A lot of things. The number one thing yacht captains look for is a proven record of taking a job and sticking with it. Any skill or experience in hospitality is a big plus. STCW- Basic Training – It’s mandatory. A great attitude.
ENG1 or Seafarers Medical, is also mandatory. The right look (polo style shirt – white or blue), khaki pants or shorts and boat shoes.Network with those already in the industry. Friends of friends who are already within yachting, Dockwalking the marinas looking for Day work. Europe yes (not in the US unless you have the legal right to work here, a B1/B2 is not the correct Visa to seek employment), Crew agencies be selective who you work with as not all agencies operate on service.

Return job-related phone calls and emails promptly. While you are waiting for an employer to contact you we suggest that you enroll in additional courses to increase your suitability for your dream job. Maritime Training Schools offer entry-level courses for interior and deck departments in the following areas: 

• Professional Etiquette and Social Skills 
• International Table Service (French, Russian, etc.) 
• Interior and Exterior Detailing 
• Bartending and drink service 
• Wine courses 
• Flower arranging 
• Massage Therapy 
• Boat handling and general boat operations 

The short answer is No, with a caveat. However,  If you want a job on a yacht, especially if you have less experience, even if you are experienced, you may need to be where the yachts are. However, if you have a set of Skills and the experience required then you may be flown in. Most captains/owners realize that if they are in the Galapagos Islands, they will have to fly in a candidate. If they are in Nice – they expect you to already be there or in the vicinity.

Yachts move around the globe in predictable patterns based on the season. 

Fort Lauderdale, Florida is the nucleus of the industry year-round, especially during the shoulder seasons (beginning and end of summer and winter). From April to September, the Mediterranean (Antibes, Cannes, France. Imperia, San Remo, Italy ) and Newport Rhode Island, New England, USA are the hubs of the industry. From October to March the Caribbean becomes the focal point. 

We recommend that you base yourself in one of the yachting destinations at the appropriate time of year to facilitate finding a job. 

Although we place crew at all times of the year the busiest time for crew turnover is at the end of each season. 

Anywhere the owner wants to go. Ranging from The Mediterranean, Italy, France, Greece, Cyprus, Sardinia, and Corsica. The Caribbean: Antigua St. Thomas, St. Maarten and a lot more. Alaska, Galapagos, New Zealand, Australia, South Pacific, Maldives. Off the beaten track. However, this will depend on the vessel’s owner. Most times if the vessels are private and do not charter then traveling to out-of-the-way places could be likely.

Well…… Some yachts will hire an entry-level deckhand or an entry-level steward(ess). A chef with a culinary degree and a fantastic background in restaurants or hotels may be considered over those who have not. However, those who have transitioned from another discipline into the culinary field will not be generally overlooked. Someone in engineering who has a commercial background in your previous employment however, certain licenses will need to be obtained for marine engineering.

Minimum one year. However, most yachts like to hear the magic number of two years plus.

Some agencies specialize in freelance positions – we are not one of them. But we do get requests for these types of positions. Deckhand Stewardess and Chefs.

If you are local and legal to work in the South of France / Spain / Monaco / Italy we will probably have some great seasonal positions for you – April – October.

Depends on the yacht, but you should expect somewhere between $1500 – $3000 per month for yachts that generally operate in the Western Hemisphere and about 1500 Euro – 2500 Euro for yachts in the Eastern Hemisphere. 

Salary guidelines are based on industry experience, licensing and longevity. As an entry-level candidate, you can expect to be at the lower end of the pay scale. If your salary expectations are unreasonable most employers will disregard you. It is in your best interest to request a competitive, realistic salary and be placed. Speak to your agent they will have a good grasp of salaries. The good news is that your salary will undoubtedly improve as you gain experience in the industry.

You can view the Dockwalk Magazine 2023 salary survey guideline here 

You should dress professionally for any interview (flip through the yachting photos to get an idea of what crew wear – and you should dress the same). Bring your licenses, certificates, CV, references and a great attitude to the interview. Prepare by knowing what you want, and be honest with yourself.

