cleaning yachts jobs

How to Be Yacht Cleaner - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

• How to Become
• Job Descriptions
• Skill & Competencies
• Common Tools
• Professional Organizations

Having a clean and well-maintained yacht is essential for enjoying a safe and comfortable voyage. Yacht cleaners play an important role in making this possible by removing dirt, grime, and salt build-up from the surfaces of a yacht. This helps to protect the hull, deck, and interior of the yacht, as well as its engines, from corrosion and other damage caused by salt.

regular cleaning of a yacht can help to maintain its aesthetic appeal and resale value. Yacht cleaners use a variety of tools and supplies such as brushes, sponges, degreasers, polishes, and waxes to remove dirt and grime build-up and restore the yacht's luster. This helps to keep the yacht in tip-top condition and maximize its lifespan.

Steps How to Become

• Obtain a high school diploma or GED. Most employers prefer applicants with at least a high school education.
• Obtain certifications and/or specialized training. Depending on the company, some employers may require certifications, such as boat maintenance and repair, operating and maneuvering vessels, and first aid/CPR.
• Apply for entry-level jobs related to yacht cleaning. Companies typically hire entry-level cleaners to assist in cleaning and maintenance of yachts.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the duties and responsibilities of a yacht cleaner. This includes being able to properly clean and maintain the interior and exterior of a yacht, as well as being able to follow safety protocols when working with hazardous materials.
• Obtain experience in the field. Working as a yacht cleaner is a great way to gain experience and build your resume.
• Obtain additional certifications and/or specialized training as needed. As your experience in the field grows, you may need additional certifications or specialized training to advance in the field.

Proper maintenance and regular cleaning are essential in order to ensure that a yacht is reliable and efficient. A yacht cleaner should always start by inspecting the boat for any damage or wear and tear, followed by a thorough cleaning of the exterior and interior. This includes washing all surfaces, vacuuming carpets, polishing the wood and chrome, and cleaning the windows.

the hull should be cleaned with a soft brush to remove any accumulated algae or barnacles, and the bottom of the boat should be pressure washed to remove any growths or dirt. Once the exterior is clean and dry, the engine should be checked for any visible problems and all fluids should be topped off. Finally, once all of these steps are completed, a professional inspection should be performed to ensure that all components are operating correctly.

Following these steps will help ensure that the yacht is reliable and efficient.

You may want to check Yacht Survey Technician , Yacht Rigger , and Yacht Repair Supervisor for alternative.

Job Description

• Clean the exterior of the yacht, including the hull, decks, and windows.
• Vacuum carpets and furniture onboard the yacht.
• Clean and polish interior surfaces, such as woodwork and fixtures.
• Dust and wipe down all surfaces in the cabin.
• Clean and sanitize bathrooms and other wet areas.
• Empty, clean and restock the refrigerator, pantry, and other storage areas.
• Check expiration dates on food items and properly dispose of expired items.
• Take out garbage and recycling to designated areas.
• Clean and wax surfaces to protect them from the elements.
• Monitor the condition of equipment, such as pumps and filters, to ensure they are in good working order.

Skills and Competencies to Have

• Knowledge of proper cleaning techniques and products for different surfaces.
• Ability to follow safety procedures when handling hazardous materials.
• Ability to operate power washers, buffing machines, and other cleaning equipment.
• Knowledge of marine detailing techniques and products.
• Ability to follow instructions and complete tasks in a timely manner.
• Ability to lift heavy objects and maneuver them into difficult spaces.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Good customer service skills.
• Knowledge of safety regulations related to the use of cleaning chemicals and equipment.

Maintaining a clean yacht is essential to keeping it in top condition and ensuring the safety of its passengers. A skilled yacht cleaner is needed to help keep the vessel in pristine condition. This requires attention to detail, knowledge of cleaning techniques, and the ability to use a variety of cleaning tools and materials.

Good time management and communication skills are also important as yacht cleaners must be able to work quickly and effectively without compromising the quality of their work. as the yacht may be used for a variety of purposes, it is critical for the yacht cleaner to be familiar with regulations regarding proper disposal of hazardous materials. Finally, a keen eye for spotting potential repairs or maintenance issues on the yacht can help ensure that any problems are addressed promptly.

