Working aboard superyachts in beautiful destinations is an exciting, rewarding, and once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The ultimate aim is to land a position aboard a superyacht, but getting started in the field can be scary. It’s a well-known fact that yachting is challenging to get into. It’s highly competitive and the journey to get to that long-term career isn’t always obvious.
So how can you ensure you have the best chance of landing your ideal position on a superyacht? Our walkthrough guide is intended to assist you in understanding the step-by-step process, making it easier for newcomers to break into the field confidently, knowing what’s in store. We’ve broken down the process to make it easier for you. Here is the step-by-step process, from beginning to end, of what to expect in your journey to becoming a yachtie.
Step 1 – Deciding to become a yachtie
You may know someone who already works in the field through a friend or cousin, or you may have seen TV shows like Below Deck and decided that this is the career for you; now you just need to find out where to begin. It’s not surprising that this career checks many people’s boxes, given the opportunity to make excellent money, travel, and work with many like-minded people.
You need to decide on the below 3 things:
- What season do I want to join? ( A season is when the owners are using their yachts. USA/Caribbean season – November – February. Mediterranean season – April – September)
- What visa do I need to apply for and get it before I want to leave?
- What position do I want to apply for and what courses do I need to take?
Do I have enough money to begin? You need between R100 000 – R120 000 saved before you start on this journey. This is for courses, ENG1 medical, visas, and flights. The most significant expense is when you get overseas, as it can take up to 3 months to find work. You must make enough money to live off until you find work. The salaries on the yachts are tax-free, and most of your expenses are covered by the yacht (accommodation/food/medical aid)t, so you stand to make a lot of money, but you need to invest money in yourself first.
Once you decide this is your career, contact Super Yachting South Africa (SYSA). We are leaders in premium superyacht training in Cape Town and have trained thousands of yachties. You can email georgina@sysa.info or call us on +27 78 099 2931, and the team will take you through the courses we have available and decide the route you want to take – either a deckhand or stewardess route.
Step 2 – Booking the courses you need to work on superyachts
It might be challenging to understand the various yachting certifications necessary for each function onboard a superyacht. Whatever your goals, every yachtie needs to complete the STCW Basic Safety Training. Our team will also guide you on which courses you need to book. The majority of our students book the classic course package. This package includes the following courses:
- STCW Basic safety training
- RYA Radar
- SYSA Deckhand training course
- RYA Powerboat Level II
- RYA VHF Radio
- RYA PW/Jet Ski
- RYA Tender operator
Just to be safe and not waste your time, we recommend doing the ENG1 course beforehand if there are health issues or you suspect you might have health issues. The ENG1 is a medical examination set by the MCA (Maritime and Coastguard Agency) to assess whether individuals are fit to work on a seagoing vessel and perform duties at sea.
Step 3 – Making travel arrangements
*This step applies to all students not based in Cape Town.
Next up, it’s time to make plans for your stay in Cape Town, South Africa, to complete your course. You need to secure your accommodation in Cape Town for the duration of the course (and maybe an extended stay to travel and explore the city after), investigate visa options for South Africa if you’re travelling from overseas and book your flights.
Step 4 – Complete the courses with SYSA and get certified
This is one of the most exciting steps, getting to join our courses and get certified. Our training takes place in the marina at the popular V&A Waterfront, Cape Town. It’s the perfect backdrop for learning everything superyacht related. The students on our courses not only learn so much but make lifelong friendships which start at the training. The experience amongst SYSA’s current team of instructors has never been at a higher and more dedicated level. Our team of instructors emanate from global experience and nationalities, with the highest-ranking maritime qualifications.
We never compromise on the equipment, boats, jet skis and motor yachts used for training. SYSA guarantees a commitment to excellence in training, mentorship and the necessary resources to begin your journey into the world of super yachting.
Step 5 – Create your CV
Your marketing brochure is your yacht crew CV. It’s the door to your future and serves as a shop window for potential employers to see what skills you have to offer. It’s vital to have an updated CV on hand. Make sure your CV is tailored to finding yachting jobs, highlighting your yachting qualifications as well as any land-based hospitality jobs that may be relevant and any additional languages or skills that make you a competitive candidate.
We put together a helpful article for creating the best super yachting crew CV here.
Step 6 – Put yourself out there and start getting ready to go overseas to look for work
Networking is the only way you will find work in the beginning when you have no experience. Marketing and selling yourself is the key to success. Once you’ve completed your courses, it’s time to immerse yourself in the industry. Joining yachting groups/platforms on social media and in real life is a great way to start networking before you leave for overseas. You will also need to sign up with all the recruitment agencies before as there is a lot of administrative work involved. When you have no experience in yachting, the only way to find work is to physically go to where the yachts are based, as they want to see how you come across in person.
Every yachting destination has a season, which means when the owners use the yachts. So you need to decide what seasons you want to join and start planning to get over to look for work at least six weeks before the season begins. Being based at the right place at the right time, you’ll be in a prime position to hand present your resume to prospective employers.
Step 7 – Dock Walking
Once you arrive at your yachting destination, you can try dock walking and meeting up with agencies. An excellent approach to finding work is through dock walking. It is customary to practically stroll the docks and marinas, stop by crew agencies, and even go to the bars and cafes frequented by the current crew to get crew jobs. Every dock walk should be seen as an opportunity to network with people in the yachting industry, discover new information about the sector, and establish relationships with people who can help you in the future. Don’t be discouraged if it takes longer than expected to find the perfect job onboard. At this point, you need to network like your life depends on it and frequent the places the local yachties frequent – usually near the docks.
Step 8 – Landing that dream job
Once you land that interview, prepare and make sure you get that job. Once you land the job, you should celebrate. Now that the hard work of job searching is behind you, it’s time to celebrate and enjoy your new adventure in the world of super yachting.
If you’re interested in pursuing a career in super yachting, take a look at our courses and contact Georgina at georgina@sysa.info.