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How to Get a Job as a Yacht Stewardess

Kate got her start in the yachting industry working as crew. She spent five years cruising the Bahamas, Caribbean, New England, and Central America, then segued that experience into a career in marine journalism, including stints as editor of  Dockwalk  and  ShowBoats International .

If you’re not afraid of hard work, have a knack for hospitality and service, and are a team player, then traveling the globe as superyacht stewardess could be in your future. Here is everything you need to know to land a job as a stewardess on a luxury yacht...

A yacht stewardess (or steward) is an entry-level position in yachting that provides a gateway to a career in hospitality at sea. A stewardess serves a vital role as part of the interior team and is responsible for the upkeep and presentation of the interior of a vessel.

One of the greatest appeals of working as interior crew on a superyacht (other than travel and tips ) is that the role of a stewardess doesn’t require extensive schooling or qualifications. While experience in the hospitality or customer service sector is advantageous, when starting out as a junior steward or stewardess, it is more about having a friendly disposition and being willing to learn and work hard.

“The ideal junior stewardess will have an eagerness to absorb information and learn the ropes properly, the ability to take direction and follow instructions, as well as the confidence to ask questions when clarification or additional instruction is needed,” says Sarah Bester with Northrop & Johnson Crew Services .

What is a Yacht Stewardess?

A steward or stewardess maintains the interior of a superyacht and provides five-star service to its owners and guests. On charter or owner trips, the interior team handles beverage and meal service, housekeeping, and laundry, all with the highest attention to detail. They have the most face time with guests so are responsible for relaying their wishes to the deck department, chef, and captain.

What Does a Yacht Stewardess do?

A junior member of an interior team on a yacht larger than 45 to 50 meters will typically start his or her career in the laundry room and/or in housekeeping rather than in service.

On smaller boats, the stewardess can be a department of one. “If you’re a solo stew you’ll be up early doing it all,” says Alene Keenan, a 30-year veteran of interior work who has literally written the book on yacht service, The Yacht Guru’s Bible. The day starts with opening duties: “setting up for breakfast, preparing breakfast, serving and clearing breakfast, laundry, cabin service, housekeeping duties, more laundry,” lists Keenan. This is followed by lunch service and more housekeeping and laundry, ongoing beverage service, setting up for afternoon activities, cocktails and hors d’oeuvres service, dinner service, cabin turndowns, finishing and returning laundry, and to close the day, pulling dishes, décor, and service items for the next day’s breakfast.

“If you have two or more interior crew, the duties are shared and probably rotated, and start times depend on hours of work and rest,” Keenan says.

• Top Tips For Working as a Stewardess

On larger yachts, the chief stew will provide his or her team with a checklist of duties to perform for each shift. “The routine will generally be the same,” says Chief Stewardess Tracey Bamforth . “You will be allocated a shift, shift duties, and shift expectations. You will wake up and dress in your on-charter uniform, making sure you are presentable, fresh, and on time. It’s important to remember that when the guests are on, your need to manage yourself to the best of your ability: speaking softly, working smartly, being very aware of your environment — for example, not leaving cleaning products out and about and keeping the yacht to its absolute best standard.”

Off-charter is when maintenance, deep cleaning, and inventorying are done in addition to daily laundry, crew mess, and bridge duties.

Who Does a Yacht Stewardess Report to?

This varies depending on the size of the yacht and crew. “Every yacht is unique and could have a different set-up; nothing is black or white,” says Lien Eggermont, senior yacht placement consultant for interior crew at Viking Crew .

Generally, when a stewardess works alone, they report to the captain. When there are two or more in the interior department, the junior would report to the chief stewardess, or with larger teams, they may even report to the second steward/ess. For the largest of superyachts, each interior division — housekeeping, laundry and service — will have their own head of department (HOD), so for example a housekeeping stewardess would report to the head of housekeeping.

What Qualifications Do I Need to Become a Yacht Stewardess?

All crew need STCW basic safety training , a five-day course, and an ENG1 medical certificate , and some yachts may also require certification in Food Safety & Hygiene, a one-day course.

On top of these necessities, there are numerous options for yacht-specific interior training, but many chief stews, like Robert, prefer to teach on the job. “Most of the skills you need in yachting, especially in the interior, you learn as you go,” she says.

The amount of knowledge you need going in may depend on when you’re hired. “Early in the season, the HOD will have time to train and teach everything from scratch. Mid-season they don’t have time to hold somebody’s hand — in the nicest possible way — and will need somebody who can hit the ground running,” Eggermont says.

Courses that introduce entry-level candidates to yacht interior work are offered in many countries around the world. “Bluewater hosts some fantastic courses; their Yacht Interior Service courses start at a zero-to-hero course and can really help with a newbie or green stewardess who wants to acclimate and understand the principles and products used on a vessel,” Bamforth says.

Bester points out that additional courses like silver service and WSET (Wine & Spirit Education Trust) can help a candidate stand out. “These courses are an additional investment and thus an indication that the candidate may be more career minded,” she says.

• Recommendations for Entry-Level Interior Crew

“Training has always been a privilege in my mind,” adds Bamforth. “Most newbies starting out will already be stretched from arriving from a new country, trying to find a new role, living in a crew house, and then to expect them to start off with a couple thousand dollars in courses under their belts is somewhat unfair. I believe in the ability to train and trial a newbie and give them the opportunity to show you they have the capacity to work, learn, live in a very close environment with others, repeat the systems they are learning, and, most importantly, have a good attitude!”

Maxine Robert, chief stewardess on 47-meter M/Y Loon , adds, “Having a positive attitude is everything as we live in such close quarters and work very closely with each other every day.”

What Experience Do I Need?

“Many programs will consider junior stew candidates who are green to yachting but come with strong land-based hospitality experience,” says Bester. Eggermont seconds this: “Waitressing in high-end restaurants or hotels, background in events, housekeeper in a hotel or, for example, a boutique B&B. But also candidates who have worked on board cruise ships or river cruises will be considered.”

Keenan points out a wide range of work experiences on land that translate to interior work at sea, listing: “restaurant/hotel work, flower arranging , event planning, retail sales, anything with customer service.”

Furthermore, Bamforth says she considers a potential new hire’s complete background, including things like whether they have finished university — “my thoughts would be that they have a ‘stick it out to the end’ attitude, and an ability to think on their own, which is always a plus,” — or if they played team sports at school — “shows an aptitude for playing nicely with people.” She says she has enjoyed working with hires from a wide variety of backgrounds, from advertising to having a family member who is a florist. “Nurses or medical-trained candidates I find to be extremely empathic and good with other crewmembers,” she says.

How Much Does a Yacht Stewardess Earn?

The entry-level starting salary can range from $2,500 to $3,500 per month, says Bester at Northrop & Johnson. “Charter programs will typically be on the lower end of the salary range due to the additional income crew receive through charter tips,” she says. Eggermont at Viking Crew says the average is €2,500 per month.

Dockwalk conducts an annual salary survey that polls both placement agencies and working yacht crew. According to its most recent 2020 Salary Survey , the low end of the range given by agencies — where most junior crew would start — is between $2,250 and $2,800 per month. Interior crew who aren’t working as the chief or solo self-reported that they made from $3,000 to $4,500 per month, with the bigger bucks being netted on bigger vessels.

The earning potential of interior crew grows alongside experience. At the top of their game, a chief steward/ess on a vessel longer than 70 meters earns $7,000 to $12,000 per month, says Dockwalk ’s wage guide.

“I’d say don’t be too picky as a junior crewmember,” Eggermont says. “If a 90-meter-plus (yacht) offers you a role at €2,000 with potentially an increase after probation or so, I’d say take it. Do a season, do your best so that you get a great reference. You need a foot in the door!”

Related articles:

• What are the Different Crew Roles on a Luxury Yacht?
• How to Get a Job as a Yacht Chef
• Everything You Need to Know About STCW Training
• What is the ENG1 Medical Certificate and Why Do I Need it?

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A Yacht Stew is an entry-level position for those looking to work as a part of the Interior crew team on board a yacht.

A Steward, or Stewardess, works as a vital member of the yacht’s interior department. Their main responsibility lies in providing high-end, luxury service to guests whilst maintaining the vessel’s interior to a clean and tidy state.

From this role, one can work up the ladder into more managerial interior positions, such as Chief Steward/ess , Head of Service , Head of Housekeeping or Purser .

What does a Steward/ess do? | Steward/ess Job Description

Most of the main day-to-day responsibilities of a yacht Steward/Stewardess include general housekeeping and serving duties. This includes vacuuming, dusting, polishing and detailing the guest interior area, laundry and ironing, preparation of cocktails and drinks, meal service duties, maintaining bar and drinks stock, flower care, table decorations, crew provisioning, and uniform stock and order. 

The day-to-day duties included in the yacht Steward/ess job description will also be determined by the size of the yacht, the type of yacht, the season, and the itinerary. For example, on large yachts the role will be more defined and fit within a bigger interior team, while on smaller yachts your role may be more hands-on, including galley or deck operations, or even driving the tender.

The responsibilities of a Steward/ess include:

Cleaning all areas of the interior of the yacht

Drink preparation and service

Laundry and ironing

Cabin preparation and detailing to a very high standard

Maintaining bar and drinks stock 

Flower arrangement

Turning down the guest cabins

Setting up for meal service

Executing meal service and cleaning up after the meals

Executing theme parties when needed

Soft and hard skills required to be a yacht Stew

The job of a yacht Steward/ess is often a very demanding one with a solid mix of repetitive tasks and face to face interactions with guests. For this reason, the role calls for people who are hardworking, energetic and a have a positive outlook. 

For people who are new to the industry it can often be surprising that some days you might spend the entire day ironing or cleaning cabins, so someone who is flexible, with a can-do attitude will be the best fit for this position. Stews will also engage with the yacht owners and guests more than other crew members so you will need to be friendly and confident, with good communication and interpersonal skills.

The skills of a successful yacht Steward/ess include:

Flexibility and ability to take direction

Keen eye for detail

Positive attitude

Understanding of various different service styles

Approachable and friendly manner

Barista and mixology skills

Wine knowledge

Cigar knowledge

Flower arranging skills 

Plant care knowledge

Teamwork and multitasking

Mandatory certificates needed to work on board a yacht 

All crew members regardless of position and seniority need to have a valid STCW Basic Safety Training certificate, along with a recognised Seafarers medical certificate, the most popular being the ENG1 which is issued by an MCA (Maritime and Coastguard Agency) professional medic. 

Without these two certificates, it is not possible for crew to work on board a yacht and a Recruiter will not be able to assist you in finding work onboard a yacht. For more information about mandatory certificates please visit our Mandatory Certificates Guide .

Are you ready to secure a Stew position onboard a yacht?

Become a member of YPI CREW and connect with our recruiters so they can guide you through your job search. 

Each of our recruiters is specialised in crew placement for a particular department and they will do their best to get you an interview on board a yacht. They will also advise you on how to best present your experience and skills and prepare for a yacht job interview.

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How to Become a Yacht Stewardess / Steward: An Experienced Insiders Guide

If you’re wondering how to become a yacht stewardess / steward, you’ve found the perfect starting point.

I’ve personally reaped the rewards of 10 magnificent years in the industry, where I started out as a yacht stewardess and worked my way up to Chief Stewardess. This has motivated me to help people like you that are wondering how to become a yachtie .

My goal here is to equip you with the best resources and knowledge for how to become a stewardess on a yacht. Make sure you follow these steps to ensure you successfully land your first job.

Table of Contents

Yacht Steward / Yacht Stewardess Job Description

As a Yacht Stewardess or Steward, you are responsible for all the interior operations of the vessel. This will include tasks such as housekeeping, laundry and high-end food and beverage service.

Interior Tasks Include:

• 5 star food and beverage service
• Flower arranging
• Table scaping
• Laundry Care
• Interior housekeeping
• Updating interior inventories
• Accounting and budgeting
• Liaising with guests and co-ordinating activities

1. What Qualifications Do You Need to be a Yacht Stewardess or Steward?

In order to become a stewardess on a yacht, you will need to have an STCW Certification and pass an ENG1 medical.

The STCW (Standards of Training and Certification of Watch keeping) is an internationally mandated course and a minimum requirement for anyone who wishes to work on a yacht.

Throughout the training, crew members will acquire the necessary skills to handle emergency situations and ensure the safety of all onboard. They will also learn safe working practices to ensure the safety of themselves and their fellow crew members.

In 2010 the STCW convention added a new module requirement to the basic safety training, so ensure that you do the additional Proficiency in Security Awareness (PSA) module which takes one extra day.

This STCW course is comprised of 4 modules, takes 5 days to complete, and is valid for 5 years. The modules include:

• Personal Survival Techniques (PST)
• Fire Fighting and prevention (FFP)
• Elementary First Aid (EFA)
• Personal Safety and Social Responsibility (PSSR)

If you aim to work on vessels of +50m in size you may also need to hold the PDSD (Proficiency in Designated Security duties) course. This is a one-day online course for anyone who may be involved in security duties such as being a watch keeper.

