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How to Get a Job as a Yacht Stewardess

Kate got her start in the yachting industry working as crew. She spent five years cruising the Bahamas, Caribbean, New England, and Central America, then segued that experience into a career in marine journalism, including stints as editor of  Dockwalk  and  ShowBoats International .

If you’re not afraid of hard work, have a knack for hospitality and service, and are a team player, then traveling the globe as superyacht stewardess could be in your future. Here is everything you need to know to land a job as a stewardess on a luxury yacht...

A yacht stewardess (or steward) is an entry-level position in yachting that provides a gateway to a career in hospitality at sea. A stewardess serves a vital role as part of the interior team and is responsible for the upkeep and presentation of the interior of a vessel.

One of the greatest appeals of working as interior crew on a superyacht (other than travel and tips ) is that the role of a stewardess doesn’t require extensive schooling or qualifications. While experience in the hospitality or customer service sector is advantageous, when starting out as a junior steward or stewardess, it is more about having a friendly disposition and being willing to learn and work hard.

“The ideal junior stewardess will have an eagerness to absorb information and learn the ropes properly, the ability to take direction and follow instructions, as well as the confidence to ask questions when clarification or additional instruction is needed,” says Sarah Bester with Northrop & Johnson Crew Services .

What is a Yacht Stewardess?

A steward or stewardess maintains the interior of a superyacht and provides five-star service to its owners and guests. On charter or owner trips, the interior team handles beverage and meal service, housekeeping, and laundry, all with the highest attention to detail. They have the most face time with guests so are responsible for relaying their wishes to the deck department, chef, and captain.

What Does a Yacht Stewardess do?

A junior member of an interior team on a yacht larger than 45 to 50 meters will typically start his or her career in the laundry room and/or in housekeeping rather than in service.

On smaller boats, the stewardess can be a department of one. “If you’re a solo stew you’ll be up early doing it all,” says Alene Keenan, a 30-year veteran of interior work who has literally written the book on yacht service, The Yacht Guru’s Bible. The day starts with opening duties: “setting up for breakfast, preparing breakfast, serving and clearing breakfast, laundry, cabin service, housekeeping duties, more laundry,” lists Keenan. This is followed by lunch service and more housekeeping and laundry, ongoing beverage service, setting up for afternoon activities, cocktails and hors d’oeuvres service, dinner service, cabin turndowns, finishing and returning laundry, and to close the day, pulling dishes, décor, and service items for the next day’s breakfast.

“If you have two or more interior crew, the duties are shared and probably rotated, and start times depend on hours of work and rest,” Keenan says.

• Top Tips For Working as a Stewardess

On larger yachts, the chief stew will provide his or her team with a checklist of duties to perform for each shift. “The routine will generally be the same,” says Chief Stewardess Tracey Bamforth . “You will be allocated a shift, shift duties, and shift expectations. You will wake up and dress in your on-charter uniform, making sure you are presentable, fresh, and on time. It’s important to remember that when the guests are on, your need to manage yourself to the best of your ability: speaking softly, working smartly, being very aware of your environment — for example, not leaving cleaning products out and about and keeping the yacht to its absolute best standard.”

Off-charter is when maintenance, deep cleaning, and inventorying are done in addition to daily laundry, crew mess, and bridge duties.

Who Does a Yacht Stewardess Report to?

This varies depending on the size of the yacht and crew. “Every yacht is unique and could have a different set-up; nothing is black or white,” says Lien Eggermont, senior yacht placement consultant for interior crew at Viking Crew .

Generally, when a stewardess works alone, they report to the captain. When there are two or more in the interior department, the junior would report to the chief stewardess, or with larger teams, they may even report to the second steward/ess. For the largest of superyachts, each interior division — housekeeping, laundry and service — will have their own head of department (HOD), so for example a housekeeping stewardess would report to the head of housekeeping.

What Qualifications Do I Need to Become a Yacht Stewardess?

All crew need STCW basic safety training , a five-day course, and an ENG1 medical certificate , and some yachts may also require certification in Food Safety & Hygiene, a one-day course.

On top of these necessities, there are numerous options for yacht-specific interior training, but many chief stews, like Robert, prefer to teach on the job. “Most of the skills you need in yachting, especially in the interior, you learn as you go,” she says.

The amount of knowledge you need going in may depend on when you’re hired. “Early in the season, the HOD will have time to train and teach everything from scratch. Mid-season they don’t have time to hold somebody’s hand — in the nicest possible way — and will need somebody who can hit the ground running,” Eggermont says.

Courses that introduce entry-level candidates to yacht interior work are offered in many countries around the world. “Bluewater hosts some fantastic courses; their Yacht Interior Service courses start at a zero-to-hero course and can really help with a newbie or green stewardess who wants to acclimate and understand the principles and products used on a vessel,” Bamforth says.

Bester points out that additional courses like silver service and WSET (Wine & Spirit Education Trust) can help a candidate stand out. “These courses are an additional investment and thus an indication that the candidate may be more career minded,” she says.

• Recommendations for Entry-Level Interior Crew

“Training has always been a privilege in my mind,” adds Bamforth. “Most newbies starting out will already be stretched from arriving from a new country, trying to find a new role, living in a crew house, and then to expect them to start off with a couple thousand dollars in courses under their belts is somewhat unfair. I believe in the ability to train and trial a newbie and give them the opportunity to show you they have the capacity to work, learn, live in a very close environment with others, repeat the systems they are learning, and, most importantly, have a good attitude!”

Maxine Robert, chief stewardess on 47-meter M/Y Loon , adds, “Having a positive attitude is everything as we live in such close quarters and work very closely with each other every day.”

What Experience Do I Need?

“Many programs will consider junior stew candidates who are green to yachting but come with strong land-based hospitality experience,” says Bester. Eggermont seconds this: “Waitressing in high-end restaurants or hotels, background in events, housekeeper in a hotel or, for example, a boutique B&B. But also candidates who have worked on board cruise ships or river cruises will be considered.”

Keenan points out a wide range of work experiences on land that translate to interior work at sea, listing: “restaurant/hotel work, flower arranging , event planning, retail sales, anything with customer service.”

Furthermore, Bamforth says she considers a potential new hire’s complete background, including things like whether they have finished university — “my thoughts would be that they have a ‘stick it out to the end’ attitude, and an ability to think on their own, which is always a plus,” — or if they played team sports at school — “shows an aptitude for playing nicely with people.” She says she has enjoyed working with hires from a wide variety of backgrounds, from advertising to having a family member who is a florist. “Nurses or medical-trained candidates I find to be extremely empathic and good with other crewmembers,” she says.

How Much Does a Yacht Stewardess Earn?

The entry-level starting salary can range from $2,500 to $3,500 per month, says Bester at Northrop & Johnson. “Charter programs will typically be on the lower end of the salary range due to the additional income crew receive through charter tips,” she says. Eggermont at Viking Crew says the average is €2,500 per month.

Dockwalk conducts an annual salary survey that polls both placement agencies and working yacht crew. According to its most recent 2020 Salary Survey , the low end of the range given by agencies — where most junior crew would start — is between $2,250 and $2,800 per month. Interior crew who aren’t working as the chief or solo self-reported that they made from $3,000 to $4,500 per month, with the bigger bucks being netted on bigger vessels.

The earning potential of interior crew grows alongside experience. At the top of their game, a chief steward/ess on a vessel longer than 70 meters earns $7,000 to $12,000 per month, says Dockwalk ’s wage guide.

“I’d say don’t be too picky as a junior crewmember,” Eggermont says. “If a 90-meter-plus (yacht) offers you a role at €2,000 with potentially an increase after probation or so, I’d say take it. Do a season, do your best so that you get a great reference. You need a foot in the door!”

Related articles:

• What are the Different Crew Roles on a Luxury Yacht?
• How to Get a Job as a Yacht Chef
• Everything You Need to Know About STCW Training
• What is the ENG1 Medical Certificate and Why Do I Need it?

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Guide to Becoming a Yacht Stewardess Working on Superyachts

This working on superyachts guide is a authored by Carryn.

Working on superyachts seems glamorous, right? Your office overlooks crystal clear waters and your job involves stepping into the life of the rich and famous.

Not to mention, you get paid a fortune whilst doing so! But, as with most things in life, there’s more to the yachting industry than what meets the eye.

This guide details all the steps to getting a job working on a super yacht and what life is really like as a yacht stewardess — the good, the bad and the ugly!

Table of Contents

Before I Became a Yacht Stewardess

After 6 months working on a superyacht, is it easy to get a job working on superyachts, connections within the yachting industry, other qualities needed to become a yacht stewardess, the salary for a yacht stewardness, 1. do you want to become a yacht stewardess or a deckhand, role of a yacht stewardess working on a super yacht, role of a deckhand, other positions available for working on superyachts, 2. requirements for working on superyachts, 3. where to get a job: the mediterranean or the caribbean, 4. visa requirements for working on superyachts, 5. working on a private yacht vs a chartered yacht, 6. how to land that job as a yacht stewardess, register with yacht crew agencies, networking with other crew and yacht stewardesses, how much does it cost to work on a super yacht, what is life really like working on superyachts, how i got my job working on a superyacht, 1. how much time do you have to get a job, 2. do you believe in yourself, 3. are you ready to work your ass off every single day, how to become a ski instructor almost anywhere in the world, how to be a travel nanny and work as you travel, how to be an au pair in spain + tips for getting a job, how to work abroad & travel the world, how you can work abroad without experience so you can travel longer.

After graduating from college in South Africa, I jumped straight into the working world and started “adulting”.

After 3 months of long, hard work, with very little pay, I decided that I was tired of being broke and living in debt.

In an attempt to see just how versatile my skills were, I quit my job in search of greener pastures on the other side of the world, France. Here, I began what I thought would be a lifelong career as a yacht stewardess. I was intrigued by the idea of working on superyachts, how glamorous it all was and of course the MONEY.

Working as a yacht stewardess changed my life for the better. When I left for France I was a young, naive college graduate who struggled to find a balance between traveling and being financially independent.

6 months later, which is a lot earlier than I’d expected, I decided to throw in the towel. The money I’d made was amazing yet never gave me the job satisfaction I was actually looking for. I returned home with a new-found love for my country, my family and the smaller things in life.

Working on superyachts put my life into perspective.

It was an extremely personal time filled with self-reflection and allowed me to appreciate and value my own personal skills and work ethic.

Working on Superyachts: The Basics

A superyacht is a large luxury boat that’s longer than 24 meters. These yachts are owned by the rich and famous and often make their way between the Caribbean and the Mediterranean waters.

These superyachts need crew to provide them with that 1st class service. And this is where the thousands of yachties come into play.

People often confuse working on superyachts with that of working on cruise ships. No, they are not the same! Working on a superyacht is a far more intimate job. There can be two to twelve guests on board and you’re at their beck and call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

It’s a grueling job that will have you working long hours in confined spaces, but the rewards are far greater than those of the cruise ships.

Yes and no.

The yachting industry is a difficult one to get into, but once you have your foot in the door, you’re guaranteed future work and better positions. However, getting that first job working on a superyacht is the hardest part.

You will struggle to secure a job in advance as most captains and crew agencies want to meet you in person before they hire you. As a result, you need to go to the yachting hubs where you will spend your time job hunting.

Securing a job takes time. For some, it’s a matter of days, but for most, it takes weeks or even months.

The saying “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know” never rang so true as it does in the yachting world. If you have connections in the industry, you shouldn’t have a problem getting a job as a yacht stewardess.

The yachting industry is a small one and referrals are the easiest way to land your first job.

Owners want young, good-looking crew running around after them. As a yacht stewardess, your uniform consists of short skirts and tight shirts and you need to look presentable and professional at all times. If you fit this profile of a yacht stewardess, finding a job working on a superyacht will be a lot easier for you.

Your personality and drive also play a huge factor. Captains and owners want outgoing, energetic and friendly crew who will get on well with the rest of the team.

You have very little personal space and whilst conflicts are bound to happen, you will have to master the art of the “smile and walk away” and avoid confrontations with other crew and guests.

So yes, getting a job working on superyachts isn’t easy, but if you have the above points covered, I bet you could get a job!

The starting salary for a yacht stewardess or deckhand is roughly 2,500€ per month. This is with no experience and excludes 10% tips  — which you receive on chartered trips. These tips could quite easily match your base salary. And it’s all tax-free!

You have no rent to pay as you live on board the boat. Your meals are prepared for you by the qualified chef, and you don’t need to purchase any groceries or toiletries.

EVERYTHING is covered. What I saved in 5 months whilst working on superyachts has taken me a full year to make as an English Teacher in Korea !

Sounds too good to be true, doesn’t it?

How to Work on a Superyacht: 6 Steps

Each of these superyachts needs 6-10 crew who all work together to ensure the smooth running of the luxury vessel. There are many positions available ranging from engineers to chefs but most crew start off as either a yacht stewardess or a deckhand.

As a yacht stewardess or stew, as it’s more commonly referred to, your main tasks are housekeeping and ensuring that the interior of the yacht is properly maintained. You need to provide the highest standards of hospitality and ensure that the guests are taken care of. To put it bluntly, you’re a glorified maid wearing a cute outfit!

Daily Tasks of a Yacht Stewardess

As a yacht stewardess, your daily tasks whilst working on a private yacht include meticulous cleaning of the interior of the boat such as the cabins, toilets and living areas. You’re responsible for all the laundry, ironing as well as flower arranging, and table setting for all meals.

You need to provide a silver service dining experience and make world-class cocktails whenever the guests request. If there are children on board your yacht, you may also be asked to keep them entertained whilst ensuring all your other tasks are completed.

Working Hours

Your days start when the first guest awakes and end when the last guest goes to bed! If they’re out clubbing until 4 am, you’ll have to stay up to welcome them back on board and perhaps serve them drinks upon their return.

There are no free weekends if you’re on charter and you rotate shifts with the other crew, who also work just as hard. Because of this, the hours are long and tiring and if you have demanding guests, you could feel completely broken by the end of it.

The workload and the sort of work changes depending on the season, whether you have guests on board and any maintenance issues.

The deckhand’s position is more geared for men and includes maintaining the exterior of the yacht as well as all the deck equipment. You scrub the boat, top to bottom and it’s a physically demanding role. Tasks include cleaning the engine, painting, and varnishing the deck. You’re in charge of the fenders and ropes as well as the tenders and jet skis.

Perhaps you’re a qualified chef, engineer or beautician. These jobs are also available but with no prior yachting experience, you will struggle to find positions available.

You may want to apply as either a yacht stewardess or deckhand first, and highlight these additional skills in your CV. This is because there are more opportunities for stews and deckhands. Captains will also be reluctant to hire a chef or engineer who’s doesn’t have experience working on superyachts as the demands are different from those of the normal day job.

To find a job working on superyachts, there are a few basic requirements that you need to meet.