Do your homework if you get an interview. Find out all you can about the boat and the owner.

The Captain’s questions will all be tough. The important thing here is to decide beforehand to be honest. You are interviewing for a job where you will work, play and live in a relatively small space with the same people every single day for about a year or more. You want to make sure you are comfortable in the environment as much as the Captain wants somebody who will be a good fit.

The culture of the vessel and the crew should be important to know. How many crew are there? Where are they all from? How long has the crew been together? What is the partner policy on board? 

Don’t worry if yacht (A) does not want you, the very things they rejected you for  may make you perfect for yacht (B) 

First impressions are paramount, it is important to make a terrific, lasting impression. 

• Make sure to arrive on time, dress in professional yachting attire and be immaculately presented. 
• Bring copies of your resume, licenses and references. 
• Please don’t chew gum, be smelling of cigarettes, if you smoke, or alcohol or wear excessive jewelry.
• Turn off your cell phone and declare your tattoos. Even if they can’t be seen under your uniform. 
• Greet your interviewer with a firm handshake and make eye contact. 
• Speak with confidence and be honest about your experience and ability. 
• Be clear about your career objectives and how they apply to your career path. 
• Stress positives, avoid negatives. 
• Don’t talk badly about your last employer.
• Keep your questions focused on the job and its requirements- not the benefits. 
• Do not mention money unless it is brought up by the interviewer. 
• Get to the interview before your allotted time. You don’t need to be rushing to get there sweaty and dishevelled. Relax

Yes. But we do not hire for Cruise ships. Cruise ship personnel have many skills that transfer to the private yachting industry. It is important to remember that it is not the same industry. Crew on private yachts tend to work longer hours and have more extensive job descriptions with less time off. Captains and engineers with a cruise ship background often have advanced licenses and ISM experience which can be beneficial to luxury yachts so remember to emphasize this on your application and resume. Housekeeping skills are easily transferable and, as such, Cruise Ship Housekeeping personnel are regularly placed in the yachting industry.

However, the move to the yachting industry may require even experienced cruise ship personnel to compromise their hierarchical status and prove they are an integral crew member before moving up the ranks.

Private just means the guests are either the owners or friends of the owners.

Charter means that the guests have rented the yacht from the owner.

For the Crew, the same level of service is paramount. However, with charter clients, the vessel has different clientele on each trip. (Except for the returning clients.)  This generally involves tips for the crew and sometimes gifts.

The Private aspect is that you get to know the owners, and there are generally different perks at the owner’s discretion.

Very small. 2-4 crew per cabin. No privacy and you must be very neat about your space and person.

There is generally a crew lounge and on some vessels a crew gym.

Crew houses can be reasonably priced accommodations that cater to yacht crew who generally need very short-term living arrangements in the yachting capitals while they look for work.

Many foreign-flagged yachts will only hire a non-American crew if they hold a B1/B2 visa for the United States. Those who are foreign nationals to Europe will need a Schengen visa to enter Europe.  A C1-D visa is not appropriate for a private yacht crew. If you do not have a B1/B2 visa a Captain may be willing to hire you on the condition that you are prepared to obtain this visa. In some cases, you may be able to apply for the visa with the support of boat documents. This is if the captain finds your skill set necessary for their operation. 

Please visit the US Visitors Website or the European Commission section for more visa information.

The basic safety training is known as Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW). This safety training was developed by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO).

The full course comprises four modules/certificates: Some privately operated yachts may accept applicants who have not yet completed STCW training, however, there is also a growing trend even within this category of the vessel to employ STCW Crew. However, we strongly recommend that newcomers to yachting complete the basic training before applying for any positions to enhance their prospects for employment.

• Personal Survival Techniques 
• Fire Fighting and Fire Prevention 
• Elementary First Aid 
• Personal Safety and Social Responsibility
• PDSD – Proficiency  Designated Security Duties 

All four of these modules must be completed. They can be taken as individual courses or all four together, which takes some 5-6 days. The PDSD is a security course that is advisable to be taken. Following Seas Recruiting staff would be pleased to recommend the best schools/training facilities in which to take the STCW course.

