working on super yachts nz

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• New Zealand Certificate in Maritime Crewing (Level 3) in Superyacht Crewing

Study maritime superyacht crewing and become a deckhand

Request a brochure Apply now

Duration and study methods

Full-time for 12 teaching weeks, in-class.

Includes 1 week experience at sea, plus field trips.

Start dates

January, May, August

Qualification

MIT Mahurangi

Entry requirements

Domestic fees.

$4,600 (approx.)

Individual course fees

International fees

Free* study.

Explore the free options available for this programme, and check your eligibility:

First year free

Programme highlights

Have you ever dreamed of working on a superyacht?

Study this course and you will open the door to an exciting career working on board luxury boats. You could find yourself sailing the Pacific one season, and the Bahamas the next. Crew members are currently in demand in this industry.

In just 12 weeks, you will get the practical experience and the skills and knowledge required to work under supervision as crew on vessels operating in unlimited waters.

This programme will cover:

• Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) basic safety certificate to be crew onboard superyachts both in New Zealand waters and internationally. This includes basic sea survival, fire fighting, first aid, personal safety and social responsibilities, crowd management and security awareness training.
• RYA (Royal Yachting Association) certificates: Powerboat Level 2 and Personal Watercraft Certificate (Jet Ski).
• IAMI (International Association of Maritime Institutions) GUEST certificates in yacht interior, basic food service and introduction to wine, bartending and mixology.

You will also learn basic skills in food safety and barista, floristry, yacht deck maintenance, watchkeeping, diesel and outboard maintenance, and CV writing.

Students have to pass a medical fitness assessment for the lifesaving and firefighting components. If you would like to use this qualification internationally you will need to complete a Maritime Rules Part 34, Medical Fitness certificate.

Please note: In order to gain work experience on a super yacht, you must meet their employment criteria, which includes being over 18 years. Applicants who are under the age of 18 should contact the School to discuss their options.

Open entry for domestic students

There are no academic requirements that need to be met to enter this programme.

Important information

Entry to this qualification is open but completion does not guarantee the award of a Maritime New Zealand licence.

All persons wishing to qualify for a seafarer licence must also check the Maritime New Zealand prior certification and minimum service requirements for that licence. Also: Seafarers Framework which outlines medical fitness requirements https://www.maritimenz.govt.nz/rules/part-34/default.asp and Maritime New Zealand Part 34:Medical Standards https://www.maritimenz.govt.nz/rules/part-34/Part34-maritime-rule.pdf .

Give yourself credit with Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Did you know you can use the knowledge and experience you already have to your advantage?

Your previous work experience and on-the-job skills, volunteering, professional development, and other providers’ qualifications can be recognised as prior learning, matched against credits in our courses, and put towards your qualification – potentially saving you money and possibly helping you to complete your qualification faster Learn more .

Programme structure

You will need to complete the below six courses (75 credits):

942.344 Core safety training (20 credits)

Provide an introduction to the Certificate in Superyacht Crewing Programme with an overview of the Superyacht industry Safety requirements.

943.348 Yacht watchkeeping (10 credits)

By the end of this course, students will be able to assist the operation of the vessel by developing navigational skills to support bridge Watchkeeping.

943.349 Yacht seamanship (15 credits)

By the end of this course, students will be able to sail as a competent crew member on a yacht and act as tender crew to support the operation of the vessel and its equipment.

943.350 Yacht engine operation and maintenance (10 credits)

To develop a basic understanding of inboard (diesel) and outboard engine operation, with emphasis on safety, routine servicing and simple troubleshooting to support the operation of the vessel.

943.351 Yacht deck maintenance (10 credits)

Assist with maintenance and operation of a range of deck equipment specific to the requirements of the vessel.

943.352 Yacht interior skills (10 credits)

By the end of this course, the students will be able to provide high standards of on-board passenger services and ensure passenger service, care and support.

Do you want to study a single course, without enrolling into the full programme?

Courses within some of our programmes may be offered as an individual Certificate of Proficiency (COP). Programme entry requirements and course fees apply. For more information, please speak to our friendly Ask Me! team.

Further training or study

Graduates may progress to qualifications recognised internationally under the STCW:

• New Zealand Certificate in Maritime Crewing (Level 4) with stands in Deck Crew, Electro-technology, and Engineering
• New Zealand Certificate in Maritime Operations (Level 4) with strands in Fishing and Watchkeeping
• New Zealand Certificate in Maritime Operations (Level 5)
• New Zealand Diploma in Nautical Science (Level 6)
• New Zealand Diploma in Yacht Operations (Level 6)

Graduates may also progress to marine engineering qualifications recognised internationally under the STCW:

• New Zealand Certificate in Marine Engineering Class 6 (Level 4) with an optional strand in Marine Engineering Class 5
• New Zealand Diploma in Marine Engineering (Level 6)

Career opportunities

Crew on a superyacht (deckhand).

Ready to put your plans in place?

Request your maritime brochure, book a tour, recognition of prior learning.

Step by Step Guide to Becoming Superyacht Crew

So you have decided you want to work in the Superyacht industry but don’t know where to start?

We realised that there wasn’t really a comprehensive guide to becoming Superyacht Crew all in one place, so we decided to produce an independent all-in-one step-by-step guide. We hope you find it of use.

ENG1 Medical

This is the medical required for you to undergo prior to going to sea and we suggest it is your first port of call before doing anything else. If you fail this medical there isn’t really much point in putting any money or time into trying to become a Superyacht crew as you will not be allowed to go to sea. In New Zealand, there is only one doctor providing ENG1’s and he is based in Auckland and is quite expensive. If you can, you have more options and it will be cheaper to get it done in the UK.

The New Zealand Doctor is based at the Parnell Medical Centre, Auckland 09 3774427.

A List of practitioners who provide ENG1’s worldwide is available HERE.

Types Of Roles Available:

Steward/ess

Mate / Bosun

1st / Chief Officer

Dive Master

For a career path from Deck-hand to Captain have a look HERE

We know money isn’t the primary motivation for most people wishing to enter the Superyacht industry. It is a great way to see some very interesting parts of the world and have some great experiences. Don’t forget that when you are working you won’t be spending any money as all your living and accommodation expenses are taken care of, so anything you earn goes straight into the bank and stays there until you get ashore for a beer. We found a good salary indicator HERE

Training Required

Years ago it was possible to simply walk along a dock in Antigua and hop onto a Superyacht and explore the world. Today’s world is very different and competition for crew positions is fierce. The more skills and qualifications you possess the more likely you are to successfully find a position. The absolute minimum training you will legally require before being allowed to step foot on a superyacht is as follows:

Stcw95 First Aid

Stcw95 Sea Survival

Stcw95 Personal Roles And Responsibilities (PRR)

Stcw95 Fire Fighting

The Stcw95 part is just an international standard that all these courses must meet so ensure your training provider is Stcw95 recognised. Many providers roll these 4 courses into one week-long session. There are a few providers in New Zealand which can be found HERE

There are 3 other courses not legally required to be aboard a Superyacht but realistically you haven’t got much chance of getting a job without them because you won’t be able to drive the Superyacht’s tenders which is a core role required of all crew.

RYA Level 2 (Tender Driver’s Licence) Available HERE

RYA PWC (Jet Ski Drivers Licence) Available HERE

VHF (Radio Communication Licence)

If you already possess the above qualifications it would be a good idea to become an RYA instructor in these disciplines as Instructors are highly sought after.

Interior crew will find a huge benefit from having done some formal courses and qualifications in hospitality as it will show you are a serious candidate and set you apart from the vast numbers of dock walking chancers.

Other useful skills/qualifications include, Nanny, Carpentry, Boat-building, Mechanic, Electrician, Diving, Watersports, Fishing and Medical.

Locations And Seasons:

If you are looking to get onto a Superyacht the best places and times of year to go dock walking are as follows:

The Mediterranean

Time to get to the Mediterranean is from late April to October

The main ports are Antibes in France or Palma, Majorca

Generally, everyone heads to the Med looking for work in April

Some boats do transatlantic passages to the Caribbean from Antibes or Palma at the end of the season (October onwards) so it may be possible to pick up some work there.

 The Caribbean

You will find Superyachts in the Caribbean from October onwards

The main ports are Antigua or St Maarten

Yachts normally head back to the Med in late April

The Med – Caribbean – Med circuit is the mainstay of superyachts and is known as the ‘milk run’. Unfortunately due to the recent Worldwide Economic Crisis, this has led to many boats spending the summer cruising the Med and then reducing to a skeleton crew to sit in a harbour throughout winter rather than going to the Caribbean.

The United States

After the Caribbean Yachts tend to head to the East Coast, Florida or New York

There is some good cruising on the West Coast. Many boats end up going to San Diego for refit

Of prized schedule is the Alaska run.

The Pacific

After the Caribbean, a yacht may transit the Panama Canal (March/April)

First on the list may be the Galapagos Islands, and then head on to the Pacific Islands such as Tahiti, Fiji, Tonga etc.