STCW stands for Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers. There are 5 modules that need to be completed within this required course. These include:

• Personal Safety & Social Responsibilities (PSSR)
• Fire Fighting
• Personal Survival Techniques (PST)
• Proficiency in Designated Security Duties (PDSD)

Eng 1 (Seafarer Medical Certificate)

This is an exam to ensure you don’t suffer from any existing medical condition that may deter you from performing your job. You’ll be required to take a urine sample and a doctor will perform a physical exam to ensure you have no issues with your sight or hearing.

Additional Courses to Work on a Superyacht

Once you’ve secured your position, your chief stewardess or captain will conduct proper in-house training to ensure you know how to work on a yacht and complete the tasks to their standards.

The below courses will prepare you for your new job and will add value to your yachting CV, but they are costly and are not a requirement.

• Stewardess courses where they cover interior care skills, silver service, table setting, cocktail service as well as flower arranging.
• Food Safety Certificate Level 2 . This certification applies to crew working on MLC compliant yachts. Service personnel such as chefs and yacht stewardesses working out of the galley will need this food hygiene certification.
• Powerboat Level 2 allows you to ride the tender and is beneficial for deckhands.

There are 2 yachting seasons: The Mediterranean and the Caribbean Season.

Each of these areas has yachting hubs where crew base themselves when looking for work. These towns are filled with aspiring yachties all gunning for the same position. Once the season is complete, your yacht may move to warmer waters or dock in the harbor until the winter season has passed.

The Mediterranean Yachting Season

The yachting season in the Mediterranean starts as early as April where these superyachts start crewing up and the season continues until August. The main hubs to look for work in the Mediterranean include Antibes in France and Palma de Mallorca in Spain.

The Caribbean Yachting Season

The Caribbean season is active all year round with September to March being the busiest months. Ft. Lauderdale in Florida is the main hub which attracts hundreds of crew every year. From here the boats move toward Antigua and St. Maarten in the Caribbean and as well as the Bahamas where guests enjoy the crystal-clear waters and tropical islands.

• Caribbean: If you’re heading to the United States of America, you’ll need a B1/B2 Visa.
• Mediterranean: A Schengen visa is required if you are going to France or Spain.
• Seaman’s Book: Once you find a job working on a super yacht, you need to arrange a seaman’s book. This is recognized as proof that you are working on a yacht and is also a compulsory document when applying for a transit visa.

There are two kinds of superyachts: Private yachts and chartered yachts.

Private Yachts

Private yachts are used exclusively by the owner.

In some cases, the owner may use the yacht a few times a season and so the crew will have a more relaxed schedule. But don’t take this for granted. I spent 5 months working on a private yacht and had guests on board every day!

Chartered Yachts

Chartered yachts are hired by groups of people for a shorter duration.

You usually have a day or two to get the yacht ready for each charter. This means that the guests are always changing, and the routes are very busy. However, it’s standard for the crew to receive 10-20% tips from the guests. Not too bad if you ask me!

So you’ve completed your yachting courses and you’ve decided whether you’re going to the Mediterranean or the Caribbean. Flights are booked, and visas have been organized. Now, you need to get a job working on a superyacht.

Find a Crew House for the First Week After Your Arrival

These crew houses are like hostels catering for new yachties. They are slightly more expensive than other accommodation you can find. However, it’s worth staying in a crew house for the first week while you try to find your way around your new surroundings.

If you’re heading to the South of France, I highly recommend “The Crew Grapevine” which is where I started off.

The crew houses are generally a stone’s throw away from the harbor and the staff working there understand the yachting world and will help you find your feet.

The owners of these crew houses are also highly respected in the industry and if you make a good impression, they may put in a good word for you with a captain they know. The crew houses also include free printing which is great when you have to print out hundreds of CVs.

Reserving Your Spot at a Crew House

These crew houses are extremely popular and because of the uncertainty of the yachting industry, you cannot book your spot in advance. Some people land a job working on a private yacht after 2 days and so they leave the crew house immediately, others only leave after 2 months!

The best way to get into a crew house is to keep in contact with them when you start organizing your trip.

Introduce yourself and let them know your plans. Then, a week before your arrival, mail them each day to see if they have openings available. I received an email confirming my booking the day I landed in France. Talk about cutting it fine!

After your first week, you would know your way around and would have met other yachties. Together you can rent an apartment for the rest of your stay as this is a far more affordable option.

Finding Daywork on a Yacht

Daywork is temporary work on board a superyacht where you help the other crew complete their duties, but you don’t stay on board the boat.

Daywork on a yacht is a great way of earning money and building up your CV whilst looking for a permanent job as a yacht stewardess.

You get paid $100 – $150 for the days’ work and this should be enough to keep you going for a few extra days.

Dock Walking

As the name suggests, dock walking involves walking through the marinas in search of work on a yacht. With a big, friendly smile on your face, you approach the many superyachts and hand your CV over to the crew.

You’ll most likely face rejection as the boats will have crew but hold your head up high and keep going! For tips on how to create the perfect CV, check this post out.

Security at some of these docks has become extremely tight and dock walking is not allowed in some marinas. This is especially true in the US so perhaps you need to look at some of the below options when looking for work on a yacht.

Yachts are interesting locations to work; you’re often plunged into very formal environments, so professionalism is key.

Yacht crew agencies are often the first port of call for captains looking for a yacht stewardess or deckhand. Registering with these crew agencies can be done through an online application where you include your work experience, qualifications, current location and contact details. This is followed by an interview which needs to be done in person.

This is the easiest way to get a job working on superyachts but if you don’t make an impression, they won’t remember you.

Making connections within the industry is of utmost importance when looking for a job as a yacht stewardess. Put yourself out there and find a common interest with other crew you meet. If they like you, they’ll pass your details onto their captains.

But of course, be aware that every new yachtie is looking to make these connections. You need to stand out from the rest and avoid hanging out in spots that only attract new crew.

Getting a job as a yacht stewardess can take days, weeks and even months. However, I firmly believe that this is dependent on the individual. I’ve met people who’ve invested all the time and money into working on superyachts and after a few months, they’ve had to return home as they were unsuccessful in finding a job and so their funds ran dry.

The competition is strong and when you’re at these yachting hubs, you may feel overwhelmed by the number of newbies in the industry. But, your luck can change in an instant.

Getting into the yachting industry is not cheap as your initial expenses are NOT covered. You need to support yourself financially until you get a job working on a superyacht. It’s a big investment, but one that you can pay back within your first month of work.

Cost for these courses vary between countries and all amounts below are estimates.

These expenses include the following:

• STCW: $600-$1,200 for the 5 courses ($900 average)
• ENG1 Medical: $80
• Flights to the yachting hubs in the Mediterranean or Caribbean: $1,000
• Visa: $60-$120
• Accommodation for your first week: $275
• Meals for your first week: $200
• Additional expenses: $100
• Total expense = $2,645

Bearing in mind that it can take weeks, if not months to find a job, your cost for food and accommodation could be considerably higher.

Your first season working on a superyacht will always be tough. Because you have no experience, you’ll most likely take the first job you can find as beggars can’t be choosers. You won’t really know what you’ve signed up for until you start working.

You’re the junior stewardess and everyone else has put in the hours and earned their stripes, now it’s your turn!

You may work a bit longer than the rest, you’ll be put in the laundry room and spend the entire day ironing and you’ll be the one waking up early. You’ll travel to exotic locations with the most stunning scenery. But you’ll only enjoy these views from the portholes of the cabins as there’s cleaning to be done.

But after you have one season under your belt, you’ll have more connections and can pick and choose what sort of yacht you want to work on. You will be able to find out which boats have easier guests and schedules and you won’t need to jump at the first job offer you get.

RELATED: 10 Jobs Abroad With Accommodation (& Without Experience!)

I started my yachting career in Antibes, France. After 3 days of dock walking, I was feeling extremely unmotivated by the sheer amount of crew looking for work.

I had invested so much time and money into getting to France, and financially I only had 2 weeks to find work before I was broke!

It was a beautiful sunny day and a lot of people were going to the beach to relax after a busy week of dock walking. I was torn between taking the morning off or continuing my search for work as a yacht stewardess. Reluctantly, I decided to first go to a few crew agencies and see if I could chat with one of their staff.

I must have made a good impression because two hours later I received a phone call for an interview with a captain. After a successful chat, I accepted the position and a few hours later I was on a train to Italy to start my career as a yacht stewardess working on a private yacht.

Questions to Ask Yourself Before You Commit to Working on Superyachts

It’s important to put pressure on yourself and set deadlines. Financially I only had two weeks to support myself. This was cutting it fine, but I feel that this pressure is what lead to me finding a job after only 4 days.

You’ll face rejection but will need to keep pushing through in order to secure a job. You’ll also have to justify the initial investment and if you don’t believe that you can cut it in the yachting industry, then perhaps you need to look for something less risky

Some days I worked for up to 18 hours and had very little sleep. My nails and fingers were scarred with blisters and cuts from washing so many crystal glasses. My skin went bad from not seeing the sun, and my legs were developing varicose veins from standing up all day.

But my crew were amazing. We all worked equally hard and supported each other on the difficult days. You might be lucky and find a sweet job with an easy schedule, however, prepare for the worst but this will only make you stronger.

In the end, my experience and the money I made was totally worth it. Think long and hard if you think you’re up for this kind of lifestyle. There are some that stick around and end up with great jobs who get extra tips and even flights to whatever country they want. It’s a fabulous job if you think you’re game for the challenges that come with it.

More Jobs Abroad

Do you have what it takes to work on a superyacht? Do you want to become a yacht stewardess? Let us know in the comments!

>>> Bio

Hey, I’m Carryn! I’m a nature enthusiast and passionate explorer who loves hiking, diving, and adventuring through new countries. My travels have taken me from the peaks of Kilimanjaro to the underwater worlds of Indonesia and have lead me to Korea where I am teaching English. I share my travel stories on my blog, Torn Tackies , where I aim to inspire people to step out of their comfort zone and explore the world that surrounds them.

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Nina Ragusa is an adventurer, messy bun master, breakfast fan, and full-time travel blogger. She's been abroad since 2011 and blogging on Where in the World is Nina? for nearly as long. Nina helps people like you move around the world while making money. She loves talking about how to work abroad and online to travel longer! Read more about Nina

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Hi Nina, thank you so much for the information. I’m looking at doing my course (again) in November. Unfortunately I didn’t pursue the yachting industry the first time I did my course as I started working on the ships. But your insight has really motivated me to try again, so thank you.

Thank you Nina for sharing your info and guiding us, i do have a question though, i am a type one diabetic, and really want to work on a yacht, i am already currently in the Hospitality industry. Do you know whether type one diabetics are allowed to work on yachts?

Great info ! Thank you so much for sharing your experience, I’m looking forward to become a stewardess, I have a question: for working in the Mediterranean Sea it doesn’t matter which Schengen visa? I might have the chance chance to do a German visa, would that work? Thank you again J+

Thank you, Nina! I am heading to Antibes on May 1st to find my first yacht job and I am super excited! I’m always reading online and checking out any information I can in order to prepare, so this blog was a prize to find as it is loaded with fantastic info!

Hope you’re having a fantastic day, wish me luck!

Yes! The best of luck 🙂

Hi nina i have already documents f Seaman book and passport Eng1, food safety and level hygiene level 2

Stcw Sdsd My probllem is only the visa i want to earn already

Can you tell me whats lacking ,

How is the procedure in landing yachts ?

I think sometimes that when i travel my own expense in goin ‘

Like france

I think its too expensive

Or i think in mind that when i applied in us embassy here in philjppines for b1b2 visa

W/out a company yet is hard for me

Coz.i didnt travel yet in any location overseas I have first in mind that i justonly denied for that

Pls can you help me my dear ffriend Can you pls.humbly assist me in my dream career I am a greenie and recently took my iyt yacht card here in manila philippines

Its been an honor to have an indtrument /way like you

On helping othera like me

I want t hear your quick Humbly help my friend

Thank you so much Nina for all of this information! You’ve made me more excited to start my yachting career. I am heading to Phuket next month to take my STCW + Stewardess course, then am hoping to head over to Antibes after to start looking for work by March 🙂

That sounds SO exciting! Have fun 🙂

What Does a Yacht Stewardess Do?

Depending on the size of the yacht, there are between 1 and 5+ yacht stewardess. The duties and responsibilities as a yacht stewardess will vary with the size of the yacht and number of crew on the yacht. Your first job as a stewardess on a larger size yacht will consist of learning the basic duties of a stewardess. Crew Mess duties, detailing, cleaning windows, polishing is high on the agenda to keep the yacht in immaculate condition at all times.

Onboard a smaller yacht with a lower number of stewardess, responsibilities will increase to more hands-on duties such as; tender driving, anchoring, mooring procedures, assist within the galley or deck operations.

The workload varies depending on the yacht, season, itinerary, and whether you have guests onboard. The busiest times are usually pre-season, boat shows or guest arrivals and while guests are onboard. A yacht stewardess position on a superyacht requires energetic professionals and as you’ll constantly be on your feet. While guests are not on board its common to have a typical 8-5 schedule with weekends off if working fulltime, if there is a trip or event with guests, hours will be much longer, and work will be much more demanding.

What are the responsibilities of a Yacht Stewardess?

• Providing 5-star service to guests and ensuring guest satisfaction
• Providing excellent guest service, silver service and bartending skills when needed
• Maintaining laundry, housekeeping and wardrobe tasks for both guests and yacht crew
• Floral arrangements and decorations
• Excellent knowledge of fine dining, wines and cocktails
• Maintenance of guest-cabin care and detailed cleaning
• Assisting with inventory and restocking provisions
• Watchkeeping within the crew mess
• Stowage for sea
• Attention to detail
• To maintain a safe and secure environment

Yacht Stewardess Job Descriptions

In bigger superyachts, the purser serves in her own capacity as an administrative presence, employed to take care of recruitment and keep financial records. The cases where the purser is employed to act is mostly when the population of the members of the yacht crew is considerable. Otherwise, the office and its responsibilities are merged with that of the chief stewardess. The Purser is charged with keeping an eye on the book-keeping, workforce management, crew member accreditations and yacht crew member documentations, crew training, monitoring the inventory and making orders for necessities and requirements like foodstuff and wine stock, crew uniforms, required utensils and cleaning materials. They also manage the protocol duties and logistics of transporting guests between the yachts and scheduled locations as well as concluding contracts for deliveries.

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Skills required:  To be a purser, you must have garnered sufficient experience at least as a Chief Stewardess on smaller yachts. The administrative workload on this position demands a very meticulous level of management as well as a versatility in the skill of organization of paperwork for each division on the superyacht’s crew. Also, as the purser will be involved with the yacht owners and their guests a lot when planning for guest excursions and occasions. It is essential that the purser has strong communication skills and has efficient strategies and expertise for drafting in new yacht crew members as the requirement surfaces. 

