Ahoy! In this blog I’ll answer what you need to do to get your foot in the door of the yachting industry, or should I say onboard.

It Will Be Difficult, But Worth It

To preface, yachting is unlike any conventional job and most often does not abide by any rules or laws…even though it’s supposed to. A lot of people that come into the industry are not cut out for the loooong hours, intense standards and never ending social interaction. With that being said, it also one of the most worth while jobs I think anyone can have in their lives. In my short time in yachting I’ve been able to fly in helicopters, eat foreign delicacies, meet celebrities and travel to places that would’ve cost my life savings. 

This is a job you can start right out of high school, college or mid mid-life crisis! 

The steps below will walk you through how exactly to get started. Like anything you read on the internet I always recommend you do your own research before diving in head first.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Choose Your Department

Generally there are 4 departments: Interior, Exterior, Culinary and Engineering. Think about what department you would like to work in. On bigger boats departments are pretty rigid. On smaller boats they’ll take extra help wherever. As a “greenie” (someone’s who new to the industry) you can change your department pretty easily if you don’t like it. 

Step 2: Book Your Classes

Every crew member legally working on a yacht must pass the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping otherwise known as the STCW. This is a minimum qualification that teaches you basic first aid, personal survival techniques, fire prevention and safety and social responsibilities. It is a 5 day, 40 hour long course that costs approximately $1000 USD. Even if you pay the slightest of attention you will still pass. It’s great. Plus it’s an exceptional way to make connections with people going into the industry. 

Here are some school’s either I or my friends have gone to:

For any department you can take additional classes and give yourself an advantage for finding a job. Though for some departments it’s unnecessary. If you are going for an interior position, I would not waste time on additional classes other than maybe food and safety. You will probably learn more from google than in the classroom. Yet, for deck or engineering departments, the powerboat II course or AEC I & II will be highly recommended. 

The last requirement everyone needs is a physical. Of course you can’t just go to your primary physician though. Na, you need this special doctor in Fort Lauderdale that will take 5 minutes and cost $150.

Health, am I right? Or you can get a USCG physical. Each are equally as valid and last 2 years. 

Step 3: Book Your Crew Housing

College bunking 2.0: Crew Housing. Most areas surrounding yacht schools offer discounted housing for potential or existing crew. If you are a local to your school you can skip this step if you wanna be lame, but I get it. Think of it as a hostel but better! Some offer private rooms, some have pools, some you’ll live in a closet for a week–speaking from personal experience… TWICE! Housing costs approximately $250 USD / week and is usually walkable distances to schools or marinas. It truly is a great way to meet others already in the industry as well as super convenient to have friends to do hood rat Florida $h*t with.

Here are some that hopefully won’t put you in a closet: 

Step 4: Utilize The Free Tools

Once you have completed your courses and physical, it’s time to start making it rain baby. The best way to get a job is to create free profiles on websites from the list below. These websites have agents that earn a commission after you are successfully placed on a boat. Therefore, they are actually as interested in getting you a job as you probably are. Which is sweet! As Stone Age as it sounds, another way to find jobs is Facebook. Yacht groups post temporary, seasonal and full time jobs all the time. It is a way to connect directly to current crew or managers. 

If you don’t have any experience, like I did before getting my STCW, your best chance at a future job is to start out as a dayworker. Basically this means, someone hires you as temporary help and if they like your work they might hire you on full time, connect you with another boat in need, or at least write you a letter of rec. Dayworking is low key AWESOME if you have some flexibility in finances and housing. You’ll make more money on a day rate than you will as a full time crew member (most of the time). 

*Disclaimer* Some people also “dock-walk”. Exactly what it sounds like, except you’re in a polo, sober and carrying resumes. I tried when I was down in Fort Lauderdale and didn’t get any work from it, though as long as you’re American it can be valid means of job hunting too. 

Step 5: Land That Job

Celebrate B! Hopefully you got a job! If not, be patient it’ll come. Either way take yourself to happy hour! 

Oh and also whatever you do, if you actually want somewhat of a career in yachting do not go on Below Deck. You’ll thank me later.