working on a super yacht

9 superyacht crew members share what it's really like working for a billionaire on board

• Superyachts are luxurious, but working on them isn't.
• Insider polled superyacht crew members to find out what it's really like working for a billionaire on board.
• They said their days are spent fulfilling requests and keeping the yacht in top shape — but it really all depends on the superyacht owner.
• Visit Insider's homepage for more stories .

While working on a superyacht sounds glamorous, in reality it can be anything but.

Insider polled superyacht crew members to get an inside look at life on board. When asked what working for a millionaire or billionaire is really like, they agreed on a few things, like long hours.

Many superyacht  crew members wake up before dawn to start their day, which typically involves a lot of cleaning and catering to the requests of owners and guests.

Read more: The super rich are hoarding cash — instead bartering yachts, $30 million mansions, and caviar to ride out the pandemic

But while some superyacht owners are demanding, others are less so — it really all depends on their personality. Some crew members said that owners and guests are more like regular people than you'd expect.

Here's what life on board looks like, according to nine superyacht crew members.

Note: Insider was able to verify each crew member's identity, but we refrained from publishing their full names to protect their privacy.

Working on a yacht can be lucrative.

Insider previously reported that deckhands earn an average of $3,083 to $3,574 a month, depending on the boat size. Captains reportedly get paid even more — they earn $7,750 to $19,961 a month on average.

Kate Lardy of the Sun Sentinel reported that a captain in Fort Lauderdale once spent a total of $14,255 on day workers, who are hired temporarily for onboard services, during a two-month period.

But it's also tiring and demanding.

One captain who works on a 120-foot boat alluded to tiring conditions. Working for a billionaire is "demanding," he said, with hours that begin very early — before 6 a.m. — and end very late.

Yacht crew members have to meet high expectations.

One electronic technical officer who works on a 223-foot yacht stressed the pressure of delivering top-notch service while remaining level-headed.

Working on a yacht involves "very, very long days with little rest and expectations to perform at the highest levels of service while not losing your cool under pressure," he said.

They have to work hard to keep yachts spotless.

Guests and owners can be messy and dirty — and it's up to the crew to make sure it doesn't look that way. A mate on a 92-foot yacht said he had to wake up before guests or other crew members to get the yacht's exterior ready for the day.

"They expect it to look like no one has touched it," he said. "So any rain or dew, water spots, bird crap, or salt spray has to be continuously cleaned, not to mention having to constantly wipe stainless [steel] and glass when guests move around the boat. They leave smudges and fingerprints everywhere.

"By the time I start at the top of the boat and move around drying the boat, washing windows, and prepping water toys, depending on where the guests are, it's time to clean behind them."

He said he then has to be available for whatever the day brings, whether guests want to take the tender out or play with water toys, the interior crew needs help with service, or any maintenance issues need to be addressed.

There's a lot of cleaning, smiling, and snacking.

Nic, a chief stewardess, shared her typical daily itinerary, which extends from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., with a one-hour break for a power nap.

There's constant snacking, as she doesn't always have time to sit and eat, she said. She's also "always thinking and planning ahead for the next meal or excursion," like what guests "need to take with them and what they need upon return," she said.

"Always thinking of ways to make the day special and 'perfect' (as much as possible)," she said.

She added: "Cleaning, cleaning, cleaning, and lots of smiling. Behind the scenes, a lot of running around and working at high speed, throwing stuff into drawers and sorting it out later when you have time, laughing, and keeping crew spirits high. Never-ending laundry."

Work is easier when the owners are away, which is often.

Billionaire owners actually don't spend a lot of time on their multimillion-dollar yachts. Neither do the guests who charter them.

"Owners or guests are typically not on the boat all that much, so most of the time the crew has the boat to themselves," said Michael, a former yacht captain who worked on yachts ranging from 130 to 170 feet.

"Work is pretty easy and consists of general maintenance and keeping the boat in perfect/ready state for when the owner does show up. If you have a good crew it can be very enjoyable. If you do not, it can be very stressful and miserable."

Everything depends on the owner's personality.

Some crew members get lucky working for generous yacht owners, while others get treated like the help.

"It's hard work and long days when they are on board," said Martin, the captain of a 155-foot yacht. "It really depends on the owner. Some have treated me like family, and some have treated me like a servant."

But sometimes it's not the owner who's difficult.

A chef on a 150-foot motor yacht also said that working for a billionaire could be unpredictable, as every boat and owner is different.

But it's not the owner of the yacht who's always difficult to work for.

"Bear in mind that the captain is every bit as much your boss as the owner is, and sometimes the captain is a bigger pain in the ass than the billionaire owner," she said.

Yacht owners are just your everyday people on vacation — with more money.

According to Mark, the captain of a 114-foot yacht, billionaire owners are just like normal vacationers. Kind of.

"They're just people holidaying, but with more money and toys to fill their days," he said.

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Working on a superyacht - a complete guide.

Working on a superyacht is an exciting prospect if you’re trying to find a job which offers something very different from your typical 9 to 5 grind.

There are numerous roles you may wish to consider on board a superyacht.

What you choose will depend on your personality, interests, skills and background.

In this complete guide to working on a superyacht we hope that you will gain a better understanding of how to best go about getting a job aboard a superyacht, to hopefully embark on the career of your dreams at sea.

What is a Superyacht?

What does working on a superyacht have to offer, what is the work ethic like, chief engineer, second & third engineer, technical officer, first & second officer, chief steward/stewardess, steward/stewardess, how much are yacht crew paid, what skills & experience are required, do i need any qualifications, how do i find a superyacht job, when are the yachting seasons.

A superyacht is the term used to describe any leisure yacht which is over 24 metres in length.

Nowadays the superyacht industry has become a very popular and lucrative one.

Many people are considering taking up a job on board a superyacht, especially since the hit reality TV series Below Deck gained worldwide popularity.

Nowadays there are several superyachts sailing the seas, including motor and sail.

Between them, thousands of crew members are employed to ensure the superyacht is kept in top shape and that the owners and any guests on board are served to the highest standards.

Working within the superyacht industry can prove to be a very rewarding and enticing career for the right types of personality.

It’s certainly a different kind of career than most other traditional jobs.

There’s always a great deal going on on board, and travel and adventure will be an integral part of your life.

As most yachts head to the Mediterranean in the summer months, and the Caribbean in the winter, you will get to experience the sunniest places at the best times of the year.

Moreover, yacht crew are very well paid.

Salaries will vary considerably from one yacht to another, depending on its size and type.

It’s important however to bear in mind that working on a superyacht also means having to work long hours.

But the end result can be rewarding, especially if you spent over 183 days at sea.

This essentially means any income earned should qualify for the seafarers earning deduction , which means you pay zero income tax!

A traditional job will often have a set start and end time every day.

You head off home after a long day, and see your family and unwind for the rest of the evening.

This is certainly not the case with a job in the superyacht industry.

At the end of a long day, you will most likely spend the evening having dinner with the rest of the crew.

And you will generally share a cabin with another crew member, so essentially, you live and work in one place around the clock.

It’s therefore important to keep this in mind, along with your openness to this kind of lifestyle.

You need to have the right personality to be able to live in these conditions, and be very personable to get along well with others.

Thus, a friendly and outgoing personality is a must for a crew member.

You would need to also be a grafter with a great work ethic.

What are the Job Roles Aboard a Superyacht?

The Captain is the person responsible for the safe navigation and operation of the yacht.

The Captain will have full responsibility for the crew members, guests, tenders and toys.

Other responsibilities include money management and budgeting, overseeing the upkeep of the yacht, and managing refitting projects.

The role of the captain will vary depending on the size of the vessel.

The smaller the yacht, the more hands-on the captain will be.

Whereas with bigger yachts, the more the captain’s responsibilities become administrative in nature.

However, this job can be very lucrative and Captains tend to be very well paid .

The Chief Engineer will be responsible for the engineering department, and for the safe and efficient operation of the vessel.

The Chief Engineer will manage engineers, electricians and electronic technical officers, while reporting directly to the Captain.

The Chief Engineer tends to get involved in the daily work revolving around the mechanical and electrical operations of the ship.

They will also ensure that any planned maintenance takes place on time, and that should anything need fixing it is seen to as efficiently as possible.

This is another important role which involves maintaining the mechanical and electrical operations under control.

The second or third engineer will be responsible for small tasks as well as more complex ones, as they will need to see to anything that requires fixing, be it the main engine, an air conditioner or a jet ski.

They will also need to maintain an inventory of important parts required for possible breakages or replacements.

A Technical Officer or Electronic Technical Officer (ETO), as they are sometimes referred to, will be responsible for the day-to-day maintenance of equipment, including computers, communication equipment, electronic equipment, and audiovisual equipment.

Such equipment will be more advanced and more commonplace the larger the yacht.

The Technical Officer will need to see to the planned maintenance of the various systems.

Practically all superyachts will have a First Officer on board, but bigger vessels will typically employ a Second Officer as well.

The roles of such officers are very similar, and they revolve around the safety of the yacht and the people on board.

Hence their duties will include various safety and administrative tasks, overseeing all deck operations, supervising toys, undertaking bridge watches and keeping charts updated.

The second officer will act as an understudy to the first officer.

The Chief Steward/Stewardess is a high ranking role which involves being responsible for the interior of the yacht, as well as managing the interior staff members.

They will report directly to the Captain.

Some of the tasks that a Chief Steward will need to oversee include cabin preparation, food service, drink service, silver service, flower arranging, organising events and arranging trips.

It’s a very varied and demanding role, but a yacht stewardess earns a good salary .

This is one of the most common entry level jobs in the yacht industry.

The primary role of a steward or stewardess is to ensure that the interior of the yacht is as clean and organised as possible.

This includes cabin preparation and cleaning, maintaining drinks stock, drink preparation and serving, laundry, ironing, plant care and flower arranging, among others.

The Chef will be responsible for everything relating to food - from the purchase of food items and its transportation to the yacht, to its preparation and presentation to the guests on the table.

The chef will also be responsible for the galley, including its organisation and clean-up.

The chef will need to be creative and inventive, to ensure varied and balanced menus.

Only experienced chefs tend to work aboard superyachts, with an impressive CV of having worked in commercial kitchens for several years prior.

So it’s understandable that a yacht chef makes a very good income .

On larger yachts there will also be a sous chef or second chef alongside the head chef.

They will be responsible for culinary duties as well as assisting the chef in various ways.

The sous chef will typically take care of the cooking for the crew members along with any side work required for meal preparations for the yacht owner and their guests.

The Bosun, or as sometimes referred to, the Leading Hand or Senior Deckhand will be responsible for maintaining the yacht’s exterior in tip top shape.

They will also be in charge of all the deckhands.

The Bosun’s role includes organising deck operations such as the maintenance of toys and tenders as well as their proper storage, deck maintenance and storage of any supplies required for deck operations.

The Bosun may also undertake bridge watch duties at sea as well as be the main tender driver.

The Deckhand position comprises numerous roles which revolve around cleaning and maintenance.

The deckhands will be responsible for maintaining the exterior of the yacht in good condition, and this will include tasks such as painting, polishing, varnishing, sanding, finishing and carpentry jobs too.

Deckhands will also drive tenders and toys.

A deckhand will often need to escort guests who will be using toys.

At times deckhands will also help out interior staff in cleaning cabins, serve meals or to provide assistance in the galley.

Whilst this is considered a low level position aboard yachts, many deckhands gain certification before embarking on a yachting career to ensure they are fully skilled to do the job.

Competition for yacht deckhand roles is fierce, so before applying for a deckhand job , it’s best to be prepared first.

The salaries of the various yacht crew members vary from one yacht to another, depending on the type of yacht, and its size.

However, to give you an idea, the average superyacht salary for an entry level job, such as a steward or a deckhand, will typically range between £1,700 to £3,000 per month.

There’s also the addition of tips to consider.

Sometimes during charter season you can earn a substantial amount from tips, which could even end up doubling your salary.

Another thing to consider is that if you are a UK resident, you would benefit from a tax-free salary if you pass your residency test .

You also need to bear in mind that your day-to-day costs would be taken care of if you work on a yacht, as you would also be living on it.

Hence you will not have to pay for water or electricity bills, rent or meals.

As with any job, the more experience and relevant skills you have, the better.

For example, gaining an ENG1 Medical Certificate and the STCW Basic Safety Training certificate are a must.

You may need to also beef up your CV by demonstrating that you have various other skills or training which will come in useful.

You should try dockwalking to get some experience on board a yacht, even if for just a short period of time.

This will help to show that you are willing to work and learn, while also giving you some experience to include in your CV.

You will need to get an ENG1 medical to certify that you are fit to work at sea.

The STCW Basic Safety Training is a mandatory qualification for a seafarer.

There are numerous other courses which you may opt to follow to be better qualified and improve your chances of getting a job on a superyacht.

For instance, courses about hospitality, flower arranging, food and drink service are ideal for someone who aspires to work as a steward.

Courses on carpentry, powerboats and diving are ideal for anyone wishing to get a job as a deckhand.

The more relevant skills you have, the better your chances are of getting a job as a crew member more quickly and easily.

To get a job on a superyacht, it’s important to start off by preparing yourself well to be a good prospective applicant.

Complete the STCW Basic Safety Training course and get as many relevant qualifications as you can.

You will also need to hold an ENG 1 medical which proves that you are fit to work on board a sea vessel.

Make sure to prepare a good CV to delineate your qualifications and experience to prospective employers.

You may wish to check for jobs through yachting agencies and online job platforms.

