Jean-Damien Barrier

Superyacht Cadet Jean-Damien Barrier begun his cadetship with UKSA in 2005 is the first cadet to gain his Master 3000 Qualification.

Described as ‘an incredible achievement’ by Cadetship Manager Emma Baggett, Jean is currently travelling the Caribbean for the winter.

We caught up with him to get the low-down on where his career has taken him, his plans for the future and the advice he has for anyone going into the industry.

Jean chose the University route initially…

“I attended university in France for 2 years before realising it wasn’t for me. I chose the Cadetship route because of the way you are able to alternate between study time and work experience.”

“I think the most important thing is to make sure you learn as much as you can, knowledge is key and yacht knowledge is limitless.”

They say everyone must start somewhere…

“I started on small sailing yacht (62ft Swan) as a deckhand and moved onto a  62m motor yacht still as a deckhand, before going back to a 30m sailing yacht and then a 45m, 50m and 62m Motor Yacht where I have always been a mate/first mate/chief officer.”

Travelling the World whilst learning and earning money…

“The first sailing yacht was a world tour trip, I joined in Thailand and travelled (Westwards) to the North East of the US. The other vessels I have worked on were mainly in the Mediterranean but they have also travelled to the North East of the US and Caribbean. I’m now on a busy charter yacht in the Mediterranean during the summer and I now travelling the Caribbean for the winter.”

Qualifications for life…

“Gaining my Master 3000 give me a better knowledge of the Captain role. In addition, it has given me a better understanding and input when discussing with other heads of department, managers, DPA and contractor, to ensure the job is getting done as required for the intended voyage/season/shipyard.”

The dream…

“My dream is to provide a better service for our charter guests on a day to day basis and maybe get the chance to take over as captain for short deliveries or Atlantic crossings. I can also now focus my study time towards improving my Spanish and Italian languages and maybe keep going with my wine degree!”

Advice..

“The cadetship is a very well set-up, logical and fun way of getting your OOW. I think the most important thing is to make sure you learn as much as you can, knowledge is key and yacht knowledge is limitless.

Always show respect to any crew or people you meet, you never know who you’re talking to or who is sitting next to you.”

Interested in following in his footsteps?

If you want to find out more about the Superyacht Cadetship please call our advisors on 01893 203038.