| This is the master checklist to get your first job on a | | | | (If you are not a US citizen, then see my article |
| luxury yacht. This is the process I used to | | | | "Getting Your Visa to Become Professional Yacht |
| successfully start from scratch. I got my first job as | | | | Crew") |
| a deckhand and within 2 years was a licensed captain | | | | 9) Set the date and book a ticket to fly to a |
| running a sailing charter yacht. It can be done! Each | | | | yachting hub where crew placement agencies are |
| of the following steps have sub-components, so read | | | | located (Book your ticket to return in 6-12 months, |
| my other articles for more need-to-know details on | | | | then change as needed). |
| exactly how to do it... | | | | 10) Wrap up your life details at "home." (You will not |
| 1) Determine that you have the correct attitude. | | | | be able to manage them from a yacht. You cannot |
| Professional yachting is not like recreational boating. | | | | have any issues requiring your attention) |
| To achieve your goals, you will need to be a | | | | 11) Pack into 2 bags - most important: your cell |
| "learn-it-all", not a "know-it-all." | | | | phone. (See my article "What To Pack For Your First |
| Acknowledge that although this job/lifestyle appears | | | | Yacht Job") |
| glamorous, that you are a servant - although with | | | | 12) Arrive at the airport, then take a taxi to a crew |
| great pay and amazing perks. It is easy to "serve" | | | | house and check in for a week. |
| when you really mean it and have a giving heart. | | | | 13) The following day go to crew placement agencies |
| 2) Determine which position you are best suited to | | | | and register for free. You can usually walk to all of |
| start in: deckhand, stewardess, engineer, chef, sous | | | | them. |
| chef, captain. | | | | 14) Talk to every person you meet along the way, |
| 3) Honestly rate your own skills, then start a reading | | | | tell them you are also looking for day-work and give |
| studying plan to learn more. Subscribe and read "The | | | | them a business card. Change your voice mail |
| Triton" and "Dockwalk" online. | | | | message and prepare to professionally answer your |
| 4) Make your goal "real" by writing it down in the | | | | phone. You are on a serious job hunt! |
| following format: | | | | 15) Go to marinas and walk the docks. Network like |
| "The reasons I am going to get a job on a yacht are | | | | crazy. |
| (list ). The goals I want to accomplish (list). I will start | | | | 16) Get day-work asap to learn more, get referrals, |
| on (date). I will end my yachting career once I | | | | keep cash flow positive, and stay mentally in the |
| accomplish my goals, or if I learn that (list the | | | | game. |
| outcomes opposite of your goals). I am dedicating (X | | | | 17) Interview with the captain in a professional |
| amount of time) for my yachting career. | | | | manner. Be honest, but sell yourself. |
| 5) Research to find an STCW course near you (if | | | | 18) Accept the first job offer that is close to |
| possible) and take it. (If you do not live near a | | | | alignment with your goals. Learn as much as possible |
| yachting hub and are going to take the STCW | | | | to get over the learning curve and build confidence. |
| course upon arrival, then continue to step 6) | | | | Do even the most menial task to the best of your |
| 6) Write a draft of your resume. Compare and | | | | ability. Learn the details of your job, and be eager to |
| tweak it to match ones you see online. (Don't think | | | | help other crew so you learn and get a good |
| that you will get hired by being a newbie posted | | | | reputation. Your first job is usually not a total "dream" |
| online, you won't). | | | | situation, but is a necessary step before landing the |
| 7) Print 100 business cards with your "head-shot" | | | | awesome jobs! |
| picture and cell phone number. | | | | If you want to work on yachts badly enough and |
| 8) Get a passport with as many pages as possible. | | | | persist - it WILL happen! |