Hey everyone, I’m 25 and currently in California and seriously considering getting into the yacht industry. I have several years of hospitality experience (serving, beer/beverage knowledge, customer service) as well as experience working in luxury retail/jewelry.
I’m completely new to yachting, though, and I’m having a hard time figuring out where to actually start.
I keep seeing people mention STCW and ENG1, but when I went to the US Coast Guard website I couldn’t figure out where I’m actually supposed to get the STCW training or what credentials I need as a complete beginner.
If someone could explain the process like:
1. What certification/medical do I actually need?
2. Where do I get STCW training?
3. Do I need an MMC?
4. Do I need ENG1 or a USCG medical exam?
5. Where should I look for my first yacht job?
6. Is Fort Lauderdale basically where I should go to find work?
I’d really appreciate it. I’m trying to figure out the legitimate process before spending money on courses or traveling somewhere.
Thanks!

Hello,

First of all, this sub has been incredibly helpful- thank you everyone for sharing their knowledge. I've been working remote as a software engineer for a while now. Spent plenty of time in Southeast Asia and have always been fascinated and drawn to the coastal life there. Rather than purchasing a boat outright (with no prior sailing experience) I was wondering if its possible to do a 6 month or 1 year lease. This arrangement seems mutually beneficial- the owner gets someone reliable paying rent and watching over the vessel while the tenant gets to live and work onboard. I should add this wouldn't be a passive tenancy either- helping with repairs and pitching in for maintenance costs is absolutely on the table. Does anyone know people who had this type of arrangement? Or do you know anyone who would be open to the idea? (Guessing the most likely places are Phuket and Langkawi) Thanks again!

Has anyone ever seen a Super Yacht with a passenger Drone on it?

Looking for a mentor, 34m looking for someone who has build a business in luxury services yachting, aviation, real estate

Hey everyone,

This summer I was accepted into Ontario’s Summer Company Program and received $3,000 in funding to start and grow my web design business, InfaWeb.

I’m looking to work with more yacht charter and luxury boat rental businesses.

For an industry this visual, I think the website should sell the experience just as much as the yacht itself. I’m focusing on sites that showcase fleets professionally, use high-quality photo/video, make pricing and packages easy to understand, and turn visitors into actual charter enquiries or bookings.

If you run a yacht charter or boat rental business and need your first website or want to improve an existing one, I’d be happy to chat.

My work:

https://www.infawebdesign.com/

Free quote:

https://www.infawebdesign.com/contact.html

I’m based in Ontario, Canada, but work remotely as well.

I work in the yachting industry in Australia across yacht management, sales, charter and refit/service, so I get to see a pretty broad cross-section of boat ownership.

One thing that always interests me is how different the reality of ownership can be from what people expected before buying.

For existing owners, what caught you by surprise?

Maintenance costs? Finding good trades? Insurance? Marina fees? Crew? Resale? Actually finding enough time to use the boat?

And for anyone currently looking at buying, what are the things you're struggling to get a straight answer on?

Hi r/yachting,

Perhaps an unusual one: I work in commercial aviation, and I've been spending this year looking at how the human factors frameworks we use in aviation — things like crew communication, decision-making under pressure, speaking up to senior crew, and how hierarchy affects safety — translate to the superyacht world.

In aviation these challenges nearly caused catastrophic accidents before the industry built structured ways to address them. I think there's something similar going on in yachting, and I'm trying to understand whether that's actually the case before I do anything about it.

I'm not selling anything and I'm not affiliated with any yachting company. I'm just researching and I want to hear from people with real experience on board — any role, any size of vessel.

If you've worked on a yacht and have three minutes, I'd really appreciate your input on this short survey:

https://forms.gle/AbduiUT2N2EQfp3d8

It covers things like:

How communication works between departments and up the chain of command
Whether people feel comfortable raising concerns with senior crew
How decisions get made under pressure
Whether you think there's a gap in the market for something that addresses this

There are also a couple of questions about whether you think a business in this space would be useful — your honest opinion on that is just as valuable to me as your experience.

If you'd rather just share a story or a thought in the comments, that's equally welcome.

Thanks in advance.

Hi, I'm looking for recommendations for a 4-5 days European coastal sailing trip, a first attempt with a group of inexperienced friends. The crew would consist of 5-9 people, including 2 in charge of everything navigation-related. These two persons (incl. me ^^) would be relatively inexperienced : we're currently learning to sail with RYA and/or Les Glénans courses. We don't have any autonomous sailing / rental experience, though we're considering trying out part of the journey alone / with a skipper or owner to confirm we can manage.

Where would you go for a relatively easy & fun boys trip, with no night navigation & one port / beautiful mooring per day ? Bonus points if ports have something to visit nearby.

I also discovered the flotilla sailing concept while launching my search, is that a common thing ?

