When asked to write a column geared towards helping green crew, I thought the best way to start was to mention the top 10 things that green crew do, that cause them a bad name or difficulty in the industry. It logically makes sense to avoid these traits, in order to keep you in good running for that elusive first gig.

 

According to the response from Palma Yacht Crew, these are the top 10 mistakes green crew make, and how to fix them.

 

• Skateboards and caps are a NO-NO when dock walking. The majority of captains will take one look at you, and shut down. Avoid it, and when talking to the crew, remove your cap and sunglasses.
• If you’re out dock-walking, and you see a boat is set up for guests (flowers out, cushions uncovered, crew dressed up in guest uniform etc) then please do not try and get their attention. These guys are 100% focussed on their guests, and simply do not have a gap to come over and chat. They are likely to get angry if you continue your efforts. Move along and come back another day. Similarly if you see a crew member super busy with their hands full, that might not be the best time to ask them if you can drop off a CV.
• When you do get onboard, be-it for day work or as your first gig, its nobody’s responsibility to clean up after you. The stewardesses are not responsible for your mess or your personal laundry. Put your dishes in the dishwasher after meals, clean up if you make a mess, throw away your trash. Do your bit for the team, and everyone will get along perfectly.
• ‘That’s not my job’ is a comment that should never be made onboard. Least of all when you are brand new. Everyone needs to get stuck in. There is one team onboard, and if everyone works a little, then nobody works a lot. Help your team members, you never know when you may need them to help you.
• Read the description on a Job Advert, whether it is social media or advertised by an agent. Many times I have followed posts and seen people post the regular ‘CV Sent’ (I am still not too sure why this happens as it requires the advertiser checking even more notifications) but then they are completely unqualified for the position. Pay attention to the details, if you do not fit the bill, do not apply. For every post that is advertised, there are a multitude of CV’s that get sent through. Anyone looking for crew will get very irritated having to read through a collection of CV’s that are not at all suitable for the position.
• Once you finish your job for the day, pack away your tools. Make sure they are clean, dry, and put back in the same position and the same condition. This equipment is generally expensive, and leaving them in a shoddy condition, will often require replacement. Very unnecessary indeed, and likely to ensure that you are not considered for future positions.
• Posting a selfie on your new boat, or flashing your first guest tip, or showing off your new ‘home’ is somewhat contradictory to the required confidentiality agreements. I have seen a few posts and cringed knowing what is coming. This industry is cloaked in confidentiality, and what happens onboard needs to stay onboard.
• If someone shows you how to do something, do it the way they show you. The crew have generally been doing this for a lot longer than you, and taking time out to train you is a privilege. Take their advice, while it is still free. Some people have paid a lot of money to know the things they are sharing with you. At the same time, if you are unable to perform a task, ASK! Initiative is advised, but make sure you’re doing it right before going ahead and causing further work. You’re not expected to know everything, and questions asked will be respected and assistance provided. Its safer, and ensures you learn to do it right.
• As much as the chef is there to cook for you, he is not your personal chef. If you have a medical allergy, or a serious dietary requirement (vegetarian etc) then by all means, if you are a new crew member – please let them know. if you are a day worker in this instance – bring something along to eat that suits your diet. Being fussy because its fashionable is not going to score you any brownie points. Healthy is fine, picky is not.
• Understand the hierarchy onboard and conform. Make sure you act professionally around all crew at all times, especially if you are a day worker. Just because you are on the boat for the day does not mean that you have suddenly earned the right to treat everyone with familiarity. Respect goes a long way, and in time will be returned.

 

We understand the challenges facing green crew in an ever growing industry, and wish everyone the best of luck. Follow the above tips, and you’re already off to a better start. Please feel free to follow us on Facebook at Calibre Crew, where we focus on helping green crew get into the industry the right way. Our Reality 123 course is taking off, and we would be more then happy to help out where we can. For more information, please check out www.calibrecrew.com

Good luck, and have fun!

Greg Gibson