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New South African Yachtie

Discussion in 'Yacht Crews' started by Keegan B, Jan 6, 2019.

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  1. Keegan B

    Keegan B New Member

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    Jan 6, 2019
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    Location:
    Cape Town
    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
  2. Danvilletim

    Danvilletim Senior Member

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    isleton, ca
    Learn how to fix a generator! Seriously the more hands on a boat that can help out when things go wrong the better.
  3. AnotherKen

    AnotherKen Member

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    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.
  4. Ken Bracewell

    Ken Bracewell Senior Member

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    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.
  5. Keegan B

    Keegan B New Member

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    Thanks, appreciated.
  6. Keegan B

    Keegan B New Member

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    Thanks Ken, yes i have done it all and have my ENG1.
    Good to hear that they don't take any of your salary.
  7. Keegan B

    Keegan B New Member

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    Thanks.
  8. ychtcptn

    ychtcptn Senior Member

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    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.
  9. Keegan B

    Keegan B New Member

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    Location:
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    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
    Last edited by a moderator: Feb 7, 2022
  10. LilSlapShot

    LilSlapShot New Member

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    Have you found a deckhand position yet?
  11. Keegan B

    Keegan B New Member

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    Jan 6, 2019
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    Location:
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    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
  12. olderboater

    olderboater Senior Member

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    You didn't realize your visa was expiring and take action? Seems pinning all the responsibility on the yacht manager isn't appropriate.
  13. DanielYacht

    DanielYacht New Member

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    Aug 30, 2019
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    Location:
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    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!