How to Get a Job on a Yacht with No Experience

Many people dream about working on yachts, traveling the world, and earning competitive salaries. The good news is that you do not necessarily need previous yachting experience to enter the industry.

Every year, hundreds of crew members start their careers in entry-level positions and gradually move up to more senior roles.

In this guide, we’ll explain how to get your first yacht job even if you have never worked on board before.

Can You Work on a Yacht Without Experience?

Yes.

Many private and charter yachts hire beginners for junior positions. While previous experience is always an advantage, yacht owners and captains often look for candidates with:

• Positive attitude;
• Good communication skills;
• Professional appearance;
• Strong work ethic;
• Willingness to learn;
• Basic English language skills.

Some yachts are specifically looking for crew members willing to start their careers from entry-level positions.

Best Entry-Level Yacht Jobs

Stewardess

The Stewardess position is one of the most popular ways to enter the yachting industry.

Typical duties include:

• Cabin cleaning;
• Laundry;
• Guest service;
• Table setting;
• Assisting senior crew members.

Many junior stewardesses receive onboard training.

Deckhand

Deckhands usually assist with:

• Exterior cleaning;
• Wash-downs;
• Docking operations;
• Tender preparation;
• General maintenance.

Physical fitness and a positive attitude are highly valued.

Cook Assistant

On larger yachts, beginners may start by assisting the Chef with:

• Food preparation;
• Cleaning the galley;
• Stock organization.

What Certificates Do You Need?

Most yachts require at least:

STCW Basic Safety Training

This is the minimum certificate required for almost all yacht crew positions.

ENG1 Medical Certificate

The ENG1 confirms that you are medically fit to work at sea.

Additional certificates may improve your chances but are not always mandatory for entry-level positions.

Is English Important?

Yes.

English is the working language on most yachts. You do not need perfect English to start, but being able to communicate with crew members and guests is extremely important.

How Much Can Beginners Earn?

Most entry-level yacht crew members can expect to earn between €2,500 and €3,500 per month.

Junior Stewardesses and Deckhands usually start within this range, while Cook Assistants and Galley Helpers may earn up to €4,000 per month, depending on the yacht and previous experience.

Since accommodation and meals are provided on board, many crew members are able to save a large portion of their salary.

Create a Professional Yacht CV

A professional CV significantly increases your chances of getting interviews.

With the free CREW ARIA CV Builder, you can:

• Create a professional PDF CV;
• Update your information anytime;
• Add certificates and supporting documents;
• Share your CV quickly with employers.

Follow Daily Yacht Vacancies

New yacht jobs appear every day.

Join our Yacht Jobs Telegram Channel, where we publish fresh vacancies for:

• Stewardesses;
• Deckhands;
• Chefs;
• Captains;
• Engineers;
• Seasonal and permanent positions.

Staying active and applying regularly can significantly increase your chances of getting your first contract.

Final Thoughts

Starting a career on yachts without experience is absolutely possible.

With the right certificates, a professional CV, and persistence, many beginners successfully secure their first contracts every year.

The most important thing is to start applying, continue improving your skills, and stay informed about new opportunities.

Your yachting career can start today.