how to become a yacht stewardess

How to Become a Yacht Stewardess / Steward: An Experienced Insiders Guide

If you’re wondering how to become a yacht stewardess / steward, you’ve found the perfect starting point.

I’ve personally reaped the rewards of 10 magnificent years in the industry, where I started out as a yacht stewardess and worked my way up to Chief Stewardess. This has motivated me to help people like you that are wondering how to become a yachtie .

My goal here is to equip you with the best resources and knowledge for how to become a stewardess on a yacht. Make sure you follow these steps to ensure you successfully land your first job.

yacht stewardess setting dinner table with an Asian theme

Table of Contents

Yacht Steward / Yacht Stewardess Job Description

As a Yacht Stewardess or Steward, you are responsible for all the interior operations of the vessel. This will include tasks such as housekeeping, laundry and high-end food and beverage service.

Interior Tasks Include:

5 star food and beverage service
Flower arranging
Table scaping
Laundry Care
Interior housekeeping
Updating interior inventories
Accounting and budgeting
Liaising with guests and co-ordinating activities

1. What Qualifications Do You Need to be a Yacht Stewardess or Steward?

In order to become a stewardess on a yacht, you will need to have an STCW Certification and pass an ENG1 medical.

The STCW (Standards of Training and Certification of Watch keeping) is an internationally mandated course and a minimum requirement for anyone who wishes to work on a yacht.

Throughout the training, crew members will acquire the necessary skills to handle emergency situations and ensure the safety of all onboard. They will also learn safe working practices to ensure the safety of themselves and their fellow crew members.

In 2010 the STCW convention added a new module requirement to the basic safety training, so ensure that you do the additional Proficiency in Security Awareness (PSA) module which takes one extra day.

This STCW course is comprised of 4 modules, takes 5 days to complete, and is valid for 5 years. The modules include:

Personal Survival Techniques (PST)
Fire Fighting and prevention (FFP)
Elementary First Aid (EFA)
Personal Safety and Social Responsibility (PSSR)

If you aim to work on vessels of +50m in size you may also need to hold the PDSD (Proficiency in Designated Security duties) course. This is a one-day online course for anyone who may be involved in security duties such as being a watch keeper.

To work on a yacht, you must undergo a basic medical examination called an ENG1. This assessment is performed by a doctor certified by the Maritime Coastguard Agency (MCA) to ensure that you are healthy enough to work on a yacht.

A list of MCA-approved doctors can be found here .

4 yacht stewardesses wearing emersion suits

2. Recommended Courses if You want to Become a Yacht Stewardess / Steward

In order to become a Yacht Stewardess or Steward you do not necessarily need to hold any other courses or certifications. The courses you choose to do would be more so to boost your confidence and gain better insight into being a stewardess on a yacht.

Hood Hygiene and Safety Level 2

Although this course is not mandatory, I highly recommend you do it as most vessels require anyone handling food (Stews included) to hold this certification. There are a few variations of the course so just ensure that the one you do is MCA approved.

The purpose of this certification is to equip crew members with the skills to assume personal accountability for food safety. This involves understanding the importance of maintaining cleanliness and hygiene in both personal work areas and food preparation.

Introductory Yacht Steward/ Yacht Stewardess Training

These courses are generally held over 5 days, and include everything you need to know about how to get into yachting as a Stewardess or Steward, as well as what your job will entail.

You will learn all the basic elements of housekeeping, laundry, service, floristry, wine knowledge, and onboard living etiquette.

These courses are not essential, but extremely helpful in having you better understand what will be required of you if you want to become a Yacht Stew.

the master cabin of a super yacht. a big room with a bed

3. Create the Perfect Yacht CV

If you are wondering how become a Yacht Stewardess with no experience, you are going to need to make sure your Yacht CV stands out from the rest.

Besides a well-laid out resume, you also need to highlight why you are the best candidate for this specific job that you are applying for. Be sure to highlight ANY transferable skills you may have to offer the industry. This could be hospitality experience, floristry, baby-sitting, yoga, or maybe you are a masseuse.