Depending on which country the yacht is registered under you may need a valid medical certificate (i.e. a seafarer certificate). Some employers will also expect this, regardless of which flag the yacht flies, as it may be a requirement of the vessel’s insurance policies. We strongly recommend that any newcomers to this industry undertake a medical examination with a view to obtaining a valid medical certificate such as the MCA-approved Medical, known as ENG1. The list of MCA-approved medical practitioners around the world can be obtained from the MCA website. Or contact the local Fort Lauderdale physician who is qualified to certify a medical exam to the MCA standard. 

To obtain the necessary medical certificates for superyacht crew positions, you will need to make an appointment with an MCA (Maritime and Coastguard Agency) certified Doctor. The medical examinations will vary depending on the position you are applying for, but generally, they will include a physical exam, hearing and vision tests, and drug and alcohol screening. It is important to note that certain medical conditions may disqualify you from receiving a certificate, so it is important to disclose any medical conditions or concerns to the doctor during the exam. To obtain the necessary medical certificates for superyacht crew positions, you will need to make an appointment with an MCA (Maritime and Coastguard Agency) certified Doctor. The medical examinations will vary depending on the position you are applying for, but generally, they will include a physical exam, hearing and vision tests, and drug and alcohol screening. It is important to note that certain medical conditions may disqualify you from receiving a certificate, so it is important to disclose any medical conditions or concerns to the doctor during the exam.

For those new to the industry crew, there are many ways to make yourself more appealing to yacht owners and Captains. Focus on your current skills and experiences and what characteristics you possess that may apply to the job you desire. There are a variety of skills that can help give you an edge, such as: 

• Cooking (not necessarily gourmet, just a love of cooking, preparing simple dishes, and being familiar with a kitchen) 
• Nanny / Babysitting / Au Pair 
• Formal service training / Silver Service / White Glove 
• Bartending 
• Carpentry / Woodworking 
• Mechanics 
• Painting 
• Diving / Water sports 
• Fishing 
• Experience in a Hotel, Resort, Cruise Ship, Restaurant or Estate 
• CPR, First Aid certification or any emergency medical training 
• Masseuse / Esthetician license 

These are additional skills that may contribute to your success for your primary job or they may be a unique position on a larger yacht. 

• Dive Master / Instructor 
• Fishing Specialist 
• Helicopter Pilot / Mechanic 
• Massage Therapist 
• Nanny 
• Medic / Nurse 
• Spa / Beauty Therapist / Nail Technician / Hairdresser

To prove your determination to succeed in the industry we recommend that you take other courses before you apply for a job aboard. This is not necessary, but there are courses that you will have to take anyway as you progress up the career ladder.

Courses you should consider for Deckhands: include RYA qualifications such as Day Skipper, Power Boat Level 2 and VHF/SRC Radio Operators Certificate or IYT Tender Driving. The MCA-approved Yacht Rating Course is acceptable.

For Stewardesses: WSET Wine course, Food Safety level 2, Silver service, Flower arranging is a bonus. Any speciality skills like hairdressing Nail Technicians, Massage Therapy, Nurse are all skills that are utilized on board and add to your likely employment.

Your curriculum vitae, (Resume) is in many cases the first impression a prospective employer will know about you. The decision to shortlist you, or indeed to interview you, for a job on a luxury yacht will be taken on the strength of how your CV is presented, the content and the quality of writing.

A CV is your selling document, a personal presentation of your experience and objectives. An employer will probably have dozens of CVs for any one job so yours must stand out. It must be concise, and clear and communicate to your potential employer why you will be an asset to his vessel/company. As well as being concise, your CV should not be lengthy, even if you have had many previous positions.

There should be an objective and this also needs to be no longer than two sentences. Ideally, it should not take up more than two pages. Heavy graphics are not ideal for downloading via satellite so keep it simple. Here is a  Sample Resume