Yotspot is the leading jobs board for the yachting industry so if you are asking what yachting is, you have come to the right place! The word yachting can mean many things, from expedition yacht in the arctic to a 120m motoryacht docked in Monaco so for those looking for a career at sea, the Superyacht industry offers a challenging yet incredibly rewarding path.
The Superyacht Industry: A World of Professional Opportunity
A Superyacht is generally defined as a luxury vessel over 24 metres in length. This is a multi-billion dollar, high-end hospitality and maritime industry that operates globally, following the sun to destinations like the Mediterranean in the summer and the Caribbean in the winter.
Working on a Superyacht is a demanding, fast-paced career. Crew members are the backbone of the entire operation, providing a six-star service to ultra-high-net-worth owners and charter guests. Its an industry that requires professionalism, an excellent work ethic, and a positive, can-do attitude.
Key Superyacht Crew Departments and Roles
|
Department |
Typical Entry-Level Role |
Key Responsibilities |
| Deck | Deckhand | Exterior maintenance (washing, polishing, varnishing), operating tenders and watersports equipment, assisting with navigation and anchoring, and general safety. |
Interior |
Steward/Stewardess |
Guest service, hospitality (including fine dining and cocktail service), housekeeping, laundry, inventory management, and creating a pristine onboard environment. |
| Engineering | Junior Engineer / ETO Assistant |
Maintenance of all mechanical, electrical, and electronic systems on board, from the main engines and generators to air conditioning and AV/IT equipment. |
| Galley | Crew Chef / Sous Chef | Preparing high-quality meals for the crew and/or assisting the Head Chef in catering for the guests. (Note: Head Chefs are often a highly specialised role.) |
Getting Started: Essential Requirements
Entering the industry requires preparation, training, and a proactive approach:
- Mandatory Training: The foundational qualification for all professional crew is the STCW Basic Safety Training course, which covers essential skills like fire fighting and personal survival techniques.
- Medical Certificate: You will need a valid seafarer's medical fitness certificate, most commonly the ENG1.
- Transferable Skills: Experience in hospitality, high-end customer service, mechanics, sailing, or watersports are highly valued and can significantly boost your Yotspot profile and CV.
- The Hunt: Landing your first job often involves flying to major yachting hubs visiting yachts in the marina to hand out your CV and get applying on Yotspot!
The rewards of a career in yachting include competitive, often tax-free, salaries, minimal living expenses while on board, and the unparalleled opportunity to travel the world to exotic locations. Your journey into the professional yachting industry starts here!