(Photo by Ash Kendall - for more stewardess ideas and designs - FB Group Yacht Stewardess Tips)

You’ve seen all those amazing Facebook pics of stewardesses living it up whilst they work on a Superyacht, but what the hell do they actually do for a job whilst they are working? These details are way out of my range, so we’ve turned to Kylie O’Brien from The Stewardess Bible with 20 years of industry knowledge to give you the rundown of what a superyacht stewardess actually does for work. Over to you Kylie!

What Does a Superyacht Stewardess Do?

Imagine a seven star hotel with all the rooms occupied, now imagine all the things that have to be done at that hotel to ensure that the guests are satisfied with the service. Now put that same hotel to float in the ocean far off the land.

The entire hospitality demands from the high maintenance guests on this yacht are the responsibility of the stewardess. Just to give you a picture of the magnitude of responsibility, try and read all these tasks after taking in just one breath, Here we go:

Housekeeping, silver polishing, bed making, serving drinks, serving food, setting and decorating the table for every meal, clearing the table .Smile at guest’s even though you have averaged 6 hours per night for the last 3 months.

Folding napkins, waiting tables, room service, dishwashing, shoe polishing, directing guests, doing laundry, stain removing, party planning, decorating party venues or locations such as the house, villa or the beach! Babysitting, public relations…and that is not even half of the things that the Super yacht stewardess has to do.

It is as if the different roles carried out by staff at a hotel are compressed and bestowed upon a hand full of interior staff, to do for about 12 guests. 

Typically a leader such as the captain or Chief Stewardess, will make a habit of reminding the crew that in performing their duty they should remember there are no problems, only solutions. It is with that in mind that the stewardesses execute their duty with a smile on their face and a lot of determination. 

A typical superyacht stewardess, divides their roles into service and housekeeping. Depending on the size of the yacht, the interior manager or chief stewardess will be in charge of allocating the duties and setting the interior schedule.

She/ he is always aware that things may change so you should adapt the same flexible attitude as your department head.


Here is a list of some of the duties that a superyacht stewardess must carry out: 

Before the guests arrive on the yacht, you are expected to ensure everything is in order, the rooms are clean and nit, the bathrooms are in perfect sanitary condition, the beds are well made and any other necessary preparation needed.

When the guests arrive, you will be expected to meet them at the entrance and then act as a bellboy or person to help with their luggage as you escort them to their cabin. Open the door for them and help them get settled. This could also mean you unpack their luggage and set it up in the wardrobes.

A part of helping them get settled you will need to familiarize them with the yacht, where they can find whatever they need and bring to them what may be lacking say an extra towel or any other special need.

You are expected to ensure the tables are set for whatever meal of the day is going to be served, then you will provide an expert service of both food wine and other beverages.

You should also be able to provide service, which means you can balance plates on your hands while walking through tight passageways on a rocking boat.

The chief stewardess should also coordinate with the galley about special needs of the guests.

You will also at some point be called upon to act as the bar person, serving the drinks behind the bars and displaying expert knowledge about the different wines and cocktails.

Just as a reminder, all this MUST be carried out with the utmost observance of etiquette and hospitality to the guest’s enjoyment and with a smile. 

After service dishes need to be washed and you may be called upon to help out in the kitchen to clean up the dishes.

As part of housekeeping, you are expected to do the laundry for the guests and take care of any clothing that may need special care, this requires expert knowledge of the different fabrics and how to deal with them.

Note that a number of guests on a yacht have a lot of unique fabric and you need to know about the care for them even without them having to tell you: basic knowledge of Cotton, silk, linen, microfiber, wool, rayon and leather will be an asset in this department. If you are unaware, please check with the chief stewardess and she will advise you accordingly.

You will be expected to take care of the daily cleaning of the yacht. This ranges from the guest’s bedrooms right up to the deck. So that the entire yacht is spotless and the decorations are polished, straight and safe.

As the guests prepare to go on tour when the yacht docks, as a superyacht stewardess you are expected to assist them whenever possible. This means having good clear communications with other departments which will ensure that the guests have drinks, snack and towels if needed. Further, the chief stewardess, may be expected to provide them with information that will help them plan their tour and visit particular interests. 

If there are any special functions, parties, themed dinners and the like, you will take part in preparing the venue for that function, decorating and arranging the place as well as ensuring the drinks and food necessary are available.

At any point you may be called upon to help out in any other task as directed by the Chief Stewardess or the captain. Safety is one of those roles that may come up at just about any time and you will be expected to take care of the safety of the guests and your own as well. These safety duties should be well practices and you will take direction from the captain or chief officer.

There are also responsibilities that may not quite be under job description but you should execute like, taking care of your appearance. Remember this is a seven star service, you need to look the part even if you are going to be cleaning and washing. It really is simple, be clean, be smart, look pleasant and smell good.


