How to work on a charter yacht?
The yachting industry is vibrant and offers many opportunities for those looking to earn a living while travelling the world. From deckhands all the way to captains, charter yachts and sailboats require seasoned crew members willing to put in the work to make sure the guests can enjoy a flawless experience. Are you wondering how to work on a charter yacht? Here’s what you need to know.
typical yacht crew positions
Working as a crew member on a private charter yacht is a wonderful way to travel with all expenses paid while gaining valuable and wide-ranging experience. Once you have a foot in the industry, you’ll be able to work your way up to different types of jobs and positions with higher pay if you’re open to acquiring more specialized training. One of the most sought-after perks is the ability to explore beautiful locations all around the world.
Deckhand
If you are wondering how to work on a charter yacht with no prior experience, then this entry-level position may be the ideal one for you. It is by no means an easy job, as you have to be resourceful and willing to learn new skills along the way, but the tasks are varied and even exciting. As a deckhand, one of your main roles is to clean, wash, and maintain the exterior of the boat, but you also get to drive the tender, demonstrate the toys and, on a sailboat, learn all there is to know about the rigging and sails.
Steward/Stewardess
If you’ve worked as a waiter or waitress before, the position of yacht steward or yacht stewardess won’t be completely unknown territory. You will also be in charge of keeping the interior of the yacht clean, laundry, meal coordination and decoration, planning the guests’ daily outings , and possibly looking after children.
Chef
If you have prior cooking knowledge and skills and are looking at how to work on a charter yacht for the first time, this may be your way in. Just be aware that positions on board superyachts and megayachts tend to be more demanding in terms of formal expectations (cooking degree, experience cooking at high-end restaurants, etc.) and you often have limited space and cannot always pop to the shops for missing ingredients so need to be able to plan ahead.
Other Positions
For more experienced charter yacht workers, more specialized positions are available, including:
- Engineer (upkeep, engine and electrical component repairs, etc. This position requires an engineering degree)
- Bosun (exterior maintenance and management of the crew members)
- First Mate (Second in charge after the captain)
- Captain (Sailing/driving the boat, recruitment, crew management, annual budget etc. This position requires a captain’s license and extensive experience)
Working on Yachts: a Typical Day
While a “typical day” varies from one position to the next, yacht life involves certain constants.
On Charter
Charter yacht crew members tend not to leave the boat while guests are on board (unless for work purposes) and keep to their work duties, spending their spare time inside their cabins or a designated outside area for crew. They are often required to be on call round-the-clock for the guests (though with designated breaks provided each day), providing room service and acting as personal attendants, laundresses, drivers, chefs, waiters, masseuses, etc.
The day starts early for the chef, who prepares for breakfast. And at the end of each day, shifts last until the last guest retires for the evening.
When the guests are out, the crew gets busy preparing for their return, turning the cabins, cleaning the sheets, stocking the fridges, etc.
Between Charters
Between charters, the work mainly revolves around maintenance and upkeep work on the boat. The schedule is closer to a typical 9-5 job, but you get to stay in beautiful locations and live on board a luxury yacht.
Cost of Starting a Career in Yachting
The main cost involved in getting started working on a yacht is safety training courses (which vary between $1,000 and $1,500 each) and a plane ticket to your destination.
Depending on your situation, you may also need a couple of months’ worth of money to house and feed yourself until you find your first yacht job.
How to Work on a Charter Yacht: Yacht Training Courses
Most captains now expect their recruits to be STCW’2010-certified for safety and insurance reasons. While the STCW isn’t strictly speaking a requirement, investing in this course shows your commitment and improves your chances of finding a job.
Resources for Yacht Training
- Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, International Yacht Training
- Palma de Mallorca, Palma Sea School
- St. Maarten, Maritime School of the West Indies
Where to Find Yacht Jobs?
Yachting is a seasonal activity. This means that understanding how to work on a yacht charter involves organising your job search seasonally as well.
Winter Season: The Caribbean
In Ft. Lauderdale, Antigua, English Harbour, or Simpson Bay, the yachting season is in full swing when winter hits the northern hemisphere. Be there with your STCW course validated by September!
Summer Season: The Mediterranean and New England
The French Riviera, Palma de Mallorca, Italy, Greece, as well as New England destinations, come to life from April to September.
Visas and Immigration Advice
Visa and entry requirements can vary from one nationality and one destination to another. Check the laws that apply to your situation at least six months before your departure. You may need to provide “proof of onward travel” (when flying to St. Maarten, for instance). You should also be aware that, in America, the Jones Act limits employment on U.S.-flagged vessels to U.S. citizens. Foreign-flagged ships, on the other hand, are open to all. They offer wonderful prospects as well.
Informal Networking for Yacht Jobs
Yachting is a highly social industry, so don’t hesitate to talk to anyone who sports the tell-tale outfit!
You could also frequent local bars popular with crew and visit crew housing. It’s a great way to meet other crew and learn about potential jobs and day work in the area.
Yacht Day Work
Cleaning duties are a never-ending cycle on a yacht, which is why day work is how you can work on a charter yacht quickly and easily, with little to no prior experience and no strings attached.
The great thing about day work is that it often turns into a full-time crew position for those who can prove they’re up to the task.
Working With Crew Agents
Many yacht owners prefer to turn to crew agents to find reputable employees. You can register with as many agencies as you wish, as it will give you the best possible odds.
When you’re called in for an interview, be sure to play by the rules. Dress conservatively and be well-groomed, well-mannered, and professional.
The Crew Network Yacht Crew Agency
The Crew Network, Fraser’s’ sister agency, has been placing quality crew and launching careers since 1989. Driven by its commitment to excellence and ethos, TCN has become the world’s first global crew network, providing top services to meet the expectations of a high-end clientele.