FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Currently, there are more than 10,000 superyachts around the globe, with lengths ranging from 24 metres to more than 100 metres. These yachts require qualified and skilled crew. The yachting industry is worth billions of dollars and is known for having cutting-edge leisure yachts, typically used by the super-rich.

A Superyacht is a luxury custom-designed vessel that exemplifies the highest level of craftsmanship. They can either be a Sail Yacht (S/Y) or Motor Yacht (M/Y) and have an overall length of 24 metres or more.

A Private yacht is owned by someone who intends to use it with friends and family. A Charter yacht will also be used privately by the owner but can also be hired by other parties for a predetermined period.

The yachting industry provides a wide range of itineraries. The most typical is a dual-season yacht travelling the Mediterranean and the USA/Caribbean commonly known as ‘The Milk Run’. Some yachts also opt to operate in single seasons, with busier summers and winters spent in their preferred location for maintenance work and downtime. There are also yachts that cruise around the globe in regions like the Indian, Pacific, Southern, and Arctic Oceans.

The yachting industry typically falls into two seasons: a "Mediterranean Season" from May to October and a "Caribbean Season" from November to April. These months may change based on the owner's plans with the vessel. If you are going to the South of France or Palma, we advise beginning your search for work at the end of March into April to give you the best chance of finding a position before the season kicks off.

Here are a few Yachting Hubs to take a look at: Antibes, France Palma de Mallorca, Spain Barcelona, Spain The Caribbean Florida, USA West Palm Beach, USA

Your ambitions and goals are important when considering your future career in yachting. You should do your research and develop a strategy based on your skills, interests, and job history in order to choose the position that is most appropriate for you. It is advantageous to enter the industry with a desire to learn new skills while also integrating your existing knowledge into your new position. Fortunately, there are multiple departments on board, giving you the freedom to change course if you decide your abilities and interests would be better suited elsewhere.

Please remember that there are always opportunities for career progression and skill expansion within each department. Interior Engineering Galley Deck

Working on a yacht can open many doors, but it might not be the best career path for everyone. Before you choose to pursue it, consider some of the advantages and what some could deem to be disadvantaged. ​​Many people join the yachting industry because they anticipate earning an incredible salary, but make no mistake—you must work really hard to do so. You will work long hours for several weeks while guests are on board. If you have a strong work ethic and resilience in this fast-paced environment, the rewards can be fantastic. For the majority, one of the main benefits of wanting to start yachting is the opportunity to travel and explore different places. Although it may sound enticing, you must be prepared to spend extended periods of time away from home and frequently miss significant family gatherings and holidays such as Christmas. It's important to consider how well you will cope with being away from home for long periods of time and how open you are to new challenges. Some of the main objectives are to ensure the yacht runs efficiently and safely while catering to the guests' every need and enabling them to have an amazing time. To be a valued member of a team it is key to remain open and flexible. You should be happy taking direction and constructive criticism from others while maintaining a positive attitude. Finding personal space can be challenging for the crew because they live, work, and socialise together. Despite the fact that yachts are luxurious for both owners and guests, you'll find that the cabin you'll be in is typically quite small. You will share a cabin with 1-4 people depending on the size and layout of the yacht. The upside is that your fellow crew members are likely to become your closest friends!

If you ever experience behaviour you believe to be a form of harassment, bullying, or discrimination, you should report it. If a problem or concern arises, the first thing to do is to discuss it with your head of department if you feel comfortable doing so. The department head should help to resolve the issue, but if unsuccessful, it may be forwarded to the Captain, who should handle it personally. A crew member may contact the management company or the “designated person ashore” (DPA) if the issue is still unresolved or if they are uncomfortable speaking to their heads of department or Captain. The Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) 2006 enables all seafarers to make a confidential complaint to help find redress to an issue of concern. Various independent organisations can be contacted, such as the Professional Yachting Association (PYA) or Nautilus, a union for seafarers. Note: If you have further questions or are looking for additional information, please feel free to get in touch, and we’ll be happy to provide you with the best guidance we can.

A Green Crew member or Greenie refers to a candidate searching for their first role on a yacht.

Yes, the minimum age to work on yachts is 16. Night work for those under the age of 18 is not allowed. This is per the MLC 2006 Standard A1.1 Minimum age. Therefore if you are choosing this as a career, you need to be 18 years old or over.

Yacht size isn't the only factor in crew salaries, the type of yacht (sail/motor), purpose (private/charter/both), and cruising schedule all matter. A candidate's profile will also be considered, such as experience, role, qualifications, and specialised skills. All of which impact salary negotiation. It is important to note that you should not offer to work for free to gain experience when joining the industry. You should be getting paid the day work rate.

