How to get a job on a superyacht without any experience?

Check out Yotspot’s 5 Step Plan.

We’ve all got to start somewhere. Superyachts do take on people with no prior experience, you’ve just got to be willing to work hard, work long hours, keep smiling, be polite and agree to take on an entry-level job, so you can learn on the job.   Positions like; stewardess, steward, cook or junior deckhand.  All jobs currently listed on our Yotspot jobs board today.

It’s an incredibly popular industry to work in, especially for ambitious individuals; flexible enough to travel, keen to gain experience and eager to see the world.

So, let’s get started…

• Hop on the Yotspot jobs page, walk the docks or visit local agents
• Polish and perfect your CV/resume (the Yotspot team are on hand to  help if you need it)
• Sign up FREE as a Yotspot member
• Complete your basic STCW
• Build a bank of references with day work
• Search for positions through us:
• Superyachts (motor and sail)
• Sailing Yachts
• Commercial Vessels
• Research Vessels
• Yacht Build and Refits
• Yacht Management
• Yacht Sales, Charter, Brokerage and more…

Step 1 – what transferable skills have you got?

Jot down your skills and experience that complement the job you’re applying for.  Think about what might be useful on board the yacht. Experience and training in the hospitality industry EG: cruise ship, restaurant, hotel, private household or resort is definitely a bonus.  Plus, if you’ve got specialist skills or training; engineer, yoga instructor, nanny, masseuse or helicopter pilot you’ll be an even more valuable recruit to the captain and his crew.

Step 2 – a “can do” attitude to learning

The captain will be looking for an eagerness to work hard and a “team player” – someone who fits in well with the existing crew, someone flexible, willing to go the extra mile and interested in self-improvement.

Step 3 – Be ready for work at a moment’s notice

The world of yachting follows a seasonal pattern, so it pays to base yourself nearby if you can.

The European circuit runs from May to September, mainly in Antibes, South of France, and the Americas/Caribbean from early winter and early spring, mostly out of Fort Lauderdale.

Being available for day work, shadowing crew, helping out, getting whatever experience you can, hanging around bars where crew hang out, networking, visiting local agents and being available to attend in-person interviews will help.

While you are job hunting, keep your living arrangements as flexible as possible, so you can say “yes” to work at a moment’s notice.  It may take time though, so make sure you’ve got enough money to support yourself for a couple of months.

Step 4 – Make sure your CV is top notch

This is your first impression so make sure it’s a good one!  Include a good, clear photo – check out our tips for getting your profile photo right! Get someone to check your CV for typos and grammatical errors – mistakes look sloppy!  Again, our friendly team are on hand to help.

Make sure you include relevant experience, with the most recent first and those valuable transferable skills. Education, prior job experience, training and any industry knowledge will make your CV stand out. Potential employers like to see hobbies, interests and additional skills, like flower arranging, proficient languages etc.  Anything that makes you stand out as a candidate and gives you that additional edge. References are really important, make sure you ask previous employers if they’d mind being your referee.

Step 5 – Complete your basic training

Mandatory training, and the minimum requirement, for anyone working on yachts that charter is the basic STCW – Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping.

The STCW takes about a week to complete and comprises four modules:

1) fire prevention and firefighting

2) personal survival techniques

3) personal safety and social responsibility

4) first aid/CPR.

Once completed, you’re awarded a certification which is valid for five years. Although some modules don’t expire – check with your maritime school.  

Working in the yachting industry requires a strong work ethic, stamina and a positive mental attitude. And if you’re willing to put in the effort, the rewards can be amazing.

If you haven’t already, register with Yotspot today and select from hundreds of jobs with yachts, agencies and management companies with one click, one profile and from one central location.   Your ideal job could be there waiting for you!