To work on a yacht, you must undergo a basic medical examination called an ENG1. This assessment is performed by a doctor certified by the Maritime Coastguard Agency (MCA) to ensure that you are healthy enough to work on a yacht.

A list of MCA-approved doctors can be found  here .

2. Recommended Courses if You want to Become a Yacht Stewardess / Steward

In order to become a Yacht Stewardess or Steward you do not necessarily need to hold any other courses or certifications. The courses you choose to do would be more so to boost your confidence and gain better insight into being a stewardess on a yacht.

Hood Hygiene and Safety Level 2

Although this course is not mandatory, I highly recommend you do it as most vessels require anyone handling food (Stews included) to hold this certification. There are a few variations of the course so just ensure that the one you do is MCA approved.

The purpose of this certification is to equip crew members with the skills to assume personal accountability for food safety. This involves understanding the importance of maintaining cleanliness and hygiene in both personal work areas and food preparation.

Introductory Yacht Steward/ Yacht Stewardess Training

These courses are generally held over 5 days, and include everything you need to know about how to get into yachting as a Stewardess or Steward, as well as what your job will entail.

You will learn all the basic elements of housekeeping, laundry, service, floristry, wine knowledge, and onboard living etiquette.

These courses are not essential, but extremely helpful in having you better understand what will be required of you if you want to become a Yacht Stew.

3. Create the Perfect Yacht CV

If you are wondering how become a Yacht Stewardess with no experience, you are going to need to make sure your Yacht CV stands out from the rest.

Besides a well-laid out resume, you also need to highlight why you are the best candidate for this specific job that you are applying for. Be sure to highlight ANY transferable skills you may have to offer the industry. This could be hospitality experience, floristry, baby-sitting, yoga, or maybe you are a masseuse.

4. Apply for your Visa if Necessary

To work as a stewardess on a Super Yacht, you will need to look into your personal situation and passport to identify which visa you need.

B1/B2 VISA – Needed to enter the United States and surrounding waters

Shengen Visa – Needed to enter Europe for the Mediterranean season

5. Locate Yourself in the Right Place at the Right Time

Once you are ready to head over to a yachting hub, you need to consider the time of year you are going. Ideally, you want to arrive a few weeks before the season starts. There are 2 seasons in yachting:

The United States and Caribbean Winter Season (November/December to March/April)

The biggest hub for yachting in America is Fort Lauderdale, and in the Caribbean, it is Antigua and St Maarten.

Please note that if you are not a green card holder or US citizen, I do not recommend flying into America and actively seeking work. This is illegal and could get you into trouble.

The Mediterranean Summer Season (April/May to September/October)

If you’re looking for the ideal spot in the Mediterranean, consider Antibes in the South of France. It’s a top yachting hub with plenty of crew houses and yacht agents. Plus, you’re within easy reach of other sought-after destinations like Monaco and Nice.

Palma, located on the island of Mallorca, is also a major hub for yachting. It boasts numerous marinas, agents, and crew housing facilities.

6. Day Working and Dock Walking for a Yacht Stewardess / Steward

“Daywork” is when you get hired on a day-to-day basis, earning cash and assisting boats as they need extra help onboard.

Daywork is a great way to get experience as a Yacht Stewardess or Steward. If you make a good impression on the Captain and Crew, this could lead to a permanent position onboard or a referral to another boat.

“ Dock Walking ” is when you walk the docks of marina’s handing out your CV in the hopes of being hired for day work.

7. Sign up with Yacht Crew Agencies

You will want to sign up with as many yacht crew agencies as possible. Here are some popular agencies you should sign up with to get started: Luxury Yacht Group, Blue Water Yachting, The Crew Network, Cotton Crews, Yot Spot, Northrop and Johnson, HR Crew and Burgess.

To stay updated on job postings, it’s important to check social media platforms like Facebook. Join various yachting Facebook groups such as Fort Lauderdale Yacht Crew, Palma Yacht Crew, and Antibes Yacht Crew. You want to keep checking these groups regularly to stay informed.

Yacht Steward / Yacht Stewardess Salary

As with everything in the industry, your salary is largely dependent on the size of the vessel, your experience in the industry, as well as your qualifications.

A starting salary for a Yacht Stewardess or Steward can range from $2500-$3500. From there you can expect to see annual salary increments as you spend more time in the industry.

If you want to set some goals, a Chief Stewardess’s salary can be upwards of $5000 – $9000. Possibly even more depending on the size of the vessel!

On top of these very attractive salaries , you may also have opportunities to earn more money in the form of charter tips and annual bonuses.

Roles and Responsibilities of a Yacht Stewardess or Steward

The housekeeping stew.

The role of a Housekeeping Stew is to clean and maintain all aspects of the interior of the vessel . Guest cabins and common areas need to be meticulously cleaned with a lot of care and attention to detail. They will also be cleaning crew areas such as the crew mess and bridge.

Cleaning the vessel is not as simple as it seems. You will be vacuuming, dusting, polishing, tooth-picking grooves, ear budding ledges, and working with delicate surfaces.

The Laundry Stew

The Laundry Stew is responsible for laundering, stain treating, ironing, and maintaining laundry for the entire vessel. This includes crew uniform, crew personal clothing, guest clothing, beach towels, bath towels, table linens, rags, and kitchen tea towels.

The job of a Laundry Stewardess is in fact a very meticulous one, as you will be dealing with a number of different fabrics and colors. A simple mistake could cost the boss a very expensive dress.

The Service Stew

The role of the Service Stewardess is to ensure that every want and need of the guests is met. As far as service goes, you will be serving 3 meals a day, afternoon canapes, sunset cocktails, and all the other beverages and snacks in between.

You may also be required to head over to the beach to do service if there is a beach set up, or go for a cruise on the tender to serve drinks and snacks. A fun part of the role is also of course the tablescaping, which is usually most Stewardesses’ favorite aspect of the job.

At-home Tasks for Your Personal Growth

There are a number of things you can do to boost your confidence as a Yacht Stewardess or Steward before joining the industry. I can assure you that personal skills and experience come preferred over certifications.

Take your time to do research, link up to the social media accounts of established stewardesses and get involved with any work or transferable skills that will boost your resume.

All of these tasks, to list a few, can be practiced at home and will impress your future employer.

• Napkin folding
• Table setting
• Cocktail making
• Making beds
• Toilet paper folds

Final Thoughts on Becoming a Yacht Stewardess / Steward

Some of you may find it easy to become a Yacht Stewardess or steward, and some of you may bump into some hurdles along the way.

Either way, my advice to you is to keep your head up and stay positive.

Work hard, put in extra effort wherever possible, keep smiling, and be a positive energy bubble in your work environment. Your efforts will pay off and soon you will be reveling in the world of Yachting. I hope to see you out there!

If you need any more advice I would be more than happy to assist you personally. Please pop me an email in the contact section.

Hi, my name is Lisa, a Chief Stewardess in the yachting industry with 10 years of experience, as well as 8 years of hospitality experience prior to that. Being in the yachting industry has been a whirlwind of adventure, growth, challenges and some of the best experiences of my life, and I am excited to share my knowledge and experiences with all of you.

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Thank you for such helpful content!

Hi I’m interested in a position to be a Stewardess and to work in the bar or a restaurant on the boat . I would love to apply for a position in the mediterranean, I’m not sure where to start or if I have to do a course .

Hello Chelsea. When you are starting out in the Super Yachting Industry (not cruise ships) your role is more likely to include housekeeping and laundry. With more years of experience, your role will become more diverse and include bar tending and service. If you are looking to better understand the role of a Stewardess before joining the industry, then I have a great post on a Day in the Life of a Yacht Stewardess. If you are interested in joining the industry, then this article lists out everything you need to do to find your first job. Good Luck!

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Yacht Steward / Stewardess Jobs

The latest yacht stewardess and steward jobs on super yachts around the world:.

Refine your search to find junior stew , housekeeping stew , service stew , laundry stew & chief steward/stewardess specific vacancies or view all superyacht steward(ess) jobs below.

The latest yacht stewardess & steward jobs on superyachts around the world:

Refine your search to find junior stew , housekeeping , service , laundry & chief   steward/stewardess specific vacancies or view all superyacht steward(ess) jobs below.

Service Stewardess 100m+ sail yacht

Wilsonhalligan arelooking for a Service Stewardess to join an 100m+ Private Sailing Yacht. The ideal candidate will be confident and passionate about service and have at least 1 and a half yearsyachting experience within a service role. This is an opportunity to join a lovely vessel with great crew with a worldwide program. Requirements: STCW ENG1 Food & Hygiene Level II Package: Salary: DOE Package: 3:1 rotation Start: August

2nd Stewardess 50m+ Private Sail Yacht

Wilsonhalligan arelooking for 2nd Stewardess to join an 50m+ Private/Charter Sailing Yacht. The ideal candidate will have 2 years experience on 30-60m vessels and have a background in hospitality. This role can be coupled with a Bosun. Requirements: STCW ENG1 Food & Hygiene Level II Package: Salary: DOE Package: 60 days leave per year Start: August

HK / Laundry Person Shoreside

Wilsonhalligan have a Laundry Person position available based in Oxfordshire. Our client is looking for someone with high attention to details, takes initiative and have at least 3 years of experience in Laundry ideally onboard Superyachts and working for high end clients. Please note: As this is a shared accommodation and due to sleeping arrangement, only female candidates will be considered. Location: Oxfordshire, UK Salary: 30k PA Start: ASAP Days: 5 days a week (through weekends) Accommodation: Live-in The ideal candidate will hold the right to work/live in the UK. Please send CV to [email protected] if you think this is for you.

Spa Stewardess 100m+ Private Motor Yacht

Wilsonhalligan arelooking for a Spa Stewardess to join an 100m+ Private Motor Yacht. The ideal candidate will be confident in Facials, Nails and Massages and have at least 1 yearsyachting experience. This is an opportunity to join a worldwide program with amazing locations planned for the next year and great crew. Requirements: STCW ENG1 Food & Hygiene Level II B1/B2 Visa is preferable

Package: Salary: 3800 euros + DOE Package: 3:1 rotation Start: Mid August

45m MY Private and Busy Charter Dual season Looking for a 2nd Stew. Permanent position. International crew 38 days leave Salary DOE+Yearly increase+ Bonus +Tips+ Course allowance Start date 8th September MUST have 2-3y of yachting experience and a B1B2

Point of contact [email protected]

Temporary 2nd Stew

2nd Stew 40m MY Private Currently in Corfu then heading over towards Malta-Italy-France ASAP start till end of September 3 in the interior Salary DOE

Temporary Chief Stew

Chief Stew 40m MY Private Currently in Corfu then heading over towards Malta-Italy-France ASAP start till end of September 3 in the interior Salary DOE

Temporary 2nd Stew/Masseuse

50m MY Privately owned Currently in SOF Looking for Temporary 2nd Stew Masseuse skills would be a big plus. Immediate start till October.

DC1001 – GENERAL APPLICATION INTERIOR

We are always looking for Interior Crew so please feel free to send us your CV along with the required documentation from our check list and we will keep you on file for any suitable future opportunities. In the meantime please follow us on LinkedIn and Facebook to see our job posts.