Salary expectations:  There is considerable crossover between the duties of a Purser and a Chief Stewardess, but on larger yachts where both roles are filled, a Purser can expect to earn between  $6,000 to $12,000+ per month .

Chief Stewardess

This role is predominantly taken up by females, hence the feminization of the position. That is not to say that there are not many famous chief stewards in charge of management in the yachting industry. The interior department headed by the chief stewardess is established to provide hospitable service for the guests of the yacht owner and the owner himself. Also, the department takes up the duties related to creating and maintaining a snug interior on the yacht. These responsibilities are not limited to Crew and guest refectory handling, detailing, cleaning, preparing the cabin, floral decoration and arrangement, burnishing, laundry and more. The Chief stewardess in charge of the management of the interior department by planning and assigning tasks to be performed by all stewardesses. In smaller yachts, the chief stewardess reports directly to the captain and is also responsible for extra duties like the logistics and planning of guest-transporting between the yachts, crew training and scheduled locations or events. They are also in charge of currency conversion for new locations.

Skills required:  Attention to detail and exquisite taste is extremely desirable in chief stewardesses. The necessary skills will naturally develop after some time spent in service as a stewardess, and the ability to execute the role of a stewardess is measured by comparisons to first-class ratings; anything below a five-star rating for any service is deemed unsatisfactory. Experienced chief stewardesses are remarkably prudent, and they can divine in addition to excellently satisfying the wants and needs of the yacht owners and their guests aboard the yacht at all times.

Salary expectations:  Depending on experience and the size of the vessel, the current salary range for a Chief Stewardess is between  $4,500 to $9,000+ per month .

A Yacht Stewardess functions under the supervision of the chief stewardess and are tasked with making sure that the yacht interior is maintained at pristine condition while offering the best grade of hospitable service. Their responsibilities range from services like dishing food and serving drinks, filling out as baristas to domestic duties like setting the tables, preparing the cabin or doing the laundry. They are also charged with housekeeping duties which might be relegated to an entire department, which is overseen by a housekeeping head in much larger yachts. There could also be some different departments for each of the other duties like cleaning. Position Requirements: In short, while being animated and enthusiastic will earn you praises, it is more important to the perfection of the service that you able to work extremely hard with a smile on your face and pride in your ability. Also, having prior experience in delivering silver service, being a decent cocktail maker or barista will make your application a smoother process. More importantly, to be hired as a stewardess to work in a superyacht, you must have received some specific education and accreditation that qualifies you for the job. Some of the required certifications include:

Skills required:  As with an entry-level deckhand position, success in this role comes down to being prepared to work hard and keep a smile on your face. Previous experience of providing silver service or having skills as a barista or cocktail maker can boost your potential to secure a job, but the most important quality to possess remains a positive attitude and a sense of pride in achieving the highest standards in your work.

Salary expectations:  An entry-level stewardess can expect to earn between  $2,700 to $3,200 per month . On larger yachts, the stepping-stone position of the second stewardess can provide greater responsibility by sharing some of the chief stewardess’ duties and earnings increase to an average of between  $3,300 to $5,500 per month .

Yacht Stewardess Training and Qualifications:

Essential Certificates You Must Hold Before You Can Get a Stewardess Job on a Yacht are:

1. STCW Basic Training

2. ENG 1 (Seafarers Medical Certificate)

3. Passport and visas, if applicable

What does the STCW (95 + 10) Basic Safety Training course include?

• Personal Survival Techniques (STCW A-VI/1-1)
• Fire Fighting and Fire Prevention (STCW A-VI/1-2)
• Elementary First Aid (STCW A-VI/1-3)
• Personal Safety and Social Responsibility (STCW A-VI/1-4)
• Proficiency in Security Awareness (STCW A-VI/6-1)

How To Become a Yacht Stewardess With No Experience?

There is no need to question if it can be done, people get entry-level jobs as stewardesses on superyacht more often than you think. The thing they will agree on is that getting the job as a stewardess is as much about having the right certifications and skills to pull off your duties efficiently, as being able to maintain an enthusiastic outlook as you carry out your tasks.

You can start with a day job as a member of a small crew on a yacht or superyacht, depending on which you can get first. Although the work you will be assigned to might look mundane, the attitude you bring forward when working is what will set you apart for a more permanent role in the nearest future. That is not to say the right attitude is all you need if you really want to get this job; you have to consider mastering some skills like your bartending skills or your proficiency in providing silver service before considering an application.

Stewardesses are mostly tasked with either Crew and guest refectory handling, detailing, clean up, preparing the cabin, floral decoration and arrangement, burnishing, or laundry. Getting experience enough to bring your service level towards perfection is essential. A few courses or practices you can indulge in to gain experience or certification include:

Some courses/past experiences which will help you stand out from the other yacht stewardess and crucial to landing a yacht stewardess job are, but not limited to:

• Basically, anything hospitality/service related: hotel, cruise ships, cleaning, bars and restaurants
• Any spa/beauty experience: masseuse, personal training, yoga, manicure, pedicure, hair and make-up.
• Table service (e.g. silver service, napkin folding, etc)
• Childcare/Teaching: Nanny, Baby-sitting experience or teaching kids.
• Food Safety and Hygiene or cooking experience
• Floral Arrangements
• Bartending: sommelier, cocktail, mixologist, service experience
• Anything boat related: sailing, boat driving, diving, fishing, wakeboarding, kite surfing etc.

Starting a Career as a Yacht Stewardess

One thing many experienced crew members agree on that has surprised them about their yachting careers, is the sheer number of questions. You first ask yourself some questions before you begin your yachting career. You go ahead to find answers to more questions when you gain enough interest, and then you spend the rest of your life answering questions from your family members and friends every time you open your mouth to explain that you work on a vessel of luxury like a yacht. Or you reveal the experiences you’ve enjoyed and endured on your travels. Of course, you can expect the questions to be even more suffocating when a certain set of people get to know that you work aboard a ‘super-’ yacht. Ultimately, you should always be prepared for when they all ask, googly-eyed, for how to get in on the action. Can you blame them?

It is no hidden secret that yachts are synonymous with luxury nowadays. Coupled with its nature as a luxurious means of travel, the experience for the yacht crew is matched perfectly by the financial rewards sponsored by ultra-wealthy owners, the yachting industry gives people that lift into the world of the rich and powerful while offering work conditions that are a few inches short of heavenly. With the open and beautiful seas as your office, you start getting the gist of why getting to start a career in this glitzy occupation is extremely intimidating for most people.

Indeed, as a long-term career, breaking into the ranks can admittedly be a tough nut to crack. There are predictably many requirements, most of which are not on the work advert. Fortunately, a career as a yacht crew member always fulfils its promise to be worthwhile, with a lucrative, secure and perfect opportunity waiting for those who can successfully claim this profession choice. While getting a job aboard a superyacht is the lure, achieving your dreams depends on the amount of knowledge you have acquired on how to begin your journey, what type of jobs are available as a stewardess on the yacht and which of these job types fits your individual, in terms of your disposition, talent or aptitudes and capacity.

That is the sole purpose behind this little knowledge reservoir on starting a career as a stewardess on a superyacht. This way, you get a definitive idea on what will be required of you to stand a chance, as well as what you can do to improve your chances of getting a job as an attendant aboard a superyacht. All you should do now is to inject as much eagerness and resolve into your quest as you can muster, and the job will not be far from your grasp.

What differentiates a yacht and a cruise ship from a superyacht?

Simply put, a superyacht is a massive yacht, usually over 75 feet in length, driven either by motor or sail. Superyachts are predominantly owned by private investors, and they usually require that the superyachts are staffed by specialized crews. The yachts are mostly put to work for their owners, but often available to others via crewed charters. This means that while cruise ships are built to treat a large population of people, that could number in thousands or hundreds, superyachts are designed to offer a more intense experience to a remarkably less number of people, typically at most 12 people.

Over the years, yachts of different sizes have tread the seas in the yachting industry, from the average superyachts to magnificent giga-yachts that have lengths up to 320 feet. The building cost for each of these yachts exceeds hundreds of millions of dollars. Perhaps more astonishingly, the running costs for the maintenance and other necessities can be estimated to approach a tenth of the original building cost! Every year! It goes without saying that owning a superyacht is exclusive to the extremely wealthy and even to charter the vessel is a glory that those of the same status can enjoy.

With this much money spent on them by their owners, superyachts are always beautiful creatures. They are built with the most impressive methods, best materials and very grand designs. Superyachts are also stocked with enough variety, luxury and extravagance that sincerely borders on indulgence. However, the true value of these superyachts to these elites of society is not just in their beauty. Instead, they serve as a representation of their standing in society, and that is why they spend a heartbreaking sum regularly to keep the yachts up-to-date with recent technological advancements and inventions. It is for this reason that many documentaries have been made to give others an insight into the glamorous life of these top-of-the-food-chain individuals, through their yachts. More important for you to note is that there are more than 9,000 superyachts currently travelling the seas per recorded sales data, with a continually observed increase. This means more job opportunities for crew member positions.

What else do I need to do?

• Always present yourself in a professional manner
• Prepare a  Superyacht CV
• Dress well and yacht appropriate
• Maintaining a respectful, friendly attitude during courses and interviews can make a big impression on potential employers and valuable network contacts

Do you have an immaculate room or are you a little OCD when it comes to cleaning, organizing and cleanliness? Well if not it won’t be long before you are a neat freak. Yacht Stews and Interior crew are masters of all. Imagine labeling every single item in your cupboards or detailing a toaster (that’s right you probably never even heard of the term “detailing” before. It basically means clean something that an average person will think is already clean. It’s not a bad thing, in fact, it’s a skill that will pay off in both your personal and professional life.   If you have what it takes to be a yacht stewardess, stay open-minded, show your eagerness to learn and let your personality shine!

How Much Does a Yacht Stewardess Earn?

At entry-level, a Junior Yacht Stewardess could expect to earn between  $2,700 and $3,200 per month.  An experienced yacht stewardess could earn upwards of $4,000 per month depending on the size of the vessel and previous deckhand experience, training and certification. These numbers are based on an average, all yachts are different and sometimes pay more or less depending.

8 Steps to Getting a Stewardess Job:

Step 1:  Research – Understanding the position and requirements Step 2:   STCW Basic Training Step 3:   ENG1 Step 4:   Training and Qualifications Step 5:  Register with a SuperYacht Crew Agency Step 6:  Upload a quality CV Step 7:  Network Step 8:   Dock Walking  – Day Work

In a quick summary, getting a job as a stewardess on a yacht can be a challenge, however, if you have read this far, the first step of the search for a stewardess job is already complete.

The next step will be to book a Stewardess Course, and you are in the right place! We offer elite preparation and training to students who want to excel within the Superyacht industry and become fully certified. If you have any questions or are interested in our Superyacht Stewardess Career Course, get in touch with us by clicking here .

Article was written by Superyacht Crew Agency

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How to kickstart your career as a yacht stewardess.

• June 23, 2023

Are you dreaming of a job that allows you to travel the world, work on luxurious yachts, and make lifelong friendships? Look no further! Becoming a yacht stewardess might just be the perfect career choice for you. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the step-by-step process of how to become a yacht stewardess and embark on a thrilling and rewarding journey.

Section 1: Understanding the Role of a Yacht Stewardess

Before diving into the details of how to become a yacht stewardess, let’s first understand what this role entails. Contrary to popular belief, working as a yacht stewardess is not like working on a cruise ship. While cruise ships accommodate thousands of passengers and crew members, yachts are more intimate and cater to a select number of guests.

As a yacht stewardess, your primary responsibility is to provide impeccable and personalized service to the yacht’s guests. Whether it’s ensuring their comfort, attending to their needs, or creating a memorable experience, you’ll play a crucial role in making their time on board exceptional. Additionally, you’ll be responsible for housekeeping, service, laundry, and other tasks that contribute to the overall smooth operation of the yacht.

Section 2: The Benefits of Being a Yacht Stewardess

Working as a yacht stewardess comes with a myriad of benefits that make it an attractive career choice for adventure seekers. Let’s explore some of these benefits:

2.1 No More Daily Commutes

Say goodbye to rush hour traffic and monotonous commutes! As a yacht stewardess, your workplace is constantly changing, and you’ll wake up in a new and exciting location every day. Imagine starting your day on a remote Caribbean island or enjoying a Mediterranean sunrise in the French Riviera. The world becomes your office, and your daily commute becomes an adventure.

2.2 Living and Working with Friends

Working on a yacht means living and working in close quarters with a tight-knit crew. You’ll form deep bonds with your colleagues, creating a unique sense of camaraderie and friendship. When you’re off-duty, you can explore new destinations together, indulge in water sports, or simply relax on the yacht’s deck.

2.3 Great Earning Potential

Not only do you get to travel the world, but you also get paid well for it. Yacht stewardesses can earn substantial salaries, with starting wages ranging from €2500/month and upwards. Depending on your experience and the size of the yacht, you may even receive tips on top of your salary. Some positions may also offer tax-free income, adding to your financial benefits.

2.4 Excitement and Adventure

Life on a yacht is far from ordinary. Each day brings new experiences, whether it’s meeting interesting people, witnessing breathtaking sunsets, or exploring exotic locations. You’ll have the opportunity to attend glamorous events, host cocktail parties, and immerse yourself in the vibrant yachting lifestyle. Brace yourself for a thrilling and ever-changing adventure!

Section 3: How to Prepare for a Career as a Yacht Stewardess

Now that you’re familiar with the role and the enticing benefits of being a yacht stewardess, let’s dive into the steps you need to take to kickstart your career.

3.1 Pack Light and Smart

Before embarking on your yachting journey, it’s essential to pack wisely. As space on a yacht is limited, it’s crucial to travel light. Opt for versatile, lightweight clothing suitable for various climates. In warmer regions like the Caribbean, pack light jackets and comfortable summer attire. If you’re heading to the Mediterranean, consider bringing warmer clothes for cooler evenings. Remember, you’ll be sharing a cabin with limited storage, so choose a foldable bag instead of a bulky suitcase.

3.2 Have the Courage to Quit Your Job

To pursue a career as a yacht stewardess, you’ll need to take the leap and quit your current job. Embrace the excitement and possibilities that lie ahead, and don’t hesitate to leave behind the traditional 9-5 routine. By stepping out of your comfort zone, you open yourself up to new adventures and opportunities.

3.3 Arrive at a Yachting Hub

To increase your chances of finding a job as a yacht stewardess, it’s advisable to be in a yachting hub during peak hiring seasons. The two primary yachting seasons are summer and winter. In summer, yachts flock to the Mediterranean and the North East of the USA, while winter is dominated by the Caribbean. Plan to be in Fort Lauderdale, USA by October/November for the Caribbean season and Antibes, France, or Palma De Mallorca in April/May for the Mediterranean season.