Resumes on a desk next to glasses, a pen, and a plant

4. Apply for your Visa if Necessary

To work as a stewardess on a Super Yacht, you will need to look into your personal situation and passport to identify which visa you need.

B1/B2 VISA – Needed to enter the United States and surrounding waters

Shengen Visa – Needed to enter Europe for the Mediterranean season

5. Locate Yourself in the Right Place at the Right Time

Once you are ready to head over to a yachting hub, you need to consider the time of year you are going. Ideally, you want to arrive a few weeks before the season starts. There are 2 seasons in yachting:

The United States and Caribbean Winter Season (November/December to March/April)

The biggest hub for yachting in America is Fort Lauderdale, and in the Caribbean, it is Antigua and St Maarten.

Please note that if you are not a green card holder or US citizen, I do not recommend flying into America and actively seeking work. This is illegal and could get you into trouble.

The Mediterranean Summer Season (April/May to September/October)

If you’re looking for the ideal spot in the Mediterranean, consider Antibes in the South of France. It’s a top yachting hub with plenty of crew houses and yacht agents. Plus, you’re within easy reach of other sought-after destinations like Monaco and Nice.

Palma, located on the island of Mallorca, is also a major hub for yachting. It boasts numerous marinas, agents, and crew housing facilities.

6. Day Working and Dock Walking for a Yacht Stewardess / Steward

“Daywork” is when you get hired on a day-to-day basis, earning cash and assisting boats as they need extra help onboard.

Daywork is a great way to get experience as a Yacht Stewardess or Steward. If you make a good impression on the Captain and Crew, this could lead to a permanent position onboard or a referral to another boat.

“ Dock Walking ” is when you walk the docks of marina’s handing out your CV in the hopes of being hired for day work.

7. Sign up with Yacht Crew Agencies

You will want to sign up with as many yacht crew agencies as possible. Here are some popular agencies you should sign up with to get started: Luxury Yacht Group, Blue Water Yachting, The Crew Network, Cotton Crews, Yot Spot, Northrop and Johnson, HR Crew and Burgess.

To stay updated on job postings, it’s important to check social media platforms like Facebook. Join various yachting Facebook groups such as Fort Lauderdale Yacht Crew, Palma Yacht Crew, and Antibes Yacht Crew. You want to keep checking these groups regularly to stay informed.

Yacht Steward / Yacht Stewardess Salary

As with everything in the industry, your salary is largely dependent on the size of the vessel, your experience in the industry, as well as your qualifications.

A starting salary for a Yacht Stewardess or Steward can range from $2500-$3500. From there you can expect to see annual salary increments as you spend more time in the industry.

If you want to set some goals, a Chief Stewardess’s salary can be upwards of $5000 – $9000. Possibly even more depending on the size of the vessel!

On top of these very attractive salaries , you may also have opportunities to earn more money in the form of charter tips and annual bonuses.

tropical table setting with fruits and flowers

Roles and Responsibilities of a Yacht Stewardess or Steward

The housekeeping stew.

The role of a Housekeeping Stew is to clean and maintain all aspects of the interior of the vessel . Guest cabins and common areas need to be meticulously cleaned with a lot of care and attention to detail. They will also be cleaning crew areas such as the crew mess and bridge.

Cleaning the vessel is not as simple as it seems. You will be vacuuming, dusting, polishing, tooth-picking grooves, ear budding ledges, and working with delicate surfaces.

The Laundry Stew

The Laundry Stew is responsible for laundering, stain treating, ironing, and maintaining laundry for the entire vessel. This includes crew uniform, crew personal clothing, guest clothing, beach towels, bath towels, table linens, rags, and kitchen tea towels.

The job of a Laundry Stewardess is in fact a very meticulous one, as you will be dealing with a number of different fabrics and colors. A simple mistake could cost the boss a very expensive dress.

The Service Stew

The role of the Service Stewardess is to ensure that every want and need of the guests is met. As far as service goes, you will be serving 3 meals a day, afternoon canapes, sunset cocktails, and all the other beverages and snacks in between.

