Advice for a Deckhand

I've been in the industry for a little over 18 months and too have had a somewhat difficult time. It think it really is a matter of "right place, right time". And its especially difficult for that to happen when not having an income means your unable to put any money in the bank to live off of when you don't have a job. I would recommend keep on dock walking, talking to everyone you can. Try some of the day work sites that are online, post your resume and reply. Any bit of day work is helpful towards finding something more permanent. There are thousands of qualified yachties out there, which is why sometimes it seems like it takes forever for anything to work out. I've done day work on several yachts and worked a season on a small yacht as well as another season on a sail boat. Don't set your goals too high. Maybe something pays a little less than it should, but it's experience, however if you do accept a job that doesn't pay well, don't go out and advertise it to others as it's not a good way to make friends. And in this industry, it is important to be liked.

I've noticed a lot of people trying to get into the industry take a bunch of courses and don't even have any work yet lined up. The STCW 95 is number one. It'll run you about $1,000 but to get a job on most yachts, they'll ask if you have this. But even to the point of day working, I've never been asked for the tickets I have. Don't go out and get a bunch of un-necessary tickets as they can be gotten later on down the road. However, if you qualify for something now then put aside the money and get it.

If you still aren't finding any work, then re-evaluate your situation. Why do you want to work on a yacht? Is it just for the adventure or for a life-long career? Make sure you are making the right decision. There are other opportunities too, such as working commercially. If your heart is in it, and this is your passion, you'll do just fine. Besides, the greatest rewards come to those who have the most patience.

Cheers

If I ran a crew agency and I had your resume with the dozens of others, I'd look for ways to separate and narrow down my stack. You already have experience working against you. Then you add not having an STCW 95 and Eng 1 and you just really wouldn't get consideration. There are too many people wanting to cruise the world for free as yacht crew before returning to the real world. Then there are those who want to have a career as a professional. The first way they differentiate themselves is in training and qualifications.

I would suggest finding some form of work, even if not yacht related, that will allow you to get some basic training.

Am I correct in assuming you're a US citizen?

Now with those in hand, the best hope is to get some day work. Add that to your resume. Then you have some experience to site. And don't be picky about day work. If it's scrubbing decks all day and you do it so well and with so much energy plus follow instructions well, then maybe a Captain or Chief Stew will take notice. Maybe they'll even know someone in need. Word does spread.

daywork123.com...

Someone's posting deckhand jobs every day - often for inexperienced newbies. Get up early, stay up late and keep checking and replying - something will shake loose.

Although Fort Lauderdale is a hot spot of hiring, you do see situations where by the time a boat hits the Bahamas it's lost a crew member, so some being in the right place at the right time can happen. As summer approaches the hiring hot spot switches to Europe. You also have an advantage there because you're not fighting uphill against the problem of being non-US resident trying to get job in Fort Lauderdale which eliminates form of your opportunities.

Any other marketable skill you might pick up can also help. If you also can do a bit of cooking, or if you are a personal trainer or can give massages or fix hair it can give you a step up in some situations.

Have you decided where you want to live longer term? If it's the UK then I'd probably hit Antibes for the summer season. If it's the US then getting a green card would be very helpful to you. That can be difficult.

Then part of it is just luck. It's happening to be in the right place. I hope you have letters of reference from those you have worked for. Revise your CV with every job you have, even day work, especially if you do something different on a day work. For instance, if you just happened into day work helping stain the teak, then that shows another experience plus willingness to jump in on other tasks.