Making the leap from a commercial officer to a yachting officer often involves a full-on mindset shift and a whole new world of uncharted waters (literally). In recent years, we’ve seen an influx of commercial officers looking to venture into yachting, often drawn by the need for unlimited tickets for larger vessels to adhere to safe manning. While the certifications may transfer between the industries, the actual industries themselves can be miles apart.
In this article, I caught up with an Officer who expertly navigated (pun intended) the transition between the two industries. We’ll go through his journey from obtaining certification to becoming a valued member of an incredible yacht. For the sake of anonymity, let’s call him “John.”
Like many ‘sailors’ (a term that covers a wide range of maritime professionals), John grew up near the ocean, admiring the massive tankers at anchor and cargo ships manoeuvring daily through the port. That childhood admiration never faded. At 16, he earned sponsorship from Clyde Marine, studied at Fleetwood Nautical Campus, and began a cadetship that would take him worldwide. After three years of hands-on experience, he qualified in 2019. Then came the shift. Having always wanted to enter the yachting industry, he successfully transitioned and has plenty of advice for those considering the same path. If that sounds like you, keep reading!
What are some of the Biggest Challenges?
The commercial and yachting industries may involve life at sea but are worlds apart in many respects. Commercial shipping, particularly on long international contracts, builds unparalleled mental resilience. With limited amenities, sparse communication with home, and isolated crew environments, you learn to adapt, work independently, and navigate cultural and language barriers with a diverse crew. These experiences foster valuable skills such as situational awareness, bridge watchkeeping expertise, and practical application of collision regulations (COLREGs)—particularly in high-density traffic areas like the Far East.
However, transitioning into yachting comes with unique challenges. Unlike the structured hiring processes of the commercial world, yachting relies heavily on networking, tailored CVs, and understanding industry-specific platforms. Many commercial officers struggle to break into yachting because they lack deck-related experience or don’t know where to start. As John noted, he faced hundreds of rejections before landing his first role—a common hurdle for those unfamiliar with the intricacies of yachting recruitment. Success often hinges on personal connections, a great CV highlighting transferable skills, and demonstrating the adaptability and personality needed to stand out in a competitive field.
What Made You Transition to Yachting?
In this case, yachting was always the end goal. With friends already in the industry and stories from the crew who had made the change, it felt like a natural fit. His motivation only grew during his first contract as a Second Mate on a cargo ship. They sailed past the Lürssen shipyards in Bremen and Rendsburg, and he caught glimpses of yachts in build or refit stages.
Despite hearing the occasional jab from the commercial crew that yachties aren’t “real seafarers,” he saw through the stigma, which he believes is ridiculous. Watching yacht crew operate in these shipyards with such precision and professionalism, often catering to the 1%, he developed much respect for them, especially with the personal sacrifices they often have to make.
The tipping point came just before his 21st birthday when he was completing his second contract as Second Mate. Knee-deep in garbage juice (for more than a day) and shoveling waste from garbage bales for discharge, recalling, “The smell can’t even be described.” The cherry on top? He spent his 21st birthday in a Force 11 storm with no contact with his home and no acknowledgement from his fellow crew. He can only talk from his experience (and others may have a different experience). Still, his industry felt relentlessly profit-driven, with little regard for crew welfare and subpar wages. Poor management, miserable crew and questionable safety standards seemed to be the norm onboard. Instead, he wanted to be a part of a younger, vibrant crew dynamic where people genuinely enjoyed their work. He wanted to sail in safer conditions, visit incredible locations, and be part of a team that looked out for one another. At just 21, he made the life-changing decision to transition to yachting—and hasn’t looked back since.
Navigating Finding That First Yachting Job
Transitioning from the commercial world to yachting was no small feat, and landing his first role was a journey of persistence, patience, and, frankly, a bit of chaos. The application frenzy began: scrolling and scouring through every yachting platform and recruitment page, ensuring he met all the requirements for each job and could stand out. John’s first role came via a recruitment website, securing a Deckhand position on a 70m private/charter motor yacht. For many commercial officers, stepping into a Deckhand role might feel like a step back, but he saw it differently. It was a chance to learn about the yachting industry from a whole new perspective. Sure, he could drive a 4,000-tonne ship, but could he master the fine art of blading a window in record time or safely operate a jet ski with a VIP 7-year-old onboard?
With little knowledge of pay structures or what to expect, John packed his bags and flew to Mallorca. His first yacht underwent an extensive refit, and he quickly learned what “thrown in the deep end” meant. In his own words, “I remember my first morning clearly—a young commercial officer, hyped up for having a ticket, being asked if I could handle maintenance tasks with tools I’d never seen before. Safe to say, my answer was ‘no.’” Fortunately, he joined a supportive deck team led by an understanding Bosun, who took him under his wing – the kind of camaraderie we love to see in this industry! They worked together, learning and adapting every step of the way. In time, John’s efforts paid off. He secured a “Deckhand/OOW” role on another 70m motor yacht, combining his newfound deck skills with his commercial expertise. After over a year onboard, he was offered the position of Third Officer on a 100m+ yacht; the rest is history.
Advice for Commercial Officers Making the Leap to Yachting
Here’s the crux of it: if you’re struggling to land a bridge position, don’t hesitate to take a Deckhand role for six months. It’s not just about securing a job; it’s about learning the ropes (literally). It’s not a step back—but an opportunity to learn deck operations, build rapport with your team, and prove you’re a team player. Respect is earned when you’re willing to jump in, assist with tasks, and show that you value the work that goes into keeping a yacht running from all angles.
One of the biggest hurdles commercial officers face is the stigma—or perhaps subconscious entitlement—that can come with holding a commercial ticket. Of course, earning that ticket required immense effort, dedication, and sacrifice, and is no small feat! But in yachting, it’s only one part of a larger job. Be ready to raise your hand and say, “I don’t know.” Whether it’s a deck task you’ve never tackled or a maintenance issue you’ve never encountered, admitting when you’re out of your depth is crucial. No one expects you to know everything and a willingness to ask questions shows humility and a desire to improve, which will earn you respect in any crew.
As an officer, you’ll eventually shoulder significant responsibilities and your head seems to always be on the block. Safe navigation and safety of the vessel are critical, and training crew for the job is reflected directly by this. To be effective, you need a solid understanding of deck operations and maintaining a yacht. Starting on deck is the perfect opportunity to gain this insight.
Finally, take pride in the role you’re in. If you’re starting as a Deckhand, embrace it. It’s not just about cleaning the boat—it’s about creating a pristine first impression for owners and guests, where even the most minor details are noticed.
Though the commercial and yachting industries may appear operationally similar to outsiders, they’re as different as chalk and cheese. Neither sector is inherently better or worse—they’re simply built for different purposes. The commercial world focuses on transporting goods, with little to no direct interaction with passengers. Crew camaraderie exists but is often shaped by long contracts and the demands of a profit-driven industry. On the other hand, Yachting is all about perfectionism—direct guest interaction, delivering exceptional experiences, and maintaining vessels to an impeccable standard. This creates a very different crew dynamic, emphasising teamwork, adaptability, and meticulous attention to detail.
The journey we have spoken about highlights that transitioning to yachting isn’t about taking a step back; it’s about stepping into a new world with an open mind, a willingness to learn, and a good sense of humour to get through those steep learning curves.
By: 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.