10 Simple Habits That Make You Easy to Rehire

During my time in yachting I have noticed some people just ‘get it’ and naturally thrive. While others seem to be fighting the system. It doesn't come down to technical ability or experience, it is soft skills that people either do or don't have.

These soft skills go a long way onboard. When I sat down to think about what makes a crew member "solid", I was struck by how simple these traits actually are. They are not grand gestures; they are small, consistent actions that any crew member can implement today to set themselves apart.

Here are 10 habits that every recruiter and Captain will appreciate from crew:

1. Punctuality: Always be early (5 minutes+) for work, meetings, and interviews. It blows my mind how many people are consistently "sloppy" with their time. We all have watches; there is no excuse for being late.

2. Respect Break Times: Be the last one down for breaks, and the first one back at work. It shows that you prioritise work.

3. Clean as you go: Whether it’s tools from a project or plates from a meal, always tidy up immediately. Never leave a workspace or recreational space messier than you found it.

4. Take care of your appearance: Hair, facial hair, and uniforms should be neat and

trimmed. Clean, professional attire speaks volumes about your attention to detail. It also reflects on the boat as a whole, you should be proud of the boat you work on and

represent it accordingly.

5. Respect Every Role Onboard: Every department’s time is valuable. Don’t make others wait for you, and never expect other departments to clean up after you. Be particularly cautious and respectful when you are in another department's space. Don't drip bin juice on the teak for the deck crew to clean and don't leave hand prints all over the interior for the interior to clean.

6. Keep Your Cabin Tidy: Make your bed, keep the floor clear, and put your items away. Being a messy cabin mate is a reputation killer, and this news travels fast.

7. Stay Positive: Speak positively about the boat and the crew, if you have a genuine problem with someone or something use the appropriate channels to address it. There's nothing worse than someone who complains about everything.

8. Keep learning: Keep learning from everyone around you. Ask questions, take notes and stay engaged when you are being taught something new.

9. Own Your Mistakes: When you mess up, take responsibility immediately.

Acknowledging a mistake and learning from it is the mark of a pro; trying to hide it is the mark of an amateur.

10. Ditch the Phone: Work time is for work, not scrolling. Phone addiction is a massive issue onboard nowadays, be the person who is focused, present, and engaged with your

work.

Agencies notice these things because Captains report back. Developing these habits doesn’t just make you a better crew member today; it helps build your reputation and thus helps you get jobs in the future.