If you love being on the water, building a career in the domestic staffing industry as part of a luxury yacht crew member can be a great option.
Working on a luxury yacht can be exciting and rewarding, with no two days ever truly being the same. Here are some practical tips on how you can level up your professionalism and preparation to ensure you secure a luxury yacht role that you’ll love.
Position Yourself for Success
Obtain Certifications
To be on board a yacht, it’s crucial for each crew member to have the appropriate credentials and training, ensuring things are operating safely and legally.
The first certification that’s required is the STCW Basic Safety Training. The internationally recognized Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping (STCW) is a multi-day course that covers firefighting, elementary first aid, personal survival techniques, personal safety, and security awareness.
Next, it is important that you obtain your ENG1 Medical Certificate. This is a physical examination conducted by an MCA-approved doctor to verify each crew member is medically fit for working at sea.
You should also get your food and beverage handling license and make sure you know the basics surrounding food safety.
For individuals working on the maintenance or operations side of the yacht, look into the mechanical certifications required for deck crew, such as powerboat level 2 (RYA or equivalent), RYA Yachtmaster, and others.
Focus on Service
Yacht crew positions require attention to detail, discretion, technical skill, and the ability to be flexible and adaptable.
But, luxury yachting jobs are at their very core, service roles. So, candidates who have strong backgrounds in service jobs have a good chance of making the transition into luxury yachting work.
If you’re looking to gain experience before joining a yacht crew, try to secure roles in private homes, event service, luxury hotels, fine dining, or childcare.
Create a Strong Resume
Take some time to create a concise, polished resume. You should list all relevant hospitality work experience, or experience serving in childcare, housekeeping, or other service-related industries.
It’s important to highlight any luxury service experience you have – whether that’s working in hotels, restaurants, UHNW estates, or private homes. Be sure to detail what your duties were in these roles.
In addition, list any licenses and certifications you have, include your professional headshot photo, and discuss your availability for travel or other excursions.
Last, list references that can speak to your commitment to attentive customer service, reliability, and work ethic.
Know What Hiring Managers are Looking For
In addition to experience and credentials, captains and yacht hiring managers are looking for people who are not only professional, but good communicators.
Yacht crew members need to be personable, teachable, and easy to live with. They should be willing to fit into teams well and work well with a team every day within close quarters, while staying calm under pressure and discreet.
Yachting roles often involve working long hours, too – so stamina and a keeping positive mindset are also important.
Hone Your Interview Skills
When it comes to the interview process, it’ll be important for you to be ready and willing to discuss why you want to work in yachting.
Talk about your interest in it, why you’re passionate about it, and what makes you want to dedicate your career to this area.
Also be able to talk about your service or hospitality background, as well as what travel/work schedules you’re most comfortable with.
Clear, professional communication is key at each phase of the hiring and onboarding process.
Get Started Today
A role in the field of yachting can be incredibly rewarding and fun. With the warmth of summer on the horizon, yacht owners of all kinds are excited for the months ahead of relaxation and exploration, and many of them are starting to build their teams now.
By starting your job search early, while defining which roles you’re most interested in and qualified for, you’ll be ready to help provide a luxury experience on the water for each guest that steps aboard the vessel.