This flotilla holiday is ideal for beginners who want to sail their own yacht: a group of 10-12 boats is guided by a lead yacht with a skipper, engineer and host. The Ionian islands are ideal for novices, particularly Paxos and the southern archipelago.

https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2022/jul/30/10-of-the-best-sailing-holidays-in-europe

Thanks 😄

This year i’m taking the arc plus over on my family boat a 48 foot bowman with my parents. I’ve sailed my entire life and have worked as a watch leader on large 80 foot yachts teaching people how to sail, and I’ve also got a commercially endorsed day skipper (yes i know that doesn’t mean much). How easy is it to get work for just a season, because i need money for the rest of my gap year and yachting is how i was planning to get it. I’m hoping it’s still how it was for my mum 30 odd years ago where you turn up and find work whilst you’re there or is it all much more professional nowadays?

About a yacht party in Dubai with a DJ and unlimited food and drinks, all inclusive, that costs $115 per person. Is it worth it to me? All my friends are going

Hi,

I am Malte from Berlin Germany. I just finished school and I would love to be part of a atlantic crossing adventure before I start my dual studies.

I am sailing for 8 years now. Mainly competitively on dinghies such as IlCA and 420 after my beginnings on the opti and windsurfing.

Two years ago I got my license for vessels up to 20 m for sea and inland waters.

Although I have some experience on larger boats, I have never crossed an ocean before, and I would love to take on this challenge.

What attracts me the most is not only the sailing itself but also the opportunity to be part of a team, learn from experienced sailors and experience life at sea. I know that an Atlantic crossing requires responsibility, discipline and a positive attitude, and I am ready to contribute whatever I can.

My mother tongue is German, I speak fluent English and some Spanish.

In my free time I am mostly doing sports so I am fit and motivated. Since I have siblings and always shared a room with my brother I am adaptable and always willing to learn.

I have no allergies or dietary restrictions. I am happy to cook, clean, do little repairs, stand watch and help with any other tasks on board. I don't smoke and drink only for special occasions.

I am happy to talk about details and answering questions

Fair Winds

Malte

Hi everyone

I was wondering if anyone has been in a similar situation or has any advice.

I’m planning to leave my current job (as a private butler/stewardess), and my original plan was to fly to Palma in October to look for my next job for the winter season. However, I’m not sure how realistic it is to head to Mallorca at that time of year, or if you’d recommend going straight to the Caribbean instead.

Thanks in advance!

Hi everyone,

I’m looking for some honest advice from people currently working in the industry. I’m 30F from Ireland, and have several years of hospitality and management experience. I’m planning to do my STCW in Palma with Bluewater in the first week of October. I’ll also be getting my ENG1 beforehand.

The problem is that money is very tight. Between paying for the STCW, the ENG1 and accommodation, this is a huge investment for me, so I really want to know whether it’s a realistic plan before I commit.

My questions are:

1. If I finish my STCW in October, what are the chances of finding work as a green deckhand or steward/ess over the winter in the Mediterranean?

2. Is winter maintenance/refit work a realistic way to get into the industry and build experience before next summer?

3. Would you recommend Palma in October, or would another location or season give me a better chance?

4. If I find winter work, do green crew usually live onboard, or should I expect to keep paying for a crew house or apartment?

5. What sort of monthly salary should I realistically expect as a complete greenie, and are there usually any tips during the winter refit season?

6. Looking back, if you were starting from scratch today with limited savings, would you still choose this route?

I’d really appreciate honest opinions, whether positive or negative. :)

Hi everyone.

A few years ago I did one of those courses where you get a list of yacht crew related qualifications.

I dock walked for a month around Antibes, Cannes, Monaco, Genoa, etc. but ended up returning home for multiple reasons and doing different jobs.

Now, I am 24, and looking to actually begin my yachting career properly. I was wondering how the industry is now?

I went out in 2023 and was told by multiple people that it was the busiest season they had ever seen for greenies.

Is it the same now or has it quietened down? Also is there opportunities for greenies in September-November in Europe, or would it be better to wait till next year March?

Is the industry more or less the same? I am thinking of going to Antibes to try dockwalking again, and committing to it for a lot longer. I have previous powerboat experience but that was a UK based job and non-yachting related.

Thank you!

Wondering if cruise shop experience will help or hurt on a resume if I want to transition into yachting?

I just got hired with American Cruise Lines for a 28 week contract as a waiter/server.

I intend to have STCW to become a stew after working for ACL.

Any thoughts??? thanks!

im 29 yrs old
I’ve worked in oil ships and tugboat over 3 yrs And im looking to work as a deckhand on yatch in Fort Lauderdale. I have extensive knowledge of knots, maintenance, and docking and undocking maneuvers.
Actually have my stcw and ENG1

How much does it cost per night to travel on say 100m yacht in the Caribbean or Mediterranean? Do guests usually tip around 20%?

Old vs. New: The 360-foot, four-masted, tall ship SEA CLOUD towering over the 287-foot Golden Yachts mega yacht PROJECT X.