Superyacht Crew Guide: Where Do I Start?

So, you’ve watched “Below Deck”, you’ve seen impressive superyachts in the movies, or maybe you’ve even seen one in person. Now you’re thinking “hey, that looks like something I could get into!”, well, where do you start? Read on to discover Yachtsmen International’s fun and easy guide to kickstart your career as Superyacht Crew!

What’s the Deal with Superyachting Anyway?

Picture this: you’re cruising through crystal-clear waters, your “office” is a multi-million-dollar yacht, and your co-workers are a crew of cool people from all over the world. And did we mention the guests? Sometimes it’s celebrities, sometimes it’s business moguls—either way, they expect 7-star service, and you’re the one delivering it. Believe us when we say, there is nothing yachting that is “too much”.

Superyachts aren’t just boats—they’re floating luxury hotels, and they need a top-notch crew to keep everything running smoothly. From deckhands and engineers to chefs and stewards, there’s a role for almost every skill set. Yachting is hard work, BUT the best part is you get to experience the world while working in one of the most glamorous industries out there, and we promise you, you’ll make some of the best friendships in your life too!

A few questions to ask yourself before considering a life working on yachts…

• Are you aged 18 or over with a valid passport?
• Do you have a love for the ocean and travel?
• Are you ready to be away from friends and family for long and indefinite periods of time?
• And of course, are you ready to have some the most incredible experiences of your lifetime and learn the most valuable of life lessons, while building a career and travelling at the same time?

If you answered YES to all of those, then let’s get you going on the path to becoming a YACHTIE!

Obviously, “Below Deck” is of course a reality TV show. Yes, it has some truths to it, but NO, it is not all real. So, forget what you see there – believe us, it’s not all as fun and glamorous as the show makes it look.

As we said before, yachting is REALLY hard work. It is known as the 7-star service – more elite and prestigious than anything else in the world. But, if you’re willing to put the work in it’s going to give you some of the most incredible work and life experience you could ever wish for! So where do you start? The first thing to know is the required qualifications and courses you’ll need to complete to work aboard ANY yacht.

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Get Certified (Yes, There’s Some Paperwork)

Before you get your sea legs, you’ll need a few certificates to prove you can handle the challenges of life at sea.

Start with the STCW (Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping) course. It’s required for everyone working on yachts and includes training in firefighting (yes, really!), survival techniques, first aid, and safety protocols. The course takes about a week and gets you ready for the job. It is mandatory for every for every single crew member and must be renewed every 5 years.

Next up, you’ll need an ENG1 Medical Certificate (or for Australian yachts, your AMSA medical) This proves you’re fit and healthy enough to work on a yacht. You’ll visit an approved doctor for a check-up, and boom, you’re certified! This is mandatory for ALL crew members and must be renewed every 2 years.

Both of these qualifications are required in order to be covered under the boat’s insurance. Without these you will not get hired – plain & simple!

Pro tip: If you’re eyeing specific roles, like working on deck or in the engine room, you might need extra qualifications (think powerboat handling or engineering courses). Don’t worry, you can pick those up as you go.

Got the Quals? Now it’s Time to Build Your Yachtie CV

Now it’s time to sell yourself! A yachtie CV is a little different from your usual resume. You are not only selling your skillset but also you personality, and yourself, as a representative of the yacht. Here’s what to include:

• Professional headshot: Yes, you need a photo—look approachable but professional.
• Certifications: List your STCW, ENG1, and any other relevant training.
• Experience: Even if you’ve never worked on a yacht, include any experience that relates (hospitality, maintenance, customer service, etc.).
• Skills: Language skills, bartending, watersports—you name it, it might come in handy on a yacht!
• Make sure you include your nationality, passports held, age, whether you have visible tattoos, if you smoke, and even what hobbies you have!

If you need help, Yachtsmen Crew has a great CV template that’s got everything you need to get started.

Once you’ve completed your CV it’s time to send it through to Crew Placement Agencies like Yachtsmen International and start applying for jobs – yachting world here we come!

Choose Your Adventure (AKA Job Role)

Let’s break it down. Not all Superyacht Crew jobs are the same, so pick what suits your personality:

• Deck Crew: If you’re outdoorsy, love the water, and don’t mind getting your hands dirty, this is for you. You’ll be maintaining the yacht’s exterior, helping with water sports, and assisting with navigation. Not afraid of a challenge? Work your way up from Deckhand to Bosun to Captain.
• Interior Crew: Are you all about customer service and hospitality? As a Steward or Stewardess, you’ll be interacting with guests, ensuring their experience is perfect, and keeping the interior looking immaculate. Plus, if you have bartending or silver service skills, you’re golden.
• Chef: Love cooking? Superyachts are all about fine dining, so if you’re a whiz in the kitchen, there’s a spot for you. You’ll prepare gourmet meals for both the guests and crew, and sometimes you’ll need to cater to some very specific dietary requests.
• Engineer: Are you the go-to person for fixing stuff? As an engineer, you’ll be keeping the yacht’s engines, electronics, and plumbing in check. No pressure, but the whole ship runs because of you.
• Specialists: Think yoga instructor, personal trainer, or dive master. Bigger yachts sometimes need niche skills, and if you have a cool specialty, you might land one of these unique gigs.

Get Some Daywork

Before landing a permanent gig, many newbies start with daywork. Think of it as temp jobs on yachts. You’ll be helping out with cleaning, maintenance, or setting up for charters—basically, you’re there to help out for a day or two. It’s a great way to get your foot in the door, meet people, and learn the ropes (pun intended).

Daywork is often found in yachting hubs like Antibes, Fort Lauderdale, or Palma de Mallorca. Just show up with your CV, hit the docks, and start knocking on yacht doors. You’d be surprised how many Superyacht Crew jobs you can land this way.

Prepare for the Yachtie Life

Yacht life is thrilling, but it’s not all cocktails at sunset. You’ll work hard, especially when guests are on board—think long hours and always being on your toes. But when guests leave? It’s time to relax and enjoy some downtime in paradise.

Also, be ready to live closely with your crew. You’ll share small cabins and work alongside each other every day, so being a team player is key. The friendships and camaraderie you build can last a lifetime.

Make That Dream Come True

So, what’s next? If you’re ready to start, hit up a yachting school for your certifications, polish that CV, and get out there! The world of superyachting is waiting for you with adventures, new places, and amazing people along the way. You’ll work hard, but the rewards—travel, excitement, and a unique lifestyle—are totally worth it.

Ready to take the next step? Contact our crew recruitment manager, Phoebe who will help you on your way!

Where can YM Crew take you? Check out some of the crew jobs Yachtsmen International Crew currently has available.