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How to Get a Job as a Yacht Stewardess

If you’re not afraid of hard work, have a knack for hospitality and service, and are a team player, then a job as superyacht stewardess could be for you.

Kate got her start in the yachting industry working as crew. She spent five years cruising the Bahamas, Caribbean, New England, and Central America, then segued that experience into a career in marine journalism, including stints as editor of  Dockwalk  and  ShowBoats International .

If you’re not afraid of hard work, have a knack for hospitality and service, and are a team player, then traveling the globe as superyacht stewardess could be in your future. Here is everything you need to know to land a job as a stewardess on a luxury yacht...

A yacht stewardess (or steward) is an entry-level position in yachting that provides a gateway to a career in hospitality at sea. A stewardess serves a vital role as part of the interior team and is responsible for the upkeep and presentation of the interior of a vessel.

One of the greatest appeals of working as interior crew on a superyacht (other than travel and tips ) is that the role of a stewardess doesn’t require extensive schooling or qualifications. While experience in the hospitality or customer service sector is advantageous, when starting out as a junior steward or stewardess, it is more about having a friendly disposition and being willing to learn and work hard.

“The ideal junior stewardess will have an eagerness to absorb information and learn the ropes properly, the ability to take direction and follow instructions, as well as the confidence to ask questions when clarification or additional instruction is needed,” says Sarah Bester with Northrop & Johnson Crew Services .

What is a Yacht Stewardess?

A steward or stewardess maintains the interior of a superyacht and provides five-star service to its owners and guests. On charter or owner trips, the interior team handles beverage and meal service, housekeeping, and laundry, all with the highest attention to detail. They have the most face time with guests so are responsible for relaying their wishes to the deck department, chef, and captain.

What Does a Yacht Stewardess do?

A junior member of an interior team on a yacht larger than 45 to 50 meters will typically start his or her career in the laundry room and/or in housekeeping rather than in service.

On smaller boats, the stewardess can be a department of one. “If you’re a solo stew you’ll be up early doing it all,” says Alene Keenan, a 30-year veteran of interior work who has literally written the book on yacht service, The Yacht Guru’s Bible. The day starts with opening duties: “setting up for breakfast, preparing breakfast, serving and clearing breakfast, laundry, cabin service, housekeeping duties, more laundry,” lists Keenan. This is followed by lunch service and more housekeeping and laundry, ongoing beverage service, setting up for afternoon activities, cocktails and hors d’oeuvres service, dinner service, cabin turndowns, finishing and returning laundry, and to close the day, pulling dishes, décor, and service items for the next day’s breakfast.

“If you have two or more interior crew, the duties are shared and probably rotated, and start times depend on hours of work and rest,” Keenan says.

  • Top Tips For Working as a Stewardess

On larger yachts, the chief stew will provide his or her team with a checklist of duties to perform for each shift. “The routine will generally be the same,” says Chief Stewardess Tracey Bamforth . “You will be allocated a shift, shift duties, and shift expectations. You will wake up and dress in your on-charter uniform, making sure you are presentable, fresh, and on time. It’s important to remember that when the guests are on, your need to manage yourself to the best of your ability: speaking softly, working smartly, being very aware of your environment — for example, not leaving cleaning products out and about and keeping the yacht to its absolute best standard.”

Off-charter is when maintenance, deep cleaning, and inventorying are done in addition to daily laundry, crew mess, and bridge duties.

Who Does a Yacht Stewardess Report to?

This varies depending on the size of the yacht and crew. “Every yacht is unique and could have a different set-up; nothing is black or white,” says Lien Eggermont, senior yacht placement consultant for interior crew at Viking Crew .

Generally, when a stewardess works alone, they report to the captain. When there are two or more in the interior department, the junior would report to the chief stewardess, or with larger teams, they may even report to the second steward/ess. For the largest of superyachts, each interior division — housekeeping, laundry and service — will have their own head of department (HOD), so for example a housekeeping stewardess would report to the head of housekeeping.

What Qualifications Do I Need to Become a Yacht Stewardess?

All crew need STCW basic safety training , a five-day course, and an ENG1 medical certificate , and some yachts may also require certification in Food Safety & Hygiene, a one-day course.

On top of these necessities, there are numerous options for yacht-specific interior training, but many chief stews, like Robert, prefer to teach on the job. “Most of the skills you need in yachting, especially in the interior, you learn as you go,” she says.

The amount of knowledge you need going in may depend on when you’re hired. “Early in the season, the HOD will have time to train and teach everything from scratch. Mid-season they don’t have time to hold somebody’s hand — in the nicest possible way — and will need somebody who can hit the ground running,” Eggermont says.

Courses that introduce entry-level candidates to yacht interior work are offered in many countries around the world. “Bluewater hosts some fantastic courses; their Yacht Interior Service courses start at a zero-to-hero course and can really help with a newbie or green stewardess who wants to acclimate and understand the principles and products used on a vessel,” Bamforth says.

Bester points out that additional courses like silver service and WSET (Wine & Spirit Education Trust) can help a candidate stand out. “These courses are an additional investment and thus an indication that the candidate may be more career minded,” she says.

  • Recommendations for Entry-Level Interior Crew

“Training has always been a privilege in my mind,” adds Bamforth. “Most newbies starting out will already be stretched from arriving from a new country, trying to find a new role, living in a crew house, and then to expect them to start off with a couple thousand dollars in courses under their belts is somewhat unfair. I believe in the ability to train and trial a newbie and give them the opportunity to show you they have the capacity to work, learn, live in a very close environment with others, repeat the systems they are learning, and, most importantly, have a good attitude!”

Maxine Robert, chief stewardess on 47-meter M/Y Loon , adds, “Having a positive attitude is everything as we live in such close quarters and work very closely with each other every day.”

What Experience Do I Need?

“Many programs will consider junior stew candidates who are green to yachting but come with strong land-based hospitality experience,” says Bester. Eggermont seconds this: “Waitressing in high-end restaurants or hotels, background in events, housekeeper in a hotel or, for example, a boutique B&B. But also candidates who have worked on board cruise ships or river cruises will be considered.”

Keenan points out a wide range of work experiences on land that translate to interior work at sea, listing: “restaurant/hotel work, flower arranging , event planning, retail sales, anything with customer service.”

Furthermore, Bamforth says she considers a potential new hire’s complete background, including things like whether they have finished university — “my thoughts would be that they have a ‘stick it out to the end’ attitude, and an ability to think on their own, which is always a plus,” — or if they played team sports at school — “shows an aptitude for playing nicely with people.” She says she has enjoyed working with hires from a wide variety of backgrounds, from advertising to having a family member who is a florist. “Nurses or medical-trained candidates I find to be extremely empathic and good with other crewmembers,” she says.

How Much Does a Yacht Stewardess Earn?

The entry-level starting salary can range from $2,500 to $3,500 per month, says Bester at Northrop & Johnson. “Charter programs will typically be on the lower end of the salary range due to the additional income crew receive through charter tips,” she says. Eggermont at Viking Crew says the average is €2,500 per month.

Dockwalk conducts an annual salary survey that polls both placement agencies and working yacht crew. According to its most recent 2020 Salary Survey , the low end of the range given by agencies — where most junior crew would start — is between $2,250 and $2,800 per month. Interior crew who aren’t working as the chief or solo self-reported that they made from $3,000 to $4,500 per month, with the bigger bucks being netted on bigger vessels.

The earning potential of interior crew grows alongside experience. At the top of their game, a chief steward/ess on a vessel longer than 70 meters earns $7,000 to $12,000 per month, says Dockwalk ’s wage guide.