DC1128 – ROTATIONAL HEAD OF HOUSEKEEPING STEW REQUIRED FOR THIS 100M+ MOTOR YACHT

Start date: POSITION FILLED Itinerary: Mediterranean Sea We are looking for an experienced HOH with previous experience from a similar role. More info to follow at interview stage. REQUIREMENTS STCW95 ENG1 Large yacht experience from 70m+ PACKAGE 10 weeks on / 10 weeks off Salary: 4800-5200 EUR DOE Flights Medical cover

DC1129 – ROTATIONAL HOUSEKEEPING STEWARDESS REQUIRED FOR THIS 100M+ PRIVATE MOTOR YACHT

Start date: POSITION FILLED Itinerary: Mediterranean Sea We are looking for a Housekeeping stewardess for this 100m+ MY; candidates applying will need a couple of seasons experience in a similar role on yachts. More info to follow at interview stage. REQUIREMENTS STCW95 ENG1 Yachting experience PACKAGE Leave: 3 months on / 1 month off Salary: 3500-4000 Euro DOE Flights Medical cover

DC1130 – INTERIOR MANAGER REQUIRED FOR 100M+ PRIVATE MOTOR YACHT

Start date: ON HOLD Itinerary: Mediterranean Sea We are looking for an experienced Interior Manager with previous experience from a managing role. Someone with very strong admin, organization and communication skills. The role requires strong service skills as it involves service for the owner. More info to follow at interview stage. REQUIREMENTS STCW95 ENG1 Large yacht experience from 70m+ PACKAGE Salary: 8000-9000 EUR DOE 10 weeks on/10 weeks off Flights Medical cover

DC1132 – ROTATIONAL LEAD SERVICE STEWARDESS REQUIRED FOR THIS 100M+ PRIVATE MOTOR YACHT

Start date: POSITION FILLED Itinerary: Mediterranean Sea We are looking for a Lead Service Stewardess for this 100m+ MY; candidates applying will need previous experience in a similar role on large yachts. More info to follow at interview stage. REQUIREMENTS STCW95 ENG1 Large yacht experience from 70m+ PACKAGE Salary: 4500-5200 EUR DOE Rotation: 10 weeks on / 10 weeks off Flights Medical cover

DC1133 – ROTATIONAL SERVICE STEWARDESS REQUIRED FOR THIS 100M+ PRIVATE MOTOR YACHT

Start date: POSITION FILLED Itinerary: Mediterranean Sea We are looking for a Service stewardess for this 100m+ MY; candidates applying will need confidence and strong service skills, as you will be serving the owner. More info to follow at interview stage. REQUIREMENTS STCW95 ENG1 Yachting experience from 70m+ PACKAGE Leave: 3 months on / 1 month off Salary: 3500-4000 EUR DOE Flights Medical cover

DC1134 – CHIEF STEWARDESS REQUIRED FOR A 55M PRIVATE MOTOR YACHT

Start date: ON HOLD Itinerary: Florida - Panama, Caribbean, Florida and then back to the Caribbean for the winter. We are looking for an experienced hands on Chief stew for this 50m+ MY; which occasionally charters but is mostly private. Candidates applying must have strong service skills and at least 2 years experience in a similar role. You will manage all aspects of interior including service (you will lead mostly), housekeeping, laundry, inventories, admin and maintenance etc. The yacht runs with a crew of 14 and 4 in the interior department. Be ready to hit the ground running. More info to follow at interview stage. REQUIREMENTS Proven longevity and good references Ideally 2yrs + experience as Chief stew as a minimum STCW95 ENG1 B1/B2 in hand PACKAGE Salary: 6000-6500 EUR DOE Leave: Starting with 90 days leave. Review after 4 months with potential for more leave to be granted Shared cabin Flights Medical cover

DC1135 – STRONG SECOND STEW REQUIRED FOR A 30M+ PRIVATE/CHARTER NEW BUILD MOTOR YACHT

*This can be a couples position with a Chef Start date: POSITION FILLED Itinerary: Mediterranean Sea until February 2025 where it will head to Seychelles, Indonesia, Australia and lots of other incredible places We are looking for an experienced Second Stew for this yacht, which just launched summer 2024. Very nice owners who enjoys a healthy lifestyle, fishing and diving. Candidates applying should be confident in all areas in the interior and happy to assist the chief stew and stand in when needed, guiding the junior stew and working as a team. More details to follow at interview stage. REQUIREMENTS STCW95 ENG1 Able to commit for at least 1 year Min. a few seasons in a similar role PACKAGE Salary: 3500 EUR DOE 38 days Flights Medical cover

DC1136 – STEWARDESS REQUIRED FOR A 30M+ PRIVATE/CHARTER NEW BUILD MOTOR YACHT

Start date: POSITION FILLED Itinerary: Mediterranean Sea until February 2025 where it will head to Seychelles, Indonesia, Australia and lots of other incredible places We are looking for an experienced Stewardess for this yacht, which just launched summer 2024. Very nice owners who enjoys a healthy lifestyle, fishing and diving. Candidates applying should be confident in all areas in the interior and happy working as a team of 3. More details to follow at interview stage. REQUIREMENTS STCW95 ENG1 Able to commit for at least 1 year Min. a few seasons in a similar role PACKAGE Salary: 2500-3000 EUR DOE 38 days Flights Medical cover

How to obtain a superyacht steward/stewardess job:

Are you new to the superyachting industry? Find out all you need to know about how to find a steward(ess) job on a yacht or superyacht.

Become a superyacht steward/stewardess

What does a steward/stewardess job entail?

The role of a steward/stewardess varies depending on the size of the yacht as well as the structure of the interior department.

Find out more about the structure of the steward/stewardess department

Complete the correct training to acquire a job as a yacht steward/stewardess

Certain yacht steward(ess) training courses are essential for you to qualify for a yacht steward(ess). Obtaining the correct certification can help you stand out in a competitive job market.

Find out more about yacht steward & stewardess training

Fi nd a Steward(ess) job with no experience:

If you are looking for your first job as a yacht steward or stewardess, we advise you to search for junior stew jobs and ensure that you have created a professional yacht cv , to help you stand out from other yacht crew.

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How to Become a Yacht Stewardess: Everything You Need to Know About the Job

Posted on: 11/26/2018

The annual salary for a yacht stewardess starts at  around $40,000  plus tips. While that may not seem like a lot to some, while you are living on the ship all of your expenses will be covered by the charter guest.

Being a yacht stewardess is a great way to see the world, meet incredible people, be fed every meal by a great chef, and live a more present lifestyle free of cell phones and constant connection. Away from your family and friends on the open water, you will find peace and adventure.

Read on to learn how to become a yacht stewardess and begin your dream career today. 

How to Become a Yacht Stewardess: The Education Requirements

If you want to land a job as a stewardess, you will need to take some short courses that ensure safety and good service on the yacht. 

If you are looking for an entry-level position, then you will take the most standard courses, while those looking to become a chief stewardess will have to go back to school for further certifications. 

When you are first getting started in the yachting industry, you will need to complete an  STCW certification course   at an academy like the Maritime Professional Training Academy in Fort Lauderdale.

This  course costs   around a thousand dollars and is typically completed over about a week-long time range. 

How Hard is it to Get Hired as a Stewardess?

Getting hired as a stewardess aboard a yacht is generally not considered to be difficult. Once you have your STCW certification, you will be legally qualified to take a position.

In order to get a job, you should move to a major port city. In the United States, nine times out of ten that is going to mean Fort Lauderdale. Your other option is Newport in Rhode Island. While there are other cities in the country where you may be able to find a position, these hotspots are the best place for those new to the industry to scoop up work.

Once you land in the city, you can hit the docks with your resume looking for people who need to fill positions. In this industry, when you need someone, you need them now, so be prepared to start as soon as the next day.

If you have any hospitality experience such as bartending or entertaining guests, this is helpful to list on your resume.

What Time of Year Do They Hire in Fort Lauderdale?

To get hired as a stewardess, you should head to Fort Lauderdale in between seasons. This is where you will find the most stationary yachts giving you the best chance of landing a position.

There are two primary yachting seasons - summer and winter. To get hired for the summer season, you will need to be in Fort Lauderdale between April and June. For the winter season, you should arrive between September and mid-December.

These down-times are when yachts are in port preparing for the next season and you will be able to set up interviews with many different ship captains or owners at one time. 

Those are also the months that you would have off once you become part of a crew while the yachts are repaired and maintained for the next season.

What Do I Do if I Don't Get Hired There?

When you are new to the yachting industry (the term is "green"), you may find it difficult to secure a position. When you begin asking around for advice, many experienced crew members will tell you to head to St. Martin to look for work. 

St. Martin is where many of the yachts head and make a port out of for the season. If you are there you can often find positions that crop up from other stewardesses who didn't work out or were unable to fulfill their obligation.

In order to do this, you will need to purchase a round-trip ticket in order to get through customs. You can cancel your returning flight at a later date if you find a position.

If you choose this route, be cautious when you talk to customs people at the airport. Don't tell them that you are coming to look for work. It can raise a lot of questions and prevent your entry in some cases. Just like how people coming to America aren't able to work, there are similar visa requirements for the island.

However, since you will be hired aboard an international vessel, those laws won't apply to you. But trying to explain all of that to an ornery customs agent isn't the best way to spend your first twelve hours in the city.

Consider Registering with a Crew Agency

One of the best ways to find open positions aboard yachts is by registering with a crew agency. They will be able to pair you up with openings and act as an advocate on your behalf.

Before you hit the agency, make sure you spruce up your resume. You need to sell your abilities and talents to potential captains.

These agencies typically don't require any fee from you to join, so you might as well give it a shot. The agencies are paid by the ship captains once they agree to your placement.

If you go with an agency, you will still need to attend individual interviews and secure the position in the same way you would if you found it on your own. It's just a great way to aggregate leads and provides a lot of exposure for your resume bringing you more potential opportunities.

To stay on an agencies books, you will need to check in with them weekly while you are in between gigs. This is so that they can ensure that you are still available. Once you find placement, you will be required to check out.

Make sure you follow through with doing this or you may find it difficult to work with the same agent when you are in need of work again.

Networking Tips

Once you move to town, you will need to begin by walking the docks and meeting people. Dress professionally and make friends, this is a social industry where the right recommendation can go a long way.

Be proactive and positive while you network. You need to be confident in yourself and your ability to find a job if you want anyone else to believe in you.

Useful Skills to Have

While anyone can find a home aboard a yacht with the right attitude and certifications, there are certain skills that will move you up the hiring list. 

Those that have basic cooking skills, experience babysitting, formal service training, experience working in a bar or food service, mechanical experience, carpentry skills, and diving experience will all find it much easier to find work and they can also help you command more pay.

How to Secure the Most Pay

When you are first starting out as a crew member, your salary is usually a baseline. Over time, as you gain experience, you will be able to command a higher salary. 

Other factors that impact your wage include the size of the boat, the number of responsibilities that you will have, whether the vessel is chartered or for private use, and your ability to make a commitment to being on board long term.

Jobs that offer other benefits like medical and vacation time may offer lower pay as a trade-off, so decide what is important to you before you decide what vessels to head to look for work.

A Note on Commitment

When you step aboard a yacht as a crew member for the first time, you will be very excited and eager to get started. But over time with subsequent charters, you may begin to lose your excitement, especially if your charter guests are particularly difficult or if you get into an argument with another crew member. 

While cruising around the world is a dream come true for many, you have to remember that it isn't a vacation. You will be expected to work hospitality hours, which are long and hard and often go late into the night. 

You will also have to contend with the personalities of the other crew members and try not to step on anyone's toes, both while you're staying in Fort Lauderdale   and on your ship. If you don't have an easy-going personality type, then this may not be the position for you. 

Once you take a job on a yacht, you need to make sure that you finish out your contract if you want to find employment anywhere else. Don't allow gossip,  bad etiquette  and drama to ruin your potential career.

Where to Stay While Finding a Position

Having learned how to become a yacht stewardess, you know your next step needs to be certification and moving to Fort Lauderdale to find a position.

Check out these great listings for a safe, affordable  place to stay .

Stewardess , All guides

Stewardess on a superyacht -10 steps to find your first job.

• July 13, 2021

How to become a Yacht Stewardess ?

Step 1 – Get Qualified Step 2 – Get the right skills and training Step 3 – Get the perfect Yachting CV Step 4 – Location – Plan your journey with your mentor Step 5 – Daywork and experience

Step 6 – Get the right Yachtie Network and Contacts

Step 7 – Get a Strong Superyacht Reference Step 8 – Start applying for our Superyacht jobs Step 9 – Ace your job interviews with your coach Step 10 – Get a job, bank account and sign contract Claim your Yachtie Careers Deckhand and Stewardess offer

Step 1 – Get Qualified as a Stewardess

Despite what you will hear…. To start working on a Superyacht there are only 3 Basic Documents required to make you qualified, and in order to start as a Stewardess you need:

• Passport (Valid 12 months)
• Basic Safety STCW Training
• Medical Certificate (Valid 6 months at least)

Step 2 – Get the right skills and stewardess training

To get an edge over other crew, some yachts require additional certificates to be held by a minimum amount of crew on board. This is called safe manning certification . If you are a Stewardess starting you should consider these:

• Food and Hygiene Level 2
• Crowd and Crisis Management

This is included in Yachtiecareers Stewardess Superyacht Course

Step 3 – Get the perfect Yachting CV

You will need to write a perfect Superyacht Stewardess CV. The sections of your CV should include:

• Contact Information
• Personal Information
• Skills and Qualifications
• Certificates
• Education & Languages

With Yachtiecareers we write the CV for you , in order to make you avoid make the mistakes of other crew and give you an edge over the competition to get your first job.

• We make sure your strengths are highlighted
• We work with graphic designers to make the lay-out appeal to Captains and recruiters
• We write it so that the overall message is selling your persona
• We structure the information correctly.
• We use industry expert writers for sentencing, paragraphing to make your CV stand out
• Most importantly you get a personal CV and can avoid using a CV-template looking like the other 20 CVs in the pile.

Step 4 – Location – Plan your journey with your Personal guide

Are you in Europe or in the US ?  Depending on your location, you can use our guides and knowledge to maximise your chances to get daywork in each city.

The best places to start Yachting, in order to succeed are the following:

• Fort Lauderdale
• US West Coast

To become a Yacht Stewardess those are location hubs for Superyachts, offering you most chances to secure a job, furthermore it will connect you with people in the Yachting Industry, in addition to the Yachtiecareers network.

• Antibes, France
• Barcelona, Spain
• Palme de Mallorca, Spain
• Split, Croatia
• Genoa, Italy

That is the top-list , recommended to find daywork with no experience by Yachtiecareers, moreover it will enable you to travel and see some of the most beautiful places in Europe.