What does a superyacht stewardess do without guests on board?

In the last article we discussed what a superyacht stewardess does when guests are on board: What does a superyacht stewardess do? (Insert link)  For this article we will discuss what a superyacht stewardess does without guest on board.

To the outsider, it seems like a superyacht stewardess lives a life of luxury with everyday being like an all-expense paid trip, seeing the world in its entire splendour. But it is not until you have read the job description of a superyacht stewardess that you may get the real picture of what they do.

For many, it is when the guests leave, that the hard work begins. Detail cleaning, creating and maintaining inventories and carrying out periodical maintenance work; which is what is required to keep this magnificent 7 star floating hotel (superyacht) shinning like it should.

The following article is written as a general guide. Obviously this will change due to the size of yacht and available resources. Under the guidance of the chief stewardess who is responsible for the running of the interior department, the superyacht stewardess will carry out the following duties:


Daily time schedule:

The daily time schedule is very different from the time schedule on charter. A typical day may begin at 0800 and conclude at 1700.  

This is a typical “off charter” day, however, it is important to note that the time will vary due to the amount of work that needs to be done, or the location which you are in (i.e., some boatyards have specific work hours).


Crew mess duties:

The crew mess falls under the responsibility of the interior department and is maintained whilst on charter as well as off charter.

Whilst all crew members are expected to respect this area by cleaning up after themselves, the stewardesses will detail clean the area, as well as restock the fridges and cupboards coffee machine and other equipped.


An example of some other duties may include:

• Clean fridge handles and wipe down the front of the fridge
  
• Clean inside and out of the microwave
  
• Clean all surfaces/wipe walls, check for prints
  
• Vacuum and mop the floors
  
• Vacuum crew cabins when vacuuming crew mess
  
• Vacuum sofas (crumbs collect in the creases)
  
• Tidy magazines and newspapers
  
• Restock snacks
  
• Wipe down TV screens and windows
  
• Clear any items that don't belong in crew mess and place in a basket to be removed from boat after 24 hours if items not retrieved
  
• Clean front of dishwashers and inside when necessary
  
• Restock cereals
  
• Fill napkin paper towel holder
  
• Check butter and clean butter dish if necessary
  
• Throw away any leftovers in the fridge
  
• Clean sink and neaten under sink
  
• Vacuum floor/stairs
  
• See next page for Monday detail duties
  
• Fill printer with paper
  
  

They will also set up and clear up the crew meal tables, usually with the help of a crew member from the deck department. This schedule is created by the chief officer or bosun and the chief stewardess.

Crew cabins are usually maintained by each individual crew member, however, during down time crew changes may occur. In this instance the interior department will detail clean, the crew cabin and prepare it for the new crew member’s arrival.

This is also a time when the captain’s cabin will get a detail clean if he so wishes.


Housekeeping:

The chief stewardess will have a list of projects that will need to be completed before the next charter. An example of a periodical project may be having the carpets and furniture professionally cleaned or re-organising the DVD’s on board.

Other duties on this list may include:

• Detailed cleaning of the guest cabins
  
• Care and protection of valuable items on-board as well as surfaces, artworks, crystal, linens, woodwork, marble and china.
  
• Maintain and detail clean of all equipment on board. This is done under the guidance or with the engineer.
  
• • Equipment includes:
    
  • • AC units,
      
    • Washers
      
    • Dryers
      
    • Refrigeration
      
    • Vacuum cleaners
      
• Detail clean the office (with the captain's permission)
  
• Detail clean the pantry’s and restock accordingly
  
  

Stock control:

This can be quite a large undertaking as it involves all aspects of the interior department such as:

• Crew uniform
  
• Wine
  
• Spirits
  
• Crew toiletries and supplies
  
• Guest toiletries and supplies
  
• Bed linen
  
• Crew linen
  
• Guest snacks (coordinated with the chef)
  
• In fact, all aspects of a hotel which you touch, see and use.
  
  

Stock control is usually the responsibility of the chief stewardess whom will inventory supplies, but as a superyacht stewardess you will be required to assist her/him if needed.


Carry out safety drills:

This is a fabulous time to carry out very important safety drills. This is normally coordinated by the chief officer and captain.

Each crew member is allocated a task in the event of an emergency. The interior department is normally responsible for:

• The  safety of the guests
  
• Collecting extra food, water and blankets
  
• First aid (if so qualified)
  
• General assistant
  
  

As mentioned above, this is a very important role and should be taken seriously. Full attention must be paid to your responsibilities, the safety of yourself, the crew and guests.

As you can see a superyacht stewardess is one busy bee, however, you will find that different superyachts may have other duties and responsibilities added to the above duties. Further, you can see from the above article that the superyacht stewardess, must be a well-rounded individual who is knowledgeable in many areas of hospitality.