“I’d say don’t be too picky as a junior crewmember,” Eggermont says. “If a 90-meter-plus (yacht) offers you a role at €2,000 with potentially an increase after probation or so, I’d say take it. Do a season, do your best so that you get a great reference. You need a foot in the door!”

Related articles:

  • What are the Different Crew Roles on a Luxury Yacht?
  • How to Get a Job as a Yacht Chef
  • Everything You Need to Know About STCW Training
  • What is the ENG1 Medical Certificate and Why Do I Need it?

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How to Become a Yacht Stewardess: The A-to-Z Quick Start Guide

July 6, 2022 By Julie Perry

THE QUICK START GUIDE:

The a to z of how to become a yacht steward/ess.

In the first half of my book, The Insiders’ Guide to Becoming a Yacht Stewardess , I discuss the yachting industry and give you insight into what this world is all about. I also spend quite a few chapters discussing what both crew life, and the work, is like. I promise it’s a fun and fascinating read, and it will appeal to many people — even those just curious to learn more about this exclusive world of superyachts. I cover who owns them, who travels on them, how much they cost, what destinations they visit, and even what they’re like inside.

BUT, if you are eager and ready to become a part of the yachting industry, then Part II of my book is for you. In it, you will learn the step-by-step process for acquiring a yacht stew position, if not any entry-level position onboard a yacht, including deckhand, chef, and engineering positions. In the end, I think you’ll be shocked to discover just how straightforward it is to land one of these dream jobs. Training is key, professionalism is required, and before you’re convinced you should give it a go, please make sure you have the right intentions. While the benefits that accompany this job are plentiful, being a yacht crewmember requires a LOT of hard work .

Interior Crew M/Y Samar - Yacht Stews

© Suki Finnerty Yachting Today

While I recommend grabbing a copy of my book for the nitty-gritty details, I can quickly chart your course here. I am going to throw at you, in an “a, b, c” fashion, what I consider to be the main action steps to get you from where you sit now to your first stewardess position (or nearly any entry-level crew position) on a luxury yacht. The order of these steps might vary, but what I want you to glean from looking down the list is just how uncomplicated the process really is for how to become a yacht stewardess or steward .

And not to worry, if you buy the book , I expand upon every step throughout Chapters 6–11, along with delivering practical, insider advice on how to get hired in a short period of time. You will see which chapters contain that information below.

Use The Quick Start Guide as a checklist reference as you prepare to take your own leap into what I hope will be a well-lit path.

Chart Your Course

Are you ready? Here goes:

  • Assess your skills and determine whether or not this opportunity is for you. (Chapter 6)
  • Find storage for your major belongings and plan to pack up what you’ll need because you’re going away for a while! (Chapter 8)
  • Select the hiring port where you will conduct your job search, which you will determine based on convenience to your set of circumstances, as well as on the time of year. (Chapter 8)
  • If you do not already have a passport, apply now! (Chapter 8)
  • If you are a non-U.S. citizen, you need to apply for a B1/B2 visa before leaving your home country. (Chapter 8)
  • Prepare a preliminary résumé/CV highlighting your applicable skills and work experience, along with your special abilities, talents, and interests. (Note: I’ll explain what a CV is in Chapter 10.) A cover letter is optional, but it is a nice touch. And make sure your social media profiles project you as a reliable person to hire. (Chapters 6 and 10)
  • Compile a list of preliminary work references to include with your résumé/CV submissions. (Chapter 10)
  • Have a headshot photo taken of yourself (or use an existing one) to include with your résumé/CV submissions. (Chapter 10)
  • Research the yacht-crew training schools in your chosen hiring port, and find out their respective STCW Basic Safety Training (BST) Course schedules ahead of time. You should plan to arrive in town when courses are being offered and can accommodate you. The same holds true with any optional preparatory classes you plan on taking, such as a specialized stew training course. (Chapter 7)
  • Research yacht-crew housing options in your chosen hiring port, and call ahead to check availability for the date you plan to arrive. Consider booking your initial accommodations once you’ve determined your STCW Basic Safety Training course dates and made your travel arrangements. (Chapter 8)
  • Send preliminary e-mails to the yacht-crew recruitment agencies that you hope to register with before you make your move. Simply introduce yourself, let them know you will be coming in to meet them soon, and tell them your planned arrival date. Consider sending along your résumé/CV in advance, with expected course-completion dates listed. If possible, go ahead and schedule your personal interview. (Chapters 9 and 10)
  • Book that airplane ticket, and move to a hiring port. (Chapter 8)
  • Once you are physically in a hiring port, go meet with the agencies. I recommend registering with a minimum of two crew recruitment agencies to get started. The crew agents will want to interview you when you arrive, so dress the part, and be ready to sell yourself as a serious job candidate. If you haven’t already e-mailed it in advance, hand them your résumé/CV and get their feedback. Make any necessary updates or adjustments that the crew agents suggest. (Chapters 9 and 10)
  • If you have not already done so, enroll in, take, and complete a five-day STCW Basic Safety Training Course from an accredited training school. (Chapter 7)
  • Let the crew recruitment agencies know when you’ve completed your STCW training, and update your résumé/CV accordingly. (Chapter 10)
  • Consider enrolling in a specialized steward/ess training course (highly recommended!) to increase your chances of getting hired fast. Completing this training really can be the deciding factor on whether or not you are offered a position as an entry-level stew. (Chapter 7)
  • Look for day work at local marinas and shipyards in your hiring port. Going boat to boat letting captains and current crew know you are available for work could even lead to a full-time position. This is referred to in the industry as “dockwalking.” Much more on this later. (Chapter 9)
  • Seek out alternative job-finding methods such as classified “crew wanted” ads in the yachting newspapers and trade publications as well as on their websites, public bulletin boards in well-known yachting establishments, and by networking with people in your crew house and at local yachtie hot spots, such as bars and restaurants. Not to worry, I’ll supply that list, too. (Chapter 9)
  • Update your résumé/CV and referral list with all the new training and day-work experiences you accumulate. This includes acquiring and passing along to the crew agents reference letters from captains or supervisors from any yacht that hires you to do day work for a period of three or more days. (Chapters 9 and 10)
  • Keep checking in with the crew agencies as often as possible (which you can do online via their websites and/or their social-media presences), to remind them of your availability and update them on your own efforts to find a job. (Chapter 9)
  • NETWORK, NETWORK, NETWORK! (Chapters 7–10)
  • Take advantage of all interview opportunities that initially come through from the agencies or by other means listed above. (Chapter 10)
  • It may not be the case for everyone, but if you’re able to interview with several yachts before accepting a position, be selective! (Chapter 10)
  • Think overnight before accepting a position. If you are not interested, let the hiring party know as quickly as possible.
  • Accept your first job, and get ready for an extraordinary, life-altering experience! (Chapters 10 and 11)
  • (Because I needed a “z”): Send me an email and let me live vicariously through your adventures at sea!

Please feel free to download Chapter 1 here .

Becoming a crewmember on a luxury yacht is a career move that not only can grow your bank account, but also can enlarge your worldview. It’s about travel, it’s about providing service, and it’s about stepping outside of your comfort zone to become more knowledgeable about the world, its customs, and its diverse people. I know from firsthand experience that when you take on an adventure such as the one offered in this industry, you can discover an entirely new perspective on life.” ~Julie Perry

The Insiders Guide to Becoming a Yacht Stewardess 2nd Edition by Julie Perry Download Chapter 1

About Julie Perry

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Curiously Erin Travel Blog

How To Become A Yacht Stewardess & Have A Career Of Fun

How To Become A Yacht Stewardess & Have A Career Of Fun

Over the years I have worked in many jobs to keep my travels funded. But by far the best job has been when I worked as a stewardess on yachts. For the avid traveller, there is no better job. If you are sick of working a 9-5, you want to get paid (well) to travel the world and are ready to make incredible friendships, then read on to find out  how to become a yacht stewardess .

