So you’re thinking about working in the superyacht industry? Great decision, you are going to have a blast! Before reading any further about the 3-week entry-level courses we offer at UKSA, there are a few things you should know if you are considering a superyacht career.
What to expect
- Hard work
- Long hours
- Irregular working schedule
- Tight living spaces
In return for your hard work, you will get:
- Learn a new trade
- Meet new people from all walks of life
- Have adventures and visit the most exotic places
- Get to use the latest gadgets and toys
- Transform your life
- Earn a great salary with generous tips
Role breakdown
So what are the different roles interior and exterior crew undertake?
You are part of a team so the work you do will vary and cover many facets. In its most basic form a deckhand is responsible for the exterior of the boat and steward/stewardess the interior. To help you get a feel for the tasks at hand for both roles we have created this comparative table:
| Deckhand (Exterior) | Steward / Stewardess (Interior) |
|---|---|
| The day to day work | |
| Cleaning all elements of the exterior of the yacht | Cleaning all elements of the interior of the yacht |
| Polishing stainless steel | Polishing glass, metal and surfaces |
| Carpentry, treating and varnishing | Sewing, stitching and mending |
| Sanding, filling and painting | Ironing, laundry and folding |
| Cleaning bilges | Cleaning the heads |
| Cleaning and tendering toys | Tidying up after guests and children |
| Crane operations | Washing dishes |
| Maintaining clean and stocked working spaces | Restocking all cleaning products/toiletries |
| Assisting other departments | Assisting other departments |
| Helping interior crew clean cabins | Assisting deck crew in wash downs of exterior |
| Helping interior crew tidy up after events/meals (galley) | Helping the chef prepare the meals (galley) |
| Help the engineers with mechanical or cleaning issues | Account keeping – Pursers |
| Sea-going | Sea-going |
| Preparation for sea–stowing | Ensure everything onboard is stowed away |
| Rigging tows for tenders | n/a |
| Maintaining a navigational watch | Assisting in watchkeeping duties |
| Anchorage duties | Help with anchorage if needed (mainly smaller vessels) |
| Docking duties | Help with docking if needed (mainly smaller vessels) |
| Assisting in any issues that arise (mainly engine room) | Assisting with any issues that arise (covering sickness) |
| Guests / Charter | Guests / Charter |
| Tender driving | Tender driving |
| Watersports preparations and activities | Getting towels, suncream, drinks and lunch ready |
| Transfer of guests from vessels/locations | Ensuring all needs are met |
| Chaperoning guests | Chaperoning guests |
| Beach and land excursions preparation/activities | Beach and land excursions preparation/activities |
| Guest service – exterior | Looking after guests – interior |
| Regular/On-going | Regular/On-going |
| Watch duties | Watch duties |
| Safety drills | Safety drills |
The hours
If it’s quiet then you can expect regular hours. When guests are onboard then it can be intermittently manic for 24 hours! For a day at the dock – with no guests onboard, routine work is the norm and should produce a seven to ten hour day.
Like any job, morning and afternoon work is common with a lunch break. In the middle of a busy charter or owner trip, regimented days are thrown out of the window and breaks can be non-existent. It’s all hands on deck.
Living Spaces
They are small! The newest crew member on-board in an entry-level position is likely to get the worst bunk in the smallest cabin. You will be sharing with at least one other maybe more. Room is tight and your bunks will take up most of the cabin, which is more than likely to be situated in the bow. An advantage in living in such tight quarters is that you quickly learn to become tidy!
New people and adventures
You will meet so many new people from all walks of life and form amazing relationships. You get to visit exotic places, see incredible wildlife and mingle with the locals. If you work hard and maintain good relationships with your whole crew, you will form lasting friendships and these connections are great for future roles.
Transform your life
This industry will change your life plus teach you so many valuable lessons. The skills you learn are transferable and will give you a work ethic that sets you up for life. Be inspired by our Steward/ess Training and Crew Training graduate stories.