What Does a Superyacht Stewardess Do During a Refit Period?

Previously we discussed “What Does a Superyacht Stewardess Do”?  And “What Does a Superyacht Stewardess Do Without Guests On Board”?  This article discusses What Does a Superyacht Stewardess Do During a Refit Period?

As noted in the above articles, as a super yacht stewardess your duties are not limited to surpassing guest expectations whilst on board, you are likewise responsible for taking care of the inside of the yacht  with additional crew duties to manage.

It is important to identify “What is a refit period” or commonly known as a yard period. This is when the superyachts goes into a shipyard for an assortment of required work.  An example of such works, may include, but are not limited to the following:

• Warranty work
  
• Maintenance work
  
• Repair work
  
• New paint
  
• An Interior refurbishment
  
  

You have just completed a successful summer period along with your esteemed colleagues and you are ready for a well-deserved break… well, perhaps you should think again.

The planning for the yard work would have commenced month’s earlier with the creation of two lists. All department heads would have been instructed to create a comprehensive list of  the “necessary work” and “desired work “or  “wish list” of what they would like to be seen done.

It is then up to the owner of the yacht, the captain and or management team, to agree upon the primary list (work that is required) and the secondary list (the wish list) and begin to plan for the refit period.

Things in the planning, may include, but are not limited to the following:

• Where is the yacht going to be refitted
  
• • Is crew accommodation needed?
    
  • Are extra crew cars needed?
    
  • How many containers are needed (if any)?
    
• When will this occur?
  
• Budget and timeline planning?
  
• Crew holidays (if permitted)?
  
• Crew training (if permitted)?
  
  

Firstly, the most important thing to remember during a refit period is to remain flexible. Things generally are not as a normal off /on charter schedule.

The crew will be on holiday, training or may have resigned from their position on board. Extra help may be needed on deck, in the galley or in any other department that requires extra help.  Further be prepared for the unexpected, even the best planned schedule is at the mercy of many unpredictable situations and “out of hand issues”.

As a superyacht stewardess, you may not be responsible for the planning of the yard period, however you will be required to work your best under the guidance of the Chief Stewardess. Your job description may vary a little in this instance, depending on what is on the planning schedule.

A typical day may begin at 0800 and end at 1730, however this depends largely of the work hours of the shipyard and if there are any limitations in place.

For a superyacht stewardess your day in the yard may begin with your regular morning duties. This includes crew mess duties and laundry beginning at 0800. If you are living in rented accommodation, then you may be required to carry out similar functions with a flexible attitude, i.e. getting used to the logistics of how to go about your duties in a different location.

All other meals and associated crew duties will be coordinated with the chief stewardess and the chef to make sure all of the crew is accommodated for.

Next the chief stewardess will have a planned schedule for the interior department. Things on this list may include, but are believe me when I say “are not limited to” the following:

• Covering all soft furnishings
  
• Protecting all fragile and valuable items
  
• Removing curtains for dry cleaning
  
• Removing furniture in which case who is preparing the furniture to be moved and who is helping to move it
  
• Covering fine art work
  
• Cleaning, maintaining and protecting areas worked on inside the yacht
  
• If things are being removed from the yacht, then things to consider may be
  
• • Who is preparing it
    
  • Where is it going
    
  • How is it being stored
    
  • Is it being stored in an organised fashion?
    
• Assisting the chief stewardess with inventory control and updates of all guest amenities, alcohol, linen, crockery, and crystal
  
• Sort out and “condition check” guest table linen
  
• Assist the chief stewardess to prepare a shopping list of new bespoke pieces for the interior for the owner's approval (if required)
  
• Issuing contractors with shoe protection and drop cloths if needed
  
• Reorder and sorting crew uniform
  
• Checking crew bed linen, pillows, duvets, cutlery, glasses and crockery and re-ordering if needed
  
• Detail cleaning cabins
  
• Detail cleaning the crew mess
  
• Detail cleaning the laundry and storage rooms
  
• Putting things back on the yacht
  
• Detail cleaning and preparing for the shipyard departure
  
  

Luckily, you may have a grace period to put the interior back together once you leave the shipyard. However, I have known of some yachts who have left the yard and travelled directly to pick up the boss.  If this is the case for you just remember to remain calm, flexible and you will be sure to have a successful refit period.


From Stu: That is an amazing and in depth description of what your role is and duties on a superyacht. Be sure to follow more of Kylie’s posts and insights for stewardesses over at The Stewardess Bible. Visit her  website and follow The Stewardess Bible on Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest.

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So, you’ve been reading all the information online about the skills needed to be a deckhand, but you still have no idea what a deckhand actually does… Here i’ll run you through in detail a day in a life of all aspects of the job of a deckhand on a Superyacht, to allow you to visualise what you will actually be doing day-to-day on a Superyacht, not just listing the skills required to get a job on a Superyacht.

