How to Apply for a Job on a Yacht (Even with No Experience)

Dreaming of working on a yacht? From hospitality pros to total beginners — there’s a place for you in the yachting world. Here’s how to start.

This guide walks you through how to apply for yacht jobs in 2025 — with style, substance, and strategy.

Step 1: Understand the Industry

Yachts aren’t cruise ships. They’re privately owned or chartered luxury vessels where professionalism and discretion are everything. Before applying, familiarize yourself with basic industry terms:

Deckhand – exterior maintenance & watersports
Steward/Stewardess – interior service, housekeeping, guest care
Chef – culinary artist (often solo)
Engineer – tech/mechanical systems onboard

Each role demands specific skills — but personality, attitude, and etiquette matter just as much.

Step 2: Get Certified (Even for Entry Level)

To legally work on most yachts, you’ll need:

STCW Certificate (Standards of Training, Certification & Watchkeeping)
ENG1 Medical Certificate

Courses can be taken in yachting hubs like Palma, Antibes, Fort Lauderdale, or Cape Town. Many schools offer fast-track options.

Step 3: Craft a Killer CV + Cover Letter

Yachting CVs are visual, skill-focused, and photo-included. Use a clean layout, highlight:

Hospitality, service, or maritime experience
Teamwork, resilience, and adaptability
Additional skills: languages, silver service, first aid

Your cover letter should show that you’re serious, humble, and professional — yacht captains can smell fluff from a mile away.

Step 4: Dockwalk, Network & Daywork

The industry still relies heavily on word of mouth. Here’s how to show up:

Walk the docks (especially in Palma, Antibes, etc.) with printed CVs
Join Facebook groups: “Yacht Crew Jobs”, “Antibes Yachties”, etc.
Register on platforms: Crewbay, Yotspot, Bluewater, The Crew Network
Accept daywork — it’s your foot in the door

Step 5: Be Ready to Move Quickly

Yacht jobs often appear suddenly and fill within hours. Always have your bag packed, documents updated, and your phone on loud.

Many entry-level positions are seasonal, so timing matters. The Med season starts around April/May, and the Caribbean around November.

Bonus: What Captains Are Really Looking For

Clean appearance & tidy social media
Can-do attitude, even when mopping decks
Discretion, punctuality, and zero drama
Language skills & longevity goals

Final Thoughts

Applying for your first yacht job may feel intimidating — but with the right preparation and mindset, you’ll be ready to board with confidence.

At YachtieFam, we’re here to support your journey. Follow us for real crew stories, career resources, and insider tips to land your dream job at sea.

Don’t forget to subscribe for our upcoming CV templates & dockwalking checklist!