Work - superyachts/yachts around the world

[dm26051999]

Hi,

New member here, and equally new to all things yachting and boating.

Long story short, im a young (24) lad, currently a qualified QS and bored stiff of the drag of office life, the monotony, the surroundings and the life that comes with 9-5.

Ive decided that id like to look into a change to, or a few years in the industry of working on a superyacht/yachts in lands (well sea's) a bit more exotic and far flung than England, and would appreciate any advice as a true beginner on the subject.

I've had a scan through a few job descriptions and advertisments, which seem to exclusively ask for experience and/or qualifications. Surely it's not that much of a closed book? If it is, how do newcomers get their experience?

I'd be looking at deck hand type positions, hands on stuff, variation etc etc. What are the basic certificates and qualifications to look at obtaining, and where is best to look for these?

As you can tell, im in the extremely early stages, but have a vision of making this happen over the next couple of years, and would appreciate any advice or pointers to get the research ball rolling.

Cheers

 

[V1701]

Hi & welcome,
You could start by Googling STCW 95, that's a basic qual often asked for...

 

[duncan99210]

As for getting experience, try visiting websites like crewseekers.com which will help you to get pure yachting experience. As for superyachts, then you may find getting hold of the crew magazines will help you - can't recall the names but if you try googling superyacht crew something should come up. It is not a job for the faint hearted, as when the yachts have guests on board, the crew work 24/7 and the bulls**t level is truely phenominal. Good luck.

 

[Pickem]

Hey,

The super yachting industry has become highly competitive over the last few years due to more people:

- Leaving boring office jobs
- Graduates being unable to find work after uni
- School leavers not wanting to go to uni because of the rise in fees
- Been made redundant in the city

Therefore to cut down on the amount of applicants, most yachts as for a minimum of Yachtmaster Offshore (although I do know of one friend who got a job without it, but he had an impressive CV and logbook) and also for yachts larger than 24m you have to have your STCW-95 basic safety (Fire Fighting, First Aid, Sea Survival, PSR).

Once you have met in minimum criteria you then have to find a job. Most people do this by "dockwalking" in Palma, Antibes and Newport RI, USA, during the Spring and Summer, or in Antigua or St Maartin during the winter.

Whilst "dockwalking" you are essentially offering yourself up to "daywork" on someones yacht (this generally pays about 100euro/day). The captain may treat this daywork as a trial for a full-time post.

If you have any questions, either PM me on here or email me mike@skipperforhire.co.uk

Hope this helps.

 

[davidej]

Hi

If this is any help, my friends son managed this by starting as a gofer with a flotilla holiday company. He worked up to flotilla skipper, then skipper of the (almost) superyacht the company offered on a crewed basis - continued onward and upward.

 

[Wansworth]

Apparently there are various organisations like UKSA that offer novice to captain in 18 weeks and they have an in house job finder....its in the YM.

 

[Spyro]

Apparently there are various organisations like UKSA that offer novice to captain in 18 weeks and they have an in house job finder....its in the YM.

Captain of a superyacht in 18 weeks . When I get mine i'll be looking for a skipper with a bit more experience than that