There are few jobs as ideal for the long-term budget backpacker or runaway than working aboard a private luxury yacht. If you are lucky enough to become a crewmember aboard one of these glamorous behemoths, you can expect an adventure like no other.
However, finding work aboard a private yacht is no easy endeavor and your work schedule can at times be rigorous to say the least.
In the following guide you will find everything you need to know in order to runaway and travel the world aboard a private luxury yacht.
Yacht Job Positions
The four primary positions aboard are private yacht are, deckhand, Maid, Cook, and Engineer. All of which require some degree of prior experience.
(There are many more positions available on cruise ships. If you’re interested in working on a cruise ship, there’s no better resource than Wandering Earl’s, How To Work On A Cruise Ship.)
For aspiring deckhands, strong boating skills are essential. They include, the ability to drive a tender or small motorboat, wood varnishing and painting skills, and proficient swimming and sailing skills. Holding a tender boat license or a captain’s license is a plus.
If you are seeking a position as a maid, being a woman will definitely increase your chances. Though there are some male maids, it is not common. It is advantageous to have experience as a maid in a reputable hotel or within any hospitality service.
In order to apply as a cook, you must be an experienced and accomplished professional. Most yacht owners are billionaires and as such expect only the finest dinning experiences. If you aren’t 5 star, you might as well forget about it.
Lastly, in order to become an engineer, it is necessary to hold an advanced degree or equivalent experience in marine engineering. In addition, one must be skilled in electrical engineering as well as plumbing.
What do you think a mother aged 44 with computer and teaching experience must do in order to get a well paying job on a yacht? Am I too old?
Hey, I think you can do it! It won’t hurt to try. Head to Antibes or Ft. lauderdale this fall. Good luck!
Hey there my name is Yuliya however people used to call me Julia and I don’t mind it ;) I am 23 years old lady and currently I speak 4 languages fluently. Russian, Ukrainian, Portuguese and English also I do understand and speak Spanish but not perfectly yet. I am a student in UK I really like my course but I would love to travel and if that would bring me money that would be amazing. What are my chances to get a job like that ?? What you recon?
Probably pretty good! Go for it!
Good afternoon,
was just wondering if you could advise me on a few questions I have.
I completed my basic stcw 95 qualifications and am interested in doing tickets to become a assistance engineer as I have past experiences as I has Enginer.
I was just wondering if you could tell me the what courses I would need to complete and also the best way to gain experience as I have none.
Many thanks
Sam
Hey Sam, I’m really not sure about engineering courses. I would suggest you contact one of the crew agencies for advice and to figure out what captains are looking for in an engineer. Good luck!
Hi, is it hard for a female moreover an Asian female to be employ as a deckhand or stewardess? I’m 25 from Malaysia and really interesting to get into this field, working on a yacht. Will height or look be a problem? Im a little short look a little boyish thou.
I don’t think that will be a problem at all :) You should go for it!
Hi my name is Jes. I’m 35 and I really feel like if I don’t do somthing like this soon I’m going to regret it. I live it tampa fl. I’m currently a medical assistant but I have owned my own cleaning company. I’m pretty OCD when it comes to cleaning. So what do you think I should do?
Hey Jes, I think you should go with your gut and go for it. Ft. Lauderdale is the place for finding boat work. You could also fly to Lake Atitlan for about 50$ on spirit air and figure out a new path down there :)
hi, im 34 years old, and i interesting to work hard and earn money. can u send me some information… txks.
If you have a question, I’d be happy to answer it.
Hello .my name is Leandro I am from southamerica , I lived in Liverpool- England , I work as recruitment consultant for the last 10 years , I worked with kids as well , I got clear records, I speak perfect spanish and English , I got British passport and Uruguayan passport , I want to stop working in recruitment and do something different , please contact me, Thanks leandro
Hey Leonardo, thats great! I think you should totally go for it. If you have a question I’m happy to answer.
I am interested in a job probably as a maid. I am however 59years old and about to retire from a catering business which I’ve had for over 20 years. I would love the experience of seeing the world and nothing better than by water. My main question is am I to old?
Definitely not too old! I think lots of captains actually prefer to hire older people to reduce the drama that inevitably rises when a bunch of people like in such close quarters. Give it a shot for sure!
Why does everyone ask the same questions? If you cant even work out, how to register on crewnetwork.com, or how to send an application, how do you want to get a job in this industry…
hahaha, agreed! I feel like this guide is pretty thorough, if only people would read it first.
Hi
I am a young well groomed 23 year old who has an STCW 95, Passport, Medical, Police Clearance etc. And i am searching for an offshore entry level post as a Able Seaman/ Ordinary Seaman/ Deckhand. If you can provide me with any info or if you have a post available. Can you please contact me on my email or call 0729367550. Thanks for your time. I tried absolutley everything and still I cant find a post. Please help. God bless.
R J Lekay.
Hey RJ, I wish I owned a yacht but I don’t. You should try the Crew Network as I explained in the guide.
Its time for me to work on a yacht,I have worked on a cruise ship in my pasted , and it was great,where can I send my resume.
You can sign up with the Crew Network. They have a data base of yachts and will help connect you with a captain.
Hello! I really like to work on yacht, but im still working in container ship as a 3rd Engr.. I dont know if there job description is the same! Any chance to get the same position when i transfer to a yacht industry!? Many thanks…!!!
Hey Jorey,
You’ll have to check out the the kinds of marine engineering qualifications they require but it seems likely. Good luck! -Leif
Hello , very nice guide . I am travelling for some time right now , only by hitchhike , and I started from home , with some clothes , a piece of bread and 66 eurocents.I volunteered and worked everywhere where I could , I didnt had the opportunity to think about working on a yacht , but now Im looking forward to it. I am in the Netherlands right now , and I am lefter , so my next destination is probably south of France , I know I can make it there with no money , since I travelled already thousand of km with no budget. I will try it for sure , any other ideas my friend , its almost March , what is possible in this period ? Have a nice day , and safe travel and a happy life !
Hey Gyorgy,
Thanks! Great story, sounds like you’re having a hell of an adventure. You could still go down to Antibes/Palma for day work. You could also try and find ski resort work in the french alps. Knew a few people doing that. Good luck and stay warm!
Thanks very much for the reply.Its always nice waking up next to the river in a squat , in a sunny day , starting the day positive.My next destination after NL is Belgium but dont know for how long time , find some work at a farm , then maybe somewhere deeper in france in somekind of stable with horses work , and I will be right on time to the yachts. Good luck to you too !
Also , there is high chance , that big supermarkets in europe go bankrupt , and then they will have like 70-90 % discount for everything , if you have a chance like I did , buy what you can take with you ! I buyed stuff worth 1000 euros and payed 100 … you can sell it on the way ! ;) never fails
I never got that lucky but that sounds like a great deal if you’re in the right place at the right time.
That sounds great. Keep us updated on your travels. You’re living the dream. Good luck to you as well!