JOINING

THE SUPER YACHT

INDUSTRY

STEP 1. Decide Your Department

Before you do anything else, you need clarity on where you fit onboard. Every yacht runs across four main departments. Deck, Interior, Galley, and Engineering

Your choice should reflect your existing skills, personality, and long-term goals. Are you hands-on and outdoorsy? Deck. Detail-oriented and guest-focused? Interior. Passionate about food? Galley. Technically minded? Engineering.

There are also dual roles on smaller yachts, which can be a smart way to gain broader experience early on.

    • Deckhand

    • Bosun

    • Mate

    • Officer

    • Captain

    • Housekeeping

    • Service

    • Stewardess

    • Chief Stewardess

    • Purser

    • Crew chef

    • Junior chef

    • Sous chef

    • Head chef

    • Engineer

    • Chief Engineer

    • Electrical Technical Officer

    • Chief Technical Officer

STEP 2. Get Your Minimum Requirements

Before you apply for a single job, you need two non-negotiables:

  • STCW 95 + 10

  • ENG1 Medical (or equivalent)

Without these, agencies and yachts simply won’t consider you.

STCW 95 + 10

Your license to work at sea.

The STCW (Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping) is the global safety qualification required to work on commercial vessels and superyachts.

  • To ensure every crew member from deckhand to captain is trained to operate safely and effectively onboard.

  • The course covers five core modules:

    • Personal Survival Techniques

    • Fire Prevention & Firefighting

    • Elementary First Aid

    • Personal Safety & Social Responsibilities

    • Proficiency in Security Awareness

  • Duration: 7–8 days
    Cost: ~ $1,800 USD (varies by country)
    Who Needs It: Every crew member on commercial yachts
    Valid: 5 years

    After 5 years, you’ll complete a 1.5-day refresher (firefighting + sea survival).

    Important

    • Must be completed through a training centre approved by an IMO-recognised flag state

    • Avoid any “STCW Online” shortcuts — they won’t be accepted

  • Australia

    • Superyacht Crew Academy (Sydney)

    • Flying Fish (Sydney)

    UK

    • Flying Fish (Isle of Wight & Southampton)

    • UKSA (Isle of Wight)

    France / Spain

    • Bluewater Yachting (Antibes & Palma)

    • Seascope France (Antibes)

    • Zephyr Yachting (Antibes)

    • Palma Sea School / Bluewater (Palma)

    United States

    • North U STCW Training – Fort Lauderdale, FL

    • American Maritime Officers (AMO) – Piney Point, MD

    • Marine Institute of Technology – San Diego, CA

    International Option

    • IYT Worldwide (partner school network across multiple countries)

ENG 1. MEDICAL

The ENG1 is a maritime medical certificate proving you’re fit to work at sea.

  • Required by all super yachts

  • Conducted by an approved maritime doctor

  • Valid for 2 years (1 year if under 18)

If you can’t access an ENG1 in your country, ask agencies which medical equivalent they accept.

STEP 3. Build Your ‘Why You’

Yachting is competitive at entry level because on paper…Everyone looks identical.

So the question becomes: Why you?

Identify Your Edge

What do you bring that most candidates don’t? Think beyond qualifications.

Trade Background: Yachts love practical, hands-on people. It proves: You understand physical work, You can solve problems, You’re not afraid of long hours

(Yachting is demanding. If you think it’s easy it’s not.)

Sports Background: Surfing, Free diving, Surf Life Saving, Competitive athlete, Coaching etc. Sports show:

Fitness & Health: Personal trainer, HIIT coach, Conditioning background. Yachts value crew who: Stay sharp, Stay fit, Bring energy

Creative / Media Skills: Huge advantage in modern yachting. Videography, Drone, Editing, Content creation

Captains and owners love crew who can document trips, events, charters.

Hospitality: Bars, Restaurants, Events. Service mindset is gold especially for deck/stew or interior.

Character Traits: Now we layer personality. Are you calm under pressure? Positive? Socially intelligent? Low drama? Team-first?

These matter more than you think.

Change “Great work ethic, hard working, motivated.” to “4 years as a qualified carpenter + competitive free diver + strong media skills.”

Ill let you decide which stands out.

YOUR HOMEWORK

Build your USP (Unique Selling Proposition) using the framework questions below.

FIND YOUR PASSION

STEP 4. Add Yachting-Specific Tickets

These aren’t required. But they separate you fast.

Most new crew stop at STCW + ENG1.

The ones who move quicker add relevant tickets that match their pathway.

Not random certificates. Strategic ones, aligned with your department

At entry level, captains are thinking: “Who is going to make my life easier?”

Extra tickets show: Initiative, Investment in yourself, Clear direction, Long-term thinking

Good options:

  • Powerboat Level 2: Shows you can confidently handle tenders.

  • PWC / Jetski Certificate: Useful on charter boats.

