How To Find A Yacht Job Without Experience - A Way Abroad

Thanks to my job as a yacht stewardess, I’ve been able to live in and explore some of the most beautiful and remote spots in the world. Some of those places can only be reached by water and only a small percentage of the population will ever get to see them. But, none of this comes easy. Working in the yacht industry takes hard work and dedication but comes with some massive payoffs.

If you're interested in other travel jobs in hospitality, look into becoming an overland tour guide. As a guide, you'll take groups of travelers across continents via land travel for months on end. Another option to travel by sea is to work on a cruise ship.

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Requirements to Get Hired as a Yacht Stewardess

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• STCW10 (Basic Safety Training)
• ENG1 Medical
• Hospitality Experience (Good to have but not necessarily a deal breaker)

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I worked on the private islands in the Whitsundays Queensland Australia for over 4 years. I started out as personal trainer on the fitness club then cross trained into front office reservations, housekeeping, and food and beverage. I’ve also done hostess work on luxury boat transfers.

All of this accumulates to 11 years in the industry and a keen insight to what boats are looking for in their crew.

The job possibilities on a superyacht are diverse. Since a boat is it’s own independent entity, they need everyone from laundry to engineers, deck crew to yacht stewardesses, personal trainers to chefs and just about anything in between. Depending on the size of the yacht, you could be expected to balance many roles or do one specific thing each day. Generally, a bigger yacht will have the budget to hire more specialized crew, where a small yacht will be searching for a few jack of all trades.

Rather work in a hotel, resort or restaurant abroad? Learn how to best utilize LinkedIn to find hospitality jobs abroad!

In addition to the requirements, when I hire, I look for some specific qualities in candidates:

• You must be a hard worker
• No bullshit attitude and no drama
• Ready to take on tasks you may not want to be doing
• Be a good listener
• Have an incredible eye for detail
• Be respectful of others. Remember you all work, eat and play together day in and day out
• Be willing to be at sea and away from family and friends for weeks and maybe months at a time
• Be committed. No one likes a crew member who doesn't contribute 100%
• Bonus: Have experience in high-end hotel operations or hospitality

In interviews, you have every right to ask as many questions as you want. It doesn’t just have to be right for the employer but for you too! Don't be afraid.

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