Deckhand Education Requirements

Updated January 8, 2025

2 min read

Usually, deckhands don't need a college education. The most common degree for deckhands is high school diploma with 43% graduates, with only 27% deckhand graduates earning bachelor's degree. Deckhands who decided to graduate from college often finish SUNY Maritime College or University of Alaska Anchorage. Some good skills to have in this position include twic, vessel maintenance and mooring lines.

Popular deckhand certifications include OSHA Safety Certificate , First Aid, CPR and AED Instructor, or EPA Amusement Operators Safety Certification (EPA). To improve deckhand qualification and skills, we prepared some online courses to help in deckhand education paths.

What education do you need to become a deckhand?

What degree do you need to be a deckhand?

The most common degree for deckhands is high school diploma, with 43% of deckhands earning that degree. The second and third most common degree levels are bachelor's degree degree at 27% and bachelor's degree degree at 12%.

High School Diploma, 43%

Bachelor's, 27%

Associate, 12%

Diploma, 11%

Other Degrees, 7%

What should I major in to become a deckhand?

You should major in business to become a deckhand. 18% of deckhands major in business. Other common majors for a deckhand include general studies and criminal justice.

General Studies, 16%

Criminal Justice, 7%

Precision Metal Working, 6%

Other Majors, 53%

Best majors for deckhands

Rank	Major	Percentages
1	Business	18.4%
2	General Studies	16.3%
3	Criminal Justice	7.0%
4	Precision Metal Working	5.9%
5	Automotive Technology	5.5%

Show more common deckhand majors

20 best online courses for deckhands

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1. Maintenance Planning Basics

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4.4

(1,042)

Understanding maintenance planning basics of successful maintenance department...

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2. Maintenance Management Basics

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4.4

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Crucial knowledge and practices for successful maintenance department...

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3. Reliability and Maintenance Engineering - FMEA

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4

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Failure Mode and Effects Analysis - A mechanical engineering approach to risk management of plant and machinery...

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4. Diesel Engine Fundamentals (Mechanical Engineering)

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4.6

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Learn about the diesel engine! Ideal for Automotive Engineering and Automobile Engineering!...

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5. The Customer: Build a Customer Service Strategy (BITE SIZE)

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4.5

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For you and your team to be successful in providing great customer service, start by putting your customer first...

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6. SAP Plant Maintenance(PM) Module Online Classes

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4.3

(1,105)

Functional Module SAP Plant Maintenance(PM) with Configuration...

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7. Garnett Cross Training in the Maintenance of Oil Hydraulics

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4.5

(555)

This course will prepare you to work with hydraulic systems, plan maintenance and perform troubleshooting...

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8. Customer Service Foundation

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4.5

(290)

An introductory course about understanding the foundations of Customer Service...

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9. Customer Service Mastery: Delight Every Customer

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4.7

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Master Customer Service using this practical customer care course...

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10. Start Improving Customer Service

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Creating a Customer Service advantage in Your department or business through communication and Customer Management...

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Average deckhand salary by education level

Deckhand education level	Deckhand salary
High School Diploma or Less	$55,136

Updated January 8, 2025

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

Updated January 8, 2025

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