  • RYA Diesel Engine / Basic Maintenance: Shows mechanical awareness.

  • Dive Master / Lifeguard / Surf Coach: Bonus for charter yachts with water toys.

  • AEC 1 & 2: If you’re serious about engineering, this is your fast track.

  • WSET (Intro Level): Wine knowledge is powerful in service.

  • Short hospitality or silver service course: Especially helpful on larger yachts.

Don’t Collect Random Courses

This is where people waste money. They obtain 6 random certificates, No clear direction, No story tying them together

Instead invest into 1–2 tickets that reinforce your lane. Everything should support your ambitions.

STEP 5. Build a CV That Actually Gets Read

Most yacht CVs look identical.

Same template. Same buzzwords. Same “hardworking, motivated, team player.”

If 100 candidates apply with the same tickets, your CV needs to answer one question instantly: Why you?

CV Layout

  • 1 page ideally (2 max if your experience is real)

  • Clear sections, Easy to skim, No clutter

1. Clear Objective: Tell them exactly what you want. Be specific, no fluff.

From “Seeking opportunities in the yachting industry.” to “Entry-level Deckhand seeking a full-time position on a 40m+ motor yacht, aiming to progress into a Bosun role long term.”

2. Professional Photo: Good lighting. Neutral background. Clean presentation. Yachting is visual. That’s reality.

3. Personal & Contact Info: Phone (with country code), Email, Current location, Availability date.

4. Nationality + Languages: If you're from a reputable country, include a small flag beside your details.

5. Visas: Schengen? B1/B2? Right to work in EU/UK/Aus? This matters more than people realise.

6. Skills & Interests: Only include what benefits a yacht. Water sports, Fitness, Trade skills, Mechanical awareness, Hospitality background, Media skills, Team leadership etc. If it doesn’t help on a yacht, remove it.

7. Marine Qualifications: Separate section: STCW, ENG1, Powerboat Level 2, AEC 1, PWC licence etc. Keep it clean and visible.

8. Other Qualifications: Trade. Hospitality. Licences. Instructor tickets. This is where you differentiate.

9. Experience: Even small boats. Even daywork. It all counts. Add max 3-4, you don’t want it being to long.

10. Previous Employment: Your non-yachting jobs matter. They show: Work ethic, Longevity, Responsibility, Skillset

11. References: Previous boats or employers. Available upon request is fine but real references are stronger.

Your Standout Moves (If Done Well)

This is where you can separate yourself. Only do this if it adds value.

1. Personality Highlight Image: Small image that reinforces your USP. It must elevate you and make you stand out.

  • Surfing heavy waves, Welding, Drone photography, Competitive sport etc.

2. 45–60 Second Intro Video: This is underrated. Short. Clean. Confident.

  • Who you are, Background, What role you want, What you bring, Availability

Add a QR code to your CV linking to:

  • Intro video, Portfolio, Drone work, Media skills etc.

It removes friction and makes you memorable.

STEP 6. Set Up Your Online Presence

You should assume that captains and recruiters will search you.

Instagram. Facebook. LinkedIn. Everything.

You don’t need to become corporate but you do need to be aligned.

What to Check:

  • Does your Instagram reflect who you say you are?

  • Does your content support your CV story?

  • Are there excessive partying clips, reckless behaviour, or questionable posts?

You don’t need to erase your personality. Just remove friction. If you say you’re disciplined and career driven, your online presence should reflect that.

STEP 7. Understand Visas

This is where most people lose months. Before you book flights, know exactly where you can work, Where you can’t, What you need.

Europe (Antibes / Palma)

Most common entry route.

You’ll need: Schengen visa (if required for your nationality)

Europe is where most entry-level jobs are secured.

USA (Fort Lauderdale / West Palm)

You’ll need: B1/B2 visa or US passport/work rights. It’s very difficult to obtain a B1/B2 without proof of industry ties. Most first-timers start in Europe.

Sort your visa before you go, not after.

STEP 8. Register With Recruitment Agencies

Before you get on the plane, create profiles on agency websites, Upload certificates (STCW, ENG1, etc.), Upload your CV and Introduce yourself to agents

Let them know: When you’re arriving, What role you want, Your availability

Recruiters can’t help you if they don’t know you exist.

When You Arrive

Walk into agencies in person and introduce yourself.

It shows: Seriousness, Commitment and Professionalism

Face-to-face matters in this industry.

STEP 9. Start Applying

Once your CV is ready and profiles are live, Start applying. Every day. Even before you arrive. Build momentum early.

Apply Through:

  • Agency job boards

  • Facebook yacht crew groups (list below)

  • WhatsApp crew groups (once connected)

  • Websites like Yotspot & YaCrew

Make it a habit.

This is a numbers game at entry level.