Contrary to how most deckhands can look sometimes, a deckhand will be the workhorse of the deck team. Keeping the exterior of the yacht immaculately clean, watersports equipment at the ready, and the vessel secure and safe at all times. If you’re not keen on being the workhorse of a deck team then you should stop reading now, the job is not for you! There is a lot of work to be done as a Superyacht deckhand and this is why.

Superyachts only want to employ people that are willing to go the extra mile to maintain the yacht, help out their fellow crew members and complete 80% of the physical work required on the exterior of a yacht. It's not just a place to lay your head to work and get paid.

• You will have to work hard, physically.
  
• You will have to have respect. Respect for your workplace, respect for your fellow crew that you work and live with, and respect your employer. Respect will go a long way to helping you become successful within the Superyacht industry.
  

Job description for a Superyacht for deckhands: We could make up a list of all the skills that you will need to become employed as a deckhand (line handling, cleaning, painting, varnishing, polishing, tender driving, scuba diving, watersports knowledge ) but instead of documenting what you can find 10 times over on crew agent websites we’ve decided to run you through a full days work during the 3 main phases of a Superyachts program to give you a clear idea of what a deckhand will do, day in and day out, and not just the skills you will need.

The daily duties of a deckhand: These daily duties vary completely depending on if you have the boss on, or the boss off, or if you’re in the yard (shipyard) having some scheduled work done (maintenance) on the yacht. But this will give you a good grounding of what to expect.


Deckhand duties with guests on.


Mornings - are usually devoted to setup. You can expect to wipe the yacht down completely with a chamois (all flat surfaces), bucket of water and some vinegar and water spray to clean the windows. As you go around each deck you will also be taking off covers from all the chairs and bench seats around the yacht from the night before. We put these covers on late at night once the guests have gone to bed to protect the seating areas usually from overnight due and moisture, but also rain, dust and any particles from the air that tend to drop and stain the covers. It sounds like overkill, but if you don’t do it and the seats get wet from an unexpected rain shower or dew, do you think the guests will be happy with a wet bum…? No, so get used to the overkill!! That is job security for a Superyacht deckhand! Plus, don’t forget to put the flag up.


Days - when not cruising, days are devoted completely to maintaining the guests wellbeing and happiness. Yes sir, no sir, and there will be plenty of that! The boat is now set up, so you’ll be monitoring all guest movements, taking guests ashore in tenders, or preparing and instructing their water sport entertainment and safety. You could be helping with waterskiing, tubing, on the jetskis, cruising around on the Seabobs, fishing or just hanging around the swim platform on the ready for any guests coming down for a swim. You are their servant and will have to be ready to jump to attention for them any time they are around, or want something. Get used to this.


Nights - usually this is the quieter time for most of the deck team, however if you’re underway, or the guests need to go ashore for dinner or return, then you will be always on call to take off at any moment. Nights will be made up of a list of different jobs. It could be, washing any of the toys that haven’t been washed during the day, flushing them with fresh water and refuelling. Packing away everything from the day and making sure it all goes back to its designated place. Or, you could be washing and rinsing set areas of the yacht that could be salty if the yacht has moved during the day, or just got wet during the water sports fun of the day. If you are at anchor you will be consistently heading to the Bridge (or even based in the Bridge depending on weather) maintaining a safe bridge watch, and an eye on any tenders still in the water, to make sure the vessel is safe and not dragging anchor. You’ll be monitoring radars, other vessels positions, your navigation system, wind speed and weather, all of this equipment will help you make certain that the yacht will be safe overnight.


If you are at the dock then some of the daily routine will be altered, and manning the passerelle (security) will be of most importance.


Manning the Passerelle - This is not a tough job, and from the outside it looks like deckies are doing absolutely nothing, and in most cases the deckhand will be doing just that, absolutely nothing. Standing there looking pretty cool (which is easy to do when you are on a multi million dollar yacht), but the purpose of crew member standing out there goes way beyond the actual work productivity completed when standing on the aft deck. Because Its all about security.

• Security, is the number one priority for those standing on the aft deck or at the passerelle.
  
• Security for the owner. Why? Is anyone allowed onto a multi million dollar yacht? NO. And thats the way it should be. So a deckhand will attend to this.
  
• Security for the yacht. If another yacht comes along side the vessel then fenders will need to be put in place to protect both vessels. If theres a lot of wind, then this is critical. Or if there are bad conditions, a watchful eye must be kept on all lines ashore and the yacht at all times to make sure a fender does not deflate or pop, or a mooring line snap.  
  
