Superyacht Deckhands

Deckhands on commercial ships or passenger yachts are now more often than not, required to hold the Navigational Watch Rating (NWR). Wilsonhalligan Recruitment are educating crew on how to get a navigational watch certificate.

What is a Navigational Watch Rating (NWR)?

The NWR is achieved by showing you have advanced deck skills and completed a specific set of watchkeeping tasks to become a valuable crew member. It also helps to signal that you’re someone who takes their role seriously and is looking to further your career and experience.

What does the NWR training involve?

A previous Wilsonhalligan candidate who is a recently certified deckhand, told them:

“I completed my NWR training to strengthen my knowledge of the bridge. But to also prove that I am fully competent at launching life rafts and lifeboats, anchoring whilst maintaining good communication to the bridge and identifying other vessels/ channel markers while at sea. I completed my NWR rating over 16 hours with the help of my First Officer. He came from a cruise ship background which gave me a professional approach to my work.”

What is the required experience for deckhands to apply?

A Chief Officer on a 100m+ yacht spoke to WH:

“On the yacht I am currently on, we need a minimum of three deckhands who hold the NWR certificate for our MSM/Safe manning requirement. Those who hold the ticket have a better understanding of what happens on the bridge. As a Chief Officer I can rely on deckhands who are already qualified as they can teach the other less experienced deckhands whilst refreshing their own knowledge and training.”

So, if you’re thinking seriously about your maritime career, we recommend you look into obtaining the NWR certificate as soon as possible. It acts as an official record of your experience which can be taken from yacht to yacht throughout your career. Before you begin, you’ll need to be at least 17 years old and have a minimum of six months serving at sea on a vessel of at least 15m. You’ll also need to have completed the four elements of STCW basic training and hold an ENG 1 or MCA accepted equivalent.

How to apply to get a Navigational Watch Certificate (NWC)?

To gain your certificate, you’ll need to complete a log and prove that you have completed a specific set of watch keeping tasks. Including safe navigational lookout, points of the compass, communicating effectively, steering the ship, and learning light and flag signals. To find out more information and apply to the MCA for a NWR training record book, go to www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-navigationalengine-room-ratings-certificate#watch-rating-overview

Alongside completing the application form you will need to submit the following items:

• Certified copy of passport (and visa if applicable)
• Discharge book or certificates of discharge (original copies) or yacht service record book
• Sea service testimonials (original copies)
• 1 passport size photo (countersigned)
• Completed Watch Rating training record book (link above)
• Valid medical fitness certification ENG1 or a recognised non-UK equivalent
• The Fee as noted on the payment page of the application form (£67 – £87 depending on delivery location)

For the latest Superyacht Job Vacancies available through Wilsonhalligan, click here.