While there are  numerous benefits  to this job it can also be a lot of hard work. If you’re not completely sure what yachting is, this post will explain just that and give you 10 easy to follow steps to becoming a yacht stewardess.

This job will absolutely change your life and I’m excited to help you get started. I’ve been off yachts for a couple of years now and I miss it every day. I am still trying to devise a plan to get back on them sometime soon.

superyacht and sunset Montenegro

Disclaimer:   Some links in this article are affiliate links, which means that if you purchase through them, I receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. For more information on my disclaimer  click here .

  • 1.1 MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES OF A STEWARDESS
  • 1.2.1 HOW MUCH DOES A YACHT STEWARDESS MAKE
  • 2 2. PACK UP YOUR BELONGINGS
  • 3 3. QUIT YOUR JOB
  • 4 4. ARRIVE AT A YACHTING HUB
  • 5.1 WHAT DOES THE STCW 95 AND PDSD INVOLVE?
  • 6 6. COMPLETE YOUR ENG1
  • 7.1 HOW TO MAKE YOUR CV STAND OUT?
  • 7.2 GET THAT CV OUT THERE
  • 8 8. NAIL YOUR INTERVIEW
  • 9 9. BECOME COMFORTABLE SHARING SMALL SPACES
  • 10.1 HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO BECOME A YACHT STEWARDESS?
  • 10.2 DO YOU WANT FURTHER STEP BY STEP INSTRUCTIONS TO BECOMING A SUPERYACHT STEWARDESS?

1. FIRSTLY, WHAT DOES A YACHT STEWARDESS DO?

“It’s like working on a cruise ship right?” I hear this time and time again – It’s nothing like working on a cruise ship. Cruise ships have 1000’s of crew and 1000’s of passengers. A superyacht although sometimes as big as a cruise ship only has a handful of guests and crew. Our job as a stewardess is to give impeccable, personalised service to our passengers.

Depending on the size of the yacht there are usually under 30 crew members. For example, a 50m yacht normally wouldn’t sleep more than 12 guests and only has 10-12 crew. It is essentially a floating 5-star hotel for the worlds richest people, celebrities and their guests. As a yacht stewardess, you need to predetermine everything the guests will require before you head out to sea and ensure they have the best time possible.

superyacht table setting

Because of the limited number of crew members, you’ll need to be filling multiple roles. When there are guests on board you could be working 14 hour days or longer. A yacht stewardess will be in charge of three main areas: housekeeping, service and laundry. You also need to look after the crew areas and set up and pack down for crew meals.

One thing I like to tell people about yachting is, “There is no job description”. You will need to be available 24 hours a day and ready for anything the guest requests. While this seems absolutely crazy the benefits make it all worthwhile. Read an  interview with yacht stewardess  Melissa Ryan on why she loves being a yachtie. When there are no guests on, regular working hours are 9-5 Monday to Friday with weekends off.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES OF A STEWARDESS

  • Provide 5-star service ensuring complete satisfaction of guests
  • Foresee any items, food and drinks they could want while out at sea
  • Set up and provide bar service, knowledge of cocktails and wines
  • Perform different styles of meal service depending on guests requirements. From silver service, synchronised to buffet and anything in between.
  • Create daily table centrepieces
  • Create and maintain floral arrangements
  • Host cocktail parties and other events on board
  • Provide housekeeping and laundry service for guests and crew
  • Be available at all hours of the day and night
  • Take turns at watchkeeping and staying on board
  • Ensuring the supplies, wines and decor is properly inventoried
  • Shopping for crew provisions including toiletries and staff mess foods.

THE BENEFITS OF BEING A YACHT STEWARDESS

Ok! Where do I start? There’s  no more daily commute . Next time you’re stuck in peak hour traffic, think back to this. Roll out of bed after having arrived during the night to a new remote Caribbean island and be at work. Pretty great!

Next, you get to  live with all of your friends . You’ll  never get bored  on a yacht, that’s for sure. When you knock off work for the day grab your buddies and head off exploring that new island. If you’re in the Mediterranean (Med) visit the ancient Greek ruins or pop into a French cafe for a croissant. Maybe you’re in the South Pacific. I hope you like water sports. There’s plenty of time for that.

superyacht crew family

Working on a yacht will  look great on your CV . You learn invaluable new skills and gain life experience while you’re at it.

You make  great money . Yep, you read that right. Not only do you get to enjoy these amazing benefits, but you also get paid well to do it. Depending on where you are from this could even be tax-free. Most starting wages are upwards of 2500€/month plus in some cases tips.

It’s exciting!  You never know where you’ll be next month, you’re always meeting new people, you get days off in some of the world’s most incredible locations and you will witness the most  unreal sunrises and sunsets.

HOW MUCH DOES A YACHT STEWARDESS MAKE

Check out this table to see the current yacht stewardess salary. All wages are per month in Euros. These are the ranges taken from the  Annual Dockwalk Survey of 2019.

Stunning sunset in the Northern Sea

2. PACK UP YOUR BELONGINGS

Have you decided being a yacht stewardess is for you? Congratulations, then this post is for you! The first step is packing up your belongings. You’re moving on to a boat, so  pack as light as possible . Depending on where you go to get your first job (more on this in the next steps) you can pack accordingly.

in the Caribbean, it’s unlikely you’ll be needing heavy winter gear. A light jacket and pair of jeans will be sufficient. If you’re heading to the Med warmer clothes will be useful. Don’t take big bulky sports gear or you might be sharing a bed with them. If possible take a bag which can fold up as opposed to a hard suitcase. On some boats this is mandatory.

3. QUIT YOUR JOB

Yep,  do it ! *Cheers* “Yacht stewardess life come at me”.

Stop guessing what you need to do to get a superyacht job and use this checklist to beat the compettion

4. ARRIVE AT A YACHTING HUB

Now for the fun part. Where do you go to get a job as a yacht stewardess? Being a new crew member you want to maximise your chances of finding a job. How do you that? Yachting has two main seasons – Summer and Winter. At the end of each season, there is usually a lot of crew turnaround. During that time captains and owners need to do mass hiring twice a year. The Northern Hemisphere summer season sees most boats go to the Mediterranean or the North East of the USA. The winter season is predominantly in the Caribbean.

As mentioned above if possible you will want to arrive into the yachting hub at these peak seasons. For the winter Caribbean season, you need to be in  Fort Lauderdale , USA by October/November . For the summer Mediterranean season get to  Antibes, France or Palma De Mallorca in April/May .

Monaco Marina is a yachting hub for getting a yacht job

There are crew houses designed especially for people like you. People who want to become a yacht stewardess, a deckhand, a chef and people who already are but looking for their next job. These crew houses understand the volatility of the industry and that you may be there for one week or two months.  Stay in a crew house  to alleviate paying bonds and monthly contracts plus meet cool people and unofficially start networking (more on that later).

5. FIND A TRAINING SCHOOL TO DO YOUR COURSES

Now you can’t just jump on a boat. There are a couple of basic safety training courses required before you are legally allowed to work as a yacht stewardess at sea. The first course is Standards of Training and Certification of Watchkeeping known as the  STCW 95  or STCW basic safety. You will also need to get your Proficiency in Designated Security Duties ( PDSD ). In the yachting hubs mentioned above, there are multiple training schools to choose from. One reputable company located in both Europe and the US is  Bluewater Yachting .

While you can do these courses around the world (potentially at home). I recommend doing them where you intend to find work. Yachting is all about networking and being in a class with 20 other students instantly connects you with other like-minded individuals. Some I might add could even be a chief stewardess doing her refresher and potentially looking to hire. Hint hint…

Views from the porthole of your cabin

WHAT DOES THE STCW 95 AND PDSD INVOLVE?