The season for the Pacific islands is May – September

After their trip to the islands, many boats continue to Australia or New Zealand for the southern hemisphere summer (November- April). Australia and New Zealand offer good refit facilities all year round

To help you get an idea of Superyacht's whereabouts, have a look at the worldwide super marina guide HERE

Visas And Legal Documents

The first Visas to look at are the United States B1 and B2 as these will give you the best flexibility as described HERE

Ensure you apply to your citizenship’s government for a seafarer’s discharge book. There are a few benefits to having this some of which are discussed HERE , but by far the most important use is recording all your sea time which will be gold dust if you decide to progress your career through the maritime sector.

Don’t forget to arrange appropriate travel insurance that will cover you. Ensure you tell the company what you will be doing otherwise they will refuse cover if you need it when they find out you have been working offshore.

Next, you really are going to need a kick-ass CV. As much as this is a pain in the butt, you really need to put time and effort into getting this right as it may be all the captain sees when deciding who he wants to call. Try to set yourself apart. We once had a really smart ambitious guy ask to clean our boat for a month so we could give him a good reference and comment on his performance. This sort of innovative thinking will get you a foothold and should set you apart from the crowd. CVs for superyachts must be tailored for the role and as a guide should consider the format below:

Name ad position going for

PHOTO!! Nice professional photo in the top right-hand corner

Under 100kb in size

Two pages NO MORE

Nationality, passport, location, marital status, contact details, visa, languages, availability – All in easy-to-read format at the top somewhere

Employment goal/objective – 2-3 sentences max with no fluffy “save the world” ideology and hold off on the ‘I want, I will, I need’. Say things like ‘work hard, smile while I’m tired, earn my way up the ladder’, etc

Profiles and attributes or something to that effect describing what you bring to the role (if you are a stew: attention to detail, for a deckie/engineer: good with hands, change the oil on my car, built a house…

Maritime qualifications: STCW, Powerboat Level2, Off Shore Yacht-Master, PADI dive instructor etc

Work experience in reverse chronological order (Ensure you pick out relevant roles directly transferable to the Superyacht Scene)

Any additional qualifications (Bachelors, trades, hairdresser etc)

Leisure activities

List refs (3 minimum)

Register With Agencies

This is the low-hanging fruit and is normally the first place to start your search for work, but don’t rely on this alone. There are many agencies all over the world. It’s a good idea to list with lots of agencies but don’t neglect them.. i.e you need to keep logging on daily once you’ve registered (or as frequently as possible) so they keep you in mind. they have systems that prioritise those who have logged in most recently for jobs they have available. These Agencies are easily found on Google but to get you started here are a few of the popular ones:

CrewNetwork

CrewAndConcierge

Accommodation During Your Search For Work

We would recommend you choose your start point usually somewhere like Antibes, Fort Lauderdale or Palma and set yourself up in a crew house. This is accommodation dedicated to people working on yachts and is a great place to start your networking. The best way to secure a job on a yacht is normally through contacts and the more you establish, the more likely you are to succeed.

Dock Walking

If you have an introverted personality, dock walking may not be the best strategy for you. You really need to be outgoing, chatty and friendly. Don’t be afraid and don’t be scared they may initially say no. If they have met you and liked you, they may remember you when one of their crew has to fly home on an unexpected emergency.

Be polite, persistent and consistent

The best time is between 8-11 am when the Mate’s are most likely doing their deck inspections. 1-3 pm is also a good time as the crew have just had lunch and are relaxing.

Dress in a professional manner don’t wear shorts and T-shirts. Instead opt for a polo shirt, jeans and closed footwear. Women should dress professionally, and avoid lots of make-up and jewellery. Also, avoid cleavage-revealing tops and short skirts.

Don’t ask for a job… Get talking.. Find out where they drink. They know you want a job so get to know them or find out details which will help you do that. Where do they drink, eat, buy supplies, when do they head off? What are the upcoming events such as the Monaco Grand Prix? Cannes Film Fest? Charter, etc. Normally after a charter they have a quick turn around so need extra hands to clean and prep etc

Always try to speak to the decision-makers.

Try the shipyards not just the international quay with 10 monster yachts on it

20-40m yachts usually need more day workers as they have less full-time staff so don’t neglect the “little guys”

Day Working

Day working is a great way to get to know a crew and prove yourself worthy of a full-time position. There are a couple of points to bear in mind with respect to day work:

Are you on the crew list (if you’re not, you’re not covered by hull insurance so if you get hurt you’re on your own..) in most cases you should be fine but if you are asked to do something you feel uncomfortable doing or you think is unsafe – ask if you are on the crew list or just politely decline.

Always ask for payment in cash.

If you are doing more than one day’s work, ask for a reference on headed paper to build your CV up.

Safety And Personal Responsibility

Don’t ever become so enthusiastic you overlook everyday logical safety considerations. The industry is normally quite safe, but particularly when you are new, there is a slightly higher possibility of being taken advantage of. The old adage of, ‘if it sounds too good to be true it probably is’ needs to be indelibly ingrained in your brain. Also, be a little more cautious about smaller boats without many people around.

It is an unfortunate fact but this industry is linked to a higher involvement with drugs and you need to be careful not to be caught up in anything. Don’t forget there are still some parts of the world where you could lose your hands for smoking a spliff! If you are ever asked to do anything or transport anything that feels odd or wrong, it’s time to bail ASAP.

Many stunning parts of the world are also developing countries and have elevated crime problems. Stick to common sense rules of safety in numbers and be careful about being in remote locations alone.

Job offers & contracts

Get something in writing

Sign a contract if you can

Agree on your salary

Ensure the boat’s itinerary matches your availability

Upskilling and progressing

Once you have managed to get your foot on the ladder in the industry, you may want to develop yourself and your skills. The most important starting point is to record all your sea time in the Discharge book as mentioned above. If you don’t do it at the time of the event, it is nearly impossible to retrospectively track past captains down to get it filled in.

Once aboard a Yacht, the crew will advise on your direction forward. However, if you wish to progress and become an operational crew with an eye on the captain’s seat you will need to first gain your RYA Yachtmaster qualification which is the entry qualification to becoming a commercial skipper.

We hope the above information is of use to you and we would like to thank Jonathan Caseley for his hugely valuable contributions as he navigates his way through the Superyacht Crew minefield to obtain a position aboard a Superyacht. Good luck Jono.

RYA PPR Course

Professional Practices and Responsibilities (PPR) – a compulsory online course for new and revalidating RYA Commercial Endorsement holders such as Yachtmaster, applicable from April 2012.

Who this course is for:

This course is for anyone who has just been awarded or needs to re-validate an expired Yachtmaster qualification. It is all done online and it would be wise to allow 8 hours to complete. Once you have completed the online course successfully, you will be issued a certificate. You will need to present this certificate to the RYA to have your Yachtmaster qualification approved.

The Course costs 39 UK Pounds and is charged when you sign up.

To take the course click the logo below and register on the website.  It is important to use the link below and click the “Create Account” button on the website that you are directed to.

SuperYacht Recruitment

A new generation of yacht recruitment, a large team of passionate yachties turned skilled recruiters..

Whether you are looking for your next perfect job or that exceptional new crew member the team at YOA are here to help. Contact us today to find out why our unique techniques, tools and network can assist you throughout your superyacht career.

Find SuperYacht Crew

With over 150 years combined experience working on superyachts, the YOA team will be able to find exactly who you need.

Find SuperYacht Jobs

Our job doesn’t stop once we place you on the yacht. We are here to help you throughout your yachting career.

01 For Employers

02 for crew, exceptional yachts require exceptional crew. to find them requires unique insight..

We’ve been in your shoes before.

The YOA team provide a personalised service that is second to none. As former captains and HODs we know the importance of finding that perfect new crew member. It all starts with clear communication.

We will help you stand out from the crowd and secure that dream superyacht job.

We’ve found jobs walking the docks, we’ve found jobs through agencies, we’ve found jobs on job walls, we’ve found jobs through our own networks. We’ve combined these experiences, both good and bad, and developed an even better way of doing things.

We’ve found jobs walking the docks, we’ve found jobs through agencies, we’ve found jobs on job walls and we’ve found jobs through our own networks. We’ve combined these experiences, both good and bad, and developed an even better way of doing things.

Don't take our word for it

Annoymous. - chief officer 85m+ my, andy burridge - captain, sean black - captain, vaiva vystartaite - chief stewardess, melissa field - chief stewardess, jono whitwell - chief officer, danny bos - captain, matt holdsworth - chief officer, paul maguire - captain, christian frederic - captain, meet the team, we are yachties like you..

Founders, Tom and Don have both spent many years on sailing and motor yachts gaining an appreciation for the requirements and challenges encountered by today’s premier superyacht teams. Our growing team are not only experienced and speak your language, they’re a bunch of good sorts as well.

Tom Aveling

Tim lempriere, gioia gracis, todd herman, warwick stewart, honey dalton, candice davies, joshua scott, jessica ayling, ellen butler, ashton dennis, maren bishop, francisco chadinha, jenny silver, roxanne horsley, dahna harvey, ashleigh harrison, contact our friendly professional team today., world-class superyacht recruitment services.

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Find the ideal crew member, update your training needs or apply for a position through Decked Out Yachting Ltd.

