How to Become a Yacht Stewardess

Ever watched Below Deck and thought, “I could do that!” Well, it turns out, you actually can.

If you’re ready to ditch the ordinary and embrace a career that allows you to travel the world, meet new people, and gain incredible skills and experience (all while getting paid) … then, yachting might just be your calling.

But unless you know someone who’s already working in the industry, it’s not always easy to know where to start.

Luckily, you’ve come to the right place. We’re here to help you on your journey to becoming a yacht stew on a superyacht.

Before we get going, let’s make sure we’re all clued up about what the role of a yacht stew actually entails.

Stewardesses and stewards are responsible for ensuring the yacht interior remains in pristine order, providing exceptional guest service, delivering seamless food and beverages service, and maintaining impeccable standards for laundry and ironing.

Working in the interior department, the size of the team will vary depending on the yacht, with larger boats having more extensive teams led by a Chief Stewardess.

Ready to kickstart your dream career? Here are the 5 steps to get started on your journey…

1. Decide if yachting is right for you
2. Get your compulsory certificates
3. Develop key skills through specialist training courses
4. Craft the perfect CV
5. Put yourself out there
   

1. Decide if yachting is right for you

Yachting isn’t your average 9-5 gig. It’s a lifestyle choice which offers unparalleled travel opportunities, the chance to meet people from across the globe, and gain new skills – all while earning a good salary.

However, life on board a yacht can also be demanding. You need to be prepared for long hours, hard work, being away from home for long stretches, and living in close quarters with your fellow crew. Flexibility, a positive attitude, and a genuine passion for exceptional guest service are key to success.

If you think yachting is the right fit for you. Congratulations! You’ve just taken the first step towards becoming a yachtie.

2. Get your compulsory certificates

Before you dive into the yacht crew life, there are a couple of things you need to have in your maritime toolkit.

The first two courses you absolutely have to have are the STCW 95 and the ENG1 Medical Certificate. The STCW is like Yachting 101 where you learn safety, survival skills and other essential basics you need on board. The ENG1 shows you’re fit and ready to handle life at sea.

These two qualifications are required for any yachting role. Another one often expected for interior crew is a Food Hygiene Level 2 certificate, so it’s worth getting this one in the bag to bolster your CV.

3. Develop key skills through specialist training courses

No experience? No problem.

Specialist training courses can provide essential knowledge and practical skills before stepping foot on a yacht. The Crew Academy‘s Superyacht Stewardess Starter Kit offers a comprehensive introduction to yachting life, expectations, and key skills for interior crew roles.

You’ll gain the key skills in food and beverages services, guest interaction, housekeeping and laundry. Plus, you can choose a specialist course such as floristry, barista skills or cigar service, to help your CV stand out from the crowd.

4. Craft the perfect CV

Your CV is how you make that vital first impression on your potential new employers, so make it count!

Include your essential yachting certificates (STCW etc), as well as your new specialist service and housekeeping qualifications. You’ll also want to showcase any relevant skills and experience – even jobs outside yachting can highlight transferable skills like customer service, time management or teamwork.

With the Superyacht Stewardess Starter Kit, you’ll get a full CV review and support to create a great yachting CV.

5. Put yourself out there

You’ve completed your training, you’re armed with a stellar CV, and you’re ready to go. Now’s the time to start looking for work.

Yachting is all about making connections. The first step is making sure you’re registered with yacht crew recruitment agencies. Alongside this, it’s worth heading down to a superyacht marina and hand out your CV to Captains. This is known as dockwalking.

If you register for the Superyacht Stewardess Starter Kit, you’ll be registered with our recruitment agency The Crew Hunter, and you’ll get a one-to-one call with one of our careers advisors to help you land that first role on a yacht.

The Superyacht Stewardess Starter Kits are designed to provide entry-level crew with the essential knowledge, skills and support to confidently break into the world of yachting.

All of our interior courses are industry-recognised, fully online, self-paced and flexible. Which means you can complete them at a time, location and schedule that suits you.

The Superyacht Stewardess Starter Kit includes:

• Core skills training in a range of essential and specialist skills (see three bundle options below).
• A review of your CV and personalised tips on how to improve
• A one-on-one call with our specialist careers advisor
• Support with booking STCW and ENG1 with one of our partners such as Seahaven Maritime Academy (if required)

Once you have completed your training, as a TCA alumni, you will also be entitled a free Mental Health Awareness course to help foster positive working environments on board.