• plus keeping track of guests movements with the interior, answering any questions that workers from the port may have, and just making sure know one decides to take themselves on a quick tour of your yacht. This can happen a lot depending on which port you are in, and could be the difference in you keeping your job or not! 
  

Deckhand duties with the boss off.


This can be a great time to be on deck. Without the boss off you could be in one of three phases. Delivery - moving the yacht to a new location or doing an ocean passage. On call - waiting out time between guest trips, waiting for the boss to call, or picking up a new charter. Or Getting setup - The last week more or less before a guest trip when everything is getting touched up and you are doing your final wash downs and setups.


What will your role be during a delivery. Dependant on the size of the yacht you will most likely continue to maintain the exterior of the yacht during the day, and then act as a Lookout during the night (on smaller vessels you may be acting as a Watchkeeper but that is for more advanced deckhands, we’ll concentrate on when you’re new to yachting). The Lookout is there to aid the watch keeper, keeping an eye out for any yachts that appear on the horizon, or on the radars for new targets. You are there to help and assist in every way. The ability to make a good coffee or quality toasted sandwich will always add value to your position as a proficient Lookout!! During the day you will be rinsing down once or twice a day in some cases depending on the weather. (If the weather is bad, you’ll be back up in the bridge acting as a lookout, or laying flat-out due to sea sickness. For your future progression in the industry, lets hope you are back up in the bridge!) Rinsing down and washing the hull underway can be the staple diet of your daily routine, then you can be assigned any maintenance jobs that may need to be fixed or attended too. Rarely if ever, when moving the yacht will you have days off or complete downtime, you are always on call on a yacht!


If you are on call waiting for the bosses instructions then this can be the best time onboard. Your work days are can be less stressed as you are keeping up with the general upkeep of the yacht which is already in good shape after a trip. You could be in a fantastic location, port, or shipyard (not so great). The days can be hot and things will feel like they can’t get any better. Enjoy these moments. During the days you could be washing all of the cushion covers, detailing tenders, detailing the jacuzzi or swimming pool, or repairing any small things that may have got broken or damaged during the guest trip, like jetski fenders or fibreglass where guests (or crew) have put tenders onto coral, rocks or into the swim platform too fast... It does happen, just don’t let it happen twice.


Getting setup: Depending on the size of your yacht this could take a couple of days, or a week. Its the last minute touches you need to do to ensure that you are looking a million dollars before a guest trip. This usually entails “doing the decks” which is scrubbing the decks with acid to clean them and make them look a honey coloured brown. Some yachts will have a machine that you use, but others won't. Either way this can be a one, two, or three day job and requires plenty of muscle and getting the guns out! After the decks you will do a final wash down to get off any marks from rain, carbon or just the general atmosphere that will dirty a boat within a week, plus any residue left over from doing the decks. After this the yacht will be clean and looking great, now you’ll put all the cushions out, setup the furniture, most likely put up some umbrellas or some sails that are for shade and then just to top it off throw on some covers on all the cushions and chairs depending on how long it is until the guests arrive, to make sure nothing gets wet, dirty or dewy.


On Watch: During any day onboard a yacht (less important with guests on as you will have different roles) there will always be a designated Watchkeeper (sometimes two, or more including an engineer depending on the yacht size). You’re in charge of the yachts daily wellbeing. If it is a day off, then it usually goes like this at a minimum:

08:00 put the flag up, check all lines and fenders that everything is in the correct place and the yacht is secure. Walk around the decks to make sure nothing is lying around, plus checking the bridge for any alarms or anything that may not be normal (do this continually throughout the day, every hour or more). Continue on with your day, you may have a job list to be done.

12:00 lunch, setup for lunch in the crew mess, then tidy up and put all the food away, vacuum, and wipe the tables down once everyone is finished. Back to work until 17:00 if necessary.

18:00 dinner, setup for lunch in the crew mess, then tidy up and put all the food away again, vacuum, and wipe the tables down once everyone is finished, AGAIN!

21:00 or 22:00 you are free to go to bed. Some yachts will have the alarms in crew cabins that you will have activated in case of emergency. You are required to be on call all night.

08:00 your watch officially finishes and goes onto the next designated watch keeper.


Deckhand duties in the shipyard.


When you’re in the Shipyard you will get some major repairs done to make sure the yacht is at its peak for the next season. You may or may not get “hauled out” depending on the type of work to be done, but when you’re hauled out it is the perfect time for any bottom painting or cleaning to be done. This could be done by you or the yard, but if it is you, please make sure to wear a quality respiration mask. The dust created from sanding back the bottom is toxic and can be easily inhaled (although it may not be paid attention too by the yard workers), do everything you can to protect yourself! When painting the bottom be careful, there is a reason why it is applied to repel barnacles and other sea matter. Because the paint is very toxic. Pay attention in the shipyards for safety as there is always people working with heavy machinery, the possibility for inhaling fumes, or the fact you are out of water means working on deck you could be an extra 5m higher than normal without any soft landing. It can be a strange feeling at first, just be careful!