The  STCW 95  is your basic minimum safety training required to work on a superyacht. There are four components which take five to six days to complete.

1. Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting (Basic Firefighting) 2. Personal Survival Techniques (PST) 3. Personal Safety and Social Responsibility (PSSR) 4. First Aid / CPR (Basic First Aid) 5. Proficiency in Security Awareness (PSA)

This entry-level course is open to anyone and costs around $900 USD or 1200€ to enrol. While this sounds expensive, you’ll be making your money back in no time. This course is a lot of fun. It’s very practical and the firefighting component gave me so much respect for our firefighters. It’s hot and hard work!

Views From a Tender Ride Ashore

The  PDSD  course is for all seafarers who have designated duties under the ship’s security plan. In the superyacht industry, almost all crew members have designated duties – meaning you need to do this course too. 

This one day course costs $300 USD or 280€. You will learn about different security threats to yachts both in dock and at sea, how to recognise them, the use of proper security equipment and how to maintain your ships security plan.

6. COMPLETE YOUR ENG1

The ENG1 is your ships medical certificate. This is irreplaceable with other medicals no matter how thorough they are. You need to have a document stating you passed your ENG1 to join the yachting industry. There are only a few doctors around the world who conduct this examination so it’s wise to book ahead. Places like Fort Lauderdale can have one month waiting periods during peak season.

a yacht tender in the superyacht garage Montenegro

7. WRITE A YACHT STEWARDESS CV

Writing a yacht stewardess CV is a lot different from writing a CV for a regular job. Captains receive hundreds of applicants during peak hiring periods. With many of these people having zero experience onboard a yacht, you need to know how to make yours stand out.

Superyacht in calm seas

HOW TO MAKE YOUR CV STAND OUT?

Start off by adding some colour, not just a heading here and there. I mean big bold blocks of colour. Put in shapes of block colours and overlay with your text. Change up the format.

Oh, another resume that  looks  the same… boring. Next. Oh wow! Whats this column on the left about?  It’s  describing the person and their skills. Hmmm, I’ll keep reading.

While maybe this isn’t exactly how a captain thinks it may as well be. Choose a colour scheme and make it look fun. Just make sure it’s still professional and you can read everything. Make sure you include a picture of yourself and a detailed about me section stating your availability and current location. Add some interests and hobbies, because remember you’re applying for a place in someone’s home as well as a job as a yacht stewardess.

Need help? –  I offer personalised services to help you write your CV.  Please get in touch for my rates.

yacht crew swimming in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean

GET THAT CV OUT THERE

Once you have a great CV outlining why you will be the best yacht stewardess you’ll need to get that CV out there. There are a few ways to do this. Firstly you can sign up for a  crew agency . These agencies take on the new and old crew and work with the yacht captains and owners to find the most suitable person for the role. This is a free service. Never sign up to an agent who is charging a fee.

Another way to get your resume seen is through  networking . Networking sounds daunting but really it’s just about being a nice, happy person and getting out socialising. Before the season starts basically everyone who has anything to do with yachts wants to throw a party to advertise their brand. In short as a wannabe yacht stewardess you get free entry into these lux parties, usually a bunch of free drinks to go with it and now you’re networking. Get out there talk to strangers and make connections. You never know who you’re talking to and if they need an additional crew member.

There are also numerous  online job boards . You can submit your resume directly to some of these or read advertisements from people looking for a yacht stewardess.

Table decor on superyacht

8. NAIL YOUR INTERVIEW

As a result of your CV being out there, you’ll be getting all these calls asking for you to come in for an interview. They want you to be one of their yacht stewardess’s! To begin with, you need to  dress the part . Make sure you’re hair is up and neat and you have light minimal makeup on. Wear a polo shirt with either a skirt, skort or shorts that is a respectable length in a navy, black or beige. Most interviews are conducted on the yacht in person, so I wore flip flops to all of mine. This is because once you reach the boat it is yacht etiquette to take your shoes off before boarding.

Tip  – I know a lot of chief stews who look at nails, therefore make sure your nails are well manicured.

A usual interview will start with a tour of the yacht. The person interviewing you will then make sure you understand everything there is to know about the role, the schedule of the boat and about the current crew and their daily habits. While not all interviews are super laid back, as a new crew member, they know you do not have experience on boats. What they want to know is if you will be able to gel with the current crew. Will you be someone they can share a small amount of living space with. Will you be someone who can learn new skills and pick up this new lifestyle. Most importantly, be yourself, be happy and have fun.

sunsets in the Mediterranean

9. BECOME COMFORTABLE SHARING SMALL SPACES

If you want to work as a yacht stewardess, you need to learn to share a cabin with someone. Your cabin is most likely a quarter of the size of your current bedroom if not less and add to that it’s shared. Welcome to crew living! This is why you need to pack light. All of your belongings will need to fit in a wardrobe much smaller than what you are used to.

Things to remember when sharing a small space whether it’s your cabin or the crew mess (living area).  Be   respectful  of others belongings – if it doesn’t belong to you, don’t touch it.  Clean up after yourself . There’s nothing worse than living with someone who is a grot.  Be courteous . Your crewmates are working weird hours, don’t be the reason they can’t sleep.

Porto Montenegro in Tivat Marina

10. ENJOY YOUR NEW LIFE AT SEA!

Finally and most importantly  enjoy your new life at sea ! Being a yacht stewardess is such a special career and there is nothing which compares to it. Savour the  unique experiences  which will present,  see the world  while getting paid, make  lifelong friends , learn  new skills  and enjoy being rocked to sleep by the rolling waves.

stewardesses walking along companionway of yacht

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO BECOME A YACHT STEWARDESS?

Actually not long. The required courses and ENG1 can be done in a week. The longest part is the preparation of packing, heading to a yachting hub and then searching for a job. Most people I know found a job within a couple of weeks to 2 months. However, this will vary depending on the time of year you seek work.

DO YOU WANT FURTHER STEP BY STEP INSTRUCTIONS TO BECOMING A SUPERYACHT STEWARDESS?

Does this sound like something you would like to do ? If yes, then let me introduce you to my book Superyacht Crew. Over the past four years, Melissa Ryan and I have worked onboard yachts in various positions. While you can absolutely follow the steps listed above, but if you would like more detailed help entering the industry than this is  the book for you . Each year more people make the switch to working aboard superyachts. If you are serious about making this career yours then act now.

Superyacht Crew: How to Start Your Career in the Superyacht Industry  is full of information and secrets we learned from our combined years of yachting. This comprehensive guide has helped numerous friends and family members make this dream a reality. Now we want to help  you ! Get step by step instructions no matter where you are in your job search. Gain insider knowledge, use our  yacht stewardess CV examples  and find learn to ask the right questions in your interviews.

My favourite part of the book is the  detailed reference guide . We know the best crew houses, crew agencies and training schools. We either used them personally or have friends who did. Don’t waste time finding misleading information online, use our tried and tested companies to start your career. Do you want to know which doctors do the ENG1? We have listed where you can find qualified ENG 1 doctors around the world.

Make sure you join our facebook group for new yachties and ask us any questions you have.

Click to buy superyacht crew: How to start your career in the superyacht industry today

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My name is Erin, the lady behind Curiously Erin. After more than 10 years of travelling and working abroad, I wanted to create a platform where I could share my stories and travels. My goal is to help you live the life you desire and inspire you to travel more.

