Finding your first job in the yachting industry can be challenging, but once you’re on board, it’s (mostly) smooth sailing from there! In this blog post, we’ll explore all the essentials you need to get started, from crucial certifications and practical experience to speciality skill sets that make your CV shine. We’ll also share insider tips on how to stand out in a competitive field, personal stories from our recruiters, and realistic insights into the demands and rewards of a yachting career, so keep reading to learn everything you need to know when starting in the industry!
Research and Knowledge
We can’t emphasise how important this is! The internet is full of helpful resources, like this one, to guide you through the start of this process. Ensure you are fully aware of what is expected of you and what you need to do to make this career successful.
Gain the Necessary Qualifications
Your courses may look very different depending on which career path you take in yachting. Above all, you absolutely cannot join the industry without obtaining:
- STCW – Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping
This week-long course includes all basic safety training required for crew onboard yachts or commercial vessels. The course is made up of 4 different modules, including Personal Survival Techniques, Fire Fighting and Fire Prevention, Elementary First Aid and Personal Safety and Social Responsibility. On completion, your STCW certificate is valid for five years and will need to be refreshed upon completion of the five years.
- Seafarers Medical Certificate
This is issued by a specialised doctor following a medical examination to assess whether your health is appropriate and fit to work at sea. The most common certificate is ENG1, which an MCA-approved doctor issues; however, you may be able to acquire an equivalent medical certificate issued by your country, providing it is recognised as an alternative to the MCA-approved ENG1. These certificates can be valid for anywhere between one and two years, and keeping an eye on their expiry dates is essential.
- Proficiency in Designated Security Duties (PDSD)
Although not a pertinent certificate, many boats are asking for PDSD these days, and it is worth having it. Often, it is included in some STCW training.
- Other job Specific Requirements
Depending on which department you are working towards, each offers various courses. These days, various training academies have created and sold department-specific courses. Many of these courses are beneficial and help you stand out while increasing your knowledge of the industry; however, remember that the only qualifications pertinent to starting a career are: STCW and ENG1.
Gain Practical Experience
While having the right courses and certifications is essential before stepping on a boat, they alone won’t guarantee a job immediately. The yachting industry is complex, dealing with high-profile clientele and heavy machinery, and there are many safety aspects to consider.
Take our CEO and Founder, Gemma Hulbert, for example. Gemma joined the industry at 18, from where she went on to spend nine years, ultimately leaving the industry in 2020 as an experienced Chief Stewardess. Since the age of 16, she has worked as an events coordinator and day planner for weddings and holds a diploma in Event Management and Hospitality. In addition to 4 semesters of classes, she needed to complete 160 hours of event work to gain her diploma, including trade shows, charity galas, film festivals, etc. This experience greatly assisted her when creating her resume, allowing her to showcase her experience and think outside the box. She showcased her skills by providing links to the events she had planned and executed before entering the yachting industry. This creative approach highlighted her practical experience and helped her stand out in a competitive field while also assisting her confidence levels when she stepped on board and was involved in service, themed events and large parties.
Another rockstar TYS Recruitment agent, Taryn, found her first job on a 50m Private/Charter motor yacht in 2014 through the land-based skills she gained before yachting. She completed a Bachelor of Commerce degree in Hospitality and Event Management, which allowed her to become confident in various aspects of the hospitality industry, from operations and accounting to marketing and guest experience – shaping her into a seasoned hospitality professional who was confident stepping onto a luxury yacht. Her education and experience as an au pair in the USA and working at high-end hospitality establishments allowed her CV to stand out and gave her insight into dealing with different cultures and clientele worldwide.
Showcase Transferable & Speciality Skills
As a recruitment company, we cannot emphasise the importance of transferable skills. If you plan to, for example, join the Engineering department. Whether you’ve gained experience through a university degree, working with heavy machinery, or hands-on roles as an electrician or plumber – these ‘transferable’ skills are invaluable.
Take Eloise, one of our recruitment agents, as an example. While studying at university, she worked at a prestigious wine farm in South Africa. During her time there, she became knowledgeable about wine and got comfortable serving high-profile clientele. The vineyard encouraged her to obtain her WSET certification. By the time she left, she had her WSET Level 2 in hand, holding the assistant manager title of the wine tasting room and lunch restaurant, where she managed a team of 7 – 14 staff. This experience allowed her to gain people skills, exceptional hospitality standards and managerial experience, which proved incredibly valuable when she transitioned to the yachting industry. The skills and confidence she gained working in such a high-service environment were instrumental in helping her secure her first job in 2019 as a service stewardess on a 100m heavily used private/charter motor yacht.
Another critical factor that makes some CVs stand out is having a speciality skillset. This can include a wide range of talents, such as being a spa professional, masseuse, personal trainer, yoga or Pilates instructor, photographer/videographer, drone pilot, paramedic, nurse, DJ, and many more!