Other yard work tasks:

• Sending the life rafts off for warranty.
  
• Doing a thorough check of all life jackets and neoprene immersion suits to make sure they are in good shape, all lights and extras are working properly and nothing has been damaged or has moisture or mould.
  
• Painting the anchor chain. Every time that you drop the anchor during the season you will see little flakes of paint chipped off all around the deck. This needs to be renewed so that you go into the next season with clear guidance markings on how much chain has been dropped to assist the Captains judgement for anchoring.
  
• Doing paint touch ups to any areas that may have been damaged during the season on deck. This could be done by you or the yard workers.
  
• Tenders and jetskis may be sent off for warranty work depending on their age, or for servicing by designated suppliers.
  
• You may have yard workers coming onto the boat to do repairs to specific areas onboard like repairing tender chocks (where the tenders sit), adding pad eyes to the deck (to secure more toys, gym equipment or furniture), or to do more specific tasks that crew may not have the skills or time to do. When they’re onboard always pay attention to them as they don’t generally operate with the same caution as you will to protect the yachts surfaces, or to clean where they have worked. So be on the ball and onto them!
• Then you will be continually washing down (as per usual!), its a dirty time in the yard no matter how hard you’re working!

OUR MOST IMPORTANT PREVIOUS POST: 

• The exact guide on how to enter the Superyacht industry as new crew
  
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• Why new crew should start their yachting career by staying in a Crew House first
  
• Why your Superyacht CV should be like a first date
  

Would you tell your whole life story on a first date? Actually, a few in the Superyacht industry probably would, but that's not the point...

Lets start with why we actually write a CV in the first place? It’s not a trick question, but I’m sure most people will probably say "its going to get me a job on a Superyacht." That's not untrue, but the reality is that your CV gives you the chance to win an interview for a job, it doesn’t get you the job! 

More often than not you will need to win an interview with a crew agent first, and after a successful interview with a crew agent you will then be put forward to interview with either a Captain or other decision makers onboard. Its in your interview with them that you can continue telling the whole story of what you started successfully, albeit briefly, on your CV. Therefore there's no need to tell your whole life story from the start, in your CV.

So why is your CV like a first date then?

• You need to make a great first impression: a neat well structured CV with a professional looking image will do this.
• Second, you need to make the most of your time together: clear presentation and concise information. Don’t ramble on about things that aren’t relevant, like previous job skills that do not cross over into yachting. 
• Thirdly, you want to leave your date wanting to come back for more: “you’ve got the skills we need, and you look like an really interesting person I'd like to get to know you better… Boom!" 

Therefore your CV will give you the chance to win an interview, and then its up to you to turn those dating opportunities into a relationship and a full time job on a Superyacht! 

So take the time to prepare a successful CV, like you would when preparing for a successful first date.

• present yourself well
• make sure all contact details are correct
• use simple but specific stories
• talk about only things that are interesting for the both of you

Enjoy the courting period and good luck. 

If you have any friends that are having trouble with their CV, forward them on the post with the easy to share buttons on the side of the page.

Importantly if you haven’t changed your Facebook privacy settings then you must do this now. Before you start spreading your personal details out there amongst everyone in the world.

So we are opening the gates here and letting anyone, ask any question they wish to, that they might normally be too scared or shy to ask. We will keep it as anonymous as you wish. Or comment as per below.

Some relevant topics we have covered with others:

• I have daywork, but my full wage just covers accommodation and large travel costs, who should i talk to?
  
• Is it really necessary to be detailing toilets all day, or do they not like me?
  
• Is it worth me starting out doing a 3 month winter yard period and not getting experience at sea, or looking elsewhere?
  
• Are knives provided or should i bring my own? (from a Chef just to clarify) 

Feel free to comment below, or on our Facebook page post, or just contact us directly! 

Let the questions flow...

Read our previous posts: 

• The exact guide on how to enter the Superyacht industry as new crew
  
• Read our post regarding Facebook. This point can't be overlooked initially and is crucial when looking for employment. Don't get caught with your pants down on Facebook

The Monaco Yacht Show is 4 days away, and if you are in the general area (eg. within 2 hrs travel) then there are no excuses for not making the effort to get there. From 24th - 26th September, 2014 you will see the industry at its finest. But more importantly you will have the opportunity to learn and network amongst the industry and your future peers, which makes this a must for any new crew member looking to start in yachting.

If you are thinking of going then definitely sign up to the ACREW registration page, they're one of the industry leaders in networking and relationship development and offer an incredible variety of free workshops to help develop you as a new crew member. So sign up with ACREW and help give youself a better gauge of what the industry is about, and what you can expect from it.

