New Crew

What is Yachting?

Yachting is a career and lifestyle that involves working on luxury superyachts, traveling the world, and providing top-tier service to high-profile guests. Crew members take on roles in deck, interior, engineering, and galley departments, ensuring the yacht operates smoothly while delivering a world-class experience.

With great salaries, adventure, and career growth opportunities, yachting is an exciting industry for those who love the ocean and a dynamic work environment.

Where are the Super Yachts?

Superyachts are located in some of the world’s most luxurious yachting hubs. The main hotspots include:

Florida (USA) – A major hub for yacht refits, charters, and crew hiring.

Miami – A gateway for Caribbean charters and luxury yachting events.
Fort Lauderdale – Known as the "Yachting Capital of the World," home to crew agencies, shipyards, and the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show.
West Palm Beach – A popular base for yachts before heading to the Bahamas.

Europe – The heart of the Mediterranean yachting season.

Antibes (France) – A top location for yacht recruitment and refits, with Port Vauban being one of the largest superyacht marinas.
Palma (Spain) – A key hub for yachts in the Balearic Islands, known for its shipyards and strong yachting community.

Other key yachting locations include the Caribbean (St. Maarten, Antigua, Bahamas), the South Pacific (Australia, Fiji), and the Middle East (Dubai, Abu Dhabi).

What age can I start?

The minimum age to work on a superyacht is 18 years old. Most yacht employers require crew to be at least 18 due to safety, liability, and insurance reasons. In addition, the majority of crew minus the captain range between 20 - 40 years of age.

What qualifications do I need?

STCW

The STCW (Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping) course is the mandatory safety trainingrequired for anyone who wants to work on a commercial vessel, including superyachts. It ensures that all crew members have the basic skills needed to handle emergencies at sea.

What to Expect:

The course typically includes:
✅ Firefighting & Fire Prevention – Learning how to prevent and fight onboard fires.
✅ Personal Survival Techniques – Training on life rafts, life jackets, and sea survival.
✅ Elementary First Aid – Basic medical training for emergencies.
✅ Personal Safety & Social Responsibilities – Understanding safety procedures and crew responsibilities.
✅ Proficiency in Security Awareness – Awareness of onboard security threats.

An STCW certificate is essential to start a career in yachting, and it must be refreshed every five years.

ENG 1

The ENG1 Medical is a mandatory health certificate required for anyone working on commercial vessels, including superyachts. It confirms that you are fit to work at sea and can handle the physical demands of the job.

What to Expect:

✅ Hearing & Vision Tests – Checking eyesight (including color blindness) and hearing.
✅ Blood Pressure & Heart Rate Check – Ensuring you're in good health.
✅ Urine Test – Screening for medical conditions like diabetes.
✅ General Health Assessment – Evaluating overall fitness, past medical history, and any conditions that might affect your ability to work at sea.

The ENG1 is valid for up to 2 years and must be issued by a UK-certified doctor. Some flag states accept alternative medicals, but ENG1 is the most widely recognized in yachting.

PDSD

The Proficiency in Designated Security Duties (PDSD) certificate is an internationally recognized qualificationrequired for yacht crew members who have specific security responsibilities onboard. It ensures that crew can identify, assess, and respond to security threats effectively.

What to Expect:

✅ Understanding security threats in the maritime industry
✅ Recognizing suspicious behavior and activities
✅ Implementing security procedures and emergency protocols
✅Working with security equipment and systems

The PDSD certificate does not expire, but some employers may require refresher training over time.

Deck Specific