• 10,000+ yachts over 24m (about 80ft.) that require professional crew.
• 87% of the world’s yachts are registered in the Cayman Islands (Red Ensign)
• 90% of these are owned by US nationals.
• There are 14 miles of new builds underway in 25 countries (the most ever!)
• Of the top 200 yachts in the world the smallest is 178 ft.
• Current average build length is 114 ft.

• Obviously there is a lot of travel involved.
• However, this is not a vacation.
• Hard work and long hours are ‘par for the course’.
• Identify your area of interest.  e.g. Deck, Engineer, Stewardess etc.
• Research the availability of positions available on megayachts.
• Set a defined achievable objective.
• Make it a priority to learn as much as you can about the industry.
• Prepare a Resume/CV that will highlight your abilities/talents/and interests.
• Training at all levels is essential for a successful career in the yachting industry.
• Contact www.yachtmaster.com for all aspects of marine training.
• Contact IYT Career Placement Office for assistance.

• Captain
• First/Chief Officer
• Mate/Bosun
• Deckhand
• Chief Engineer / 2nd. Engineer
• Chief Steward/ess / Purser
• Junior Stew.
• Chef
• Sous Chef / Cook / Cook-Stewardess

An ‘entry level’ candidate to the industry will need to complete a 5 day STCW 95 basic safety course comprising:

• Personal Safety & Social Responsibility
• Basic First Aid
• Basic Fire Fighting
• Basic Sea Survival

We believe that highly motivated crew would greatly benefit by enrolling in our MCA recognized 5 day International Megayacht Crew course.

This course, developed by IYT, is designed as an introduction to the world of boating in general and Megayachts in particular.

The theory course (4 days) includes the following:

• Industry Guide & Regulations
• Safety Equipment
• Nautical Terminology & Vessel Familiarization
• Instruments & Electronic Aids to Navigation
• Ropes & Ropework
• Basic Collision Regulations
• Intro. to Weather & Passage Planning
• Sails & Sail Handling
• Boat Handling Under Power
• Charts & Chartwork
• Anchors & Anchoring
• Dingies & RIB  (launching & handling)
• VHF Operations

The Practical segment of the course comprises 1 day of RIB  (Rigid Inflatable  Boat) operations including safety checks / equipment, coming alongside, picking up and dropping off, beaching etc.

Our STCW 95 course prepares crew to be able to take an active role in drills and emergency situations. STCW 95 certification is required by the great majority of luxury yachts, both commercial and private.

With increasing size and added complexity, the variety of skills and depth of knowledge required for Professional Crew is also increasing and it is not uncommon for roles such as Security Officer, Resident Dive Instructor, Masseuse, Nanny or even Helicopter Pilot to be part of the crew list.

The majority of crew positions however still fall into the traditional roles; Skilled Engineers to maintain the complex and intricate systems are an essential part of any vessel, with larger yachts having a Chief Engineer with 2nd Engineer and perhaps even a 3rd Engineer assisting.
Professional Deckhands, Bosuns and Mates who are responsible for all aspects of maintenance and assisting the Captain in safely managing the vessel through its travels.
Professional Stewards and Stewardesses take care of interiors often crafted from rare stones, exotic woods and fine fabrics as well as providing a high standard of service for the owner’s family and guests.

Highly qualified and experienced Chefs provide the culinary touch to complete the picture as well as often cooking for the crew.

The industry needs many suitably qualified and trained individuals with the appropriate skills and attitude for this exciting and rewarding career.