You may also be required to head over to the beach to do service if there is a beach set up, or go for a cruise on the tender to serve drinks and snacks. A fun part of the role is also of course the tablescaping, which is usually most Stewardesses’ favorite aspect of the job.

yacht stewardess ironing in the laundry room

At-home Tasks for Your Personal Growth

There are a number of things you can do to boost your confidence as a Yacht Stewardess or Steward before joining the industry. I can assure you that personal skills and experience come preferred over certifications.

Take your time to do research, link up to the social media accounts of established stewardesses and get involved with any work or transferable skills that will boost your resume.

All of these tasks, to list a few, can be practiced at home and will impress your future employer.

Napkin folding
Table setting
Cocktail making
Making beds
Toilet paper folds

4 yacht stewardesses standing together in uniform

Final Thoughts on Becoming a Yacht Stewardess / Steward

Some of you may find it easy to become a Yacht Stewardess or steward, and some of you may bump into some hurdles along the way.

Either way, my advice to you is to keep your head up and stay positive.

Work hard, put in extra effort wherever possible, keep smiling, and be a positive energy bubble in your work environment. Your efforts will pay off and soon you will be reveling in the world of Yachting. I hope to see you out there!

If you need any more advice I would be more than happy to assist you personally. Please pop me an email in the contact section.

Hi, my name is Lisa, a Chief Stewardess in the yachting industry with 10 years of experience, as well as 8 years of hospitality experience prior to that. Being in the yachting industry has been a whirlwind of adventure, growth, challenges and some of the best experiences of my life, and I am excited to share my knowledge and experiences with all of you.

7 Best Antibes Crew Houses: Where to stay for first-timers

Fort lauderdale crew houses: 21 of the best crew accommodations, 3 thoughts on “how to become a yacht stewardess / steward: an experienced insiders guide”.

Thank you for such helpful content!

Hi I’m interested in a position to be a Stewardess and to work in the bar or a restaurant on the boat . I would love to apply for a position in the mediterranean, I’m not sure where to start or if I have to do a course .

Hello Chelsea. When you are starting out in the Super Yachting Industry (not cruise ships) your role is more likely to include housekeeping and laundry. With more years of experience, your role will become more diverse and include bar tending and service. If you are looking to better understand the role of a Stewardess before joining the industry, then I have a great post on a Day in the Life of a Yacht Stewardess. If you are interested in joining the industry, then this article lists out everything you need to do to find your first job. Good Luck!

Everything You Need to Know About Becoming a Yacht Stewardess

Last Updated: June 18, 2024 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Finn Kobler . Finn Kobler graduated from USC in 2022 with a BFA in Writing for Screen/Television. He is a two-time California State Champion and record holder in Original Prose/Poetry, a 2018 finalist for the Los Angeles Youth Poet Laureate, and he's written micro-budget films that have been screened in over 150 theaters nationwide. Growing up, Finn spent every summer helping his family's nonprofit arts program, Showdown Stage Company, empower people through accessible media. He hopes to continue that mission with his writing at wikiHow. There are 19 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 6,551 times.

If you’re social and love to travel, yacht stewarding might be the perfect career for you! Spending months at a time exploring exotic locations, helping out on the boat, meeting and working with lifelong friends all day long. It’s a job as rewarding as it is exciting. Keep reading and we’ll teach you everything you need to know about becoming a yacht stewardess.

Yacht Stewardess Job Requirements

Step 1 Complete your STCW Basic Safety Training.

SCTW certificates are valid for up to five years. After five years, you must take a fire fighting and sea survival refresher course.
Make sure your course is certified by a national maritime organization in the country where you complete it.

Step 2 Get your ENG1 Medical Certificate.

Medical conditions that may inhibit you from receiving your ENG1 include, but are not limited to: epilepsy, heart disease, kidney failure, color-blindness, and history of drug/alcohol addiction. [3] X Research source
If you are working on a small boat operating 60 miles from shore or less, an ML5 will suffice as a substitute for an ENG1.

Step 3 Ensure your travel documents are up to date.