FACEBOOK GROUPS

STEP 10. Fly To Where The Boats Are

If you want the fastest result, Go where the boats are. Getting hired remotely with no experience is rare. Dock walking and being present massively increases your chances.

This industry rewards: Initiative, Presence and Persistence

If you want the fastest result, position yourself where opportunity lives. That means showing up.

Europe (Best Entry Route)

ANTIBES (SOUTH OF FRANCE)

PALMA DE MALLORCA

USA (If You Have Visa)

WEST PALM BEACH

FORT LAUDERDALE

STEP 11. Stay in a Crew House

Crew houses are a tool. Not a lifestyle. Its a short term thing.

They’re useful because they give you: Instant network, Daywork leads, Industry exposure fast, A crash course in “real yacht life” and some good times

You’ll meet: Green crew, Burnt-out crew, Crew who just landed jobs, Crew who’ve been “looking” for six months. Don’t get trapped there.

Stay about a week. Long enough to: Make connections, Learn the scene and Get daywork leads. Then get out.

Crew houses are fun but they’re also chaotic. It can be very easy to fall into: Late nights, Partying and zero structure.

For me, it was great initially. But after a week, I had to get out.

Capre, myself, and a few friends we met rented an Airbnb together it was cheaper and way better.

Use the crew house strategically. Then upgrade your environment.

Just google ‘(where your going) crew house’ and a few options should appear.

In Antibes you have The Grapevine and Bohobos Crew House

STEP 12. Dock Walking & Daywork

This is where reality kicks in. Dock walking is humbling. It’s uncomfortable but it works.

Don’t listen to people who say it doesn’t.

If you want the fastest entry into yachting get dock walking

How to Dock walk Properly

Look Sharp: Clean polo, Clean shorts, Deck shoes, Groomed etc. You are representing yourself as crew.

Be Short & Professional

“Hello, sorry to interrupt, I’m looking for any help you might need on deck. I’ve got STCW and ENG1, plus a trade background.”

Keep it short. Respect their time.

Make It Frictionless: Printed CVs, QR code to digital CV / intro video, Be confident but not pushy

Accept Rejection: You will get ignored. You will get brushed off. Move on. Dock walking is a numbers game.

Why Daywork Is Everything Early On

Daywork: Builds credibility, Gets you references, Lets boats trial you, Often converts into full-time work

Even if it’s a small boat. Work is work. Add it to your CV. Momentum matters.

STEP 13. Be the Easiest Person to Hire

At entry level, attitude wins. Yachting isn’t rocket science.

Skills can be taught. Personality can’t.

Do the basics better than everyone:

  • Be early

  • Be ready

  • Phone away

  • Anticipate what’s next and be pro-active

  • Take feedback without ego

  • Keep energy up even during boring jobs

People hire: Attitude first. Skills second.

STEP 14. Convert Daywork Into a Job

If a permanent role doesn’t immediately come, Follow up.

Most people don’t. That’s your edge.

After daywork: Say thank you, Ask if they’ll need help again, Stay in touch, Ask for a short reference

Keep stacking daywork. Keep applying online. Keep momentum high.

If it were easy, everyone would do it. Persistence wins here.

STEP 15. Landing Your First Job

This is where most people relax. Don’t. Your first job is the starting line.

Do This Immediately

  • Start logging your sea time in a structured document

  • Keep learning and up skilling

  • Figure out how to become valuable fast

Ask yourself: How can I be harder to replace?

Solidify Your Path

Long term, what do you want?

  • Bosun

  • Mate

  • Captain

  • Engineer

  • Chief Stew

  • Media / content

  • Chase boat

  • Hybrid role

Start moving toward it from day one.

Document the Journey

You were once the beginner.

Help the next one.

Build reputation. Build network. Build leverage.

Final Truth

Yachting rewards:

  • Persistence

  • Work ethic

  • Social intelligence

  • Resilience

If you stay consistent, you will break in.

The industry isn’t easy.

But it’s simple.

Show up. Stay sharp. Don’t quit.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Time to be completely honest. Yachting is tough.

What you see online is the highlight reel. sunsets, jet skis, champagne, blue water. What you don’t see are the 16-hour days, the 5am starts, the late-night finishes, the pressure, the hierarchy, the graft.

It’s physical. It’s demanding. It will test your attitude. But if you’re willing to work hard, stay humble, and outlast the noise, it rewards you.

The lifestyle is incredible. But it’s earned.

Yachting can unlock:

Serious savings potential - Financial freedom at a young age - Global travel most people only dream about - Access to places money usually can’t buy

You’ll visit destinations the rich and famous holiday in and you’ll get paid to be there but none of it happens without the work.

If you’re prepared to graft, take rejection, and keep showing up, this industry can change your life.

It did for me.

If you’re truly struggling to break into the industry, tried it all and still have no success then click the button below to organise a call with me.

I guarantee I can help you.