Getting your first job as a superyacht deckhand

To get a job as a deckhand on a superyacht, you’ll need to have a combination of experience, education, and personal qualities. Here are four steps to help you get started:

Get your maritime certificates

The first step to becoming a deckhand on a superyacht is to get your basic certificates. You must have your STCW and ENG1 at the very minimum before you can join a vessel.

Of course, if you wanted to come into yachting with a formal education in maritime, this is possible too. Many deckhands come into yachting after doing their OOW through a cadetship, which can be a lucrative way of getting the bigger tickets and advancing quickly from deckhand to officer after just a few years.

Build experience through day working

To be competitive as a deckhand on a superyacht, you’ll need to have experience in the maritime field. This can be through internships, apprenticeships, or days working on other boats. You should try to gain experience in different environments, such as on sailboats or motor yachts of various sizes and with different responsibilities, such as deck maintenance, watches or shipyard work.

Keep in mind that dayworking is good for your Cv and for networking. You never know where a short temp job can take you, as every crew member on board is a potential reference if their friends on other boats ask about green deckhand that can recommend.

Develop personal qualities

In addition to education and experience, there are certain personal qualities that are important for success as a deckhand on a superyacht. These can include things like physical fitness, adaptability, reliability, and customer service skills. You’ll need to be able to work long hours, in challenging conditions, and with a diverse team. You’ll also need to be able to provide excellent service to the yacht’s guests and owners.

Not everyone joins a yacht knowing these sorts of things, but if you start with an open mind and willingness to learn, you should do fine. Listen and learn, and keep your cabin tidy 😉

Network

Finally, networking is an important part of finding a job as a deckhand on a superyacht. You should attend maritime events, join industry organizations, and make connections with other professionals who work in the superyacht industry. This can help you learn more about the industry, and can potentially open doors to job opportunities.

Everyone you meet on the dock, at the local bars and while day working could contribute to your success or failure when it comes to your next job. If you are seen out being aggressive or overly drunk, you may not find your Cv at the top of the pile when the chief officer sees it the next morning on his desk. Just be wary of such things and understand that the community is small and everyone talks.

Of course, if you have a great CV, you will be ahead of the pack too! Have a look at our range of DIY templates, mentorship packages and full custom CV packages and get your new yachting CV organised now.