If you've watched TV shows like Below Deck or have a friend or family who works in the sector, you may already know that working on a boat is the appropriate career path for you, but where do you even begin?
It's not surprise that this career checks a lot of boxes for many individuals given the opportunity to work with a lot of like-minded people, travel, and potentially earn fantastic money.
It may appear that only the wealthy can afford to become Yachties and earn a living by working on opulent vessels, or it may just seem too difficult to begin. However, beginning work as a Yachtie won't seem as intimidating if you know what's required of you, have the certification, and know what kind of career you should be searching for.
What is a Yachtie.
Let's confirm that we are all singing from the same song sheet before moving further. Anybody who works aboard a yacht is generally referred to as a "yachtie." It has evolved to refer more especially to those who serve as yacht crew on superyachts.
Superyachts are extraordinarily big, opulent boats that are frequently owned by multimillionaires and billionaires.
These yachties have a variety of roles to perform aboard superyachts. The majority of yachties begin their careers as deckhands or stewardesses aboard superyachts. As you go up the professional ladder, your job will alter to reflect greater responsibility and experience.
It's important to remember that there are several kinds of boating and boaties. Those who work as captain charter boats and possess a Yachtmaster certificate might be classified as the second type of "Yachtie."
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Positions For Recent Yachties.
Newcomers to the yachting profession, referred to as "Green" Yachties, typically apply for entry-level positions such as Deckhand or Stewardesses. Given the stark differences between the two careers, you should decide which one you want to pursue and begin preparing for it.
Stewardess on a Yacht (Stew)
The inside of the boat is attended to by a steward or stewardess. This implies that you will be accountable for everything that occurs within the boat. You will be doing any position in the hospitality sector by combining it into a single role aboard a boat.
You will do everything to a five-star quality, including cleaning, cooking, serving, and making the beds and washing. If it's not flawless, your visitors won't be happy. The distinction between exceptional and high standards is often made by the little things. You must be able to ensure that no detail is overlooked and possess an excellent eye for detail. Everything on board the ship needs to be flawless all the time.
Chief Stew, your boss, will get your report card and be your point of contact. You will have sufficient experience and self-assurance as a green stewardess after a few solid seasons to apply for Chief Stewardess positions.
Deckhand on a yacht?
Deckhands maintain the outside of the boat, as opposed to stewardesses in that capacity. Deckhands are mostly men who do a variety of tasks, such as general maintenance, teak deck cleaning, watching over the toys (Jet Skis, etc.), and even operating the tenders.
Deckhands should be extremely enthusiastic, know how to tie knots, understand the fundamental terms used on board, and understand how a boat works. Additionally, deckhands may occasionally assist the Stewardesses, and they frequently lend a hand during the hectic evening meal preparation and serving.
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How to Become a Yachtie in 5 Steps?
Now that you know the types of jobs that are out there, you can choose the one that best fits you. Anyone who aspires to be a Yachtie may become one with the correct mindset, credentials, and job search strategies.
- Have the right attitude
- Pass an ENG1 medical
- Complete STCW Basic Safety Training
- Gain experience
- Go to a superyacht marina
1. Adopt The Appropriate Mindset
In addition to obtaining the necessary credentials to demonstrate your expertise, you need to possess specific qualities in order to succeed in the yachting sector as a Yachtie.
Yachties need to be well-mannered, articulate, able to accept directions, able to work diligently, and enthusiastically. You must be able to work extremely long hours without losing patience, often in high-stress situations.
While working on a superyacht may seem glamorous, you might want to reconsider if you're on your tenth day of labor in a row and your head is caught in the toilet trying to clean it. You must be content to spend a lot of time away from home and away from your friends and family in order to become a yachtie. All of this may seem apparent, but not everyone is in this circumstance, and if you don't carefully weigh the drawbacks, you'll leave this field sooner than when you first entered.
2. Complete ENG1 Medical
To become a Yachtie, you must first take concrete action and get an ENG1 medical certificate. An certified MCA (Maritime and Coastguard Agency) doctor will examine you during an ENG1 medical to ensure you are healthy and capable of working at sea.
An ENG1 medical certificate is a must for anybody working at sea; without one, you cannot begin working aboard a superyacht. The checkup, which will take around 45 minutes total, will involve the doctor going over a checklist to make sure you don't have any underlying medical disorders that might endanger your safety or the safety of everyone else on board.
Color blindness is the most frequent cause of novice yachties failing the ENG1. Unexpectedly, a large number of people can go their whole lives without realizing they are color blind. On a ship, though, this might have far-reaching effects. You cannot assist in navigating the ship in an emergency if you are unable to accurately identify signals and lights. Sadly, this implies that you are unable to begin working as a Yachtie.
3. Finish the STCW Basic Safety Course.
To work at sea, one must furthermore fulfill the STCW Basic Safety Training requirement. Like the ENG1, you need to hold the STCW certificate in order to work aboard a boat.
"Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping" is what STCW stands for. Its purpose is to guarantee that every Seafarer knows what to do in the event of an emergency and what the necessary procedures are.
STCW courses are very entertaining and jam-packed with activity. You will become engrossed in studying and pick up a ton of new abilities, from marine survival to battling fires.
4. Get Expertise.
It will be sufficient to have your ENG1 and STCW qualifications if you are fortunate enough to receive a job offer aboard a superyacht.
It's usual to go through all these processes without having a job lined up, so don't panic if you haven't received an offer yet. If so, it would be wise for you to increase your experience and credentials in order to give yourself a leg up on other applicants for the same position.
You may do this by enrolling in a course for deckhands or stewardesses. In addition to your normal STCW certificate, these courses will provide you with a range of additional certifications that attest to your skill, aptitude, and dedication to the field.
Deckhands will get instruction in general boat repair, engine maintenance, small boat operation, and teak cleaning techniques. Stewardesses will know how to operate a powerboat, arrange flowers artistically, and serve wine.
5. Visit A Marina For Superyachts.
The moment has come for you to travel to France and start looking for job after completing your superyacht training. One of the best ways to get work is to visit one of the top superyacht marinas and provide your CV to captains, in addition to joining up with yacht crew recruiting agencies. It's referred to as dockwalking.
Following the completion of our Superyacht Course, you will be able to register for our recruiting day in Antibes, France. We provide you our industry connections, walk you through the procedure, and go to France as a group.
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