This is the main checklist to get your first job on a luxury yacht. This is a process that I successfully started from scratch. I got my first job as a decade and for 2 years I was a licensed captain who was driving a yacht on a sailing yacht. It can be done! Each of the following steps has subcomponents, so read my other articles for more details on how to do this ...
1) Determine that you have the right attitude. Professional yachting is not like recreational boating. To achieve your goals, you need to be “learn-all-all”, and not “know-all-everything.”
Acknowledge that although this job / lifestyle seems glamorous, that you are a servant - despite the huge pay and terrific benefits. It is easy to "serve" when you really understand it and have a heart.
2) Determine which position is best for beginners: dean, flight attendant, engineer, chef, chef, captain.
3) Honorly assess your skills, and then start reading / learning to learn more. Subscribe and read "Triton" and "Dock-shelves" online.
4) Make your goal “real” by writing it in the following format:
“The reasons for which I am going to get on the yacht is the list (goals). The goals that I want to accomplish (list). I will start (date). I will finish my career in yachting, as soon as I fulfill my goals, or if I find out that (list the possibilities opposite to your goals). I dedicate (X amount of time) to my career on a yacht.
5) Study to find an STCW course near you (if possible) and take it. (If you do not live near the yachting center and intend to enroll according to the STCW rate upon arrival, go to step 6)
6) Write a draft of your resume. Compare and customize it to match those you see on the Internet. (Do not think that you are hired, being a newcomer posted on the Internet, you will not).
7) Print 100 business cards with your “head-shot” pattern and cell phone number.
8) Get a passport with as many pages as possible. (If you are not a US citizen, see My article "Getting Your Visa to Become a Professional Yacht Team")
9) Set the date and book a ticket to fly to the yacht center, where the crew accommodation agencies are located (order the ticket to be returned after 6-12 months, then change as needed).
10) Wrap your life details in the "house." (You cannot control them from the yacht. You cannot have any problems requiring your attention)
11) Pack in 2 bags - the most important thing: your mobile phone. (See My article “What you need for your first job on a yacht”)
12) Arrive at the airport, then take a taxi to the house for the crew and drop in for a week.
13) The next day, go to the placement agencies and register for free. Usually you can go to all.
14) Talk to everyone you meet along the way, tell them that you are also looking for a day work day and give them a business card. Change your voice message and prepare for a professional answer to your phone. You are on a serious job hunt!
15) Go to the marina and stroll along the docks. Network like crazy.
16) Get a day job as soon as possible to find out more, get referrals, keep a positive cash flow and stay mentally in the game.
17) Interview with the captain in a professional manner. Be honest, but sell yourself.
18) Accept the first job offer, which is close to matching your goals. Learn as much as possible to overcome the learning curve and create confidence. Make even the most difficult task to the best of your abilities. Study the details of your work and be ready to help the other team so that you learn and get a good reputation. Your first job, as a rule, is not a common “dream” situation, but this is a necessary step before embarking on an amazing job!
If you want to work on yachts badly enough and persist - it will happen!
