Deckhand Dan’sGuide to
Seeing the World,
Making Money,
and
Having the Time of Your Life
As A Crew Member
On An
Amazing, Fantastic
Super Yacht
By Dan Sevets
Super Yachts Are Calling: Dynamic Deckhands Wanted
All over the world, young people (and not-so-young people) are discovering that being a deckhand on a super yacht is one of the most exciting and well-paid jobs around.
Imagine working and traveling on a gigantic luxury yacht owned by a billionaire. Imagine meeting top celebrities from the worlds of music, movies, sports and politics as you visit exotic ports of call such as St. Tropez, Martinique and the shimmering Greek Isles.
Yes, jobs like that really exist. And people like you are needed to fill them. But ... the agencies and individuals who do the hiring for those positions are seeing too many job candidates who just don't have what it takes. Sure, they might have the proper certifications. But they lack a certain ... dynamic quality, a gung-ho spirit that says they want to be the best deckhand ever.
This is where you can beat the competition. By becoming the "dynamic deckhand" that superyacht operators are desperately searching for, you can not only land that dream job, you will be well positioned to advance toward the first mate's or captain's seat, if that is what you want.
Click here for the definitive, updated guide to getting a deckhand job on a luxury yacht:
Contents at a Glance
- The Dynamic Deckhand Personality
- Dynamic Deckhands Walk the Docks!
- Dynamic Deckhands Get Wet!
- Dynamic Deckhands Don't Fret about the Economy
- Superyachts - Work Aboard Boats Like These As A Dynamic Deckhand
- The Dynamic Deckhand - Definitive Guide to Landing A Job on A Superyacht
- More Lenses for Dynamic Deckhands - and Those Who Would Be One
- A Deckhand's Blog
- Dynamic Deckhand Articles by Dan Sevets
- A Deckhand Articles Library
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The Dynamic Deckhand Personality
Yes, boat handling and maintenance skills are important in the world of superyacht crewing. At least as important (some would say more so!) is your image. Dynamic deckhands have a personal image, based in a certain personality type, that causes others to see them in a fun and professional way.
The good news is that if that image does not quite fit you at the moment, you can cultivate it; to some degree you can even "fake it 'til you make it!" Try to meet and hang out with yacht crew members. Observe them. See which ones are the group leaders that the others tend to gravitate toward. Study their body language, way of talking, their openness and confidence, etc. Chances are you will be seeing a truly dynamic deckhand whose personality you can "model."
Yes, image is that important in the yacht crew world. It will put you in good stead to work on your image fully as much as you do your boating skills.
Dynamic Deckhands Walk the Docks!
Dockwalking is one of the best ways to find and obtain a job on a superyacht. Yes, there are hiring agencies you can go through, but meeting working crew members and their captains is still one of the best ways to achieve employment in this industry.
Would-be dynamic deckhands learn the ins and outs of dockwalking and how to use it correctly to crush the competition for superyacht jobs. Believe it or not, there exist tested dockwalking strategies and methods that can help you beat the rest of the dockwalkers and bring you that extra cash - not to mention the adventure - that you are looking for. It is up to you to see out this knowledge and then put it into action!
You should also learn where the essential ports, docks and marinas are, particularly in the Caribbean and the Mediterranean. Did you know that in the Mediterranean, it is possible to approach the equivalent of some 14,000 yachts in three different countries within a single week? Then, there are some little known ports in that region that you could visit, and that could easily land you months of daywork and money simply because you showed up!
Dynamic Deckhands Get Wet!
When you picture yourself working on a huge luxury yacht, you might imagine spending your days running up and down decks attending to various tasks but never coming in contact with the water on which your vessel drifts from port to port.
The truth is that dynamic deckhands get wet! If you want to stand out in this job and be the deckhand that everyone notices, you have to be comfortable in the water.
For example, you will want to learn to drive both jet and outboard tenders, or powerboats, in all types of weather. When you're powering your way through the ocean in one of these small boats, you're going to deal with frequent spray, especially if the sea is choppy. And when it storms you will really experience what a good soaking is!
Can you keep your head and wits about you when stinging water is hitting you from every direction? If you can manage the tender in the roughest of situations, you will make yacht owners and guests alike see you as a seasoned professional - possibly even someone to put on the fast track to captain.
Also, one of the jobs you are likely to be called on to do is to safely manage the affairs of your guests while doing water sports. Your goal will be to make sure they have the maximum enjoyment possible during their time aboard with you - including when you or out jetskiing or swimming with them.
If you love the water, then a deckhand job will definitely keep you in close touch with it!