It’s also important to understand how the superyacht charter season works to know when is the best time to look for such job openings.

Dockwalking is a great way to find a job as a crew member, or to gain some experience which will improve your chances of getting an even better job in the future.

The superyacht season in the Mediterranean starts off in March and goes on until May.

The winter season in the Caribbean ranges from October to May the following year.

During these periods the demand for new crew increases greatly.

Hence this is the best time to look for a job on a yacht.

By now you should have a good idea of the various careers available on board a superyacht, along with the various responsibilities of the different roles.

We also gave you some tips to help you to get started and how to best go about finding and applying for such a post.

If you’re fortunate enough to land yourself a job working on a superyacht and start earning a salary, speak to us for help in preparing your self-assessment tax returns to ensure you pay the correct amount of income tax.

Disclaimer: Any advice in this publication is not intended or written by Marine Accounts to be used by a client or entity for the purpose of (i) avoiding penalties that may be imposed on any taxpayer or (ii) promoting, marketing or recommending to another party matters herein.

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How Much Does A Yacht Stewardess Make?

If you always dreamt of a career which allowed you to travel around the world, then you may wish to consider applying to get a job on a yacht as a stewardess. Read our in-depth article to learn more about this position, salary expectations and the responsibilities of the role.

Patrick Maflin

How Much Do Yachties Make?

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Yacht Crew Jobs: How To Get Hired + Work On A Superyacht

August 7, 2020 4:50 pm

Interested in working on a yacht denison’s lead crew coordinator jill maderia details what aspiring crew professionals need to know before their first job..

Looking for a job that allows you to travel the world? Working as a crew on a superyacht may be a dream for many. Yacht crew are held to the highest standards of professionalism, catering to superyacht owners and guests to create the ultimate yachting experience. Whether you’re interested in becoming a deckhand, stewardess, or chef, we’ll break down how to enter the yachting industry and provide tips on how to prepare for your first yacht crew job.

Q: What courses do I need to complete before working on a yacht?

A: Crew must have the basic safety course called STCW. If they are working on a charter yacht, they will also need the ENG1 (medical clearance). While STCW is the basic course needed, addition courses might set you apart, as it shows commitment to a career on yachts.

For example: The Power Boat class is important to have if you are deckhand, but having this and learning how to drive a tender, would benefit anyone that works on a yacht.

Any extra courses such as hospitably, silver service, mixology are a plus and will help crew better market themselves for opportunities.

Q: After completing my courses, how do I get a job on a yacht?

A: You must have a great CV. Create a portfolio of your work. If you are a Chef or stew, have photos of your food, table settings, flower arrangements. I have had a deckhand show “before and after” projects such as teak work on deck too. Our crew website can create an album of your work.

Plus, showcase your skills. While qualifications are required, your skills that you have might be the reason you get that dream job. Many boats, especially charter yachts, seek out crew with additional skills, whether it be a stew with cooking or childcare experience, or a deckhand that is also a drone operator or photographer.

Q: Do I want to work on a private yacht or a charter yacht?

A: There are benefits to both. There is a difference, as charter boats you will have a combination of owner vs. charter guests. In addition, crew often like the benefit of the additional gratuity at the end of a charter, which can be a range of 15-20%.

Q: What is the interview process like for yacht crew?

Presentation is key: Both with your CV, and in your interview. Your first impression is important, so dress the part as much as you can. Keep in mind, many interviews are via FaceTime or Zoom. Treat virtual interviews the same as you would in-person, show up on time and be professional.

Q: How can networking help my crew career?

Go to crew events, or consider crew housing. You never know where your next job may come from. Maintain relationships with crew agents, other crew members, and industry professionals. It important to be out and meeting people in person or even virtually on Zoom.

Q: Any other tips that will help in landing a yacht crew career?

• 1) Research: Read industry publications. This is especially important for those who have never worked in the hospitality industry. In addition to taking your courses, conduct your own research.
• 2) Crew Housing: When crew stay at a crew house, they have the benefit of networking with other crew. They may even find jobs from crew mates and share ideas and tips in the industry. There are a variety of crew typically, from green to experienced and they all have a story to tell or some wisdom to share.
• 3) Daywork: Sometimes daywork can lead to long term opportunities. While daywork is temporary, crew may not realize that daywork can lead to the Captain or department head interviewing you and seeing how you might fit in with a boat full time.
• 4) Checking in: Check in with your agents. The better your crew agent knows you, the easier it is for them to properly match you to a boat. Keep your crew agent informed on if you’re still looking for work.

Ready to start your career in crew? Contact Lead Crew Coordinator Jill Maderia , or explore all the options Denison Yachting offers in our crew division.

Jill Maderia

• Email: [email protected]
• Cell: 954.600.7058
• Office: +1.954.278.9250
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Guide to Becoming a Yacht Stewardess Working on Superyachts

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This working on superyachts guide is a authored by Carryn.

Working on superyachts seems glamorous, right? Your office overlooks crystal clear waters and your job involves stepping into the life of the rich and famous.

Not to mention, you get paid a fortune whilst doing so! But, as with most things in life, there’s more to the yachting industry than what meets the eye.

This guide details all the steps to getting a job working on a super yacht and what life is really like as a yacht stewardess — the good, the bad and the ugly!

Table of Contents

Before I Became a Yacht Stewardess

After 6 months working on a superyacht, is it easy to get a job working on superyachts, connections within the yachting industry, other qualities needed to become a yacht stewardess, the salary for a yacht stewardness, 1. do you want to become a yacht stewardess or a deckhand, role of a yacht stewardess working on a super yacht, role of a deckhand, other positions available for working on superyachts, 2. requirements for working on superyachts, 3. where to get a job: the mediterranean or the caribbean, 4. visa requirements for working on superyachts, 5. working on a private yacht vs a chartered yacht, 6. how to land that job as a yacht stewardess, register with yacht crew agencies, networking with other crew and yacht stewardesses, how much does it cost to work on a super yacht, what is life really like working on superyachts, how i got my job working on a superyacht, 1. how much time do you have to get a job, 2. do you believe in yourself, 3. are you ready to work your ass off every single day, how to become a ski instructor almost anywhere in the world, how to be a travel nanny and work as you travel, how to be an au pair in spain + tips for getting a job, how to work abroad & travel the world, how you can work abroad without experience so you can travel longer.

After graduating from college in South Africa, I jumped straight into the working world and started “adulting”.

After 3 months of long, hard work, with very little pay, I decided that I was tired of being broke and living in debt.

In an attempt to see just how versatile my skills were, I quit my job in search of greener pastures on the other side of the world, France. Here, I began what I thought would be a lifelong career as a yacht stewardess. I was intrigued by the idea of working on superyachts, how glamorous it all was and of course the MONEY.

Working as a yacht stewardess changed my life for the better. When I left for France I was a young, naive college graduate who struggled to find a balance between traveling and being financially independent.

6 months later, which is a lot earlier than I’d expected, I decided to throw in the towel. The money I’d made was amazing yet never gave me the job satisfaction I was actually looking for. I returned home with a new-found love for my country, my family and the smaller things in life.

Working on superyachts put my life into perspective.

It was an extremely personal time filled with self-reflection and allowed me to appreciate and value my own personal skills and work ethic.

Working on Superyachts: The Basics

A superyacht is a large luxury boat that’s longer than 24 meters. These yachts are owned by the rich and famous and often make their way between the Caribbean and the Mediterranean waters.

These superyachts need crew to provide them with that 1st class service. And this is where the thousands of yachties come into play.

People often confuse working on superyachts with that of working on cruise ships. No, they are not the same! Working on a superyacht is a far more intimate job. There can be two to twelve guests on board and you’re at their beck and call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

It’s a grueling job that will have you working long hours in confined spaces, but the rewards are far greater than those of the cruise ships.

Yes and no.

The yachting industry is a difficult one to get into, but once you have your foot in the door, you’re guaranteed future work and better positions. However, getting that first job working on a superyacht is the hardest part.

You will struggle to secure a job in advance as most captains and crew agencies want to meet you in person before they hire you. As a result, you need to go to the yachting hubs where you will spend your time job hunting.

Securing a job takes time. For some, it’s a matter of days, but for most, it takes weeks or even months.

The saying “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know” never rang so true as it does in the yachting world. If you have connections in the industry, you shouldn’t have a problem getting a job as a yacht stewardess.

The yachting industry is a small one and referrals are the easiest way to land your first job.

Owners want young, good-looking crew running around after them. As a yacht stewardess, your uniform consists of short skirts and tight shirts and you need to look presentable and professional at all times. If you fit this profile of a yacht stewardess, finding a job working on a superyacht will be a lot easier for you.

Your personality and drive also play a huge factor. Captains and owners want outgoing, energetic and friendly crew who will get on well with the rest of the team.

You have very little personal space and whilst conflicts are bound to happen, you will have to master the art of the “smile and walk away” and avoid confrontations with other crew and guests.

So yes, getting a job working on superyachts isn’t easy, but if you have the above points covered, I bet you could get a job!

The starting salary for a yacht stewardess or deckhand is roughly 2,500€ per month. This is with no experience and excludes 10% tips  — which you receive on chartered trips. These tips could quite easily match your base salary. And it’s all tax-free!

You have no rent to pay as you live on board the boat. Your meals are prepared for you by the qualified chef, and you don’t need to purchase any groceries or toiletries.

EVERYTHING is covered. What I saved in 5 months whilst working on superyachts has taken me a full year to make as an English Teacher in Korea !

Sounds too good to be true, doesn’t it?

How to Work on a Superyacht: 6 Steps

Each of these superyachts needs 6-10 crew who all work together to ensure the smooth running of the luxury vessel. There are many positions available ranging from engineers to chefs but most crew start off as either a yacht stewardess or a deckhand.

As a yacht stewardess or stew, as it’s more commonly referred to, your main tasks are housekeeping and ensuring that the interior of the yacht is properly maintained. You need to provide the highest standards of hospitality and ensure that the guests are taken care of. To put it bluntly, you’re a glorified maid wearing a cute outfit!

Daily Tasks of a Yacht Stewardess

As a yacht stewardess, your daily tasks whilst working on a private yacht include meticulous cleaning of the interior of the boat such as the cabins, toilets and living areas. You’re responsible for all the laundry, ironing as well as flower arranging, and table setting for all meals.

You need to provide a silver service dining experience and make world-class cocktails whenever the guests request. If there are children on board your yacht, you may also be asked to keep them entertained whilst ensuring all your other tasks are completed.

Working Hours

Your days start when the first guest awakes and end when the last guest goes to bed! If they’re out clubbing until 4 am, you’ll have to stay up to welcome them back on board and perhaps serve them drinks upon their return.

There are no free weekends if you’re on charter and you rotate shifts with the other crew, who also work just as hard. Because of this, the hours are long and tiring and if you have demanding guests, you could feel completely broken by the end of it.

The workload and the sort of work changes depending on the season, whether you have guests on board and any maintenance issues.

The deckhand’s position is more geared for men and includes maintaining the exterior of the yacht as well as all the deck equipment. You scrub the boat, top to bottom and it’s a physically demanding role. Tasks include cleaning the engine, painting, and varnishing the deck. You’re in charge of the fenders and ropes as well as the tenders and jet skis.

Perhaps you’re a qualified chef, engineer or beautician. These jobs are also available but with no prior yachting experience, you will struggle to find positions available.

You may want to apply as either a yacht stewardess or deckhand first, and highlight these additional skills in your CV. This is because there are more opportunities for stews and deckhands. Captains will also be reluctant to hire a chef or engineer who’s doesn’t have experience working on superyachts as the demands are different from those of the normal day job.

To find a job working on superyachts, there are a few basic requirements that you need to meet.

STCW stands for Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers. There are 5 modules that need to be completed within this required course. These include:

• Personal Safety & Social Responsibilities (PSSR)
• Fire Fighting
• Personal Survival Techniques (PST)
• Proficiency in Designated Security Duties (PDSD)

Eng 1 (Seafarer Medical Certificate)

This is an exam to ensure you don’t suffer from any existing medical condition that may deter you from performing your job. You’ll be required to take a urine sample and a doctor will perform a physical exam to ensure you have no issues with your sight or hearing.

Additional Courses to Work on a Superyacht

Once you’ve secured your position, your chief stewardess or captain will conduct proper in-house training to ensure you know how to work on a yacht and complete the tasks to their standards.

The below courses will prepare you for your new job and will add value to your yachting CV, but they are costly and are not a requirement.

• Stewardess courses where they cover interior care skills, silver service, table setting, cocktail service as well as flower arranging.
• Food Safety Certificate Level 2 . This certification applies to crew working on MLC compliant yachts. Service personnel such as chefs and yacht stewardesses working out of the galley will need this food hygiene certification.
• Powerboat Level 2 allows you to ride the tender and is beneficial for deckhands.

There are 2 yachting seasons: The Mediterranean and the Caribbean Season.

Each of these areas has yachting hubs where crew base themselves when looking for work. These towns are filled with aspiring yachties all gunning for the same position. Once the season is complete, your yacht may move to warmer waters or dock in the harbor until the winter season has passed.

The Mediterranean Yachting Season

The yachting season in the Mediterranean starts as early as April where these superyachts start crewing up and the season continues until August. The main hubs to look for work in the Mediterranean include Antibes in France and Palma de Mallorca in Spain.

The Caribbean Yachting Season

The Caribbean season is active all year round with September to March being the busiest months. Ft. Lauderdale in Florida is the main hub which attracts hundreds of crew every year. From here the boats move toward Antigua and St. Maarten in the Caribbean and as well as the Bahamas where guests enjoy the crystal-clear waters and tropical islands.