Entry-level salaries for yacht crew typically range from €/$ 2,500 per month or higher. Competition for entry-level positions is high, and salaries usually increase with experience.

Yacht crew jobs can be seasonal (May - October in Med, November-April in the Caribbean) or permanent long-term contracts. Commercial yachts must provide a SEA (Seaman's Employment Agreement), while private yachts are not required to. A separate contract may also cover standards of behaviour, absence and leave. We would like to point out the importance of having an employment contract when working on a yacht so it is advised to always request one. For more info on SEA, please refer to MLC 2006 Title 2 Regulation 2.1.

To find your first yacht job, be proactive and network. March and April in the Mediterranean and October in the US are key times for crew seeking work. Present yourself professionally, start early and follow up with crew agencies and yachting affiliates. Preparation is key - review what to focus on for interviews.

Port Authorities in the South of France confirmed that if the crew are legally present in the region, they are allowed to walk the docks.

Only American passport or green card holders can legally seek employment in the US; dock walking is not advised for non-US nationals on a tourist visa or visa waiver.

Arrive at the docks at 8am Dress appropriately, we would suggest a nice polo, khaki, black or blue shorts/pants/skort and comfortable smart shoes Bring work clothes, business cards & CV Respect if the yacht is busy OWNERS/CHARTER, move on to the next boat (flowers on the table and cushions on display are a good indication) Approach boats at 8am-17.00, avoiding lunch break Don't disturb the crew on weekends Look on www.marinetraffic.com/vesselfinder.com to see which boats are in the harbour Check smaller marinas too Don't be afraid to ask the same boats often. Just because they don't have work today, doesn't mean they won't have it tomorrow or next week

Arrive 10 mins early Take off your shoes at the end of the passerelle/gangway Clean up after yourself No mobile phone use. If you are expecting a call from a boat regarding a job position, explain this to the officer in charge When your work day is complete, meet up for a beer/coffee in the afternoon and network with fellow crew members

Ensure the Recruiter/Agency has a website and protection for personal information, is MLC Compliant and is on the list of Recruitment Agencies that are compliant. Before giving any personal information, do your homework on the recruiter and position. Helpful link: https://www.gov.uk/seafarer-working-and-living-rights

First impressions count, look smart and professional with natural makeup/freshly shaven, and remove sunglasses before you meet and greet with the yacht crew or your interviewer. Typically a polo shirt or a shirt, plain shorts, skorts (be careful of the length) or pants with boating shoes or smart footwear are worn.

Research the yacht Know your CV Be punctual and respectful Prepare for common questions Position yourself as the solution to the interviewer’s problem Convey positive energy & determination Ask questions to show enthusiasm & dedication Show respect, demonstrate your skills & experience Unfortunately, falsifying longevity, certification, experience, and employers is common in yachting. However, it is a criminal offence which carries repercussions for the offender, their colleagues and their employer.

Networking is key in yachting. Make sure to explore the English-speaking bars and cafes in each yachting hub; the yachting industry is small, so present yourself professionally to build your network.

A good CV is a critical component of any job application. It's the first thing a potential employer sees, and it's your chance to make a great first impression. A well-written CV can help you stand out from the competition and improve your chances of getting the job you want. Shorten and streamline your CV — the ideal length is two pages Utilise one font throughout your CV Include a professional photograph Include your contact information and key attributes Make your CV easy to read Spell-check your CV thoroughly Including references with contact details Keep your yachting CV up to date The Crew Coach offers a transformative package, which will help you produce the best version of your CV and cover letter!

Tattoos may be a problem when applying for certain yachts; some have a grooming and appearance code with a policy of no visible tattoos when wearing a crew uniform. However, times are changing, so many vessels in the industry allow for tattoos as long as they are not offensive. We recommend discussing this with your recruiter to determine on which yachts this may be an issue.

In the yachting industry, it is generally not encouraged; each vessel decides if it is acceptable. It is advisable, to be honest about this habit before joining a yacht and with your recruiter.

Testing of new crew members for illegal drugs is becoming increasingly common, with tests occurring every 6 months, annually or without warning. The crew may also have to undergo a background check.

Use social networking wisely. Before interviews, review your public images & posts. Once employed, avoid posts about the yacht, location, or inappropriate images. Be sure to follow Facebook group rules when posting online.

To maximise your chances of getting your first role, we recommend that you register with as many agencies as possible and also register with the yacht's online job boards, such as Yotspot.com and Yacrew.com When visiting a recruitment agency, arrive early, dress appropriately, and have a positive attitude. It's crucial to establish ties with recruiters that could endure the duration of your career. Building a professional relationship requires mutual respect; therefore, while being respectful, keep in mind that the recruiter should do the same for you.

