How do I get on one of those big ass boats? This question circles the minds of many people that see yachts hundreds of feet long scattered in the marinas around the island. There are two ways for you to spend some time on these mega yachts. The first way would involve a lot of cash that you don’t have big plans for; and I mean a LOT of cash. The second way is to find work as a crewmember aboard these luxurious floating resorts. If you aren’t lucky enough to earn/marry into/inherit the several million that it would cost to buy and maintain a mega yacht, working aboard one can be a lucrative way to travel the world.
A yacht, either sailing or motor, can have from one to more than seventy crewmembers on board. Depending on the boat’s size crewmembers (yachties) have their own crew cabins, galley and lounge area. These vessels travel all over the world, from the Mediterranean to the Caribbean, some even circumnavigating the globe. Those that work aboard will be able to experience more travel in one year than most people do in their whole lives. Don’t forget about the toys! Yachts often have jet-skis, underwater scooters, dive gear, surf gear, and small tenders that can be used by the crew when they don’t have guests on board. Last but not least- the salary! Those people that can dedicate their lives to yachts will be rewarded with extremely high salaries and (depending on the boat) tips after each trip. Entry-level yachties can expect to earn $2,500/month with zero experience.
Sound like a dream? The reality is that all this luxury comes at a high price. The majority of the crew on board are required to share a cabin with bunk style beds with their co-workers. When it is time for charter you can plan on working over ten hours a day, you will be at the guest’s beck and call for their every need (no matter how small). Want to go home for your mother’s birthday or Christmas? Fat chance. In high season time off is reserved for those members of crew that have seniority if they are very lucky. Your plans can change at any second. Today the owner wants to spend New Year’s in the Bahamas and tomorrow they want to go to St. Barths. This industry is also extremely competitive. To work your way up the ladder on the larger boats you need to have several expensive certificates.
Still sound like a pretty good deal? If you are ready to give the yachting world a try there are a few things you need to do before you start applying for a job.
Certificates:
The most basic requirement for most yachts is that you have an STCW certificate. STCW (Safety Training for Crew and Watchmen) is an introduction to boat life. This internationally recognized course “gives the minimum standards of qualifications required by crew at various levels depending upon vessel size for both deck and engineer departments and also radio communications personnel,” according to the Maritime School of the West Indies (found on the French side of SXM). In the course you cover everything from survival at sea, basic firefighting, to CPR and First Aid.
Paperwork:
If you are looking for work you need to have an updated CV. No exceptions! There is nothing that turns an employer off more than someone applying for a job with an irrelevant résumé. For yacht work it is customary to have a photo of yourself (dressed appropriately) at the top of your CV. If you are putting together your first CV for the industry ask for help or examples at your local crew agency.
Finding a job:
Applying online is great way to look for work especially if you are not living in a boating region. The absolute best way to get a job is to immerse yourself in the industry. Get involved in your local yacht club and go to the yachting events in the area. Work at or around marinas if possible. If you are based on St. Maarten it is beneficial to visit both BWA Yachting and Shore Support. Stop by in professional attire with an up-to-date CV to inquire for work.
Yachting can be one of the most challenging and lucrative jobs in the world. If you do find work on a yacht and travel the world you’ll find that the crew works hard and plays harder. It is important to make sure you enjoy your time on board before you end up telling stories of what used to be.
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