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Stewardess

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About the Steward/ess

The stewardess onboard a superyacht is a hard worker with a positive, can-do attitude that takes instruction well and has an impeccable attention to detail. No detail is overlooked by a successful yacht stewardess (i.e. towel folds, perfectly ironed pillow cases). A friendly, professional character with guests is essential as is discretion and maintenance of guest privacy. This candidate will have one year of experience on a yacht or very strong experience on shore.

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Job Responsibilities

  • Setting stewardess schedules for guest service and cleaning
  • Interior cleaning and maintenance
  • Interior inventory
  • Interior accounting
  • Liaison with guests and service - meals and bartending
  • Liaison with galley for meal services
  • Orchestrating guest activities
  • Boat stowage for sea
  • Assisting with lines and fenders on deck
  • Assisting captain with ships paperwork

Required Skills

  • Ability to delegate
  • Good communications, organization and diplomacy
  • Vast knowledge of wines, service and housekeeping
  • Knowledge of restaurants and activities in cruising areas
  • Familiar with ISM and ISPS protocols
  • Knowledge of flower and table decorations
  • Attention to detail
  • Financial management

Salary Modifiers

  • Experience in five-star establishments (i.e. Michelin star restaurant, fine hotel)
  • Wine certification
  • Tender driving certification
  • Limited computer skills

Position Statistics

Career path, chief stewardess, head of housekeeping, second stewardess, laundry stewardess, junior stewardess.

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How to Become a Stewardess on a Private Yacht in 2024

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Working as a stewardess on a private yacht is a unique and rewarding career choice. It offers the opportunity to travel the world, meet interesting people, and experience a luxurious lifestyle. However, it also requires a specific set of skills and qualifications. This article will guide you through the steps to becoming a stewardess on a private yacht.

Understanding the Role of a Yacht Stewardess

A yacht stewardess is responsible for maintaining the interior of the yacht, providing high-quality guest services, and ensuring the comfort and satisfaction of the yacht’s guests. Duties can range from housekeeping and meal service to managing onboard events and activities.

Required Skills and Qualifications

While no specific academic qualifications are required to become a yacht stewardess, certain skills and experiences can increase your chances of landing a job. These include:

  • Customer service experience: Prior experience in hospitality, such as hotels or restaurants, can be beneficial.
  • Strong communication skills: You’ll need to interact with guests and crew members effectively.
  • Attention to detail: High standards of cleanliness and organization are crucial.
  • Physical fitness: The job can be physically demanding, with long hours and lots of manual work.
  • First aid and safety training: Many yachts require crew members to have basic first aid and safety training.

Steps to Becoming a Yacht Stewardess

Here are the steps you can take to become a yacht stewardess:

  • Gain relevant experience: Start by working in hospitality or customer service roles to develop the necessary skills.
  • Get certified: Consider getting a certification from a recognized yachting authority, such as the Professional Yachting Association (PYA) or the Royal Yachting Association (RYA).
  • Network: Attend yachting events and connect with industry professionals. Many yacht jobs are filled through word of mouth.
  • Apply for jobs: Look for job postings on yachting websites, in yachting magazines, and through yachting recruitment agencies.

Challenges and Rewards of the Job

Being a yacht stewardess can be challenging. The work is physically demanding, the hours can be long, and you may be away from home for extended periods. However, the rewards can be significant. You’ll have the opportunity to travel to exotic locations, work in a luxurious environment, and meet interesting people. Plus, the pay is often very good, especially on larger yachts.

Becoming a stewardess on a private yacht is not for everyone. It requires a specific set of skills, a strong work ethic, and a willingness to live a somewhat unconventional lifestyle.

However, it can be a rewarding and exciting career for those who are up for the challenge. By gaining relevant experience, getting certified, networking, and applying for jobs, you can make your dream of becoming a yacht stewardess a reality.

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How to become a yacht stewardess? The fundamentals of the job

3 hôtesses sur le pont d'un voilier

The job of a stewardess on a yacht is growing more and more , just like the global demand for crew members. Although the stewardess position may seem the most accessible, it remains a passionate and demanding job.

Indeed, the job of stewardess on a boat is one of the most diversified and versatile in the maritime industry . In addition to the role of service and reception, a stewardess must ensure the safety of passengers on board alongside the captain/skipper; and be trained to react in case of emergency.

In this article, Capt’n Boat lists the prerequisites for the position of stewardess on a yacht, and the missions that are entrusted to her.

1. What is a stewardess on a boat?

A stewardess (or hostess) on a yacht is a person in charge of the reception and comfort of the passengers on board , whether it is a yacht, a sailboat, a cruise ship or any other type of boat.

The word comes from the Latin “hospes”, which means “host” or “guest”. Over time, the meaning of the word “hospes” has evolved to also include “person who welcomes guests”.

The term “hostess” is therefore used to refer to a person who takes care of the guests or passengers of a ship, ensuring their comfort and well-being during their stay.

The duties of the stewardess may vary depending on the type of boat and the company, and will be detailed later in the article.

2. What professional training to become a stewardess on a boat?

In order to be a stewardess, only one certificate is required: the Basic Safety Training Certificate (BST) .

Obtaining the BST consists of 4 courses:

  • Individual Survival Techniques,
  • Basic firefighting training,
  • Personal Safety and Social Responsibility,
  • Medical First Aid.

The BST is valid for 5 years. Without this training, you cannot work as a stewardess on a boat.

An ENG1 certificate is also required, delivered by a doctor approved by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA).

There is no “degree” as such to become a stewardess on a boat. However, it is recommended to have experience in customer service or in the hotel industry. For stewardess/cook, some shipowners may require a Food Hygiene and Safety Training .

Of course, the best training is experience! Improve your skills on the job, go to sea, do missions! It is with experience that you will improve!

hotesse servant la table sur le pont d'un voilier

3. Qualities and skills expected from a stewardess on a boat

As a stewardess on a boat, it is important to have the following qualities in order to best manage customer requests:

  • Communication skills : Be able to communicate effectively with passengers and crew.
  • Service skills : Have a helpful and friendly attitude towards passengers to respond to requests quickly and efficiently.
  • Organizational skills : Be organized to plan daily tasks, including cleaning of cabins and common areas, food and beverage supplies, and work schedules.
  • For stewardess/cook => Culinary skills : Be able to prepare simple and varied meals to suit guests’ tastes and dietary restrictions.
  • Safety knowledge : Yacht stews must have a basic knowledge of onboard safety procedures and be able to provide instructions to passengers in case of emergency.
  • Ability to work as a team : With crew members and other personnel on board.
  • Patience and resilience : Stewardesses must be able to deal with challenges and difficult situations that may arise on board, while remaining calm and professional.

Proficiency in multiple foreign languages is a major asset for this type of position.

➡ On Capt’n Boat, we regularly have requests for English, Italian or Spanish speaking stewardesses for sailboat/catamaran cruises.

Sign up if you haven’t already and find stewardess assignments all over the world! 👇

Of course, there are other qualities and skills, so don’t hesitate to put them forward in your seaman CV . The more versatile and adaptable you are, the better your missions will be!

4. The missions of a yacht stew

The stewardess is an important member of the ship’s crew and her main role is to take care of the passengers . Indeed, she makes sure that she is available to answer the customers’ requests and ensure their comfort on board. This includes:

  • The reception of the passengers,
  • preparation of the cabins,
  • serving meals and drinks,
  • organizing activities for customers,
  • maintaining the cleanliness of the boat,
  • management of supplies and stocks,

She also ensures the safety on board, with the other members of the crew.

It is important to note that the role of stewardess can vary depending on the size and type of boat, as well as the type of clientele. In some cases, you may also be responsible for preparing meals as a stewardess/cook.