• Caribbean: If you’re heading to the United States of America, you’ll need a B1/B2 Visa.
• Mediterranean: A Schengen visa is required if you are going to France or Spain.
• Seaman’s Book: Once you find a job working on a super yacht, you need to arrange a seaman’s book. This is recognized as proof that you are working on a yacht and is also a compulsory document when applying for a transit visa.

There are two kinds of superyachts: Private yachts and chartered yachts.

Private Yachts

Private yachts are used exclusively by the owner.

In some cases, the owner may use the yacht a few times a season and so the crew will have a more relaxed schedule. But don’t take this for granted. I spent 5 months working on a private yacht and had guests on board every day!

Chartered Yachts

Chartered yachts are hired by groups of people for a shorter duration.

You usually have a day or two to get the yacht ready for each charter. This means that the guests are always changing, and the routes are very busy. However, it’s standard for the crew to receive 10-20% tips from the guests. Not too bad if you ask me!

So you’ve completed your yachting courses and you’ve decided whether you’re going to the Mediterranean or the Caribbean. Flights are booked, and visas have been organized. Now, you need to get a job working on a superyacht.

Find a Crew House for the First Week After Your Arrival

These crew houses are like hostels catering for new yachties. They are slightly more expensive than other accommodation you can find. However, it’s worth staying in a crew house for the first week while you try to find your way around your new surroundings.

If you’re heading to the South of France, I highly recommend “The Crew Grapevine” which is where I started off.

The crew houses are generally a stone’s throw away from the harbor and the staff working there understand the yachting world and will help you find your feet.

The owners of these crew houses are also highly respected in the industry and if you make a good impression, they may put in a good word for you with a captain they know. The crew houses also include free printing which is great when you have to print out hundreds of CVs.

Reserving Your Spot at a Crew House

These crew houses are extremely popular and because of the uncertainty of the yachting industry, you cannot book your spot in advance. Some people land a job working on a private yacht after 2 days and so they leave the crew house immediately, others only leave after 2 months!

The best way to get into a crew house is to keep in contact with them when you start organizing your trip.

Introduce yourself and let them know your plans. Then, a week before your arrival, mail them each day to see if they have openings available. I received an email confirming my booking the day I landed in France. Talk about cutting it fine!

After your first week, you would know your way around and would have met other yachties. Together you can rent an apartment for the rest of your stay as this is a far more affordable option.

Finding Daywork on a Yacht

Daywork is temporary work on board a superyacht where you help the other crew complete their duties, but you don’t stay on board the boat.

Daywork on a yacht is a great way of earning money and building up your CV whilst looking for a permanent job as a yacht stewardess.

You get paid $100 – $150 for the days’ work and this should be enough to keep you going for a few extra days.

Dock Walking

As the name suggests, dock walking involves walking through the marinas in search of work on a yacht. With a big, friendly smile on your face, you approach the many superyachts and hand your CV over to the crew.

You’ll most likely face rejection as the boats will have crew but hold your head up high and keep going! For tips on how to create the perfect CV, check this post out.

Security at some of these docks has become extremely tight and dock walking is not allowed in some marinas. This is especially true in the US so perhaps you need to look at some of the below options when looking for work on a yacht.

Yachts are interesting locations to work; you’re often plunged into very formal environments, so professionalism is key.

Yacht crew agencies are often the first port of call for captains looking for a yacht stewardess or deckhand. Registering with these crew agencies can be done through an online application where you include your work experience, qualifications, current location and contact details. This is followed by an interview which needs to be done in person.

This is the easiest way to get a job working on superyachts but if you don’t make an impression, they won’t remember you.

Making connections within the industry is of utmost importance when looking for a job as a yacht stewardess. Put yourself out there and find a common interest with other crew you meet. If they like you, they’ll pass your details onto their captains.

But of course, be aware that every new yachtie is looking to make these connections. You need to stand out from the rest and avoid hanging out in spots that only attract new crew.

Getting a job as a yacht stewardess can take days, weeks and even months. However, I firmly believe that this is dependent on the individual. I’ve met people who’ve invested all the time and money into working on superyachts and after a few months, they’ve had to return home as they were unsuccessful in finding a job and so their funds ran dry.

The competition is strong and when you’re at these yachting hubs, you may feel overwhelmed by the number of newbies in the industry. But, your luck can change in an instant.

Getting into the yachting industry is not cheap as your initial expenses are NOT covered. You need to support yourself financially until you get a job working on a superyacht. It’s a big investment, but one that you can pay back within your first month of work.

Cost for these courses vary between countries and all amounts below are estimates.

These expenses include the following:

• STCW: $600-$1,200 for the 5 courses ($900 average)
• ENG1 Medical: $80
• Flights to the yachting hubs in the Mediterranean or Caribbean: $1,000
• Visa: $60-$120
• Accommodation for your first week: $275
• Meals for your first week: $200
• Additional expenses: $100
• Total expense = $2,645

Bearing in mind that it can take weeks, if not months to find a job, your cost for food and accommodation could be considerably higher.

Your first season working on a superyacht will always be tough. Because you have no experience, you’ll most likely take the first job you can find as beggars can’t be choosers. You won’t really know what you’ve signed up for until you start working.

You’re the junior stewardess and everyone else has put in the hours and earned their stripes, now it’s your turn!

You may work a bit longer than the rest, you’ll be put in the laundry room and spend the entire day ironing and you’ll be the one waking up early. You’ll travel to exotic locations with the most stunning scenery. But you’ll only enjoy these views from the portholes of the cabins as there’s cleaning to be done.

But after you have one season under your belt, you’ll have more connections and can pick and choose what sort of yacht you want to work on. You will be able to find out which boats have easier guests and schedules and you won’t need to jump at the first job offer you get.

RELATED: 10 Jobs Abroad With Accommodation (& Without Experience!)

I started my yachting career in Antibes, France. After 3 days of dock walking, I was feeling extremely unmotivated by the sheer amount of crew looking for work.

I had invested so much time and money into getting to France, and financially I only had 2 weeks to find work before I was broke!

It was a beautiful sunny day and a lot of people were going to the beach to relax after a busy week of dock walking. I was torn between taking the morning off or continuing my search for work as a yacht stewardess. Reluctantly, I decided to first go to a few crew agencies and see if I could chat with one of their staff.

I must have made a good impression because two hours later I received a phone call for an interview with a captain. After a successful chat, I accepted the position and a few hours later I was on a train to Italy to start my career as a yacht stewardess working on a private yacht.

Questions to Ask Yourself Before You Commit to Working on Superyachts

It’s important to put pressure on yourself and set deadlines. Financially I only had two weeks to support myself. This was cutting it fine, but I feel that this pressure is what lead to me finding a job after only 4 days.

You’ll face rejection but will need to keep pushing through in order to secure a job. You’ll also have to justify the initial investment and if you don’t believe that you can cut it in the yachting industry, then perhaps you need to look for something less risky

Some days I worked for up to 18 hours and had very little sleep. My nails and fingers were scarred with blisters and cuts from washing so many crystal glasses. My skin went bad from not seeing the sun, and my legs were developing varicose veins from standing up all day.

But my crew were amazing. We all worked equally hard and supported each other on the difficult days. You might be lucky and find a sweet job with an easy schedule, however, prepare for the worst but this will only make you stronger.

In the end, my experience and the money I made was totally worth it. Think long and hard if you think you’re up for this kind of lifestyle. There are some that stick around and end up with great jobs who get extra tips and even flights to whatever country they want. It’s a fabulous job if you think you’re game for the challenges that come with it.

More Jobs Abroad

Do you have what it takes to work on a superyacht? Do you want to become a yacht stewardess? Let us know in the comments!

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Hey, I’m Carryn! I’m a nature enthusiast and passionate explorer who loves hiking, diving, and adventuring through new countries. My travels have taken me from the peaks of Kilimanjaro to the underwater worlds of Indonesia and have lead me to Korea where I am teaching English. I share my travel stories on my blog, Torn Tackies , where I aim to inspire people to step out of their comfort zone and explore the world that surrounds them.

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Nina Ragusa is an adventurer, messy bun master, breakfast fan, and full-time travel blogger. She's been abroad since 2011 and blogging on Where in the World is Nina? for nearly as long. Nina helps people like you move around the world while making money. She loves talking about how to work abroad and online to travel longer! Read more about Nina

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Hi Nina, thank you so much for the information. I’m looking at doing my course (again) in November. Unfortunately I didn’t pursue the yachting industry the first time I did my course as I started working on the ships. But your insight has really motivated me to try again, so thank you.

Thank you Nina for sharing your info and guiding us, i do have a question though, i am a type one diabetic, and really want to work on a yacht, i am already currently in the Hospitality industry. Do you know whether type one diabetics are allowed to work on yachts?

Great info ! Thank you so much for sharing your experience, I’m looking forward to become a stewardess, I have a question: for working in the Mediterranean Sea it doesn’t matter which Schengen visa? I might have the chance chance to do a German visa, would that work? Thank you again J+

Thank you, Nina! I am heading to Antibes on May 1st to find my first yacht job and I am super excited! I’m always reading online and checking out any information I can in order to prepare, so this blog was a prize to find as it is loaded with fantastic info!

Hope you’re having a fantastic day, wish me luck!

Yes! The best of luck 🙂

Hi nina i have already documents f Seaman book and passport Eng1, food safety and level hygiene level 2

Stcw Sdsd My probllem is only the visa i want to earn already

Can you tell me whats lacking ,

How is the procedure in landing yachts ?

I think sometimes that when i travel my own expense in goin ‘

Like france

I think its too expensive

Or i think in mind that when i applied in us embassy here in philjppines for b1b2 visa

W/out a company yet is hard for me

Coz.i didnt travel yet in any location overseas I have first in mind that i justonly denied for that

Pls can you help me my dear ffriend Can you pls.humbly assist me in my dream career I am a greenie and recently took my iyt yacht card here in manila philippines

Its been an honor to have an indtrument /way like you

On helping othera like me

I want t hear your quick Humbly help my friend

Thank you so much Nina for all of this information! You’ve made me more excited to start my yachting career. I am heading to Phuket next month to take my STCW + Stewardess course, then am hoping to head over to Antibes after to start looking for work by March 🙂

That sounds SO exciting! Have fun 🙂

Careers in the superyacht industry

A superyacht is defined as any leisure yacht over 24 metres (79 feet) in length. There are many hundreds of superyachts sailing the seas and oceans today – motor or sail, and they employ thousands of crew members from around the world. 

Owning or chartering a multi-million-pound superyacht is an exclusive hobby, but behind the glamorous, façade, there is a whole team of skilled workers keeping everything ship-shape. The number of superyachts being built is increasing each year, and there is now a shortage of skilled workers to crew them. Working on a superyacht is certainly not a holiday, but the rewards can be generous and it’s a great way to see the world in style.

Read on to find out all you need to know about what careers are available, the training and certification you will need and more.

Training and qualifications

We outline likely requirements in the job descriptions below, or follow the link here to learn about key areas of superyacht training and certification that you can consider.

The Captain of any yacht (large or small) has one primary duty, which is the safe manning and operation of the yacht. This includes taking full responsibility for the crew, the tenders  and toys, and the guests. Every crew member falls under the ultimate command of the Captain.

Chief Engineer

The Chief Engineer is in charge of the engineering department and is responsible for its safe and efficient operation. He or she reports directly to the Captain. As well as managing the Engineers, Electricians and ETOs (Electronic Technical Officers), the Chief Engineer has overall responsibility for the engineering department.

First & Second Officer

All superyachts generally have a First Officer on board, but larger yachts would employ a Second Officer as well. The roles are quite similar, but specific duties are likely to vary from one yacht to another.

Chief Steward/Stewardess

A Chief Steward or Stewardess is most likely an experienced crew member who has progressed to this higher-ranking role. They are in charge of the interior of the yacht and manages and recruits the interior staff (such as Stewards and Housekeepers). They report directly to the Captain.

On a superyacht, regardless of the size, the food is one thing that a charter guest or an owner will always remember. The Chef plays an incredibly important role and is one of the key figures on board.

Engineer/Assistant Engineer

The main function of the Engineer is to maintain the mechanical and electrical operations of the yacht.  This position will entail very large, complicated jobs, and it can, at the same time, incorporate something as small as fixing a remote control for guests, or fixing a toilet.

Technical Officer/Electrician

Electronic Technical Officers (ETOs) and/or Electricians are generally employed on larger superyachts where the Engineering department comprises around four or five crew. In some instances one person may fulfil both roles, or there may be different individuals for each. If there is no ETO or Electrician on board, their responsibilities would fall to the Engineer. ETOs and Electricians usually report to the Chief Engineer.

Steward / Stewardess

The most important aspect of the Steward/ess role is his/her attention to detail.  This type of position requires the ability to think ahead, provide a service before the guest makes the request and to anticipate events before they happen. Most importantly, you must exhibit the ability to discreetly serve guests in a luxury 6-star manner.

Second Chef/Sous Chef

On larger yachts, you will often find a Second Cook/Sous Chef who works along side a Chef.  This person will normally bear all responsibilities in cooking for the crew, side work for meal preparation, and assisting the Chef in any variety of ways.  A new-to-industry individual who aspires to be a professional yacht chef will greatly benefit from holding an assistant position.

The Bosun, sometimes known as the Leading Hand or Senior Deckhand, is likely to be an experienced Deckhand who is able to take on extra responsibilities. The Bosun is responsible for maintaining the exterior of the yacht immaculately and is in charge of the Deckhands.

