Crew FAQs

All yacht roles require the STCW Basic Safety Training and an ENG1 or equivalent MLC compliant seafarer medical certificate. Additional qualifications depend on the position:

• Deckhands: Boating experience, specialist certificates e.g. Powerboat Level 2.
• Stews: Hospitality or service experience; interior training is an advantage. Food hygiene Level 2. GUEST training courses are not compulsory but may be beneficial.
• Chefs: Culinary training and professional kitchen experience. Food Hygiene Level 3.
• Engineers: Y4 Certificates of Competency (CoC), Y3 CoC, and higher engineering certifications.
• Deck officers and captains: CoC (OOW, Chief Mate, or Master).

Experience in related industries, like hospitality or maritime, is often beneficial, and senior roles typically require prior yacht or vessel experience.

Private yachts are used exclusively by their owners, their guests and their friends, while charter yachts are available for hire via a charter agreement by guests. Both charter and private yachts demand a consistently exceptional level of service. However, the specific requirements can vary depending on the owner or charter client.

On private yachts, you’ll develop an in-depth understanding of the owner’s preferences, allowing you to tailor your service to their exact expectations. On charter yachts, you’ll experience a variety of service styles, ranging from relaxed to highly formal, as each client’s needs may differ.

In both cases, the crew is expected to go above and beyond to deliver outstanding experiences.

Eligibility depends on your nationality, location, and the yacht's cruising region. While you do not need a visa to work on board a yacht, you may require one to join the vessel in certain locations. Therefore, we advise crew members to obtain any necessary visas in advance, where possible, as applying for a visa can take time if you are joining a yacht outside your passport’s visa-free entry zones.

Some countries, such as the USA, require specific visas, for example, the B1/B2 visa for non-US crew working on private vessels. In most cases, the yacht will require the applicant to already hold the necessary visas. The yacht will then assist with renewals when required.

Occasionally, if time permits (as visa processing can be slow), the yacht may assist with visa applications before a seafarer joins.

We can guide crew on visa requirements based on their passport and specific regulations.

Interviews often focus on your experience, skills, and ability to work as part of a team. Dress smartly and professionally, as first impressions matter. Prepare questions about the yacht, crew dynamics, and job expectations.

Beware of job offers that request upfront payments, vague job descriptions, or unprofessional communication. Always verify the legitimacy of the recruiter or agency. Many scammers are becoming sophisticated, sending out fake contracts of employment. Always try and verify.

Salaries vary depending on the role, yacht size, and experience level. For example, a junior deckhand on a 50-70m motor yacht may earn EUR 2,800-3,000 per month, while a captain on a 50m-70m yacht may earn EUR 9,000-18,000.

The peak hiring periods are typically before the Mediterranean and Caribbean seasons, in spring and late autumn, respectively.

Ensure your CV is professional and tailored to yachting, keep your certifications up to date, and network through crew agencies, dockwalking, and industry events.

Dockwalking involves visiting marinas and introducing yourself to captains and crew to inquire about job opportunities. It’s a proactive way to network and find day work.

We work hard to support the wellbeing of the crew. We run regular crew welfare initiatives where we discuss topics such as mental health awareness, healthy living and bullying and harassment. We also run monthly podcasts to raise awareness of all these important topics.