How to start your Career in Yachting
Are you looking to change your career and work on a Yacht? Jobs at sea such as deckhand, stewardess or a chef are extremely rewarding and our specialist recruiting team at Viking Crew can help you with some essential tips to make your dream career come true.
Creating your Yachting CV
Your CV is your selling tool. It is the first impression the Captain/Management company will have of you and you will need it to make an impact in such a competitive industry.
• Ensure you include a smart, professional head and shoulders photograph
• Double check all contact details are up to date, including a professional email address
• Include all relevant work experience, starting with your most recent
• Keep an easy to read layout
• Include all relevant Qualifications
• Include all relevant hobbies and interests including watersports, team sports etc
• Provide up to date contact information for x 2 verbal references
• Keep CV to a maximum of 2 pages. Make it concise and ensure it sells YOU to the potential employer!
Our yacht placement team are always on hand to assist with enhancing your CV and chances of gaining a suitable role within the industry.
What Training/Certification will I require prior to joining the industry?
To start work in the yachting industry, the main certificates requested by the vessel or management company are usually:
• STCW Basic Training - The aim of the course is to give seafarers the essential education and training in Personal Survival Techniques, Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting, Elementary First Aid and Personal Safety & Social Responsibilities, with an additional Proficiency in Security Awareness
• ENG1 or Equivalent Seafarer Medical- This can be completed at any MCA approved doctors' surgery.
We also receive many requests for:
• Proficiency in Designated Security Duties
• Powerboat level II
Any additional relevant courses that could benefit yourself or the yacht. These could include, but not limited to:
Deck:
• VHF Radio
• RYA Radar
• RYA Competent Crew
• RYA Tender Operator
• PWC Personal Watercraft Profiency
• PWC Personal Watercraft Instructor Course
Interior:
• Food and Hygiene level II
• Silver Service Certification
• Floristry Training
• Mixology/Barista Training
• Wine Knowledge
• GUEST Approved Stewardess
Dock Walking
Yachting is a competitive industry to break into. There are large numbers of crew who are keen to gain their first experiences in the industry. Most entry-level crew gain their first experiences by Dock Walking. This is essentially, travelling to “yachting hubs” such as South of France or Palma and walking the dock. This will involve approaching and speaking with the crew (where possible) with the aim of securing some day work or even a permanent position.
How shall I prepare for my yacht Interview?
Yacht interviews will usually be held face to face if nearby the vessel or more commonly, by telephone or video call. We recommend:
• Be on time
• Impeccable presentation
• Be prepared, try to do some research, where available
• Show commitment to the boat
• Ensure you get across ALL relevant experience for the role that you are interviewing for but show willingness to learn and expand your knowledge and experience
• Listen to the interviewer
• Treat all interviews, including virtual, as if they are face to face
• Always stay professional
• Have any questions prepared prior to interview.
How to apply through Viking Crew?
• You can register with Viking Crew by creating an online profile here
• You can apply directly for any roles on our website through your profile
• Should you require any further information on the roles available please contact the placement team by phone, or email.
• Please make sure you keep all your information up to date in the system so our team is aware of your availability, location, and experience so we can contact you regarding suitable openings.