A deckhand is the entry level for almost all professional crew jobs on superyachts. The deckhand position will encompass many responsibilities, but most importantly, he/she will maintain the exterior of the yacht and keep it in pristine condition at all times. You could be the only deckhand on board, but on larger superyachts there may be as many as five or more deckhands working.

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Engineering

About the Yacht Positions

The diversity and opportunities to work aboard superyachts around the world are endless. The yachts range in size from 60ft to 600ft with crew of 1 - 100 crew members in four primary departments. Each department is responsible for a unique set of tasks aboard and is suited for individuals with specific skillsets and experience. Explore professions within each department.

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• Travel Guide

How To Work On Superyachts & Sailboats

Published: November 3, 2023

Modified: March 4, 2024

by Dulciana Tomas

Introduction

Working on super yachts and sailboats is a dream come true for those who love adventure, the ocean, and the thrill of exploring new horizons. It is an opportunity to combine a passion for sailing with a fulfilling career. Whether you’re navigating luxury yachts in the Caribbean or crewing on a racing sailboat in the Mediterranean, the world of yachting offers endless opportunities for those seeking a unique and exhilarating work experience.

What sets working on super yachts and sailboats apart from other jobs is the sense of freedom and adventure that comes with it. Imagine waking up each morning to the stunning views of crystal-clear waters, breathing in the salty sea breeze, and embarking on exciting voyages to diverse and exotic destinations. It’s a lifestyle that allows you to escape the mundane office routine and explore some of the most beautiful corners of the planet.

But working on a super yacht or sailboat is not all about leisure and relaxation. It requires dedication, hard work, and a variety of specialized skills. It is not uncommon for crew members to work long hours, often in demanding and unpredictable conditions. However, the rewards go far beyond monetary compensation. The experiences gained, the friendships formed, and the memories created make it an invaluable opportunity to grow both personally and professionally.

In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the different types of super yachts and sailboats, the required skills and qualifications, how to find employment opportunities, the application process, what to expect in terms of responsibilities and duties, working conditions and schedules, salary and benefits, and the potential for career progression.

So, if you’re ready to embark on a thrilling adventure in the world of super yachts and sailboats, let’s dive in and explore how you can turn your passion for the sea into a fulfilling career!

Types of Super Yachts and Sailboats

Super yachts and sailboats come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and styles, each offering unique experiences and opportunities. Here are some of the common types:

• Motor Yachts: These yachts are equipped with powerful engines and are designed for speed and luxury. Motor yachts offer a comfortable and smooth cruising experience, often with luxurious amenities and facilities on board.
• Sailing Yachts: Sailing yachts, also known as sailboats, rely on wind power to navigate. They range from small day-sailers to large, ocean-crossing vessels. Sailing yachts provide a unique and authentic sailing experience, allowing crew members to hone their sailing skills.
• Explorer Yachts: Explorer yachts are built for long-range cruising and adventure. They are designed to explore remote and challenging destinations, with features such as ice-breaking capabilities and larger fuel storage for extended journeys.
• Catamarans: Catamarans have two hulls, providing increased stability and spaciousness compared to traditional monohull yachts. They are popular for their comfortable sailing characteristics and generous living areas, making them ideal for chartering.
• Mega Yachts: Mega yachts are the epitome of luxury and extravagance. They are typically over 100 feet in length and offer opulent amenities such as swimming pools, helipads, and multiple decks. Mega yachts are often owned by high-profile individuals and used for private cruising or chartering.
• Racing Sailboats: Racing sailboats are specifically designed for competitive sailing events. They feature lightweight construction, advanced sail designs, and high-performance hulls to maximize speed and maneuverability. Crewing on a racing sailboat offers the opportunity to participate in thrilling regattas and test your sailing skills against other sailors.
• Riviera Boats: These yachts have a luxurious design and high-quality craftsmanship. The Riviera boats for sale are perfect for cruising in style and comfort, whether you’re exploring coastal waters or relaxing on a peaceful lake.

Each type of yacht or sailboat requires a specific set of skills and understanding to operate and maintain effectively. As a crew member, you may have the opportunity to work on different types of vessels throughout your career, gaining valuable experience and broadening your skill set.

Now that we’ve explored the different types of super yachts and sailboats, let’s delve into the skills and qualifications you’ll need to embark on this exciting career path.

Required Skills and Qualifications

Working on super yachts and sailboats requires a diverse range of skills and qualifications to ensure the safety and smooth operation of the vessel. While specific requirements may vary depending on the type and size of the yacht, here are some essential skills and qualifications:

• Sailing and Navigation: A solid foundation in sailing and navigation is crucial for crew members. Understanding basic sailing techniques, reading charts, and operating navigation equipment are essential skills in this line of work.
• Maritime Certifications: Depending on the position, certain maritime certifications may be required. These certifications are obtained through reputable training institutions and validate your knowledge and competence in areas such as navigation, safety procedures, first aid, and firefighting.
• Customer Service: Many super yachts and sailboats are chartered by clients who expect exceptional customer service. Being able to provide excellent hospitality and interpersonal skills is highly valued in the industry.
• Problem-Solving: The ability to quickly and effectively solve problems is essential in the dynamic environment of a yacht or sailboat. From mechanical issues to unexpected weather conditions, crew members must be able to adapt and find solutions under pressure.
• Teamwork: Yachts and sailboats operate as a tight-knit team, and the ability to work harmoniously with others is crucial. Effective communication, collaboration, and a positive attitude contribute to a cohesive and efficient crew.
• Dedication and Hard Work: Working on super yachts and sailboats can be physically demanding and require long hours. Crew members must be willing to work hard, often in challenging conditions, to ensure the smooth running of the vessel.
• Languages: Being proficient in multiple languages, especially English, is highly advantageous in the industry. It allows for better communication with international clients and crew members from various backgrounds.
• Culinary Skills: On larger luxury yachts, having culinary skills or experience in the food and beverage industry is a valuable asset. A chef or steward/stewardess with exceptional culinary abilities can elevate the guests’ onboard experience.

These are just a few of the skills and qualifications that are sought after in the industry. It’s important to note that the specific requirements may vary depending on the position and the size of the yacht or sailboat. Continual learning and furthering your skills through training programs and certifications will enhance your prospects in the field.

Now that we have discussed the required skills and qualifications, let’s move on to finding employment opportunities in the world of super yachts and sailboats.

Finding Employment Opportunities

When it comes to finding employment opportunities in the world of super yachts and sailboats, networking and persistence are key. Here are some avenues to explore:

• Crew Agencies: Register with reputable crew agencies that specialize in yacht and sailboat placements. These agencies connect crew members with yacht owners and captains seeking qualified candidates. Submit your resume and complete the necessary documentation to increase your chances of finding suitable positions.
• Online Job Portals: Utilize online job portals that specifically cater to the yachting industry. These platforms allow you to create a profile, browse job listings, and apply directly to yacht owners and management companies.
• Industry Events and Job Fairs: Attend industry events, such as yacht shows and job fairs, where you can network with yacht owners, captains, and industry professionals. This provides an opportunity to showcase your skills and make valuable connections.
• Referrals and Recommendations: Leverage your network and seek referrals and recommendations from individuals working in the industry. Networking with people already established in the yachting community can lead to insider job opportunities.
• Online Yachting Communities: Join online forums, social media groups, and online communities dedicated to the yachting industry. Engage with fellow crew members, seek advice, and stay updated on job openings and opportunities.
• Cold Calling and Speculative Applications: Sometimes, yachts may not actively advertise job vacancies. In these cases, consider sending speculative applications or directly contacting yacht owners, captains, or management companies to express your interest and inquire about potential openings.

Keep in mind that competition can be fierce in the yachting industry. It’s important to present yourself professionally, have a well-prepared resume, and highlight your relevant skills and qualifications. Tailor your applications to each position and demonstrate your enthusiasm for the industry.

Remember, finding the right fit may take time and perseverance. Be open to starting at entry-level positions to gain experience and work your way up to more senior roles.

Now that you have a better understanding of how to find job opportunities in the industry, let’s explore the application process for super yachts and sailboats.

Applying for Jobs

When applying for jobs in the world of super yachts and sailboats, it’s important to present yourself professionally and showcase your skills and qualifications. Here are some key steps to follow in the application process:

• Create a Professional Resume: Craft a well-designed resume that highlights your relevant skills, qualifications, and experiences. Tailor your resume for each position you apply for, emphasizing your sailing, customer service, and other pertinent skills.
• Write a Compelling Cover Letter: Accompany your resume with a persuasive cover letter that demonstrates your enthusiasm, passion for the industry, and why you are a strong fit for the position. Use this opportunity to showcase any relevant experience or unique skills you possess.
• Prepare Documents and Certifications: Gather all necessary documents, such as copies of your maritime certifications, passports, and any additional qualifications required for the position. Ensure these documents are up to date and readily available.
• Submit Applications: Depending on the job listing or the preference of the yacht owner or management company, submit your applications through the specified method. This could include online portals, email, or mail. Follow the instructions provided and submit all required documents.
• Follow-Up: After submitting your application, it’s courteous to follow up with a brief email expressing your continued interest in the position. This demonstrates your proactive attitude and dedication to securing the job.
• Prepare for Interviews: If your application is reviewed positively, you may be invited for an interview. Prepare for the interview by researching the yacht or sailboat, understanding the role you are applying for, and practicing common interview questions. Showcase your knowledge, interpersonal skills, and suitability for the position during the interview.
• Accept or Decline Offer: If you are offered a position, carefully review the terms and conditions, salary, and benefits. If it aligns with your expectations and career goals, accept the offer with gratitude. If not, politely decline and thank them for the opportunity.

Remember, each application is an opportunity to showcase your unique qualities and demonstrate why you would be an asset to the yacht or sailboat. Pay attention to detail, present yourself professionally, and let your passion for the industry shine through.

Once you secure a position, it’s essential to prepare for life onboard. In the next section, we will discuss what you can expect when living and working on a super yacht or sailboat.

Preparing for Life Onboard

Life onboard a super yacht or sailboat is an adventure like no other. It is important to be well-prepared and understand what to expect before embarking on your journey. Here are some tips to help you prepare for life onboard:

• Pack Thoughtfully: Space is limited onboard, so pack only essentials and prioritize lightweight, versatile clothing. Don’t forget to bring any personal items that will make your cabin feel like home.
• Stay Physically Fit: Life onboard can be physically demanding, so maintaining good physical fitness is important. Engage in regular exercise and practice activities that will enhance your strength, balance, and endurance.
• Learn the Yacht’s Policies: Familiarize yourself with the yacht’s policies and guidelines. Understand the daily routines, rules, and procedures to ensure a smooth integration into the onboard community.
• Communicate Dietary Restrictions and Allergies: If you have any dietary restrictions or allergies, notify the yacht’s chef or catering staff in advance to ensure that suitable meals can be provided for you.
• Immerse in Yachting Etiquette: Learn the etiquette and protocols specific to the yachting industry. Understand the hierarchy onboard and the proper way to interact with guests and fellow crew members.
• Develop Seasickness Prevention Strategies: If you are prone to seasickness, explore methods to alleviate symptoms. Consult with medical professionals, try natural remedies, or consider medications recommended by your doctor.
• Stay Open-Minded and Flexible: Life onboard can be unpredictable, so it’s important to be adaptable and open-minded. Embrace the challenges and unexpected situations that may arise as opportunities for growth and learning.
• Embrace Teamwork and Collaboration: Foster a positive and supportive attitude towards your fellow crew members. Develop strong working relationships, as teamwork and collaboration are essential to the smooth operation of the yacht or sailboat.
• Adapt to Different Cultures and Nationalities: Yacht crews comprise individuals from various cultures and nationalities. Embrace the diversity and learn from the different perspectives and experiences of your colleagues.
• Learn Continuously: Yachting is a dynamic industry, and there is always something new to learn. Take advantage of training opportunities, improve your skills, and stay updated with the latest safety procedures and industry trends.

Preparing for life onboard involves being mentally and emotionally prepared for the unique challenges and rewards that come with working on a super yacht or sailboat. By following these tips, you can set yourself up for a successful and fulfilling experience.

Next, we will dive into the responsibilities and duties you can expect as a crew member working on a super yacht or sailboat.

Responsibilities and Duties

As a crew member working on a super yacht or sailboat, you will have a range of responsibilities and duties to ensure the smooth operation and exceptional service onboard. Here are some common responsibilities you can expect:

• Deck Crew: Deck crew members are responsible for the maintenance and cleanliness of the exterior areas of the vessel. This includes tasks such as yacht navigation, handling of mooring lines, operating tenders and water toys, and ensuring the safety of guests during water activities.
• Engineering Crew: Engineering crew members are responsible for the maintenance and operation of the yacht’s mechanical and electrical systems. They conduct routine inspections, troubleshoot issues, and ensure the smooth functioning of the engine room and related equipment.
• Interior Crew: Interior crew members focus on providing exceptional hospitality and service to guests. They are responsible for housekeeping duties, meal service, bartending, and maintaining the overall cleanliness and appearance of the interior spaces.
• Chef: The chef is responsible for planning and preparing meals based on guest preferences and dietary requirements. They manage the yacht’s galley and ensure that high-quality meals are provided, often showcasing their culinary expertise.
• Captain and Navigational Officers: The captain and navigational officers are responsible for the overall operation and navigation of the yacht. They ensure the safety of the vessel, plan routes, communicate with port authorities, and oversee the crew’s performance.
• Steward/Stewardess: Stewardesses are responsible for guest service and the overall appearance of the interior spaces. This includes cabin preparation, laundry service, table setting, and assisting with guest needs and requests.
• Administrative Duties: Some crew members may also be assigned administrative duties, such as inventory management, bookkeeping, and crew scheduling. These tasks contribute to the smooth running of the yacht’s operations.

