HOW TO GET WORK ON A YACHT | And Why It Will Be Easier For Some Than It Is For Others
Вставка
- Опубліковано 10 лют 2025
- One of the most frequently asked questions on this channel is, “Can I get a job on a yacht?” It is asked by newcomers to the maritime industry as well as experienced seafarers, and there is rarely a simple “yes” or “no” answer.
In this video we’ll be taking a look at how your nationality, age, language(s) spoken, and previous experience affect your chances of getting a job on a yacht. Depending on your circumstances, these factors can either work for or against you, so understanding their importance is a crucial part of learning how to get work on a yacht.
For more videos about what it's like working on a yacht and how to become a yacht crew member, please do check out the rest of the channel.
If you like this then please hit that thumbs up, click the subscribe button, and press the bell icon to get notifications when future videos are released. Any questions, please just leave them down in the comments section below.
Thank you for watching, and remember:
Work on a superyacht, move up through the ranks, and maximise YOUR potential!
What challenges must you overcome to start a career in yachting? I look forward to hearing your thoughts...
Glad to see new videos buddy!
The biggest challenge for me right now is getting my B1/B2 visa, would really like to do a Caribbean season this winter. Seems unlikely that I'll get it though!
Great video as usual. Maybe you’ve mentioned it before, but the ability to get on with people and pull your weight as part of a small team are really important. Not everyone is cut out for the lifestyle.
@Jamie Lee Olivero Your best chance is to find a job on a yacht that is going to the USA. Getting a B1/B2 visa is so much easier when you have boat papers with you.
@@WorkonaSuperyacht Thats the plan! A week or two before the season on my current yacht ends I will start applying and making myself known for a new yacht who is willing to take me on for the Caribbean season.
Your videos are a veritable Gold Mine for anyone looking to enter the onboard yachting industry. I'm not one of them but I watch each of your videos anyway. I imagine it takes a lot of time in advance to produce them. You don't just pick up the camera and start blabbering incoherently, they're well thought out and prepared. And the addition of British humor to them is so clever. Thank you for sharing!
Thank you for this great feedback, Per Gref. I really appreciate your support.
'If you believe you can or believe you can't you're probably right'. - Henry Ford
I just love your sense of humor.
Again, love your humour and informational video.
Your right life isn't fare, but it is, what it is., we need to acknowledge it and find our way through it. It's nice to see information that is direct and not try to make life look like roses.
Exactly! Thank you, Frank. I'm pleased to hear that you enjoyed this one.
Having worked on cruise ships I find your video's inspiring to be a crew member again.
Like al your video's no bs, no sweettalking. You are are always giving a straight story about the subject at hand with a touch of humor , Cudos for the professional video's.
Matthew, you have an incredible sense of how things work in the world and that none of us has control over where we were born, but there are many things that can be done to help overcome our unique situation. The world is not a fair place and it can be a very cruel one, too. I believe that anyone that is looking to work in your industry will find value in watching and commenting on everyone of your videos! Thank you so much for all of your hard work to benefit everyone of your possible future crew mates.
another video full of information and examples. I've spent an entire day on a sailing boat yesterday, must say, I still want to get into the yachting after my Bachelor's degree. I'm checking out for STCW courses here, in Italy. ahah thank you for the video! have a great day
Extremely helpful as always! ⚓️
Thank you, Jamie. I hope you're enjoying your first season!
@@WorkonaSuperyacht Everything is going super!
I’m a 21 years old boy from Italy. I speak Italian, English, german and Spanish. I work since 3 years with boats on lake Garda. And most important, I love Superyachts! I really hope to join a SuperYacht in the next years. Thanks for the video
Then you are the perfect yacht crew candidate! Thank you for sharing your story, Lorenzo.
Now as you mentioned that… I can’t unhear you being C3PO 😅
😂
I think that original c3po comment was a bit unkind, good on you for embracing it with humor. Your speech is fine and clear, memorable even! Keep it up!
@Don C Thank you. I really appreciate the encouragement.
You have great wisdom in your words. Even in difficulty, there is hope if passion is the first argument for choosing a profession. Thank you Matthew for this realistic video that leaves hope to old people like me. 😂😂😂😂😂😂👍👍👍🙏🙏🙏
There is always hope! Thank you, Rudi.
positive mantel attitude a can do attitude and if you find a locked door dont give up just knock harder
Nothing shouts "not strong currency" as loud as my country 🇦🇷
I guess that quiting a job to jump into a crew house is a bit scary...
Great video!
Wow, I've just looked it up: 114 Pesos to 1 Euro! But you don't need a Schengen visa, which is good.
