Looking to Work Within the Superyacht Industry

To start with there are two sectors within the Superyacht industry:

Private yachts which are used exclusively by the owner and their friends/family; and charter yachts – which when the owner isn’t onboard the yacht is available for charter often through one of the larger agencies such as Burgess Yachts. It is in the owner and management agencies interest to try and keep the charter yachts as booked up as possible. This can mean a much greater work load for the crew, however tips from clients staying on charter yachts are renowned for being very good provided the service is at the high standard they expect. The charter sector of the industry only adds up to around 10-20% of yachts, so actually only a select few manage to make it into this sector.

The lifestyle while working within the superyacht industry can be quite unique, however this all comes at a cost not always highlighted on first glance. You are at the mercy of the workload meaning long days, early starts and not much time to spend with loved ones; missing birthdays, weddings, and other important events/social gatherings. This is just something you have to come to terms with when entering the superyacht industry at any level. Having said all that, for some it’s just something to experience for several years allowing them to save money at a faster rate than working within the UK. For a select few, this industry is a way of life. Fantastic scenery, hopefully a great team, and the ability to work year round with summers in the Mediterranean and winters in the Bahamas…who wouldn’t prefer this to a desk job?! The fact that you have no expenditures while working onboard is just a bonus.

Whilst the industry has grown hugely and many yachts will require a minimum of a Yachtmaster Qualification these days even as a deckhand, do not be put off as there is still a gap in the job market for those with less experience to learn on the job.

As with any job application the more you can add to your CV the better, therefore it is well worth completing your Powerboat Level 2 / ICC and your Personal Watercraft Proficiency Course. This will at least help you to either assist with operating the PWs or tenders onboard. More information on these courses can be found by the  links above or visiting our sister training site jetskiandpowerboatingtraining.co.uk and run all year round through our centre based in Poole.

Virtually all Superyachts have several PWCs (Jetskis) onboard for the guests to use. Back in 2007 under pressure from the superyacht industry due to an increasing number of serious incidents The RYA developed a more basic Personal Watercraft Safety Course. This course was designed so that crew (predominantly deck crew) could safely train guests onboard in the safe use of the PWCs. To deliver these courses the yacht would register itself as a RYA Training Centre and have procedures in place similar to the land based centres. This has seen the rise in demand for qualified RYA Personal Watercraft Instructors onboard superyachts to help deliver these courses and operate the PWCs. More information on our PWC Instructor Courses can be found at our sister training site jetskiandpowerboattrining.co.uk.  Jetski Safaris provide both training from their centre in Poole and onboard as well as consultation services to help yachts as RYA Training Centres.

These days superyachts have an ever increasing array of Tenders and Toys. The swim platform which is also now known as ‘Beach Clubs’ on many yachts can have a whole array of activities for owners and guests to get involved with. One example of this is the rise in popularity of Flyboarding and Jetpack equipment. Through our other sister company Aquatic Jetpacks we have seen a rise in demand for crew training, sales and setup of Flyboard / Jetpack equipment.

In terms of applying for jobs the development of crew agencies such as Quay Crew (who have recently become our neighbours here at Salterns Marina), social media groups, and forums advertising jobs have all made it that little easier to get your foot in the the door. But sometimes as with any job, qualifications alone are not enough without any experience. Therefore a common route for many people new to the industry is to pack their bags and travel to where the yachts are and walk the docs. Look smart,be enthusiastic, take plenty of CVs and make yourself available for any day work which may come your way. Be sure to note down any experience you may get on your CV, the yacht’s name and a reference from the Captain or Chief Officer.

If you would like any further help regarding Training Courses or general advice then please don’t hesitate to get in touch.