My speciality skill set is what helped me break into the yachting industry. During university, I completed a degree in Human Kinetics and Ergonomics. As part of my studies, we did practicals to become personal trainers. I worked as a trainer at the local gym, taught Pilates online, and volunteered as a coach for a local football team. These skills were great additions to my CV and played a crucial role in helping me secure a position on my first boat, a 70m heavily used private/charter, dual-season vessel. Offering Pilates or personal training services enhanced the vessel’s charter profile, which contributed to the vessel’s decision to offer me a position onboard despite my ‘greenie’ status.
Remain Professional, and Be Kind
Remember that Recruitment agents, as well as Captains and HODs, are professionals; as far as possible, reduce sending ‘xxx’s’ and hearts, randomly calling them unannounced. Remain professional in communication, ensuring that you correctly say hello at the start of a message, give all appropriate information, and then sign off professionally with your name. On top of that, remember that you should be in a quiet location for interviews, and if it is a video interview – appear groomed and prepared.
Final Thoughts
Starting in the yachting industry can be a significant financial commitment, given the courses, visas, and travel to local yachting hubs you need. Additionally, many people see yachting on social media and envision it as a fun gap year to travel the world. While yachting can be fun, it’s also demanding, challenging, and sometimes lonely. You’ll be away from friends and family, often working long, manual hours that can be tough to adjust to. The level of service expected when dealing with UHNW clientele is incredibly high and frequently underestimated. Safety is also an essential factor, as you’ll be working with heavy machinery and must be prepared for emergencies, so completing your STCW training is required.
You need a genuine passion for the industry to land your first job. Respect that many people make a career out of yachting, so whether it’s a year-long break between school and university or a long-term career for you, maintain respect for the profession. Be prepared to work hard, put in the hours, and truly understand what it takes to succeed. If you’re willing to do this, you’ll find yachting a rewarding and exciting field. Good luck!
Chloe Leo
Originally from South Africa, Chloe began her yachting career in 2018 after completing her university education and obtaining her degrees in Economics, and Human Kinetics and Ergonomics (Hons). After six adventurous years at sea, she has traded sea for land, now calling the beautiful island of Mallorca home.
Chloe now works for TYS Recruitment as a recruitment agent, and her passion for the industry and excellent people skills shine through in all her interactions and create a perfect blend of professionalism and relatability. Beyond work, Chloe loves outdoor activities, especially golf and cycling, and although she has hung up her stewardess badge, she still enjoys travelling the world whenever she can.
Hello Chloe,
Hope you are doing well. I am Preeti from India currently in dubai looking for my first position onboard. I read your article its amazing , I have been searching about yachting from 2-3 years now , at that time I prepared myself in hospitality, gained experience, also I worked in set designing for( 5 years) , teaching yoga (5 years) , learned barista and mixology while working in bar and cafés. Done work in production houses ( which includes handling clients and artists with discretion) . Worked in modelling for 10 year , have worked long hours and definitely committed to work long term. I did my STCW from SA Cape Town and have amazing recommendations from places I worked but still not good for a greenie because I don’t have Schengen/ b1 b2 visa. I applied for Schengen and it got refused, should I just leave it here and forget about it. I understand the fact that I should keep trying but being good enough is not enough to get a job. I need your suggestion on this it’s not just 4 months for me, I gave 3 years to this, finding all the information but I don’t have job after so many interviews because I don’t have tourist visa. I will still keep trying no matter what but I would love to know your opinion on this. Hope to hear from you soon.
Hi Preeti,
I hope you’re doing well too. Thank you for reaching out and for your kind words about my article. It sounds like you’ve put in an incredible amount of effort and dedication towards building a career in the yachting industry, and I truly admire your perseverance and commitment.
Your diverse experience in hospitality, set designing, yoga teaching, barista skills, mixology, client handling, and modeling is impressive and certainly sets you apart. These skills are valuable and transferable, making you a strong candidate in many aspects of yachting.
Regarding the visa situation, it’s a common challenge many face when starting in the industry. The Schengen and B1/B2 visas are crucial for mobility and access to many yachting hubs. While the refusal of your Schengen visa is undoubtedly a setback, it’s not the end of the road. I strongly recommend consulting with visa specialists who can provide expert guidance and potentially help you with the application process. They can offer tailored advice and might identify specific reasons for the refusal, giving you a better chance of success in your next application.
Meanwhile, continue leveraging your LinkedIn presence and networking efforts. You’ve already made a significant impact, and staying active and visible in the yachting community can open up opportunities. Additionally, consider looking into positions in regions where your current visa allows you to work, and use that experience to strengthen your applications for future opportunities.
Persistence is key in this industry, and your determination is already evident. Keep expanding your skills, building your network, and seeking advice from professionals who can assist with the visa process. Your dedication will pay off, and the right opportunity will come your way. Best of luck!