I wanted to become a captain since the day I started — having a vessel with a very tight crew and running throughout the Bahamas, BVIs and Caribbean.
I kept after this one boat that I really wanted to work on. Day in, day out, I hounded the captain until he finally gave in. To this day, we have both moved on but remain great friends, and he has become one of my closest mentors in the industry.
If I weren’t on a yacht, more than likely I’d go back to river guiding on the Colorado River (Cataract Canyon and the Grand Canyon).
The toughest part of the job is being away from my fiancée, my family and our animals.
For those looking to get started, take it all in! There will be good and bad experiences. Pay close attention to them both, especially the bad experiences. Learn from them, they might just teach you about what you don’t want to become or act like. However, you will have more good days than anything and that is something that will make you a better crew member, no matter the position.
For those looking to impress, work hard. Go above the boat’s and the owner’s expectations and you will set yourself apart. The days are long and sometimes can be unforgiving, but what you gain in experience is worth it.
Having those extra skills can sometimes be the difference when looking at multiple new hires. For example, I have been offered employment on two separate occasions, once for being a commercial river guide in Utah and the second time because I have DJed in various parts of the world.
Safety is the most important thing I’ve learned on board. Both for the crew and the overall safety of the vessel. Drill, drill, drill! To quote Captain Ron, “If anything’s gonna happen, it’s gonna happen out there.”
My most significant achievement was the day I received my USCG 100T captain’s license, and then years later putting an even bigger ticket to use by driving and docking 170-foot boats.
The best part about the job is driving boats, making guests smile while running through the Exumas. Probably my most favorite thing to do!
My best deck tip: less is more. Slow is pro, and when running your deck, don’t “over chemical” your paint.