Good evening, I am Keegan, aged 20, new to this site and currently studying to become a yachtie. I am completing my advanced dekhand course, jet ski instructors course as well as the PADI open water course in March and upon advice from the training centre, i have been advised to head off to France mid - end April to do some dock-walking in search of a position. I would appreciate any advice on what else i could do to try and secure a position. I have a listing of some recruitment companies but not sure if they will take a portion of my salary. Is there anything i else i can do to find a position on board. Also, are there any other courses i should complete before trying to look for a deckhand position? Thanks in advance for any assistance and guidance. Regards, Keegan
Learn how to fix a generator! Seriously the more hands on a boat that can help out when things go wrong the better.
Talk to the companies that build yachts, many of them hire crew members for yachts that they have built. There is another down there, Perini Navy if I recall correctly, they finish boats too but could probably hook you up with an owner in need.
That's sound advice. I assume you have your Basic Safety Training courses completed. That is mandatory. And you'll need and ENG1 medical certificate. No- they won't take your salary. The recruitment fees are charged to the vessel.
Thanks Ken, yes i have done it all and have my ENG1. Good to hear that they don't take any of your salary.
Good luck. Make sure you have all your Visas sorted. You will need your Schengen if going to Europe Best to get your US B1/B2 while you are in your home country, I would seriously try to get this before you start on your journey.
Hi, thanks so much for the advice. I have a 10 year B1/B2 visa and will be able to get my Schengen visa in a week or two after applying. Thanks for the info. Regards, Keegan
Good Evening, Thanks for your comment. i am unfortunately 100% available. The yacht managers on my last yacht did not sign me onto the yacht in time and only realized a day before my visa expired and whilst we were at sea. As a result i have had to come home to renew my Schengen visa. I have a B1/B2 visa valid until 2024 and am available to travel immediately. I am available for any Deckhand positions and my Captains (references) in my CV will vouch for my work performance and ethic. Kind Regards, Keegan Barnard
You didn't realize your visa was expiring and take action? Seems pinning all the responsibility on the yacht manager isn't appropriate.
Hi Keegan, I'm also a South African guy looking get into the industry around March next year. How long before leaving did you do you courses (and the US visas, which I hear can take some time to get)? I'm planning to start in January to leave me plenty of time to do all the ones I need. Where did you get your ENG1 and where did you do your courses? Any tips specifically for a South African when applying for my visas and for when I actually go to Europe and start my dockwalking? Thanks!