How to Find a Job as a Yacht Stewardess

Living near a yacht hub between jobs can be expensive. Look into a crew house - a privately-owned, budget-friendly accommodation where yachties and former yachties live - to stay while you network, complete your training and look for work. [5] X Research source

Make sure you look presentable while you network. Yacht stewardesses are extremely clean and well-groomed. Dress for the part you want by wearing deck shoes and an appropriate yacht shirt.

Step 3 Work through a recruitment agency.

Jobs like bartending, nannying, customer service, and cleaning all look good as these types of duties will be performed on the yacht.
Look into doing free day work on boats to help build your sea legs and make connections with captains and crew.

All yacht CV’s list certifications, work history, nationality, spoken languages, body modifications, references, and relevant skills. Some are even more in-depth with details like smoking habits and overall objective. [9] X Research source
There are several free yacht CV templates online to help ensure yours fits the industry norm.
Don’t be afraid to play around with the formatting. Your CV should be professional but also as unique as possible.

Most interviewers are also looking for excellent presentation, leadership, and communication. Make sure to highlight these attributes when you answer their questions. [11] X Research source

You’d Make a Good Yacht Stewardess If…

Step 1 You’re comfortable being away from home.

Benefits of Being a Yacht Stewardess

Step 1 It gives you a chance to see the world.

A Day in the Life of a Yacht Stewardess

Step 1 You’ll have lots of different jobs day-to-day.

Yacht Stewardess Pay

Yacht stewardesses also have no living expenses since food, housing, electricity, water, even toiletries are provided on the ship. [22] X Research source
Depending on the countries you sail out of, this can sometimes be tax-free!
Tips are usually divided evenly among the crew.

Expert Q&A

About this article

Did this article help you?

About wikiHow
Terms of Use
Privacy Policy
Do Not Sell or Share My Info
Not Selling Info

Work On A Yacht

From the Blog Subscribe Now

How to Become a Yacht Stewardess: The A-to-Z Quick Start Guide

July 6, 2022 By Julie Perry

THE QUICK START GUIDE:

The a to z of how to become a yacht steward/ess.

In the first half of my book, The Insiders’ Guide to Becoming a Yacht Stewardess , I discuss the yachting industry and give you insight into what this world is all about. I also spend quite a few chapters discussing what both crew life, and the work, is like. I promise it’s a fun and fascinating read, and it will appeal to many people — even those just curious to learn more about this exclusive world of superyachts. I cover who owns them, who travels on them, how much they cost, what destinations they visit, and even what they’re like inside.

BUT, if you are eager and ready to become a part of the yachting industry, then Part II of my book is for you. In it, you will learn the step-by-step process for acquiring a yacht stew position, if not any entry-level position onboard a yacht, including deckhand, chef, and engineering positions. In the end, I think you’ll be shocked to discover just how straightforward it is to land one of these dream jobs. Training is key, professionalism is required, and before you’re convinced you should give it a go, please make sure you have the right intentions. While the benefits that accompany this job are plentiful, being a yacht crewmember requires a LOT of hard work .

While I recommend grabbing a copy of my book for the nitty-gritty details, I can quickly chart your course here. I am going to throw at you, in an “a, b, c” fashion, what I consider to be the main action steps to get you from where you sit now to your first stewardess position (or nearly any entry-level crew position) on a luxury yacht. The order of these steps might vary, but what I want you to glean from looking down the list is just how uncomplicated the process really is for how to become a yacht stewardess or steward .

And not to worry, if you buy the book , I expand upon every step throughout Chapters 6–11, along with delivering practical, insider advice on how to get hired in a short period of time. You will see which chapters contain that information below.

Use The Quick Start Guide as a checklist reference as you prepare to take your own leap into what I hope will be a well-lit path.