It’s important to note that the specific responsibilities and duties may vary depending on the size of the yacht and the position you hold. Flexibility and a willingness to support other team members are highly valued traits in the yachting industry.

As a crew member, you must always prioritize guest safety and satisfaction, maintaining a high level of professionalism and attentiveness. Attention to detail, strong communication skills, and a positive attitude are paramount in ensuring a memorable experience for guests onboard.

Now that we have covered the responsibilities and duties, let’s move on to discussing the working conditions and schedule you can expect in this line of work.

Working Conditions and Schedule

Working on a super yacht or sailboat requires adaptability and a willingness to embrace unconventional working conditions and schedules. Here’s what you can expect:

Living Spaces: Crew members typically have designated living spaces onboard, often referred to as crew quarters. These spaces are compact, with shared accommodations and limited privacy. It’s important to be respectful of fellow crew members’ personal space and to keep the quarters tidy.

Long Working Hours: Yachting is known for its demanding work schedules. Crew members often work long hours, especially during busy charter seasons. The workload may be physically and mentally demanding, requiring endurance and a strong work ethic.

Irregular Schedule: Yachting follows an irregular schedule, as operations are highly dependent on weather conditions, guest preferences, and itinerary changes. Crew members must be flexible and ready to adapt to changes in the working hours and daily routines.

Work-Life Balance: Maintaining a work-life balance can be challenging in the yachting industry. The intense work schedule may leave limited time for personal activities and leisure. However, downtime is usually provided during quieter periods, allowing crew members to rest and recharge.

Working in Close Proximity: Living and working in close proximity to fellow crew members can test your interpersonal skills. It’s essential to maintain professionalism, respect boundaries, and cultivate a positive working and living environment.

Seasonal Employment: Yachting often follows seasonal patterns, especially in charter destinations. The industry experiences high demand during peak seasons, and crew members may find employment contracts that reflect these seasonal fluctuations.

Travel Opportunities: One of the perks of working in the yachting industry is the opportunity to travel to various destinations. Crew members have the chance to explore new countries, experience different cultures, and visit exotic locations.

Crew Safety and Training: Yachts prioritize crew safety and often provide training in areas such as firefighting, first aid, and emergency procedures. It’s essential to take these training sessions seriously and adhere to safety protocols to ensure the well-being of all onboard.

Working on a super yacht or sailboat can be demanding, but it also offers incredible experiences and rewards. The unique working conditions and schedule require a resilient and adaptable mindset. By embracing the challenges and opportunities that come with this line of work, you can embark on an exciting career in the yachting industry.

Now, let’s move on to discussing the salary and benefits associated with working on super yachts and sailboats.

Salary and Benefits

Working on super yachts and sailboats can be financially rewarding, offering competitive salaries and a range of benefits. While salaries vary depending on factors such as the size of the yacht, position, experience, and location, here is an overview of the potential earnings and benefits:

Salary: The salary for crew members varies widely. Entry-level positions may start around $2,000 to $3,000 per month, while more experienced and senior positions can earn anywhere from $3,500 to $15,000 or more per month. It’s important to note that salaries can also be supplemented with tips and bonuses, particularly in the charter industry.

Tips and Bonuses: Crew members working in the charter industry often receive gratuities from satisfied guests. These gratuities can vary but have the potential to significantly boost earnings. Additionally, some yachts offer performance-based bonuses as a reward for excellent service.

Accommodation and Meals: Accommodation and meals are typically provided by the yacht or sailboat while on duty. The crew is afforded living spaces and access to the yacht’s galley for meals. This arrangement helps minimize living costs and allows crew members to save a significant amount of their salary.

Healthcare: Many yachts offer healthcare benefits to their crew members. This may include medical insurance or access to onboard medical facilities. It’s important to inquire about the specific healthcare benefits provided by the yacht or sailboat you are considering working for.

Training and Professional Development: Yachts often prioritize professional development and may support crew members in obtaining additional certifications and training related to their roles. These opportunities enhance skill sets and increase future earning potential in the industry.

Time Off and Vacation: Crew members typically have scheduled time off, allowing them to rest and enjoy their surroundings during periods of downtime. Some yachts offer paid vacation time, enabling crew members to take extended breaks and explore destinations of their choice during off-seasons.

Travel Opportunities: One of the significant perks of working on yachts is the opportunity to travel to various locations. Crew members can explore different parts of the world, experiencing new cultures and creating unforgettable memories.

Networking and Career Progression: Working on yachts provides excellent networking opportunities. Building strong connections and gaining experience in the industry can lead to career progression and higher-ranking positions in the future.

It’s essential to remember that salaries and benefits may vary depending on the yacht’s size, level of luxury, and the individual’s experience and qualifications. Negotiating salary and benefits can be discussed during the job offer stage and is influenced by factors such as demand for crew positions in the industry.

Now that we’ve discussed salary and benefits, let’s explore the potential for career progression in the world of super yachts and sailboats.

Career Progression

The world of super yachts and sailboats offers exciting opportunities for career progression and professional growth. With dedication, experience, and expanding skill sets, crew members can advance to higher positions and take on more responsibilities. Here are some avenues for career progression in the industry:

• Specialization: One path for career progression is to specialize in a specific area of yachting. This could be deck operations, engineering, hospitality, or culinary arts. By becoming an expert in their chosen field, crew members can increase their value and potentially take on leadership roles within that department.
• Senior Positions: With accumulated experience and proven skills, crew members can progress to senior positions such as chief engineer, chief stewardess/steward, bosun, or first mate. These roles involve greater responsibilities and leadership in managing a team and coordinating various onboard operations.
• Management Roles: For those with strong leadership skills and business acumen, the yachting industry offers opportunities in yacht management and shore-based roles. These positions involve overseeing the operations of multiple yachts, ensuring compliance with regulations, and managing crew teams.
• Captaincy: With extensive experience and the necessary certifications, crew members can aspire to become a captain. Captains carry ultimate responsibility for the yacht’s operation, navigation, and crew management. Attaining a captain’s license requires a significant amount of sea time and the successful completion of necessary training and assessments.
• Transitioning to Shore-based Careers: Some crew members may choose to transition to shore-based careers within the yachting industry. This could involve roles in yacht sales, charter management, yacht brokerage, or working for yacht management companies. The knowledge and experience gained from working onboard provide a solid foundation for pursuing these opportunities.
• Entrepreneurship: With a thorough understanding of the yachting industry, some crew members choose to start their own businesses. This could include offering specialized services to yachts, running a charter management company, or venturing into yacht design and construction.

Career progression in the yachting industry is largely based on experience, qualifications, and a demonstrated commitment to professional development. Seeking further education, gaining additional certifications, and maintaining an excellent reputation within the industry can greatly enhance the prospects for advancement.

It’s important to note that career progression in the industry requires a long-term commitment and a willingness to continually learn and adapt to changing industry trends and regulations. By being proactive, seeking opportunities for growth, and embracing new challenges, crew members can build rewarding and successful careers in the world of super yachts and sailboats.

As we wrap up this guide, we hope that it has provided you with valuable insights into the world of super yachts and sailboats. Whether you’re a seasoned yachting professional or aspiring to embark on this thrilling career path, the opportunities for adventure and personal growth abound in this extraordinary industry.

Working on super yachts and sailboats is a unique and exhilarating career choice that offers a blend of adventure, professional growth, and unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re drawn to the open seas, the thrill of sailing, or the opportunity to provide exceptional service to guests, the world of yachting holds endless possibilities.

In this comprehensive guide, we have explored the different types of super yachts and sailboats, the required skills and qualifications, how to find employment opportunities, the application process, responsibilities and duties, working conditions and schedule, salary and benefits, as well as the potential for career progression.

We have emphasized the importance of networking, persistence, and a dedication to ongoing skill development as key factors in successfully navigating this industry. From understanding yacht types to honing your sailing abilities, from preparing for life onboard to advancing in your career, each step requires passion, flexibility, and a commitment to excellence.

Working on a super yacht or sailboat offers a lifestyle that is far from ordinary. It’s a life where you can wake up to breathtaking sunrises, explore stunning destinations, and forge lifelong connections with people from around the world. While the job can be demanding and the working conditions unique, the rewards of personal growth, cultural immersion, and the opportunity to be part of an elite industry make it all worthwhile.

So, if you’re ready to embark on a thrilling adventure and turn your passion for the sea into a fulfilling career, seize the opportunity, network with industry professionals, enhance your skills, and jump aboard. The world of super yachts and sailboats awaits your arrival.

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Working On Yachts

There are currently over 15,000 yachts in the world large enough to require professional, qualified yacht crew and as a result this industry is growing rapidly each year.

A career in yachting can be rewarding, exciting and a wonderful opportunity to travel the world and explore new horizons!

Wherever there is water, you have the potential to go. Traditionally the yachting industry in the Mediterranean runs from April until September and from November to April in the States & Caribbean. Having said that, the possibilities are endless with many yachts circumnavigating the world.

Yachting is an eye opening, ultimately fun industry that demands hard work, perfection and attention to detail. We work with yacht crew every day and have a deep insight into what new crew should do to make the most of their career. Here are our top ten tips for starting out.

You cannot work on board a luxury yacht without getting your basic qualifications first. Bluewater offers a full range of crew training courses for those just starting in the industry:

• STCW 95 Basic Training (Europe) 5 Day Course
• Powerboat Level II 2 Day Course
• Interior Introduction 3 Day Course
• AEC 1 5 Day Course

We have a sample copy and lots of relevant advice on creating your first yachting CV within our 'Your CV' section.

Certain times of year are more favourable for new crew looking to join the industry. If you are going to Antibes or Palma, we advise end of March/April. Fort Lauderdale is different in that it is sunny most of the year, however there is a peak recruitment season around November each year.

In every yachting hub you will find english speaking bars and cafes filled with yacht crew. Make sure you go and explore to build your network within yachting. Although global, it is a small industry so make sure to present yourself professionally.

Finding your first position in yachting is the hardest. Make sure you are dock walking, looking for day work opportunities and handing out your CV. You may find that one day's work leads to a permanent role or other job interviews.

Read websites, follow yachting news, learn from other crew who were in your 'deck shoes' a few years ago. Good examples of yachting websites & magazines are:

• Bluewater bluewateryachting.com
• Dockwalk dockwalk.com
• The Crew Report thecrewreport.com
• The Triton thetriton.com

Apply for jobs, manage your course bookings and sign up for events.

You can buy pay as you go SIM cards either in newsagents or specialised telephone shops around the Mediterranean. This will help to save you money when job hunting!

Captains check Facebook and Twitter pages before interviews. Make sure any public images of you are professional and will not reduce your chances of employment. Once employed be sure to avoid any posts about your yachts, current location and inappropriate images.

A smart, professional appearance will win over shorts and a beach top.

The most important aspect when you are looking for work is to make sure your CV is up to date, well written and includes any relevant experience that you might have.

It is best to emphasize any hospitality experience or customer service skills you may have had, such as waitressing, hostessing, silver service, bartending, cooking, nanny/au-pairing, babysitting, flower arranging, cleaning and/or laundry experience.

Should you wish to join the engineering department, make sure you include all mechanical experience and qualifications, including all work done in refrigeration, air conditioning, work with engines, and any electrical work, electronics or AV/IT.

The most important aspect to include is any recreational sailing experience you may have had. If you are also qualified or experienced in woodwork or carpentry, have painting, polishing, varnishing know-how, then that is also great. In addition any diving, sailing, fishing, any water sports background are all fantastic skills that are easily transferable.

We deal with a great multitude of chef positions, ranging from crew chef to head chef. Most positions will require some form of culinary training, however some crew succeed in entering this department through the stew/cook route on a smaller yacht.

When filling in your online profile with us, make sure to only select positions that you are qualified to do onboard. Selecting more than 3-4 positions on your profile can confuse potential employers and effect our search results.

Your CV should be no more than two sides of A4, including your photograph (in colour, face on, without sunglasses).

Your CV should be in a word format to ensure it can be opened easily by all employers.

List all recent contact information, references and work history.

Including a personal statement, along with a clear objective can help distinguish you from other candidates and helps prospective employers grasp your long term goals.

Don't give employers an excuse to dismiss your CV, review and spell check it!

Salary Guidelines

Knowledge is power and the more you research, the more informed & on the ball you will be.

Make sure you have a printed copy of your CV with you and always arrive early and dressed in a smart way. Research the yacht, make yourself prepared & don't be afraid to ask questions.

The key to getting your first job is to network! Always carry a copy of your CV with you.

Remember the industry is a tight, professional network therefore it is crucial to communicate with others, walk the docks, distribute your CV and register with crew agencies. Bluewater is one of the longest-established crew agents - we have been finding people yacht jobs since 1991!

Keep the agencies up to date! Always make sure your profile has the correct location and contact numbers for you so we can get hold of you when we have the perfect role for you.

Your profile is essential to us finding you work, both now and in the future. We rely on the information you input to match you to the right jobs, so please make sure it is up to date and at least 85% complete. We receive thousands of vacancies each year, and search our database for the best candidates for each one... You will hear from us more often if you are checking in regularly! Once you find work you can set your profile to 'Not Available'.