Love it, once again Matt thanks for this info... I know my situation but nevertheless, I will not give up, I will keep you in the loop... peace
Thank you, Jeu. I wish you every success in getting started with your yachting career.
Thanks for providing a good scope on South Africans.
Booked the flight and a couple of days in Antibes for the 28th of august. Wish me luck and we'll see how it goes!
Good luck! How are you getting on?
5 Days of day work which turned in to a temp postition. So not bad I'd say. Heard the Greenie-Season was brutal this year.@@WorkonaSuperyacht
Amazing news 😀. Well done!
Belated congrats @arthursandomine5664 now a year a year has passed down you mind me asking how your career is getting along? If I can probe a little further too (since I'm in my 40's) I would be curious to know your age too? Do you find Antibes the best hub to dock walk for jobs?
Updates??
Hello Mathew,
hope you’re well & thank you for sharing your valuable experience with the us.
It’s been a great help for junior crew like me to move forward in the industry.
I have completed my first season on a 24.5 m private with 92 GT as a deckhand & luckily manage to get 9 months of on-board service with more than 2 months of sea service. I also took a membership with the PYA to help me take the next set of courses for progression.
And in my research, I found that the yacht rating certificate is the first step to be taken & then followed by MCA efficient deckhand course to be on the MCA framework of my OOW 3000 GT goal.
But all the institutions that I am looking for to take EDH have a set of prerequisites.
In my case , would need a Yacht rating with sea time & steering certificate.
I do have the sea time but will have to get verified by PYA, which i will do soon after finishing my contract with the yacht.
But, can you please guide me through or include in your next video about steering certificate & how to get one, as there is not much of information in the internet about this certificate.
Thank you & like you said in this video, I am one of those kids who came from India to Fort Lauderdale, did lot of daywork’s & finally got the first job. So happy & proud to be part of the industry.
All the best & hope to see you in person sometime in the future.
Hello Tobit, and thank you for getting in touch. Congratulations on getting started in the industry; it’s great to hear that you’re already thinking about moving forward with your career.
For the steering certificate, please go to the following link and download MSN 1862:
www.gov.uk/government/publications/msn-1862-m-uk-requirements-for-deck-ratings
A template for the certificate is in Annex F on page 29. It can be completed by the Master of your yacht.
For the yacht rating certificate, take a look at the PYA website for details of exactly what you need to submit:
www.pya.org/membership-benefits/yacht-rating-certificate.aspx
I have just done this on behalf of two of my crew members, so please let me know if you need any assistance. It can all be done by email so I suggest that you get this done before leaving your current yacht. That way, if you’re missing any signatures or forms it will be easy to get them filled in by the Master.
I will soon be releasing videos about how to apply for a yacht rating certificate, and the Efficient Deckhand course.
Finally, I hear from so many people from India who wish to join the yachting industry, but don’t know where to start. I’m really excited to hear that you managed to do it, and I think you will be an inspiration for others. Would you be happy for me to tell your story in a video on the channel? If yes, please contact me by email so that we can discuss it further. My email address is:
workonasuperyacht@gmail.com
Thank you again, and I wish you all the best with the rest of your season.
This is the first video of yours I have watched as a fan of other yachting UA-camrs. Great content, analysis, and delivery. Excellent scene selection and edit timing. Interesting, engaging, and enjoyable. You should be in charge of film editing for Northrop & Johnson's video sales division. They have no idea how to best make use of their star, David Seal.
Wow, this is such great feedback! Thank you, Ralph.
Good video thanks.
I can attest to the shortage of skippers and deck crew for yachts under 24 metres. I know lots of owners who struggle to get staff, which is not surprising given that there are roughly 10-20 times more yachts under 24m than there are superyachts in the average marina. Most deck crew require only a level 2 power boat ticket and skippers a minimum of RYA day skipper (though Yacht Master would be preferred) plus ICC here in Portugal.
Thank you for adding this, Amanda. It will be a great encouragement to people trying to get started in the industry and gain experience.
Hi Matt. Another great video and I’m sure it will help a lot of people. I was thinking, how about a video for yacht designers? Perhaps you could indicate important things that should not be neglected by the designers and engineers for the crew and the general workings of the yacht? Just an idea
Im from south africa and i want to do this so badly but the lockdown here is holding me back from starting
I might have some advice, where in SA
@@garethhofhuis4456 Capetown
I'm also south african. Is it easy for us to get onto yachts or not really?
@@garethhofhuis4456 Advice ?
Letsssss goooo I’m South Africannnn
Hey Matt! you should make a video in regards of the ENG1 medical! i wear glasses and i just passed the Eng1 medical as my left eye had a reach of 12% and my right one 14% the gp told me that the minimum was 10%?! It would be such a good thing to adress these tiny details for people with bad eyesight or with colorblindness/ bad hearing!
