Efficient Deck Hand (EDH)

About this course

Following the government’s guidance, from 4 April we will not be requiring delegates to undertake any testing before attending their course. However, it is strongly recommended that face coverings are worn when in enclosed spaces and where social distancing is not possible. There may also be some courses which still require additional PPE - this will be provided as appropriate.

While the requirement for testing has been relaxed, we ask that students/delegates only attend their course if they are fully well to do so - this is to ensure that fellow students/delegates and staff are protected and courses can continue to run.

If you have any issues or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us by email at warsash.admissions@solent.ac.uk.

A theoretical and practical course that enables an understanding of shipboard organisation and operations, pilot ladders and means of access, cargo work, safety and seamanship, including knots, splicing and whipping and seizing.

What you'll learn

Shipboard organisation and operations 
Shipboard organisation, parts of a vessel, deck equipment, lookout reporting, helm orders, anchoring and mooring arrangements. 

Pilot ladders and means of access 
Rigging a pilot ladder, means of access, and boarding arrangements. 

Cargo work 
Hatch covers, derricks and cranes, blocks and tackles, containers, and securing arrangements. 

Safety 
COSWOP, IMO safety signs, enclosed spaces, fire extinguishers, and lifeboat and liferaft launching. 

Seamanship 
Rope types and construction, knots, bends and hitches, rigging a bosun’s chair and stage, rope and wire splicing, whipping and seizing, parcelling, and serving. 

At the end of your training you should have the knowledge to: 

• Perform in a safe working environment on board ship 
• Perform a range of seamanship tasks effectively 
• And have a working knowledge of COWSP 

Prerequisites

You must be at least 17 years of age.

You must have a minimum of 6 months' sea service in vessels of more than 15m and any of the following:

• an NWR certificate,
• MCA-accepted Yachtmaster Offshore,
• Yacht rating with at least six months' seagoing service and a steering certificate,
• A Boat Master Licence (BML) Tier 1, level 2 certificate, or
• A Tug rating with at least six months' seagoing service and a steering certificate.

You must hold a valid ENG1 certificate.

Please see our Covid-19 statement and guidance for those attending maritime training and certification courses and exams at Warsash Maritime School and Solent University.