Superyacht Jobs

Search hundreds of superyacht jobs from around the world:.

Stay up to date with the latest deckhand , steward(ess) , engineer ,   officer, captain & chef yacht crew positions available.

Stay up to date with the latest deckhand , steward(ess) , engineer ,   officer, captain & chef superyacht and yacht jobs around the world.

Second Steward/ess

UGRENT TEMP SECOND STEWARDESS NEEDED IMMEDIATELY!

Seeking an experienced Second Stewardess - New Zealand

Busy 40m private Motor Yacht Seeking a highly motivated, fun and energetic Second Stewardess to join the vessel immediately.

This is a temporary position star...

Job Details:

Job ID: #7050 Job Type: Temporary Start Location: New Zealand Start Date: Immediate Start Qualifications (Essential): STCW Basic Safety Training 95 (2010) Min Yachting Experience: 1-2 Years Gender Required: Female Smokers: No

REPOST DUE TO ROTATION OF 3:1 BEING CONFIRMED

We are looking for an experienced crew/third chef for an awesome 90m motor yacht currently in the Caribbean for the season. There is a strong team in the galley with excellent head chefs and two strong second chefs that rotate.

Job ID: #7028 Job Type: Rotational Start Location: United States Start Date: 20 Apr 2024 Qualifications (Essential): STCW Basic Safety Training 95 (2010) Essential Visas: B1B2 Languages: English Min Yachting Experience: 1 Season Gender Required: Any Smokers: No

Chief / First Officer

We're looking for a Chief officer to join a busy 40 meter charter M/Y based in Australia.

This role is ideal for those who love to travel to different destinations in the Southern Hemisphere. It's also for those who love fishing and diving!

It will be a full time position. C...

Job ID: #7052 Job Type: Full Time Start Location: Australia Start Date: 07 Apr 2024 Qualifications (Essential): STCW Basic Safety Training 95 (2010), Yacht Master Offshore Qualifications (Preferred): ENG1 (or equivalent Seafarer's Medical Certificate) Min Yachting Experience: 3-4 Years Gender Required: Male Smokers: No

REPOST! We are stil searching for the right candidates! Couples are welcome but must have sailing experience.

We are after a captain for an adventurous program, this 78ft SY yacht is currently in the Caribbean, needing to be delivered to the USA for some maintenance work and summer cru...

Job ID: #7048 Job Type: Full Time Start Location: United States Start Date: 22 Apr 2024 Qualifications (Essential): Yacht Master Offshore Qualifications (Preferred): Yacht Master Ocean Essential Visas: B1B2 Languages: English Min Yachting Experience: 3-4 Years Gender Required: Male

We are looking for an experienced 2nd Stewardess for a 55m+ M/Y charter and private. Vessel will be doing the Med season with 7-10 weeks of charter and very light owner use.

The ideal candidate will have at least 2 seasons charter experience in the 2nd Stew role.

Must have s...

Job ID: #7051 Job Type: Seasonal Start Location: Saint Martin Start Date: 11 Apr 2024 Qualifications (Essential): ENG1 (or equivalent Seafarer's Medical Certificate), STCW Basic Safety Training 95 (2010) Min Yachting Experience: 1-2 Years Gender Required: Female Smokers: No

Steward(ess)/Deckhand

We're looking for a stew/deckhand to join a busy 40 meter charter M/Y based in Australia.

This role is ideal for those who love to travel to different destinations in the Southern Hemisphere.

It will be a full time position. Can also be coupled with a chief officer or chef....

Job ID: #7055 Job Type: Full Time Start Location: Australia Start Date: 07 Apr 2024 Qualifications (Essential): STCW Basic Safety Training 95 (2010) Qualifications (Preferred): ENG1 (or equivalent Seafarer's Medical Certificate) Min Yachting Experience: 1-2 Years Gender Required: Female Smokers: No

House Manager Shoreside

Wilsonhalligan have a House Manager position available based in the South West of England. My client is looking for a trust-worthy, hard working and dedicated ex-yachtie to look after and help maintain their vast and beautiful residence. This is a full-time position of 5 days a week over the weekend with some weekends off depending on the principal's schedule and travel plans. The ideal candidate will have the right to work and live in the UK, a clean driving license and someone who can provide longevity to the family. Location: United Kingdom Salary: DOE Please send CV to [email protected]

Chief Stewardess 50m+ Private Motor Yacht

WIlsonhalligan are looking for a Chief Stewardesson a 50m+ single season Private Motor Yacht. We are looking for someone with at least 1 year's experience in a Chief Stewardess role on a similar sized vessel. The vessel is only used during the summer months, but is always very busy during this time. Team of 3 within the interior, very much a hands on role with concierge duties. Requirements: STCW ENG 1 Level 2 food and hygiene Package: Salary: DOE Leave: 60 days within the winter months. Start date: ASAP

DPA / Vessel Manager Shoreside

Wilsonhalligan are looking for an experienced DPA/Vessel Manager to join an established and growing Maritime company in the UK. The ideal candidate will: - have an extensive experience as a Vessel Manager on land with years of senior experience in yachting. Personal characteristics include: - Dedication - Strong individual worker and a team player - First class relationship management skills - Positive attitude and realistic outlook - Strong work ethic, responsive and proactive Salary: DOE Start: April 2024 Location: North East, United Kingdom (Hybrid) Apply now or get in touch if you think this job is for you: [email protected]

Office Assistant Shoreside

Wilsonhalligan have an exciting opportunity for an Office Assistant, based in London, UK, to support one of our esteemed Maritime clients. The ideal candidate will possess exceptional organisational acumen, a proactive can-do attitude, and a strong dedication to collaborative teamwork. Location: London, UK Salary: DOE Days: Hybrid Responsibilities: - Assist in maintaining office operations by organising and coordinating administrative duties and procedures. - Provide support to our Maritime client, ensuring efficient communication and workflow. - Collaborate with team members to facilitate the smooth functioning of daily tasks and projects. Requirements: - Maritime background - Demonstrated proficiency in organisational skills, with a keen attention to detail. - Proactive approach to problem-solving and task management. - Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively within a team environment. - Right visa to work and live in the UK If you possess the requisite skills and are eager to contribute to a dynamic team in the maritime industry, please submit your CV to [email protected] .

House Guardian (Couple) Shoreside

Wilsonhalligan have a House Manager Couple's position available based in the South of France. My client is looking for a trust-worthy, hard working and dedicated ex-yachtie couple to look after their beautiful residence in Saint Tropez. Location: SOF Salary: DOE Start: 2024 Please send CV to [email protected]

2nd Engineer 80m+ motor yacht

We are working with a new build, 80m+ motor yacht in Northern Europe and looking for a Second Engineer to join them at the beginning of the year. The positions offers the opportunity to join a great team and Owners, travel extensively and assist in the final stages of the build period. It would suit a hands on Engineer with similar experience in a similar role who enjoys keeping active and social with like minded crew members. Requirements: SV 2nd Engineer <9000kw or equivalent ENG1 STCW Experience as a Second Engineer Package: Salary: 7500 Rotation: time for time Start: January 2024

Senior Charter Broker Shoreside

Wilsonhalligan have a Senior Charter Broker position available based in the UK or EU. My client is looking for a driven, hard working, dynamic and confident candidate with at least 2 years of experience as a Charter Broker. Location: United Kingdom or Europe Salary: DOE / Flexible Start: ASAP Please send CV to [email protected]

Yacht Manager Shoreside

Wilsonhalligan are looking for a Yacht Manager to join a growing and established company in the UK. The ideal candidate will: - have a yacht experience at a senior command level. - hold an in date CoC or has the ability to renew. - have excellent communication skills with individuals of all levels. - have an up-to-date understanding and knowledge of SOLAS, MLC and STCW, Maritime Labour and MARPOL conventions Desirable: - Qualified Internal Auditor (QMS) - Qualified CSO Personal characteristics include: - Dedicated, honest and compassionate characteristics - Strong individual worker and a team player - First class relationship management skills - Positive attitude and realistic outlook - Strong work ethic, responsive and proactive Salary: DOE Start: ASAP Location: United Kingdom Apply now or get in touch if you think this job is for you: [email protected]

Hairdresser / Housekeeper 120m+ Private Motor Yacht

Wilsonhalligan are looking for a Hairdresser / Housekeeping Stew to join a 120m+ Private Motor Yacht. The ideal candidate will be confident in cutting, colouring and styling male and female hair. Unfortunately due to cabin arrangements only female candidates can be considered. Requirements:

STCW ENG1 Food & Hygiene Level II Hairdressing Qualification

Salary: 3000 Euros Leave: 60 days / 5:1 Start: ASAP

AVIT Engineer 100m+ motor yacht

We are looking for an AVIT officer for a 100m+ private M/Y. You would be required to have motor yacht experience and have worked with systems like Crestron, Cisco and VMWare to name just a few. This is a rotational position 10 weeks on/off with an immediate start date. Salary: 6300 Shared cabin

Head Chef 60m+ Private Charter Motor Yacht

Wilsonhalligan are looking for a Seasonal Head Chef for a 60m+ Private/Charter Motor Yacht. The ideal candidate will have at least 2 years charter experience on similar sized vessels and strong land based experience within high end restaurants. The vessel has a busy summer itinerary planned and could be a great opportunity for an experienced Chef to show off their culinary skills. Please note, male applicants would be preferred due to cabin arrangements onboard. STCW ENG 1 Level 2 food & hygiene SCC Package- Salary: DOE Seasonal: April - October

Director of Yacht Management Shoreside

Wilsonhalligan are looking for a Director of Yacht Management to join a global leading and established Maritime Management Company. The ideal candidate will: - have relevant practical experience in Yacht Management, including Client Communication - have an extensive leadership experience - possess and entrepreneurial thinking and decision-making skills - have a precise and solution-oriented way of working - team player mentality Salary: Competitive (DOE) Start date: May 2024 reach out and send your CV to [email protected]

Watersports / Deckhand 130m+ motor yacht

We are looking for a Deckhand/Watersports instructor who has kite surfing and diving experience for a 100m+ Private M/Y. Kiting side would ideally be instructor level, however would consider a candidate who is confident handling a kite, who can jump, launch, land and role. The dive side would require a dive master, or I would consider someone who has enough dives completed to obtain this. Male candidates due to cabin arrangements. Working on a 2/1 rotation, with an immediate start.

Deckhand / Kite 110m+ Private Motor yacht

We are looking for a Deckhand/Watersports instructor who holds experience with kiting and is confident in teaching and maintaining the latest kite equipment. Additional watersports experience is preferred, ideally someone who can teach wakeboarding, e-foils, seabobs etc. Working on a 3/1 rotation with an April start date. Due to current location of the vessel a B1/B2 visa would be considered more beneficial and would make your profile stand out.

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Working on Superyachts

How do I get a job on a Superyachts? This is a question that we get asked a lot at Flying Fish. Getting started can appear a bit daunting, if you are considering working on a Superyacht then we have some advice from our experts that you may find useful.

Get qualified

The first thing to do is get qualified, whether as a Stewardess or Deckhand. You will need to learn your role onboard before you begin looking for work.

Flying Fish have been running Deckhand and Stewardess training courses for 10 years, so we know what skills you need. Part of the course is learning how to write a professional Yacht CV and top tips from our experts on how to find that dream job.

Superyacht Deckhand Course

Our most popular programme, providing everything you need to start your new career. Includes STCW Basic Safety Training.

From  £3,110

Superyacht Stewardess Course

Superyacht interior course, eng1 medical.

All crew from Deckhands to Captains must to complete an  ENG1 medical  to confirm that you are fit to go to sea.

We recommend you complete your ENG1 first before starting out, if there is any undying medical condition that you are not aware of then you may be given a restriction on your ENG1 medical certificate, which may reduce your chances of working on super yachts.

Remember, it’s what you can offer the boat not what the boat can offer you. A can-do attitude and big smile is what Captains are looking for!

You need to be the type of person who is not afraid of hard work and are happy living away from home for long periods of time. Educate yourself about the industry, find out about the different types of Superyachts and who builds them.

Private or charter, sail or power and where is the best place to look for work.

Join Facebook groups like  Palma yacht crew . There is plenty of information online about the Superyacht industry,  rules and regulations  plus  MCL, Seafarers working and living rights.

Put your self in your employers shoes for a moment and think about the type of person they want to employ.

Your CV should show your employer what skills you have and what you have achieved. It has to be short, to the point, interesting, you have to make the reader want to meet you. Here are some top tips for you to think about when writing your CV:

• Make your CV easy to read and the key points easy to find.
• The layout needs to be clean and formatted properly.
• Choose a font like Verdana that is easy to read.
• You will need a colour photo on the top right of the CV, ideally outside in the sunshine with yachts in the background. Your photo is important as Captains/Chief Stews will form an impression when they look at your photo so no selfies!
• Don’t lie, if you are a non-smoker then you’re a non-smoker.
• You will need your CV printed, saved on a memory stick or saved in the cloud ready to be sent at the click of a button.
• Your CV will need to be saved as a PDF so it can be opened on different devices.
• Take a laptop with you to location, you will need to edit your CV and some crew agents will want to change the layout of your CV.

Looking for a job on a Superyacht

Once you have your CV prepared and qualifications in hand then the next step to working on super yachts is to start the job search.

There are plenty of crew agents, Facebook groups and online jobs boards. Many customers have found jobs online.

There are a few locations around the world know as the “yachting hubs”. These are Antibes, France, Palma de Mallorca and Spain. You will need to fly to the Med and spend some time looking for work.