A skilled yacht cleaner is a valuable asset in keeping a yacht in optimal condition.

Yacht Refit Supervisor , Yacht Equipment Manager , and Yacht Provisioner are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

• What experience do you have in cleaning yachts?
• Describe the process you typically follow when cleaning a yacht.
• How do you ensure that all areas of the yacht are properly cleaned and maintained?
• What safety procedures do you follow when working on yachts?
• How do you handle difficult stains or persistent dirt on yacht surfaces?
• Explain how you would go about preparing a yacht for a special event.
• How do you stay organized when cleaning and maintaining a yacht?
• What techniques do you use to clean and polish the exterior of a yacht?
• How do you keep track of the materials, tools, and supplies needed for cleaning a yacht?
• What is your experience with detailing a yacht's interior?

Common Tools in Industry

• Pressure Washer. A device used to clean surfaces with a powerful stream of water. (eg: Karcher Pressure Washer)
• Vacuum Cleaner. A device used to remove dirt and debris from surfaces, usually through suction. (eg: Hoover Vacuum Cleaner)
• Mop. A tool used to clean floors, usually with a wet or damp cloth. (eg: O-Cedar Spin Mop)
• Scrubbing Brush. A tool used to scrub hard-to-reach areas or remove tough dirt and grime. (eg: Drillbrush Power Scrubber)
• Soft Bristle Brush. A brush with soft bristles used to clean delicate surfaces and remove dirt and grime. (eg: OXO Good Grips Soft Bristle Brush)
• Glass Cleaner. A product used to clean glass surfaces and make them shine. (eg: Windex Glass Cleaner)
• Degreaser. A product used to break down and remove grease from surfaces. (eg: Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner and Degreaser)
• Sponge or Cloth. A tool used to wipe down surfaces and remove dirt and grime. (eg: Scotch-Brite Heavy Duty Scrub Sponge)

Professional Organizations to Know

• American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC)
• National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA)
• National Marine Educators Association (NMEA)
• Professional Association of Dive Instructors (PADI)
• Yacht Racing Union of the United States (YRUS)
• United States Sailboat Show (USSS)
• US Yacht Shows (USYS)
• National Marine Electronics Association (NMEA)
• International Marine Certification Institute (IMCI)
• International Yacht Restoration School (IYRS)

We also have Yacht Refrigeration Technician , Yacht Refit Technician , and Yacht Repair Technician jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

• Boat Wax. A wax product used to protect and improve the appearance of marine vessels.
• Boat Polish. A product used to polish and protect the finish of boats.
• Hull Cleaner. A cleaner used to remove dirt, grime and other contaminants from the hull of a boat.
• Marine Varnish. A type of varnish used to protect and enhance the appearance of boats.
• Deck Cleaner. A cleaner used to remove dirt, grime and other contaminants from the decks of boats.
• Teak Cleaner. A cleaner specifically designed for cleaning teak wood surfaces on boats.
• Fiberglass Cleaner. A cleaner used to remove dirt and grime from fiberglass surfaces on boats.
• Hull Wax. A wax product used to protect and enhance the appearance of marine vessels.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of cleaning products should i use for my yacht.

For best results, it is recommended to use a mild, non-abrasive cleaner specifically designed for cleaning yachts, such as Starbrite Yacht Cleaner.

What type of surface can I use Yacht Cleaner on?

Yacht Cleaner is suitable for use on fiberglass, vinyl, plastic, painted surfaces, and canvas.

How often should I clean my Yacht?

Regular cleaning of your yacht is essential to maintain its appearance and protect it from the elements. It is recommended to clean your boat every two to three months.

How do I apply Yacht Cleaner?

It is best to apply Yacht Cleaner with a soft sponge or cloth. Test in a small, inconspicuous area before applying the cleaner to the entire surface.

How do I store Yacht Cleaner?

Make sure to store Yacht Cleaner in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Be sure to keep the lid tightly closed to prevent contamination.

What are jobs related with Yacht Cleaner?

