4 Entry Level Yacht Jobs For Beginners

There are all types of different tasks that need to be performed around the clock to maintain a yacht and keep it running smoothly.  While some of the job positions onboard are very technical and require a lot of skill and knowledge, there are 4 entry-level jobs that require little to no prior experience.  The most common entry-level jobs on a yacht are some variation of:

15 CRUCIAL QUALITIES THAT EVERY YACHTIE MUST POSSESS

While prior experience isn’t necessary to perform the duties of an entry-level crew member, there are a few abilities and qualities that every member of a yacht crew must be able to demonstrate if they want to succeed. Whether you’re a greenhorn or a seasoned vet (while you’re working) you must be:

• Professional
• Presentable
• Prompt
• Proactive
• Resourceful
• Adaptable
• Personable
• Composed Under Pressure
• Able to Maintain Discretion
• Able to Maintain Safety
• Able to Aid in Emergencies
• Able to Follow Orders
• Able to Prioritize Tasks
• Able to Learn and Act Quickly

Tips and Tricks

• Always keep an open mind and try new things - you may think you are meant to be a stewardess and find that working on deck suits you more, or vice versa.
• Don’t get too intimidated when looking at the skills and duties listed below.  While these are skills you will be expected to learn and cultivate eventually, (the quicker the better,) you don’t necessarily have to have prior experience when you’re just starting out.   
• Teamwork makes the dream work.  As a member of the crew you’re part of a team, so you should expect to help out anyone and everyone on board if necessary, even if it’s not technically a normal part of your job or department.

SUPER YACHT CREW JOBS

You may have a very impressive resume back on land, but college degrees and PHD’s will not go far on the 7 seas! If you’re serious about pursuing a job on a yacht- you will have to work your way up the ranks one step at a time.  Whether you want to start a new career, or just try it out for a year, you’re going to have to start….

YACHT JOB DESCRIPTIONS

You’ve gotta get in where you fit in!

Let’s take a closer look at each of these positions so that you can decide for yourself: which crew are you!? Below we will go over the general overview of each position. If you would like to learn more about what type of personal skills are necessary to perform the typical day to day duties.

Stewardess/Steward:

• • As a stewardess your domain is going to be the interior of the boat, meaning a majority of your time will be spent inside.
  • You will be responsible for the upkeep, appearance, and cleanliness of everything, and you will be expected to do so with an an extremely strong attention to detail.  A guest should never have to be burdened with the site of one single finger print or speck of dirt on any surface!
  • Your daily tasks will have a strong emphasis on:
    • Guest Service
    • Hospitality
    • Housekeeping
  • This position is more commonly held by females, although not always.
  • Many boats are now combining the roles of a stewardess with those of a deckhand or even a cook.
  • This job is great for high energy, resourceful, and well-organized individuals. You will be expected to work around the clock, ensuring that the guests’ needs are met. The word “no” is no longer a part of your vocabulary. Their wish is your command!

Useful Skills for a Yacht Stewardess

The following are skills that are useful or necessary to perform the duties of a stewardess:

• Silver Service
• Bartending
• Guest Hospitality
• Event Planning
• Concierge
• Housekeeping
• Laundry
• Table Setting
• Napkin Folding
• Detailing
• Strong Attention to Detail
• International Etiquette
• Child Care / Nannying

Deckhand:

• As a deckhand you are responsible for the exterior of the boat, and a majority of your time will be spent outside.  Keep this in mind if you can’t handle the sun beating down on you all day!
• You basically have to make sure the exterior of the boat looks brand new at all times, which can be a LOT of work, and let’s just say- manual labor.
• You also have a lot to do with preparations for leaving and arriving to port, as well as any of the watersports or other outside toys that come along with the boat such as jet skis, paddle boards, inflatable floats / slides, etc.
• You must monitor and maintain the safety of the guests and crew at all times.
• When guests are on board you will help prepare and execute any outdoor excursions such as snorkeling, fishing diving, surfing, beach picnics, etc. (and sometimes you may even get to participate.)
• A majority of deckhands are male, but there is a fast growing number of female deckhands or deck/stews in the industry.  I was a deck/stew on my first boat and highly recommend it!
• This is a great job for a strong, adventurous, outdoorsy person who is able to spend long hours outside in the sun, and doesn’t mind getting wet, sweaty, salty, and sandy on a regular basis. Physical strength and stamina are 100 % necessary.

Useful Skills for a Deckhand on a Yacht

The following are skills that are useful or necessary to perform the duties of a deckhand on a yacht:

• Cleaning / Washing
• Waxing / Polishing
• Boat Driving
• Navigation
• Line Handling
• Tying Knots
• Securing / Stowing / Covering Furniture
• Detailing
• Woodwork / Varnishing
• Construction
• Watersports / Fishing
• Mechanics / Engineering
• Physical Strength / Stamina