Most of these missions correspond to the job of hotel staff, but here on a floating hotel!

table dressée par hôtesse avec victuailles et boissons sur une péniche

Furthermore, depending on the size of the boat, the stewardess may have to work with a crew. This difference will have an impact on the number of tasks and may place you as the manager of the team on board.

5. Salary of a yacht stewardess 

The average salary of a stewardess on a ship depends on many factors, such as experience, the size of the ship, the area of navigation, the type of clientele and the duration of the service at sea. In the West Indies, Spain and Greece, the remuneration of a stewardess is around 200€/day. In France, it is about 250€/day. (Indicative daily wage based on the market standards observed).

As an example, for a one week cruise from Corfu (Greece) on a Lagoon 42 catamaran, count ~ 1400 €.

For a stewardess/cook, this remuneration is higher. You are free to negotiate your salary according to your past experiences.

Working as a yacht stewardess is a rewarding work experience. Although there is no specific background required, experience in the hospitality industry can be a plus.

If you like customer relations, teamwork, and above all, have a liking for the sea: this job is for you! An affinity with the maritime world is obviously required: you will be housed on the boat, so you will certainly be subjected to the swell and potential bad weather!

Register on Capt’n Boat and find missions all over the world!

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Superyacht Stewardess & Steward Training Course

First-class Superyacht Stewardess & Steward Training Course

UKSA’s Superyacht Stewardess & Steward Course is a unique programme designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills you need to work as a steward or stewardess in the fast-growing superyacht sector. You will be trained by our highly experienced, expert team to deliver exceptional levels of service and will leave fully appreciating the attention to detail expected onboard 7-star luxury vessels.

Our new five-week enhanced training programme has been designed by a team of maritime experts who have responded to the industry’s need to recruit entry level interior crew with a much higher level of expertise and qualifications. 

Our yachting career students will tell you that we provide unbeatable  course content, training and facilities.  You will also enjoy modern shorebased accommodation and freshly prepared daily meals while you are training with us.

Photos from the SYI Course

Superyacht Stewardess & Steward training course

UKSA’s ALL-INCLUSIVE, Superyacht Stewardess & Steward Course  is a unique programme for those wanting to work in the interior team on a superyacht. The course will equip you with all the expertise required to work onboard these prestigious vessels to deliver the ultimate standard of service. You will be trained in our unique superyacht training centre including  a fully equipped cabin/dining room, alongside the superyacht galley and laundry room, giving you a comprehensive superyacht simulation experience.

Our enhanced five-week course is delivered by UKSA’s experienced superyacht instructor team and the British Butler Institute and has been developed to align with the reputable IAMI GUEST Programme.

“ Interaction with principals and guests is about exceeding expectations, delighting, and surprising! We train interior students to reach the highest level of service to match and surpass, principals and guests very high expectations.”   Gary Williams, Principal of the British Butler Institute

UKSA has been delivering courses for over 35 years and we are proud that our one-to-one sessions, mentoring, careers advice, CV writing and recruitment support will give you the edge and contacts you need to enter the industry with confidence.

Training at UKSA gives you excellent value for money as all food and accommodation (both on board our yachts AND on site), tuition, mentoring and careers guidance are included in ONE PRICE. There are no hidden extra costs at UKSA.

Our aim is for you to leave the course, brimming with confidence and the skills to step aboard your first superyacht with the right attitude and skillset to succeed.

Why train with UKSA?

When you train at UKSA you experience our world-class tuition and over 35 years of maritime industry insight.  Also included in your course fee :

  • Accommodation in our new  Sea.Change building  for the duration of your course *
  • Freshly prepared breakfast, lunch and dinner provided each day
  • Purpose built classrooms and navigational training simulators all on one site
  • One-to-one mentoring throughout the course from your instructors
  • Dedicated careers course manager
  • Career support both during and after your time at UKSA
  • Networking on site throughout your time at UKSA
  • Use of our swimming pool
  • Access to our fully equipped gym

*  subject to availability, we reserve the right to provide alternative accommodation on site

Register interest

Assisted funding available

As a charity, we have funding opportunities available for many of our students. UKSA is committed to make training and qualifications accessible to those who have the desire to succeed in a yachting or watersports career. Your course advisor will be able to provide you with the details, assess your eligibility and put you forward if you are a suitable candidate. To see a full list of all of our funding options visit our  funding opportunities page  or call us to talk about your options on +44 (0)1983 203038

Funding Options

Training Course overview

  • Introduction to the interior department and the role of an interior crew member
  • 5 Golden Pillars of service excellence
  • setting a formal and informal table
  • in cabin dining service essentials
  • meet, greet and departures essentials
  • deportment essentials and practical posture detail
  • delivering silver service
  • Personal presentation, professional etiquette and protocol
  • Basic professional  housekeeping and attention to detail
  • Table management, placement and settings
  • Styles of service, order and steps of service
  • Introduction to food and beverage service on board a yacht
  • Flower arranging and presentation
  • Service practical including cocktail and canape preparation
  • Basic professional laundry procedures and laundry duties
  • Health and safety onboard
  • Appreciation of crew dynamics and life onboard
  • Understanding of the high standards required
  • UKSA superyacht uniform provided (branded polo shirts)
  • Discounted rate for one  year’s membership of Nautilus International
  • One day Knots and Yachts course
  • Two day deck training
  • Five days Basic Sail training

Meet your instructors

The Superyacht Stewardess & Steward Course is a unique programme designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills required to work as a steward or stewardess in the fast-growing superyacht sector with a focus on going above & beyond industry expectations.  As part of the course, you will be trained to deliver exceptional levels of service and will leave fully appreciating the attention to detail expected onboard 7-star luxury vessels, which will set you apart from other international candidates applying for the same roles.

Ben & Holly Cooke

With over thirty-five years combined experience in the hospitality industry, Ben and Holly look forward to sharing their passion for cookery, fine wines and hospitality with you all. As a husband-and-wife team they hope their interactive classes, practical learning and stories will fill you with inspiration to start your own adventure within the superyacht industry.

During your time with Ben and Holly, you will be introduced to the world of high end hospitality including Wine and Cocktail Appreciation (including Practical and Theory based learning), Laundry and Housekeeping Skills, Event Planning, Service Skills (including Silver Service), Floristry and The Little Gloster’s Super Yacht 101 – a super yacht service philosophy developed by The Little Gloster for the course specifically, as well as other practical essentials to succeed with onboard employment.

The British Butler Institute

is recognised as the leader in butler and hospitality training worldwide. Represented in over 14 countries, the Institute is a world leader in luxury front-of-house training with clients that span the globe including royal superyachts and royal palaces. You will be introduced to the VVIP world and receive expert hands-on training in the “5 Golden Pillars of Service Excellence”. This five-day module trains you in concierge excellence and includes setting a formal and informal table, silver service, seating a guest, cabin check lists, in cabin dining service, cabin orientation , meet, greet and departures, deportment and practical posture.

Superyacht Stewardess & Steward Training Course requirements

Interior crew are typically required to work long hours and must be physically fit and able. You must be energetic and enthusiastic with an ability to work to a high standard in all tasks. Some previous experience in hospitality is a great bonus, but not at all necessary to join the training. Also if you have aligned experience in beauty, food and beverages, catering, wine and art appreciation, massage, sports and training, these extra skills will also be useful in your career progression.

You must have an ENG1 seafarer medical fitness certificate to work at sea ( Find out more about the ENG1 Medical Certificate ).  Whilst it’s not essential to hold your ENG1 to complete your training with UKSA, it is required to hold this to secure work in the industry. For this reason, we recommend all students gain their ENG1 before they attend training.

  • What is an ENG 1 Medical Certificate?

Qualifications gained

Our Superyacht Interior qualification is in line with the Introductory Level 1 (GUEST) programme.