Are you ready? Here goes:

Assess your skills and determine whether or not this opportunity is for you. (Chapter 6)
Find storage for your major belongings and plan to pack up what you’ll need because you’re going away for a while! (Chapter 8)
Select the hiring port where you will conduct your job search, which you will determine based on convenience to your set of circumstances, as well as on the time of year. (Chapter 8)
If you do not already have a passport, apply now! (Chapter 8)
If you are a non-U.S. citizen, you need to apply for a B1/B2 visa before leaving your home country. (Chapter 8)
Prepare a preliminary résumé/CV highlighting your applicable skills and work experience, along with your special abilities, talents, and interests. (Note: I’ll explain what a CV is in Chapter 10.) A cover letter is optional, but it is a nice touch. And make sure your social media profiles project you as a reliable person to hire. (Chapters 6 and 10)
Compile a list of preliminary work references to include with your résumé/CV submissions. (Chapter 10)
Have a headshot photo taken of yourself (or use an existing one) to include with your résumé/CV submissions. (Chapter 10)
Research the yacht-crew training schools in your chosen hiring port, and find out their respective STCW Basic Safety Training (BST) Course schedules ahead of time. You should plan to arrive in town when courses are being offered and can accommodate you. The same holds true with any optional preparatory classes you plan on taking, such as a specialized stew training course. (Chapter 7)
Research yacht-crew housing options in your chosen hiring port, and call ahead to check availability for the date you plan to arrive. Consider booking your initial accommodations once you’ve determined your STCW Basic Safety Training course dates and made your travel arrangements. (Chapter 8)
Send preliminary e-mails to the yacht-crew recruitment agencies that you hope to register with before you make your move. Simply introduce yourself, let them know you will be coming in to meet them soon, and tell them your planned arrival date. Consider sending along your résumé/CV in advance, with expected course-completion dates listed. If possible, go ahead and schedule your personal interview. (Chapters 9 and 10)
Book that airplane ticket, and move to a hiring port. (Chapter 8)
Once you are physically in a hiring port, go meet with the agencies. I recommend registering with a minimum of two crew recruitment agencies to get started. The crew agents will want to interview you when you arrive, so dress the part, and be ready to sell yourself as a serious job candidate. If you haven’t already e-mailed it in advance, hand them your résumé/CV and get their feedback. Make any necessary updates or adjustments that the crew agents suggest. (Chapters 9 and 10)
If you have not already done so, enroll in, take, and complete a five-day STCW Basic Safety Training Course from an accredited training school. (Chapter 7)
Let the crew recruitment agencies know when you’ve completed your STCW training, and update your résumé/CV accordingly. (Chapter 10)
Consider enrolling in a specialized steward/ess training course (highly recommended!) to increase your chances of getting hired fast. Completing this training really can be the deciding factor on whether or not you are offered a position as an entry-level stew. (Chapter 7)
Look for day work at local marinas and shipyards in your hiring port. Going boat to boat letting captains and current crew know you are available for work could even lead to a full-time position. This is referred to in the industry as “dockwalking.” Much more on this later. (Chapter 9)
Seek out alternative job-finding methods such as classified “crew wanted” ads in the yachting newspapers and trade publications as well as on their websites, public bulletin boards in well-known yachting establishments, and by networking with people in your crew house and at local yachtie hot spots, such as bars and restaurants. Not to worry, I’ll supply that list, too. (Chapter 9)
Update your résumé/CV and referral list with all the new training and day-work experiences you accumulate. This includes acquiring and passing along to the crew agents reference letters from captains or supervisors from any yacht that hires you to do day work for a period of three or more days. (Chapters 9 and 10)
Keep checking in with the crew agencies as often as possible (which you can do online via their websites and/or their social-media presences), to remind them of your availability and update them on your own efforts to find a job. (Chapter 9)
NETWORK, NETWORK, NETWORK! (Chapters 7–10)
Take advantage of all interview opportunities that initially come through from the agencies or by other means listed above. (Chapter 10)
It may not be the case for everyone, but if you’re able to interview with several yachts before accepting a position, be selective! (Chapter 10)
Think overnight before accepting a position. If you are not interested, let the hiring party know as quickly as possible.
Accept your first job, and get ready for an extraordinary, life-altering experience! (Chapters 10 and 11)
(Because I needed a “z”): Send me an email and let me live vicariously through your adventures at sea!

Please feel free to download Chapter 1 here .