Superyacht Crew Recruitment

• Captain, engineer, chef & crew placements
• Interior and exterior day workers on stand-by

Email your crew requirements to  [email protected]   and let us find you suitable applicants.

Recruitment Fee Structure:

Permanent Position – More than 90 days:    7% of the annual salary Semi Permanent Position – 30 to 90 days:    15% of the total wages Temporary Position – Less than 30 days:    20% of the total wages Day Workers – On call :   Rates depend on work required – to be discussed upon enquiry  

Register with us

Apply for positions on line by emailing your CV and yachting experience, current photo, application letter, scanned certificates and references to  [email protected] . Let us find you your perfect role.

Courses, Training & Certificates

We can put you in contact with the relevant training organisations for all your requirements such as;

• Yacht master
• Advanced and basic courses
• Medical certificates
• Steward/Stewardess

International Crew Placement Service

We endeavour to bring you together, images by anna boulton, our marine crew placement nz.

For yachts looking for crew -  OMCP NZ offers a super personalized and professional recruitment service to find the ideal crew you need anywhere on this planet. 

For crew looking for yachts -  OMCP NZ offers you opportunities on superyachts anywhere for your skillset - including captains, officers, deckhands, engineers, chefs, stewards and race crew.

“We endeavour to bring you together."

WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?

Looking for crew?

Looking for a job?

How it works.

It is already a big job to run a yacht so let me do my job and find your crew.

Looking for crew?  Please go to the 'looking for crew' page and fill out the form, we collect details to have a better understanding of your requirements. If you prefer to email me then please contact me directly on [email protected] with your requirements. We will get back to you ASAP.

Looking for work?  Then please go to the' looking for a job' page and fill out the form, you can also upload your CV and cover letter (recommended) and we will inform you as soon we have a match.

"We endeavour to bring you together"

 Quick simple process

Email your requirements,

we keep you in the loop with clear communication.

Connecting a team

Bringing together yachts and crew

Crew helping crew

Refer your friend and earn some money if they get the job

OMCP NZ is endeavouring to bring together people in all aspects of yachting and boating.

If you are interested in becoming part of a database for race crew, boat repair or other roles on yachts or if you require someone in those roles, please let us know. We then match skills with vacancies and let you know quickly when there is an opportunity for you.

Have queries about the services we offer? Ask us and we will respond quickly

Subscribe to our newsletter to get the latest updates.

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Ready when you are

Superyacht New Zealand has produced a summary of the entry rules for each South Pacific country and a fact sheet for superyachts visiting New Zealand, which can be downloaded here .

Explore the South Pacific

Dive into a region of thrilling experiences with those with an adventurous spirit.

Upcoming Dates

23-24 March, 2024

New Zealand SailGP

New Zealand

14-17 March, 2024

Auckland Boat Show

Auckland, New Zealand

12-15 Feb, 2024

NZ Millennium Cup

Bay of Islands, New Zealand

Superyacht crew and industry gathered in Auckland to celebrate New Zealand’s annual superyacht welcome function last night.

More than 20 Kiwi companies will be onsite at this year’s METS, giving you the chance to discover New Zealand innovation in the heart of Amsterdam

NZ Marine’s inaugural Tahiti-New Zealand Networking event last month took the New Zealand superyacht industry to the heart of the South Pacific cruising season.

Meet the Superyacht New Zealand team at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show for advice on journeying to New Zealand by superyacht.

Find Superyacht New Zealand in Fiji this week, as we attend the Superyacht Gathering.

To keep up to date with the latest news from Superyacht New Zealand; and info on the cruising and refit hub of the South Pacific, sign up to our newsletter.

Superyacht Jobs

Matching quality crew with quality superyachts For almost a decade, we’ve made it our job to find you the best superyacht job by taking a candidate-first approach to crew recruitment.

Reliable, responsive and realistic

Only by understanding your skills and yacht career aspirations can we successfully connect you with your dream role onboard whilst ensuring an exemplary owner and guest experience.

Being ex-yachties ourselves, we know how competitive the industry can be and how reality often fails to meet expectations, so it’s our mission to change that.

Putting equal emphasis on the interests of everyone involved, we are able to pair the perfect crew with the perfect superyacht 99% of the time.

Roles we recruit for From the bridge to the engine room and the deck to the galley, we recruit at all levels from green crew with certified potential to experienced Heads of Departments and Captains. Specialist secondary skills also range from personal care and fitness through to AV/IT, watersports instructors, medically trained personnel and manual trades.

Junior to senior and lead deckhands, bosuns and officers, junior to chief engineers, junior to chief stew, galley hand to head chef.

Our Promise

By putting your trust in Quay Crew, you can trust us to:

• Be honest and transparent – if you’re not suited to the role or the culture of the yacht, we’ll tell you; and if the yacht isn’t offering a competitive salary or package, we’ll consult with them too.
• Give career advice – on the roles you’re currently suitable for, how you can improve your CV and what secondary skills could make you stand out.
• Never send your CV on-spec – we’ll always speak 1-2-1 with a candidate before putting them forward for a role and follow up with verbal references from past yachts and employers.
• Communicate – at every stage of the process, whether it’s good or bad news.

Latest Opportunities

Testimonials.

“I think the reason that Quay Crew is (in my opinion and most of my colleagues’ opinions too) the industry’s leading agent is down to the culture of integrity, honesty and real care that permeates your company, and the careful selection of a candidate that will stay in the job. Long may it continue. I will never hesitate to use, recommend or assist Quay Crew for as long as I’m in yachting, and after.”

Chief Officer – 70m Yacht

“Having moved into the yachting industry from the commercial sector, Sam gave me valuable feedback on my CV and routes into the industry. I can highly recommend Sam to anyone looking for their next engineering position as she does her best to make sure that the yacht is right for you.”

2nd Engineer – 52m Yacht

“Having been in contact with Caroline since the summer, I felt the whole way through my search application process that she was completely on my side and has supported me and given me the confidence to propel my career to the next level.”

Chief Stew – 60m Yacht

“I would just like to take this opportunity to express how amazing Max has been in finding myself and my partner a position on a brand-new build. Max has been such a rock star in not just finding me one job but two jobs, which I am absolutely grateful for. It’s really nice to have a crew agency like Quay Crew who are reliable, trustworthy as well as always wanting to consider your best interests. The team at Quay Crew are absolutely exceptional and I will always recommend only the best for them. ”

Captain – 30m+ Yacht

“The best crew agent I have ever dealt with…always on the ball, super efficient, attentive and always available. There are so many agencies that only care about the yachts because they are the ones paying and completely ignore the crew so I want to thank you for all your help. ”

Head of Service – 100m Yacht

“I really appreciate the communication and commitment from Quay Crew and would like to mention that Tom has been incredible throughout the process. He had a vast amount of information relating to the role and yacht and knew exactly what would suit me. I highly recommend Quay Crew.”

Bosun – 60m+ Yacht

“Quay Crew was the most professional of the agencies I was using in my search. I had constant communication throughout and the whole process was personal. I’m very happy with the placement and would recommend Glen and the team to anyone. ”

2nd Officer – 65m Yacht

“What sets the team apart more than anyone else is the open and honest dialogue as well as the feeling that we’re working towards the same goal. Rather than just being another number or CV on someone’s desk, I established an amazing rapport with Glen so that he was able to really know what my goals were and where I wanted to take my career…and he was absolutely instrumental in seeing that I achieved that by placing me on my current vessel. At some point in the future, I plan to be on the opposite side of the interview process and Quay Crew will be the first agency that I reach out to.”

2nd Officer – 80m Yacht

“I wanted to say how fantastic Tom has been in finding a job for me. From first talking to him on the phone, he gave some fantastic advice about the industry and made the whole process feel calm and easy. His communication was absolutely exemplary and he went above and beyond to secure me a job. I would highly recommend Quay Crew to anyone.”

Deckhand – 90m Yacht

“I recently completed a 4 week trip through Quay crew on a yacht that Phil placed me on. I had applied for the role through other agencies but they refused [to put me forward] and Phil was the only recruiter that I spoke to who also saw flexibility in the job requirements. It’s a pleasure dealing with a recruiter that actually understands the role and the candidates suited for it. I hope to work with Phil and the Quay crew team again in the future.”

Night Navigation Officer – 80m Yacht

Latest Articles View All our team of industry experts and guest bloggers share their extensive knowledge of the superyacht sector

11 March 2024

Communicating with yacht crew agencies 101 By Tom Rose

4 March 2024

Yacht ETO vs. AV/IT – which do you need? By Alice Hay

26 February 2024

Crew mental health – The state of the superyacht sector 2024 By Charlotte Flake

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Ask a question or call 0800 422 733

Certificate in Superyacht Crewing

Nmit is part of te pūkenga.

This means that you will now graduate with a Te Pūkenga qualification. Read more

Locations and dates

Study options.

This programme is run full time over a 12 week period.

Total credits

2024: $4,175 plus $154 Student Services Levy

A  Compulsory Student Services Levy  applies ($2 per credit). Fees listed are for each year of the programme, indicative only and may vary with course selection. View course details for individual fees.

National qualification code

Have a passion for sailing and a dream to work on a superyacht?

