Getting Hired
Top Tips for Landing Your First Yachting Job
In short
To land a first yacht job: get your STCW and ENG1, build a one-page yachting CV, base yourself in a yachting port in season, dockwalk early with a great attitude, and say yes to daywork — it often becomes permanent.
Breaking into yachting comes down to a handful of things done well and consistently. Here are the five that matter most.
1. Get the essentials done first
You can't be hired without your STCW Basic Safety Training and an ENG1 medical. Sort these before you spend on anything else.
2. Build a yachting-specific CV
One page, photo top-right, clean and skimmable. Captains spend seconds on each one — make yours easy to say yes to.
3. Be where the boats are
Seasons and ports matter. Antibes and Palma in spring; Fort Lauderdale in autumn. Being on the ground, ready to start tomorrow, beats applying from the other side of the world.
4. Dockwalk with intention
Early mornings, smart presentation, a stack of CVs and a genuine, humble attitude. Build a reputation as reliable and keen.
5. Say yes to daywork
Temporary jobs are how you get experience, references and that crucial first 'green light' from a captain — they very often turn into permanent roles.
Do the unglamorous things well and consistently, and the first job comes. After that, you're away laughing.
Thinking about a career on superyachts?
If you want to talk through your options — no pressure, just an honest conversation about what's possible — get in touch.
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Nick went from zero experience to working in the superyacht industry, and now coaches young Kiwis through the same journey - honest, one-on-one and industry-backed.