How do I become yacht crew during a gap year?

I've been thinking about working as part of a yacht crew during my gap year. It sounds adventurous! What qualifications or experiences do I need, and how do I start looking for these jobs?

Starting a job as a yacht crew member can indeed be an exciting adventure! Here's how you can pursue this path:

First, it's important to note that while prior sailing experience is helpful, it's not always necessary. Some yacht owners are happy to provide on-the-job training, especially for entry-level positions like deckhands or stewards/stewardesses.

Certification can make you more attractive as a candidate for these roles. Many yacht crew members choose to complete courses like the one for the STCW (Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers). This is an internationally recognized qualification which covers basic safety training including fire fighting, first aid, personal survival techniques and personal safety and social responsibility. In addition, if you're interested in a role such as a chef or engineer, having relevant qualifications can give you an edge.

Ensuring you’re in good physical condition will be beneficial, as you may be expected to carry out physically demanding tasks on board. Additionally, yachting often involves being on-call for long hours, so resilience and adaptability are qualities to cultivate.

Next, you'll want to start networking and searching for job opportunities. Websites for yacht crew placement services can be a great place to start, as well as yachting job boards. Additionally, attending yachting events and talking with people in the industry can be beneficial. You could consider getting onboard as a day-worker initially, which is essentially a daily contract that may open doors for permanent roles.

Remember, being a yacht crew member often requires hard work, with long hours and close quarters, but it also provides unique experiences and the chance to travel, making it a fantastic opportunity for your gap year.