Becoming a crewmember on a luxury yacht is a career move that not only can grow your bank account, but also can enlarge your worldview. It’s about travel, it’s about providing service, and it’s about stepping outside of your comfort zone to become more knowledgeable about the world, its customs, and its diverse people. I know from firsthand experience that when you take on an adventure such as the one offered in this industry, you can discover an entirely new perspective on life.” ~Julie Perry

The Insiders Guide to Becoming a Yacht Stewardess 2nd Edition by Julie Perry Download Chapter 1

About Julie Perry

Our latest tweets.

Julie Perry Follow 7,708 9,352

We're off and cruising now! Learn more about the @yachtsexclusive business model and our early success with an idea whose time has come in the #yachting industry... Simply put, it's #yachtingsmarter. via @BizObserverFL #yachtingindustry #luxurytravel

Yacht subscription business off to smooth start | Business Observer

Naples-based Exclusive Yachts offers the first subscription-based membership club for luxury yacht experiences. Two keys ...

www.businessobserverfl.com

Having fun with our Exclusive Yachts execs and crew in Naples last week... What a wonderful team! ⚓

Well done to Irma & Melveen Malabanan, turning their 20 years of yachting experience into a fun and fabulous business! Note that Irma also trains interior yacht crew at @savvymaritime. She's pretty amazing! #yachtcrew #tablescape #southflorida

Stylish Soirees with Le Tablescape - Fort Lauderdale Illustrated

From Friendsgiving fun to Thanksgiving feasts, a tablescape sets the tone.

fortlauderdaleillustrated.com

Get Our Email Newsletter

Name * First Last
Name This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Yacht Crew Agency / The Ultimate Guide to Becoming a Yacht Stewardess: How to Get the Job of Your Dreams

The Ultimate Guide to Becoming a Yacht Stewardess: How to Get the Job of Your Dreams

February 13, 2023

Becoming a yacht stewardess is a dream job for many women, who enjoy working in a luxurious, challenging, and dynamic environment. The job of a yacht stewardess involves providing first-class hospitality services to guests and crew members on board a superyacht. It requires a combination of technical skills, interpersonal skills, and a professional demeanor. In this article, we will guide you through the steps you need to follow to become a yacht stewardess and get the job of your dreams.

Step 1: Determine If You Meet the Basic Requirements

Before you start applying for yacht stewardess positions, it’s important to make sure that you meet the basic requirements for the job. Most yacht stewardesses are required to have:

A minimum age of 21 years old
A valid passport
A high school diploma or equivalent
Excellent communication skills in English
Basic computer skills
Good health and fitness
The ability to work well under pressure
A friendly and professional demeanor

Step 2: Obtain the Necessary Certifications and Training

To become a yacht stewardess, you need to have a basic understanding of maritime safety procedures and first aid. You can obtain this knowledge by taking the following courses:

STCW (Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping)
Basic Safety Training
Personal Survival Techniques
Fire Prevention and Firefighting
First Aid/CPR

These courses can be taken at maritime training centers, community colleges, or online. It is recommended that you obtain these certifications before you start applying for yacht stewardess positions.

Step 3: Build Your Resume and Portfolio

Your resume and portfolio are crucial to getting hired as a yacht stewardess . Your resume should include your education, certifications, work experience, and skills. Your portfolio should include professional photos of yourself, references, and any relevant training certificates. Make sure your resume and portfolio are well-presented, professional, and tailored to the job you’re applying for.

Step 4: Network and Apply for Yacht Stewardess Jobs

Once you have your resume and portfolio ready, it’s time to start applying for yacht stewardess jobs. You can find job postings on yacht crew websites, LinkedIn, and other job search websites such as Yacht Crew Agency . You can also network with other yacht crew members, attend yacht crew events, and join yacht crew Facebook groups. When applying for a yacht stewardess job, make sure to include a cover letter that explains why you’re the right fit for the job.

