UK 24M (fit but no yachting experience) seriously considering deckhand career and would love to hear from someone actually doing it
Hi all,
I'm based in the UK near London and have been thinking about becoming a deckhand for years and seriously debating and researching over the past few months.
I've got a decent handle on what certs I'd need, roughly what it costs, how people find their first job, pay expectations, long hours, tough work etc and I know I can do it, but would like real info from people who have lived it before I commit to something this big.
I'd love to hear anything from anyone currently doing or has done it, things like:
- What surprised you most that nobody warned you about?
- How realistic really is it for green crew to land a job harbour walking in 2026-27?
- Did you actually earn/save what you expected to in your first year or is it just a case of survive and get experience
I know we're in season now, I am looking for the start of the next in the Med.
Not after a sales pitch, I get enough of that from training providers already lol. Just want honest perspective, good or bad. Happy to chat in the comments or DM if anyone's up for it.
Thank you all :)