Efficient Deckhand (EDH)

The course covers aspects of practical Seamanship as required by the EDH syllabus contained in Annex C of MSN 1862

Documentation required - Discharge book or Record of Sea Service.

Entry requirements:

You must be aged 17 or over with a minimum of 6 months approved sea service in the deck department of sea going merchant ships and a navigational watch rating's certificate or a steering certificate.

The requirements for EDH have been amended to allow a more flexible approach for the yacht, workboat and fishing industry. The following certification and experience will permit entry on to an EDH course and examination:

a) MCA accepted Yachtmaster Offshore certificate 2 and shore based course 3;

b) Yacht Rating with at least 6 months sea service and a steering certificate or navigational watch rating's certificate;

c) Fishing Class 2 CoC or the Seafish 5 day watchkeeping course for under 16.5m fishing certificates;

d) BML Tier 1, level 2 certificate; or

e) Tug rating with at least 6 months sea time (which may be in categorised water) and a steering certificate or NWR certificate.

Note: before an EDH certificate can be issued, a minimum of 6 months sea service in vessels of more than 15m is required.

Sea service in category C and D waters will be accepted at full rate.

Royal Yachting Association (RYA) or International Yacht Training (IYT) certificates will be accepted.

The Shore based Course is not required if you hold a Yachtmaster Offshore issued before 31 July 2003.

Qualifications achieved:

Efficient Deck Hand

Progression opportunities:

Merchant Navy personnel wishing to qualify as deck rating Grade 1, also a prerequisite for a first Certificate of Competency (Deck) and is the qualifying examination for issue of AB’s certificate.