It's possible to earn a living working on a yacht.It can be hard to get a job on a yacht, but having the chance to work while traveling can make it worth it.You can get an entry level job on a yacht if you've never worked on one before.You will be able to work on a yacht in a more advanced role once you are more experienced in the business.
Step 1: If you don't have any deckhand experience, find a position as a junior.
If you have never worked on a yacht and have little to no experience with boats or watersports, finding a job as a junior deckhand is a great way to start.While working as a junior deckhand won't earn you a large salary, you will have the chance to gain hands-on experience and learn the ins and outs of the yachting business.A good work ethic, positive attitude, ability to learn on the job, professional appearance, and work well with a team are some of the qualities junior deckhands have.Junior deckhands are responsible for cleaning, polishing and waxing the yacht, assisting the first mate with maintenance, and helping with general yacht operations.The junior deckhands make $27,000 per year.
Step 2: If you have experience with boats, you can become a deckhand.
If you have little to no experience working on a yacht but have some experience with boating and boat maintenance, working as a deckhand might be the right fit for you.A deckhand is usually in charge of general boat maintenance, as well as helping junior deckhands learn yacht operations.While not always a requirement, having a watersports certification, fishing knowledge or expertise, and/or carpentry skills can help you get a job as a deckhand on a yacht.If you have at least one of these skills, you can earn more money.The deckhand works on the outside of the boat.You would be doing a lot of manual labor as a deckhand.This can help you decide if working as a deckhand is right for you.The deckhand makes between $27,000 and $55,000 per year.
Step 3: If you want to work in the industry, you need to be a steward or stewardess.
If you want to work on a yacht in a customer service capacity, getting a job as a steward or stewardess is a great option.It is possible to get a job as a steward or stewardess without having experience in customer service or yachting.The crew of the ship is responsible for maintaining the safety of everyone on board, as well as helping with guest management and entertainment.Successful stewards and stewardesses are high-energy and good entertainers, exhibit proper hospitality while on the job, and are committed to maintaining yacht cleanliness.Entry-level stewards and stewardesses make around $40,000 a year, while more experienced workers can make up to $100,000 per year on a large luxury yacht.
Step 4: If you love to cook, you can find a job as a chef on a yacht.
Many boats will hire cooks with little to no prior experience, even if you have some experience or training as a chef.All you need is a passion for food and service to work on a yacht.The ability to get creative with your ingredients is one of the keys to working as a chef on a yacht.You won't have access to the ingredients that you have on hand once you leave the dock.It is helpful to take into account the size of the yacht, the number of people on board, and the conditions in the kitchen when considering working as a chef on a yacht.Most of your time may be spent in the kitchen as you will be responsible for making most of the food for everyone on board.If you have experience or professional training as a chef, you can make between $52,000 and $100,000 per year on a yacht, depending on your level of training and the size of the yacht.You can make between $36,000 and $75,000 per year as a chef on a yacht if you don't have any previous experience.
Step 5: Yacht crew agencies can help you find a job.
Superyacht owners and large charter companies often use agencies to find crew members for their entry-level positions.If you are just starting out, you may not have any connections in the yachting business, because yacht workers often get their jobs through experience and word of mouth.You can get your foot in the door if you register with an agency.Both Crew Network and luxyachts.com are popular online yacht crew agencies.
Step 6: Check to see if your company requires training.
Once you find a job on a yacht in an entry-level position, check the yachting company's website to see if you will need to complete any specific training or certifications before you are able to start working.It is important that you are aware of and complete the job requirements of different companies and yacht owners.You may need a work visa if you are working on a yacht.If this applies, contact your company or owner.
Step 7: If you have experience as a deckhand or steward, you can be a Bosun.
If you've worked on a yacht as a deckhand, steward, or ess for at least 2 to 3 years, you can apply for a job at a Bosun.Bosuns do a lot of things on a yacht, from managing the deckhands and steward/esses to helping with boat safety, security, and maintenance.Bosuns have a specific area of expertise that helps them land the job and make them a more valuable member of the crew, such as advanced woodworking, varnishing, rigging, or watersport expertise.They make between $36,000 and $100,000 a year.
Step 8: If you have experience in yacht operations, you should get a job as a mate.
The mate on a yacht has a lot of responsibilities.The mate is expected to have more than 3 years of experience as a deckhand, as well as extensive knowledge on yacht navigation and safety.The first mate is usually the only one on smaller boats.There may be a second mate and even a third mate on larger vessels.The first mate is more experienced than the second and third mates.In the event of an emergency, the mate is responsible for taking over the captain's duties.For their specific type of yacht, mates need to have any required licenses or certifications.A mate on a yacht can make up to $100,000 per year.
Step 9: If you have years of boating experience, you can become a yacht captain.
You can work on a yacht as a captain if you have at least 5 years of experience working on boats.Ensuring passenger and crew safety is a responsibility of the yacht captain.The yacht captain is often responsible for managing the boat's finances, planning itineraries, and ensuring that the yacht is up-to-date on any legal and/or safety regulations.A high school or GED is required for yacht captains.To become a yacht captain, you have to pass the licensing exam and take a captain's license course.A yacht's captain makes a minimum of $65,000 per year.The captain of a larger yacht can make $200,000 a year.
Step 10: If you have qualifications and training, you can find an engineering position.
You can work on a yacht as an engineer if you have basic engineering education and experience.Most yacht engineers have years of experience working in the yachting industry, as well as a yacht engineering license.Engineers make sure the yacht is always in working order.There are engineering positions on large yachts.Smaller boats don't usually have a permanent engineer that works on-board.