With all the requirements in tow, knowing where and when to look for opportunities can make the difference.
At this time of year the surge in dayworkers and new hires here in Fort Lauderdale is a sure sign of yachts gearing up for the Caribbean season. This is also the period when we field many questions from these dayworkers and those looking to join the industry.
As we talk to vessel managers, crew agencies and crew alike, the importance of having all the precursor training is paramount. Entry-level positions, such as junior deckhand and stew, offer new crew a great opportunity to learn about yachting. The job market is competitive, and it is important to review all your previous experience and training. Previous work experience in the hospitality industry is always a plus. People possessing specialty skills such as fishing, engineering, au pair, massage, inventory management or even helicopter piloting are all in demand. This includes a willingness to work hard and long as part of a team, plus an interest in learning and being flexible will increase your chances of finding a position.
Once you’ve made the decision to try this industry out and gotten your basic STCW requirements behind you, now what? How do you go about looking for a job, and when should you? Friends in the industry can help guide you to a reputable crew placement agency or management company, or get you on board as a dayworker. But if you don’t have any connections, how does one go about taking advantage of those new opportunities?
For starters, it helps to know where and when you should be looking. There are busy times for crew changes as the yachts enter various scheduling periods. During the winter, most yachts cruise to the islands of the Caribbean, including Antigua, St Maarten, Grenada, St Barths, etc. Right after Antigua race week in late April, most of the yachts begin to change crew for the upcoming summer season. Mid-April through mid-June, many vessels return to Fort Lauderdale for repair, maintenance and provisioning for the summer season.
During the summer, most yachts cruise to the northeast US or to the French Riviera. At the end of the summer when it begins to get cooler, many of the yachts will finish up their cruising season and go into a repair and maintenance period. This is also a very busy time for crew change since there are no intended guests on board for several weeks and many people are in the same place for the Fort Lauderdale boat show at the end of October. So, where does that leave you in the winter? There are still plenty of options for the holiday season as many yachts see a surge in charter activity and guest utilization, and there are rotational positions available as crew look to take a break during or after the holidays.
Just like the time the yachts spend getting ready for the season’s opportunities, the crew needs to do the same thing. There are vast opportunities out there as new vessels are launched, transactions are finalized, and crew move onto new positions or vessels. Be prepared to take advantage of the opportunities and be proactive — get all your required training completed, find an agency that fits you and be available when and where the yachts need you.