Step 5 – Daywork and experience

The best way to find daywork is to speak with your Yachtiecareers Instructor and network in the location you are currently in. You need to be flexible and ready to work and step in at short notice.

When I was starting Yachting , I spent one day day working in Portofino in Italy , the next one in Monaco and 2 days later I was in Cannes in France.

Towards the end of the week I was doing a crossing on a 50m yacht from Antibes, France to Venice, Italy. 

You need to be flexible and ready to work and step in at short notice, in order to get the right opportunities.

• Network in your Location
• Use Yachtiecareers Partner Daywork App to find daywork with one click
• Let your Instructor find daywork for you
• Have your phone ready at all times
• Have your CV and business cards ready 
• Use your crew house contacts
• Join relevant Facebook groups (this is not always a good idea)

We can assist you finding daywork, just text your Instructor on WhatsApp.

Step 7 – Get a Strong Superyacht Reference

Just like any other profession, network is everything. When you complete our training we are confident in your abilities and are happy to provide you with a reference.

If I am looking for a Stewardess on board and I get a recommendation from a friend or someone I know, because I will choose your CV over 10 other CVs with stronger experience. That is just reality.

So build references and network using YachtieCareers, your Instructors, people you meet in Yachting hubs and ask during your Daywork.

Step 8 – Start applying for our Superyacht jobs

The way to find Superyacht jobs as a Stewardess with no experience can be hard. By all means you can register, on regular crew agencies, crew databases and apply for jobs daily.

However you will be competing with thousands of other crew, the chances that I will even read your CV are very slim.  And if I do get your CV it will be in a pile with 20 other CVs. At this point it is very important your CV has the perfect lay-out and structure.

At Yachtiecareers  we have created a Superyacht recruitment platform where we focus only on junior crew.   In addition to that the yachts we work with only contact us with junior crew requests and with the help of your personal Instructor you can get connected to people in the industry making it easier to land that first job. 

Other ways is to network and daywork. Do nor apply for hundreds (100) of online jobs without having the perfect CV and experience, it will just be a waste of time, moreover you should spend your time more wisely.

Step 9 – Ace your job interviews with your coach

At this point, you are very close to securing your first job, since you have completed the right training and used our step by step guide to secure your first job interview, because the CV they have received has displayed your key strengths.

Before the interview, your Chief Stewardess Instructor will prepare you for the questions you might face before starting, remember that 90% of the questions will be about your CV, so know your own CV inside out before the interview to explain your past experiences.

As long as you appear willing to start the job, humble and showing a happy attitude it will get you on board if you follow the interview guide from your Instructor, as result you will secure your first Superyacht job.

Step 10 – Get a stewardess job, bank account and sign your contract

Great, because you followed our guide it has led to you securing your first Superyacht  Stewardess job.

Now the fun starts. It is time to pack, to sign your contract and to get a Bank account. 

We will go through your contract with you, moreover we will make sure it is either MLC compliant or giving you the basic rights as yacht crew. If you have got the interview by using the Yachtiecareers network, the Yacht will be compliant.

• We help you with your Bank Account, to get the right currency and setting it up online
• Make sure to bring your Medical Certificate, Passport and STCW certificates originals.
• Get your flight tickets
• Sign the contract
• Pack your personal belonging, you might be away a long time, therefor there is limited space on board, so you have to get it all in to one suitcase !

Yacht Deckhand Premium STCW

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Yacht Stewardess Full STCW

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Top 10 best places to find a Yacht job in the Med 2024?

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Best Yacht Deckhand Training in Florida: Advance your Sea Career

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What Does a Yacht Stewardess Do?

Depending on the size of the yacht, there are between 1 and 5+ yacht stewardess. The duties and responsibilities as a yacht stewardess will vary with the size of the yacht and number of crew on the yacht. Your first job as a stewardess on a larger size yacht will consist of learning the basic duties of a stewardess. Crew Mess duties, detailing, cleaning windows, polishing is high on the agenda to keep the yacht in immaculate condition at all times.

Onboard a smaller yacht with a lower number of stewardess, responsibilities will increase to more hands-on duties such as; tender driving, anchoring, mooring procedures, assist within the galley or deck operations.

The workload varies depending on the yacht, season, itinerary, and whether you have guests onboard. The busiest times are usually pre-season, boat shows or guest arrivals and while guests are onboard. A yacht stewardess position on a superyacht requires energetic professionals and as you’ll constantly be on your feet. While guests are not on board its common to have a typical 8-5 schedule with weekends off if working fulltime, if there is a trip or event with guests, hours will be much longer, and work will be much more demanding.

What are the responsibilities of a Yacht Stewardess?

• Providing 5-star service to guests and ensuring guest satisfaction
• Providing excellent guest service, silver service and bartending skills when needed
• Maintaining laundry, housekeeping and wardrobe tasks for both guests and yacht crew
• Floral arrangements and decorations
• Excellent knowledge of fine dining, wines and cocktails
• Maintenance of guest-cabin care and detailed cleaning
• Assisting with inventory and restocking provisions
• Watchkeeping within the crew mess
• Stowage for sea
• Attention to detail
• To maintain a safe and secure environment

Yacht Stewardess Job Descriptions

In bigger superyachts, the purser serves in her own capacity as an administrative presence, employed to take care of recruitment and keep financial records. The cases where the purser is employed to act is mostly when the population of the members of the yacht crew is considerable. Otherwise, the office and its responsibilities are merged with that of the chief stewardess. The Purser is charged with keeping an eye on the book-keeping, workforce management, crew member accreditations and yacht crew member documentations, crew training, monitoring the inventory and making orders for necessities and requirements like foodstuff and wine stock, crew uniforms, required utensils and cleaning materials. They also manage the protocol duties and logistics of transporting guests between the yachts and scheduled locations as well as concluding contracts for deliveries.

Your adventure is waiting...

For course schedules and availability.

Skills required:  To be a purser, you must have garnered sufficient experience at least as a Chief Stewardess on smaller yachts. The administrative workload on this position demands a very meticulous level of management as well as a versatility in the skill of organization of paperwork for each division on the superyacht’s crew. Also, as the purser will be involved with the yacht owners and their guests a lot when planning for guest excursions and occasions. It is essential that the purser has strong communication skills and has efficient strategies and expertise for drafting in new yacht crew members as the requirement surfaces. 

Salary expectations:  There is considerable crossover between the duties of a Purser and a Chief Stewardess, but on larger yachts where both roles are filled, a Purser can expect to earn between  $6,000 to $12,000+ per month .

Chief Stewardess

This role is predominantly taken up by females, hence the feminization of the position. That is not to say that there are not many famous chief stewards in charge of management in the yachting industry. The interior department headed by the chief stewardess is established to provide hospitable service for the guests of the yacht owner and the owner himself. Also, the department takes up the duties related to creating and maintaining a snug interior on the yacht. These responsibilities are not limited to Crew and guest refectory handling, detailing, cleaning, preparing the cabin, floral decoration and arrangement, burnishing, laundry and more. The Chief stewardess in charge of the management of the interior department by planning and assigning tasks to be performed by all stewardesses. In smaller yachts, the chief stewardess reports directly to the captain and is also responsible for extra duties like the logistics and planning of guest-transporting between the yachts, crew training and scheduled locations or events. They are also in charge of currency conversion for new locations.

Skills required:  Attention to detail and exquisite taste is extremely desirable in chief stewardesses. The necessary skills will naturally develop after some time spent in service as a stewardess, and the ability to execute the role of a stewardess is measured by comparisons to first-class ratings; anything below a five-star rating for any service is deemed unsatisfactory. Experienced chief stewardesses are remarkably prudent, and they can divine in addition to excellently satisfying the wants and needs of the yacht owners and their guests aboard the yacht at all times.

Salary expectations:  Depending on experience and the size of the vessel, the current salary range for a Chief Stewardess is between  $4,500 to $9,000+ per month .

A Yacht Stewardess functions under the supervision of the chief stewardess and are tasked with making sure that the yacht interior is maintained at pristine condition while offering the best grade of hospitable service. Their responsibilities range from services like dishing food and serving drinks, filling out as baristas to domestic duties like setting the tables, preparing the cabin or doing the laundry. They are also charged with housekeeping duties which might be relegated to an entire department, which is overseen by a housekeeping head in much larger yachts. There could also be some different departments for each of the other duties like cleaning. Position Requirements: In short, while being animated and enthusiastic will earn you praises, it is more important to the perfection of the service that you able to work extremely hard with a smile on your face and pride in your ability. Also, having prior experience in delivering silver service, being a decent cocktail maker or barista will make your application a smoother process. More importantly, to be hired as a stewardess to work in a superyacht, you must have received some specific education and accreditation that qualifies you for the job. Some of the required certifications include:

Skills required:  As with an entry-level deckhand position, success in this role comes down to being prepared to work hard and keep a smile on your face. Previous experience of providing silver service or having skills as a barista or cocktail maker can boost your potential to secure a job, but the most important quality to possess remains a positive attitude and a sense of pride in achieving the highest standards in your work.

Salary expectations:  An entry-level stewardess can expect to earn between  $2,700 to $3,200 per month . On larger yachts, the stepping-stone position of the second stewardess can provide greater responsibility by sharing some of the chief stewardess’ duties and earnings increase to an average of between  $3,300 to $5,500 per month .

Yacht Stewardess Training and Qualifications:

Essential Certificates You Must Hold Before You Can Get a Stewardess Job on a Yacht are:

1. STCW Basic Training

2. ENG 1 (Seafarers Medical Certificate)

3. Passport and visas, if applicable

What does the STCW (95 + 10) Basic Safety Training course include?

• Personal Survival Techniques (STCW A-VI/1-1)
• Fire Fighting and Fire Prevention (STCW A-VI/1-2)
• Elementary First Aid (STCW A-VI/1-3)
• Personal Safety and Social Responsibility (STCW A-VI/1-4)
• Proficiency in Security Awareness (STCW A-VI/6-1)

How To Become a Yacht Stewardess With No Experience?

There is no need to question if it can be done, people get entry-level jobs as stewardesses on superyacht more often than you think. The thing they will agree on is that getting the job as a stewardess is as much about having the right certifications and skills to pull off your duties efficiently, as being able to maintain an enthusiastic outlook as you carry out your tasks.

You can start with a day job as a member of a small crew on a yacht or superyacht, depending on which you can get first. Although the work you will be assigned to might look mundane, the attitude you bring forward when working is what will set you apart for a more permanent role in the nearest future. That is not to say the right attitude is all you need if you really want to get this job; you have to consider mastering some skills like your bartending skills or your proficiency in providing silver service before considering an application.

Stewardesses are mostly tasked with either Crew and guest refectory handling, detailing, clean up, preparing the cabin, floral decoration and arrangement, burnishing, or laundry. Getting experience enough to bring your service level towards perfection is essential. A few courses or practices you can indulge in to gain experience or certification include:

Some courses/past experiences which will help you stand out from the other yacht stewardess and crucial to landing a yacht stewardess job are, but not limited to:

• Basically, anything hospitality/service related: hotel, cruise ships, cleaning, bars and restaurants
• Any spa/beauty experience: masseuse, personal training, yoga, manicure, pedicure, hair and make-up.
• Table service (e.g. silver service, napkin folding, etc)
• Childcare/Teaching: Nanny, Baby-sitting experience or teaching kids.
• Food Safety and Hygiene or cooking experience
• Floral Arrangements
• Bartending: sommelier, cocktail, mixologist, service experience
• Anything boat related: sailing, boat driving, diving, fishing, wakeboarding, kite surfing etc.

Starting a Career as a Yacht Stewardess

One thing many experienced crew members agree on that has surprised them about their yachting careers, is the sheer number of questions. You first ask yourself some questions before you begin your yachting career. You go ahead to find answers to more questions when you gain enough interest, and then you spend the rest of your life answering questions from your family members and friends every time you open your mouth to explain that you work on a vessel of luxury like a yacht. Or you reveal the experiences you’ve enjoyed and endured on your travels. Of course, you can expect the questions to be even more suffocating when a certain set of people get to know that you work aboard a ‘super-’ yacht. Ultimately, you should always be prepared for when they all ask, googly-eyed, for how to get in on the action. Can you blame them?

It is no hidden secret that yachts are synonymous with luxury nowadays. Coupled with its nature as a luxurious means of travel, the experience for the yacht crew is matched perfectly by the financial rewards sponsored by ultra-wealthy owners, the yachting industry gives people that lift into the world of the rich and powerful while offering work conditions that are a few inches short of heavenly. With the open and beautiful seas as your office, you start getting the gist of why getting to start a career in this glitzy occupation is extremely intimidating for most people.

Indeed, as a long-term career, breaking into the ranks can admittedly be a tough nut to crack. There are predictably many requirements, most of which are not on the work advert. Fortunately, a career as a yacht crew member always fulfils its promise to be worthwhile, with a lucrative, secure and perfect opportunity waiting for those who can successfully claim this profession choice. While getting a job aboard a superyacht is the lure, achieving your dreams depends on the amount of knowledge you have acquired on how to begin your journey, what type of jobs are available as a stewardess on the yacht and which of these job types fits your individual, in terms of your disposition, talent or aptitudes and capacity.

