependent on the candidate’s level of ability at the start of the course.
Tender Handling Training
- Tender Handling (12 days): Tender Handling specifically address the needs of the deckhands and other yacht crew working in the and superyacht industry. It is a unique opportunity to gain confidence and competence so that you can take on more responsibility as a deckhand and apply for jobs that require tender handling experience (a Powerboat Level II or Rib Master does not count as tender handling experience). 2 days of theory combined with 8 days of practical training.
Steward Training
- Steward/ess Introductory Course (5 days): The program include - Introduction to Yachting & Yachting Life, and IAMI / GUEST Accredited Units (4 units).
LAST UPDATED ON Apr 17, 2025