Some tips for finding work on a yacht

Being passionate about travel and the sea is one of the prerequisites for being a good employee in the yachting industry. That said, it’s worth noting that it takes a lot more to find your dream job on a yacht. Here are some tips for landing a job on a yacht to kick-start an exciting career in the marine industry.

Acquire the necessary skills

The first criterion for landing a yachting jobs is to have the right skills. It has to be said that the majority of yachts (captains) require their employees to have training certificates from official centres. Generally speaking, crew members hold basic safety training certificates (STCW) and maritime safety competency certificates.

While STCW courses are not required in the first case, taking them shows your commitment and ability to be involved in what you do. It makes a difference when it comes to choosing crew members and is a plus for your CV.

For your information, these courses last about a week and the cost varies according to the country you are in. The content mainly revolves around the basics of safety at sea. All that said, having these certifications gives you a solid base from which to apply for a wide range of positions on board a yacht.

Show your versatility

Yachts often have small crews, which means that crew members need to be versatile and ready to take on different tasks. So it’s important to highlight your versatility in your CV and cover letter. Highlight any skills and experience that might be relevant to working on board a yacht, such as sailing, scuba diving, mechanical maintenance or cooking.

For the little tip that will make you stand out from the other candidates, you should also invest in cookery courses, the Marine Engineering course for deckhands, or the Silver Service course for working as a steward (ess). All these courses are palpable proof of your versatility.

Consider networking

As in many fields, networking is crucial to finding a job on a yacht. However, there’s a slight difference in the maritime sector. Here, instead of traditional networking, it’s advisable to visit international yachting hubs. Only there will you have the chance to meet yacht owners or captains who want to train their crew.

Attending boat shows, events or conferences related to the maritime industry can also help you meet industry professionals and make contacts. In addition, you can try joining online groups or associations dedicated to yachts to broaden your network and keep abreast of job opportunities.

Prepare a professional curriculum vitae and covering letter

While training courses are a good way to stand out from the crowd, it should be noted that your curriculum vitae and covering letter are your first sales tools in convincing potential employers to take you on. So it’s crucial that they are tailored to the position you want on the boat. Don’t hesitate to include references from people you’ve worked with in the past who can testify to your skills and professionalism.

a professional curriculum vitae tells you a lot about yourself. For this reason, include all the information you can about yourself. It’s as a result of the information on your professional curriculum vitae that you’ll be called for an interview with the managers of a structure that has caught your attention.