That is the sole purpose behind this little knowledge reservoir on starting a career as a stewardess on a superyacht. This way, you get a definitive idea on what will be required of you to stand a chance, as well as what you can do to improve your chances of getting a job as an attendant aboard a superyacht. All you should do now is to inject as much eagerness and resolve into your quest as you can muster, and the job will not be far from your grasp.

What differentiates a yacht and a cruise ship from a superyacht?

Simply put, a superyacht is a massive yacht, usually over 75 feet in length, driven either by motor or sail. Superyachts are predominantly owned by private investors, and they usually require that the superyachts are staffed by specialized crews. The yachts are mostly put to work for their owners, but often available to others via crewed charters. This means that while cruise ships are built to treat a large population of people, that could number in thousands or hundreds, superyachts are designed to offer a more intense experience to a remarkably less number of people, typically at most 12 people.

Over the years, yachts of different sizes have tread the seas in the yachting industry, from the average superyachts to magnificent giga-yachts that have lengths up to 320 feet. The building cost for each of these yachts exceeds hundreds of millions of dollars. Perhaps more astonishingly, the running costs for the maintenance and other necessities can be estimated to approach a tenth of the original building cost! Every year! It goes without saying that owning a superyacht is exclusive to the extremely wealthy and even to charter the vessel is a glory that those of the same status can enjoy.

With this much money spent on them by their owners, superyachts are always beautiful creatures. They are built with the most impressive methods, best materials and very grand designs. Superyachts are also stocked with enough variety, luxury and extravagance that sincerely borders on indulgence. However, the true value of these superyachts to these elites of society is not just in their beauty. Instead, they serve as a representation of their standing in society, and that is why they spend a heartbreaking sum regularly to keep the yachts up-to-date with recent technological advancements and inventions. It is for this reason that many documentaries have been made to give others an insight into the glamorous life of these top-of-the-food-chain individuals, through their yachts. More important for you to note is that there are more than 9,000 superyachts currently travelling the seas per recorded sales data, with a continually observed increase. This means more job opportunities for crew member positions.

What else do I need to do?

• Always present yourself in a professional manner
• Prepare a  Superyacht CV
• Dress well and yacht appropriate
• Maintaining a respectful, friendly attitude during courses and interviews can make a big impression on potential employers and valuable network contacts

Do you have an immaculate room or are you a little OCD when it comes to cleaning, organizing and cleanliness? Well if not it won’t be long before you are a neat freak. Yacht Stews and Interior crew are masters of all. Imagine labeling every single item in your cupboards or detailing a toaster (that’s right you probably never even heard of the term “detailing” before. It basically means clean something that an average person will think is already clean. It’s not a bad thing, in fact, it’s a skill that will pay off in both your personal and professional life.   If you have what it takes to be a yacht stewardess, stay open-minded, show your eagerness to learn and let your personality shine!

How Much Does a Yacht Stewardess Earn?

At entry-level, a Junior Yacht Stewardess could expect to earn between  $2,700 and $3,200 per month.  An experienced yacht stewardess could earn upwards of $4,000 per month depending on the size of the vessel and previous deckhand experience, training and certification. These numbers are based on an average, all yachts are different and sometimes pay more or less depending.

8 Steps to Getting a Stewardess Job:

Step 1:  Research – Understanding the position and requirements Step 2:   STCW Basic Training Step 3:   ENG1 Step 4:   Training and Qualifications Step 5:  Register with a SuperYacht Crew Agency Step 6:  Upload a quality CV Step 7:  Network Step 8:   Dock Walking  – Day Work

In a quick summary, getting a job as a stewardess on a yacht can be a challenge, however, if you have read this far, the first step of the search for a stewardess job is already complete.

The next step will be to book a Stewardess Course, and you are in the right place! We offer elite preparation and training to students who want to excel within the Superyacht industry and become fully certified. If you have any questions or are interested in our Superyacht Stewardess Career Course, get in touch with us by clicking here .

Article was written by Superyacht Crew Agency

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Everything You Need to Know About Becoming a Yacht Stewardess

Last Updated: June 18, 2024 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Finn Kobler . Finn Kobler graduated from USC in 2022 with a BFA in Writing for Screen/Television. He is a two-time California State Champion and record holder in Original Prose/Poetry, a 2018 finalist for the Los Angeles Youth Poet Laureate, and he's written micro-budget films that have been screened in over 150 theaters nationwide. Growing up, Finn spent every summer helping his family's nonprofit arts program, Showdown Stage Company, empower people through accessible media. He hopes to continue that mission with his writing at wikiHow. There are 19 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 6,434 times.

If you’re social and love to travel, yacht stewarding might be the perfect career for you! Spending months at a time exploring exotic locations, helping out on the boat, meeting and working with lifelong friends all day long. It’s a job as rewarding as it is exciting. Keep reading and we’ll teach you everything you need to know about becoming a yacht stewardess.

Yacht Stewardess Job Requirements

• SCTW certificates are valid for up to five years. After five years, you must take a fire fighting and sea survival refresher course.
• Make sure your course is certified by a national maritime organization in the country where you complete it.

• Medical conditions that may inhibit you from receiving your ENG1 include, but are not limited to: epilepsy, heart disease, kidney failure, color-blindness, and history of drug/alcohol addiction. [3] X Research source
• If you are working on a small boat operating 60 miles from shore or less, an ML5 will suffice as a substitute for an ENG1.

How to Find a Job as a Yacht Stewardess

• Living near a yacht hub between jobs can be expensive. Look into a crew house - a privately-owned, budget-friendly accommodation where yachties and former yachties live - to stay while you network, complete your training and look for work. [5] X Research source

• Make sure you look presentable while you network. Yacht stewardesses are extremely clean and well-groomed. Dress for the part you want by wearing deck shoes and an appropriate yacht shirt.

• Jobs like bartending, nannying, customer service, and cleaning all look good as these types of duties will be performed on the yacht.
• Look into doing free day work on boats to help build your sea legs and make connections with captains and crew.

• All yacht CV’s list certifications, work history, nationality, spoken languages, body modifications, references, and relevant skills. Some are even more in-depth with details like smoking habits and overall objective. [9] X Research source
• There are several free yacht CV templates online to help ensure yours fits the industry norm.
• Don’t be afraid to play around with the formatting. Your CV should be professional but also as unique as possible.

• Most interviewers are also looking for excellent presentation, leadership, and communication. Make sure to highlight these attributes when you answer their questions. [11] X Research source

You’d Make a Good Yacht Stewardess If…

Benefits of Being a Yacht Stewardess

A Day in the Life of a Yacht Stewardess

Yacht Stewardess Pay

• Yacht stewardesses also have no living expenses since food, housing, electricity, water, even toiletries are provided on the ship. [22] X Research source
• Depending on the countries you sail out of, this can sometimes be tax-free!
• Tips are usually divided evenly among the crew.

Expert Q&A

You might also like.

• ↑ https://www.ypicrew.com/yacht-work-job-qualifications
• ↑ https://uksa.org/what-is-an-eng1-medical-certificate/
• ↑ https://www.flyingfishonline.com/useful-stuff/eng-1-medical/
• ↑ https://slightnorth.com/how-to-work-on-a-yacht/
• ↑ https://www.yachting-pages.com/articles/crew-housing-and-accommodation-in-the-superyacht-industry.html
• ↑ https://yachtstewardess.co.za/how-to-become-a-superyacht-stewardess/
• ↑ https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/resumes-cover-letters/yacht-crew-cv
• ↑ https://www.ypicrew.com/yacht-interview-tips-from-recruiters
• ↑ https://stewardessbible.com/the-interview-process-selecting-the-right-stewardess/
• ↑ https://www.cnn.com/2018/08/23/sport/superyacht-stewardess-spt-intl/index.html
• ↑ https://www.pya.org/News/Crew-Accommodation-in-Large-Yachts.aspx
• ↑ https://expertvagabond.com/yacht-crew-jobs/
• ↑ https://www.flyingfishonline.com/news/is-yachting-a-good-career/
• ↑ https://www.oceaninternationaltrainingacademy.com/working-on-a-yacht?r_done=1
• ↑ https://climbtheladder.com/yacht-stewardess-cover-letter/
• ↑ https://nypost.com/2018/09/03/working-on-a-superyacht-is-like-being-in-a-glamorized-pressure-cooker/
• ↑ https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/what-its-like-work-yacht-crew-nicola-morgan/
• ↑ https://www.luxyachts.com/articles/three-primary-factors-combine-to-determine-the-salary-of-a-yacht-stewardess
• ↑ https://www.businessinsider.com/yacht-stewardess-florida-earns-5000-month-travel-careers-2022-4

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Leaving my 9-5 job to start a new career at sea and get paid to travel the world was the best decision I ever made. Today I am forever grateful for the opportunities yachting gave me, from paying off my university debts to setting myself up financially and STILL having the abilty to travel to some of the worlds most unique places and meet so many friends along the way.

Don’t be fooled there is a lot of hard work involved in yachting, it pushed me to my limits and was at times the most physically and mentally challenging environment. Being away from family and friends at home and working 14-16 (sometimes more!) hours per day for weeks/months on end during the season can take it’s toll. However, for me the postitives ALWAYS outweighed the negatives and I would 100% recommend the industry to anyone willing to give it a go, it’s a lottttttaaaaa fun.

So before we jump into HOW to get a job as a yacht stewardess, I have some blog articles which may be useful for you when you’re in the initial research phase to decide if yachting is right for you.

Check out the below:

• 5 Things you need to know before you join Yachting
• 10 Ways To Know If Yachting Is Right For you
• A Day In The Life Of A Yacht Stew
• 10 Things No One Tells You Before You Become A Yacht Stewardess

How To Get A Job As A Yacht Stew

1. become qualified and do your yachting courses.

Here are the required courses you’ll need to do to work on a decent superyacht:

STCW The Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping Standards (STCW) is an internationally recognised certification needed by all yachties working on commercial vessels above 24 meters (79 feet). It covers 5 modules: Basic Fire Prevention & Firefighting, Personal Survival Techniques, First Aid, Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities & Proficiency in Maritime Security Awareness and costs €900-€950 depending on the country where you do it, it’s usually a 5-Day Course (some training facilities do part online and part in person).

ENG1 MEDICAL (or AMSA approved Seafarer Medical in Australia) A certificate by an MCA-approved doctor (Maritime and Coastguard Agency doctor)to prove you are fit for sea. The appointment involves a health check measuring height and weight, testing eyesight, hearing, questions of medical history, urine sample, blood pressure, and a gentle overall physical check- nothing too crazy. It costs approximately €100 and needs to be renewed every two years.

*In regards to vaccinations required to work on superyachts, it is fast becoming a must-have tick on your health records to say you are vaccinated against COVID-19. This is not included on your ENG1 Medical certificate however you will find most recruitment agencies and yachts will request crew to be fully vaccinated.

FOOD HYGIENE LEVEL 2 CERTIFICATE A one-day theory-based course that covers food preparation, handling and storage and is required for most stewardess roles on board larger vessels and charter yachts. Make sure the course you do is MCA-approved, it costs around €185 and can be done online as well as in person at training facilities such as Barcelona Crew Academy. PDSD CERTIFICATE Proficiency in Designated Security Duties is an online or in-person course covering why security on a vessel is so important, the roles and responsibilities of those onboard in different security roles and the risks involved. On many yachts 50m+, this certificate is required for all crew that have a security duty such as watch-keeping. You can complete the training with companies such as VIRSEC it costs €195 and takes one day to complete.

There are additional courses you can do if: A) You’re lacking confidence in your stewardess skills (after all they are so specialised), and you want to make yourself more desirable for the job hunt OR B) You have limited transferable experience to yachting from previous jobs and you’re feeling underprepared and overwhelmed Such as joining the Seaworthy Yacht Stewardess Online Training Course specifically for junior and green stews, it gives you the professional know-how so you can stand out on the CV pile and be an incredible yacht stew from the get-go. Hello amazing yachting opportunities!

2. LOOK FOR WORK IN THE RIGHT SEASON AND IN THE RIGHT LOCATION

Med Season (Mediterannean Season) – April/May – September/Oct

The Med season (as yachties call it) begins in late April/early May when yachts are preparing for summer charters and events like the Cannes Film Festival held in May. In the lead-up to the season, there will often be opportunities for day work and permanent positions as yachts crew up for the season.

The USA and Caribbean season

Late Nov/Dec is the start of the Caribbean Yachting season with the main yachting hub being Fort Lauderdale in the USA and then West Palm Beach as well as Antigua, and St Maarten in the Caribbean. The season usually wraps up in Feb/March when dual season yachts (Superyachts that do both the Med and Caribbean) tend to do the crossing back to the Med however charters and programs can run until late april/early May.