With its busy port and thriving boat culture, Nelson is a great place to gain the skills in seamanship and hospitality you need to work in the global superyacht industry.

You've probably watched 'Below deck' and wished you too could be on board a luxury yacht and dipping your toes in the Pacific, Mediterranean or Bahamas. Why not?

There's a demand for crew members in this industry, so it's time to stop dreaming and get your ticket.

During this twelve-week programme, you will gain an introduction to all aspects of onboard life and a wide range of international qualifications that will prepare you for anything life as a superyacht crew member can throw at you.

As part of this programme, you will enjoy world-class learning facilities, including local charter yachts, powerboats, navigation simulators, luxury accommodation, and an on-campus restaurant and bar the  Rata Room  to gain professional training.

Incorporated into this certificate are the following internationally recognised qualifications.  

NMIT - Nelson Marlborough Institure of Technology

• New Zealand Certificate in Maritime Crewing (Superyacht Crewing) Level 3

IMINZ - International Maritime Institute of New Zealand

Basic Radar

• Tender Operators

Seamanship and Maintenance

• Maritime Engineering
• Food Safety Certificate
• Professional Interior Training
• CV Clinic and Interview Prep

STCW – Standards of Training Certification and Watchkeeping

• STCW Basic Sea Survival
• STCW Basic Fire Fighting
• STCW Basic First Aid
• STCW Basic Personal Safety & Social Responsibility
• STCW Security Awareness Training

RYA – Royal Yachting Association

• RYA Powerboat (Level 2) (external link)
• Competent Crew Certificate (external link)

CBES – Coastguard Boating Education NZ

• Outboard Engine Maintenance

Radio Spectrum NZ

• Maritime Restricted Operators Certificate

Hospitality

• Food Hygiene Level 2
• Licenced Liquor Controller Qualification – Bar Managers

When you have completed this qualification, you may progress to further qualifications recognised internationally by the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW), check out the Maritime study page to see more options in:

• Domestic Operations
• Offshore Operations
• Commercial Fishing  

Tourism and Hospitality

You may also want to consider further education in the Hospitality and Tourism industries and pathway onto a New Zealand Certificate in Food and Beverage Service or the Tourism industry in a Certificate in Tourism and Travel.

As a training institute, NMIT is often the first port of call for ākonga (students) who aspire to work in the yachting industry, and it’s an honour to encourage diversity from the ground up by pledging our commitment to She of the Sea.

We are committed to building practices and cultures that actively facilitate, cultivate and celebrate diversity and inclusion, at all levels, throughout our organisation, and our industry.

"That includes creating an environment in which all students feel empowered and supported to pursue a rewarding career in the industry, regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, or orientation." She of the Sea (external link)

Academic requirements.

• 10 NCEA Level 1 literacy credits and
• 10 NCEA Level 1 numeracy credits

Note: If applicants have undertaken a qualification or examination other than NCEA (e.g. International Baccalaureate, Cambridge Examination), NMIT will assess this for academic entry equivalence.

Alternative requirements

Applicants (including those over 20 years of age) who are unable to evidence that they meet Academic Entry Requirements, but who can demonstrate acquired skills for tertiary study gained through study, work and/or life experience, may be approved for alternative entry by the Curriculum Manager or delegate.

English language requirements

If English is not the applicant’s first language, applicants will need to provide a result from a test or qualification on the acceptable alternatives English Proficiency Outcomes Table:

• IELTS 5.0 Academic (no lower than 5.0 in each band)

Note: Applicants who do not have evidence of English language skills and are a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident, may contact NMIT for an assessment

Applicants who have achieved NCEA Level 3 University Entrance requirements are not required to provide evidence of English language skills

IELTS scores used must be taken from a single IELTS Test Report Form and are valid for two years from the date of the test.

Other requirements

Students must be at least 18 years of age at the time of attending the PSI311 Professional Superyacht Interior Training course.

Applicants should be aware that they must provide a current medical examination certificate issued by a GP or equivalent (not more than two years old), to demonstrate that they are physically capable of undertaking crew duties aboard a vessel. The medical examination certificate must be submitted to the Programme Administrator.

Applicants are required to take part in an interview. During the interview, applicants will demonstrate their motivation to work in the superyacht or maritime tourism industry and must sign a form relating to risk and their health before accepting a place on the programme. 

All admissions to the programme are subject to approval by the Programme Coordinator and Curriculum Manager (or delegate). The students are interviewed either on campus or via phone interview for non-local students.

Applicants may invite a support person and/or whānau to this interview.

The Programme Coordinator together with the Curriculum Manager or delegate will make final decisions on the suitability of students based on the entry criteria.

The interview is designed to learn more about the applicant’s background, experience, motivation and potential ability to succeed in the programme.  During the interview, applicants will receive information about the programme and advice on its suitability.

All applicants who fulfil the entry requirements will be accepted onto the programme until the number of places available on the programme has been filled.

Other applicants who fulfil the entry requirements will be waitlisted in the order their applications are received and may gain entry into the programme if a place becomes available.

You will be required to bring a back pack, sleeping bag, wet weather gear and warm clothes on the boat trips.

This programme is taught over 12 consecutive weeks, with several start dates throughout the year.

The Certificate in Superyacht Crewing programme combines theory with a strong grounding in practical skills. Learning takes place mainly as a class group and incorporates online and self-directed study.

There are lots of opportunities for practical, hands-on learning in this programme through learning activities such as scenarios, role plays and practical tasks and by using a range of specialist equipment.

During the programme, you will also get practical training on board a training sailing yacht for 5 days at sea, and at least 4 days of powerboat training on the water.

Qualification

Competent crew, inboard and outboard engine maintenance, navigation - superyacht, professional superyacht interior training, maritime restricted radiotelephone operators certificate (mrroc), rya powerboat level 2, stcw basic safety training, superyacht tender operator, peter renshaw, related news, serving up opportunities, setting the bar high, nmit graduate showcases marlborough by sea, immerse yourself in your maritime education.

Start your application today. You'll be glad you did.

0800 40 80 90

Online course login, we are aware some prices on the website are inaccurate following an upgrade and we are working to correct these now. in the meantime, please call our office to book a course on 0800 40 80 90.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do i get my skippers licence.

Skippers of commercial vessels need an operators licence. Information on how to gain a "Skipper Restricted Limits" licence can be found at  www.boatingeducation.org.nz/commercial  It is not a legal requirement to hold a licence to operate a recreational vessel in New Zealand, but to ensure the safety of yourself and others, and ensure you know how to comply with all maritime rules, all skippers should complete at least some form of training. Day Skipper is the minimum qualification recommended.

Is it compulsory to sit a skippers course in NZ?

It is not a legal requirement to hold a licence to operate a recreational vessel in New Zealand but to ensure the safety of yourself and others, and ensure you know how to comply with all maritime rules, all skippers should complete at least some form of training. Day Skipper is the minimum qualification recommended.

What if I want to get a commercial qualification?

Information on how to gain a "Skipper Restricted Limits" licence can be found at www.boatingeducation.org.nz/commercial

What if I want to work on super yachts?

Working on Super Yachts is a great way to see the world and get paid to do it. Super Yacht skippers are very picky about the crew they employ, so showing you have at least some boating knowledge and experience will be a good start. Day Skipper, Boatmaster and VHF would be the minimum recommended qualifications, with practical courses such as RYA Powerboat Level 2 and the STCW modules also forming the minimum requirement.

Practical Courses

Do you offer practical courses, we have bought a new powerboat and want to learn how to use it, can we do a course on our own boat.

All boats handle differently. Learning from a professional, highly experienced practical instructor on your own boat is a great way to accelerate the learning process and to avoid any scrapes, dings or stress along the way. Practical on-water training is offered through the practical training centres listed at www.boatingeducation.org.nz/rya

Coastguard Related

I need to change my address for my membership.

Updating your details is easily done by calling the Membership team on 0800 BOATIE (262 843) or email us at [email protected]

I have joined Coastguard, what is my membership number?

If you lose your membership card, phone the membership team on 0800 BOATIE (262 843) and we can organise a replacement card to be sent out. If you’re heading out on the water and your membership card hasn’t arrived yet, not to worry, we will be able to look you up in the system based on your other contact details if you require assistance. Don't hesitate to call 0800 BOATIE (262 843) or email us at  [email protected]

How do I join Coastguard??

Go to www.coastguard.nz/join or call 0800 BOATIE (262 843). Once payment is received, your Coastguard Membership pack will be sent out to you in the mail within 10 working days. It includes your personalised membership card, receipt, and membership booklet which gives details to all your exclusive Coastguard member benefits and discounts, and a range of safety information and services available.

How much is a Coastguard Membership?

Go to www.coastguard.nz/membership/ . The Individual membership is $115 and covers the member, their partner, and any dependants up to the age of 18, no matter what boat they’re on. The Lifetime membership is $1,725 and is the same as the individual membership but with a convenient one-off payment - it gives peace of mind for a lifetime of boating. A Vessel membership is $400* and is the perfect solution for larger families, boat share situations or charter vessels, covering the vessel no matter who’s on the boat. *Only available in the Northern Region.

I am boating outside my home area, what happens with my Coastguard membership?

