Deckhand Course

Lesson 1 • Vessel Types and Hull Identification

Introduces common commercial and workboat vessel categories and their structural differences. Enables deckhands to adapt procedures based on vessel type.

Lesson 2 • Deck Layout and Key Structures

Maps the physical layout of a working deck including hatches, cleats, bitts, and fairleads. Connects spatial awareness to safe movement and task execution.

Lesson 3 • Maritime Regulations and Crew Duties

Outlines regulatory frameworks governing commercial vessels and the deckhand's role within the crew hierarchy. Sets professional expectations and compliance awareness.

Lesson 4 • Propulsion and Steering Fundamentals

Explains how vessels move and steer, including engine room communication basics. Builds understanding of vessel behavior relevant to deck crew responsibilities.

Lesson 1 • Personal Protective Equipment Selection

Covers selection, inspection, and correct donning of PPE for deck tasks. Ensures deckhands match protection level to specific job hazards.

Lesson 2 • Permit-to-Work and Safety Briefings

Explains permit-to-work systems for confined spaces, hot work, and elevated tasks. Integrates procedural compliance into the deckhand's daily safety mindset.

Lesson 3 • Hazard Identification on Deck

Teaches recognition of physical, chemical, and environmental hazards common to working decks. Directly supports risk-reduction behavior in daily operations.

Lesson 1 • Essential Knots and Hitches

Teaches the most operationally critical knots, bends, and hitches used in commercial deck work. Each knot is practiced to speed and reliability standards.

Lesson 2 • Rope and Line Construction

Examines natural and synthetic fiber types, construction methods, and working load limits. Enables informed selection of line for specific deck applications.

Lesson 3 • Coiling, Flaking, and Stowing Lines

Covers proper line management techniques to prevent kinking, tangling, and trip hazards. Connects line care to operational readiness and deck safety.

Lesson 4 • Heaving Lines and Throwing Technique

Trains accurate heaving line throws for mooring and rescue applications. Builds the physical skill and judgment needed for effective line transfer.

Lesson 1 • Mooring Line Configuration

Explains the function of breast lines, spring lines, bow lines, and stern lines in holding a vessel. Connects line arrangement to vessel movement control at berth.

Lesson 2 • Unmooring Sequence and Communication

Establishes the correct order for letting go lines and coordinating with the bridge during departure. Prevents vessel drift and line entanglement during unmooring.

Lesson 3 • Bollards, Bitts, and Cleats

Covers correct techniques for making fast lines to shore-side and vessel-side fittings. Ensures secure attachment and safe load distribution during mooring.

Lesson 4 • Fender Deployment and Positioning

Instructs correct fender selection, rigging, and placement to protect hull and dock. Integrates fender work into the overall mooring sequence.

Lesson 1 • Heaving Up and Securing the Anchor

Covers windlass operation for recovering anchor and securing it in the hawsepipe. Includes washing chain and post-anchoring equipment checks.

Lesson 2 • Letting Go the Anchor

Trains the step-by-step procedure for dropping anchor safely including bridge communication. Emphasizes controlled deployment to prevent runaway chain.

Lesson 3 • Anchor Watch and Dragging Detection

Establishes procedures for monitoring an anchored vessel and detecting anchor drag. Prepares deckhands to report and respond to dragging situations promptly.

Lesson 4 • Chain, Cable, and Windlass Systems

Covers chain grades, shackle types, and windlass operation for letting go and heaving anchor. Connects equipment knowledge to safe and efficient anchoring.

Lesson 1 • Slings, Shackles, and Lifting Gear

Covers inspection and correct use of wire slings, chain slings, webbing straps, and shackles. Ensures deckhands can rig loads safely and identify condemned gear.

Lesson 2 • Cargo Securing and Lashing

Teaches lashing techniques and securing equipment to prevent cargo shift at sea. Connects cargo security to vessel stability and crew safety.

Lesson 3 • Hatch Cover Operation and Maintenance

Covers opening, closing, and sealing hatch covers for weather-tight integrity. Includes inspection of seals and drainage channels to prevent water ingress.

Lesson 4 • Rigging Principles and Load Calculations

Explains sling angles, load distribution, and safe working load calculations for lifting gear. Provides the mathematical and conceptual basis for safe rigging decisions.

Lesson 1 • Basic Navigation Instruments

Familiarizes deckhands with compass, binoculars, and AIS displays used during watchkeeping. Builds situational awareness to support bridge team effectiveness.

Lesson 2 • Collision Regulations Awareness

Introduces the international rules for preventing collisions at sea relevant to deck crew. Enables deckhands to recognize risk situations and alert the officer of the watch.

Lesson 3 • Anchored and Port Watch Duties

Covers specific watchkeeping tasks when the vessel is at anchor or alongside a berth. Prepares deckhands for the distinct hazards and responsibilities of non-underway watches.

Lesson 4 • Principles of a Proper Lookout

Establishes the legal and practical requirements for maintaining a continuous lookout at sea. Trains systematic scanning techniques to detect vessels, hazards, and debris.

Lesson 1 • Man Overboard Response

Establishes the immediate actions and equipment deployment for a man-overboard event. Trains deckhands to act within the first critical seconds of the incident.

Lesson 2 • Firefighting Equipment and Techniques

Trains use of portable extinguishers, fire hoses, and breathing apparatus for initial attack. Connects equipment knowledge to the vessel's fixed fire fighting system.

Lesson 3 • Muster Stations and Emergency Signals

Covers the vessel's muster list, alarm signals, and each deckhand's assigned emergency role. Ensures rapid and organized response when alarms are activated.

Lesson 4 • Lifeboat and Rescue Boat Operations

Covers lifeboat muster duties, embarkation procedures, and basic rescue boat deployment. Prepares deckhands to assist in launching and boarding survival craft.