Yachting Seasons in Australia

The Whitsunday season including Great Barrier Reef charters usually run from April to November. From November to late January/February it is the summer yachting season in Sydney where a lot of the action takes place.

Antibes, France : The biggest hub for superyachts in the Med, close to other marinas such as Nice and Monaco.

Palma, Spain : Palma is home to more sailing yachts as well as motor yachts. Sailing yachts will often spend the winter periods here.

Fort Lauderdale, Florida : The biggest yachting hub in the United States with several marinas.

You may be wondering can I just try and apply to get get a job on a yacht from home?

There’s a very small chance you’re going to get hired from home as green crew. Why? Because it’s competitive and positioning yourself within the International yachting hubs allows you to start networking, dock walk and gain first hand experince by day working + allows you to be close for any potential interviews.

3. HAVE THE RIGHT VISA TO LEGALLY WORK ONBOARD

Depending on where you plan to look for your first job in yachting and your nationality, you may need to look into what visa is required for you to legally enter countries and work onboard.  Check out this article on What visa’s you may need to work on superyachts .

4. CREATE A YACHTING CV

Create a Yachting CV that stands out, it is very different to a land based one. Click here to see how to put together a yachting CV that ticks the industry boxes or grab these professional Yachting CV templates here included in the CV Toolkit.

5. SIGN UP WITH THE YACHT CREW AGENCIES

Sign up with as many yacht crew agencies as possible, try to organise a phone call or interview with them and introduce yourself, it could be the start of a great working relationship. Here are some recommendations: YPI Crew , Luxury Yacht Group , Bluewater Crew , Camper & Nicholsons , Lighthouse Careers , Quay Crew , and Australia specifically check out Champion Crewing and Yachtsmen International . For the online job boards check out YotSpot and YA crew – check into the agencies job board often to let them know you’re stilll looking for work.

AND Keep up to date with jobs posted on Yacht Crew Facebook Pages, here’s a list of recommended Facebook pages 

6. SAY YES TO DAY WORK OPPORTUNITIES

As green crew, one way to land a permanent role as a yacht stew or deckhand is by building up your yachting CV. Day work gives you an introduction to what it’s like to work onboard, where you start to build your first yacht stew or deckhand skills, it also gives you income during the job hunting phase, allows you to network and create a positive reputation in the industry.  To read all about what to expect when day working click here .

Consider your past experience and skillsets, if you’re not feeling confident consider a stewardess course. If you can learn the foundational skills before landing your first job you’re one step above the rest and you’ll actually know what you’re doing onboard. Early in the season, your chief stew may have time to train you from scratch however they don’t always have time — in the nicest possible way — do you want to be a stew that can hit the ground running? The Seaworthy Yacht stewardess course here gives you all the information in order for you to be fully prepared for all the industry throws at you. Learn these tips, tricks and skills that usually take years to master.

7. DOCK WALK IN THE MARINA

Dock walking can be a successful way of getting your first job, think of it like a sales pitch and your personal delivery of your CV to the yacht. It’s important to know the right locations to dock walk, the security measures around it and if you’re legally allowed to do it. Check out this article for more information on how to do dock walking .

Don’t forget to organise your dock walking day around crew working hours. To avoid being ‘that person’ that rings the door bell during the crew’s breaktimes here’s a run down of a day for crew when off charter: 08:00 Start work, 10:00 Morning Tea, 12:00 Lunch, 3:00pm Afternoon Tea, 5:00 Knock off.

Ready to learn more about being a yacht stew?! Save this free guide – 7 Ways to Nail Your First 7 Days As A Yacht Stew

Best of luck with your new yachting adventure!

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I’m a chief stewardess with over 6 years experience working in the superyacht industry on boats up to 88m. I help aspiring yacht crew by propelling them with the know-how and tools to confidently break into the superyacht industry.

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Superyacht Training

How to Work on a Superyacht, with no Experience

Working in the superyacht industry looks like the dream job, right? But, how do you get started with no work experience? With over 12 years in the industry, interviewing and hiring countless candidates across various positions, we know first hand what information you require to get your first real crew job on a superyacht. In this post we highlight some of the features of our “Beginners Guide to Yachting” Ebook which explains all you need to know from how to get your CV yacht perfect, typical daily stewardess or deckhand duties, how to find day wo rk, and more.

What kinds of entry level positions could I apply for? 

The two most common entry level positions on yachts are stewardess and deckhand jobs. These are both junior ranks whose primary concern is to keep the guests happy and ensure the interior and exterior are kept immaculately clean.

What previous experience is useful when looking for a job on a yacht?

While working on a yacht is certainly different to any land-based career, there are a few land-based jobs that would have equipped you with skills useful on a vessel.  Jobs that may be useful include: 

• Hospitality-related jobs
• Waiting tables in a high-end restaurant 
• Child care or au pairing 
• Carpentry 
• Sports or diving instructor 

If you have already completed some form or degree or diploma in engineering or mechanics, this is also considered a huge plus. 

Are there specific qualifications I need? 

Yes. You will need an STCW 10 certificate to understand basic safety protocols, as well as an ENG1 Medical Certificate to prove that your health is in good enough shape to join a vessel. Get Onboard Superyacht Academy offers complete STCW and ENG1 training in Cape Town, South Africa. These are the only compulsory documents needed, but if you are interested in a specific role, we offer specialised courses to equip you for these. 

How do I get my first job on a yacht?

Once you are qualified, follow these steps: 

• Construct a CV. Be sure to include all relevant information and documents, as well as a friendly, yet professional photo of yourself. Download our free template for a starting point. 
• Pick a location to start. Antibes in France, Palma de Mallorca in Spain, and Fort Lauderdale in Florida are great places to start out as a newbie. 
• Find some day work. This is work outside of a formal contract, which may involve helping out for a day to several weeks. Day work is an excellent opportunity to network, build contacts in the industry, and get a foot in on your journey to securing a more permanent job. 

How much money do you make working on a yacht?

The standard entry level salary for a junior stewardess or deckhand ranges between €2,000 – €2,500 or $2,300 – $2,800 per month. This amount is generally tax free, although the onus is on each crew member to check with their home county about tax obligations. Certain countries are tax exempt, provided you spend more than six months out of the county.

Check out our salary guidelines for more information. Still have questions? Get in touch with us , we’d love to help you navigate the seas of yachting!

Needing more?

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RYA/MCA Online

1. what are the basic requirements you need to be eligible to work in the yachting industry, 2. what is the stcw and why do i need it, 3. what is the eng1 medical certificate, 4. what land based experience will help me find a super yacht job, 5. what are the different departments onboard, 6. what crew training is required for me to work as a junior deckhand.

• Yachtmaster/Coastal Skipper Theory
• Yachtmaster/Coastal Practical
• Specialist Super Yacht Training Course (Deck Hand Training Course)
• RYA Power Boat Level II
• RYA Personal Watercraft Course
• RYA Competent Crew Certificate
• RYA Day Skipper Theory and Practical Certificates
• VHF Radio Operator’s License

7. What crew training is required for me to work as a junior stewardess?

• Stewardess Course
• Proficiency in Designated Security Duties (PDSD)
• MCA Food Safety Level 2
• RYA Powerboat Level 2

8. How do I book my training courses?

9. how do i get my first job on a yacht, 10. are these courses worth it, or am i just wasting my money, 11. will i get hired for my first job from south africa, 12. what is daywork, 13. what are the best locations to get a yacht job, 14. how much can a motor yacht stewardess or deckhand earn, 15. what are the negatives of working on a yacht, 16. what are the positives of working on a yacht, 17. is working on a super yacht for everyone, 18. what is the minimum age to work on a yacht, 19. is accommodation provided when i am completing my yacht training in cape town.

Guide to Becoming a Yacht Stewardess Working on Superyachts

This working on superyachts guide is a authored by Carryn.

Working on superyachts seems glamorous, right? Your office overlooks crystal clear waters and your job involves stepping into the life of the rich and famous.

Not to mention, you get paid a fortune whilst doing so! But, as with most things in life, there’s more to the yachting industry than what meets the eye.

This guide details all the steps to getting a job working on a super yacht and what life is really like as a yacht stewardess — the good, the bad and the ugly!

Table of Contents

Before I Became a Yacht Stewardess

After 6 months working on a superyacht, is it easy to get a job working on superyachts, connections within the yachting industry, other qualities needed to become a yacht stewardess, the salary for a yacht stewardness, 1. do you want to become a yacht stewardess or a deckhand, role of a yacht stewardess working on a super yacht, role of a deckhand, other positions available for working on superyachts, 2. requirements for working on superyachts, 3. where to get a job: the mediterranean or the caribbean, 4. visa requirements for working on superyachts, 5. working on a private yacht vs a chartered yacht, 6. how to land that job as a yacht stewardess, register with yacht crew agencies, networking with other crew and yacht stewardesses, how much does it cost to work on a super yacht, what is life really like working on superyachts, how i got my job working on a superyacht, 1. how much time do you have to get a job, 2. do you believe in yourself, 3. are you ready to work your ass off every single day, how to become a ski instructor almost anywhere in the world, how to be a travel nanny and work as you travel, how to be an au pair in spain + tips for getting a job, how to work abroad & travel the world, how you can work abroad without experience so you can travel longer.

After graduating from college in South Africa, I jumped straight into the working world and started “adulting”.

After 3 months of long, hard work, with very little pay, I decided that I was tired of being broke and living in debt.

In an attempt to see just how versatile my skills were, I quit my job in search of greener pastures on the other side of the world, France. Here, I began what I thought would be a lifelong career as a yacht stewardess. I was intrigued by the idea of working on superyachts, how glamorous it all was and of course the MONEY.

Working as a yacht stewardess changed my life for the better. When I left for France I was a young, naive college graduate who struggled to find a balance between traveling and being financially independent.

6 months later, which is a lot earlier than I’d expected, I decided to throw in the towel. The money I’d made was amazing yet never gave me the job satisfaction I was actually looking for. I returned home with a new-found love for my country, my family and the smaller things in life.

Working on superyachts put my life into perspective.

It was an extremely personal time filled with self-reflection and allowed me to appreciate and value my own personal skills and work ethic.

Working on Superyachts: The Basics

A superyacht is a large luxury boat that’s longer than 24 meters. These yachts are owned by the rich and famous and often make their way between the Caribbean and the Mediterranean waters.

These superyachts need crew to provide them with that 1st class service. And this is where the thousands of yachties come into play.

People often confuse working on superyachts with that of working on cruise ships. No, they are not the same! Working on a superyacht is a far more intimate job. There can be two to twelve guests on board and you’re at their beck and call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

It’s a grueling job that will have you working long hours in confined spaces, but the rewards are far greater than those of the cruise ships.

Yes and no.

The yachting industry is a difficult one to get into, but once you have your foot in the door, you’re guaranteed future work and better positions. However, getting that first job working on a superyacht is the hardest part.

You will struggle to secure a job in advance as most captains and crew agencies want to meet you in person before they hire you. As a result, you need to go to the yachting hubs where you will spend your time job hunting.

Securing a job takes time. For some, it’s a matter of days, but for most, it takes weeks or even months.

The saying “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know” never rang so true as it does in the yachting world. If you have connections in the industry, you shouldn’t have a problem getting a job as a yacht stewardess.

The yachting industry is a small one and referrals are the easiest way to land your first job.

Owners want young, good-looking crew running around after them. As a yacht stewardess, your uniform consists of short skirts and tight shirts and you need to look presentable and professional at all times. If you fit this profile of a yacht stewardess, finding a job working on a superyacht will be a lot easier for you.

Your personality and drive also play a huge factor. Captains and owners want outgoing, energetic and friendly crew who will get on well with the rest of the team.

You have very little personal space and whilst conflicts are bound to happen, you will have to master the art of the “smile and walk away” and avoid confrontations with other crew and guests.

So yes, getting a job working on superyachts isn’t easy, but if you have the above points covered, I bet you could get a job!

The starting salary for a yacht stewardess or deckhand is roughly 2,500€ per month. This is with no experience and excludes 10% tips  — which you receive on chartered trips. These tips could quite easily match your base salary. And it’s all tax-free!

You have no rent to pay as you live on board the boat. Your meals are prepared for you by the qualified chef, and you don’t need to purchase any groceries or toiletries.

EVERYTHING is covered. What I saved in 5 months whilst working on superyachts has taken me a full year to make as an English Teacher in Korea !

Sounds too good to be true, doesn’t it?

How to Work on a Superyacht: 6 Steps

Each of these superyachts needs 6-10 crew who all work together to ensure the smooth running of the luxury vessel. There are many positions available ranging from engineers to chefs but most crew start off as either a yacht stewardess or a deckhand.

As a yacht stewardess or stew, as it’s more commonly referred to, your main tasks are housekeeping and ensuring that the interior of the yacht is properly maintained. You need to provide the highest standards of hospitality and ensure that the guests are taken care of. To put it bluntly, you’re a glorified maid wearing a cute outfit!