You’re covered in all the major boating population areas around the country. We have 64 strategically located units around the country to help you out - head to www.coastguard.nz/units to find your local unit.

Heading Overseas

Can i use my boatmaster certificate to charter a vessel overseas.

Different countries have different requirements. Please check with the charter company to ensure you meet any local requirements. 

I am going overseas and want to charter a boat, what qualification do I need?

Different countries have different requirements. Please check with the charter company to ensure you meet any local requirements. An increasing number of European countries require an ICC or equivalent and a GMDSS-compliant radio certificate, such as an MSROC. You must pass an on-water practical "driving test" and theory knowledge test at a recognised RYA Training Centre to gain an ICC. Information on gaining an ICC can be found at www.boatingeducation.org.nz/courses/42/international-certificate-of-competence-icc

Information on gaining an MSROC can be found at  www.boatingeducation.org.nz/courses/62/maritime-short-range-operator-certificate-msroc

What is an ICC?

ICC means International Certificate of Competence - this is like an international driver's licence. You must pass an on-water practical "driving test" and theory knowledge test at a recognised RYA Training Centre to gain an ICC. Information on gaining an ICC can be found at  www.boatingeducation.org.nz/courses/42/international-certificate-of-competence-icc

How do I get an ICC?

You must pass an on-water practical "driving test" and theory knowledge test at a recognised RYA Training Centre to gain an ICC. Information on gaining an ICC can be found at www.boatingeducation.org.nz/courses/42/international-certificate-of-competence-icc

What is a callsign?

A Maritime VHF Callsign is a unique identifier for your vessel and holds important information to enable you and your vessel to be identified in an emergency. It belongs to a person, not a vessel.

Do I have to do a course?

Except in an emergency, it is a legal requirement for any person operating a VHF or SSB marine radio to hold an appropriate operator's qualification. To book a Maritime VHF Radio Operator course click here

Do I have to display my Callsign or vessel name on my boat?

There is no requirement for a callsign to be displayed on the exterior of any vessel. However, many Regional Councils require vessels to be identifiable, often with a minimum requirement of lettering size (e.g. 90mm). This can be achieved by marking it with the boats name or callsign. Also, if you are requesting assistance, your name and callsign displayed on your vessel makes you easier to find and identify. 

What is an MMSI/DSC/AIS?

DSC means Digital Selective Calling - this system is perhaps best described as like sending and receiving text messages through your VHF radio. To set up any radio or beacon to send DSC messages, it must have an MMSI (Maritime Mobile Safey Identity) number entered into the menu system of the radio. An MMSI number identifies where any DSC "text" message is coming from - like showing what phone number a phone text message has been sent from. AIS stands for Automatic Identification System. AIS units can be either transceivers (that constantly transmit and receive) or just receivers. AIS transceivers must be registered with an MMSI to activate/identify them. That vessel's identity, speed, course, and a range of other information is then displayed on all AIS receiver screens within range, which helps improve safety between vessels.

Do I need an MMSI number?

You will need an MMSI number if you have a DSC radio, AIS transceiver and/or for some diver beacons.

What is the difference between VHF and SSB?

VHF (Very High Frequency) radios use low power, and the radio waves travel in a straight line (line-of-sight). SSB (Single Side Band) radios transmit at much higher power, at a lower frequency. SSB radio waves can "bounce" off the ionosphere, enabling world-wide communications over enormous distances in the right conditions.

How do I set up my VHF with my MMSI number?

You will need to enter the 9-digit MMSI number into your DSC radio. This is usually done through the radio's menu system. All radios are different, so if in doubt check the user manual.

Course Related

I need rpl for a course.

You'll need to complete a form to apply for RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning). You can download the RPL application form from the resources section at www.boatingeducation.org.nz/commercial

I have lost my certificate, how do I get a replacement?

Download replacement certificate forms for both MRROC and MSROC certificates, and all other course certificates,  here . A $35 charge applies for a digital replacement and a $45 charge applies for a hard copy plus digital replacement.

Note: Only certificates issued after 1986 are able to be replaced.

I have not received my certificate?

Please e-mail  [email protected]  with course details (type of course, date, and tutor if you have their name). Please note assessments may take time to be returned to CBE to be processed. 

I would like to do a home study course, my partner would like to as well, can we share resources?

You can share the resources (books, flash cards , chart plotter) however it can be more helpful if you are studying together to not have to keep passing the plotter! You cannot share the home study pack, and each person must do their own assessment. In order to receive the qualification you must purchase the pack. 

My friend has given me their old homestudy pack, can I use it?

It may be helpful for revision, however in order to receive the best from the course an old pack is not ideal. In order to keep information as current as possible, our manuals undergo revision and changes every so often. In order to receive the qualification you must purchase the pack.

How do I organise my RYA examination?

Practical on-water examinations for RYA/MCA Certificates of Competence (Yachtmaster Coastal, Yachtmaster Offshore) whether sail or power endorsed, must be organised through a recognised RYA Training Centre. All NZ RYA centres are listed at  www.boatingeducation.org.nz/rya .  Examinations can be organised without completing any preparation training, however this is not recommended. All candidates are recommended to complete pre-exam training through a training centre. Oral examinations for RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Ocean can be organised directly with CBE. Please contact the Manager Course Development.

I need help with celestial navigation, where can I go to get help?

RYA Yachtmaster Ocean Shorebased is the only course we offer that teaches Celestial Navigation. To enquire about an RYA Yachtmaster Ocean Shorebased course, please contact the RYA Training Centres listed at  www.boatingeducation.org.nz/rya .  If you are a CBE Ocean Yachtmaster Home Study student, please contact the Manager Course Development for assistance. If you need further help or one-on-one tuition we can put you in touch with a local tutor who can offer personal tuition.

Is there an age limit for DS/BM/VHF?

There is no minimum age limit to attend Day Skipper and VHF courses. You must be at least 15 years old to complete and attain a Boatmaster certificate.

When does my certificate expire?

Most certificates are for life and never expire. Marine Medic and Advanced Sea Survival certificates do expire (after 2 years and 5 years respectively).

Is my Boatmaster equal to ICC?

Boatmaster is a comprehensive theory course. It covers the knowledge required to gain an ICC but is not a direct equivalent. You must pass an on-water practical "driving test" and theory knowledge test at a recognised RYA Training Centre to gain an ICC. Information on gaining an ICC can be found at www.boatingeducation.org.nz/courses/42/international-certificate-of-competence- icc

Back to Resources Page

DISCOUNT CODES

To use your National Coastguard NZ new member discount for $100 off a Day Skipper course, please in put your membership number in the Discount Code field below (e.g. 123456). This discount code may not be used in conjunction with any other offer, and can only be redeemed once. 

To use your National Coastguard NZ 15% membership discount on other selected Home Study courses, input "CGM" and your Coastguard membership number (e.g. CGM78091) into the  "Discount Code" field below. This discount code may not be used in conjunction with any other offer. The courses included in this discount offer are: Day Skipper (Not to be used in conjunction with $ 100 discount), Boatmaster, Maritime VHF Radio Operator Certificate, Inboard Engine Maintenance, Outboard Engine Maintenance and GPS Operator.

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Working on Superyachts: Our Guide to Getting Paid and Traveling the World

Sustainable travel expert, adventure seeker

Jakobstad, Finland

Throughout m y  ten years as a superyacht stewardess, people have been intrigued by the job and what they imagine it entails. Admittedly, I  have  worked for celebrities  and  visited places I doubt I would’ve seen if it weren’t for the job. However, being repeatedly woken by the steward’s buzzer and requests to “make the engines less noisy” is infuriating, even when it’s at the behest of one of the world’s most famous drummers. And guess what? A visit to Mustique is a lot less paradisiacal when you have to spend your one hour ashore frantically trying to find a blind masseuse and a case of vintage rosé.

As a seasoned yachtie, I can tell you all about the pros and cons of this much-lusted over job. Read on and find out if a life below decks could be the life for you. 

You’ll earn the kind of cash that can buy you a house

Become a yachtie and you’ll see a fat paycheck and your bank balance balloon as you start to earn the big bucks. We’re talking average monthly salaries starting around 3,000 Euro. If that doesn’t sound like a lot, keep in mind that you’ll have all of your expenses (everything from toothpaste to health insurance) conveniently paid for by the yacht’s owner. Smart sailors know that savings can quickly add up, especially when they are supplemented by generous charter tips. Hello down payment on a little white house by the sea! 

Pro tip: Many yachties get a bit carried away with being able to drop 150€ on a rosé lunch without flinching. I did, and the fact that I now own a ridiculous amount of unwearable shoes doesn’t make up for it. While it’s ok to occasionally revel in having an abundance of cash to spend on whatever you like, you’ll regret it if you don’t see your salary as an opportunity to invest in your future. 

You’ll see some of the most stunning and remote corners of the world

While the well-trodden  Mediterranean-in-summer-and-Caribbean-in-winter  circuit is nothing to be sniffed at, you could also hit the jackpot with a more adventurous owner. Imagine setting sail for a round-the-world trip, experiencing the lagoon-like waters and balmy trade-winds of the Pacific and/or exploring the Antarctic’s remote, white wilderness? Become a yachtie and these dreamlands can become your next port of call.

