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Bluewater, together with Quay Crew, YPI CREW, Crew & Concierge, Crew Network, Wilson Halligan, Lighthouse and Viking Crew, all recently attended an event at Monaco Yacht Show and discussed a variety of crew-related topics and issues within the crewing sector of the industry.
This article is for the benefit of entry-level crew looking to enter the industry. Hopefully, it will be educational, save money, and increase your chances of getting a good first experience on yachts.
As agencies, we have all seen an increase in CVs from junior crew with little work or life experience. Unfortunately, given the level of service expected within the yachting industry, these are often not the candidates our clients (the yachts) seek to hire. Therefore, These crew may struggle to get a job or end up working on a yacht unsuitable for them, which in turn impacts the vessel’s owner.
Life experience: ideally, this is someone who has lived away from home, may have been responsible for their bills, washing, ironing, cooking, etc., and has a level of independence. On a yacht, you will be away from home, away from your family and close friends. It can be isolating, and not everyone adapts to it. It can certainly be more challenging if you haven’t lived away from home.
Work experience: preferably someone who has had a full-time job for at least six months, ideally doing something relevant to yachting. Some yachts will have you working seven days a week during the season, sometimes at night, sleeping in a loud environment (engine/ anchor drop), always near your work colleagues and with minimal downtime. It’s an incredibly challenging environment. The more exposure you have had to previous difficult working conditions, the more likely you will be to succeed.
Yachting can sound like an old-fashioned industry with a chain of command & hierarchy that you need to respect. You will take orders from people across different departments. Your colleagues may be from a different culture, nationality and age.
Secondary skills and relevant experience are very appealing. The suggestions below should have been undertaken in a professional, paid working environment.
This list isn’t exhaustive. Other skill sets are desirable, but these are the main ones. At the risk of repeating ourselves, you should have undertaken these roles for at least six months depending on the position. Short courses in areas such as cocktail making or floristry are acceptable as CV enhancers but do not have the same appeal without in-depth work experience.
If you lack one or more of the above competencies, consider changing your action plan. Instead of getting a yacht job, focus on getting a land-based job that builds skills in one of these relevant areas. Yachting will still exist in 12 months. Use those 12 months to make yourself a stronger candidate and increase the chances of finding a good role on a reputable yacht which you can commit to long term.
Q: I’ve seen reality TV shows, will I get the chance to relax in the jacuzzi sipping rosé at the end of guest trips?
A: Unlikely. Besides the fact that you will be busy cleaning after the trip and preparing for the next one, many owners do not permit crew to use any guest facilities.
Q: I want to see the world. Will I be visiting some exotic places?
A: That all depends on the yacht and the itinerary. Although many yachts visit unique places, you are working, and you may not get the chance to go ashore and visit. If you’re in the engine room or working as part of the interior team, you might not even see the sea. There may be times when the yacht is in the shipyard, but they might not be in such great locations.
Q: But it’s a glamorous job, right?
A: Make no mistake, yachting is a fantastic industry, and yes, you’ll be working with celebs and wealthy clients, but the job is hard, and in many cases, you are a glamorised cleaner or waiting staff.
Q: OK, but I’ll get lots of tips.
A: There can be some great tips, but again, this varies, and if you’re on a private yacht, they are not standard.
Q: I’ve not worked anywhere yet, but I’ve done a one-week deckhand/stewardess course. Will that make it easy to find a job?
A: Not especially. It’s incredibly competitive, and everyone wants crew with experience. Previous (even non-yachting) experience will probably help more than many courses. A few months as a waiter/waitress may be more helpful so choose your course wisely and don’t hesitate to take the advice of your friendly crew recruitment contact before booking any non-obligatory courses.
Q: It looks like one big happy family on board. Is on-board life as good as it seems?
A: Crew areas are small and you will spend much time with fellow crew members. You should evaluate your capacity to comply with rules, regulations and standard operating procedures. For example, you will be assigned hours of work and hours of rest you must adhere to. There are various reasons for these rules, most of them are do with safety. There is a hierarchy on yachts, and the captain is the “Master”, so it is not for you to challenge them or give your opinion unless you are invited to do so.
Q: How fast can I expect to progress within my chosen department once I am in?
A: Experience, experience, experience… You can probably tick off the exams but can’t fast-track getting experience. Take time to build solid foundations, and the world will be your oyster. Look at this link: superyachtindustrycareers.com – Super Yacht Industry Careers, which has been put together by some of the most reputable and experienced individuals in yachting. It shows some realistic timings and training requirements to help you.
Q: Could I do this as a gap year opportunity?
A: It’s not impossible, but again, unless you have a solid background relevant to yachting, it may not be feasible, especially as many yachts want to bring on the crew who see yachting as a long-term career. It’s a significant investment to start working within the industry, so it’s probably best to do so once you are ready to commit fully.
Q: You’re not painting a great picture here…
A: We’re trying to be realistic. It’s a great career with fantastic rewards, but it’s hard work, and every season, many new crew leave after realising it isn’t for them. We don’t want that to be you. Be wary and don’t believe everything you read or see in the media. Sadly, there are scams, and you need to be suspicious of anyone asking you to pay anything before they find you a job.
In light of these insights, forging a career in the superyacht industry requires more than just a keen interest—it demands preparation, dedication and an understanding of the nature of the industry. Make sure you do your research, craft a standout CV and ensure your professional documents and certifications are in order. Once you enter the industry, register with a few reputable yacht crew recruitment agencies that will guide you throughout your yachting career.
Working with a trusted recruitment agency means a dedicated recruiter will guide you through the recruitment process. They provide expert guidance, match you with suitable positions on board, and help you understand the industry’s nuances.
Make sure you partner with your recruiter, as they will be your point of contact throughout your yachting career. The yachting industry is relatively small, so always put your best foot forward and maintain a professional reputation.
