How to Get Your First Yacht Crew Job: Step-by-Step Guide

The first and most essential step is completing your STCW Basic Safety Training (BST). This is a legal requirement for working on any commercially flagged vessel. You cannot apply for crew jobs without it, and no captain will hire you regardless of your other skills. The BST consists of four courses — Personal Survival Techniques, Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting, Elementary First Aid, and Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities — that can be completed in five days at an approved training centre.

Alongside your STCW, book your ENG1 medical examination with an MCA-approved doctor. Together, these two documents are your ticket into the industry. Without them, your CV will not be read. Plan to spend approximately £500–£800 on training and your medical, plus the MCA application fee. For a full breakdown of every certificate, see our STCW Guide.

A yacht crew CV is very different from a standard resume. Captains and crew managers expect a specific format: a professional headshot (smart, outdoor photo is ideal), your personal stats (height, weight, nationality, swimming ability, date of birth), your certifications listed clearly at the top, and a brief personal statement of around 50–100 words.

Keep it to one page if possible. List your relevant experience — even if it is volunteer sailing, powerboat racing, hospitality work, or a sports coaching role. Highlight any skills that transfer: first aid, driving licence, languages, diving qualifications, professional cooking experience, or hairdressing.

Get a professional headshot taken. This is not optional in the yacht industry — it is expected. A bad photo or no photo is a red flag. Use a clean background and dress smartly. Your photo needs to convey that you are professional, approachable, and presentable in front of guests.

Being physically present in a major yachting port is still the most effective way to land your first job. Dock walking — visiting marinas and introducing yourself directly to crew and captains — remains the dominant method for green crew to find their first position. Many captains prefer to hire people they have met face-to-face.

The best ports for dock walking as a first-time crew member are:

• Palma de Mallorca, Spain— One of the largest superyacht fleets in the Mediterranean. March–May is the pre-season when yachts are hiring for summer.
• Antibes, France— Port Vauban is one of Europe's largest marinas and the hub for the Côte d'Azur yachting scene. Excellent for interior and deck roles.
• Fort Lauderdale, USA— The gateway to the Caribbean season. November after the boat show is the ideal time to find winter work. US visa required for most nationalities.
• Barcelona, Spain— Growing superyacht hub with several major marinas. Good connectivity and a large international crew community.

When dock walking, dress smartly (not overly formal), carry printed CVs in a clear folder, and keep your pitch short: who you are, your certifications, what role you are looking for, and that you are available now. Be polite, energetic, and don't overstay your welcome on any boat.

Online job boards are increasingly important in yacht crew hiring, particularly for positions on larger yachts where the hiring process is more formal. A strong online profile allows you to apply to jobs 24/7 and reach yachts in ports you are not physically visiting.

On MarineMatch, create a complete professional profile with your certifications, a professional photo, and a clear summary. Set your availability status, list your preferred vessel types and locations, and apply directly to published vacancies. Many companies use the platform for both active hiring and to build a pipeline of candidates for future roles — so even if there are no perfect openings today, having a strong profile pays off.

Yacht crew interviews are typically informal but highly personal. The captain and chief stew are assessing whether they want to live and work with you in a confined space for weeks or months — personality and attitude matter as much as technical skills. Be honest about your experience level; pretending to have skills you don't have is dangerous at sea and will be discovered quickly.

Come prepared: know the yacht's name, size, and program. Be ready to discuss your availability, your long-term ambitions in the industry, and any relevant hobbies or skills. Ask thoughtful questions about the vessel's routine, guest frequency, and team culture. At the end of the interview, confirm your documents are complete and available for inspection.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• ✕Trying to find work from home without being physically in a yachting port during hiring season.
• ✕Sending generic CVs without a professional photo or missing certifications.
• ✕Waiting to get all certificates before starting to look — book your STCW and start applying at the same time.
• ✕Applying only for roles on very large yachts when starting out. Smaller yachts offer more varied experience and faster progression.
• ✕Ignoring day work — short-term day hire jobs are an excellent foot in the door and often lead to full-time positions.
• ✕Being dishonest about experience or exaggerating skills. The yachting world is small and reputation matters enormously.

Further Reading