• Yacht Upholsterer
• Yacht Broker
• Yacht Steward
• Yacht Electrician
• Yacht Refurbishment Specialist
• Yacht Diversification Manager
• Yacht Captain Instructor
• Yacht Systems Analyst
• Yacht Painter

Web Resources

• Yacht Design - IED www.ied.edu
• Boat cleaning equipment at launch sites can stop the … www.canr.msu.edu
• Yacht Design — The Landing School www.landingschool.edu

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Superyacht Crew Jobs

If you are looking to find out more about yacht crew jobs, you came to the right place. This article will give you a clear overview of what employment in yachting is like.

There’s more than 367,000 yacht crew workers employed on the 7,000+ SuperYachts in the world. This article gives an overview of working on Yachts including tips and hints for finding jobs.

Working with yachting involves being at the right place at the right time. The ability in travel and work is among the attractions of the industry and is a great bonus. Finding a dream job is not easy, but it’s possible.

There are various levels of yacht crew jobs available to be filled. Some of these yacht jobs require little experience and others require extensive experience in the yachting industry.

Jobs in yachting

Those aboard are divided into the bridge engines deck and interior. There are other areas where owner could need personnel such as Security employees, personal support personnel or even helicopter pilots.

In recent years, the yachting industry has exploded in terms of size and demand for more skilled yacht crew. The vessels got bigger and more powerful and there is a higher demand for employment on them. The benefits that come with it are great which explains why people from across the world want to be part of it. Below are the main categories you see on board crewed super yachts and in every section you will find more details about the key jobs in yachting.

Deck department: This is a very active department with a great deal of navigation, pilotage and safety responsibility. The deck department involves also involves dealing with tenders, jet skis, water toys, line handling and crane operations. The deck yacht crew is also responsible for maintaining the everything that has to do with the exterior, teak decks, hull, superstructure.

Climbing up the hierarchy to ultimately become a yacht captain takes a great deal of commitment to enroll courses to improve skills and abilities, and gather the necessary nautical miles. It’s not unusual for someone to start as a deckhand and work his or her way up the ladder and work on several mega yachts before to reach a deck officer position.

What are the different yacht crew positions in the deck department?

Yacht captain.

The yacht Captain or master has full control of the vessel. The role ranges from managing a full-time employee or a large operating unit with several departments and crew members plus a vast budget. Qualifications range from a 200 ton license to a Master Unlimited depending on the size.

• Yacht captain salary guide
• Yacht captain job description
• Yacht captain jobs

Chief Officer

The chief officer or the first officer is the second commanding officer most frequently assumed to act as relief captain as needed. They are also principally responsible for bridge duties and maintaining a smooth function of the deck department. A chief officer is the second

• Yacht chief officer salary guide
• Yacht chief officer jobs

Officer of the watch

Officer of the Watch is deputy of chief/first officer. The job also covers the safety of the yacht and anyone found aboard. The position is usually found on larger yachts and is an important role. Read here for details about the Role of the Watch officer. Find everything about sailing news at.

Yacht OOW jobs

Bosun is responsible for the deck persons, and is usually below The captain or Second or Third Officer, depending on the size of the boat. A BOSUN would involve experience in deck-handing and various other certificates are required. Discover more about the bosun role in the bunks and the bosun crew.

Yacht bosun jobs

Deckhand is an entry level position in which a crew member learns the ropes of yachting. Starting at this position, it’s possible to work your way up through further positions and progressively gain experience in terms of time spent on board. The large majority of yacht crew have started from sheer hard work and dedication.

Yacht deckhand jobs

Engineering department

There is a high demand for yacht crew with strong engineering skills and the knowledge of propulsion systems, air conditioning and electrical systems. The engine department is a part of the yacht’s machinery.

Most boats have diesel engines that need regular checks, general maintenance and surveys by marine engineers. In this department, you will find qualified electricians, mechanics and electronic technicians. Yachts with bigger ‘power’ are becoming more popular as they improve speed and comfort for passengers.

What are the different yacht crew positions in the engine department ?

Yacht chief engineer.

The chief Engineer shall be responsible for maintaining the engines with mechanical equipment on board the vessel. It requires a good understanding of the systems for propulsion, air conditioning and electrical systems. A chief engineer manage a team of engineers to perform all the required tasks under the authority of a captain .

He’ll report directly to the captain or person in charge on board.