Why sign up with ACREW:
- free entry to ACREW facilities!
- free workshops on key areas of the industry for crew
- network opportunities with yachts, crew and crew agents
- talk to people about yachting and allow yourself to be educated!
- plus much more...

For all new crew to the Superyacht industry you should definitely try to make this event.

If you have any doubts then please read our post: why new crew to yachting must network their way into a job
- and a yacht show makes all of these opportunities, and more available in one place!

Or read our post The exact guide how to enter the Superyacht industry as new crew to get started!

Don't ignore what is staring you in the face. You are the only one that cares about your wellbeing when it comes to getting your first job as a new crew member to the Superyacht industry. Not the crew agents.

Why:

• You have nothing to lose when starting out in yachting and are willing to try anything with no experience.
  
• Crew agents have everything to lose. If they place someone with no experience onto a yacht and it doesn't work out its on their head. Therefore with no experience its difficult for them to place you. Its pretty simple really.

This is why as new crew to yachting you will continually get the same answer back from crew agents. Which is "go and get some experience" or "go and find some daywork to put on your CV", and then we can look at placing you… Sound familiar? That's what almost every response back to How To Get Into Yachting has been over the last few months when people have contacted us for our help and guidance. But, its all easier said than done we know. (read below for the unseen value)

So, where do i start? How do i get Daywork? How do i get a permanent position?

Our advice is get networking now! Meet someone on the dock, network. Meet someone at the bar, network. Meet someone that works on a yacht, network. Meet someone that knows someone that works on a yacht, network. For this type of networking Facebook can be your best friend. 

• Become Facebook friends with as many people in yachting as possible, and stay in touch regularly. 
  

Facebook can be your passport through the yachting network, for work experience and opportunities for new crew.

Why:

• Its the easiest way to stay in contact with new friends and continually network with them, which could help lead you to work
  
• You can see which friends are where in the world, which could help lead you to work
  
• Your posts or updates on Facebook will keep you fresh in the minds of your yachting friends, which could help lead you to work
  
• When Daywork is available, or a positions pops up onboard (or on another yacht) then your friends can contact you quickly, which could help lead you to work
  
• Plus hiring crew members can check you out visually. This is the truth (Facebook stalking happens everywhere), and it can be a far more beneficial step-up into the industry than just a crew agent interview.

Here is the unseen value!

Having multiple friends within the yachting on your Facebook page can be the perfect "reference" without you having to interview, daywork, or have a long list of experience. 

Why? Because everyone wants to work with good people. 

Crew compositions are hugely important onboard, and longevity can be achieved by a group of people with similar interests and friends. Can you see the angle we're talking about?

For example: When a hiring crew member (Captain, Officer, Chief Stewardess) does a little "reference" check of their own (and they will) everyone will check Facebook. Therefore there is a possibility they may see friends that you both have in common or with other crew. 

This could be viewed as 

• "well if they're friends with 'them', we could give them a chance...?" 
  
• "he looks like a pretty cool surfer, we're all surfers…" 
  
• "he knows Smithy, i'll PM 'John Smith' to check out what they're really like...?" 

This happens all the time and its social weight to your cause without continually being rejected on the docks.

This is an easy and powerful way to look at your networking which you can do from day one! It can be so important to add strength to your limited profile (and social CV) when your work experience is in its infancy. Plus its a natural unchallenging thing to do, becoming new Facebook friends with as many people as you can, easy...

So, if you're new to yachting and looking to find daywork that will hopefully lead to a permanent position, this could be your golden ticket without you even knowing it. Get networking!

But first check out our post on Don't get caught with your pants down on Facebook and forward it on to your friends that are doing the same!

A huge congratulations to The Crew Grapevine for taking the honors in our Facebook poll for Best Crew House in Antibes, 2014. The poll was conducted on our How To Get Into Yachting Facebook page and promoted across a huge range of superyacht Facebook community pages.

Honorable mentions must go to Amma's Crew House and The Crew House who were very close in the running and between the three, collected a majority of the votes polled.

• Why new crew should start their yachting career by staying in a crew house first: And the importance of crew houses to the Superyacht industry

We've already had a huge response from our new members thanking us for the guidance, and we pass the thanks back to all of those who voted and contributed to promote our post. That's what these communities are for!

View our page for Crew Houses in Antibes here

Have you read our previous posts?

• Don't get caught with your pants down on Facebook: How your Facebook profile could be holding you back from getting your first job?
• The Exact Guide on how to enter the Superyacht industry as new crew

Feel free to comment or share your story and experience below

Feel free to comment or share your story and experience below

Crew Houses play a fundamental role in the development and initial education of new crew to the Superyacht industry, as well as their primary function of crew accommodation. A good Crew House can make or break the initial push by a new crew member when starting out in the yachting industry, and be the difference between them getting daywork, a full time position, or spending all their time and money with no direction and sending them back to square one.

