Getting a job working on board a super yacht in the marine industry can be difficult without the required training. The responsibilities of a crew member go further than washing and cleaning the yacht. Crew are also assigned roles in an emergency situations such as a fire, collision and medical.

Basic training courses prepare new members to the industry with the understanding of the equipment so that they may assist crew teams during the on board emergency. Basic training also give candidates the skills and certification to operate small watercraft such as tenders and jet skis which they may be asked to operate supervise and unsupervised depending on the size of the yacht.

Even though some of the courses below may not seem important to interior crew members such as chefs and stewardesses. With increased competition in the industry and new regulation governing crew and yacht it is recommended that all crew hold all qualifications below before looking for work in the industry. The courses include

The STCW95 basic sea training

This 5-7 day course covers the basic skill in sea survival, fire fighting, first aid and social responsibilities on board

VHF radio certificate

By law all operators of VHF radios must hold VHF certificate which are commonly used for on board communication, as well as communication with crews and guests when ashore.

Jet ski licence

By law in Europe and in other waters around the world you need to have completed a Ski licence to rent or operate one. It is a good thing to have if you are asked to move one for the guests. Also the experience in driving small jet craft will assist you when you get a job on board a yacht since small tenders also handle very much the same and use the same drive and steering technology.

Powerboat level II

The powerboat level II certificate qualifies candidates to drive small tenders up to 10m. With crew sizes stretched having additional staff that can operate tenders allows the more experienced crew to remain on board to complete additional yacht manoeuvres.

Additional skills and qualifications

Additional skills and qualification required to find a job on board a yacht will depend on the career path you wish to follow. Please read through the different course outlines as well as the information provided on the number of different careers, posted in the Superyacht Guide.

If you have any further questions please feel free to contact the MarineDex support team where we will be happy to help.