start a superyachting career

Find Out How To Stand Out From The Crowd

Meeting the Minimum Standards vs Being Prepared to Build a Successful Career

A successful career begins with more than meeting the training requirements and getting hired. Building a fruitful career requires planning, commitment and hands on experience. Although "learning on the job" is a common approach to building a career, it takes time, it involves a lot of mistakes and comes with a series of risks (to you and your vessel). It is no secret that there is a currently a massive skills shortage in the yachting industry which is contributing to a high crew turnover. We find the reason behind this clear: crew are entering the industry, largely unprepared.

This skills shortage provides an amazing opportunity for those who are willing to invest in themselves to stand out from the crowd. Savvy Maritime Academy is here for those who are willing to do so. Our training is geared towards fostering a successful and fulfilling career that gives you an edge by being able to hit the ground running. By equipping individuals with the necessary skills, knowledge, and hands on experience, we ensure that graduates are properly prepared to excel in the industry.

The Benefits of a Superyachting Career

Working on a superyacht can be an exciting and rewarding career choice, offering many benefits to crew members. However, it's important to be prepared for the demanding lifestyle and high expectations that come with working on a superyacht. A few key benefits of working in the industry can be found below:

Exciting Career paths that encourage progression for those who show commitment and are able to take on more responsibility.
Travel opportunities: Superyachts travel to some of the world's most beautiful and exotic locations, providing crew members with opportunities to explore new cultures and destinations.
Being part of a team: Superyacht crew members come from all over the world, creating a diverse and multicultural work environment.
No living expenses: Once you are employed and live onboard, your food accommodation (on board) is all paid for. This makes it a great opportunity to save money while working.
Build a strong work ethic: Working on a superyacht can be demanding and challenging, but it can also build a strong work ethic and valuable skills, such as teamwork, communication, and problem-solving.
Good salaries: Salaries for superyacht crew members are typically higher than those in the mainstream hospitality and maritime industries.

The Challenges of a Superyachting Career

While a career in yachting may seem glamorous, it does come with challenges. One of the main challenges can be the demanding nature of the job, with long hours and little time off during peak seasons on busy yachts.

Limited space and different personality types means that individuals need to be mindful of others, living and working in the same spaces for extended periods of time.

Job stability can be uncertain when compared to other industries, as the unique characteristics and demands of vessel owners can have an impact. No two yachts are the same and it is important to understand that certain yachts and positions are suited to different personality types. In addition to this, the industry can be competitive and difficult to break into, with many aspiring crew members vying for limited job opportunities.

It is essential to be both physically and emotionally prepared before entering the industry, not only to make a success of it, but more importantly to enjoy it!

How To Start a Superyachting Career

Be Prepared

The superyachting industry has some unique characteristics. Having a solid understanding of how the industry works from a crew, owner, and business perspective, helps build a solid foundation upon which a career can be built upon. Valuable information will help you identify where you fit in and how you can make the most of this exciting opportunity.

Foresight and mental preparation are key to taking the right steps. We help build this solid foundation and are here to help guide you every step of the way.

Gain Relevant Experience

Gaining relevant experience prior to employment can be difficult. Practical skills and exposure take time and while learning "on the job" is a popular option, it slows down not only how quickly you can adapt but also progress.

At Savvy, our practical skills academy gives you enough time and exposure to important aspects of your job so that you can be proficient prior to joining. This means that you can hit the ground running and progress at a much faster rate. By learning from highly experienced crew, you are assured that you are a few steps ahead.

Get Qualified

Depending on the position you want to apply for, you may need to obtain specific qualifications or certifications. All crew members are required to complete their STCW Basic training certification and hold a valid seafarer medical certificate . In addition to this, entry level deckhands are generally required to hold a powerboat license while interior crew are required to hold a Food Safety Level II certificate.

Qualifications required depend on the type of yacht (whether it is commercial or private, it's size, its flag state authorities etc.). We are here to ensure that you choose the best option.

Network

Networking is crucial in the superyacht industry. Your communication skills and ability to form relationships is key. You never know when an opportunity will present itself. Always be ready to take advantage of them when they do come around. Stay composed, well presented and professional.

With Savvy, your networking starts with your training. We connect you to real industry professionals and key individuals.

Find Available Jobs

Once you have the necessary qualifications and experience, start applying for jobs. You can find job openings through recruitment agencies, job boards, and word of mouth (your networking is key here). Be prepared to go through in depth interview processes, as yacht owners and captains typically have high standards for their crew.

At Savvy we not only prepare you for your interviews but we also connect our students with job opportunities and often place students ourselves.

Progress Your Career

Being mentally prepared, having a plan and using the skills that you have built are essential. With the above, you will be able to learn from those above you at a faster rate and take on more responsibility before those who are less prepared. Investing in your skills from the start result in higher salaries in the future. It is up to you to decide whether you want to be a passenger in the team or a crew member that is able to step up to the opportunities when they present themselves. We have designed our courses with this in mind and have an abundance of knowledge to share with you.

Explore Our Courses

Detail of hands cleating off superyacht mooring lines on the foredeck with teak deck and stainless steel fittings