  • GUEST Yacht Interior Introduction module
  • GUEST Basic Food service module
  • Foundation Food Safety Certificate
  • GUEST Wine, bar-tending & Mixology module
  • STCW Basic Safety Training
  • Level 2 Award in Food Safety / Food Hygiene
  • UKSA Superyacht Hospitality Training Certificate
  • MCA Proficiency in Designated Security duties
  • RYA Powerboat Level 2
  • RYA Personal Watercraft
  • RYA Marine Short Range Radio
  • Mental Health for Seafarers

​ On successful completion of the Introduction Modules, you will have an eligibility to apply for the GUEST Certificate of Competence.

From our unique waterfront campus in Cowes, on the Isle of Wight, we have a wide range of facilities and fleet to ensure that our students have the very best learning experience. This course is all-inclusive, meaning everything is on site and all of your food and accommodation is included, so you can focus on your training.

Dates and pricing

Bbc broadcaster, ed sault, joins a uksa superyacht crew course .  video courtesy of bbc south..

Don’t just take our word for it

how to become a yacht stewardess canada

“Being at UKSA made me realise that you can achieve whatever you want to if you just pursue it. They equip you with everything you need to go into the industry confidently and care about your journey the whole way through. If you’re looking for an alternative to University or haven’t found something you want to do yet, a life on the water is an opportunity to have a unique adventure and make lasting memories.”

Get free careers advice

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#SeaChangeStories

I have honestly had one of the best times of my life. I have made friends that I’ll have forever and the experience as a whole has had a huge impact on me. If I was to advise someone how to get the best from this course I would say go to the bar in the evenings, speak to people and take any advice that is offered. In this way you will be prepared for your future in the superyacht industry. Maria Barratt -Networking/SY Hospitality/Maria Barratt

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A male Hospitality student setting a table onboard a Superyacht

Need help finding the right course for you?

Speak to an advisor on +44 (0)1983 203038 or email us

how to become a yacht stewardess canada

Impartial training and careers advice

Call us: +441983 280 641

+441983 280 641

  • Begin a career on a Superyacht
  • Career paths
  • Become a Steward/ess on a Superyacht

Become a Steward or Stewardess on a Superyacht.

A perfect way to combine work and travel – and you’ll get to spend your time in the sunshine and in some of the most beautiful places in the world.

The Superyacht industry is constantly on the lookout for energetic, hardworking people, male or female, to provide guests and owners with the ultimate holiday experience.

Read on to discover answers to some of the most common questions we’re asked about being a Stewardess on a superyacht…

What qualifications do I need to work on a Superyacht?

  • ENG1 medical required by all crew who work at sea. If you are thinking of becoming a Superyacht Steward/ess, then we recommend you complete the ENG1 medical before completing Step 2.
  • STCW Basic Safety Training Course  is a set of compulsory qualifications required by all crew who work at sea. You will complete a Sea Survival course, First Aid, Fire Fighting (great fun), and topics on Health and Safety, and Security.
  • Get some experience . If you have hospitality experience or you have worked as a Nanny, Beautician, Hairdresser or Air Steward/ess, to name a few, then this will look great on your CV.

How do I get a job on a yacht with no experience?

It’s true that you don’t have to have worked on a yacht to start your career as a Steward/ess (apart from the compulsory qualifications mentioned above!).

Like any new career, though, it is a good idea to get some training in the basics so you can hold your own onboard. All yachts run slightly differently so one size does not fit all. To increase your chances of finding a job the more experience you can get the better.

The more experience you can offer the yacht, the better. So, if you don’t have any transferable skills,  then Flying Fish can help .

How do I find work on a Superyacht?

There are three ways crew find a job.

  • Most crew travel to Antibes, France described as the hub of yachting in the Mediterranean.
  • Online, we talk a bit more about “going online” below.
  • Contacts. If you know somebody that is already working on a Superyacht then through their connections it is possible to find work.

Almost everybody that is looking for a job on a Superyacht travels to Antibes, France. On arrival, crew tend to stay in a crew house such as the  Crew Grapevine  used as a base to look for work.

If budget is a concern then crew join forces and rent an Airbnb between them. The advantage of a crew house like the Crew Grapevine is that the owners (ex-yachties) actively help you find a job.

The way you find a job on a Superyacht is quite unique. From your base in Antibes, you would travel to other ports in the local area, walk the dock and chat to the crew working onboard to see if there are any positions available.

Superyacht crew who have the evening off will go to the local bars to unwind. This is the perfect chance to get to know people that are working on Superyachts and to build connections in the industry.

Learn more about it here

Go online to look for work

All Superyacht recruitment agents post positions on their respective websites. Once qualified, new crew would register with the agency and complete their registration form. You would then get in touch with the agent to start searching for that dream job.

The recruitment agent’s job is to match the right candidate for the job being advertised. There are many recruitments agents out there, a quick Google search for “ Superyacht Recruitment Agents ” will bring up a list.

Facebook is another medium that yachts use to post jobs. To keep up to date is it worth joining a couple of the Superyacht Facebook groups. Yacht crew jobs and Palma yacht group are two examples.

Amelia, who trained with Flying Fish in 2020, gave some good advice:

“Sign up to a few good recruitment companies, make sure you interview with the recruiter first rather than using Facebook. Second, when you have your interview, make sure you ask questions about the yacht. This is because you are not only finding a job but a home and family too, so ask as many questions as possible to make sure it’s the right yacht for you.”

How long does it take to find work as a Steward/ess on a Superyacht?

Over the 12 years that we have been running  Steward and Stewardess courses, most find a job between one to four weeks. We have had customers that have found a job in a day and others that have taken six weeks to find that perfect job.

The time it takes to find a job is down to you. You will need to be proactive, up early, and make sure you are at the front of the queue. From our experience, people who work hard and explore every opportunity will find a job quickly.

Every Chief Stew that calls us for a reference asks the same questions – does the candidate have a  good attitude ? You need to be hard-working, happy to work long hours, and used to mucking in. Have a can-do attitude and a willingness to go that extra mile to help your fellow crew mates.

When’s the best time to look Steward/ess Superyacht work?

Traditionally Superyachts recruit for the Mediterranean season anytime between February to May. That being said, yachts recruit all year round. We have seen many graduates find work in July and August when the season is in full swing.

The next key recruitment period is between September and November as yachts prepare for the Caribbean season. Yachts will cross the Atlantic anytime between December and January to cruise the Caribbean or the US for the winter.

Superyacht crew who have had a busy Mediterranean season may decide to take the winter off, which leaves opportunities for new crew to enter the industry.

How much money does a Steward/ess typically make?

A Steward/ess starting out in the industry can expect to earn €2,000 to €3,500 per month – almost all crew paid in Euros. The salary can depend on many factors, the main one being the yacht’s “crew budget.”

The owner or management company will agree on a budget that the Captain uses to hire crew, which can lead to small variations in the amount yachts pay their crew.

Your salary can also depend on whether you work on a Charter or Private yacht. It is customary for charter guests to tip the crew, the tip is normally around 10% of the charter fee. Chartering a Superyacht can set you back anywhere from €250,000 to €1 million per week.

Tips are split evenly amongst the crew and on average, can be anything from €2,000 – €5,000 per charter.

Is my salary tax-free?

As a crew member (or Seafarer) working on a Superyacht, it is likely that you will be out of the Uk for a significant about of time. Spend more than half of the year abroad then you fall under a specific piece of legislation called the Seafarers Earning Deduction Scheme. As a basic principle, if you are out of the UK for more than 183 days then there is no income tax on income (including tips) from the yacht.

UK Seafarers are required to complete a self assessment tax return each year. Flying Fish are registered tax agents and offer a Seafarers tax service to the yachting industry. We work with hundreds of customers to insure that their Self Assessment tax returns are completed on time.