During your time in these yachting hubs, consider staying in crew houses specifically designed for aspiring and experienced crew members. Crew houses offer affordable accommodation, a chance to connect with like-minded individuals, and an opportunity to unofficially start networking.

3.4 Complete Required Training Courses

Before you can work as a yacht stewardess, you must complete essential safety training courses. The most important course is the Standards of Training and Certification of Watchkeeping (STCW 95) or STCW basic safety. Additionally, you’ll need to obtain your Proficiency in Designated Security Duties (PDSD) certification. Look for reputable training schools in the yachting hubs mentioned earlier, such as our agency  Remember, networking is crucial during these courses, as you may meet professionals in the industry who could potentially hire you.

3.5 Obtain an ENG1 Medical Certificate

To ensure your fitness for working on a yacht, you need to obtain an ENG1 medical certificate. This certificate is essential and supersedes any other medical examination. Book an appointment with an approved ENG1 doctor in advance, as waiting periods can be lengthy during peak seasons. Fort Lauderdale, being a yachting hub, has several qualified ENG1 doctors to choose from.

3.6 Craft Your Yacht Stewardess CV

When applying for yacht stewardess positions, it’s crucial to have an impressive CV that stands out from the competition. A yacht stewardess CV should showcase your skills, experience, and personality. Make it visually appealing by incorporating color and an attractive layout. Include a professional photo of yourself, an engaging “About Me” section, and details about your availability and current location. Don’t forget to mention your interests and hobbies, as they contribute to your personality and suitability for life on a yacht.

If you need assistance in crafting the perfect CV, consider reaching out to agencies like  Yachtie Careers . They offer valuable guidance, STCW training, and other services to help you navigate your path to a successful yacht career.

3.7 Getting Your CV Out There

Once you have a polished CV, it’s time to get it in front of potential employers. There are several avenues you can explore:

• Crew Agencies : Sign up with reputable crew agencies that connect job seekers with yacht captains and owners. These agencies offer a free service, so be cautious of any agencies charging a fee.
• Networking : Yachting industry professionals often host parties and events to promote their brands. Attend these events to network with captains, crew members, and industry insiders. Building connections and showcasing your personality can lead to job opportunities.
• Online Job Boards : Explore online job boards dedicated to yacht positions. Submit your CV directly to interested parties or respond to job advertisements.

Remember, persistence and a positive attitude are key in this competitive industry. Keep refining your CV, attending industry events, and utilizing online resources to maximize your chances of landing a yacht stewardess position.

Section 4: Nailing Your Yacht Stewardess Interview

Congratulations! Your impressive CV has secured you some interview opportunities. Now it’s time to prepare and shine during the interview process.

4.1 Dress the Part

First impressions matter, so dress professionally and appropriately for your yacht stewardess interview. Opt for a tidy hairstyle, light makeup, and a polished appearance. Wear a polo shirt paired with a skirt, skort, or shorts in navy, black, or beige. As interviews often take place on yachts, it’s acceptable to wear flip flops or boat shoes, as you’ll be expected to remove your shoes before boarding.

4.2 Show Your Personality

During the interview, the interviewer wants to assess your compatibility with the existing crew. Let your personality shine by being friendly, enthusiastic, and confident. Demonstrate your willingness to learn new skills and adapt to the yachting lifestyle. Remember, the interview is not only about your qualifications but also about your ability to fit seamlessly into the dynamic yacht crew environment.

4.3 Highlight Your Transferable Skills

Even if you don’t have previous yachting experience, you likely possess transferable skills that are valuable in the industry. Emphasize your customer service abilities, attention to detail, and organizational skills. Mention any relevant experience in hospitality, event planning, or personal assistance. Your ability to provide exceptional service and meet guests’ needs is highly sought after in the yachting world.

4.4 Ask Thoughtful Questions

At the end of the interview, the interviewer will typically ask if you have any questions. Take this opportunity to show your genuine interest and curiosity about the role and the yacht. Ask about the yacht’s schedule, the current crew’s dynamics, and any specific details about the job. Thoughtful questions demonstrate your engagement and enthusiasm for the position.

Section 5: Embracing Life as a Yacht Stewardess

Congratulations! You’ve successfully landed a job as a yacht stewardess. Now it’s time to immerse yourself in this exhilarating and unique lifestyle.

5.1 Adjusting to Shared Spaces

As a yacht stewardess, you’ll be sharing living quarters with your fellow crew members. It’s essential to adapt to the shared spaces and practice good etiquette. Respect your crewmates’ belongings, keep shared areas clean, and be considerate of others’ schedules. Living harmoniously with your crewmates contributes to a positive work environment and enhances everyone’s experience on board.

5.2 Embrace New Experiences

Working on a yacht grants you access to extraordinary experiences and breathtaking destinations. Embrace every opportunity to explore new places, try new activities, and meet interesting people. Participate in water sports, attend glamorous events, and enjoy the stunning sunrises and sunsets that accompany life on a yacht. This is your chance to live life to the fullest and create memories that will last a lifetime.

5.3 Continuous Learning and Career Development

As a yacht stewardess, there is always room for growth and improvement. Take advantage of training opportunities and seek out additional certifications to enhance your skills. The yachting industry values continuous learning, so invest in your professional development to advance your career. Stay updated on industry trends, attend workshops, and network with fellow professionals to expand your knowledge and open doors to new opportunities.

Becoming a yacht stewardess is a thrilling and rewarding career choice for those seeking adventure, travel, and a chance to create lifelong friendships. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can embark on a journey that allows you to explore the world, provide exceptional service, and embrace a unique lifestyle. So pack your bags, get ready to set sail, and make your dreams of becoming a yacht stewardess a reality!

Remember, for more assistance and guidance on your path to a yachting career, consider reaching out to  Yachtie Careers . We offer STCW training and comprehensive support to help you navigate the complexities of the industry.

Safe travels, and enjoy your incredible journey as a yacht stewardess!

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How to Become a Yacht Stewardess / Steward: An Experienced Insiders Guide

If you’re wondering how to become a yacht stewardess / steward, you’ve found the perfect starting point.

I’ve personally reaped the rewards of 10 magnificent years in the industry, where I started out as a yacht stewardess and worked my way up to Chief Stewardess. This has motivated me to help people like you that are wondering how to become a yachtie .

My goal here is to equip you with the best resources and knowledge for how to become a stewardess on a yacht. Make sure you follow these steps to ensure you successfully land your first job.

Table of Contents

Yacht Steward / Yacht Stewardess Job Description

As a Yacht Stewardess or Steward, you are responsible for all the interior operations of the vessel. This will include tasks such as housekeeping, laundry and high-end food and beverage service.

Interior Tasks Include:

• 5 star food and beverage service
• Flower arranging
• Table scaping
• Laundry Care
• Interior housekeeping
• Updating interior inventories
• Accounting and budgeting
• Liaising with guests and co-ordinating activities

1. What Qualifications Do You Need to be a Yacht Stewardess or Steward?

In order to become a stewardess on a yacht, you will need to have an STCW Certification and pass an ENG1 medical.

The STCW (Standards of Training and Certification of Watch keeping) is an internationally mandated course and a minimum requirement for anyone who wishes to work on a yacht.

Throughout the training, crew members will acquire the necessary skills to handle emergency situations and ensure the safety of all onboard. They will also learn safe working practices to ensure the safety of themselves and their fellow crew members.

In 2010 the STCW convention added a new module requirement to the basic safety training, so ensure that you do the additional Proficiency in Security Awareness (PSA) module which takes one extra day.

This STCW course is comprised of 4 modules, takes 5 days to complete, and is valid for 5 years. The modules include:

• Personal Survival Techniques (PST)
• Fire Fighting and prevention (FFP)
• Elementary First Aid (EFA)
• Personal Safety and Social Responsibility (PSSR)

If you aim to work on vessels of +50m in size you may also need to hold the PDSD (Proficiency in Designated Security duties) course. This is a one-day online course for anyone who may be involved in security duties such as being a watch keeper.

To work on a yacht, you must undergo a basic medical examination called an ENG1. This assessment is performed by a doctor certified by the Maritime Coastguard Agency (MCA) to ensure that you are healthy enough to work on a yacht.

A list of MCA-approved doctors can be found  here .

2. Recommended Courses if You want to Become a Yacht Stewardess / Steward

In order to become a Yacht Stewardess or Steward you do not necessarily need to hold any other courses or certifications. The courses you choose to do would be more so to boost your confidence and gain better insight into being a stewardess on a yacht.

Hood Hygiene and Safety Level 2

Although this course is not mandatory, I highly recommend you do it as most vessels require anyone handling food (Stews included) to hold this certification. There are a few variations of the course so just ensure that the one you do is MCA approved.

The purpose of this certification is to equip crew members with the skills to assume personal accountability for food safety. This involves understanding the importance of maintaining cleanliness and hygiene in both personal work areas and food preparation.

Introductory Yacht Steward/ Yacht Stewardess Training

These courses are generally held over 5 days, and include everything you need to know about how to get into yachting as a Stewardess or Steward, as well as what your job will entail.

You will learn all the basic elements of housekeeping, laundry, service, floristry, wine knowledge, and onboard living etiquette.

These courses are not essential, but extremely helpful in having you better understand what will be required of you if you want to become a Yacht Stew.

3. Create the Perfect Yacht CV

If you are wondering how become a Yacht Stewardess with no experience, you are going to need to make sure your Yacht CV stands out from the rest.

Besides a well-laid out resume, you also need to highlight why you are the best candidate for this specific job that you are applying for. Be sure to highlight ANY transferable skills you may have to offer the industry. This could be hospitality experience, floristry, baby-sitting, yoga, or maybe you are a masseuse.

4. Apply for your Visa if Necessary

To work as a stewardess on a Super Yacht, you will need to look into your personal situation and passport to identify which visa you need.

B1/B2 VISA – Needed to enter the United States and surrounding waters

Shengen Visa – Needed to enter Europe for the Mediterranean season

5. Locate Yourself in the Right Place at the Right Time

Once you are ready to head over to a yachting hub, you need to consider the time of year you are going. Ideally, you want to arrive a few weeks before the season starts. There are 2 seasons in yachting:

The United States and Caribbean Winter Season (November/December to March/April)

The biggest hub for yachting in America is Fort Lauderdale, and in the Caribbean, it is Antigua and St Maarten.

Please note that if you are not a green card holder or US citizen, I do not recommend flying into America and actively seeking work. This is illegal and could get you into trouble.

The Mediterranean Summer Season (April/May to September/October)

If you’re looking for the ideal spot in the Mediterranean, consider Antibes in the South of France. It’s a top yachting hub with plenty of crew houses and yacht agents. Plus, you’re within easy reach of other sought-after destinations like Monaco and Nice.

Palma, located on the island of Mallorca, is also a major hub for yachting. It boasts numerous marinas, agents, and crew housing facilities.

6. Day Working and Dock Walking for a Yacht Stewardess / Steward

“Daywork” is when you get hired on a day-to-day basis, earning cash and assisting boats as they need extra help onboard.

Daywork is a great way to get experience as a Yacht Stewardess or Steward. If you make a good impression on the Captain and Crew, this could lead to a permanent position onboard or a referral to another boat.

“ Dock Walking ” is when you walk the docks of marina’s handing out your CV in the hopes of being hired for day work.

7. Sign up with Yacht Crew Agencies

You will want to sign up with as many yacht crew agencies as possible. Here are some popular agencies you should sign up with to get started: Luxury Yacht Group, Blue Water Yachting, The Crew Network, Cotton Crews, Yot Spot, Northrop and Johnson, HR Crew and Burgess.

To stay updated on job postings, it’s important to check social media platforms like Facebook. Join various yachting Facebook groups such as Fort Lauderdale Yacht Crew, Palma Yacht Crew, and Antibes Yacht Crew. You want to keep checking these groups regularly to stay informed.

Yacht Steward / Yacht Stewardess Salary

As with everything in the industry, your salary is largely dependent on the size of the vessel, your experience in the industry, as well as your qualifications.

A starting salary for a Yacht Stewardess or Steward can range from $2500-$3500. From there you can expect to see annual salary increments as you spend more time in the industry.

If you want to set some goals, a Chief Stewardess’s salary can be upwards of $5000 – $9000. Possibly even more depending on the size of the vessel!

On top of these very attractive salaries , you may also have opportunities to earn more money in the form of charter tips and annual bonuses.

Roles and Responsibilities of a Yacht Stewardess or Steward

The housekeeping stew.

The role of a Housekeeping Stew is to clean and maintain all aspects of the interior of the vessel . Guest cabins and common areas need to be meticulously cleaned with a lot of care and attention to detail. They will also be cleaning crew areas such as the crew mess and bridge.

Cleaning the vessel is not as simple as it seems. You will be vacuuming, dusting, polishing, tooth-picking grooves, ear budding ledges, and working with delicate surfaces.

The Laundry Stew

The Laundry Stew is responsible for laundering, stain treating, ironing, and maintaining laundry for the entire vessel. This includes crew uniform, crew personal clothing, guest clothing, beach towels, bath towels, table linens, rags, and kitchen tea towels.

The job of a Laundry Stewardess is in fact a very meticulous one, as you will be dealing with a number of different fabrics and colors. A simple mistake could cost the boss a very expensive dress.

The Service Stew

The role of the Service Stewardess is to ensure that every want and need of the guests is met. As far as service goes, you will be serving 3 meals a day, afternoon canapes, sunset cocktails, and all the other beverages and snacks in between.

You may also be required to head over to the beach to do service if there is a beach set up, or go for a cruise on the tender to serve drinks and snacks. A fun part of the role is also of course the tablescaping, which is usually most Stewardesses’ favorite aspect of the job.

At-home Tasks for Your Personal Growth

There are a number of things you can do to boost your confidence as a Yacht Stewardess or Steward before joining the industry. I can assure you that personal skills and experience come preferred over certifications.

Take your time to do research, link up to the social media accounts of established stewardesses and get involved with any work or transferable skills that will boost your resume.

All of these tasks, to list a few, can be practiced at home and will impress your future employer.

• Napkin folding
• Table setting
• Cocktail making
• Making beds
• Toilet paper folds

Final Thoughts on Becoming a Yacht Stewardess / Steward

Some of you may find it easy to become a Yacht Stewardess or steward, and some of you may bump into some hurdles along the way.

Either way, my advice to you is to keep your head up and stay positive.

Work hard, put in extra effort wherever possible, keep smiling, and be a positive energy bubble in your work environment. Your efforts will pay off and soon you will be reveling in the world of Yachting. I hope to see you out there!

If you need any more advice I would be more than happy to assist you personally. Please pop me an email in the contact section.

