Basic Entry Qualifications for Superyacht Crew
For employment on a commercially registered superyacht, the minimum requirement for all crew is basic safety training. Deck and Engineer Officers must meet the certification requirements in accordance with the vessel’s characteristics.
Some privately operated yachts may accept applicants who have not yet completed STCW training, however there is also a growing trend even within this category of vessel to employ STCW Crew. However, we strongly recommend therefore that newcomers to yachting complete the basic training before applying for any positions to enhance your prospects for employment.
• Personal Survival Techniques
• Fire Fighting and Fire Prevention
• Elementary First Aid
• Personal Safety and Social Responsibility
All four of these modules must be completed. They can be taken as individual courses or all four together, which takes some 5-6 days.
VantageYacht Crew staff would be pleased to recommend the best schools/training facilities in which to take the STCW course.
Medical Certificates
Depending on which country the yacht is registered under you may need a valid medical certificate (i.e. a seafarer certificate). Some employers will also expect this, regardless of which flag the yacht flies, as it may be a requirement of the vessel’s insurance policies.
We strongly recommend that any new comers to this industry undertake a medical examination with a view of obtaining a valid medical certificate such as the MCA approved Medical, known as ENG1. The list of MCA approved medical practitioners can be obtained from the MCA website. Or contact us for advice.
Other Qualifications
In order to prove your determination to succeed in the industry we recommend that you take other courses before you apply for a job aboard. This is not absolutely necessary, but they are courses that you will have to take anyway as you progress up the career ladder.
Courses you should consider include: RYA qualifications such as Day Skipper, Power Boat Level 2 and VHF/SRC Radio Operators Certificate or IYT Tender Driving. The MCA approved Yacht Rating Course is acceptable.