Yay!!! I’m South African and looking into Yachting 😁
I hope you find the channel useful, and I wish you every success in getting started with your yachting career.
🤖 very helpful
Thank you, Tony. We need a C3PO emoji!
@@WorkonaSuperyacht the best I could do! 😁
Good info, Tks
My pleasure! Thank you as always, ParatyShow.
I'm also a South African and I'm just waiting for Schengen visa to open up to go over i am a sea rescue member and hope that helps as experience....
The Sea Rescue Institute sounds very much like the RNLI that we have in the UK. Depending on your duties, the experience you've gained with them should be of great benefit in finding work on yachts.
I’m going for my STCW in February in FL, and being from PA , it’s going to be a big jump, i’m excited and terrified all at the same time. Watching your videos makes me feel better in a way, I’m still trying to figure the whole CV thing out though, and what information from my experiences are actually going to be helpful to landing me a job on a yacht. 🙂
You'll meet loads of new friends doing your courses, so no need to be terrified. Good luck, and enjoy it 😀!
@@WorkonaSuperyacht thank you ! 😌
And there is me Serbian student who study maritime in Slovenia. Unfortunately Serbia is not in EU....
Hello! I asked this a bit ago but didn’t realize it was an older video, sorry about the duplicate question. First off, thank you for all of your videos, they are super helpful and informative. I currently work in the medical field and am hoping to complete paramedic training over this next year. I am looking at starting a career working on yachts as a deckhand and have heard there’s deckhand/medical jobs. I do already have my MPIC certification but want this extra bit of training/knowledge. Can you explain a bit on the role/need of a medical person, and the (at least generally standard) medical equipment/facilities onboard the yachts? Again, thank you for all of your hard work on these videos!
Hello Adam. Thank you for your feedback on the channel. I'm pleased to hear that you've been finding the videos useful.
Deckhand/Medic or Stew/Medic positions are typically only found on the largest superyachts. Having said that, I did work with a Stew/Medic on a 67m yacht because the owner wanted somebody who could treat their children in the event of an accident. I also worked with a Deckhand/Medic on a 90m+ yacht. In both cases, the Medic part of their role accounted for only a small amount of their time on board. In terms of equipment and medication, most yachts source this through a company such as MedAire: www.medaire.com/
Facilities will depend on the size of yacht. The 67m yacht didn't have a designated medical room, but much larger yachts most probably will.
@@WorkonaSuperyacht thank you so much for your reply it means a lot and is very helpful!! I kind of figured they would be more towards the larger yachts. Is there any hope on getting ones of those jobs as a green deckhand? I have decent experience in most areas except for the rope work which is knoe is a big part.
@Adam Gross Yes, green crew have a good chance of getting hired on a large yacht. This is because the larger yachts have plenty of people in each department who can help train them up.
@@WorkonaSuperyacht thank you so much!!
What kind of courses i need to start working as a deckhand?
I have everything ticked off on the list. Uk passport, NZ passport and a green card. All i need now is to finish the qualifications :)
As always, great content.
Do you know whether there are also Swiss citizens working in the yacht industry and what it was like for them to get involved to it.
👍👍👍
Thank you, Daniel. I've only ever worked with one Swiss crew member. He was a chef, and a great one at that! I would say that Swiss citizens are very well placed to start a career in yachting.
@@WorkonaSuperyacht
Sounds interesting 🤔
Worked 2 years as a security supervisor with royal Caribbean and currently work as an aircraft mechanic with u.s passport. What chances of getting a deck hand job or engine work.
Hi Matthew thanks for all the uploads 👌 really helpful advice and they’ve definitely inspired me to change career . Do you have any advice for becoming a yacht engineer with no previous yachting experience ? Thanks
James 😊
Having a commercial background I can't find work to get started, not even as a deckhand...
Nice one mate. :o)
I'm in a wheelchair, what are my career options? Haha. Seriously though, great video as always.
Then you shall be the yacht owner, and we shall be your crew! Thank you as always, SailorYuki.
@@WorkonaSuperyacht That or a guest. I'd have the best crew ever!
The Channel related to Yacht industry.
Fresh vacancies for Yacht crew!!!
Subscribe to find the best opportunity!!!!
This might be a good topic for a video, and it relates to my current situation:
How to transition from merchant marine to private yacht work.
I'm in the US, planning on going to school to work on cargo ships, getting a 4 year degree and working as an officer straight out of school. I'm considering someday transitioning into private yacht work for the income boost, but I'm not sure if I should just go straight for the private yacht work with zero experience (I might have to move to the next state over). Any insight you could give on the topic would be massively appreciated!