Dynamic Deckhands Don't Fret about the Economy
The world of the megayachts and superyachts floats serenely above the troubles of the global economy in which most people live.
It may surprise you to learn that recessions and economic slowdowns barely touch those who are rich or fortunate enough to own one of these huge floating pleasure boats. That isn't to say that an occasional owner might find that his fortune has suddenly hit the skids, and end up having to sell his beloved boat. But most people in that league have made sure to protect their wealth in such a way that that kind of misfortune is unlikely to ever sneak up on them.
The superyacht industry is as robust as ever. This means that once you get your foot in the door - or should we say, foot on deck - you can be virtually assured of steady work for as long as you want. On the other hand, you might face more competition in getting that crucial first job. The answer is simple: Become a dynamic deckhand and you will rise above everyone else, straight into the position of your choice.
Click here for the definitive, updated guide to getting a deckhand job on a luxury yacht:
Deckhand Job Opportunities - Where Are They?
So, you want to work as a deckhand on a boat. Great! Being a member of a vessel's crew will provide you with a really great lifestyle and the chance to travel and be paid for it. But where do you find deckhand job opportunities?
The easy answer is: anywhere there are boats. But if you want the best chance of getting on the best boats - which most people will agree would be a megayacht or a superyacht - you must be more selective about your job hunting. Luxury yacht owners and their captains tend to gravitate to a few certain ports and resort areas known for their social life, well-developed infrastructure, and high-end amenities.
This lens will give you a general idea of where to go in the world for a job as a deckhand on a yacht. It's up to you to get there. Good luck!
Contents at a Glance
- Deckhand Job Opportunities: The Mediterranean
- Deckhand Job Opportunities: The Caribbean
- Deckhand Job Opportunities: Australia
- Deckhand Job Opportunities: The South Pacific
- Deckhand Job Opportunities: North America
- Deckhand Job Opportunities: South America
- Deckhand Job Opportunities: Southeast Asia
- Best Deckhand Job Opportunities Guide
- Lenses on Deckhand Job Opportunities
- A Deckhand's Job Blog
- Deckhand Job Opportunities Articles by Dan Sevets
- Articles Library
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Deckhand Job Opportunities: The Mediterranean
The ports and resorts of the Mediterranean Sea are the best places by far to seek superyacht employment, rivaled only by those of the Caribbean. The rich and super rich of Europe and, indeed, the rest of the world, flock to these glittering waterholes by the thousands. And, of course, they bring their yachts.
The Mediterranean coast of France is the most famous, but don't forget that of Spain, Italy, Greece, and nowadays even such places as Croatia. In fact, one of the things that makes job-hunting around the Mediterranean so attractive is that you can visit so many different countries in such a short span of time. This will greatly enhance your chances of obtaining employment on a boat.
If you're serious about seeking deckhand job opportunities, you'll find them easily all around the Mediterranean.
Click here for the definitive, updated guide to getting a deckhand job on a luxury yacht:
Deckhand Job Opportunities: The Caribbean
The islands of the Caribbean Sea are second only to the Mediterranean coast as a superyacht mecca and, hence, as a place to go to find work as a deckhand on a luxury boat. (And don't forget the Bahamas, either, although technically they're in the Atlantic, not the Caribbean.)
If you live in North America, you might find that getting to the Caribbean is easier and cheaper than getting to the yachtie playgrounds of Europe. If that's the case, no worries! There's a year-round boating scene in almost all of the resort-oriented islands here. You can most assuredly find the deckhand job opportunity of your dreams somewhere in these sunny isles.
Deckhand Job Opportunities: Australia
Australia is famous for its yachting scene. The world knows about its famous yacht races, such as the Sydney-to-Hobart event. Aside from yacht racing, the Land Down Under is enjoying a growing reputation as both a home and a destination for the captains of superyachts.
Although boat jobs will not be quite as plentiful as you'd find in the Mediterranean or Caribbean, they won't be scarce, either. You may need to be more persistent here and plan and doing a bit more dockwalking, but deckhand job opportunities do exist.
Have a positive attitude and keep looking. You'll find what you're looking for; after all, that's why people come to "Oz," isn't it? (Oh, and don't neglect New Zealand, either. It has its own burgeoning yacht scene as well.)
Deckhand Job Opportunities: The South Pacific
Just say "South Pacific" and immediately your mind is flooded with romantic images of swaying palm trees, hula dancers, emerald-green lagoons and adventures in Paradise. Naturally, you might think that yachting would be big here. And you'd be right, up to a point.
The problem is that the islands of the Pacific are scattered over such a huge expanse of ocean that it is not so easy or inexpensive to "hop" from one to another. If you find yourself in one of the many island paradises, it won't hurt to ask around about a crew job. Deckhand opportunities do arise; you just have to be in the right place at the right time.