Daily Tasks of a Yacht Stewardess

As a yacht stewardess, your daily tasks whilst working on a private yacht include meticulous cleaning of the interior of the boat such as the cabins, toilets and living areas. You’re responsible for all the laundry, ironing as well as flower arranging, and table setting for all meals.

You need to provide a silver service dining experience and make world-class cocktails whenever the guests request. If there are children on board your yacht, you may also be asked to keep them entertained whilst ensuring all your other tasks are completed.

Working Hours

Your days start when the first guest awakes and end when the last guest goes to bed! If they’re out clubbing until 4 am, you’ll have to stay up to welcome them back on board and perhaps serve them drinks upon their return.

There are no free weekends if you’re on charter and you rotate shifts with the other crew, who also work just as hard. Because of this, the hours are long and tiring and if you have demanding guests, you could feel completely broken by the end of it.

The workload and the sort of work changes depending on the season, whether you have guests on board and any maintenance issues.

The deckhand’s position is more geared for men and includes maintaining the exterior of the yacht as well as all the deck equipment. You scrub the boat, top to bottom and it’s a physically demanding role. Tasks include cleaning the engine, painting, and varnishing the deck. You’re in charge of the fenders and ropes as well as the tenders and jet skis.

Perhaps you’re a qualified chef, engineer or beautician. These jobs are also available but with no prior yachting experience, you will struggle to find positions available.

You may want to apply as either a yacht stewardess or deckhand first, and highlight these additional skills in your CV. This is because there are more opportunities for stews and deckhands. Captains will also be reluctant to hire a chef or engineer who’s doesn’t have experience working on superyachts as the demands are different from those of the normal day job.

To find a job working on superyachts, there are a few basic requirements that you need to meet.

STCW stands for Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers. There are 5 modules that need to be completed within this required course. These include:

• Personal Safety & Social Responsibilities (PSSR)
• Fire Fighting
• Personal Survival Techniques (PST)
• Proficiency in Designated Security Duties (PDSD)

Eng 1 (Seafarer Medical Certificate)

This is an exam to ensure you don’t suffer from any existing medical condition that may deter you from performing your job. You’ll be required to take a urine sample and a doctor will perform a physical exam to ensure you have no issues with your sight or hearing.

Additional Courses to Work on a Superyacht

Once you’ve secured your position, your chief stewardess or captain will conduct proper in-house training to ensure you know how to work on a yacht and complete the tasks to their standards.

The below courses will prepare you for your new job and will add value to your yachting CV, but they are costly and are not a requirement.

• Stewardess courses where they cover interior care skills, silver service, table setting, cocktail service as well as flower arranging.
• Food Safety Certificate Level 2 . This certification applies to crew working on MLC compliant yachts. Service personnel such as chefs and yacht stewardesses working out of the galley will need this food hygiene certification.
• Powerboat Level 2 allows you to ride the tender and is beneficial for deckhands.

There are 2 yachting seasons: The Mediterranean and the Caribbean Season.

Each of these areas has yachting hubs where crew base themselves when looking for work. These towns are filled with aspiring yachties all gunning for the same position. Once the season is complete, your yacht may move to warmer waters or dock in the harbor until the winter season has passed.

The Mediterranean Yachting Season

The yachting season in the Mediterranean starts as early as April where these superyachts start crewing up and the season continues until August. The main hubs to look for work in the Mediterranean include Antibes in France and Palma de Mallorca in Spain.

The Caribbean Yachting Season

The Caribbean season is active all year round with September to March being the busiest months. Ft. Lauderdale in Florida is the main hub which attracts hundreds of crew every year. From here the boats move toward Antigua and St. Maarten in the Caribbean and as well as the Bahamas where guests enjoy the crystal-clear waters and tropical islands.

• Caribbean: If you’re heading to the United States of America, you’ll need a B1/B2 Visa.
• Mediterranean: A Schengen visa is required if you are going to France or Spain.
• Seaman’s Book: Once you find a job working on a super yacht, you need to arrange a seaman’s book. This is recognized as proof that you are working on a yacht and is also a compulsory document when applying for a transit visa.

There are two kinds of superyachts: Private yachts and chartered yachts.

Private Yachts

Private yachts are used exclusively by the owner.

In some cases, the owner may use the yacht a few times a season and so the crew will have a more relaxed schedule. But don’t take this for granted. I spent 5 months working on a private yacht and had guests on board every day!

Chartered Yachts

Chartered yachts are hired by groups of people for a shorter duration.

You usually have a day or two to get the yacht ready for each charter. This means that the guests are always changing, and the routes are very busy. However, it’s standard for the crew to receive 10-20% tips from the guests. Not too bad if you ask me!

So you’ve completed your yachting courses and you’ve decided whether you’re going to the Mediterranean or the Caribbean. Flights are booked, and visas have been organized. Now, you need to get a job working on a superyacht.

Find a Crew House for the First Week After Your Arrival

These crew houses are like hostels catering for new yachties. They are slightly more expensive than other accommodation you can find. However, it’s worth staying in a crew house for the first week while you try to find your way around your new surroundings.

If you’re heading to the South of France, I highly recommend “The Crew Grapevine” which is where I started off.

The crew houses are generally a stone’s throw away from the harbor and the staff working there understand the yachting world and will help you find your feet.

The owners of these crew houses are also highly respected in the industry and if you make a good impression, they may put in a good word for you with a captain they know. The crew houses also include free printing which is great when you have to print out hundreds of CVs.

Reserving Your Spot at a Crew House

These crew houses are extremely popular and because of the uncertainty of the yachting industry, you cannot book your spot in advance. Some people land a job working on a private yacht after 2 days and so they leave the crew house immediately, others only leave after 2 months!

The best way to get into a crew house is to keep in contact with them when you start organizing your trip.

Introduce yourself and let them know your plans. Then, a week before your arrival, mail them each day to see if they have openings available. I received an email confirming my booking the day I landed in France. Talk about cutting it fine!

After your first week, you would know your way around and would have met other yachties. Together you can rent an apartment for the rest of your stay as this is a far more affordable option.

Finding Daywork on a Yacht

Daywork is temporary work on board a superyacht where you help the other crew complete their duties, but you don’t stay on board the boat.

Daywork on a yacht is a great way of earning money and building up your CV whilst looking for a permanent job as a yacht stewardess.

You get paid $100 – $150 for the days’ work and this should be enough to keep you going for a few extra days.

Dock Walking

As the name suggests, dock walking involves walking through the marinas in search of work on a yacht. With a big, friendly smile on your face, you approach the many superyachts and hand your CV over to the crew.

You’ll most likely face rejection as the boats will have crew but hold your head up high and keep going! For tips on how to create the perfect CV, check this post out.

Security at some of these docks has become extremely tight and dock walking is not allowed in some marinas. This is especially true in the US so perhaps you need to look at some of the below options when looking for work on a yacht.

Yachts are interesting locations to work; you’re often plunged into very formal environments, so professionalism is key.

Yacht crew agencies are often the first port of call for captains looking for a yacht stewardess or deckhand. Registering with these crew agencies can be done through an online application where you include your work experience, qualifications, current location and contact details. This is followed by an interview which needs to be done in person.

This is the easiest way to get a job working on superyachts but if you don’t make an impression, they won’t remember you.

Making connections within the industry is of utmost importance when looking for a job as a yacht stewardess. Put yourself out there and find a common interest with other crew you meet. If they like you, they’ll pass your details onto their captains.

But of course, be aware that every new yachtie is looking to make these connections. You need to stand out from the rest and avoid hanging out in spots that only attract new crew.

Getting a job as a yacht stewardess can take days, weeks and even months. However, I firmly believe that this is dependent on the individual. I’ve met people who’ve invested all the time and money into working on superyachts and after a few months, they’ve had to return home as they were unsuccessful in finding a job and so their funds ran dry.

The competition is strong and when you’re at these yachting hubs, you may feel overwhelmed by the number of newbies in the industry. But, your luck can change in an instant.

Getting into the yachting industry is not cheap as your initial expenses are NOT covered. You need to support yourself financially until you get a job working on a superyacht. It’s a big investment, but one that you can pay back within your first month of work.

Cost for these courses vary between countries and all amounts below are estimates.

These expenses include the following:

• STCW: $600-$1,200 for the 5 courses ($900 average)
• ENG1 Medical: $80
• Flights to the yachting hubs in the Mediterranean or Caribbean: $1,000
• Visa: $60-$120
• Accommodation for your first week: $275
• Meals for your first week: $200
• Additional expenses: $100
• Total expense = $2,645

Bearing in mind that it can take weeks, if not months to find a job, your cost for food and accommodation could be considerably higher.

Your first season working on a superyacht will always be tough. Because you have no experience, you’ll most likely take the first job you can find as beggars can’t be choosers. You won’t really know what you’ve signed up for until you start working.

You’re the junior stewardess and everyone else has put in the hours and earned their stripes, now it’s your turn!

You may work a bit longer than the rest, you’ll be put in the laundry room and spend the entire day ironing and you’ll be the one waking up early. You’ll travel to exotic locations with the most stunning scenery. But you’ll only enjoy these views from the portholes of the cabins as there’s cleaning to be done.

But after you have one season under your belt, you’ll have more connections and can pick and choose what sort of yacht you want to work on. You will be able to find out which boats have easier guests and schedules and you won’t need to jump at the first job offer you get.

RELATED: 10 Jobs Abroad With Accommodation (& Without Experience!)

I started my yachting career in Antibes, France. After 3 days of dock walking, I was feeling extremely unmotivated by the sheer amount of crew looking for work.

I had invested so much time and money into getting to France, and financially I only had 2 weeks to find work before I was broke!

It was a beautiful sunny day and a lot of people were going to the beach to relax after a busy week of dock walking. I was torn between taking the morning off or continuing my search for work as a yacht stewardess. Reluctantly, I decided to first go to a few crew agencies and see if I could chat with one of their staff.

I must have made a good impression because two hours later I received a phone call for an interview with a captain. After a successful chat, I accepted the position and a few hours later I was on a train to Italy to start my career as a yacht stewardess working on a private yacht.

Questions to Ask Yourself Before You Commit to Working on Superyachts

It’s important to put pressure on yourself and set deadlines. Financially I only had two weeks to support myself. This was cutting it fine, but I feel that this pressure is what lead to me finding a job after only 4 days.

You’ll face rejection but will need to keep pushing through in order to secure a job. You’ll also have to justify the initial investment and if you don’t believe that you can cut it in the yachting industry, then perhaps you need to look for something less risky

Some days I worked for up to 18 hours and had very little sleep. My nails and fingers were scarred with blisters and cuts from washing so many crystal glasses. My skin went bad from not seeing the sun, and my legs were developing varicose veins from standing up all day.

But my crew were amazing. We all worked equally hard and supported each other on the difficult days. You might be lucky and find a sweet job with an easy schedule, however, prepare for the worst but this will only make you stronger.

In the end, my experience and the money I made was totally worth it. Think long and hard if you think you’re up for this kind of lifestyle. There are some that stick around and end up with great jobs who get extra tips and even flights to whatever country they want. It’s a fabulous job if you think you’re game for the challenges that come with it.

More Jobs Abroad

Do you have what it takes to work on a superyacht? Do you want to become a yacht stewardess? Let us know in the comments!

>>> Bio

Hey, I’m Carryn! I’m a nature enthusiast and passionate explorer who loves hiking, diving, and adventuring through new countries. My travels have taken me from the peaks of Kilimanjaro to the underwater worlds of Indonesia and have lead me to Korea where I am teaching English. I share my travel stories on my blog, Torn Tackies , where I aim to inspire people to step out of their comfort zone and explore the world that surrounds them.

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Nina Ragusa is an adventurer, messy bun master, breakfast fan, and full-time travel blogger. She's been abroad since 2011 and blogging on Where in the World is Nina? for nearly as long. Nina helps people like you move around the world while making money. She loves talking about how to work abroad and online to travel longer! Read more about Nina

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Hi Nina, thank you so much for the information. I’m looking at doing my course (again) in November. Unfortunately I didn’t pursue the yachting industry the first time I did my course as I started working on the ships. But your insight has really motivated me to try again, so thank you.

Thank you Nina for sharing your info and guiding us, i do have a question though, i am a type one diabetic, and really want to work on a yacht, i am already currently in the Hospitality industry. Do you know whether type one diabetics are allowed to work on yachts?

Great info ! Thank you so much for sharing your experience, I’m looking forward to become a stewardess, I have a question: for working in the Mediterranean Sea it doesn’t matter which Schengen visa? I might have the chance chance to do a German visa, would that work? Thank you again J+

Thank you, Nina! I am heading to Antibes on May 1st to find my first yacht job and I am super excited! I’m always reading online and checking out any information I can in order to prepare, so this blog was a prize to find as it is loaded with fantastic info!

Hope you’re having a fantastic day, wish me luck!

Yes! The best of luck 🙂

Hi nina i have already documents f Seaman book and passport Eng1, food safety and level hygiene level 2

Stcw Sdsd My probllem is only the visa i want to earn already

Can you tell me whats lacking ,

How is the procedure in landing yachts ?

