How to Start Your Yachting Career as a Stew?
Starting your yachting career as a member of the interior crew is an exciting experience, but it requires being prepared and understanding the intricacies of the industry. Yachting is a career unlike any other. You will get to travel the world, but you will also spend long periods away from home, your friends, and family. You will live and work on board a yacht and need to maintain a level of professionalism and hard work throughout your time on board. This guide delivers essential tools and advice to help you navigate your career successfully. It includes everything from basic industry knowledge to securing your initial position, ensuring you’re well-prepared at every stage of your journey.
Video: How to start your career as a Stew on board a superyacht?
Louise Overend, YPI CREW’s Lead Interior Recruitment Specialist, delves into the basics of starting your career as a superyacht Stew. Find out what skills are necessary, what certificates you will need, and what is necessary for success in the yachting industry.
Things to Know Before Looking for a Job in Yachting
Before starting the search for your first superyacht job, it’s important to understand that this industry is highly competitive, and a career in yachting differs significantly from traditional land-based careers. Make sure to read the articles below to gain an understanding of the nature of the industry and what is necessary for a successful career. This groundwork is essential for making a successful transition and securing your first role.
1. Understand What Certificates You Need
All crew, regardless of their position on board, need to have completed the STCW Basic Safety Training, along with obtaining a recognised Seafarers medical certificate, the most popular being the ENG1 which is issued by an MCA (Maritime and Coastguard Agency) professional medic.
Without these two certificates, a yacht crew recruitment agent cannot assist you in finding work onboard a yacht.
1. STCW BASIC SAFETY TRAINING
This one-week course provides students with a crucial introduction to working at sea and essential safety knowledge. STCW stands for ‘Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping’ and is mandatory for all crew working aboard commercial ships or superyachts
2. SEAFARER'S MEDICAL CERTIFICATE
A Seafarer's Medical Certificate is a medical test conducted to determine whether your health and fitness levels enable you to work at sea. The most common Seafarer's Medical Certificate is the ENG1, although equivalent tests are available in other countries.
Recommended additional courses for Stews include:
Apart from the mandatory STCW and your Seafarer’s Medical Certificate, there are also a number of other courses recommended to take as a Stew starting out in the industry. Having one of these additional courses will make you more attractive to future employers and improve your chances of landing a superyacht job.
We generally recommend courses that are GUEST accredited. These programs are developed through collaboration between training schools and industry experts and aim to provide comprehensive training and education for onboard interior crew. When researching courses, look for those that are labelled as GUEST accredited.
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Introduction to Interior Course: Many training schools offer a general introduction course that will teach you all you need to know to get started in yachting. They provide a clear overview of service on board a superyacht, housekeeping essentials, laundry care, and crew etiquette.
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Basic Mixology Course: Part of a Stew's job is making different cocktails for guests, so taking a mixology course is a useful way to gain practical understanding of making cocktails, learn about tools, understand recipes, and learn rules for creating new combinations.
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Barista and Hot Beverages Course: This course teaches you how to prepare the perfect cup of coffee and create unique designs.
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WSET® Level 1: A beginner-level introduction to wine suitable for those starting out in the industry. Here, you will learn the differences between main grape varieties, rules of wine storage and service, as well as how to pair food and wine.
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Floristry & Plant Maintenance: Flowers and plants play a significant role on a superyacht, so having a course that equips you with an understanding of the fundamentals of floristry and plant care, as well as knowledge of using different types of plants in arrangements, is very beneficial for a Stew.
2. Create a Professional Yachting CV
Crafting a compelling and professional CV is a crucial step for anyone aspiring to join the yachting industry as a Stew. Your CV not only serves as your first impression but also as a personal advertisement of your skills, experiences, and suitability for the role. It's a unique opportunity to distinguish yourself from other candidates and capture the attention of potential employers. In an industry where competition is fierce and standards are high, a well-crafted CV is the main tool to secure the first interview.
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Professional Photo: Include a high-quality, professional headshot, wearing a tidy white polo or button down shirt.
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Highlight Transferable Skills: If you have experience in areas like hospitality, housekeeping, wine knowledge, and service skills, make sure to highlight them, as yachts often look for crew with these skills.
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Don‘t Forget Soft Skills: List soft skills that may be beneficial in a role as a Stew, such as attention to detail, effective communication skills, time management, ability to work well in a team, problem-solving skills, etc.
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Be Specific About Your Experience: For land-based jobs, list your role, responsibilities, duration of employment, location, and the name of the company. When it comes to yacht experience, specify the make and size of the yacht, your role, whether it was a charter or private vessel, the length of your service, and the size of the crew.
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Layout and Design: Ensure your CV is clean and uncluttered with a professional layout that prioritizes ease of reading. Avoid using columns or colour blocks as they can distract from the content.
