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New to Yacht Crewing: Masters License or STCW95?

Discussion in 'Yacht Crews' started by southsider, Jun 26, 2007.

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  1. southsider, Jun 26, 2007
    #1
    southsider

    southsider New Member

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    Jun 19, 2007
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    FL
    Aloha,
    I am interested in joining a megayacht crew, but I am curious as to what certifications will help my interests. I currently have no certifications besides basic first-aid/CPR, but I have enough sea-time (720+ days) to go for my 50 ton USCG Masters License. I am under the impression that almost every yacht requires a STCW95 certificate for just getting your foot in the door. My question is "is it worth it to get the 50 Ton Masters?" or would it be better to wait and get one of the YachtMaster licenses. Will a 50 Ton Masters do anything for me? Would I still need the STCW95 even if I had a 50 Ton Masters? Any guidance that could be provided would be greatly appreciated.

    Thank you
  2. southsider, Jun 26, 2007
    #2
    southsider

    southsider New Member

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    Or, option C, should I just get both certifications if I can?
  3. hullothere, Jun 26, 2007
    #3
    hullothere

    hullothere New Member

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    getting started in yachting

    Yes. STCW95 is all but a must. Vessels of over 100tons are requireing it. If they sail under MCA regulations, there is not much you can do to get around it. With the currant state of yachting changes, a 50 ton ticket is probably not worth much. Getting your Z card, and having your Able Body Seaman and the QMED for engine rooms might not be bad to have. Since everyone starts at the bottom in this industry, those items might place you up a notch within the begining deck spots. And lets face it, the yachting industry is both cycloidal for hiring and a very personality driven career. Having Fine dining skills and even bartending skills are positive attributes that seem to overshadow good maritime skills. And remember, The place to be for yachting is FT. LAuderdale, about 1-2 months prior to the Boat Show in October. That is where and when changes to crew usually occur, and the ability to gain experience dayworking is always a plus.

    Good Luck!
  4. yotphix, Jun 26, 2007
    #4
    yotphix

    yotphix New Member

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    Good advice from Hellothere. I would add that it's not a bad idea to do that STCW95 course in Ft. Lauderdale since you will immediately meet 50 or so people in, or getting into the yachting industry. It's a great place to hear about both permanent and daywork/delivery type jobs. Ditto for the Crew house you will inevitably stay in. I highly recommend Mary's Crew house since many yacht Captains call her directly to find crew. She will not recommend those who she doesn't feel are well presented and sincere about yachting. (I don't work for Mary but she was a grat help to me is quite dear to me)
  5. southsider, Jun 29, 2007
    #5
    southsider

    southsider New Member

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    Location:
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    Thank you very much for your responses.

    Would getting the 50 ton masters license help for further down the road while going for Yacht Master certifications or is that a completely separate thing?

    I also would not be able to make it down to Ft. Lauderdale for the month(s) prior to the Boat Show, but is there a similar re-staffing period that occurs there after the winter season in the spring?