Start Working on a Superyacht by Completing the Following Steps:
1. Have Realistic Expectations
- The superyacht industry is highly competitive and in order to qualify for employment a financial investment is required (training & travel)
- For applicants without relevant experience, being physically present at or near Superyachting hubs when searching for employment is important
- Obtaining the correct qualifications does not guarantee employment and training is not refunded
- Your passport and ability to obtain Visas have an impact on your employability
- Having contacts, experience, and the correct attitude is an advantage
- Working in the industry comes with some amazing benefits but like any career path, there are also disadvantages
- Being an extremely "hard worker" is not an advantage, it is expected
- The quality of work and attention to detail needs to be of a very high standard
- You need to be well-mannered, professional, and well-suited to living in close proximity to other crew
- Presentation matters
- Getting advice from multiple sources including crew who work in the industry is advised
- Different yachts, owners, crew, and itineraries = different experiences
2. Choose the Yacht Crew Department you Wish to Work in
Before joining the yachting industry, it is essential to decide on your career path. The work environment and duties associated with each superyacht department vary greatly. It is therefore advised that you understand the training, duties and requirements associated with each role. The most common roles for crew entering the industry are:
Steward / Stewardess
A superyacht stewardess is responsible for the guest service, housekeeping and laundry. In some cases, the position is combined with an additional role for those who come from a beauty or healthcare background.
Superyacht Chef
Working as a superyacht chef comes with some unique challenges. Although the skills are certainly transferable, there is specific training and certification required. It can be a tough but extremely rewarding job.
Superyacht Deckhand
A deckhand is responsible for the cleanliness and upkeep of the yacht's exterior. Wash downs, line handling, tender driving, watersports and bridge lookout duties are common tasks for deck crew.
Superyacht Engineer
Working on a yacht or superyacht as an engineer can be a rewarding career path. Although a background in engineering or mechanics is an advantage, it is not a prerequisite. The duties associated with the role are diverse, exciting and require a great deal of hard work.
3. Complete All Mandatory Superyacht Training Courses
Having the correct training and certifications is essential to your employability in the superyacht industry. In order to become a crew member, you will need to have completed the following training:
- STCW 2010 Basic training
- Proficiency in Designated Security Awareness
or Proficiency in Designated Security Duties - Department-specific training for your desired role.
(I.e. stewardess, deckhand, engineer, chef, and officer courses)
4. Obtain an ENG1 or ENG1 Equivalent Seafarer Medical Certificate
ENG1 Medical Certificate (or ENG1 Equivalent)
Superyacht work can be physically demanding. Ensuring that crew are physically well and able to work at sea is a crucial aspect of the crew and guest safety.
In order to work on a superyacht, you will have to hold an ENG1 Medical Certificate. Because the certification is set by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA), the examination must be performed by an MCA-approved doctor. The examination is done in order to identify any medical conditions that may prevent you from safely performing your work duties at sea.
5. Choose a Location to Join a Superyacht
When looking for your first job it is essential to be in the right place at the right time. There are a lot of factors to take into consideration when selecting your location, however the two most popular areas for working on a superyacht are:
6. Obtain the Correct Visas & Documentation for the Relevant Superyacht Hub
It is essential to obtain the correct visa for the country you plan to work in. It is important to understand the types of visas that exist as well as the local laws with regard to job seeking.
7. Create a Superyacht Crew CV
A professional and well-structured superyacht CV will help differentiate you from other job seekers looking to enter the industry.
Superyacht crew resumes have a different structure to normal CVs. If your CV is not laid out appropriately, your chances of being considered for a position are slim.
Examples and more information on how to create a great CV can be found on the links below.
8. Find Superyacht Job Vacancies
Finding the right job in the superyacht industry takes time and commitment.
Available jobs on superyachts are most commonly found on crew agency websites, social media pages and job aggregator boards.
For crew without any permanent experience, jobs are typically found through dock walking and networking.
Good social conduct will have a greatly positive impact on the likelihood of you finding a job.
