1. Have above-average physical fitness
As a yacht crew member, you’ll need to be physically fit and able to perform a variety of tasks, such as moving equipment, cleaning the boat, and handling ropes and lines. You’ll need to be able to stand for long periods of time and to lift and carry heavy objects.
You don’t need to be a bodybuilder in your spare time, or a yoga guru, but maintaining a healthy weight and a good range of movement is imperative when working on a superyacht.
2. Have a great eye for detail
As a yacht crew member, you’ll need to be detail-oriented and to pay close attention to your work. This can include things like checking equipment and systems, maintaining the cleanliness and appearance of the yacht, and following safety procedures.
This is true for both green stewardesses and deckhands who are learning to maintain the yacht to a high standard. Chefs and Engineers should already have these traits before they even consider working on a yacht.
3. Reliability
Yacht crew members are expected to be reliable and dependable. This means showing up on time, completing tasks as assigned, and being available when needed. You’ll need to be able to work long hours and adapt to changing schedules and situations.
If you are someone who gets sick frequently, a career in yachting can be difficult (you might be at sea for long periods of time, and if you require medical attention, this can be difficult to secure at short notice) or if you have frequent family or friend needs ‘back home’ you may not be suited for full-time yachting work. But that’s not to say you shouldn’t look to work on yachts, but to maintain your reliability in the industry, become more flexible with freelance roles or temporary roles.
4. Excellent teamwork skills
As a yacht crew member, you’ll be part of a team, and you’ll need to be able to work well with others. This means being able to communicate effectively, share information and resources, and support your team members.
Even the lone wolf roles on board such as sole chefs and engineers are positions better filled by crew who have excellent teamwork skills. Yachting has a huge comradery aspect and getting along well with others is always a key skill captains and chief stews look for in crew when they are hiring.
5. Customer service skills
Yacht crew members are often responsible for providing excellent customer service to the yacht’s guests and owners. This can include things like anticipating their needs, responding to their requests, and providing a high level of service and hospitality.
being able to smile through thick and thin on deck or in the galley are important aspects of the job. At times, the work can get difficult, but being able to work with a smile on your face and the ability to put the issues behind you for a couple of minutes of guest face time, works wonders.
6. Adaptability
As a yacht crew member, you’ll need to be able to adapt to different environments and situations. This can include working on a yacht that’s in motion, dealing with challenging weather conditions and providing service to a variety of guests with different preferences and expectations.
You may be asked to fly to the Caribbean with a few hours’ notice, or you may find your entire summer itinerary has changed. Sometimes the port you come into doesn’t allow dockage so provisions need to be bought on board by tender. Maybe a seal breaks and your engineers are stressed and the boat is tied to the dock for an extra 4 weeks while parts arrive. Either way, yachting is very changeable and what you think is going to happen doesn’t always play out. Be ready for change and be adaptable to have a good career in super yachting.
7. Knowledge of the maritime industry
To be successful as a yacht crew member, you’ll need to have a good understanding of the maritime industry, including things like safety regulations, navigation, and seamanship. You’ll need to be able to apply this knowledge in your work and to use it to help the yacht operate safely and efficiently.
Of course, not all crew enter yachting knowing these sorts of things about boats, and maritime life. But once you have completed your STCW you should have a bit of an idea of what might be expected from you. From there you can do various courses as you progress through the ranks to gain more knowledge.
8. Technical skills – Especially deckhand and Engineers!
As a yacht crew member, you’ll need to have a variety of technical skills, depending on your specific role. This can include things like engine maintenance, electrical systems, plumbing, and carpentry. You should be able to use tools and equipment safely and effectively and to troubleshoot and repair problems as needed.
9. Problem-solving skills
As a yacht crew member, you’ll need to be able to think on your feet and solve problems as they arise. This can include things like responding to emergency situations or finding a specific crystal vase for the owner’s wife while in St Tropez. Yachting is such a dynamic industry, there is always something to learn or to problem solve. Having a good head on your shoulders will help you go far, and have the respect of other crew members.
10. The ability to keep secrets
This is one of the more important skills a yacht crew member can have. Know how to have confidentiality. Owners are often very important people in their fields ( or how else could they buy a yacht!?) and they expect the crew to respect their privacy and their business. Do not post about your yacht, the owners or the other crew on social media, unless asked to. And keep your head down as much as possible. You will likely sign confidentiality clauses in your contracts, it is VERY advisable to stick to them.