You will need to register with all the  Superyacht recruitment agents.   Yotspot  is a very good recruitment site, a lot of our customers are finding jobs through Yotspot.

You will need to upload your CV and references before heading out to the Med. The crew agents will not interview you until you have completed their online application forms. It is easier to apply at home than from an internet cafe.

Traditionally the main recruitment times are February to May and September and October. However, as the industry has grown so much over the last five years, and with yachts getting bigger and bigger, customers are finding jobs all year round.

Top tips from a Superyacht Captain

• Be organised, make sure you have your CV and all the original certificates with you in a file ready to be handed to the Captain.
• Have all your certificates scanned into to a PDF ready to be emailed.
• Keep your Social Media to a minimum, most boats owners don’t want the interior or even the exterior online.
• Always travel with a few passport photos.
• Be honest about your experience on your CV.
• Listen, work hard and you will do just fine.

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Home » All Your Questions Answered for South Africans Working on Superyachts

All Your Questions Answered for South Africans Working on Superyachts

Recently SAPeople asked the experts in their fields to answer South Africans’ seafarer questions about working on super yachts, to ensure you got the best answers to your queries. The South African Seafarer Experts Trilogy Luxury Training is the only internationally accredited training provider for interior crew in South Africa, but also offer help and […]

Recently SAPeople asked the experts in their fields to answer South Africans’ seafarer questions about working on super yachts, to ensure you got the best answers to your queries.

The south african seafarer experts.

Trilogy Luxury Training is the only internationally accredited training provider for interior crew in South Africa, but also offer help and services to anyone wanting to get into the industry. Offering over 12 years of experience in the industry and well recognized as providing honest, up front advice, they have answered your yachting questions below.

Seafarers Global are South Africa’s foremost Tax specialist when it comes to individuals working in the maritime industry. They have an intimate working knowledge of requirements and laws when it comes to Seafarers, so you know that your unique situation will be understood and well managed when it comes to your Tax obligations. You will feel safe in knowing that they are your safe harbour when it comes to tax and you can focus on the job at hand.

To get in touch directly with either of the above please see the links at the end of the article. We hope that you find the answers you were looking for below…

South African Seafarer Questions and Answers (FAQ)

1. From Phillip H, Cape Town:

My son (26 years) has been hoping to get some work on these yachts but has had no success so far, after completing his deckhand training etc in Cape Town last year. We would really love to learn whatever we can about how to go about getting work on the yachts.

A few questions for Philip first of all – has your son only been applying from here in South Africa or has he been over to Europe or the states to look for work yet? If he has only been applying from here in South Africa then he should consider going over to Europe as this will give him the best chance and it is very rare for someone new to the industry to land a job from here.

If he has been over and wasn’t able to find a job then there are a few things that you should look at: CV would be number one, also timing and area he was looking in would need to be considered.

If he is light on experience, then it’s a good idea for him to maybe get in touch with Cape Town Yacht services – Erik Bjerring – Owner – +27 72 688 1444. They offer yacht work experience on their fleet in Cape Town. Your son could then get a written reference and some good work experience.

If you would like to book a personal consultation to get some more advice and discuss your son’s situation specifically Trilogy Luxury training offers information sessions to help you best plan the route your son should take as well as discussing CV layout and job search tips.

2. From Alex K, Joburg:

Does doing a course in South Africa guarantee you a job on a yacht? Which is the best course to do?

Doing a course anywhere in the world does not guarantee you a job on a yacht. But not all courses in South Africa are created equal and some training providers will sell you everything and the kitchen sink. What role are you wanting to perform onboard? This is the best place to start and then Trilogy can guide you further from there.

And about how much money should I save for accommodation?

We recommend that you have R80 000 available for food, accommodation and transport while looking for a job, this is to cover 3 months and is also the amount you will need to show you have or have access to when applying for a visa, but also a good, safe amount to have available.

Do you know how long it takes in general to get a job?

This is a very hard questions to answer as it depends on so many variables and ultimately you. Sometimes people get a job in the first week, while other times it can take up to 3 months. There are certainly certain things you can do to improve your chances and conversely things you can do to damage your chances. Book an information session to get more information on this and learn what the best methods are for securing yourself work.

How long would I need accommodation for?

We suggest you book into a crew house for your first 2 weeks, that way you have guaranteed accommodation. After that you may find work or other options through people you meet while there.

Must I organise my accommodation before I move to Antibes?

Yes – and if you plan to go anytime from March to July we suggest booking as soon as possible, as it is the busiest time of year for crew looking for work so accommodation becomes booked quickly.

3. Thabiso M, Hermanus:

I’ve heard it’s harder for us with South African passports? Is that true?

Yes – it can be, but we always say it’s your attitude that gets you the role. So, while some roles may be closed to you there are lots of others that are open and if you are willing to embrace this from the beginning you will be successful.

What should I do to make it work with my SA passport?

Make sure you know the rules and regulations that apply to you, be responsible for your own visas and understand what you can and can’t do on the visas. Make sure you keep on top of it and sort things out with ample time to spare. There are 1000’s of South Africans in the industry so you can make it work.

How do we work on a boat with our passports? Would it be better for me to try find a job in the Caribbean or in the Mediterranean?

This is entirely up to you and your situation, it is easier to look for work in the Med, but that doesn’t mean lots of South Africans don’t get jobs in the Caribbean each year. The infrastructure is just more easily and economically navigated in the Med.

Which one is easier for South Africans? Is Antibes the main place to go in the Med?

It is one of the hubs, but you can also try Mallorca in Spain and Italy is also an option as well.

I’m 19. What kind of courses should I be doing to increase my chances of getting a job on a superyacht? Are all the courses in SA in Durban and Cape Town? About how much money do the courses cost?

What role do you want to do onboard? There are different courses for different departments. The basic course everyone needs is STCW 10. All courses can be done in either Durban or Cape Town. Cost depends on the course you do. Please contact Trilogy for further specific advice.

5. Bella T, Cape Town:

I’ve seen on Facebook groups where they tell you to send in your CV. Does my CV need to be different to a ‘normal’ one?

Yes – it is different to a normal CV and it needs to be laid out in a very specific way. It needs to include a picture of yourself and be limited to 2 pages. You should also have 3 of your most recent referees who can be contacted by phone and email.

Is there anything in particular that I should include in my CV to help make me more employable?

Have you completed all your courses? As you will need these before you can apply to work at Sea. Get in touch with Trilogy to help guide you more and discuss your CV layout in more detail.

I’ve heard South Africans are not that popular on boats.

This is not uniquely specific to South Africans, all nationalities have their fans and their critics, but what can be a challenge for us is our passport and visa requirements. This is where you may see preference given to other nationalities.

What has given us a bad name?

What has in the past played against us are people who go over and aren’t serious about looking for work and just party causing trouble in bars and other social areas. Or have an expectant attitude that they are entitled to a job and then get belligerent when they aren’t given the job! Some people forget the good manners and social conduct we are brought up with here in South Africa and seem to leave it in the airport when they leave South Africa.

I’ve also got lots of friends that do work on boats though, and they’re South African. So is there anything I need to say during my interview that could put their minds at rest about me being South African?

You can take responsibility for the challenges that face us, i.e. visas and show understanding of your visas and their requirements. Showing a respectful and humble attitude towards everyone, and not just in your interview, is important.

Remember you are your product and you are a walking advert for yourself so even when you are out and about you never know who you may meet or who is sitting in the corner of the bar. If you are interested in finding out more an information talk with Trilogy can certainly help.

7. Justin B, Knysna:

I did my Yacht Masters in Cape Town and spent seven months in Antibes – I walked the docks, I went to recruitment agencies and I lived on Facebook (waiting for new jobs to show) – but apart from day work, I never got a single permanent job offer. In fact on one boat, I got my friend some day work too – and he got an offer! I worked hard. What did I do wrong?

Sounds like you worked really hard at getting a job and without chatting to you further it would be hard to say what the reason was, sometimes it’s just the roll of the dice. But there could be a few other reasons, again without discussing it with you directly it is hard to pinpoint.

I’m back home with my parents in SA now, but I want to head back to Antibes next year. Last time I arrived in February. Was that too early?

Feb is a bit early, maybe consider going in April/May, did your visa run out? Maybe this was the reason you were also passed over; your visa was expiring too soon.

What would you recommend is the best time to arrive? Was my CV full of too much day work – could that have put people off?

Not necessarily, did you ever get called back for day work by the same boat? Did you ask for references from your daywork? Also did you ever ask for feedback? If anything, this should be a good sign. Maybe it just wasn’t your year. Please contact Trilogy directly so we can help you further and look at what could be another approach for the future.

8. Ursula R.:

I started working in the industry this year. I told a friend who’s a chief stew how much I’m earning, and she said it’s too low. She said you shouldn’t accept anything less than €2,500 on boats here in France, no matter what the size. Is that true?

This is a tricky question and not always so straight forward to answer. The size of yacht will dictate the salary to a certain extent, the base minimum should never be below €2 000 and while there are boats that pay less, there is a big push for crew to not accept low salaries out of desperation or because they don’t know any better as this then allows boats to underpay crew and continues a vicious circle.

It is generally accepted that the industry average for new crew to the industry is €2 000 – €2 800 and of course there are lots of exceptions to this. Please also remember that there is always a difference in wages from sailing to motor yachts as well as from private to charter.

Please help me. I’m desperate to spend four years abroad and then come back to South Africa and with a lump sum to invest in property. So even though I’m partly doing this to see the world, make new friends blah blah, my main mission is to earn as much as possible. Do you know how much money approximately is needed to get a job i.e. the courses, the flights, the rent until I get a job.

It is usually recommended that you budget around R80 000 to get all your courses and find a job. This number can go up or down depending on what role you want to take on, how good you are at budgeting and how long it takes you to get a job.

Are there any dos and don’ts with recruitment agencies?

Very simple, be polite and treat them as you would a potential employer, as they are the people who could potentially get you a job. Theirs is a very cut-throat market and so they don’t have time for people who don’t listen to them or don’t get back to them promptly. They may not always afford you the same response, but they aren’t trying to get a job, you are. Show up on time, dress nicely, be polite, be diligent and communicate with them. You may not get a job through them this time, but if they remember you for all the right reasons, they may call you for one next time.

Is that the best way to get work, or should you socialise (I’ve heard there are hangouts in Antibes) or apply directly to boats?

You should do it all! Getting your first job is hard work and something you need to work at every day. Register with the crew agents, network, socialize (but keep it tidy!) and put every line you have in the water, that’s how you will catch a fish.

About how much do you think I could expect to save in four years?

This is entirely dependent on the type of job you will get. But work on a base salary of €2000 – €2500 a month and that will give you the minimum range.

Are there any ‘tricks’ you could share on how to ensure a successful stint?

Remember this is a professional industry, so act like a professional. Don’t expect people to “give” you a job because you are there, you are your own product and a walking advert for yourself. Be prepared to work hard to make sure you present the right attitude and work ethic.

Also, do your courses and make sure you do all your research into getting the right courses under your belt, some training providers will sell you everything and the kitchen sink, also not all training providers are created equal, make sure they are internationally recognized and accredited.

Be wary of anyone who tells you that international accreditation is not taken seriously by Captains and Chief Stews. Give Trilogy a call for more advice and information on the best route to getting yourself a job, they are internationally accredited training providers and have a 100% success rate for people going through their courses.

10. From Luke (a concerned South African captain, who’s been in the industry for 20 years):

It seems as if there are many Saffas out here and so many have no idea what to do, where to go and are badly prepared for this industry. For the young green guys, I wish there was a seminar or perhaps a decent conduit for them to gain some insight into this very bizarre industry. From visas alone it is a very difficult nut to crack into, then you have your pre-required courses and lodging once you get here to Europe.

We do have companies who specialize in this and are working very hard to help South Africans navigate this and enter into the industry with the right attitude and knowledge. Luke, we would love to chat with you further and hear what you think is important as a Captain, that way we can make sure we are always giving the best advice. Please contact Trilogy Luxury Training if you are willing to do so, it would be a pleasure to hear from you.

11. Moses L:

Okay, I have many, many questions. How much money should I come over with?

We suggest R50 000 – R80 000

What happens when my Schengen visa expires if I’m on a boat in the middle of the ocean???

You can organise a transit visa in your next port to leave and renew it.

Where do I apply for a job – what’s the most reliable place?

There are many places, Antibes and Mallorca are always popular in the Med as starting places.

What’s the best experience you could get – to work on a smaller or huge boat?

Both have pros and cons and for your first job it can often be a case of beggars can’t be choosers. We recommend that you at least work with another experienced person for your first job to get a good start.

I’ve heard they’re called yachts, superyachts or megayachts? True?

All true, it often refers to their size, but you can call them any of those. Superyacht is the most common term used in the industry and covers all 3.

How many years does it normally take to move from deckhand to captain?

This is entirely up to the individual, and how quickly they are able to get their sea time (hours at sea) you need to meet certain time frames to be able to progress. Finances are also a factor as the courses are expensive and often you have to take time off to get them done.

Can I apply for jobs from South Africa?

Yes, but it is not recommended as employers aren’t always happy to employ you from so far away. Saying that it has been known to happen on occasion.

Can I use my South African bank account or is it better to get an overseas bank account? What about e-banking?

Yes, you can, but it is a good idea to get one overseas, purely as it will cost you less in exchange rates. You can get one set-up with Standard Bank Offshore here in South Africa before you go so that you are all set. All the big banks now offer e-banking so it is also an option.

