So You Want to be a Yachtie…

The first question most yachties hear when they tell someone what they do for a living is, “How did you find that job?” The yachting industry is very small and demands a lot so you should definitely know what you’re getting yourself into!

Making the Move

You’re probably wondering, “Do I really need to pack my things and move just to interview for a job?” The answer in the yachting world is no doubt, YES! Yachting is a very small industry and it only peeks its head in certain areas.

The four specific areas where you have the best luck making your debut are:

Ft. Lauderdale

Florida

Antibes

France

Palma de Mallorca

Spain

Newport

Rhode Island

These yachting hubs are among the best to find the resources (such as a crew agency) to help you find your place in yachting. Most cases, you will only be living in these areas for a month or two, assuming you find a position rather quickly, so let us introduce you to something called a Crew House!

Crew House

Crew Houses are basically just what they sound like. These are houses or apartment complexes that are used solely to rent to yachties looking for their next dream job. They provide an inexpensive and rather fun environment while you’re day working or in limbo. Not only do they offer you a roof over your head but good people and good times! Click Here to see our Crew House in West Palm Beach, FL!

Documents for Days

Getting your documents in order is a crucial step once you make that move to start your yachting career. Your STCW should be first on the list. This is a 5 day course that will cover different elements of that are essential to yachting.

These include:

Personal Survival Techniques

Click for Course Example

Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting

Click for Course Example

First Aid / CPR

Click for Course Example

Personal Safety and Social Resposibilities

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Maritime Security Awareness

Click for Course Example

These courses may sound intimidating but have no fear! Most people complete all five days just fine and get to meet other people that are joining yachting. Some find it helpful to do just one course to make sure that yachting is still of interest, as you can register for courses A La Carte, consider it a preview to the full extent of the course and the career.

ENG1

You will need a medical exam to be cleared to get a job on a boat.  Make sure your medical practitioner is up to date on current regulatory standards.  If you are in South Florida, click here to make an appointment for your ENG1.

The next document you’ll want to be sure to have if you are a non-American is your B1/B2 visa.  Why? Well, most if not, all boats at some point will be in US waters at some point. Even if it’s just to refuel, in order for crewmembers to legally be in US waters, if they are not Americans, they are required to have their B1/B2 visa. As long as you meet the basic requirements you should have no problem obtaining this visa.

Requirements to obtain B1B2 Visa

-You are seeking this visa to be a crew member aboard privately owned yachts
-You have no intention of working in the US nor are you seeking work in the US
-Best thing is to be honest about your intentions and offer valid and relevant information only.

Last Thoughts

B1/B2 Visas are offered at the US embassy or consulate. You can apply in your country of residence but in order to avoid a very long waiting process you should do your best to directly work with the US embassy or consulate or countries with a shorter waiting list.