Personal faves:  If you’re lucky like me, you’ll get to sail to the  awe-inspiring Galápagos islands where you’ll experience close encounters with sea turtles, sea lions, and rays. Or, you’ll visit the incredible Marlborough Sounds and soak up cinematic colours, not to mention the chance to taste green-lipped mussels, washed down with that celebrated Kiwi wine: the Sauvignon Blanc.

You’ll laugh your butt off with newfound friends

There’s usually a tremendous sense of camaraderie on board a superyacht. The shared ‘pains’ of living the yachtie life acts as a kind of social glue and will no doubt result in friendships that you’ll cherish forever, not to mention places to crash in all corners of the globe.

Personal faves: I’m still regularly in touch with many of the funny, interesting, and lovely people that I worked with eons ago. In fact, it’s a whopping twelve years since I crossed paths with the Italian deckhand with a mop of blonde curls and wicked sense of humour that I still hang with. We’ll be celebrating our 11th anniversary later this year.

You’ll entertain your mates back home with stories that will blow their minds

A season on the sea will give you enough stories to entertain your mates back home for the next two years. My first season’s stories range from the sensational (a famous rapper handing me 500 USD for packing his suitcase in under a minute) to the distressing (days of rough seas and being violently ill in the Bay of Biscay). And from the hilarious (getting my butt stuck in a porthole while sneaking back onboard after curfew) to the totally brag-worthy ones (chats with Jamiroquay on a private Jamaican beach).

You’ll soak up epic sunsets and spot amazing wildlife all the time

The most dramatic seascapes, the illustrious green flash, pods of dolphins, and seas alight with phosphorescence are just a few of the wondrous sights that’ll become part of your everyday life. When sailing conditions are sweet and you’re bantering away with fellow crew while helming one of the world’s most beautiful sailing boats, it’s easy to think that this is  the  best job in the world.

Pro tip:  While it’s tempting to drag your feet and whine as you get hauled out of bed in the dead of night, try your best to stay stay present. Looking back, it’s during those 4-8am watch shifts that I witnessed the most vivid sunrises, saw the most incredible marine life, and had the best conversations with fellow crew.

You’ll feel as though you’re stuck in a BBC drama

Those weeks (or months) when you have charter guests (or the boss) offer plenty of moments that are less than ideal. To be honest, waking up early to serve breakfast and working a 16-18 hour day is nothing out of the ordinary. While some guests show genuine appreciation, others might call you ‘the girl’ and talk to you like a duchess might to a servant in a BBC costume drama. And you? That’s right, you have your hands behind your back and you smile.

Pro tip: Whether you’re dealing with an owner with more money than manners, a toffee-nosed guest, or an inconsiderate lump whose offensiveness is unintentional, don’t take it personally— it’s their problem, not yours.

You’ll find ironing someone else’s undies to be positively unglamorous

The work mostly consists of detailing and, believe you me, there’s nothing glamorous about that. Mopping up blood juice from the broken meat freezer is something no one aspires doing. Nor is folding little fans from the ends of toilet paper, dusting behind never opened books, or ironing the captain’s Calvin Kleins. In fact, many tasks you’ll be asked to do will make no sense at all . Guess what? You’ll be doing them anyway.

Pro tip: Questioning whether certain tasks are necessary or suggesting a different way of doing things hardly ever goes down well. Almost comparable to being in the merchant navy, you’ll need to respect the chain of command. Simply keep your cool and do as you’re asked and you’ll have very little to worry about.

You won’t make it to your best friend’s wedding

A random rich person (the yacht’s owner, aka, your boss) is now in control of your time, how much you sleep, your general whereabouts, and pretty much everything else that’s going on in your life. Your best friend’s wedding? Christmas with your family? Chances are you won’t be able to make it to either one. Even if there’s nothing scheduled to happen at the time you want to be away, you can be guaranteed that a last minute charter or broker’s viewing will arise and ruin your plans spectacularly.

Say goodbye to privacy and alone time

You’ll be sharing everything and ‘alone’ time will be a thing of the past. What’s more, you’re stuck on a boat with the same people all the time. Most of them are probably people you wouldn’t choose to hang out with and some will have habits that are downright disturbing. When you’re tired, grumpy, and fed-up with having to step over your roomie’s dirty knickers, you’ll start to sweat the small stuff and, occasionally, will feel the urge to strangle somebody. However, you won’t be able to ‘walk it off’ or talk to your mates about it over a beer in the pub.

Pro tip: Although onboard politics are a fact of yachtie-life, don’t join the drama club. Listen and offer advice when appropriate, but avoid getting sucked into someone else’s saga and/or spreading gossip. Oh, and a note on the latter: wherever you are on a yacht, there will always be someone that can overhear your conversation, no matter how far away from the others you think you may be. 

There’s no escaping the industry’s ‘golden handcuffs’

Those fat stacks I mentioned as one of the pros? Well, the downside is that it’s easy to become dependent on the income the industry can offer. In fact, many yachties end up feeling trapped within a lifestyle that they themselves have subconsciously created. 

Pro tip: Think about the future before you make investments that could ‘imprison’ you. If you don’t, you may one day find that you can’t afford to leave a job that you stopped enjoying a while ago.

Still up for this? Here’s how to go about it:

Step 1: Complete an STCW Basic Training Course. This is required if you dream of being able to work on a commercially registered yacht. Aside from classroom days, this five-day course includes a lot of fun stuff, such as clambering into life rafts and putting out fires the size of a house.

Step 2: Get ready to yachtifie your CV (make sure to mention hospitality work or other relevant experience such as massage or beautician skills) and head to a super yacht hub such as Palma de Mallorca, Antibes, or Ft. Lauderdale.

Step 3: Finally, you’ll need to sign up with one of the yacht crew agencies and keep checking social media pages such as Palma Yacht Crew ; the latter posts jobs and day work positions regularly.

A last word of advice:

Before you start booking flights and selling your furniture, I have one more piece of advice to share. One of the reasons I kept returning to work on boats is that I couldn’t seem to adjust to a ‘normal’ life ashore. Whenever I’d leave a job, I’d get itchy feet and crave adventure and the only way I knew how to get that (with a good salary) was in yachting.

So, if you still find yourself down yachting’s rabbit hole five or ten years from now, don’t say I didn’t warn y’all! But hey, if that rabbit hole includes ticking off a huge chunk of your travel bucket list and making lifelong friends, you’ll have zero regrets.

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Welcoming Superyachts to New Zealand in 2021

By Christina Tsangaris

Helen Clark, Patron of the Emirates Team NZ, joins us on the shores of OneOcean Port Vell Marina in Barcelona for part two of our interview. We discuss how hosting the America’s Cup in 2021 will transform Auckland into the ultimate superyacht hub, pushing the destination into the spotlight for superyacht owners and charter guests.

Auckland has a rich maritime history, tell us what makes this region perfect for the America’s Cup as well as a charter destination for superyacht owners? Auckland has a big inner harbour and a large protected gulf which is ideal for yachting. Aside from being a sailing paradise, it is incredibly accessible. The entrance into the inner Auckland harbour and the view of the Rangitoto Island, a volcanic island in the Hauraki Gulf near Auckland, is truly breathtaking. We really are excited to share these spots with superyacht owners who will be visiting for the America’s Cup in 2021.

Likewise, we will have other events taking place the same year as the America’s Cup. The superyachts’ racing for the Millennium Cup and the Junior’s America’s Cup will be complementary events to the Cup. 2021 is also the year in which New Zealand chairs the Asia Pacific Economic Co-operation organisation (APEC) again, and leaders will be coming from around the Asia-Pacific rim to Auckland.

Every year the America’s Cup brings a fleet of superyachts which berth there. What does the region of Auckland offer in terms of infrastructure? Auckland has geared up twice before as host of the Americas Cup racing and it will gear up again. When hosting in the early 2000s, there was a lot of redevelopment so that Auckland could accommodate the bases and provide services for the competing yachting teams as well as for the visiting superyachts.

For the next Americas Cup, there will be an expansion of the berthing infrastructure and of refit facilities. There is a cohesive cluster of companies in the marine services sector. Close to Auckland there is a training facility for masters and other skills relevant to sailing super yachts. New Zealand also has legal and other structures which are friendly to visiting superyachts to come to the region.

How do you see the America’s Cup evolving New Zealand as a superyacht hub? You really can’t overestimate what hosting the America’s Cup has done and will do for Auckland. It has contributed to making the city an international destination with luxury hotels, bespoke real estate, and fine dining.

In tourism, the best strategy is to prioritise value over volume. New Zealand is not trying to compete with crowded Mediterranean destinations or oversaturated European cities. We have good infrastructure, crime is low, and we operate in a global language.

The country as a whole offers a wide range of experiences for visitors from our subtropical North to our sub-Antarctic south. Take our West Coast with glaciers terminating very close to the coast. Whether you enjoy wine tasting, golfing, canyoning or eco-tourism, New Zealand has something for every superyacht owner and charter guest. Its versatility and beauty are its appeal – along with our legendary Kiwi hospitality!

