First job
Builds on: L4.1. See also: Yacht Rating Certificate.
The one-page CV
Captains and agents read a lot of CVs quickly. Make yours easy:
| Section | What to include |
|---|---|
| Header | Name, position sought, nationality, date of birth if you choose, phone, email, current location |
| Photo | Recent, professional, smiling, plain background, in crew-style clothing |
| Documents | Passport nationality, visas held with expiry (Schengen, B-1/B-2, C-1/D) |
| Certificates | STCW basic training, medical (type and expiry), PB2, SRC, AEC, food hygiene, others, with dates |
| Experience | Most recent first; vessel, length, role, dates |
| Skills | Languages, trades, water sports, hospitality |
| References | Named, with phone numbers, who will actually answer |
What to say about South Africa
Be specific about what you did at home:
- SAMSA tickets: give the category and limits. "SAMSA Skipper Category C, day charter, Knysna, 2 seasons" tells a captain something.
- Medical: if it is a SAMSA certificate, say so, and note that South Africa is on the MCA's MSN 1815 list. Give the expiry.
- Hospitality: lodge, safari camp, wine estate and restaurant experience is valued for interior roles. Name the property if it is well known.
- Trades: for deck and engineering, trade certificates and practical skills belong near the top.
CAUTION - Accuracy beats polish Every line may be checked. An inflated certificate or an invented reference will end a contract when discovered, and the industry is small.
Visas on the CV
South African nationals need visas for most cruising grounds. A captain planning a Med summer and a Caribbean winter needs to know that you hold, or can get, the right visas. Put them near the top.
Using crew agencies
- Register with several reputable agencies; they are paid by the yacht.
- Visit in person in the hub if you can.
- Keep your profile updated after every course and job.
- Answer calls. An agency with a same-day request calls the next name on the list if you do not.
The interview
Interviews may be on the dock, on the aft deck, or by video. Expect questions about your certificates, experience, how you handle long hours and close quarters, and why you want the job. Be honest about what you do not know. Captains value people who can be taught.
The trial trip
Most yachts take new crew on a trial of a few days. It tests fit as much as skill.
- Arrive early, ready to work.
- Do things the yacht's way. Techniques differ; ask, then follow.
- Keep your cabin and yourself immaculate.
- Stay off your phone during work hours.
- Do not drink to excess on a crew night out.
TIP - Thank the people who helped A short message to the bosun or chief stew who trained you on daywork or trial, whether or not you got the job, is remembered.
Your first contract
Read it before you sign. Check position, salary, currency, leave, notice, repatriation and who the employer is. Keep a copy. The employing entity and flag affect your tax position, covered in L5.1.