Introduction to Yachting / Module 3: Onboard Professionalism and Well-being

Lesson 1: Starting in a new position

Joining a new vessel

Yacht captains or agencies usually prefer candidates to be nearby for the possibility of in-person interviews. This makes it harder for you to be selective about opportunities because you are limited to jobs within close proximity of your location. On the other hand, you might receive a job offer after an online interview, so be prepared to relocate to a different city or country within a short period of time.

Once your employment has been confirmed, you will be asked to join the crew. When you arrive, make a good first impression. Dress neatly, be polite and ensure you are fresh and well-groomed.

Living on board a vessel

Yachts, even the largest ones, have limited space for the crew to live and work.

As a crew member, there are three main areas where you’ll spend most of your time on board:

1. Crew accommodation,
2. The crew mess, and
3. Your designated work area

1. Crew accommodation

Crew will always have accommodation in the form of cabins, which are generally located on a lower deck on the water line and forward, toward the bow. Traditionally, the crew’s quarters are placed here as it is the least comfortable section in a moving vessel. The owner will occupy the best and most comfortable areas. The captain, and sometimes the engineer, have individual cabins. The rest of the crew will occupy shared cabins in various configurations.

Cabin space is small, and toilets and showers are shared. Bunk beds are the norm, offering a choice of top or bottom beds. You should accept what you are given. There will be allocated space to store your uniforms, clothing and personal belongings. There is very little storage space available in your cabin, so try to travel light.

Your crew cabin is also your personal safe space, a place to rest, recharge, and enjoy a moment of privacy in an otherwise busy and shared environment. It's important to respect both your own and others' cabin spaces by keeping noise levels down, tidying up after yourself, and always knocking before entering.

A shared bunkbed and bathroom for crew accommodation.

When you join the yacht, you will be provided with everything you need to start your role, including a full crew uniform. This typically consists of items such as shirts, shorts or trousers, shoes, and sometimes outerwear or swimwear, depending on your duties and the yacht’s location. The uniform helps maintain a professional appearance and reflects the standards of the vessel. The chef uniform is a combination of black and white, sometimes including a chef hat (on bigger yachts) or neatly tied back hair (on smaller vessels).

Examples of crew uniforms on yachts.

2. The crew mess

The crew mess is typically connected to the crew cabins, laundry and the galley, either directly or via a passage way. It is a communal area and must be treated with respect and kept clean in consideration of your fellow crew. This area serves as the common room for all the crew to have meals, watch TV and relax. The captain will hold team meetings here, and the crew can socialise and wind down after their busy days in the crew mess area. Each crew member will begin their day in this area. Teas, coffees, snacks and breakfast items are available with a crew fridge and pantry storage.

Example of a typical crew mess.

3. Designated work areas

You will spend weeks, months, and maybe years in your designated workspace, so the sooner you get to know it, the better. Being familiar with the design, systems and technology and knowing the location of the storage areas and equipment, will help you perform to perfection.

Learning Activity: What are all the workspaces on a yacht?

Your first days onboard

In the first days of joining a yacht crew, your goal is to settle in quickly, make a good impression, and learn the ropes. The process below is typical for what you could expect when joining a new vessel. However, this can change from vessel to vessel, so be prepared to adapt.

Learning Activity: It’s your first days onboard, what activities should you do?

Prepare yourself

Preparing yourself mentally for guest service is essential, as there are times when you’ll be lacking sleep, feel overworked and unappreciated. When this happens, remind yourself that working on yachts is all about keeping guests happy. Where you can, take breaks and relax, as you may not have the time when service becomes pressured. Before any guests arrive, ensure that you get enough sleep, you’ve regenerated, and you’re looking after your health.

Take the time to understand the yacht's layout, where things are stored, and how your team operates. Pay attention to routines, personalities, and unspoken rules. This will help you fit in more quickly and avoid common mistakes. Keep your personal space organised, stay tidy in shared areas, and show respect to those around you.