Step 5: Ace the Interview and Impress the Yacht Owner

When you land an interview for a yacht stewardess position, make sure to dress professionally, arrive on time, and bring a copy of your resume and portfolio. Be prepared to answer questions about your skills, experience, and why you want to be a yacht stewardess. During the interview, make sure to showcase your professionalism, friendliness, and attention to detail. If you’re lucky enough to be offered a yacht stewardess position, make sure to impress the yacht owner with your positive attitude, hard work, and excellent customer service skills.

Additional Tips for Success

Stay physically fit and maintain a healthy lifestyle, as the job can be physically demanding.
Continuously improve your skills and stay up to date with industry trends and best practices.
Be flexible and adaptable, as the job often involves working in changing environments and conditions.
Be a team player and work well with others, as the job requires working closely with the crew and guests.

With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a successful yacht stewardess. Good luck!

Frequent questions on how to become a yacht stewardess

The job of a yacht stewardess is often a entry-level position and prior work experience is not always required. However, previous experience in the hospitality, customer service, or travel industries may be advantageous.

A friendly and professional demeanor is important for a yacht stewardess, as the job involves providing hospitality services to guests and crew members. Other important qualities include the ability to work well under pressure, good interpersonal skills, and a positive attitude.

While STCW, basic safety training, and first aid certifications are essential for a yacht stewardess, additional training or certifications in wine and cocktail service, culinary skills, or language proficiency could be beneficial and increase your chances of getting hired.

Social Chat is free, download and try it now here!

Stewardess , All guides

Stewardess on a superyacht -10 steps to find your first job.

July 13, 2021

How to become a Yacht Stewardess ?

Step 1 – Get Qualified Step 2 – Get the right skills and training Step 3 – Get the perfect Yachting CV Step 4 – Location – Plan your journey with your mentor Step 5 – Daywork and experience

Step 6 – Get the right Yachtie Network and Contacts

Step 7 – Get a Strong Superyacht Reference Step 8 – Start applying for our Superyacht jobs Step 9 – Ace your job interviews with your coach Step 10 – Get a job, bank account and sign contract Claim your Yachtie Careers Deckhand and Stewardess offer

Step 1 – Get Qualified as a Stewardess

Despite what you will hear…. To start working on a Superyacht there are only 3 Basic Documents required to make you qualified, and in order to start as a Stewardess you need:

Passport (Valid 12 months)
Basic Safety STCW Training
Medical Certificate (Valid 6 months at least)

Step 2 – Get the right skills and stewardess training

To get an edge over other crew, some yachts require additional certificates to be held by a minimum amount of crew on board. This is called safe manning certification . If you are a Stewardess starting you should consider these:

Food and Hygiene Level 2
Crowd and Crisis Management

This is included in Yachtiecareers Stewardess Superyacht Course

Step 3 – Get the perfect Yachting CV

You will need to write a perfect Superyacht Stewardess CV. The sections of your CV should include:

Contact Information
Personal Information
Skills and Qualifications
Certificates
Education & Languages

With Yachtiecareers we write the CV for you , in order to make you avoid make the mistakes of other crew and give you an edge over the competition to get your first job.

We make sure your strengths are highlighted
We work with graphic designers to make the lay-out appeal to Captains and recruiters
We write it so that the overall message is selling your persona
We structure the information correctly.
We use industry expert writers for sentencing, paragraphing to make your CV stand out
Most importantly you get a personal CV and can avoid using a CV-template looking like the other 20 CVs in the pile.

Step 4 – Location – Plan your journey with your Personal guide

Are you in Europe or in the US ? Depending on your location, you can use our guides and knowledge to maximise your chances to get daywork in each city.

The best places to start Yachting, in order to succeed are the following:

Fort Lauderdale
US West Coast

To become a Yacht Stewardess those are location hubs for Superyachts, offering you most chances to secure a job, furthermore it will connect you with people in the Yachting Industry, in addition to the Yachtiecareers network.

Antibes, France
Barcelona, Spain
Palme de Mallorca, Spain
Split, Croatia
Genoa, Italy

That is the top-list , recommended to find daywork with no experience by Yachtiecareers, moreover it will enable you to travel and see some of the most beautiful places in Europe.