Is that better? Do I need an accountant?

Yes, and a specialized one at that, Seafarers Global is the best with regards to dealing with Seafarers tax.

Seafarer Tax Questions:  

What are the requirements for South Africans working abroad but still residents of SA, to pay tax? And what does one have to do regarding tax status etc. – are we required to complete annual tax returns? What are the responsibilities and requirements?

There is a large misconception amongst seafarers that they need not file tax returns annually.

The truth is: South African Seafarers/tax residents working abroad you are legally required to submit tax returns to SARS every year and declare all South African sourced income (if applicable) as well as all foreign earnings.

There are three main exemptions that a South African Seafarer can claim which will either fully exempt your foreign income or exempt a portion of your foreign income(the latter exemption changes to only exempt R1mil from 1 March 2020, it currently exempts all foreign employment income if all requirements are met). The exemption that will be claimed will be based on which criteria’s you meet.

How can I tell if my employment agreement is correct and that I can qualify for the tax exemption from SARS?

It is best to have your contracted reviewed by an expert. SARS is very specific when it comes to being an independent contractor – Your foreign earned income will not be exempt if on an independent contractor agreement. Seafarers global have a good team which does an in-depth review of employment contracts to see whether they meet the requirements.

I was under the impression that working offshore was tax-free?

South African Seafarers/tax residents working abroad you are legally required to submit tax returns to SARS every year and declare all South African sourced income (if applicable) as well as all foreign earnings. There are three main exemptions that a South African Seafarer can claim which will either fully exempt your foreign income or exempt a portion of your foreign income (the latter exemption changes to only exempt R1 mil from 1 March 2020, it currently exempts all foreign employment income if all requirements are met)The exemption that will be claimed will be based on which criteria’s you meet.

Below are the three exemption that a Seafarer can claim:

• Section 10(1)(o)(i)(aa) of the Act (“the first seafarer exemption”) – this exemption relates to officers or crew members on board a vessel, for foreign employment, which includes the international transportation of passengers/goods for reward. Meeting the requirements of this exemption allows for full exemption from tax in SA on the foreign employment income earned;
• Section 10(1)(o)(i)(bb) of the Act (“the second seafarer exemption”) – this exemption relates to officers or crew members on board a vessel, and that vessel is engaged in prospecting, exploration or mining of minerals, or production of minerals, from the seabed outside of South Africa. This exemption only relates to those seafarers solely employed for the safe passage or navigation of the vessel. Meeting the requirements of this exemption allows for full exemption from tax in SA on the foreign employment income earned. (not relevant to superyacht crew); and
• Section 10(1)(o)(ii) of the Act (“the expat exemption”) – this is the exemption that applies to South African taxpayers who earn foreign employment income and meet the requirements thereof. This has been amended, with the effective date of the amendment being 1 March 2020, whereby only the first R1 million can be exempted with the surplus being taxable in SA.

There is a lot of talk about this expat tax and the guys are sceptical that it will even work. How will SARS ever find out about our offshore earnings?

The reality is that as a result of the amendment to the expat tax law commencing March 2020, SARS is now auditing all expat tax profiles ensuring that all South African expats are fully compliant and the disclosure of all worldwide income is being declared. This is actioned with the assistance of the Common Reporting Standards (see link below). The CRS assists SARS with information sharing in regards to all your foreign income which is then cross-referenced to see if your returns reflect the same. I, therefore, advise that full transparency and compliance is had with regards to the declaration of all your worldwide income.

https://www.sars.gov.za/ClientSegments/Businesses/Mod3rdParty/AEOI/Pages/How-does-CRS-reporting-work.aspx

I have worked on superyachts in the Antibes for a couple of years, but never paid tax and to be honest, did not think of the consequences, what should I do?

You firstly need to determine your tax residency status. If you are deemed to be a South African tax resident, then you will need to rectify your compliance with SARS sooner rather than later.

• Register for a South African tax number if you don’t already have one;
• File backdated returns correctly for the years you have been working abroad (5 years max);
• File a tax return annually going forward.

We would suggest acquiring the services of an expat tax specialist who understands the tax exemptions around seafarers.

Thank you to Trilogy Luxury Training and Seafarers Global for answering SAPeople members’ questions!

CONTACT INFO

Trilogy Luxury Training – [email protected] – www.trilogyluxtraining.com

Seafarers Global – [email protected] – www.seafarersglobal.com

There is a new Seafarers/Superyacht group on Facebook dedicated to providing Seafarers with information on financial, tax and general seafarer lifestyle tips, have a look here – https://www.facebook.com/ groups/375365843147670/

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Packing Essentials for your first Yacht Job

Packing your suitcase for a job on a luxury yacht is nothing like packing as a guest. You’ll need to pack light due to limited space, which may seem like a near impossible task if you are a first-timer! We have tips to help you to pack only the essentials.

Choosing a good suitcase, bag or travel backpack

Before you even start deciding what to pack, you’ll need to know what you’re going to be packing your belongings in. Stay clear of hard, square-shape suitcases, which are challenging to store on board. Instead, look for a collapsible bag like a backpack, sports bag, or duffel bag that has wheels at one end for ease of transportation from one point to another.

No yachtie could live without flip-flops. You may wear deck shoes while dockwalking, but as soon as you get that job you will live most of your yachting life in flip-flops, or even barefoot. 

In addition to your flops, pack a pair of shoes that can be used purely indoors on the boat, like sneakers. 

Pack only what you need. Storage space in crew cabins is extremely limited – you risk getting off on the wrong foot with your cabin-mate if you try to force masses of clothes into your tiny, shared hanging space. Once the season starts you’ll be wearing your uniform or PJs most of the time anyway. Weather and season play a big role in what you pack. Make sure that what you have is interchangeable and can be layered: a couple of sets of warm clothes and a jacket such as a puffer that can easily be compacted. Bring along some casual summer clothes – opt for a few tops and bottoms in basic colours that you can easily mix and match. A pair of old shorts and t-shirts is always a good idea in case you are asked to do some grubby work during the day.

Swimwear, a beach towel or sarong, and sunglasses are staples. Get sunglasses with polarised lenses if possible, especially if going for a job on deck. Wear a watch at all times to help you stay punctual, as this is a vital aspect of working on a yacht. Pack a comfy pair of track pants and a hoodie for relaxing and watching movies in the crew house. For female crew, a skin-tone tank top or nude undergarments are a good investment as white uniforms may be a bit transparent. Try to pack your clothes as efficiently as possible by rolling each item rather than folding. This not only prevents wrinkles, but creates more space for bulkier items like toiletries and gadgets.

When you get a job on a yacht, you likely won’t have to worry about buying standard toiletries. Many yachts provide the basics like shower gel, toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, shampoo and conditioner, shaving cream, razors and blades (some yachts), sunscreen, and moisturiser. Small travel-size versions of specific brands that you like are useful to make up for the products your vessel doesn’t provide and will tide you over whilst on land. Avoid bringing a truckload of cosmetics and other products to clutter up your cabin bathroom. If you are wearing make-up, consider onlpacking those that don’t take up a lot of space, like a multi-purpose base/BB Cream or moisturiser and mascara.

Supplements

You will be working long hours and it’s important to stay on top of your health. Energy drinks and coffee may work for a little while, but are not a long-term solution. Bring vitamins and other necessary supplements to help you stay in top shape! Of course, if you require any special medication, be sure to check that you have packed those too.

Tech, Gadgets & Books

There are a few tech essentials you may want to pack, as well as things to keep you busy in your off time:

• A USB stick (and a spare) for your CV and other documents. Laminate original documents such as certificates and email yourself scanned copies of these, your passport, driving licence, and credit cards. Get an international driving licence if possible, but this is not critical as you’ll be spending most of your time on the boat.
• A global adaptor plug and an unlocked smartphone you can put a local sim card into. 
• A Kindle or other device for reading when you want to hide out in your cabin and get some ‘me’ time.
• If you have a light, small laptop or iPad, feel free to bring it, but make sure that you have travel insurance (health and theft). 
• If you enjoy taking photos, a smartphone will have to do. It takes up much less space than a big camera!
• Noise cancelling headphones for watching movies, and/or ear plugs to help you sleep (close quarters) are a good investment.

Tip: Download books or movies before you leave land – you’ll be unpleasantly surprised at how slow the internet on many superyachts is and captains will often restrict your wifi access to preserve bandwidth for the guests.

Personal Items – Sentimental Stuff

Think about small items that will help you relax, feel at home and less homesick when stress runs high. Some ideas include photos of family or friends (remember that the internet might be really slow, or sometimes restricted for crew to use – so you likely won’t have access to Facebook or Instagram), a journal, essential oils, and a sleeping mask. 

Nice to Have Items Where Space Allows

For the days where you do get a break, it’s really nice to have your own set of beach basics and equipment such as a snorkel, mask, fins and possibly a wetsuit. Only pack these if you really have the space. You may be able to borrow from another crew member or from the yacht.

A good mantra to help you decide if you should pack something or not, is “when in doubt, leave it out”. We hope that you have fun gearing up for your journey. If you have any questions or queries, or would like suggestions regarding travel bags, get in touch with us , or download our ultimate guide to working on a yacht (which includes all of our personal tips!).

Needing more?

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RYA/MCA Online

1. what are the basic requirements you need to be eligible to work in the yachting industry, 2. what is the stcw and why do i need it, 3. what is the eng1 medical certificate, 4. what land based experience will help me find a super yacht job, 5. what are the different departments onboard, 6. what crew training is required for me to work as a junior deckhand.

• Yachtmaster/Coastal Skipper Theory
• Yachtmaster/Coastal Practical
• Specialist Super Yacht Training Course (Deck Hand Training Course)
• RYA Power Boat Level II
• RYA Personal Watercraft Course
• RYA Competent Crew Certificate
• RYA Day Skipper Theory and Practical Certificates
• VHF Radio Operator’s License

7. What crew training is required for me to work as a junior stewardess?

• Stewardess Course
• Proficiency in Designated Security Duties (PDSD)
• MCA Food Safety Level 2
• RYA Powerboat Level 2

8. How do I book my training courses?

9. how do i get my first job on a yacht, 10. are these courses worth it, or am i just wasting my money, 11. will i get hired for my first job from south africa, 12. what is daywork, 13. what are the best locations to get a yacht job, 14. how much can a motor yacht stewardess or deckhand earn, 15. what are the negatives of working on a yacht, 16. what are the positives of working on a yacht, 17. is working on a super yacht for everyone, 18. what is the minimum age to work on a yacht, 19. is accommodation provided when i am completing my yacht training in cape town.

Private Chef Reveals Influencer's Morning Menu on $30k-a-Week Superyacht

W ouldn't we all love to wake up to the smell of breakfast waiting for us on the deck of a luxury boat sailing through the Caribbean? A private chef has revealed everything she cooks in the morning for her client on a yacht in the Bahamas in a clip that has gone viral on social media.

In the video , shared on TikTok on Wednesday under the username @lilydavison6, the poster, Lily Davison, shares a glimpse of her client's lavish lifestyle, laying out all the dishes she cooks before 9 a.m. for the Instagram influencer and their family onboard the Sailing Location catamaran, for which prices start at $30,000 for seven nights.

She starts with some bacon and a sliced fruit platter, followed by a batch of fresh blueberry pancakes. She then makes French toast with a specific type of coconut bread bought on the island that she cooks in the plancha grill on deck.

She told Newsweek : "It's hard work, long days and long hours but so worth it as I'm cooking in paradise which is my dream job."

Davison, who has been a private chef on a yacht for two years, says she's always loved cooking, and luckily for her, she had chefs in the family who helped her nurture her passion since she was a little girl.

"I got into the industry as I got a job vlogging on super yachts and whilst I was there, they asked me If I'd like to test run as a hostess on a yacht. I did the test run as a hostess but I ended up cooking every single meal and the guests said 'we didn't know we had a chef onboard'. That sparked my interest and decided to apply as a chef. I then got a job as a chef on my first boat but I didn't stay long as I got a call from Below Deck saying they were looking for a stew and asked if I was free.

"So I went on Below Deck and afterwards I got this job (where I am now on a catamaran in the Bahamas) and have been here for a year and half. And where I met my boyfriend Nik who is the captain."

Davison recently appeared on Below Deck Mediterranean Season 8, a reality TV show that follows the life of a group of crew members working on a superyacht during charter season.

" Below Deck is definitely real but it's a bit more dramatic compared to the real life of yachting due to the guests being way more demanding than in real life," she said about the show.

As if getting to do your dream job in a dream location wasn't enough, being a private chef on a yacht also allows for plenty of time to enjoy the place.

"We get lots of time in-between charters," she added. "We just had a three-week break in January, but we now are pretty full-on with back to back charters."

A caption shared along with the viral post says: "Yes this was all before 9 am."

As much as we'd all love a skilled private chef to cook our every meal, most of us have to cook our own food if we want to eat.

According to data shared by Statista, over 34 percent of Americans cook more than five times a week, while another 37 percent cook about three to five times a week, and only 8 percent cook less than once.

The video quickly went viral on social media, getting viewers from across TikTok. It has so far received over 1.2 million views and 52,000 likes on the platform.

One user, allieD, commented: "Do you get off time where you can swim or lay on the deck without them judging you and making you feel like you should be working?"

And Nikki Morris said: "Aaahhh I'm so happy I seen this love you Lily loved you on below the deck so happy for you beautiful."

Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to [email protected] with some details about your best friend and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.

Correction 03/19/24 11:32 a.m. ET: This price in the article's headline and copy was updated.

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