That is why we are running a Facebook poll to help find the best Crew House in Antibes, so that all our new crew followers can have the best direction for their start in yachting.
 
Vote by clicking here for the Best Crew House in Antibes 2014

The importance of a quality Crew House can not be dismissed:

• They are the essential starting point for all new crew in the industry.
  
• They allow new crew to network with fellow new crew, and also freely mix with other established yachting crew.
• They allow a place for new crew to get access daywork which can be very elusive.
  
• They can direct you of the local do's and dont's. Not only for, what-to and what-not-to do within the industry, but just as importantly to the new town, country and culture that you are starting in.
  

This is why they are incredibly important to the framework of yachting and especially so, to new crew starting out. 

Have you stayed in a Crew House in Antibes? Please vote by clicking here for the Best Crew House in Antibes 2014

It is so important for new crew to the Superyacht industry to start out in a good Crew House, and this is why we have run this Facebook poll to gauge the industry perception of accommodation in Antibes, and best direct the new crew to the leaders in accommodation there. 

After you are established and comfortable with your position within the industry then definitely explore other types of accommodation if you wish, but as a starting point we'd always direct new crew in yachting to the Crew House experience first. As they are much more than just a place to put head down.

Have you read our previous posts?

• Don't get caught with your pants down on Facebook: How your Facebook profile could be holding you back from getting your first job?
  
• The Exact Guide on how to enter the Superyacht industry as new crew

You don't have to be a rocket scientist to know that once a CV goes across someones desk, the employer without doubt will look you up on Facebook to see if they can get a better understanding of your life and personality. It's no different in the Superyacht industry and most likely it's even more common, as their need to know about your behaviour is heightened by the fact that they will not only work with you, but also live with you. 

So, if drinking too much, jumping on cars, swearing at friends, or giving the one fingered salute to the camera isn't your persuasion then thats a big bonus. But i'm sure you've still got some friends that do. Therefore I'd strongly recommend checking your privacy settings. Share this with them now >

The 3 most important privacy setting changes you need to make on Facebook to get a job!

It's not only what you post on Facebook that will be taken into account when your credentials are being reviewed, but what your friends post about you, can be just as critical. View these options and make your own decision!

SHARE THIS post with any of your friends that you think might be in danger of making this simple but crucial mistake! 
- easy share options at bottom of page or left hand side!

PREVIOUS POST: The exact guide on how to enter the Superyacht industry as new crew

If you have any other Facebook security tricks then please comment below or share them with us on Facebook!

Here's the exact guide and nine simple steps to help get you started in the Superyacht industry in the shortest amount of time and money spent. Its all about the preparation.

Before you leave home:

1. Choose which yachting location you want to start your superyachting experience (yachting is seasonal, so choose carefully) make sure you can complete the STCW 95 training course in that location.

2. Prepare a CV (click the links for more info).

3. Sign up with crew agents online. 

4. Book online to start your STCW 95 course in your chosen location - not all locations offer STCW 95 courses. STCW 95 is the minimum legal training requirement for a crew member. 

5. Book an appointment with an MCA certified doctor to complete an ENG1 basic medical examination (along with the STCW these are the only 2 certifications you'll need to become a crew member). This can be done before you leave home, or when you get to your location. Check certified doctor locations. 

6. Book accommodation in a crew house (optional: but the best place to start) before you leave home for the duration of your STCW 95 course - don't book any longer as you'll get a feel for where you want to stay after that.


Leave for yachting location

7. Check into crew house and get social! Meet as many people as possible and learn about yachting.

8. STCW 95 - Whilst you are completing the STCW course visit all the crew agents you have registered with online and register with those you haven't. This is your opportunity to stand out from the other new crew members, so present yourself immaculately and with great energy - This cannot be stressed enough. The industry is all about image in every way, be image conscious.

9. Complete the STCW 95 certificate! 

- Now you have everything you need to become employed!

This is the most exact step by step guide to start as new crew in the Superyacht industry.

Remember: You must have completed your STCW certificates and have obtained an ENG1 medical certificate to be legally employed on a yacht

The journey will be worth it and don't be afraid to know nothing at the start, everyone starts somewhere. Present yourself well, ask questions and be motivated. The good times await you! 

SHARE THIS information with anyone you know looking to get into the Superyacht industry!
- easy share options at bottom of page (mobile devices) or left hand side of page (desktop).

Plus: Read our post regarding Facebook. This point can be overlooked initially but its crucial when looking for employment. Don't get caught with your pants down on Facebook

If you want to stay up to date with current relevant crew Superyacht information, sign up!

Please feel free to comment on any of the above information in the discussion box below!