May is when the Mediterranean season hits its stride. Yachts are operational, programmes are running, and hiring activity across every department remains at full pace. We are seeing a high volume of open roles right now, from rotational placements on larger programmes through to seasonal starts and leave cover across all departments.

Transatlantic programmes are also active, and a valid B1/B2 visa continues to be a significant advantage for crew targeting those yachts, particularly where start dates are short notice.

If you want to be considered quickly, make it easy for recruiters to say yes:

• CV updated with your most recent vessel, dates, and references

• Certificates and visa status clearly listed

• Availability confirmed (date and location)

• Then check in via our website chatbot to reach the relevant recruiter

Below is what crew can expect to see in May, by department, based on current open roles and typical seasonal patterns.

Engineering demand does not slow in May. If anything, the combination of yachts in full operational mode now the Med season has started and yachts making the final push to complete their winter refits create some of the most varied and time-sensitive engineering activity of the year.

Engineering

Requests we are receiving from clients:

• Urgent requests for Temporary Engineers at all levels, including ETOs, motorman and tender engineers for specific programmes

• Chief Engineers:  C/E 3000kw – SV Chief 9000kw for yachts in the 40m to 60m range

• Sole Engineers on motor and sail yachts for permanent contracts

• 2nd Engineers EOOW and Class II for both permanent and rotational positions doe

• 3rd Engineers and junior engineering on larger yachts from 80m to 100m+

• ETO, CETO, and AV/IT Officers, with active demand across yachts from 80m to 100m+

Top tips:

We are still receiving requests for crew holding B1 visas so if you hold a valid B1 visa, make sure it is mentioned on your CV and a copy is uploaded to your online profile to ensure you will be considered for relevant positions.

Engineers need to present a clean, MLC compliant profile with current licences, a valid seafarer's medical certificate, and STCW refreshers up to date. If you are available now, check in, as temporary engineering roles are moving quickly at this point in the season.

Captains and Officers

May is an active month for officer placements, with a high proportion of defined leave contracts now starting as permanent crew take their first rotations of the season.

Requests we are receiving from clients:

• Chief Officers (Chief mate 3000) on motor and sailing yachts from 50m to 90m, with leave packages of 60 to 90 days and some rotational structures

• 2nd Officers (OOW 3000) with defined leave packages, typically 60 days

• 3rd Officers (OOW 3000 & OOW Unlimited) on time for time rotations

• Captain & Stew on 25-30m Sailing Yachts or Catamaran with worldwide itineraries

May advantage: Leave contracts at this time of year move extremely fast. If you hold a current licence and can mobilise quickly, make your availability date the first thing any recruiter can see on your profile.

Deck

Deck is in full operational mode. The focus has shifted almost entirely to readiness and fast mobilisation, with a high volume of defined leave cover, seasonal placements, and replacement roles running simultaneously.

Roles we are seeing:

• Deckhands for seasonal placements and leave cover across a wide range of yacht sizes, including a few requiring female candidates and several requiring a valid B1/B2 visa

• Bosuns on permanent and rotational contracts, with some roles carrying additional chase boat responsibilities

• Chase boat captains and tender drivers on larger programmes, with several roles open across different fleets

• Dive-qualified deckhands and divemaster profiles, where that credential opens roles that generic deckhand applications cannot access

• Deck and engineering crossover profiles on specific programmes requiring dual competency

• Defined leave and replacement roles where quick mobilisation is the priority

May advantage: Additional tickets and a well-documented track record, including references, logged tender time, and vessel-specific experience, will always move a profile to the top of the shortlist ahead of a generic application. If you have additional qualifications such as dive, medic, or watersports certifications, lead with them.

Chefs

The Mediterranean season is upon us and chef demand reflects this, seasonal jobs need filling asap, clients are actively interviewing and making offers across all chefs levels with a big emphasis on sole chef roles.

• Sole Chef positions from 24m to 50m, including some roles open to candidates with a strong restaurant background transitioning from land

• Sous chef, crew chef, and CDP positions on larger yachts, both permanent and seasonal placements as well as short-notice temporary cover

• Temporary and relief chef placements for last-minute leave holiday cover and crossings

May advantage: A well-presented, up-to-date CV with a strong food portfolio or active Instagram page continues to make a material difference at this time of year. Ensure that your referee contact details are up to date as this allows clients and recruiters to move quickly.

Senior Stews

Chief Stew jobs are still the hottest roles on the market, with many yachts gearing up for season starting and hiring ASAP. Most 60m+ yachts are now offering 2:2 rotations, and we’re also seeing more 50m+ vessels introducing rotations this year - a big win for work-life balance.

The busiest part of the market is currently 60-70m yachts, but there are also strong opportunities on both motor and sailing yachts from 30m+ with competitive salaries, offering 40 days+. The rise in rotational programs on 50m+ yachts is also creating more chances for experienced 2nd Stews to step into their first non-rotational Chief Stew position -a great strategic move for the future.

For 2nd Stews, there are excellent openings across 60-80m+ yachts. Most open roles are offering around 60 days leave, while rotational positions remain harder to come by simply because crew tend to stay longer in them.

On 100m+ yachts, rotational packages are standard for Heads of Department. Yachts are mainly looking for candidates with 4-5 years’ experience for these roles. For experienced stews ready to progress, Lead or Senior Stew positions remain one of the best pathways into future HoD roles.

We’re also seeing several strong Purser opportunities available across 60-150m yachts, with yachts seeking candidates who already have at least two years’ experience in similar-sized programs.

Junior, Experienced and Specialist Stews

May is shaping up to be one of the busiest hiring months yet for junior, experienced and specialist Stews, as yachts rush to complete their team before the season kicks off.

Right now, experienced, well-rounded Stews are in highest demand across 27–100m yachts, especially in the 60–70m range where most of the roles are. With little time left for training, most yachts are looking for candidates with at least one full season of experience. Typical leave packages are 60–90 days (3:1 rotation).

On 100m+ yachts, departmental roles are coming in strong, dedicated Service and Housekeeping positions offering 3:1 rotations. These are ideal opportunities for Stews who are passionate about progressing into HoD roles on larger vessels in their future, so make sure that ambition shines through on your CV.

Specialist Stews continue to stand out, especially Spa Therapists with a broad treatment range. Massage and nail skills remain highly sought after, while hairdressers and nurses are also in demand.

What crew in May should do now

May is one of the most active months of the year for placements across every department. The roles open right now span everything from permanent rotational contracts on larger yachts to seasonal starts and defined leave cover.

Your practical checklist:

• Confirm your availability date and where you are based

• Make visa status clear, especially B1/B2 where relevant

• Ensure certificates are current and visible on your CV

• Check in through our website chatbot so your recruiter can match you to the right roles quickly

If you are actively looking, now is the time to get visible. May is when some of the best roles of the year are filled.