User:Wilsonhalligan

About large yachts
A large yacht is generally considered to be a vessel that has a waterline length over 24 metres and is operated either as a private or commercial (charter) vessel. However, in today’s market, such a vessel would be considered to be of modest size – there are said to be over 50 yachts presently in build for Owners, all above 60m waterline length.

The demand for such yachts and the personnel to operate them is presently outstripping the existing resources within the yacht industry. This is a problem that can largely be overcome by additional training and the introduction of qualified and suitable personnel from other parts of the maritime industry - for example, from the naval and commercial sectors.

There are now a significant number of yachts either existing or in build over 3000gt, which, whether private or charter, require full commercial merchant navy certification for all deck and engineering officers.

The rewards vary between yachts, but almost without exception, provide for excellent salaries, ever-improving leave and conditions of service incorporating many ‘fringe’ benefits. Depending upon status, they are usually UK tax exempt, travel and wages during periods of agreed leave are paid, and food and accommodation is, of course, provided; all alongside a potentially challenging but fun work regime, in a lifestyle that is truly and dramatically different from the routine of the commercial world. As such, working in this industry is viewed as a gateway to an adventurous lifestyle, where you can work alongside other likeminded individuals.

The jobs
Life onboard is made possible by many different jobs, which ensure the smooth operation of the yacht. Each individual really does have an important role; some in aspects of hospitality to the owner, family and guests, as well as looking after the other crewmembers, others in the operation of the deck department, navigation and day-to-day running of the yacht.

Most yachts over 50m are large enough to allow rotation, meaning that in return for working a lengthy period of time, the candidate would receive a large ’chunk’ of time off. For instance, a 5:1 rotation would see a 5 month period of service, followed by 1 month leave. In this case, the yacht would often provide return flights to a designated home destination twice a year.

Opportunities on smaller yachts, often as unpaid crew, are available even with no qualifications. This is a useful way to gain experience and to be sure that a yachting career is for you. However, by completing Initial training endorsed by Royal Yachting Association RYA enables a level of competence to be demonstrated and will give you a sense of safety and confidence creating an initial ‘edge’ when potentially better positions become available.

Many in the past have found their first break into yachting from ‘treading the boards’ at the large yachting centres - Fort Lauderdale and Antibes, South of France are examples - often by offering assistance with daywork while the yachts remain in port. There are also a large number of agencies in these locations that may be able to assist.

For the larger yachts it is a requirement to comply with the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW 95) Basic Safety Training. The STCW95 courses are required by all crew members; additional courses will depend on the responsibilities of your onboard position. The STCW 95 Code requires that you take a 5-day course covering 4 areas – Basic Firefighting, Personal Survival, Personal Safety and Social Responsibility, and Elementary First Aid. These courses are provided by many training establishments however it is important to ensure that the training establishment is IMO recognised.

It is also a requirement to comply with the minimum standards of medical health and this is proven in the form of an ENG1 medical certificate (or recognised equivalent from other countries). These are obtainable from doctors approved by the governing maritime administration, which in the case of the UK is the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, a list of which can be found from the MCA

In almost all cases it is the Captain of a large yacht who has the final say in who is recruited. From time to time, for an exceptional candidate, he/she may consider offering a junior position to an inexperienced candidate. However, in all cases as a minimum, candidates will require to have the appropriate training for the position sought, and to have completed the appropriate STCW 95 courses.