Am I made for the Yachting Industry?
The yachting industry is like no other industry, it is not just about
having a job, it is a lifestyle which you will lead twenty four hours a
day, seven days a week; it is not for everyone. As entry-level crew
you will be expected to work hard, be a team player, have a global
vision and do what it takes, together with the rest of the crew, to
provide a special holiday to the guests on board the yacht. You must be
able to live communally, share a cabin with another crew member, get
used to having little privacy and little time on your own. You must be
resilient and be totally service-orientated. If you have what it takes,
the sky is the limit and you will be able to have a long and successful
career in the industry in whichever field you choose.
What is STCW'95?
STCW'95 stands for: Standards of Training, Certification and
Watchkeeping for Seafarers, it was ratified by the IMO in 1995.
Generally speaking, within the industry, the basic entry level
certification is abbreviated to Basic STCW 95 and comprises four
modules:
- Personal Survival
- Fire Fighting
- First Aid & CPR
- Personal Safety & Social Responsibility
The course will take five days to complete and is available in all major
yachting centres. All modules must be completed to obtain the license.
By obtaining this basic certificate, entry level crew will achieve two
things: You will you be a more able and knowledgeable candidate and you
will also confirm to potential employers that you are serious about this
industry.
What are the seasons in yachting? When is the best time to look for
work? Where shall I base myself?
Antibes, in France, is the heart of the Mediterranean yachting industry.
The season starts slowly in April, more seriously in May with the Monaco
Grand Prix and the Cannes Film Festival. The season runs until September
/ October. The majority of the deckhand, stewardess and chef recruitment
for the Mediterranean season is carried out before the beginning of the
season, in March and April and it is vital that all newcomers to the
industry come to the South of France and make themselves easily
available for interviews. As you go up the ladder and become an
established crew member with a good reputation, your location is less
important, but as an entry level crew, you must be in-situ.
From October to March the Caribbean season takes place. YPI Crew has
clients all over the world and our Recruitment Consultants based in
Antibes are placing candidates worldwide. However, newcomers wishing to
start working the industry during the Caribbean season are advised to
base themselves out of Fort Lauderdale in Florida.
YPI Crew has clients in South East Asia, Australia, some yachts are
circumnavigating the globe and can be anywhere in the world, off the beaten
track and will of course still contact YPI Crew in Antibes with their
crew requirements. Be prepared to pack up and go at short notice.