Deckhand Job Opportunities: North America
Yachting is popular on both the East and West coasts of North America, but the superyachts, which tend to offer the most frequent job opportunities, are more likely to be spotted down in the Caribbean.
Nevertheless, it doesn't hurt to look. Try Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles on the West Coast of the U.S., and around Cabo near the tip of Baja California in Mexico. On the East Coast of the U.S., you might find a superyacht or two in port in New York or BostonHarbor; Miami and Ft.Lauderdale are excellent hunting grounds, of course. Along the Mexican Caribbean, try Islas Mujeres.
Deckhand Job Opportunities: South America
You would think that with so many miles of coast and so many famous resorts and big port cities, that South America would be a superyacht haven. Although the situation is changing, that is not quite true, unfortunately.
Still, people have found deckhand job opportunities in this fascinating continent. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil is a likely spot for finding a vessel to climb aboard as a crew member. In fact, Brazil in general is your best best in South America for finding superyachts that may be looking to take on new deckhands.
Aside from Brazil, your best opportunity may be in Argentina. Buenos Aires is the place to go to try your luck in this country.
Deckhand Job Opportunities: Southeast Asia
Southeast Asia is one of those on-again, off-again places when it comes to favorite yachting destinations. Some of the world's most beautiful beaches are to be found here, as are some of the most exciting resorts. Fishing is great, too. On the other hand, a recent history of natural disasters and political turmoil in some of this region's countries keeps many yachties away.
Thailand remains the likeliest place to pick up work on a superyacht. The Philippines are also a possibility, and the paradisaical isle of Bali beckons as well. Prediction: Keep an eye on up-and-coming places such as Vietnam and China's HainanIsland - they're almost certain to have their own yachting scenes in the not-too-distant future.
Click here for the definitive, updated guide to getting a deckhand job on a luxury yacht:
Yacht Crew Jobs: See the World, Get Paid
Yacht crew jobs offer people from all backgrounds one of the most exciting adventures possible. Imagine seeing the globe aboard a luxury superyacht and getting paid for it!
Being a crew member on a superyacht can be a summer's experience or a long-term career. Working on one of these amazingly luxurious vessels can open the door to entire new world. It's a world of great wages, incredible adventures, worldwide travel and much, much more.
Contents at a Glance
- What Training Is Required for Yacht Crew Jobs?
- Where Can I Find Yacht Crew Jobs?
- Are Yacht Crew Jobs Really to Be Had?
- Are There Yacht Crew Jobs for Women as Well as Men?
- Any Other Tips for Getting A Yacht Crew Job?
- Yacht? Mega Yacht? Super Yacht?
- The Dynamic Deckhand - Guide to Yacht Crew Jobs & How to Get Yours
- Other Lenses About Yacht Crew Jobs
- A Yacht Crew Member's Blog
- Yacht Crew Jobs Articles by Dan Sevets
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What Training Is Required for Yacht Crew Jobs?
In general, to crew on a superyacht, whether as a deckhand or as a steward or stewardess, you have to have something called STCW'95 BST certification. It is not hard to obtain this certification, but be prepared to put some time and effort into it. Once you have it, it is your key to yacht crew jobs around the world. (See The Dynamic Deckhand for more information.)
You must also obtain a medical certificate attesting to your good health before you can work on most boast, including the superyachts.
Where Can I Find Yacht Crew Jobs?
You will want to get yourself to the ports of calls where the superyachts congregate. Depending on where you currently reside, this could be the biggest hurdle to overcome - particularly if one of the reasons you want a yacht crew job is because you don't have the money to travel!
If you have your certification and a good resume showing some experience as a boat deckhand or other crew, you might be able to secure a job from your home, even if you're in the middle of Nebraska. But usually, you do need to figure out a way to get to the megayacht ports.
Superyachts can be found all over the world. They tend to be concrated in a few specific areas, though. Your best chance at finding an abundance of yacht crew jobs is in the Caribbean or the Mediterranean. There are a growing number of opportunities along the coasts of North America, Asia and the South Pacific, as well.
Are Yacht Crew Jobs Really to Be Had?
Believe it or not, owners and operators of superyachts face a current shortage of good crew members. If you're an engineer or a chef, you can be assured of a job afloat; in fact, you'll practically be able to name your price! But even if your skills aren't so specialized, you can still land a job as a boat deckhand, steward or stewardess.
There's a yacht crew job out there for you, if you have proper training and a good attitude. Training is easy to come by. Attitude is up to you!
Are There Yacht Crew Jobs for Women as Well as Men?