Yacht engineer salary

Yacht engineer jobs

Yacht 2nd Engineer / 3rd Engineer

Second engineer reports to Chief Engineer. The Second Engineer performs under the supervision of the Chief Engineer and/or Captain, the routine maintenance work on board vessel’s main engines, generators and other auxiliaries.

2nd Engineer receives assistance from the 3rd engineer and technicians in his or her department. It is a position that provides the opportunity to gain more knowledge and experience in order to move up to chief engineer.

It is also possible to work your way up from 2nd or 3rd engineer to chief engineer by enrolling in courses and gaining the required expertise as a yacht crew.

ETO: Electro Technical Officer

The ETO is in charge of electrical systems. This includes all tasks related to power generation, regulation and application in the vessel’s departments, in addition to the maintenance work on board. Everything in terms of electrics is under his responsibility including batteries , switchboards, wiring diagrams etc..

AV/IT Officer

There is a high demand for professionals with strong knowledge of communication and audio-visual systems. The AV/IT Officer would be in charge to control all the entertainment systems on board, including satellite TV, home cinema, music players etc..

He’s also responsible for other technology used on board such as wifi or telephone system .

Yacht AV/IT jobs

Electrician

This job includes all tasks related to power generation, regulation and application in the vessel’s departments. It also requires a good understanding of electrical wiring diagrams, electric circuit breaker panels and generators.

What are the different yacht crew positions in the interior department?

Interior luxury yacht crew positions includes steward(ess), chefs, food and beverage managers, housekeeping department. There might be additional activities that fall under the interior department, such as yacht nurses or butlers.

For yachts normally the purser is one of the tasks on larger vessels. The function involved working in numbers and budget management, handling yacht crew visas and other compliance and accounting matters.

Yacht purser jobs

Yacht chief Steward(ess)

This job requires attention to detail with an understanding of guest requirements and preferences. You will be in charge of everything related to service and housekeeping on board.

The Yacht chief Steward(ess) is in charge of the well-being and happiness of guests on board, by making sure everything runs smoothly in terms of food, drinks, cleanliness & guest requests.

On a large luxury yacht, this position might be replace by a Head of service and a Head of housekeeping.

Yacht stewardess salary guide

Yacht chief stewardess jobs

Yacht Steward(ess)

The Yacht Steward(ess) reports to the Chief steward or person in charge on board. It is a junior position and will be assisting the chief steward with different tasks related to service on board.

Yacht stewardess jobs

Laundry Steward(ess):

The yacht’s laundry department washes, dries and irons clothes for everybody on board. Yacht staff must provide guests with clean clothes all the time so this department is busy most of the day.

Yacht laundry jobs

Housekeepers:

Housekeepers are responsible for making up cabins, cleaning and doing laundry as well as serving guests with all their requirements. They are also involved in organizing parties on board with the help of the deck crew.

Yacht housekeeper jobs

Galley department:

These are very important members of all yachts as they prepare meals for everyone on the boat. They are responsible for buying food and drinks to store in fridges aboard. The client expects well qualified cooks onboard who can provide delicious dishes which can be served to them anytime they want.

The head chef Some yachting exercises require some culinary knowledge & requisite knowledge in particular. The larger the yacht the more formal the expectations and entry requirements (e.g. cook in highly-regarded restaurants or if the owner has a cooking degree).

Second chef

The Second Chef works and assists the Head Chef in order to maintain the same quality and service level as expected by clients. They might also be involved in buying food and other items for boat stores.

The crew chef is responsible for cooking food for all yacht crew on board. It includes catering to their specific dietary requirements, allergies or specialities.

Assistant chef

Assistant chefs might also work on board, depending on how big/small or luxurious yachts are. Assistants will be more involved in kitchen activities such as cleaning, prepping and organizing.

Yacht Jobs Requirements & Experience Needed

Experience in Yachting: This is very important. On most yachts, you must have experience aboard similar boats before applying for this particular yacht job. You may need some time to gain all the required skills for each position; this will depend on your availability and your level of experience.

Qualifications & certifications: These are needed for some positions on board so you must speak with your yacht crew agency or the captain first to see what qualifications they require.

Qualifications and certificates are very controlled and highly specific. Each department has its own set of rules. However, there are 2 standard mandatory requirements in order to get a yacht job.