How important are operational partners like BWA Yachting in ensuring the support of captains, crew and superyacht owners when berthing in Auckland for the America’s Cup? The support from BWA Yachting is huge. They offer a comprehensive and holistic service that superyachts truly rely on. From provisioning and bespoke itineraries to practical elements such as customs and immigration when visiting during the America’s Cup, they are every superyacht owner’s port of call. After Emirates Team New Zealand won the Cup again in Bermuda, superyacht owners would have begun discussing their plans to visit.

"Auckland has geared up twice before as host of the Americas Cup racing and it will gear up again. When hosting in the early 2000s, there was a lot of redevelopment so that Auckland could accommodate the bases and provide services for the competing yachting teams as well as for the visiting superyachts." Helen Clark, Patron of the Emirates Team NZ

"Auckland has geared up twice before as host of the Americas Cup racing and it will gear up again. When hosting in the early 2000s, there was a lot of redevelopment so that Auckland could accommodate the bases and provide services for the competing yachting teams as well as for the visiting superyachts."

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Super Yachts Visitor Visa

This visa is for owners and crew of super yachts travelling to New Zealand. It allows you to stay or travel in and out of New Zealand for up to 6 months.

Length of stay

Processing time, with this visa you can.

• Visit New Zealand on any privately-owned yacht that is over 20 metres long and powered by motor and/or sail.
• Travel in and out of New Zealand for up to 6 months.
• Include your partner, and dependent children aged 19 and under, in your visa application.

Things to note

• You’ll need to contact New Zealand Customs for information about what to do before you arrive by sea.

New Zealand Customs Service

Use the filters below to display relevant tips as well as detailed fees and receiving centre information

What you need to apply

Check if you are eligible to apply for this visa and what supporting documents and information you need to provide.

View All Evidence

You must provide proof of your identity

• 1 acceptable photo if you apply online, or 2 photos if you use a paper application form.
• your passport or certificate of identity .

Acceptable photos

If you apply online, you must upload a copy of your passport when you apply. We will let you know if you need to send your passport after you have applied.

Providing your passport for online applications

If you submit a paper application, provide your original passport or a certified copy.  We can usually process your application faster if you provide your original passport.

If you are a citizen of China and you submit a paper application form in China, you must also complete a supplementary form.

Supplementary form for Chinese citizens (INZ 1027) PDF 338KB

If you are submitting a paper application form, you must provide a supplementary form for Hong Kong and Macao visitors, workers and students.

Supplementary form for Hong Kong and Macao visitors, workers and students (INZ 1220) PDF 240KB

Also provide your:

• Hukou (household registration book)
• Chinese identity card.

Also provide a copy of your Identity card.

You must be in good health

We may ask you to have a chest x-ray, a medical examination or both as proof of your good health.

If you are staying less than:

• 6 months you do not normally need a chest x-ray. 
• 12 months you do not normally need a medical certificate. 

Who needs an x-ray or medical examination

When we process your application we let you know if we need you to have a chest x-ray or medical examination.

Acceptable standard of health criteria for visa approvals

Please only provide medical certificates if requested

You must provide a chest x-ray completed in the last 3 months, even if you've provided one to us previously, if:

• you have spent 6 consecutive months in China since the last x-ray certificate was issued, and
• you are now coming to NZ for more than 6 months.

You must be of good character

If you have a criminal conviction or are a security risk to New Zealand we may not be able to grant you a visa.

Good character for temporary visas

You must provide police certificates if your total time in New Zealand will be 24 months or longer across all visits. This includes any time you have spent in New Zealand in the past on other visas, even if you have been out of the country since then.

You also must provide police certificates if we ask for them.

If you are 16 years old or younger you do not need to provide police certificates.

Providing police certificates

How to get a police certificate

If you have already sent us Police Certificates with a previous visa application and they are less than 24 months old, you do not need to send them again.

Police certificates must be less than 6 months old when you submit your application. They must be from any country you are a citizen of, or have spent more than 5 years in since you turned 17.

Genuine intentions

You must genuinely intend to meet the conditions of your visa

When we decide if your intentions are genuine, we consider all the information:

• you provide to support your application
• we have about your personal circumstances, and
• you provided in any previous applications.

Genuine intentions to visit, study or work in NZ

Funds or sponsorship

You must provide evidence of funds or sponsorship

You must have at least NZD $1,000 per person per month, or NZD $400 if you’ll be living on board a yacht or have already paid for accommodation.

Evidence can include:

• proof you’ve paid for accommodation, like hotel receipts or pre-paid vouchers
• bank statements
• credit card statements
• bank drafts
• travellers’ cheques
• a ‘Sponsorship Form for Temporary Entry’ completed by an acceptable sponsor. 

What sponsors must do – responsibilities and obligations

Sponsorship Form for Temporary Entry (INZ 1025) PDF 414KB

Onward travel (commercial transport)

If you’ll be using commercial transport to leave New Zealand, you must have a ticket to leave New Zealand to a country you have the right to enter , or enough money to buy one

• your travel ticket
• proof you have enough money to leave New Zealand.

Onward travel (private transport)

You must either own and insure the craft you’re travelling on or provide confirmation from its owner or captain that you’ll be leaving on that craft

If you’ll be leaving New Zealand on a private craft, you must provide evidence of either of the following:

• for owners and their dependants, evidence of ownership of the craft and adequate insurance against major damage
• for crew and passengers, a letter from the craft’s owner or captain confirming that you'll be leaving on that craft.

Health care

You must agree to pay your own health care costs

You must declare in your visa application that you will pay the costs of any health care or medical assistance you receive in New Zealand.

We recommend that you have full medical insurance for the length of your visit.

Relationship with family

If you include your partner and children in your application, you must have a genuine relationship with them

To meet the requirements, they must:

• be your partner, or dependent child aged 19 or under
• provide proof of their identity
• be of good character
• be in good health 
• be a bona fide applicant.

Partnership

Dependent children

You can include your family in your visitor visa application, or they can apply for their own visas.

You should provide copies of family members Hukou (household registration book) included in your application.

You should provide copies of identity cards for family members included in your application.

Process and costs

The information below will help you understand the process, timeframes and costs involved in applying for this visa, so you can plan ahead and have the best chance of submitting a complete application.

We cannot display any process or costs information until you have provided your country details. Enter your country details in the panel above to view information relevant to your situation.

How to submit

Payment methods and receiving centre details if applicable.

We cannot display any receiving centre or payment method information until you have provided your country details. Enter your country details in the panel above to view information relevant to your situation.

These are the conditions that you must meet once you have your visa.

Entry permission

You must apply for entry permission at an Immigration Control Area when you arrive in New Zealand by presenting yourself to an Immigration Officer within 72 hours of your arrival.

Immigration Control Area

You can be refused entry permission if:

• you do not meet our character requirements
• your circumstances have changed since you were granted a visa
• you refuse to let us take your photo or to provide us with your fingerprints or an iris scan, if asked for them
• you are unable to provide evidence of any onward travel or funds required by the conditions of your visa.

If you are refused entry to New Zealand

Before you travel to New Zealand

If travelling in and out of New Zealand, a valid multiple entry travel condition  is needed to return to New Zealand.

Changing the conditions of a visitor visa

If applying from inside New Zealand, we will normally give multiple entry travel conditions when we grant a visa.

If there are no multiple entry travel conditions and you leave New Zealand the visa will expire.

The travel conditions will be listed on the visa label or in a visa letter.

Onward travel

If you’re leaving New Zealand by commercial transport, you must have a ticket to leave New Zealand to a country you have the right to enter or enough money to buy one.

If living on board a yacht, you must have NZ $400 a month to live on while in New Zealand or a sponsor.

Acceptable sponsors

You can continue to work as superyacht crew while in New Zealand.

Visa expiry

You must leave New Zealand before your visa expires.

You can apply for more visas to allow you to stay up to 12 months.

By SuperyachtNews 28 Jun 2022

Superyacht New Zealand

Centralised information hub for the region to launch at the palma superyacht cup….

I had the chance to speak with the team behind Superyacht New Zealand during my time in New Zealand earlier in 2022. The level of planning, yachting conducive regulatory framework and infrastructure development that the country has undergone in the last 3 years was impressive.

The launch of Superyacht New Zealand is designed to bring together this highly-regarded superyacht industry and superyacht-friendly legislation under one umbrella. Presenting information on clearance, charter, cruising, itineraries, suppliers and the wider region, Superyacht New Zealand is designed to make the destination simple to access.

Superyacht New Zealand will be found at all major international superyacht shows, online at Superyacht New Zealand, and via a hard copy book. Designed for captains, management and owners, forward planning of refit, charter seasons and owner cruising across the region is now streamlined with direct access to information grouped in one place.

With coordinated charter and cruising legislation across the South Pacific, the region is rapidly attracting charter yachts taking advantage of the dual seasons available, combined with fresh experiences for the charter market. With countries dotted down the Pacific and each equipped with superyacht infrastructure, yachts are able to plan seasons in Tahiti and Fiji before moving on to spend time in New Zealand and Australia. The refit hub of New Zealand allows for warranty repairs and service schedules for new builds, or complex refits to be undertaken to facilitate multiple seasons.

