Balancing Working and Training At Sea: A Yachtie’s Guide
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As a yachtie, finding the time to both work on board your vessel alongside training and developing your skills can seem like an impossible feat. Although it may be a challenge to find the energy and motivation to do both simultaneously, there are several simple tactics that you can use to help balance these two essential activities. In this blog post, we will explore how yachties can successfully juggle their working life on board and the training necessary for personal growth and further development in the industry…
Have a read of our previous blog ‘Tackling the importance of training for crew’
Organisation is Key
Achieving a balance between working on a vessel and training is all about staying organised. Create a schedule that allows you to plan ahead and stick with it. By having an organised routine, knowing when your certificates expire and what you need to achieve to progress, you will have more time in your day to dedicate toward both work-related tasks and furthering your career development. Additionally, having a plan of action will help you stay focused on the tasks at hand rather than feeling overwhelmed by the workload that comes with being a yachtie. Take control of your future and plan your success!
Take Advantage of Technology
The great thing about technology today is that it allows us access to resources from anywhere in the world, including while at sea! There are countless online courses available for free or at low cost that allow yachties to learn new skills without being physically present at an academy or school. For example this ‘ Food Hygiene (HABC Level 2)’ and this ‘Silver Service’ Course which are on Yotspot today!Of course, nothing beats hands-on experience when it comes to learning how to do something new but this is certainly an option if you’re looking for ways to upskill without taking too much time away from your job on board.
Make Time for Yourself
In addition to making sure that you’re using your work/training related time wisely, make sure you also set aside some time for yourself each week. This could include anything from going out with friends or doing something fun but whatever it is make sure it’s something that helps you wind down after long days spent working hard onboard and studying hard during off hours! Doing so will help keep your mind refreshed and motivated so that you don’t burn out too soon as balancing these two activities can be tough!
Enlist your Superyacht’s Support
Yacht owners and captains understand the importance of training, and they will often support their crewmembers in completing their required courses. Speak to your captain or senior crew member / head of department and inquire about their support as you complete your training. They may be willing to allocate some study time during your working hours.
Be Open About Your Goals
Letting your employer or colleagues know about your educational aspirations or training goals can create opportunities for flexibility in your work schedule and support from your employer/ees. They will be more understanding of your need to attend classes or take time for personal training, and may be more likely to assist you in achieving your goals.
Safety First
Yachting is a risky business, it is imperative that crews have the necessary skills, and training to operate the vessel safely. Yacht crew training courses cover a wide range of topics, including safety drills, firefighting, first aid, and handling emergencies. These courses give yacht crew members the confidence and competence to react quickly in a crisis situation, whilst also creating a safe and relaxed environment for the guests onboard.
Need your ENG1 certificate or looking to complete a refresher course? Click the link to read our previous blog ‘ How to get an ENG1 Seafarer Medical Certificate’.
Balancing working on board a vessel while also training to reach your future career aspirations can seem like an impossible feat but with careful organisation and planning, it doesn’t have to be! By taking advantage of technology like online courses and scheduling in some “me-time” each week, yachties can manage both their jobs aboard as well as their personal development goals with ease, allowing them to continue growing professionally while still enjoying life at sea!
One of the incredible aspects of working in the yachting industry is the opportunity to learn from colleagues and yacht crew through various courses and training paths. The wealth of knowledge and expertise within our industry is vast, and tapping into this valuable resource can greatly enhance our professional growth. Whether it’s attending specialized courses or simply engaging in discussions with experienced crew members, we can gain insights, refine our skills, and broaden our horizons. The collaborative nature of learning from our peers fosters a sense of camaraderie and enables us to continually evolve as yacht professionals, ensuring we provide exceptional experiences for our guests and fellow crew members alike.
Let’s embrace these learning opportunities and harness the power of collective knowledge to thrive in our yachting careers. Proper training is crucial to ensuring that an excellent service is delivered while keeping guests and crew safe. Yacht crews who commit to their team’s further training will reap the benefits in their careers and create a positive impact on the industry’s overall safety and professionalism.
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