STCW Basic Safety Training

STCW Basic safety Training is a globally recognized standard by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). These requirements are set to ensure that all crew members have adequate knowledge and understanding of their job role, what it implies and how to deal with emergencies. All yachts must comply with it before hiring any seafarers aboard that yacht. It has 5 different modules, for which you will need to gain all the certificates in order to proceed to your next yacht job.

ENG1 – Medical Examination:

This is a medical examination performed by an MCA approved doctor that checks if applicants are fit enough to work on board. All yacht crew must have valid ENG1 in order to comply with standard regulations set by governing bodies.

Apart from those two requirements, you might need other certificates depending on your own position description. For example, for a steward job, you may need to have a food handling certificate or a barista certificate as well as having previous experiences in similar positions before applying for this yacht job.

It is more common to find these skills over time rather than having them right away when you start.

Language skills:

Spanish, French and Italian are the most common languages on yachts in Europe and South America. English is essential to communicate with guests from all over the world. It may not be a must if you work in a different department but it’s important that you speak the language of your workplace.

Physical strength

A yacht crew job demands a lot of physical work from staff. All daily duties revolve around keeping the vessel clean and ready for guests. People who work hard on yachts stay healthy and strong to cope with the workload throughout their career. You can eat well, exercise regularly or combine both with a balanced lifestyle to keep yourself fit.

Being a team player

Yachts are small communities where everyone must work well together in tough situations. You might need to help the crew when they are busy or ask for help when you are in difficulty. This is why it’s important to get along with all types of people on board as some may be older than you or younger than you. You must show respect to everyone and treat them the same way in return, no matter their age or position.

Yacht jobs are demanding because you work for people who want perfect service at all times. Captains and owners don’t accept mistakes and expect all crew members to do well in their role. You must follow all safety standards to avoid disasters and make sure your guests are happy.

Yacht crew jobs are fun, diverse and offer you the chance to meet new people from around the world . However, this is not an easy career as you need to work very hard at first to learn everything about each position on board.

How to apply for the right luxury yachts?

Motor yachts vs sailing yachts.

Jobs on luxury sailing boats are generally less intense than those on motor vessels. They are often smaller, which might necessitate the ability to multitask. Salaries on sailing yachts are usually lower than those aboard motor yachts.

Charter yachts VS private yachts

On charter yachts, you might working dual seasons, in Caribbean and in the Mediterranean. You might have a more exiting itinerary, and earn more charter tips but your will generally work harder. On a private luxury yachts, the use of boat is entirely up to the owner to decide, and therefore you might remain in port for a long time, or on the contrary explore Antartica, who knows?

How much can I make as a yacht crew member?

Yacht crew salaries can very greatly depending on the position. We encourage you to check our salary guide to see how much you can expect to earn.

How to interview for a yacht crew job?

When you meet with heads of departments and interviews with captains be able to iron your clothing and brush up hair clean, awake and presentable. Working for mega rich yacht owners has meant you will have to be stylish and be modest. It could be a good idea to cover tattoos, remove face piercings, apply fresh nail polish, trim hair and tie back your hair as well. Some people just don’t.

Working with crew agents to find a yacht job really helps to boost your careers.

Between Ft. Lauderdale, Antibes, dozens of Facebook groups, social media and online sources to help you find yacht jobs. Agents are your main point of contact and represent you under your best light. They can help your prepare for an interview, choosing the right yacht to work on.

They can help your land a great permanent position, rotational or even temporary.

There are a lot of yacht recruitment agency around the globe but only a few are serious about quality recruitment. It’s important that choose an agency who really know what they do and that the yacht crew agency has a good relationship with yachts and management companies.

Yacht jobs offer you great opportunities to travel around the world, experience new cultures and meet all types of people from business tycoons to celebrities! It’s vital that you prepare yourself as much as possible. There are always some open yacht crew jobs, especially for starters and intermediates, but as you get more experienced, your expectations rise and the fewer openings there are.

Why choose Lighthouse careers?

Lighthouse careers is one the world’s largest recruiting partner for superyachts. We provide crew a new approach to yacht employment search by applying your talents and personality to match you to your ideal superyacht crew position that meets your needs and preferences.

Check our recruitment page regularly to stay informed about the latest vacancies for yacht crew jobs.

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