Hi, my name is Lisa, a Chief Stewardess in the yachting industry with 10 years of experience, as well as 8 years of hospitality experience prior to that. Being in the yachting industry has been a whirlwind of adventure, growth, challenges and some of the best experiences of my life, and I am excited to share my knowledge and experiences with all of you.

7 Best Antibes Crew Houses: Where to stay for first-timers

Fort lauderdale crew houses: 21 of the best crew accommodations, 3 thoughts on “how to become a yacht stewardess / steward: an experienced insiders guide”.

Thank you for such helpful content!

Hi I’m interested in a position to be a Stewardess and to work in the bar or a restaurant on the boat . I would love to apply for a position in the mediterranean, I’m not sure where to start or if I have to do a course .

Hello Chelsea. When you are starting out in the Super Yachting Industry (not cruise ships) your role is more likely to include housekeeping and laundry. With more years of experience, your role will become more diverse and include bar tending and service. If you are looking to better understand the role of a Stewardess before joining the industry, then I have a great post on a Day in the Life of a Yacht Stewardess. If you are interested in joining the industry, then this article lists out everything you need to do to find your first job. Good Luck!

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How to Become a Yacht Stewardess: Everything You Need to Know About the Job

Posted on: 11/26/2018

The annual salary for a yacht stewardess starts at  around $40,000  plus tips. While that may not seem like a lot to some, while you are living on the ship all of your expenses will be covered by the charter guest.

Being a yacht stewardess is a great way to see the world, meet incredible people, be fed every meal by a great chef, and live a more present lifestyle free of cell phones and constant connection. Away from your family and friends on the open water, you will find peace and adventure.

Read on to learn how to become a yacht stewardess and begin your dream career today. 

How to Become a Yacht Stewardess: The Education Requirements

If you want to land a job as a stewardess, you will need to take some short courses that ensure safety and good service on the yacht. 

If you are looking for an entry-level position, then you will take the most standard courses, while those looking to become a chief stewardess will have to go back to school for further certifications. 

When you are first getting started in the yachting industry, you will need to complete an  STCW certification course   at an academy like the Maritime Professional Training Academy in Fort Lauderdale.

This  course costs   around a thousand dollars and is typically completed over about a week-long time range. 

How Hard is it to Get Hired as a Stewardess?

Getting hired as a stewardess aboard a yacht is generally not considered to be difficult. Once you have your STCW certification, you will be legally qualified to take a position.

In order to get a job, you should move to a major port city. In the United States, nine times out of ten that is going to mean Fort Lauderdale. Your other option is Newport in Rhode Island. While there are other cities in the country where you may be able to find a position, these hotspots are the best place for those new to the industry to scoop up work.

Once you land in the city, you can hit the docks with your resume looking for people who need to fill positions. In this industry, when you need someone, you need them now, so be prepared to start as soon as the next day.

If you have any hospitality experience such as bartending or entertaining guests, this is helpful to list on your resume.

What Time of Year Do They Hire in Fort Lauderdale?

To get hired as a stewardess, you should head to Fort Lauderdale in between seasons. This is where you will find the most stationary yachts giving you the best chance of landing a position.

There are two primary yachting seasons - summer and winter. To get hired for the summer season, you will need to be in Fort Lauderdale between April and June. For the winter season, you should arrive between September and mid-December.

These down-times are when yachts are in port preparing for the next season and you will be able to set up interviews with many different ship captains or owners at one time. 

Those are also the months that you would have off once you become part of a crew while the yachts are repaired and maintained for the next season.

What Do I Do if I Don't Get Hired There?

When you are new to the yachting industry (the term is "green"), you may find it difficult to secure a position. When you begin asking around for advice, many experienced crew members will tell you to head to St. Martin to look for work. 

St. Martin is where many of the yachts head and make a port out of for the season. If you are there you can often find positions that crop up from other stewardesses who didn't work out or were unable to fulfill their obligation.

In order to do this, you will need to purchase a round-trip ticket in order to get through customs. You can cancel your returning flight at a later date if you find a position.

If you choose this route, be cautious when you talk to customs people at the airport. Don't tell them that you are coming to look for work. It can raise a lot of questions and prevent your entry in some cases. Just like how people coming to America aren't able to work, there are similar visa requirements for the island.

However, since you will be hired aboard an international vessel, those laws won't apply to you. But trying to explain all of that to an ornery customs agent isn't the best way to spend your first twelve hours in the city.

Consider Registering with a Crew Agency

One of the best ways to find open positions aboard yachts is by registering with a crew agency. They will be able to pair you up with openings and act as an advocate on your behalf.

Before you hit the agency, make sure you spruce up your resume. You need to sell your abilities and talents to potential captains.

These agencies typically don't require any fee from you to join, so you might as well give it a shot. The agencies are paid by the ship captains once they agree to your placement.

If you go with an agency, you will still need to attend individual interviews and secure the position in the same way you would if you found it on your own. It's just a great way to aggregate leads and provides a lot of exposure for your resume bringing you more potential opportunities.

To stay on an agencies books, you will need to check in with them weekly while you are in between gigs. This is so that they can ensure that you are still available. Once you find placement, you will be required to check out.

Make sure you follow through with doing this or you may find it difficult to work with the same agent when you are in need of work again.

Networking Tips

Once you move to town, you will need to begin by walking the docks and meeting people. Dress professionally and make friends, this is a social industry where the right recommendation can go a long way.

Be proactive and positive while you network. You need to be confident in yourself and your ability to find a job if you want anyone else to believe in you.

Useful Skills to Have

While anyone can find a home aboard a yacht with the right attitude and certifications, there are certain skills that will move you up the hiring list. 

Those that have basic cooking skills, experience babysitting, formal service training, experience working in a bar or food service, mechanical experience, carpentry skills, and diving experience will all find it much easier to find work and they can also help you command more pay.

How to Secure the Most Pay

When you are first starting out as a crew member, your salary is usually a baseline. Over time, as you gain experience, you will be able to command a higher salary. 

Other factors that impact your wage include the size of the boat, the number of responsibilities that you will have, whether the vessel is chartered or for private use, and your ability to make a commitment to being on board long term.

Jobs that offer other benefits like medical and vacation time may offer lower pay as a trade-off, so decide what is important to you before you decide what vessels to head to look for work.

A Note on Commitment

When you step aboard a yacht as a crew member for the first time, you will be very excited and eager to get started. But over time with subsequent charters, you may begin to lose your excitement, especially if your charter guests are particularly difficult or if you get into an argument with another crew member. 

While cruising around the world is a dream come true for many, you have to remember that it isn't a vacation. You will be expected to work hospitality hours, which are long and hard and often go late into the night. 

You will also have to contend with the personalities of the other crew members and try not to step on anyone's toes, both while you're staying in Fort Lauderdale   and on your ship. If you don't have an easy-going personality type, then this may not be the position for you. 

Once you take a job on a yacht, you need to make sure that you finish out your contract if you want to find employment anywhere else. Don't allow gossip,  bad etiquette  and drama to ruin your potential career.

Where to Stay While Finding a Position

Having learned how to become a yacht stewardess, you know your next step needs to be certification and moving to Fort Lauderdale to find a position.

Check out these great listings for a safe, affordable  place to stay .

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“I have been on a Superyacht for six months and I absolutely love it! The crew is great and the owners are wonderful. We left Florida two weeks ago and we are on a three month trip over to California! We made a stop in Cuba and the owners invited all of the crew to go on day trips with the guests to sight see! Now we are in the Cayman Islands. From here we head through the Panama Canal and then we go to Panama City, Papagallo Peninsula Costa Rica then Cabo San Lucas, before we end up to Southern California. This is such a great experience for me. I do stewardess work, cook for crew and guests, handle lines when docking and leaving as well as watch shifts while we’re underway. I just wanted to say thanks again for all the valuable training I received in my classes! Thank you!”

Jessica Benway – Stewardess

“I am so excited!!! I went for my first interview yesterday afternoon at an agency and got a call from them later on advising that they’d put me forward for a 2nd stewardess position and to expect a call from the captain. He rang this morning and we met at Starbucks and… they are flying me up on Friday! It’s happened so fast, but it felt right. The yacht is currently in Norfolk, Virginia and we will be heading out very soon to spend the season in New England. The captain was really laid back and very forthcoming. Apparently the yacht is privately owned by a wealthy guy (obviously) and isn’t chartered out very often. Mostly they do cocktail parties. He thinks we will be in the Mediterranean next year although he is waiting on confirmation from the owner. The pace on the yacht seems very relaxed. It will be a great place for me to learn as much as possible. I am so keen to get started. Thank you!”

Carlie – Stewardess

“Everything is going GREAT for me over here! We have travelled from Fort Lauderdale all the way along the East Coast up to Labrador, Canada over 4000 miles so far. My roster is split so I spend the first part of the day as a deckhand and the second part of the day as the second stewardess onboard a 154 foot SuperYacht. The owners are fantastic. I really enjoyed the interior crew course and feel so much more prepared for my stewardess role.”

Katie Ford – Stewardess and Deckhand

“I was totally impressed by the STCW training I received at the Superyacht Crew Academy. The instructors were excellent, the equipment top notch, and I truly feel confident that I would perform well in the case of an emergency aboard ship. Thank you Chris and Deb for being so helpful to me. As a foreign student coming to Australia for this training, your kindness was extra meaningful. I am now a Superyacht Agent in Noumea and spend a lot of time aboard superyachts. Even though I am not a member of the crews, my STCW training is right there in the back of my mind just in case there was an emergency; especially when refuelling, helping resupply the medical equipment or moving heavy equipment on and off the superyachts.”

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Laurent Dreyer – Fastrack Graduate

“My experience with Superyacht Crew Academy was amazing. I had a fantastic time on the deck crew course and learnt a lot more than I expected.”

Tom Armstrong – Deckhand

“In my first interview I got offered a job! I really liked the chief stewardess so I am on a 43m private Superyacht for the season. I have been on the boat for two weeks and so far all is going well. I am looking forward to a good season and I will be home for Christmas. Two other people who did the course with me, Emily and Adam also got jobs very easily! Thank you again for all of your support and giving us a great head start!”

Ashtyn Leary – Stewardess

“The instructors were excellent, very professional and thorough. My training at Superyacht Crew Academy made my job as stewardess aboard the Tango possible and enjoyable. It really helps to have the inside story from experts before you begin. I’m happy to recommend the Superyacht Crew Academy to anyone interested in working in this industry.”

Haley – Stewardess M/Y Tango

“I just wanted to say thank you to the staff at Superyacht Crew Academy. I am currently working on a 43m M/Y Eclipse which is situated in Israel during the winter and the Mediterranean in the summer. I am heading into my third week here, now crossing to Genoa, Italy for the boat show. I am a 3rd stewardess and loving it. We are now in Kotor in Montenegro near Croatia and it is absolutely stunning. I am loving my job and have been lucky enough to rotate with duties and will be doing service this week, in a few hours actually. Thank you for all your help!”

Lauren A – Stewardess

” I thought I would give you a quick update on my adventures. I’ve just finished a cruise on an expedition vessel and am back in Antibes looking for a new position as a stewardess. Thank you for the casual work experience I did while completing my interior course. It’s definitely a lot better now that I have the right qualifications and some experience. I’m finding that there is so much more available to me.”

Natasha Harris – Stewardess

“Thank you for all the help and support that you gave me when i was studying with you. it was amazing and I will no doubt be visiting again hopefully at the end of next year when I come to do my Yacht Master OffShore. The Boat has offered me an awesome opportunity to learn all there is to learn as well as an awesome salary, benefits, and program. Not to mention the crew are a happy bunch of people and we are like a large family…. I have learned that the crew makes the boat and that is the main thing, not the salary, benefits or program!”

Joshua McCouat – Deckhand

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Everything You Need to Know About Becoming a Yacht Stewardess

Last Updated: June 18, 2024 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Finn Kobler . Finn Kobler graduated from USC in 2022 with a BFA in Writing for Screen/Television. He is a two-time California State Champion and record holder in Original Prose/Poetry, a 2018 finalist for the Los Angeles Youth Poet Laureate, and he's written micro-budget films that have been screened in over 150 theaters nationwide. Growing up, Finn spent every summer helping his family's nonprofit arts program, Showdown Stage Company, empower people through accessible media. He hopes to continue that mission with his writing at wikiHow. There are 19 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 6,360 times.

If you’re social and love to travel, yacht stewarding might be the perfect career for you! Spending months at a time exploring exotic locations, helping out on the boat, meeting and working with lifelong friends all day long. It’s a job as rewarding as it is exciting. Keep reading and we’ll teach you everything you need to know about becoming a yacht stewardess.

Yacht Stewardess Job Requirements

• SCTW certificates are valid for up to five years. After five years, you must take a fire fighting and sea survival refresher course.
• Make sure your course is certified by a national maritime organization in the country where you complete it.

• Medical conditions that may inhibit you from receiving your ENG1 include, but are not limited to: epilepsy, heart disease, kidney failure, color-blindness, and history of drug/alcohol addiction. [3] X Research source
• If you are working on a small boat operating 60 miles from shore or less, an ML5 will suffice as a substitute for an ENG1.

How to Find a Job as a Yacht Stewardess

• Living near a yacht hub between jobs can be expensive. Look into a crew house - a privately-owned, budget-friendly accommodation where yachties and former yachties live - to stay while you network, complete your training and look for work. [5] X Research source

• Make sure you look presentable while you network. Yacht stewardesses are extremely clean and well-groomed. Dress for the part you want by wearing deck shoes and an appropriate yacht shirt.

• Jobs like bartending, nannying, customer service, and cleaning all look good as these types of duties will be performed on the yacht.
• Look into doing free day work on boats to help build your sea legs and make connections with captains and crew.

• All yacht CV’s list certifications, work history, nationality, spoken languages, body modifications, references, and relevant skills. Some are even more in-depth with details like smoking habits and overall objective. [9] X Research source
• There are several free yacht CV templates online to help ensure yours fits the industry norm.
• Don’t be afraid to play around with the formatting. Your CV should be professional but also as unique as possible.

• Most interviewers are also looking for excellent presentation, leadership, and communication. Make sure to highlight these attributes when you answer their questions. [11] X Research source

You’d Make a Good Yacht Stewardess If…

Benefits of Being a Yacht Stewardess

A Day in the Life of a Yacht Stewardess

Yacht Stewardess Pay

• Yacht stewardesses also have no living expenses since food, housing, electricity, water, even toiletries are provided on the ship. [22] X Research source
• Depending on the countries you sail out of, this can sometimes be tax-free!
• Tips are usually divided evenly among the crew.

Expert Q&A

You might also like.

