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FAQ - Crew
What is the yachting industry?
Is there a right time of year to find work on a yacht?
What positions are available on luxury yachts?
How do I get started in the yachting industry?
What is STCW 95?
Do yachts hire people with no experience in yachting?
What skills do I have that would be useful on a yacht?
Ok sounds good – How do I find my dream job?
What can I do to stand out from the crowd?
What is the first step after I register?
How does the LYG system work?
How long will it take to find a job?
What about accommodation?
What can I do to increase my chances of finding the right job?
How do I make my interviews successful?
What salary can I expect?
What will be expected of me once I am onboard?
What are general Terms of Employment on a yacht?
What if I get seasick?
Do I need a visa to work on a boat that cruises US waters?
I work on a cruise ship – can I work on a private yacht?
Can yachting be a career?
What is the yachting industry?
Yachts range in size from 50 – 450 ft. For the most part they are owned by individuals who vacation onboard. Yachts that are used uniquely by the owner, his family and friends are referred to as private. If an owner leases his yacht to a third party the yacht is considered a charter yacht. Both private and charter yachts in all size ranges require crew to maintain and run the vessel. The itinerary (where the vessel travels) is determined by the owner. Standards of service, while usually very high, vary from yacht to yacht. For the most part, yachting is an industry that brings together like minded people as crew who are prepared to work hard. Yachting is unlike any other industry and, as such, the rewards and expectations are unique.
Is there a right time of year to find work on a yacht?
Yachts move around the globe in predictable patterns based on the season. Fort Lauderdale is the nucleus of the industry year round and especially during the shoulder seasons (beginning and end of summer and winter). From April to September the Mediterranean (Antibes, France ) and New England are the hubs of the industry. From October to March the Caribbean becomes the focal point. We recommend that you base yourself in one of the yachting capitals at the appropriate time of year to facilitate finding a job. Although we place crew at all times of the year the busiest time for crew turnover is at the end of each season.
What positions are available on luxury yachts?
* Captain
* First Officer
* Officer of the Watch
* Mate
* Bosun
* Deckhand
* Deck/ Engineer
* Deck/ Stew
* Chief Engineer
* 2nd Engineer
* Purser
* Chief Steward/ess
* Steward/ess
* Chef
* Sous Chef
* Cook
These are additional skills that may contribute to your success for your primary job or they may be a unique position on a larger yacht.
* Dive Master / Instructor
* Fishing Specialist
* Helicopter Pilot / Mechanic
* Massage Therapist
* Nanny
* Medic / Nurse
* Spa / Beauty Therapist
How do I get started in the yachting industry?
First of all you are in the right place. Luxury Yacht Group is regarded as the industry leader for the proper placement of crew and we receive job orders from employers on a daily basis. To get started in the yachting industry there are a couple of key steps. Firstly, research and understand the industry by reading the following frequently asked questions and familiarizing yourself with the rest of our website. Secondly, complete your online LYG registration. Finally, we encourage all crew to obtain their Basic STCW 95.
What is STCW 95?
STCW stands for: Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, it was ratified by the IMO in 1995. The basic entry level certification is abbreviated within the industry to Basic STCW 95 and comprises four modules:
· Personal Survival
· Fire Fighting
· First Aid & CPR
· Personal Safety & Social Responsibility
The course will take one week to complete. All modules must be completed to obtain the license. Any previous certificates you have eg. First Aid, will not be credited towards your Basic STCW 95. Once you are STCW certified not only will you be a more qualified candidate, you will also confirm to employers that you are serious about this industry. Please visit our resources section for more information about the course which also has links to MaritimeTraining Schools and their course schedules.
Do yachts hire people with no experience in yachting?
Absolutely! The most common entry-level positions which offer new crew the ability to learn the “ropes” of yachting are:
* Deckhand
* Steward/ess
* Cook
Depending on your previous work background, you may fit very well into a role as yacht crew… Although there are no solid “requirements” for some entry level positions, each Captain will put forth a list of his/her specific “preferences” in a candidate. Should your background be consistent with what the owner or Captain may be looking for, you should be prepared to undertake any variety of duties that would include:
* cleaning
* polishing
* laundry
* cabin preparation
* detailing the interior of the vessel
* food service
* drink service
* painting
* varnishing
* detailing exterior
* wash-downs
* line handling
What skills do I have that would be useful on a yacht?
For new to industry crew, there are many ways to make yourself more appealing to yacht owners and Captains. Emphasize your present skills and experience and focus on what characteristics you have may be applicable to the job you desire. There are a variety of skills that can help give you an edge, such as:
* Cooking (not necessarily gourmet, just a love of cooking, preparing simple dishes, and being familiar with a kitchen)
* Nanny / Babysitting / Au Pair
* Formal service training / Silver Service / White Glove
* Bartending
* Carpentry / Woodworking
* Mechanics
* Painting
* Diving / Water sports
* Fishing
* Experience in a Hotel, Resort, Cruise Ship, Restaurant or Estate
* CPR, First Aid certification or any emergency medical training
* Masseuse / Esthetician license
Ok sounds good – How do I find my dream job?
Registration with Luxury Yacht Group is free. You can complete the application process online from anywhere in the world. We require from you:
· Personal Information
· Objectives – What you wish to achieve
· Certificates – Your qualifications
· Experience – Your past employment
· References – Contact information for previous employers
· Resume / CV – Uploaded in word format (View Sample Yachting Resume / CV)
· Digital Photograph – Passport Style in professional attire
The application process should take about 15-20 minutes. LYG requires a minimum of three past work experiences and references in addition to an uploaded resume and digital photograph before your application is complete and we can consider you for our available jobs.
What can I do to stand out from the crowd?
Make sure your LYG online profile is properly completed and always current. Your photo must be a professional reflection of you. Your statement of career objectives should be professional, concise and honest. Also, make sure to upload a simple, professional resume (two pages maximum) that shows all yachting related employment and skills.