Quick Tips for a Stew CV:
3. Learn How to Actively Look For Your First Job On Board a Superyacht
Once you have your certificates and your yachting CV ready, leverage yacht crew recruitment agencies for tailored job opportunities, and actively network both online and in-person in yachting communities. Lastly, be persistent but patient. The yachting industry is competitive, and finding the right position can take time. Stay motivated, keep learning, and be open to starting with temporary or seasonal positions as they often lead to longer-term opportunities.
Register with Recruitment Agencies
Register with reputable yacht crew recruitment agencies like YPI CREW. They specialise in matching crew with yachts and can be invaluable in finding job opportunities that suit your skills and experience level. Be honest about your experience and qualifications, maintain good communication with your recruiter, and follow their advice to improve your employability. Your recruiter will be there for you throughout your career, and chances are, most of your jobs will come from them.
Keep Your Online Profile Updated
Consistently update your YPI CREW profile whenever you gain new daywork, certifications, or references, even during the off-season. We cannot emphasise enough how important it is to have an up-to-date profile; it makes a significant difference in getting ahead in your job search.
Check-in Online Once a Week
Regular Check-ins: Make sure to check in via your YPI CREW profile once a week, but not more. This is the ultimate way to get the recruiter's attention, so please do not check in daily. Checking in once a week is the best way to allow the recruiters to assist you. Click here to log into your YPI CREW profile.
Network
The yachting industry is built on connections. Engage with the yachting community through social media platforms, attend crew events, and join online forums. Personal recommendations can be powerful; let friends, family, and acquaintances know you're looking for a position as a stewardess.
Follow Online Job Platforms
Many yachts advertise positions on online job boards. Regularly check these and apply for positions that match your qualifications. Tailor your applications to each job, and ensure your contact information is up-to-date. However, be mindful that it's not unusual to encounter scams online, so, to learn how to recognise them, read our guide on "How to spot job scams online".
Look For Daywork to Build Your CV
Your first job may not be your dream position, but it's an essential step in your yachting career. Be prepared to accept less glamorous tasks with enthusiasm and dedication. This industry values hard work and a positive attitude.
Interviewing
As soon as there is a position suitable for you, your recruiter will contact you to put you forward for the role. Be ready for interviews at short notice, and familiarise yourself with common interview questions. Demonstrate your enthusiasm for the industry and willingness to learn. See our tips on how to prepare for your yachting interview.
Additional Resources
Explore our 'Additional Resources' for a deeper dive into the world of superyachting. This carefully curated selection covers a range of topics essential for both aspiring and seasoned yacht crew members. From understanding the nuances of the yachting seasons to practical advice for your first recruitment agency visit, these resources offer valuable insights. You'll also find guidelines on salary expectations and vital information on visa processes. These articles are designed to provide you with the knowledge and tools necessary for a rewarding and successful career in the superyacht industry.
What Are the Two Main Yachting Seasons?
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Yacht Crew Salary Guide — How Much Does Yacht Crew Earn
Download Free Superyacht Crew CV Templates
Tips for Writing a Professional Yachting CV
Navigating the Yacht Crew Scene: Top Yacht Crew Hubs to Know
Tips for Success: Preparing for a Yacht Job Interview
What does yacht crew need to know about B1/B2 visas?
Mandatory Certificated Required to Work on board a Superyacht
Is a Career in Yachting the Right Choice for me?
Essential Tips for Junior Crew Visiting a Yacht Crew Recruitment Agency
What does a Spa Therapist do on board a superyacht?
Why is longevity onboard a yacht important if you want to progress?
5 Service Styles Every Service Stew Should Know
Meet Sidnie Dalton: 5 Quick Questions with an Accomplished Yacht Stewardess
The superyacht Stew guide to Red Wines with wine expert Hannah Lunn
Chief Stews share what they look for when hiring their crew
Yacht crew share tips they wish they knew when they started in yachting
Next Steps
To start your journey in finding work in the yachting industry, register with YPI CREW and create a detailed profile. Upload your updated CV and professional certificates, ensuring all information is current. Utilise our specialised resources for crafting a standout CV, including our industry-specific guide and editable templates. Once registered, introduce yourself to our recruiters through a direct message by using the 'Check in' feature on your profile. Remember to check in regularly to keep your profile active and up-to date, enabling our experienced recruiters to match you effectively with exclusive job opportunities tailored to your skills and preferences.
Login or register with YPI CREW
Once registered, you will be assigned one of our specialised recruiters.
Upload your CV and info
Ensure all of your information is up to date so we have everything to land you a new job.
Send a message to our recruiters
Regularly check in with us by clicking the 'Check in' option on your profile.