Efficient Deckhand (EDH)

About the course     Efficient Deckhand course is both a theoretical and practical course that gives a basic understanding of shipboard operations on Deck.

Mandatory Requirements for an Efficient Deck Hand Certificate

Efficient Deck Hand (EDH) is the qualifying examination for an Able Seafarer Deck certificate. You must be at least 17 years of age to qualify.

The following certification and experience will permit entry on to the EDH course and examination

An MCA-accepted Yacht master Offshore; or

A Yacht Rating with at least 6 months’ seagoing service and a steering certificate5; or

An NWR Certificate; or

A Boat Master Licence (BML) Tier 1 level 2 certificate; or

A Tug Rating with at least 6 months’ seagoing service and a steering certificate or an NWR Certificate.

 Note: before an EDH certificate can be issued, a minimum of 6 months’ seagoing service in vessels of 15m or more is required. Seagoing service in category C and D waters will be accepted at full rate

What you will learn

The course will cover;

  • Shipboard organisation, parts of a vessel, deck equipment, lookout reporting, helm orders, anchoring and mooring arrangements
  • Pilot ladders, gangways, access points
  • Cargo – Hatch covers, derricks and cranes, blocks and tackles, containers and securing arrangements etc
  • Safety – COSWOP, IMO safety signs, enclosed spaces, fire extinguishers, lifeboat and life raft launching
  • Seamanship –Rope types and construction, knots, bends and hitches, rigging a boson’s chair and stage, rope and wire splicing, whipping and seizing, parcelling and serving

Book your place today

If you would like to make a booking or require some FREE career or training advice from our experts please feel free to call or email us anytime:

Call: 0151 709 3290
Email: [email protected]

Cost: 🇬🇧 £525.00 / person
Location: Liverpool
Duration: 5 Days

Or, contact one our team for more details:
+44 151 709 3290 or email

Next Course Dates
LocationStartEnd
Liverpool09 March 202613 March 2026
Palma 16 March 202620 March 2026
Liverpool27 April 2026 01 May 2026

Course Booking Enquiry

Efficient Deckhand (EDH)