Following the Mediterranean yachting season, you may well be transferring (or hoping to transfer) to the Caribbean for winter. There is no better time to consider switching yacht than in the lead up to the Caribbean yachting season. Exotic worlds await in some of the most spectacular yachting destinations in the world. If you are not fully satisfied with your yacht crew job on your current vessel, take advantage of the numerous vacancies that open up with the winter season. You may also wish to transfer over to the Caribbean from the Mediterranean, in which case, start searching as early as possible to maximise your chances.

Seasoned crewmembers know what to expect but it is vital to prepare for the transition to more tropical climes. Creating a flawless CV, building professional relationships and behaving in an appropriate manner are vital in the yachting industry, wherever you may be based; but for those wishing to relocate to the Caribbean for a yacht crew job, there are many things to consider.

The following yacht crew advice should help prepare you for the Caribbean season, whether you are an inexperienced hopeful or an experienced crewmember.

 

1. Join a recruitment agency

It’s a good idea to send your CV to a yacht crew recruitment agency and check in with them every few days to keep your name fresh in their minds. Agencies will be your most likely means of finding work in the Caribbean, as they have exclusive job postings and can offer the best advice. Yacht crew recruitment agencies are in direct contact with Owners; they understand what employers are looking for, and how best to gain employment.

 

 

2. Improve your CV

Refining your CV is essential for getting the best superyacht crew jobs. If you have yachting experience, emphasise this on your CV; if you don’t, iterate the transferable skills from the experiences you do have. How is it applicable to the yachting industry? What strengths have you picked up in other non-yachting roles? A CV is often your first introduction to a Captain or recruitment agency, so it needs to sell you efficiently. Make sure all the information on your CV is up to date. Keep it as both PDF and Word documents because crew recruitment agencies will often ask for different formats.

 

 

3. Get references

Ask previous employers for a reference. Be professional and don’t ask colleagues and friends. Depending on your location, the yachting industry can be a small world and you never know if you might have some shared connections; a reference from a recognisable name or someone with a stellar reputation can make all the difference in helping your career to progress. Potential employers will be reassured by the support from previous employers.

 

 

4. Clean up social media

Crew members sometimes sabotage their careers through their social media activity. Employers always check social media before hiring, so make sure you check your privacy settings or, better yet, don’t post anything that could harm your chances of employment. This industry is small and all about personality and working in teams so you have to get on with people. Even if you’re the most qualified person for the job, your Twitter account can betray your good character and you’ll lose good opportunities.

 

 

5. Appear professionally and be personable

Even though the yachting lifestyle seems friendly and relaxed you must always dress professionally as appearance is vital. A new haircut may be in order before the season starts – those who have smart appearances tend to make a better first impression with new employers and crews. Likewise, try to be as friendly and approachable as possible. Crew retention is important and crews are more likely to stay together if they are good team players.

 

6. Take relevant courses

The only certificate all crewmembers must have is the STCW – basic safety training; any other qualifications are dependent on your position. If you have yet to work on a yacht, ensure that you begin your job search with an STCW on your CV. It is beneficial to keep your skills and qualifications up to date in your field to maximise your employability.

 

7. Organise your travel visas

You’ll need a letter of employment to obtain the B1/B2 visa for the USA. Crew agencies don’t provide this service so you’re responsible for contacting the appropriate embassies to work abroad if your Captain won’t do this for you. Regardless of the waters you are in, if you’re working on an American-flagged yacht, you’ll need a visa that allows you to work in America. It’s best to start planning for visas as early as possible.