• ↑ https://www.ypicrew.com/yacht-work-job-qualifications
• ↑ https://uksa.org/what-is-an-eng1-medical-certificate/
• ↑ https://www.flyingfishonline.com/useful-stuff/eng-1-medical/
• ↑ https://slightnorth.com/how-to-work-on-a-yacht/
• ↑ https://www.yachting-pages.com/articles/crew-housing-and-accommodation-in-the-superyacht-industry.html
• ↑ https://yachtstewardess.co.za/how-to-become-a-superyacht-stewardess/
• ↑ https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/resumes-cover-letters/yacht-crew-cv
• ↑ https://www.ypicrew.com/yacht-interview-tips-from-recruiters
• ↑ https://stewardessbible.com/the-interview-process-selecting-the-right-stewardess/
• ↑ https://www.cnn.com/2018/08/23/sport/superyacht-stewardess-spt-intl/index.html
• ↑ https://www.pya.org/News/Crew-Accommodation-in-Large-Yachts.aspx
• ↑ https://expertvagabond.com/yacht-crew-jobs/
• ↑ https://www.flyingfishonline.com/news/is-yachting-a-good-career/
• ↑ https://www.oceaninternationaltrainingacademy.com/working-on-a-yacht?r_done=1
• ↑ https://climbtheladder.com/yacht-stewardess-cover-letter/
• ↑ https://nypost.com/2018/09/03/working-on-a-superyacht-is-like-being-in-a-glamorized-pressure-cooker/
• ↑ https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/what-its-like-work-yacht-crew-nicola-morgan/
• ↑ https://www.luxyachts.com/articles/three-primary-factors-combine-to-determine-the-salary-of-a-yacht-stewardess
• ↑ https://www.businessinsider.com/yacht-stewardess-florida-earns-5000-month-travel-careers-2022-4

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• How to become a Yachtie

So you’re thinking about becoming a Yachtie?

You may have a friend or relative who already works in the industry, or you have watched TV programmes like Below Deck , you know working on a yacht is the right for you, but where do you start? 

With the potential to earn great money, travel, and work with loads of like-minded people, it’s not surprising this job ticks a lot of boxes for many people. 

Becoming a Yachtie and getting paid to work on luxury yachts may seem like a job and industry that only the elite can have access to, or it just seems too confusing to start. 

However, with an understanding of the requirements, certification, and having some expectations of what job role you should be looking for, starting work as a Yachtie will not seem so daunting.

What is a Yachtie?

Before we go any further, let’s make sure we are all singing off the same hymn sheet. 

A Yachtie is a broad term used to describe anyone who works on a yacht. More specifically, it has become the term for people working as yacht crew on superyachts. 

A superyacht is a very large boat that is extremely luxurious and often owned by multi millionaires and billionaires.

These Yachties who work on superyachts hold a number of different positions. Most Yachties will start their superyacht career working as a Deckhand or Stewardess. With more experience and responsibilities, your role will change as you progress up the career ladder. 

It’s worth noting there are other types of yachting and Yachties. The other kind of ‘Yachtie’ could describe those who hold their Yachtmaster qualification and have jobs like skipper charter boats. 

Job roles for new Yachties

Yachties new to the industry (also known as ‘Green’ Yachties) will traditionally apply for entry levels roles, which are Yacht Deckhands or Yacht Stewardesses. 

These are both very different jobs, so you need to be sure which one you want to do and start training for that career path.

Yacht Stewardess (Stew)

A Stewardess, or Steward , looks after the interior of the yacht. This means anything that happens inside the boat, you will be responsible for it. 

Think of any job in the hospitality industry and then combine it into one role on a yacht, that is what you will be doing.

From making beds, doing the laundry, cleaning, serving food, and hosting dinner, you will do it all to a 5-star standard. Anything less than perfect, and your guests won’t be satisfied.

It’s the small things that make the difference between high standards and exceptional standards. You must have a great eye for detail and be able to make sure no stone is left unturned. Everything on board the ship must be 100% perfect at all times.

You will be reporting to Chief Stew, who will be your manager and give you your task list. After a good few seasons as a green Stewardess, you will have enough experience and confidence to apply for Chief Stewardess roles.

Yacht Deckhand

In contrast to the Stewardess role, Deckhands look after the exterior of the boat. 

Predominantly a male role, Deckhands will do everything from general maintenance to cleaning the teak deck, looking after the toys (Jet Skis, etc.), and even driving the tenders.

Deckhands should know how a yacht operates, the basic terminology used onboard, how to tie knots, and loads and loads of enthusiasm. 

Deckhands may also dip in and out of helping the Stewardesses, and it isn’t uncommon for Deckhands to give a hand during busy evening meal preparation and service.

5 steps to Becoming a Yachtie

With an understanding of the job roles available, you can now decide which one best suits you. With the right attitude, qualifications, and knowing where to look for work, becoming a Yachtie is achievable for anyone who wants it. 

• Have the right attitude
• Pass an ENG1 medical
• Complete STCW Basic Safety Training
• Gain experience
• Go to a superyacht marina

1. Have the right attitude

Along with gaining the correct qualifications to prove your competence, to become a Yachtie, you must have certain characteristics to thrive in this industry.

Yachties have to be well presented, articulate, know how to take orders, and be able to work hard, all with a smile and enthusiasm. You have to be able to work incredibly long hours, sometimes under stressful conditions, without losing your patience.

Having a job on a superyacht may sound glamorous, but if it’s your 10th day working in a row and you’ve got your head stuck down a toilet trying to clean it, you may want to think again. To become a Yachtie, you have to be happy with spending a lot of time away from home without seeing your friends and family. This may all seem obvious, but this situation does not suit everyone, and without careful consideration of the negatives, you will leave this industry quicker than when you arrived.

2. Pass ENG1 Medical

The first actionable step you need to take to become a Yachtie is gaining an ENG1 medical certificate. The ENG1 medical is an examination by an approved MCA (Maritime and Coastguard Agency) Doctor to make sure you are fit and able to work at sea.

Every single person working at sea must have an ENG1 medical certificate , without this, you are not able to start working on superyachts. The examination will take around 45 minutes, during which the doctor will go through a checklist to make sure you have no underlying health conditions that may impact the safety of you or anyone else on board the ship.

The most common reason new yachties fail the ENG1 is colour blindness. Surprisingly many people can go through their whole life without knowing they are colour blind. However, on board a ship, this can have huge implications. If you cannot identify signals and lights correctly, it will be impossible for you to help navigate the ship in an emergency. Unfortunately, this means you cannot start work as a Yachtie.

3. Complete STCW Basic Safety Training

Another requirement for working at sea is completing STCW Basic Safety Training . Similar to the ENG1 you can only get a job on a yacht if you have the STCW certificate. 

STCW stands for ‘Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping’. It is to make sure that all Seafarers have an understanding of what to do in an emergency and are aware of the procedures required. 

STCW Courses are action-packed and quite a bit of fun. From fire fighting to sea survival, you will get stuck in learning, and learn loads of new skills.

4. Gain experience 

If you are lucky enough to have a job offer on a superyacht, then having your ENG1 and STCW certificates will be enough.

Don’t worry if you haven’t already got a job offer, it’s quite normal to go through all these steps and not have a job lined up yet. If this is the case, gaining more experience and qualifications is a good idea to give you a competitive advantage over anyone else applying for the same job role. 

This is achieved through signing up to a Deckhand or Stewardess Course. On these courses, you will get your standard STCW certificate and a list of extra qualifications demonstrating your competence, ability, and commitment to the industry. 

Deckhands will learn how to drive a small yacht, engine maintenance, general yacht repair, and how to clean teak properly. Stewardesses will understand wine and how to serve it, the art of flower arranging, and how to drive a powerboat. 

5. Go to a superyacht marina

After you have completed your superyacht training, now is the time to head out to France and look for work. Along with signing up to yacht crew recruitment agencies, going to one of the main superyacht marinas and handing out your CV to Captains is a great way to find work. This is known as dockwalking.

If you complete your Superyacht Course with us, you will have the option of signing up to our recruitment day in Antibes, France. We head out to France as a group, talk you through the process and offer you our industry contacts.

This is a great way to start your journey, and all our students find work in no time.

How much do Yachties make?

So you’ve heard you can make a good amount of money working on superyachts? Along with the travel, the great salary is why many people decide to become a Yachtie.

Like a job within any industry, salary varies. A Superyacht will agree on a crew salary budget with the owner of the yacht.

If you are just starting out, you can expect a salary of around €2,200 – €3,200 per month. However, the industry standard is €2,500 per month. Once you gain more experience and qualifications, your salary will increase. 

When you look at the salary at face value, it looks great but not incredible, however when you are at sea, you have zero outgoings. Working on a yacht means you don’t have to pay rent, bills, or buy food which will save you heaps of money compared with working at home.

If you want to see the salaries of all yacht crew, check out our Salary Guide.

Do Yachties pay taxes?

Another reason why the salary is so appealing is that in most cases Yachties don’t have to pay tax. 

This is a government scheme called the Seafarers Earning Deduction , and providing you are eligible, Yachties can keep 100% of their earnings.

To be able to apply for Seafarers Earning Deduction, you must be working on a ship outside of UK waters for a period of 365 days. This doesn’t mean you have to spend a whole year at once away from home, rather you can only apply once all the days you work on a yacht adds up to 365.

Being able to understand this tax scheme will be hugely beneficial before you start working on a Superyacht. 

Download our free Guide

Want to know more about working on a Superyacht, please download our free guide .

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Be a superyacht steward or stewardess

Considering working in superyacht hospitality.

Are you a young person working in the hotel/hospitality industry but looking for something more? Then you’re already well-placed to transfer your skills into the superyacht industry. With the expansion of wealth in places such as India, Russia and China, the superyacht industry is full of employment opportunities.

Those who want to spread their wings and see the world will find the lucrative world of superyacht ‘interior’ a good career move in terms of earning money, travelling, and upskilling to provide superior levels of service onboard.

Are you attracted by the thought of providing 7-star service onboard the world’s most elegant superyachts? Perhaps you are looking for a more lucrative alternative to university , or you need something fulfilling to do on a gap year ? If you like the sound of the hospitality industry and want to begin your career, this could be the life for you.

What is the role of a Steward or Stewardess?

Steward or Stewardess is an entry-level position – you will be under the supervision of a Chief Stew. Your duties depend on the size of the yacht and the crew, and the workload depends on the yacht size, time of year and whether there are any guests.

What are the day to day tasks?

Day to day, your role and responsibilities will vary. Your duties will include everything from providing meals and drinks, silver service, laundry and flower arranging to taking care of guests. Fundamentally, your job will be to ensure that the interior of the yacht is pristine and that the guests are happy at all times.

Forget the idea of “work hours”… work can come at any time, day or night.  Days are often long and hard, but your time off will be well worth the wait. Be open minded, flexible and ready to accept new and varied challenges each day.

Personality traits

What kind of person do i need to be.

You’ll need to be hardworking, enthusiastic, energetic and a perfectionist with a love of luxury and a desire to see the world. You will engage with the yacht owners and guests more than any other crew member so you will need to be sociable and confident.

Skills required

What skills or experience are required.

There are no specific qualifications, but a background in food and drink, hospitality and catering or customer service is an advantage.

Yacht Stewardess:

On a small yacht there may be just one Stewardess. As well as housekeeping, you could be expected to help with anchoring, mooring and deck operations. On a larger yacht there can be upwards of five Stewardesses whose job is to keep the yacht pristine at all times. Basic duties could be cleaning, bartending and close attention to housekeeping details; on larger yachts there may be a separate Head of Housekeeping.

As a Steward or Stewardess you must be prepared to work hard and be friendly and presentable at all times. Previous experience of hospitality is useful but most important is a can-do attitude and the ability to think on your feet. Your training will give you a level of expertise and attention to detail and so provide you with transferable skills; you will be well-paid and work in some of the world’s most prestigious locations. You will be able to network with a wide range of influential people which could provide opportunities you may never have dreamed of!

What other roles are there?

Other roles including Head of Housekeeping may oversee the entire interior department and reports directly to the Captain. Extra responsibilities could include arranging guest trips and obtaining currency for different locations. Skills will usually have been developed through experience as a Stewardess – you will need meticulous attention to detail, discretion and an ability to anticipate the requirements of every guest.

How much could you earn as a Hospitality Steward/Stewardess?

For this entry level role, you will earn a great wage of on average €2,500 per month (tax free), often with generous tips on top! With clear career progression along a structured route, there’s plenty of opportunity to make this a rewarding, lifelong career.

On small yachts the role of Purser is covered by the Chief Stewardess but on larger yachts, a Purser is often employed separately to manage finances and recruitment. Duties include bookkeeping, accounting, payroll, managing the inventory and organising supplies. The Purser also coordinates delivery contracts and manages guest transport to events and venues. On larger yachts where Chief Stewardess and Purser are separate roles, a Purser can earn between € 7,000 and €8,000 per month .

* These salary guidelines are based on the current yachting market as of January 2018. Actual salaries will always vary depending on a candidate’s specific experience, training, certification, and additional skills – as well as a particular yacht’s needs. Data provided by  Camper & Nicolson International

Career prospects

What career prospects will there be for me.

Working in this elite industry will teach you skills you wouldn’t learn in an average hospitality role.  You will be networking with a wide range of influential people from all walks of life, opening up opportunities you may never have dreamed of! Your training will enforce a level of expertise and attention to detail that will set you up for any career. Skills are highly transferable into many industries.

There are excellent career opportunities for well-informed, hard-working stews who are passionate about their work. As you become more experienced you could move into a Chief Steward or Stewardess role, or perhaps become a purser if you’re interested in the finances and general management of the yacht and its crew.

Why should I do my hospitality training at UKSA?

If being a Steward or Stewardess sounds perfect for you, or someone you know, tell them about UKSA. We’re a maritime training provider based right on the waterfront in Cowes and we offer a range of courses that will give you the qualifications, information and contacts you need to start work in the superyacht and wider maritime industry.

Our  Superyacht Stewardess Training Course  lasts just three weeks and will teach you the specific hospitality skills needed onboard a superyacht. The course is taught by industry-renowned Vanessa Hodgson who has designed the perfect training programme to send you into the  superyacht industry  armed with the essential tools to excel.

You will receive a range of qualifications including food safety, fire prevention and first aid, and you will receive training for the ENG1 medical certificate and STCW basic safety training – both are mandatory for crew on large yachts.

Feel supported during and after your training

We have a support service provided exclusively for UKSA career course graduates. It includes:

• an exclusive online recruitment service;
• practical help with your CV;
• the provision of your online profile for employers to view;
• access to top industry employers, industry knowledge and wide-ranging careers support;
• one-to-one professional mentoring throughout your course.

Our  Industry Guidance  team will support you through all aspects of your training –  the team  began their careers at UKSA and so have insider knowledge of the industry. We believe in offering more than just a syllabus and exam passes – we aim to put you in the best position possible at the end of your training to ensure success in your chosen career.

