FAQ • Available Jobs • Contact • Crew Log In
FAQ • Available Jobs • Contact • Crew Log In
Here at Newport Yacht Support we are looking forward to partnering with you in your search to find the right job on the right yacht that best suits your skills and expectations. We are always available and happy to guide crew towards their ideal position.
Private or Charter:
In yachting there are privately owned yachts that are only used by the owner and their guests as well as charter yachts which guests book through a charter company. Private and Charter have different requirements for crew qualifications. Many yachts will require crew to meet minimum standards. Basic Safety training such as STCW and having a valid Medical certificate such as an ENG 1 are most likely going to be required. Depending on which position it is that you are applying for you may need to have additional qualifications. We would be happy to discuss this with you on a case by case basis.
Departments on Board: There are several different departments. While smaller yachts may run with a single crew member that would cover all the various roles of cleaning, provisioning, cooking and guest service as well as yacht maintenance and boat handling etc. as yachts increase in size so does the number of crew members required on board to fill the expanding roles. Simply put, these departments are Deck, Interior, Engineering and Cooking.
The yachting industry is seasonal to its common locations. Many yachts summer in the Mediterranean and the East coast of the USA and migrate to winter in the Caribbean, The Pacific and beyond. The Mediterranean/US seasons run from May to October. The best times to look for work here are February to June. The Caribbean season runs from November to April, the best times to look for work here are October and December. It is helpful to keep in mind that there may be a peak to the hiring of new crew seasonally but yachts will be looking for crew throughout the season as well.
Establishing for which countries you will be able to obtain a working visa for is a first step. If you intend to work in the USA you will need to have a B1/B2 visa. (A B1/B2 visa is a temporary, non-immigrant visa that allows the holder to travel to the United States for either business (B1) or tourism (B2) purposes.) Many yachts, even if they are in the Med currently will require that their crew are able to travel on the yacht to the US and therefore crew will be asked to have a B1/B2 visa in place. If this is not applicable you will need a green card or you will need to be a US citizen.
A comprehensive, accurate, relevant and up to date CV is a must.
All crew should have an appropriate safety on board certificate such as the STCW course as well as an up to date and a recognized Seafarers medical certificate / ENG 1 (Issued by a Maritime and Coastguard Agency professional medic). We are here to help if you have any questions particular to your situation.
CV’s should be clearly laid out and spell checked. Try to use a single font and ensure that your CV is appropriate to the position you are seeking on board the yacht.
Below is a helpful check list of what information you should include in your CV/Resume
Introductory paragraph
This is a great opportunity to demonstrate what you could bring to a yacht program and how your previous experience is applicable to the role your are seeking. Choose 4 skills that you have that will stand out of the crowd as great additions to a yacht.
Education and Qualifications
Working backwards, list all the qualifications you have achieved that are relevant to yachting. Include university and school graduation.
Professional Experience
When starting out in the industry it is helpful to include all your work experience even if you may feel it isn’t relevant. Volunteer work helps to illustrate your personality and work ethic for example. This may become less relevant as your career progresses.
Always show start and completion dates. Explain any significant gaps in employment periods.
Interests and Hobbies
Avoid one word answers. Allow this to be an opportunity to demonstrate how the interests and passions you may have outside of work enrich who you are and what you bring as a person to the role you are applying for.
Referees
Include contact information for 2 to 3 references.
Photos & Videos
First impressions count so ensure your photo is of excellent quality. Traditional yacht CV photo’s are head shots taken in a white/light colored polo or shirt. It is common practice to place your photo on the right hand side of your CV. Many choose to have these shots professionally taken.
Be prepared to have a short introductory video at hand. Where you may be light on experience coming into the industry this is a wonderful opportunity to communicate your personality and show how you could be an asset to the existing yacht crew team.
Arrive early, fresh, well dressed and informed.
Doing some research on the yacht before hand is always helpful.
Find out who your interview will be with and remember their name.
Be honest about your experience and what you feel capable of.
Know your CV well. Ensure that you can discuss the details without hesitation. Be confident and positive, polite and respectful.
This is your opportunity to ask about trial periods.
Be honest about what you are really looking for.
Make sure to ask about the employment package and benefits so that when you leave the interview you are informed of all the relevant details.
Be aware that your social media history is accessible to anyone if your settings are not private. This can speak louder than words in an interview. Remember yachts are a private experience for guest on board and it is your personal responsibility to respect that.