“We chose to launch at the Superyacht Cup Palma, due to our longstanding friendship with the regatta; we’ve been working together as destination partner for many years collaborating with New Zealand Trade and Enterprise and we plan for this to continue,” says NZ Marine’s Stacey Cook. “As two superyacht hubs on the opposite sides of the world, we both deliver great hospitality and exceptional experiences with the unique flavours of our countries.”

The Superyacht New Zealand team will celebrate the launch with a cocktail reception on 29 June at the Superyacht Cup Palma, distributing hard copies of the Destination New Zealand Guide. See Superyacht New Zealand for more information, and to download a free copy of the destination guide.

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Ketch this: Aquijo is one of the biggest sailing superyachts and has arrived in Auckland

Grant Bradley

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The monster ketch that has docked in Auckland is available for charter - with a starting price of $800,000 a week.

The ultra-luxury Aquijo boasts pools, a Turkish bath, a sauna and a crew of 17 to look after just 12 guests.

Built in the Netherlands for an estimated $175 million two years ago, it is available during the European summer for charter through specialised agents.

Aquijo is the biggest sailing mega-yacht to come to New Zealand and docked in Auckland this morning with its Kiwi co-skipper on board.

The vessel's representatives are tight-lipped about who owns the vessel, saying that it is a "European businessman" and that previous overseas reports on its ownership are inaccurate.

Unlike other non-sailing mega-yachts that have come to Auckland - such as A and Serene - it is believed not to be owned by a Russian oligarch.

At 86m long and is one of the world's largest private sailing ketches, its 91m masts tower more than 25m over the Auckland Harbour Bridge's highest span.

Auckland's Southern Spars designed the masts which are some of the tallest in the world and mean Aquijo is unable to pass under the bridges over the Panama and Suez Canals so the vessel has to go around Cape Horn and Cape of Good Hope on world voyages.

The Dutch-built yacht's total sail area is 5000sq m - equivalent to that of half a rugby field.

The main sails weigh around two tonnes each and will be serviced in the Auckland loft of international sail company, North Sails.

It motored through the Rangitoto Channel just after 7am with a pilot on board and docked at Wynyard Wharf an hour later.

Launched in 2016, Aquijo can accommodate up to 12 guests (plus two owners) in seven cabins and they're pampered by a crew of 17.

Yachting World says the sociable main deck includes the dining room and main saloon, linked to the outside deck by an inside-outside bar.

''The yacht's real showcase feature is the 'beach club' on the lower deck, which includes a Jacuzzi, sauna, hammam/Turkish bath, rainfall shower, and room for gym equipment, with an open walkway through to the transom swim platform.''

There is a further whirlpool spa bath on the outer deck.

Its co-skipper Luke Hoskins is orginially from Matakana and has been on the vessel since last year.

He told the Herald that a spell as a trainee on the Spirit of New Zealand sail training ship while at school got him interested in being on the water.

The first boat the 39-year-old worked on was a 35m wooden schooner in Mexico in 2002.

''I've worked on several large sailing yachts over the years and worked my way up through the ranks while gaining the required qualifications. I joined Aquijo as first officer in May 2017, then earlier this year started to rotate the captain's job with the senior captain [Gerhard Veldsman],'' he said.

''The most fun is when you have passengers onboard cruising in beautiful parts of the world and helping them to have amazing experiences. I know how romantic that may sound, but working on superyachts can be demanding at times for the crew, and means being away from home for long periods.''

Aquijo was ''an extraordinary yacht'' which handled exceptionally under sail.

''It's impossible to describe the feeling when you first bear away and she powers up. Everybody who sails on her is amazed at how well she handles and how graceful she feels,'' said Hoskins.

Since departing Europe in November last year the vessel had covered more than 55,000km and experienced all kinds of conditions.

''We sailed around Cape Horn in 50 knots and pretty big seas - albeit with only the staysail up as it was so windy,'' he said.

The international crew of comes from South Africa, Australia, England, Estonia, Barbados, Brazil, the United States, Canada, Netherlands as well as two other Kiwis - Josh Mangakahia and Jake Tyndall.

He said it was a ''dream come true'' to bring the vessel to New Zealand.

Work would be carried out at Orams Marine over the next couple months and sails serviced by North Sails - a job which requires cranes just to remove them from the yacht due to their size.

He said New Zealand's maritime industry was held in high regard and the country had a lot to offer as a cruising destination too.

''I've heard that there are loads of yachts coming down for the America's Cup in a couple years.''

Aquijo is being handled by Asia Pacific Superyachts New Zealand, which provides specialist service and luxury experiences to superyachts visiting New Zealand and the Pacific.

Managing director Duthie Lidgard said Aquijo's arrival marks the start of the superyacht season which runs through until April next year. Aquijo is the first of around 20 superyachts due to arrive this season.

Scenic flights, bespoke guided excursions and Māori cultural experiences were popular with superyacht crew and guests across New Zealand, he said.

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Super yacht cruising

Millennium Cup yachting, Northland & Bay of Islands

New Zealand has 14,000 kilometres of staggeringly beautiful coastline just waiting to be discovered.

Our waters are pristine, the fishing and diving are incredible and onshore you'll find a diversity of landscape and activities you never dreamed possible.

Here's a glimpse of what the country has to offer - a taste of the unforgettable experiences in store when you choose to cruise our waters.

Roberton Island, Northland & Bay of Islands

By Ruth Lawton

The Bay of Islands is New Zealand's premier cruising ground. You can explore a different island every day.

A region synonymous with exclusive private lodges and cliff-top golf courses, the Northland of today is a far cry from when the Maori first paddled ashore over 1000 years ago.

The region includes the game fishing ports of Russell and Whangaroa and the Bay of Islands . These spectacular isles, there are over 150 of them, are alive with history and marine life - where every secluded cove and empty beach has a story to tell.

The Poor Knights Islands, remnants of ancient volcanoes, stand sentinel over a spectacular marine reserve and beckon divers from all over the world to come and experience the ocean's crystal clarity.

Featured Experiences, New Zealand

By Kirra Tours

Featured Experiences - Yacht Sailing on Auckland Harbour

An immensely varied destination that boasts glorious harbours, alluring beaches and bays, rainforest, walking trails, volcanic cones and idyllic islands. Not only is Auckland naturally beautiful, it is New Zealand's most culturally diverse region and also offers great shopping and outstanding food and wine.

Its temperate climate, sparkling waters and cosmopolitan lifestyle combine to make Auckland one of the most desirable places in the world.

Cathedral Cove, Coromandel

By Tourism New Zealand

Famous Cathedral Cove is one of the “must visit” top free attractions on The Coromandel.

Protected rainforests shrouded in mist and marine reserves ensure the Coromandel region's natural beauty is well preserved; and the coastline is simply spectacular. From the hot springs that bubble up from the sands of Hot Water Beach to the high-arched cave, the natural wonder, that links Cathedral Cove to Mare's Leg cove.

The Mercury and Alderman Islands off the Coromandel Coast are surrounded by drop offs and rich reefs, home to stands of magnificent black coral, big game fish and the occasional orca. Water visibility here can reach beyond 30 metres and the islands are a popular cave diving destination.

Nelson Tasman

Gourmet Sailing, Nelson Tasman

By Gourmet Sailing

Gourmet Sailing's yachts in Abel Tasman National Park

Its sheltered situation and long sunshine hours make Nelson Tasman an ideal cruising destination. Explore the lagoons and islands of the vast Tasman Bay or head west to Abel Tasman National Park , known for its golden beaches, emerald bush-clad hills and native bird life.

Grapes and hops thrive in the region's fertile soil, so it's not surprising that Nelson Tasman is home to some of New Zealand's best wine and artisan beer producers.

More than 350 working artists and craftspeople live in the region, and are no doubt inspired by its exceptional beauty. A private art tour will give you an opportunity to meet Nelson's studio potters, artist studios and bead and glass galleries.

Marlborough

Marlborough Sounds, Marlborough

By Rob Suisted

Arrive by sea to explore Marlborough, an area famous for wine, food, fishing and wonderful walking trails.

This region is steeped in Maori legend and has offered safe harbour to sailors for centuries. A myriad of deep coves, bays and fringed with secluded beaches and native bush, the 1500 kilometres of coastline that make up the Marlborough Sounds are a haven of scenic tranquillity.

Share and explore the picturesque inlets with dolphins, seals and an abundance of other marine animals, or head ashore. Marlborough is New Zealand's premier wine growing region, home of award-winning sauvignon blancs, superb aromatics, chardonnays and rich pinot noirs.

Fiordland & Southland

Coastal views, Stewart Island - Rakiura

By Venture Southland

Stewart Island from the air

One of New Zealand's most dramatic and diverse regions with fertile farmlands, lush rainforests, sweeping coastlines and secluded islands. Fiordland's spectacular lakes, majestic snow-capped peaks and impossibly high waterfalls are simply breathtaking. Kayak, dive or board a small plane and explore Fiordland's incomparable beauty.

Stewart Island and Rakiura National Park are the jewels of Southland's crown. Home to New Zealand's iconic flightless bird, the kiwi, the island is also known for its brilliant night skies.

Discover your New Zealand adventure

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