The yachting industry welcomes career-changers, school-leavers, and anyone with the right attitude and preparation. This section covers everything you need to go from zero to your first paid position on board.
Every captain will ask for these. Get them sorted first and you'll stand out from 90% of the competition.
The mandatory safety certificate required for all commercial vessel crew. A 5-day course covering fire, sea survival, first aid, and personal safety. Non-negotiable.
STCW guideYour seafarer fitness certificate. A 30-minute medical with an approved doctor that confirms you're fit to work at sea. Lasts 2 years. Book early — some areas have long waits.
ENG1 guideA yacht crew CV is different from a normal CV. One page, professional photo, certifications listed prominently, and a format captains recognise. We'll show you exactly how.
CV guideThe two entry-level paths into yachting are deck and interior. Read the relevant guide to understand exactly what's involved.
Deck work is physical, varied, and a great entry into the industry. You'll handle lines, maintain the vessel, drive tenders, and keep everything on deck pristine. The classic entry-level route for people who love being outdoors.
Deckhand guideInterior crew manage guest experience — from cabin service and silver service dining to cocktail mixing and floral arrangement on larger vessels. If hospitality is your background, this is your route in.
Stewardess guideWhat entry-level roles actually exist, what you genuinely need to get them, and what realistic first-season expectations look like. No hype, just facts.
ReadHow to write a crew CV that captains actually read — format, photo, what to include, what to leave out, and tips for people with no yachting experience yet.
ReadDay work is the single best entry point into yachting. One day can turn into a week, a week into a contract. Here's everything you need to find and land day work.
ReadThere's no single route into yachting, but most successful crew follow a similar pattern. Here's the rough order that works:
The most common mistake new crew make is waiting until they feel "ready." The reality is: get your STCW booked, get your ENG1 done, and get yourself to a marina. The rest you figure out on the job. Every single captain and chief stew was once in your position.
Join 75,000 crew in the Palma groupThe Palma Yacht Crew Facebook network is the largest crew community in the world. Post a question, ask for CV feedback, find crew accommodation, or just connect with people who've been exactly where you are now.