The Superyacht Industry

Due to the growth of the Superyacht industry in recent years, there is a corresponding increase in demand for suitably qualified men and women interested in a financially rewarding, exhilarating and satisfying career as crew on Superyachts operating mainly in the Mediterranean and the Caribbean. Around 87% of the world's Superyachts are registered in the Cayman Islands where yacht crews must hold MCA recognised qualifications in order to work on these vessels. As a minimum all crew must hold a Certificate of Safety Training in accordance with the IMO STCW convention.

The Ideal Superyacht Crew

 
  • Qualifications - as a minimum the Certificate of Safety Training (CoST) (Commonly incorrectly referred to as STCW95 basic safety Training)
 
  • Aged between 18 and 36 (We have however trained experienced people in their 60's)
 
  • Non-smoker (some vessels allow restricted smoking)
 
  • No visible tattoos or piercings
 
  • Female crew wear minimal makeup and perfume
 
  • Present well and are dressed appropriately
 
  • Wear minimal jewellery (nothing large, bulky or showy)
 
  • Have a positive and co-operative attitude
 
  • Are tolerant of their workmates
 
  • Are prepared to work hard
 
  • Know how to speak to people and show good manners

Positives About Working in the Superyacht Industry

 
  • You live and work on the world's most luxurious yachts
 
  • You visit the planet's most exotic locations
 
  • You are paid well in US dollars and no tax is deducted (you should obtain professional advice regarding your income tax responsibilities)
 
  • Free medical care after a qualifying period
 
  • Free lodging and food whilst on board
 
  • Uniforms are provided free
 
  • Usually you negotiate a return flight to Australia once a year
 
  • Some weeks of annual leave
 
  • You work with in a team of young, like minded people
 
  • Excellent opportunities for advancement in the industry

Negatives About Working in the Superyacht Industry

 
  • This is a job like any other. You are expected to work efficiently and at times for long hours.
 
  • Most contracts are for a minimum of 1 year
 
  • Superyachts are big but crew accommodation is small
 
  • You share a small living space with other people
 
  • There is no guarantee of a job
 
  • You need to have sufficient funds to fly to Florida or The Med and pay for some weeks of accommodation
 
  • You are away from your family and friends in Australia for a long time
 
Maritime Career Training (under the name Superyacht Career Training) has been conducting Certificate of Safety Training courses since December 2006. In that time we have trained in excess of 140 young people each year who have travelled to either Florida or the Med to obtain a position on a Superyacht. A small number have found positions locally but most have obtained a position overseas within a few weeks of their arrival. Finding a job has become harder and more competitive in recent years.
 
The industry is seasonal but most crew stay with the one superyacht for at least a year. Superyachts cruise the whole year round in all parts of the globe. However, most vessels cruise the Med from about May to October and the Caribbean from November to April. The greatest concentration of Superyachts can be found in Ft Lauderdale in October and November. Antibes (pronounced Anteeb) on the French Med coast is one of the best places to find crewing work during the Med season. Majorka  in Spain is also a good place to look for crewing work. There are a number of crew placement agencies operating in these locations.
When Should you do Your CoST Training? We conduct CoST courses monthly on the Sunshine Coast in South East Queensland. At times through the year the courses are quickly filled. Please enroll and pay for your course at least 21 days before the course commences in order to secure your place.

Certificate Recognition

The AMSA Certificate of Safety Training is recognised by many overseas Administrations or Flag States including the United Kingdom MCA. MCA recognition of your training is an essential pre-requisite to obtaining a job on a superyacht overseas. The AMSA approved Certificate of Safety Training which we deliver takes 8 days to complete, costs $2,200 less $100 for payment more than 21 days before the courses start.

How to Proceed

If you are healthy, energetic and wish to visit the planet's most exciting destinations on the world’s most luxurious yachts, please go straight to the Enrol page now! (This is the top most button on the left hand side of the screen) Or contact Barry Barnes on:

Ph. (07) 5446 6410
Mb.0418 243 042
Fx. (07) 5446 6203
Email bb@stcw95.net

For additional superyacht specific training which you may require, Maritime Career Training can recommend:

International Yacht Training Worldwide
iyt

  • Suite 482
  • 9-3151 Lakeshore Road
  • Kelowna
  • British Columbia V1W 3S9
  • Canada
  • +1 (778) 477 5668
  • +1 (778) 477 5669 
  • Fax: +1 (778) 477 5526
  • email: info@iytworld.com
.