How much does having tattoos affect your chance of getting a job? Do certain-sized yachts tend to be more open or is it better to mention your inkings on the first call or interview?
Personally, as a captain, I don’t mind tattoos, although I’m a bit biased because my sister is a well-known tattoo artist. I like to disrupt the norm a bit; almost half of my crew have tattoos and one has purple hair! I hire on ability, not looks. But the fact is, some owners and captains do hire on looks.
Tattoos can affect your chances of getting hired, but how much they matter depends on several factors: their visibility, the owner’s preference and the yacht’s size, style and charter profile.
In yachting, appearance still plays a big role, especially in guest-facing positions or roles with a lot of owner interaction. Yachts are hospitality-driven and presentation is often held to high standards. Some owners and captains prefer a “clean-cut” look, which may mean no visible tattoos while on duty. This is particularly common on traditional, ultra-high-net-worth or older privately owned yachts.
That said, the industry has evolved. Tattoos are much more accepted today than in years past. Many modern yachts — especially larger charter yachts with younger owners or a contemporary brand — can be more open-minded, as long as the tattoos are tasteful. On smaller yachts, hiring decisions are often directly influenced by the owner, so preferences can be stricter or more relaxed.
Visibility matters more than size. A wrist tattoo that can be covered by a watch is very different from full hand, neck or face tattoos. If tattoos can be covered by the standard uniform, your chances are generally much better.
As for when to mention them, honesty is important, but strategy matters. If your tattoos are visible in your CV photo, there is no need to make an announcement. If they are not visible and easily covered by a uniform, you usually don’t need to bring them up during the first phone call. However, if you have large or potentially visible tattoos, it’s better to mention them before a trial or in-person interview. Ultimately, though, your attitude, work ethic, references and experience carry more weight.