Register your interest

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If you have any questions or need to get in touch:

Speak to UKSA on +44 (0)1983 294941 or email us

Yacht Stew/Stewardess Training Courses

Essential stewardess courses to distinguish you in the competitive market.

Essential Superyacht Stew/Stewardess Qualifications:

Certain training courses are essential for you to qualify for employment onboard certain types of yacht and superyachts. Additional training, specific to the role of the steward(ess) is beneficial to those who are new to the industry, would like to refine and broaden their skill set, or to those who would like to progress in their career as a yacht steward(ess).

Below is a list of courses you should complete as essential yacht stew/stewardess training in order to meet the general employment requirements for both private and commercial superyachts.

• STCW Basic Training
• Food Safety & Hygiene Level II
• Proficiency in Security Certificate

STCW Basic Safety Training

In order for you to legally obtain a job on a  commercial  superyacht (over 24m) you have to be certified with all four basic safety training modules, which are as follows:

• Personal Survival Techniques | PST (A-VI/1-1)
• Fire Fighting Fire Prevention | FFP (A-VI/1-2)
• Elementary First Aid | EFA (A-VI/1-3)
• Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities | PSSR (A-VI/1-4)

STCW Basic Training courses can be booked on an individual bases or booked in combination with other essential deckhand courses. You can  find out more about STCW Basic Training , connect with an  STCW Basic Training Centre near you , or continue to other deckhand safety training courses below.

*Although this is a commercial requirement, it is generally seen as a requirement for employment onboard private vessels by yacht owners, captains, management companies or flag states. Failure to obtain STCW Basic training can severely limit employment opportunities.

Find out more information about the STCW Basic Training

Find an STCW Basic Training Course / school near me

Food Safety / Food Hygiene Level 2 Certificate:

All MLC complaint vessels require staff involved in food handling and catering activities on board to hold a recognised food safety certification. Due to the fact that there are a number of awarding bodies, accepted by different flag states, you are likely to encounter variations in this course. It is important to ensure that a) the course that you choose is MLC compliant and b) accepted by the flag state that you choose to work under. In order to meet the requirements of the majority of flag states, including the UK Maritime & Coastguard Agency, it is recommended to pursue an MCA approved version of the course.

We have ensured that the training providers listed for this course on My Crew Kit are approved by or accepted the MCA. You can find out more information about the course and find an in class or online version of the class on the link below:

MCA Approved Food Safety / Hygiene in Catering Level II

Proficiency in Security Awareness / Duties Certificate

(STCW A-VI/6-1) & (STCW A-VI/6-1)

In order to work on an ISPS-compliant vessel, an STCW proficiency in security certificate is required. Proficiency in Designated Security Awareness (PSA)  is the minimum requirement, whereas  Proficiency in Designated Security Duties (PDSD)  is required for crew who are designated security duties on such vessels.

Both courses can be done in class or online. *ISPS complaint yachts are commercial yachts larger than 500GT (Usually commercial yachts +50m in length)*

Find out more about the PSA & PDSD STCW Certifications and connect with a training provider, or continue reading about further deckhand training below.

Find a PDSD course 

Additional / Beneficial Yacht Stew/Steward(ess) Qualifications:

These are additional courses and certifications specific to the duties associated with a yacht steward(ess).

Introductory Superyacht Stewardess Course:

This yacht stewardess crash course will better prepare you for the industry and teach you some basic skills and principals. Usually grouped with the above essential courses and offered as a combined training package. Stewardess courses are useful for people with no transferable skills that are unfamiliar with the industry. Although these courses are helpful and should improve your chances of gaining employment, they may not necessarily be accredited or internationally recognised. Although the Syllabus is dependant on the training provider, similar topics are usually covered. These yacht steward(ess) courses are available in both online and in-class formats.

Find a Recommended Superyacht Stewardess Course Training Provider

GUEST Hospitality Steward / Stewardess Training Program:

The G.U.E.S.T Hospitality program is accredited by the International Association of Maritime Institutions (IAMI) who are recognised by the UK Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA). The program provides interior yacht crew with a clearly defined training routes upon which to grow a career upon. The hospitality program, tailored towards the role of the yacht steward(ess) is comprised of three levels of assessment ( Introduction , Advanced & Management Level) as well as specialist modules for specific duties.

The Hospitality Introduction Program is appropriate for entry level crew and consists of four modules that are as follows:

• Unit 23: GUEST Introduction to Yachting & Yachting Life​
• Unit 32: GUEST Basic Housekeeping & Laundry Service
• Unit 02: GUEST Basic Food & Beverages Service
• Unit 03: GUEST Basic Wine, Bartending & Mixology

Additional training, information and topics deemed as appropriate by the training provider in question may be included with the packages and/or modules offered. Both online and in-class training options are available.

Find Out More / Connect With a Training Provider

Hospitality Specialist Training Modules are available for those who would like to refine specific skills.

• Unit 06 | Cigar Services
• Unit 10 | Floristry & Plant Maintenance
• Unit 11 | Barista & Hot Beverages
• Unit 12 | Advanced Wine Appreciation Module 1
• Unit 13 | Advanced Wine Appreciation Module 2
• Unit 14 | Advanced Bartending & Mixology Module 1
• Unit 15 | Advanced Bartending & Mixology Module 2

Power Boat Level II :

Many yachts, especially those less than 50m, may require a stew to drive a tender from time to time, it can, therefore, increase your employability on smaller vessels.

Find a Power Boat II training course

WSET Wine Training

The Wine & Spirit Education Trust provides globally recognised education and qualifications in wines, spirits and sake, for yacht crew who have service-related roles.

Find a WSET Training Centre

Transferable Skills and Training:

Previous jobs or training that you have experienced may be positive to your yachting skill set. Have you worked or training as a waitress/waiter, beautician, hairstylist, makeup artist or masseuse/masseur? Training and skills such as these will compliment your yacht stewardess training and boost your chances of finding a job on a yacht.

Find out more about transferable skills / move to step 3

Find Steward(ess) Training Near you:

Find stewardess training courses in the selected countries below. You can refine the location on the results page.

South Africa 

United Kingdom 

United States

View All Regions

Yacht Steward(ess) Training in South Africa:

Find training courses in Durban or Cape Town , South Africa or connect with a featured training provider below:

Trilogy Luxury Training

Yacht steward(ess) training in the united states:.

Find training courses in Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Cape Canaveral & Orlando Florida on the links below or view all stewardess training providers in the United States.

Fort Lauderdale

Yacht steward(ess) training in france.

Find superyacht stewardess courses in Antibes and Cannes or view all stewardess training providers in France.

Yacht Steward(ess) Training in the United Kingdom

Find superyacht stewardess courses in Antibes and Cannes or view all stewardess training providers in The United Kingdom

Yacht Steward(ess) Training in Spain

Palma de mallorca.

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How To Become A Yacht Stewardess: 11 steps you NEED to take

So you want to join the wide and crazy world of yachting? It is a great opportunity to travel the world, save money and meet interesting people from all over the world, but where do you begin?

I’m sure you are asking yourself, how do I become a yacht stewardess? What do I need to do to land my dream job?

That is what I am here for, to teach you from experience, how exactly you become a stewardess on a super yacht.

As long as you follow this step-by-step guide, I can almost ensure you that you will land a job as a stewardess on a yacht.

I know from first-hand experience everything you need to do to land your first job. So if you are ready to get your first yachting job, let’s dive in.

How To Become A Yacht Stewardess?

Getting a stewardess job on board a yacht is not hard, all it takes is a few courses that can be done in a week, and you will be set and certified to get your first job.

Step 1: Decide to Go for it

Deciding to make the plunge into yachting, is probably the hardest part.

Once you are mentally prepared and excited to join yachting the rest will come easy and natural. I think the hardest part is actually making the decision to do so. So if you are reading this, most likely you are already there.

Step 2: Get Everything in Order

You are going to want to be prepared as possible before you leave to try and get a job on a superyacht, this means that you are going to want to have enough money saved.

It could be a month or two before you land your first job, so you are going to want to have enough money to support yourself during this time.

You will also need money to get all the certificates and training you will need before you leave.

Besides this, you are most likely going to want to get rid of most of your expenses back home. This means packing up your apartment so you won’t have to pay rent while you are gone.

You might even want to think about selling your car or storing it somewhere it will be safe.

Also, you need to be prepared to pack only your basic belongings. You don’t want to show up to the boat with suitcases full of useless stuff.

Minimizing everything is key.

Step 3: Get Your STCW 95 and ENG 1

To start with you are going to need to get your STCW 95 this is your basic training course that everyone needs to work on a boat, cruise, super yacht, sailboat, or any vessel that goes to sea.

It is basic sea survival, first aid, fire fighting, and sea knowledge all packed into a one-week course. This is the course breakdown

1. Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting (Basic Firefighting) 2. Personal Survival Techniques (PST) 3. Personal Safety and Social Responsibility (PSSR) 4. First Aid / CPR (Basic First Aid) 5. Proficiency in Security Awareness (PSA)

It is impossible to get a job on a yacht unless you have this. The course can cost anywhere from $800 – $1500 depending on where you do it. This might seem like a lot of money, but you will make it back so fast once you get your first job.

The next bare minimum thing you will need before you step foot on a yacht is your ENG 1.

This is a medical exam that proves you are fit to go to sea. Yachts go to off-the-beaten-path places, and you can spend several weeks doing a crossing where you will not see or touch land.

Before you are employed, your employer is going to want to ensure that you don’t have any medical conditions that might jeopardize your health if you are unable to get immediate medical attention.

YOU WILL NOT GET A JOB ON ANY YACHT UNLESS YOU HAVE BOTH YOUR STCW 95 AND YOUR ENG 1

After these any other courses, you can find online can help you obtain your first job, but no course will compare to first-hand experience.

Being a female and going for your first yacht stewardess job is easy, you will find work fairly fast as long as you are in a yachty hub and actively looking for work.

Step 4: Get Yourself to a Yachty Hub

I highly suggest doing your STCW 95 in a hot location and trying to pick up work from there. Starting off it is almost impossible to get a job on a yacht unless you are where the yachts are.

These are the top spots you want to be in to get a job on a superyacht

• Fort Lauderdale, FL
• Antibes, France
• Palma de Mallorca, Spain

These are going to be the best spots for you to find your first job. After you have some experience you can be almost anywhere in the world and if a boat wants you they will fly you to the boat, but not for your first job.

Step 5: Make a Kick-Ass CV

After you have the basic training you are going to want to create a kick-ass cv/resume. You are going to want to list any jobs that you have had in the past that is going to related to a yacht stewardess job. Some examples are

• Anything in the Service/Hospitality Industry
• Yoga Instructor
• Massage Therapist
• Hair Dresser

Also, very important to note that your yacht CV is going to have to have your picture on it. Take a clear shot of your face, wearing a white polo shirt.

Not only that you have to list your age, nationality, and driving record. Plus, all the yachting courses you have taken. It is also a good idea to list your interests. This is a key element to help you stand out from the others.

For more information on How to get a job on a superyacht.

Step 6: Network

Also starting off you are going to want to network, network, network. This is going to be how you will find your first job.

First, you will want to join all the Facebook groups there are to search for jobs. Here are some ones to get you started

• Yacht Stewardess Jobs
• Antibes Yacht Crew
• Fort Lauderdale Yachties
• Yacht Crew Wanted

Besides these Facebook groups, there are other websites that are great for looking for jobs.

• Crewseekers

In the early stages of your career, it is so important to network. When you take your STCW 95 network with everyone in your class and go to the hot yachting bars to network and meet people. This is how you are going to get your first job.

Also, when you are looking for work or taking your STCW 95 you are going to want to stay in a crew house.

This is a temporary house that the yacht crew uses when they are looking for work or in between jobs. Usually, who you decide to take your course with will recommend some crew houses that are near their facility.

I highly recommend staying in a crew house, it is great for networking.

Step 7: Apply, Apply Apply

A lot of yachting especially in the early years is all about being in the right place at the right time. You are most likely going to apply for 20 + jobs before you get a callback. Don’t get discouraged. Stick with it, and keep applying to as many jobs as you can every day until you get one.

Yachting is a weird industry, because not only do you need to hire someone that has the right skillset.

You need to hire someone that is going to fit in with the crew. Be the right nationality. Be the right age and have the same interests as the other crew. Don’t let rejection get you down, the right boat is out there for you.

Step 8: Prepare for the Interview

So you landed your first interview with a boat. Congratulations, but how do you prepare? Most likely the interview is going to be on the boat or at least in person, so you are going to want to dress the part.

You are going to want to wear that white polo that you wore in your CV to the interview along with a nice skort, shorts or skirt that isn’t too short.

They are going to want to see you presented in what you will look like in uniform, so dress accordingly. Have your hair neat and pulled back, and don’t wear heavy make-up.

Be sure to wear flip-flops or shoes that are easy to take off before you board the boat.

Step 9: Ask Questions

The best life advice I can give anyone is ask questions at the interview. This shows that you are interested in the job and that you have done your research. When captains are looking for new crew for the boat, they not only want to make sure you are the right fit for the boat but that you are going to be happy as well.

Captains want crew that are going to stick it out for the long haul and not leave the boat straight away.

Here are some great questions to ask during your interview .

Step 10: Celebrate Your New Job

Now that you have aced your interview it is most likely that you have landed your first job on a yacht. Time to celebrate. They will be asking you to move on board in no time. Enjoy your last few days off the boat.

Soon you will be working as a yacht stewardess. You will most likely be working demanding hours, learning all sorts of new things to do with cleaning, laundry, guest services, and of course looking after the crew.

I know it’s hard to think about, but enjoy your last few nights in the crew house and celebrate with all the friends you have made so far. Your dreams are about to come true.

Step 11: Move Onboard and Start Your New Life

Now that you have celebrated your new job. It is time to move on board and get serious. Time to work out, meet your new boat family, and get to know your roommate.

Congratulations you made it as a yacht stewardess.

But what exactly do you do now.

What does a yacht stewardess do?

Now that we have talked about how to get a job as a yacht stewardess, we should probably discuss what your job will actually entail.

For the most part and first starting off in the industry you are mainly going to be doing laundry, cleaning guest cabins, maintaining the crew mess, and whatever else you are needed for.

You will most likely be doing so much laundry, that you will be a pro in no time.

When you are first starting off, you need to learn the ins and outs of the industry and you will be stuck with the worst jobs, but stick it out and you will work your way up the ranks in no time.

Before you know it you will be a chief stew on a yacht managing 3 girls below you missing your days in the laundry room.

Also, besides the common jobs, you will be assigned it is also your job as a yacht stewardess to be a good crew member and to keep morale high within the crew.

Plan fun nights out for the crew, organize bday parties and gifts, and keep the boys align.

How Much Does a Yacht Stewardess Earn?

Starting off as a junior stewardess you can expect to earn around $3,000, this is your wage and before tips, if you happen to be lucky enough to get a job on a charter boat.