Step 5 – Daywork and experience

The best way to find daywork is to speak with your Yachtiecareers Instructor and network in the location you are currently in. You need to be flexible and ready to work and step in at short notice.

When I was starting Yachting , I spent one day day working in Portofino in Italy , the next one in Monaco and 2 days later I was in Cannes in France.

Towards the end of the week I was doing a crossing on a 50m yacht from Antibes, France to Venice, Italy.

You need to be flexible and ready to work and step in at short notice, in order to get the right opportunities.

Network in your Location
Use Yachtiecareers Partner Daywork App to find daywork with one click
Let your Instructor find daywork for you
Have your phone ready at all times
Have your CV and business cards ready
Use your crew house contacts
Join relevant Facebook groups (this is not always a good idea)

We can assist you finding daywork, just text your Instructor on WhatsApp.

Step 7 – Get a Strong Superyacht Reference

Just like any other profession, network is everything. When you complete our training we are confident in your abilities and are happy to provide you with a reference.

If I am looking for a Stewardess on board and I get a recommendation from a friend or someone I know, because I will choose your CV over 10 other CVs with stronger experience. That is just reality.

So build references and network using YachtieCareers, your Instructors, people you meet in Yachting hubs and ask during your Daywork.

Step 8 – Start applying for our Superyacht jobs

The way to find Superyacht jobs as a Stewardess with no experience can be hard. By all means you can register, on regular crew agencies, crew databases and apply for jobs daily.

However you will be competing with thousands of other crew, the chances that I will even read your CV are very slim. And if I do get your CV it will be in a pile with 20 other CVs. At this point it is very important your CV has the perfect lay-out and structure.

At Yachtiecareers we have created a Superyacht recruitment platform where we focus only on junior crew. In addition to that the yachts we work with only contact us with junior crew requests and with the help of your personal Instructor you can get connected to people in the industry making it easier to land that first job.

Other ways is to network and daywork. Do nor apply for hundreds (100) of online jobs without having the perfect CV and experience, it will just be a waste of time, moreover you should spend your time more wisely.

Step 9 – Ace your job interviews with your coach

At this point, you are very close to securing your first job, since you have completed the right training and used our step by step guide to secure your first job interview, because the CV they have received has displayed your key strengths.

Stewardess Yacht training qualifications Instructor Stewardess skills

Before the interview, your Chief Stewardess Instructor will prepare you for the questions you might face before starting, remember that 90% of the questions will be about your CV, so know your own CV inside out before the interview to explain your past experiences.

As long as you appear willing to start the job, humble and showing a happy attitude it will get you on board if you follow the interview guide from your Instructor, as result you will secure your first Superyacht job.

Step 10 – Get a stewardess job, bank account and sign your contract

Great, because you followed our guide it has led to you securing your first Superyacht Stewardess job.

Now the fun starts. It is time to pack, to sign your contract and to get a Bank account.

We will go through your contract with you, moreover we will make sure it is either MLC compliant or giving you the basic rights as yacht crew. If you have got the interview by using the Yachtiecareers network, the Yacht will be compliant.

We help you with your Bank Account, to get the right currency and setting it up online
Make sure to bring your Medical Certificate, Passport and STCW certificates originals.
Get your flight tickets
Sign the contract
Pack your personal belonging, you might be away a long time, therefor there is limited space on board, so you have to get it all in to one suitcase !

Yacht Deckhand Premium STCW

Yacht Stewardess Premium STCW

Yacht Stewardess Full STCW

Superyacht Deckhand Full STCW

STCW Training in Holland- A Comprehensive Guide

Top 10 best places to find a Yacht job in the Med 2024?

RYA Powerboat Level 2 for yacht crew: Unlock Your Powerboating Skills

How Much Does Yacht Crew Make?

Top 10 Benefits of STCW Course Netherlands

Yacht Stewardess Training in Amsterdam

Yacht Crew Courses for Holland: Food Hygiene Level 2

Basic Safety Training for Yacht Jobs in Holland

Superyacht crew training europe.

You missed the spot. We are fully booked 2024 | Join Waiting List to become Yacht Crew 2025