A minimum of 2.5 days of work per month of employment. On larger yachts, the crew can often work rotation. This can be discussed in detail when you are being put forward for a job by an agency or directly with the vessel.

Crew, regardless of position, must complete STCW 95 (STCW 2010) Basic Safety Training and obtain a recognised Seafarers' medical certificate, best known as an ENG1, to be eligible to work as crew on a yacht.

An STCW 95 (STCW 2010) course provides an introduction to safety at sea and includes 5 modules: Personal Survival Techniques Fire Fighting and Fire Prevention Elementary First Aid Personal Safety and Social Responsibility Proficiency in Security Awareness The STCW 95 (STCW 2010) is valid for 5 years and a refresher course must be taken once this time has elapsed. An ENG1 medical certificate is valid for two years and must be kept current.

A passport is the only acceptable form of identification for international travel. In order to gain entry into most countries, you will need a minimum validity of 6 months.

A seaman’s discharge book is a full record of a seaman’s career experience and certification. These books are useful for logging sea service, seaman’s air ticket fares, a second form of identification and also visa applications. To apply for one of these you will first need to be employed within the maritime industry

Schengen A Schengen visa is a short-stay visa (90 days) that allows a person to travel to any country in the Schengen Area. To find out which countries are in this European zone and which nationalities require a Schengen visa, visit: https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/who-needs-schengen-visa/. B1/B2 Visa Non-US citizens intending to join a yacht headed to a US port should apply for a B1B2 visa. It is recommended to apply through their country's U.S. Embassy or Consulate to expedite the process. Visit: http://www.usembassy.gov/ for more information. South African Crew South Africans without a European passport must obtain a Schengen visa before flying into Europe. To obtain a Schengen visa from South Africa, all applicants must go through a detailed application process. For more information please visit: www.schengenvisainfo.com/how-to-apply-schengen-visa/south-africa/ alternatively you can get in touch with: https://southafricanyachties.co.za/ who can assist you. Note: Crew from other countries such as Zambia, Namibia and Zimbabwe will also require Schengen visas if they do not hold European passports. Please contact your local embassies for further information on this. British Crew It is important that all UK citizens/crew in Schengen States become acquainted with the new rules due to Brexit and to make sure that the allowed 90-day period within every 180 days is not overstayed.

Some yachts may require that their crew members have Covid-19 or other appropriate vaccinations for the regions in which the yacht will be operating.

We recommend opening a smart online account with multiple currency options such as Revolut or Wise. If you prefer a more traditional banking option Lloyds and Standard have accounts specifically for Seafarers which usually require boat papers to open. You also have the option to simply use the bank of your choice in your home country.

Arriving at any yacht crew hub for the first time can be overwhelming. To make the process easier, we have a few recommendations that could help your travel experience run smoothly. We suggest avoiding airport taxis, as they can be quite costly. Instead, take the bus at the airport terminal or go to the nearest train station. These options are economical, and you may even meet other yachties along the way. If public transport is unavailable or you are anxious to try the trains and buses for the first time, then Uber is a convenient option. We would recommend learning a few words of the native language of the country you are intending to travel to. It is a good way to show respect to the local people and their culture, and can make your travel experience more enjoyable. It could also help if you happen to get lost or need guidance. Don’t forget to use the Wifi on arrival at an airport, this is a great way to double check your onward travel details and to save on your phone bill. Check in advance with your current network provider to see what deals they have on roaming charges. Having an unlocked phone can also be advantageous, as this will allow you to use SIM cards from different providers. When you arrive at your chosen accommodation you will be able to ask for recommendations on which local sim cards are the best. It is a good idea to inform your bank of the locations you are travelling to and the dates and duration of your travels. This will allow you to continue using your credit/debit cards without fraud detection being triggered on your accounts, which can prevent you from using your cards. A bit of cash to hand is always a good idea too. Travelling to new countries is an adventure and you will be filled with excitement; however it is important that you remain vigilant. Make sure to keep your wallets safely tucked away and be aware of your surroundings. As you will learn in yachting - Safety never takes a day off!

It is advisable that you reserve your accommodation as far in advance as possible as it can sometimes be difficult to find.

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Packing Essentials Start by choosing a light, a collapsible suitcase with wheels for easy storage on board Essential items: passport, yachting certificates (originals), driver's licence/ID, medication (if applicable) Basics: shoes (flip flops, trainers), clothes, underwear, swimwear, minimum toiletries (as you will be provided with these onboard), makeup, hair products and a beach towel to use while you are still looking for work Technology: world travel adaptor, mobile phone, Kindle/eBook, laptop/iPad, camera, and headphones Personal extras: photos, small speaker, sunglasses, watch and other small favourite items you can't live without