I think sometimes that when i travel my own expense in goin ‘

Like france

I think its too expensive

Or i think in mind that when i applied in us embassy here in philjppines for b1b2 visa

W/out a company yet is hard for me

Coz.i didnt travel yet in any location overseas I have first in mind that i justonly denied for that

Pls can you help me my dear ffriend Can you pls.humbly assist me in my dream career I am a greenie and recently took my iyt yacht card here in manila philippines

Its been an honor to have an indtrument /way like you

On helping othera like me

I want t hear your quick Humbly help my friend

Thank you so much Nina for all of this information! You’ve made me more excited to start my yachting career. I am heading to Phuket next month to take my STCW + Stewardess course, then am hoping to head over to Antibes after to start looking for work by March 🙂

That sounds SO exciting! Have fun 🙂

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About the Chief Steward/ess

The chief stewardess onboard a yacht is extremely skilled in five-star hospitality, various service styles and interior maintenance, in addition to possessing extensive wine knowledge. This individual is responsible for guest satisfaction onboard and must have the ability to anticipate owner/guest needs and exceed their expectations. Strong verbal and written communication skills are essential to success in this position, as well as team management and fiscal administration. This role typically requires at least three years of experience in the superyacht industry.

Job Responsibilities

• Setting stewardess schedules for guest service and cleaning
• Interior cleaning and maintenance
• Interior inventory
• Interior accounting
• Liaison with guest and service meals and bartending
• Liaison with galley for meal services
• Orchestrating guest activities
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Required Skills

• Ability to delegate
• Good communications, organization and diplomacy
• Knowledge of restaurants and activities in cruising areas
• Knowledge of flower and table decorations
• Attention to detail
• Financial management

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• Speaks multiple languages fluently
• New build experience
• Experience in five-star establishments (i.e. Michelin star restaurant, fine hotel)
• Advance medical training/certificate
• Limited computer skills

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Career path, chief stewardess, head of housekeeping, second stewardess, laundry stewardess, junior stewardess.

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Truth about life below deck on the world's most glamorous superyachts: A stewardess who worked for Hollywood megastars reveals the sordid secrets of the super-rich

By Anonymous

Published: 20:59 EDT, 5 September 2024 | Updated: 21:03 EDT, 5 September 2024

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As I scraped away with a toothpick, trying to remove the tiniest specks of dust from a grate in the salon of the superyacht, I knew this wasn't what people had in mind when they pictured life below deck.

They're likely to envy me for working in beautiful surroundings, seeing stunning sunsets and drinking £25 cocktails in the most glamorous spots from Positano to Palma.

The Channel 4 reality show Below Deck — now in its tenth series — has gained a cult following, chronicling the lives of crew members, like me, who work aboard superyachts during charter season.

In part, the show is pretty ­accurate — I'm part of a dynamic team who work hard and play hard — but there are plenty of downsides the series doesn't show. Like starting the morning shift at 6am by cleaning up cocaine residue while your guests carry on hoovering up lines around you, or panicking because you haven't got time to dust your boss's collection of Birkin bags in-between sorting their laundry, changing their bedsheets and taking them their mid-morning almond milk cappuccino.

After two years of working as a stewardess on some of the world's most ­beautiful boats, at 23 I have decided to hang up my deck shoes for good and come home to the UK (picture posed by model)

Unsurprisingly, cleaning with toothpicks does not feature on the reality show either.

And that's before we get to sleeping in a cabin so tiny that only one person can stand in it at any given time – though after several 17-hour days on the trot you're so tired, you're fit for ­nothing but falling into bed.

That's the full reality of life below deck: for every glamorous moment of being invited for a ­sunset swim alongside your super rich hosts, there are a hundred others in which you are nothing more than a glorified skivvy-cum-waitress-cum-nanny – sometimes all at the same time.

It's one reason that, after two years of working as a stewardess on some of the world's most ­beautiful boats – including a month aboard the superyacht of two global celebrities – at 23, I have decided to hang up my deck shoes for good and come home to the UK.

I fell into boat life by accident. While I grew up in a middle-class family and attended private school, I was never one of the yachting crowd. The first time I realised you could make a career out of sailing was when I came across a girl on TikTok who posted beautiful pictures of ­sunsets from all her travels under the hashtag #yachtlife.

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It looked amazing and quickly got me hooked on the idea of ­joining the industry.

To Mum's dismay, after university, I didn't join a teacher training course as planned, but went on a two-week course on the Isle of Wight to get my qualifications, the first a STCW certificate (Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers) followed by stewardess training.

It cost £4,000, but I figured it would be money well spent.

The course throws you in the deep end – quite literally. You're taught sea survival skills, from how to rescue someone who falls off the boat to putting life rafts in the water, as well as learning how to put out a fire and evacuate those on board.

We learned about piracy, too – it's quite common around the coasts of Africa and South ­America – and the procedures to go through if your boat is hijacked.

The stewardess course covered everything from laundry and housekeeping to floristry and cocktails. You might think there's not much to learn about making a bed, but guests on superyachts expect a hospital corner, with not a crease in sight.

From there we were on to silver service, how to cut cigars for guests, how to identify premium champagnes and how to care for luxury brands like Louis Vuitton, Cartier and Hermes when packing and unpacking guest suitcases. Jeans, for instance, must be folded in thirds, not quarters.

Every year, there's a big event in Antibes, one of the superyacht hotspots on the French Riviera, where 'greenies' – those who don't have any experience on a boat – turn up and try to get a job.

I wasn't sure of my chances there, competing with thousands of novices just like me. So I tried my luck in a different hunting ground and, along with a friend, flew out to Palma, Mallorca, which is another popular place for 'yachties'.

Getting work was harder than we'd anticipated. We had very little money (that £4,000 course had made sure of that), so we had to stay in a hostel, setting the alarm for 6.30am every day to go 'dock walking', as it's known — ­canvassing for work by handing out CVs to boat crews.

Eventually, though, I was offered my first day of work, 'detail cleaning' on a luxury vessel in dry dock which had just been refurbished. For a day rate of 150 euros (£126) I had to meticulously clean one of the boat's two 'salons'.

After four weeks of day shifts, I landed my first full-time stewarding job on a charter yacht based in the south of France .

Hired out by guests throughout the summer for about £200,000 a week, it had four guest cabins, and eight crew – myself included – who lived in five tiny cabins below deck not much bigger than the average person's wardrobe.

Some guests were lovely. They'd invite you to join them for a drink, or for a swim (picture posed by models)

I was told I'd be working ten hours a day but, from day one, I was often on shift from 6am until after midnight, with only a one-hour break.

I quickly realised that 17-hour days – and more – are common, and that while on paper my 3,500 euros (£2,900) monthly salary looked good since I wouldn't be spending much, in terms of an hourly rate, it's not much more than minimum wage.

And the job is exhausting: you're endlessly changing beds, sorting laundry, cleaning, then serving meals and drinks, before starting all over again.

On more than one occasion I phoned my mum in tears saying I didn't want to carry on but, in a way, I was lucky. Exhaustion and loneliness were the biggest struggles for me in that first job, but a lot of girls encounter much worse.

One friend working on a superyacht had to sleep in the laundry room on towels because the billionaire owners said they didn't have a bed for her, while above deck she knew they were paying for underage girls to be brought on board for sex.

She phoned me in tears one day, saying she couldn't bear it: everyone had told her she had to 'stick it out'. I told her to disembark the moment she arrived in port.

Stories like that are not uncommon. Some of the boats may look amazing but don't meet the basic marine safety standards. And there are a lot of creeps about. Lots of crew I spoke to talked of seeing prostitutes being brought on board.

Sexual harassment is also rife, not just from the guests but sometimes the captain. I've heard stories about yacht owners paying to have sex with members of the crew who then have to serve breakfast to the wife.

I didn't have any problems on that front, but I was shocked by the drug use. Aside from the more energetic guests, partaking while I was setting the breakfast table, I lost count of the number of lines of cocaine I cleared up from the marble bathrooms and ­dressing tables.

Don't get me wrong – some guests were lovely. They'd invite you to join them for a drink, or for a swim. But there were plenty of people who could barely be bothered to acknowledge your existence or just talked down to you.

One time, I served a beer to a guest and without making eye contact he said icily 'do you have a flake to put in that?' because he decided there was too much froth.

After three months of this, I was more than ready for a break, ­feeling the most tired I've ever been in my life and desperate to go home and rest.

But within hours of returning to my mum's, I had a call from a friend asking if I could fly back out to France to work as a stewardess on a highly prestigious yacht with a very famous owner.

I was bone tired, but it was too good an opportunity to turn down and so, within 24 hours, I was back below deck – this time on a 50-metre yacht with 12 crew and two holidaying Hollywood celebrity owners for whom, for the month I was on board, I was the main port of call.

I landed my first full-time stewarding job on a charter yacht based in the south of France (picture posed by models)

I was cleaning their cabins, ­serving their drinks and nannying their kids, all the time my eyes agog at the level of wealth on ­display around me.

I had to sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA), which means I can't say too much, but I will say they had a member of staff for pretty much any job you can think of, including a dog-walker.

Again I was lucky: the celebrities may have been mega-famous, but they did have manners. They asked how I slept and said thank you, which is more than you can say for a lot of the one per cent club of the world's wealthy.

Even so, after my month was up, I was ready for a break, and I returned home for the winter, only to return to join a 40-metre yacht based in the Med this summer.

This time the owners lived on board, meaning they were based on the boat, but would fly off to London or Hong Kong if they got bored. They travelled a lot on the yacht too – during the few months I was there we sailed to ­Montenegro, Italy , Greece , Spain .

I never got tired of coming into harbour in all these amazing places.

In the end, though, the physical tiredness got to me. While the owners were lovely – the wife once returned from a trip with a pair of Louboutin shoes for me – I was in permanent sleep deficit, often topped up with a hangover, because there's a very heavy drinking culture.

When you do get a bit of time off, you want to spent at least a few hours in the place where you're docked, and that means letting off steam in the bars and restaurants.

The tiredness leads to other ­hazards too: one crew member I know broke their arm falling down a hatch on the boat.

I know numerous others, too, who have broken everything from fingers to ankles falling down stairs and tripping over hatches while the boat is in motion.

You can have all the safety ­procedures in the world, but there are natural hazards that come with walking round a boat at sea and they are magnified when you're tired – especially when the bow of the boat is rising three metres in the air before bouncing back down again in unsettled weather.

Weather at sea is unpredictable, and alongside millpond waters and stunning sunrises there are plenty of storms and squalls. When you're in passage, with no land in sight, it can be really scary: I've been thrown in the air from my bunk more than once.

It's easy to forget, too, that being at sea can result in more than just broken bones.

The dangers were writ large last month when Bayesian, the luxury boat owned by British tech tycoon Mike Lynch sank off the coast of Sicily in the early hours after being hit by a sudden, violent storm.

Seven people, including Lynch and his 18-year-old daughter ­Hannah tragically died.

The boat on which I was working had been there a week earlier, which made it feel terrifyingly close to home.

By the time the disaster ­happened, I'd already handed in my notice. I'd woken up one morning after just a couple of hours' sleep, in the certain ­knowledge that I couldn't face another six months at sea.

I'm working my notice period at the moment, and can't wait to take my suitcase down the ­gangway for the last time.

Even so, I won't totally rule out going back. For all the slog, there is something rather addictive about life below deck – even if it's nowhere near as glamorous as it looks on TV.

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• The six dress styles you need to know for autumn, picked by fashion insiders - plus the exact ones to buy
• BRYONY GORDON: New pupils were right to be scared this week... our schools are battery farms
• When I was 15 friends told me I was pretty 'for an Indian'. It took another 15 years for me to see myself as beautiful. Here's what changed…
• My twin's husband seemed perfect - then he shot and killed her, her little daughters and himself with no explanation. Here's what must change to stop another family going through the same horror
• The mums ditching back-to-school drudgery to jet off on spa breaks... leaving their husbands to cope with the new-term chaos alone!
• THE SEX DIARIES: I'm angry I didn't orgasm, so I take the lead. Softer, slower, I tell him...
• MORE HEADLINES
• Today show host suddenly separates from financier husband just two years after glam NYC wedding
• Rugged Prince of Wales rocks fan-favourite beard on visit to a homelessness exhibition and reunites with his Big Issue seller pal
• Taylor Swift's latest crisis: Fans beg singer to avoid Travis Kelce's first NFL game of the season after pop billionaire's Kansas City Chiefs WAG bestie Brittany Mahomes is shouted out by Donald Trump for her support
• Prince Harry's ex-girlfriend Chelsy Davy announces she's welcomed a second child as she shares first photo with her little girl and reveals her name
• McDonald's chef reveals secret Big Mac sauce recipe
• Queen Camilla reunites with her ex Andrew Parker Bowles at their son Tom's book launch in London - as they're joined by daughter Laura Lopes and the royal's sister Annabel Elliot
• Dermatologist reveals the biggest mistake people are making in the bathroom
• MOST READ IN DETAIL

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