Please check out this video for more information about switching from the merchant navy to yachts:
ua-cam.com/video/r2FWpTp1g0s/v-deo.html
By working on cargo ships you'll probably get your deck officer qualifications more quickly; however, when you make the switch to yachting it could take an extra couple of years working in the lower ranks before moving into a deck officer role. Some prefer to start out in yachting, while others are suited to a more structured training program in the merchant navy. If you stay focused on your end goal, I think both routes can offer an exciting and challenging career.
I know that you have different qualifications over in the USA, but please check out this video for an example of how your career progression might look in yachting:
ua-cam.com/video/-JOfEY95dmI/v-deo.html
Thank you very much!
👏👏👏👏👏
Hi there I have only recently been aspired to become a deckhand after I have finished my uni course. I have found a course that states that it offers all the training needed to become a deckhand the course in question is run by the flying fish run from cowes, the isle of white. Will the course alone be enough on a cv to get a position on yacht
I need Schengen and B1/B2 :|
I'm not holding strong passport, but i can enter without VISA Turkey, Georgia, U.A.E..
I've been living whole my life near the sea, worked decade in local maritime company as Deckhand/OOW this year i quited..
Looking for new opportunities joining to Yacht industry..
Hi, i am really interested in working as a skipper, i have no idea what i need to start getting qualified (diploma ecc) or what to do/where to go to apply for curses, I'm interested in working in Europe as i live here, so what do i do?
Matthew, I can’t seem to find your video about working on different sizes of yacht. Did you take it down?
Hello Iver. Yes, I took it down because my delivery was so bad! Is there something in particular that you wanted to know?
@@WorkonaSuperyacht …Eh. That video pretty sums much of my questions regarding in different sizes. If you still have the clip? Would you mind sending it to me?
@Iver Carbon You can watch the video here:
ua-cam.com/video/hSqOvMHqaIQ/v-deo.html
@@WorkonaSuperyacht Thank you so much, Matthew! 🙌🏻
What is the difference between captain and a skipper?
The terms are used interchangeably, but skipper is more suitable when referring to the captain of a small yacht.
What is my chance to get job in yacht, As i am the degree holder of india
in what places of barcelona i can get the ENG1?
Hello Emilio. I can't find anywhere through searching online, so try contacting BWA Yachting who have an office in Barcelona:
www.bwayachting.com/spain/
They should be able to help.
@@WorkonaSuperyacht Thank you very much for your help
Thanks Matt. Very useful video. Keep up the good work. I am holder of Officer-in-charge of an engineering watch Unlimited license from Government of India, with 35 months sea service experience as EOOW in oil/chem tankers of 30000GT. I wish to enter into super-yachting industry as an engineer. I have valid french long stay visa. Spouse of French national. How are my chances?
Hello Vasanth. It sounds like you have a good chance. I would start by making sure that your COC will be eligible for a CEC from one of the major flag states found in the yachting industry: Red Ensign Group, Marshall Islands, Malta, etc. You could also sign up with a few yacht crew agencies online before contacting them by phone to ask for some feedback. They will be able to give you more information about what sort of roles might be available to you.
But... But... But... Why DO you speak like C3PO?!?!? 😉🤣 Only joshing... Great video... Always good to hear your advice and thoughts on all of this.
😂 Thank you, Andi.
I'm very curious to know how many people of colour are in the industry...?? I have not seen any.
This can be a contentious topic, but I will nevertheless share my personal experience with you. The majority of yacht crew that I have worked with are from Europe, the USA, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, and the Philippines. I believe this to be because of a few different factors:
- The majority of super yachts are based in the Mediterranean, the east coast of the USA, and the Caribbean. There are an increasing number being based in Australia.
- People from Europe, the USA, and Australia can look for work in their own countries, which means they can stay there indefinitely until the right opportunity comes up. They are also able to afford the cost of living in these countries whilst looking for work.
- Their passports are widely accepted worldwide, which means it is easier to get visas and access to any of the countries that the yacht will visit. The exceptions to this are South Africa and the Philippines; however, many South Africans that work on yachts have family from Europe and dual nationality.
- Even today, the yachting industry isn't well-known worldwide. People usually find out about it from their friends and family. As a result, it is normally just more people from Europe, the USA, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, and the Philippines that find out about it and consider it as a career.
@@WorkonaSuperyacht Thanks for your reply. I was considering this as a career but unfortunately I might not be able to land a job. I'm South African but I'm a native South African so I don't have any family in Europe, coupled with the fact that I'm a person of colour, unlike the many South Africans who you've come across who are white.
You are guys are not paying people for watching video
C3PO - lol lol lol
😂