This might not sound like a lot of money, but when you no longer have to pay rent, food, or any other expenses you are able to save almost 100% of this besides your entertainment money.

Also, this number will increase dramatically the longer you stay in the industry. If you become a chief stewardess on a larger boat 200 + feet you will most likely be on $8,500 or more a month and could very much be on rotation, meaning working 2 months and having 2 months off paid.

Not a bad salary for only working half the year.

What Are The Benefits Of Becoming A Yacht Stewardess

Yachting is an incredible industry. You are able to travel the world, meet people from all over the world, earn a ridiculous salary and save a ton of money all without a college degree.

It is a great job to do as a gap year or two if you want to save money for college, or if you just want to travel the world. Yachting has given me so many opportunities and experiences that were beyond my wildest dreams.

I was able to ride in a submarine, attend Monaco Grand Prix, shopping sprees in Gucci and so much more. Yachting is the door to a world you never could imagine.

Not only is it a fun and exciting job, but it offers so many benefits.

Conclusions On Becoming A Yacht Stewardess

Yacht stewardess is not a job for everybody. You have to be social, and ok with sharing your space. As you will be sharing a cabin and most likely there is always someone around.

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• Best Entry-Level Yacht Jobs
• How To Become A Yacht Chef

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Yacht Chef, How To Become One!

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• Interior Department
• Chief Steward/ess

About the Chief Steward/ess

The chief stewardess onboard a yacht is extremely skilled in five-star hospitality, various service styles and interior maintenance, in addition to possessing extensive wine knowledge. This individual is responsible for guest satisfaction onboard and must have the ability to anticipate owner/guest needs and exceed their expectations. Strong verbal and written communication skills are essential to success in this position, as well as team management and fiscal administration. This role typically requires at least three years of experience in the superyacht industry.

Job Responsibilities

• Setting stewardess schedules for guest service and cleaning
• Interior cleaning and maintenance
• Interior inventory
• Interior accounting
• Liaison with guest and service meals and bartending
• Liaison with galley for meal services
• Orchestrating guest activities
• Boat stowage for sea
• Assisting with lines and fenders on deck

Required Skills

• Ability to delegate
• Good communications, organization and diplomacy
• Knowledge of restaurants and activities in cruising areas
• Knowledge of flower and table decorations
• Attention to detail
• Financial management

Salary Modifiers

• Speaks multiple languages fluently
• New build experience
• Experience in five-star establishments (i.e. Michelin star restaurant, fine hotel)
• Advance medical training/certificate
• Limited computer skills

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Bayesian Yacht Sinking: Climate Change Created Perfect Storm for Waterspouts

The waterspout blamed for the deadly sinking of a luxury superyacht carrying the British tech billionaire Mike Lynch in Italy has been called a freak “black swan” event. But scientists believe this kind of marine tornado is becoming more common with global warming.

While the cause of the sinking of the Bayesian hasn’t officially been determined, weather conditions and witness reports from Sicily, where the yacht was anchored off the coast, have led experts to suspect a waterspout, a whirling column of air and water mist. The key factor for waterspout formation is warm water—and the past year has seen the ocean surface heat up to record-breaking temperatures , in part due to climate change.

“If this rate of warming is going to be continuing in the future, it’s very possible these phenomena will be common and not rare,” says Michalis Sioutas, a meteorology PhD who studies waterspouts in Greece and is a board member of the Hellenic Meteorological Society. “It’s very possible to talk about waterspouts or even tornadoes and extreme storms becoming common.”

The 180-foot Bayesian sank in a matter of minutes after being caught in a sudden storm with strong winds and intense lightning at around 4 am on Monday. Fifteen people who had been aboard were rescued, and one person was found dead. Six people are missing, including British tech billionaire Mike Lynch, who was recently cleared of fraud charges over the sale of his company to Hewlett-Packard. On Wednesday, the bodies of five people were recovered from the sunken ship but have yet to be identified.

Fishermen saw a waterspout near the yacht shortly before it sank, and a nearby schooner was tossed about by what its captain, Karsten Borner, called a “hurricane gust,” which he believes capsized the Bayesian . Experts have said the conditions were ripe for a waterspout.

This extreme weather phenomenon occurs when warm, moist air rises rapidly over water, spinning as winds change direction at different heights. The result is a long, bending funnel of spray between the water and the clouds, tapering off as it rises as much as 10,000 feet into the heavens.

It comes in two flavors. The more vanilla kind is a fair weather waterspout , which forms in relatively calm and even sunny conditions, often under a billowy cumulus cloud. It happens more often in places like the Great Lakes and the Florida Keys, reaches wind speeds of 50 miles per hour, and usually breaks up before it can cause significant damage.

Then there are severe waterspouts, essentially tornadoes over water, which “are another beast” entirely, according to Wade Szilagyi, a retired forecaster at the Meteorological Service of Canada who now directs the International Center for Waterspout Research. These tornadic waterspouts can move from land to water, or vice versa, and twist at 125 miles per hour or more. They’ve been known to throw debris, rip apart buildings, and overturn boats.

A waterspout documented by Sioutas in Methoni, Greece, in 2004 picked up a boat and sent it sailing through the air, striking and killing a 10-year-old boy. Last year, a sudden storm and waterspout with winds of over 40 miles per hour overturned a tourist boat carrying off-duty intelligence agents on Italy’s Lake Maggiore, killing four. Sioutas says waterspouts can even generate “massive water displacements similar to tsunamis,” citing the gigantic waves that struck the coast of the Greek island of Samos during a 2004 cyclone, tossing boulders like toys.

Tornadic waterspouts spring up only in stormy weather with strong winds, lightning, and sometimes hail, and are the product of two main ingredients: wind shear and rising, unstable air. The process begins when masses of cold and warm air collide. This brings together winds from different directions that start to spin around each other, creating vortices. If a thunderstorm also converges in the area, it can provide the instability, sucking warm air up into itself at dizzying speeds. Over water, it starts carrying moisture up as well. Szilagyi compares the waterspout’s development to a twirling figure skater.

“You can think of the skater, if she just spins around normally, that’s like the little vortex that’s already started,” he says. “But if she brings her arms in, then that’s like the column of that unstable warm air, pulling, stretching that vortex upward. She starts to spin faster.”

Waterspouts have been known and feared since ancient times. In the 1550s in Malta, a waterspout plowed through the harbor of Valletta, reportedly destroying an armada of warships and killing hundreds of people. It’s even thought that old stories of fish or frogs raining down on land may be the product of waterspouts sweeping the creatures up into the clouds.

Now global warming may be supercharging the phenomenon. The International Panel on Climate Change has not found a definite link—there hasn’t been much research into how climate change may be affecting waterspouts—but experts say that the conditions for waterspouts to form are happening more often. A 2022 study of 234 waterspouts in the Spanish Mediterranean over the past three decades found that they were more likely to break out when the sea surface was warmer, especially above 23 degrees Celsius (73 degrees Fahrenheit). And water temperatures are now at unprecedented levels.

Last year was the warmest on record for the ocean. The heat content of the upper 6,500 feet of the seas was the highest ever seen. The seas broke temperature records every single day between May 2023 and May 2024. Marine heat waves struck areas from Antarctica to the Mediterranean.

“Warmer oceans have more energy and more humidity to transfer to the atmosphere, the most important fuels for storms,” says Luca Mercalli, president of the Italian Meteorological Society. “The contrast of warm sea and colder air that flows over energizes vertical winds that could result in downbursts or waterspouts.” (A downburst is a powerful cascade of wind and rain from a thundercloud.)

That perfect storm of waterspout conditions hit Italy around the time the Bayesian sank. In recent days, a mass of high-level cold air has swept down from the Alps and over the country’s western coast, meeting the exceptionally warm air just above the sea surface. Four days before the Bayesian went down, sea surface temperatures were the hottest ever recorded across the Mediterranean Sea, with a daily median of 28.71 degrees Celsius. The ocean near where the Bayesian was anchored has reached almost 30 degrees Celsius this week, four degrees higher than the 20-year summer average, according to the European Union’s Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Cold and warm air clashed. Winds started spinning, and overheated water provided the ingredient of instability needed for a waterspout outbreak. As a result, a total of 28 waterspouts were documented off the western coast of Italy from August 17 to August 20, according to the International Center for Waterspout Research.

The total number of waterspouts reported has been increasing in recent years, although a major factor has been that more people are able to capture them with phone cameras and post them on social media, Szilagyi says. But he says that warming waters and a longer waterspout season due to climate change are also contributing. In particular, he believes the number of severe waterspouts are on the rise.

“With the increased water temperatures, that’s probably resulting in more frequent tornadic waterspouts,” Szilagyi says. “There’s no scientific evidence yet that they’re getting even stronger. It’s just that they’re becoming more frequent.”

Warming sea waters are also expected to boost other extreme weather events like Mediterranean hurricanes, or “medicanes,” one of which contributed to the flash flood that killed thousands of people in Libya last year .

In this brave new world, countries need to improve early-warning systems and invest more in research to forecast and observe trends in waterspouts, scientists say. “We have to prepared for more dangerous waterspouts possibly in the future,” Sioutas says. “Significantly warmer waters contribute very significantly to the creation of waterspouts, especially the violent ones.”

Updated 8-22-2024 1:15 pm BST: A previous version of the story stated that the ship’s mast had snapped; this detail has been removed as damage to the mast has not been confirmed.

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At Least 1 Dead and 6 Missing After Yacht Sinks Off Sicily

Fifteen other people were rescued. Expert divers were called in to carry out search operations in the deep water. Among the missing was a British software mogul, Mike Lynch.

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By Elisabetta Povoledo

At least one person was killed and six others, including a British software mogul, were missing on Monday after a sailing yacht carrying 22 people sank during a violent storm off the coast of Sicily, Italian officials said.

The yacht sank after a storm “with strong winds” struck around 5 a.m., according to Luciano Pischedda, the Italian Coast Guard official overseeing the rescue operations. The vessel had been anchored about a half-mile off Porticello, about 12 miles east of the Sicilian capital, Palermo.

Camper & Nicholsons, managers of the sailing yacht, said in an emailed statement that there were 12 guests and 10 crew onboard.

The authorities have yet to determine what caused the yacht to sink. “This will be ascertained later,” Mr. Pischedda said, adding that several crew members were in the hospital and had not spoken to investigators.

Among the dead and missing, four were British, two were American, and one was a man with dual citizenship from Canada and Antigua, he said.

One of those unaccounted for is Mike Lynch, a British software mogul who was acquitted in the United States in June of fraud, according to a person with knowledge of the matter who spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly about it.

His wife, Angela Bacares, was rescued. Mr. Lynch, who once was described as Britain’s Bill Gates, had fought for more than a decade against accusations that he had defrauded Hewlett-Packard when he sold it his company, Autonomy, for $11 billion. The legal battle represented one of the biggest fraud cases in Silicon Valley history.

Salvatore Cocina, a top official with Sicily’s civil protection agency, said that Mr. Lynch’s daughter, Hannah Lynch, was also among the six people missing. All were passengers on the yacht, the Coast Guard said.

Mr. Cocina said the body that had been recovered was that of the yacht’s cook.

A passenger ship sailing under the flag of the Netherlands, the Sir Robert Baden Powell, anchored nearby, provided immediate assistance to the 15 surviving passengers, Mr. Pischedda said.

Karsten Börner, the captain of the Sir Robert, said in a telephone interview that he’d had to steady his ship to “keep it in position” during what he described as very strong winds. During the storm, the yacht seemed to disappear, he said. “At a certain moment she was gone behind us,” he said.

After the wind dropped down, “we couldn’t see the yacht any more, and then we saw a red flare,” he added. When he and a colleague went to check out the flare’s position, they spotted a “life raft adrift with 15 people on board, one of them a baby and four people injured,” he said. They were taken aboard the Sir Robert and Captain Börner contacted the Coast Guard, which brought the survivors to shore.

Captain Börner said he didn’t know when the ship went down because the storm made it difficult to see clearly. The wind was “really violent,” he said.

For the most part, the survivors didn’t speak much he said. “They were all under shock,” he said. “It was a bad, bad situation.”

Monday’s storm surprised experts with its intensity.

Col. Attilio Di Diodato, director of the Italian Air Force’s Center for Aerospace Meteorology and Climatology, said the agency had registered intense lightning activity and strong gusts of wind in the area at the time of the accident.

“It was very intense and brief in duration,” he said of the storm. He could not rule out that it had been a waterspout, or small tornado, but nevertheless called it “an important event.”

Italy’s firefighter corps said that its divers had started carrying out a search and rescue mission at dawn.

On Monday afternoon, expert divers with the firefighter corps arrived in Porticello to search the sunken vessel, which was under about 165 feet of water.

Operations at that depth, were “complicated,” and required specialized divers, said Luca Cari, a spokesman for the firefighters.

Fabio Cefalù, a fisherman in Porticello, told the Italian newspaper La Repubblica that he saw a waterspout — a sort of mini-tornado — that lasted “about 12 minutes” off the shore of Porticello shortly before 4 a.m.

Around 4:10, he said he saw a red flare go off “about 500 meters from the shore.” He said he waited for the weather to calm down, and went out about 20 minutes later to the site where the flare had gone off.

“We found only the cushions, and a few planks” floating in the water, he told the newspaper. There was no sign of the ship, and he immediately called the coast guard.

The boat, identified by Italian officials as the Bayesian, is an Italian-made 56-meter-long sailing yacht first launched in 2008, according to the website marinetraffic.com , which tracks ships. It sails under the flag of Britain, and was built by Perini Navi, an Italian luxury yacht maker.

Eight of the 15 passengers who were rescued were taken to hospitals in Palermo, the coast guard said. Camper & Nicholsons, the managers of the yacht, said its priority was to “provide all necessary support to the rescued passengers and crew.”

Giuseppe D’Agostino, the mayor of Santa Flavia, which includes Porticello, said the survivors would be cared for at a local hotel. The city had also brought them immediate necessities, like toiletries and clothes.

He said in a telephone interview that he had not spoken to the survivors since “they’re in shock.”

The youngest passenger onboard, a 1-year-old girl named Sophie, was taken to the Di Cristina hospital in Palermo with her mother, Charlotte, who had some scrapes and cuts, said Domenico Cipolla, director of the pediatric emergency room at the hospital.

Sophie’s father was in the hospital’s adult emergency room and had been in contact with his wife and daughter by phone, Dr. Cipolla said. He was not permitted to release the family’s surname. Both mother and child were in good condition apart from “great emotional stress” he added in a telephone interview.

“We’re comforting them more than curing them,” he said.

Michael J. de la Merced contributed reporting.

Elisabetta Povoledo is a reporter based in Rome, covering Italy, the Vatican and the culture of the region. She has been a journalist for 35 years. More about Elisabetta Povoledo