What is it like working on a Superyacht?

All Superyacht crew work, eat, and sleep onboard. The yacht will become your home, and all meals are provided while onboard. Your contract will specify your duties, salary, working hours, and holiday. The yacht will supply your uniform and provide further training if necessary.

Superyacht crew will be comfortable with being away from their friends and family for long periods of time. For your first job, expect to be away from home for an extended period, which may be six months or more.

There are various roles within the Interior department; Laundry, Service, and Housekeeping. Depending on the size of the yacht will depend on what your role is onboard. For example, large yachts will have a dedicated laundry team, while for a small yacht (35-40M), the Stewardess will do all three.

During a normal week, when there are no guests onboard, you are likely to work five days a week, with weekends off. The structure of your working week will differ from yacht to yacht, but there will be time off to explore and have some well-earned downtime.

What’s a typical working day like for a Steward/ess?

Your working day will typically start at 8:00 am and finish at 6:00 pm, usually six days a week. When on charter, or if the owners are onboard, your work hours will differ. Unsociable hours are common when guests are onboard.

What are the cabin arrangments ?

You will share a cabin with another Stewardess. The cabins are small but comfortable with an ensuite bathroom. There is access to the internet via that yacht’s Wi-Fi system, so you’ll be able to keep in touch with friends and family at home.

 Can I make a career in yachting?

Yes, and many have! Becoming a Superyacht Stewardess can be a career, and what an amazing career it can be. Every Stewardess starts out as a Junior Stew; then, as you gain time and experience onboard you can progress to 2nd Stew, then Chief Stew.

The chief Stew runs the entire interior team, manages the budget, and will be the first point of contact for the guests and owners – not an easy role.

Some yachts will employ  a Purser , which can be best described as the PA to the Superyacht.

Not only is there progression, but becoming a Superyacht Steward/ess offers the travel and adventure we all seek. You will meet some of the world’s rich and famous and make some friends for life.

So, how do I become a Steward/ess on a Superyacht?

This is where we come in. Flying Fish run a two-week Superyacht Steward/ess course that includes all the qualifications and skills you need to get started in the industry. Everything from the STCW Basic Safety Training to our specialised Interior programme, run by an ex-chief Stewardess.

The course is great fun; you will learn loads of new skills and meet like-minded people who, like you, are thinking about a different career path.

Superyacht Steward/Stewardess Course

Become a steward or stewardess on a superyacht.

Becoming a Superyacht Steward or Stewardess is the perfect way to combine work and travel.

The course is suitable for complete beginners or those with experience who are looking to work as a Steward or Stewardess on a Superyacht.

Want to find out more?

Contact our team at Flying Fish today for information on our Superyacht Steward/ess course, life as a Stewardess, qualification advice and much more!

Alternatively, click on our Superyacht Steward/ess course below and kick start your new career today!

The ultimate guide to working on Superyachts

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The Yacht Stew Academy

Are you ready to embark on a journey towards becoming a confident yacht Stewardess or Steward who thrives onboard and at home? At TYSA, we're not just another academy; we're your fellow yachties, your mentors, and your biggest supporters. TYS Academy is proud to be an IAMI GUEST accredited school as well as an endorsed training academy through the Institute of Hospitality.

Why Choose TYSA?

Expertise from ex-chief stews.

Our entire team are all ex-Chief Stews, so we understand the unique challenges and triumphs of life onboard. We've been there, done that, and now we're here to guide you through it all.

Personalized Support

From day one, you're not just a student—you're part of our TYSA family. Expect personalized attention, tailored advice, and unwavering support as you navigate your stewardess journey.

Flexibility to Fit Your Schedule

We understand that life at sea isn’t a regular 9-to-5 routine. That's why our online courses are available whenever, wherever. Study at your own pace, on your own time, and take control of your learning journey.

FREE Wine Masterclass

You're invited to our exclusive online wine masterclass in collaboration with Premier Cellars. Usually reserved for TYS Members. But for May, we're opening it up to everyone – it's completely FREE!

Find the Perfect Course for You

Whether you're a Senior, Experienced or Junior Stew, we've got a course for you. Click on a category below to see what's available. If you'd like to chat to our training team about which course would be ideal for you, just drop us an email at [email protected] and we're always happy to help!

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All Courses

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Experienced Stew Courses

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IAMI Guest Accredited Courses

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Junior Stew Courses

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Senior Stew Courses

The tys monthly membership.

Join the wonderful, supportive community of over 100 Stews today and get instant access to all of the resources you need to thrive as a stewardess, from masterclasses, charter plans and activities planned FOR you, to cocktail recipes, checklists, templates and more! With new things added EVERY month!

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Kind Words from Students

Here's what some TYSA students had to say about our courses

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IAMI Guest: Destination, Event & Interior Management

Emily Rickard, , Chief Stew

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IAMI Guest: Destination, Events and Interior Management

Maja Bergström, Chief Stew

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Junior Stew: Housekeeping

Alexia, Stewardess

How TYSA works: Bespoke learning in 3 easy steps

Find the courses that fulfil your needs.

Not sure where to start? We offer a free 15-minute Whatsapp consultation to suggest which courses might suit you best, in which order, and (best of all) why we recommend that progression.

Learn and Connect Remotely

All TYS Academy courses are offered remotely, with a thriving community and engaging instructors. You’ll never “sit and read.” Our courses include resource-based projects with authentic assessments and targeted feedback on your work.

Bespoke professional development

With the knowledge and skills acquired through TYS Academy training, you’ll build a successful career in yachting. You’ll also get an accredited certificate to add to your CV.

Meet The TYSA Team

You'll learn from an incredible group of trainers, including current and ex Chief Stews, master mixologists, wine sommeliers, royal butlers, florists, HR experts and so many more!

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Got Questions?

If you've got questions about a course or need assistance, we're here to help! Feel free to reach out to us at [email protected] and our team will be happy to assist you.

Drop us an email

All TYSA Courses

Scroll down to check out the full range of TYSA courses. There is something for everyone, whether you're after advanced interior management, flower arranging, cocktail making or something else!

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Junior Crew: How to Secure your First Yacht Job

Ready to start your yachting career? But with the amount of info out there, you think "Where on earth do I even start?" Our mini-course guides you through how to actually find your first job, from CVs and interviews, to what to pack in your luggage.

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Junior Stew Interior Fundamentals

In this course, our 9 experienced instructors guide you through every area of the Interior Department on board superyachts. With multiple tutorials & downloadable resources, you'll step on board with all the fundamental knowledge you require.

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Junior Stewardess Webinar: A guide to kickstarting you career

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Superyacht Wine Service

This course is recommended for those who have already completed the WSET Level 2 course and wish to understand the specifics of luxury wine service further. Students enrolled in the TYSA WSET Level 2 gain immediate access to this course.

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Foundations of Mixology

Designed with the world-renowned Mixology Group, this course covers everything you need to know to set up a bar with confidence, provide exceptional service & create outstanding cocktails!

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Junior Stew Starter Pack: Junior Stew Fundamentals & Superyacht Wine Service

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Service Fundamentals

Boost your service skills, from table setup, service types, theme nights, beverages, luxury food and allergies. Elevate guest experiences and feel confident in service.

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Luxury Tea Service

Formal tea service shouldn’t be underestimated onboard, and understanding the cultural nuances is necessary for serving a diverse guest list. TYSA has partnered with tea experts across the globe to create an in-depth 41-lesson learning experience!

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Foundations of Floral Design

A partnership course with Luxury Floral Designer Lorrie Sanon, this course is designed to give you the confidence to procure and design magnificent floral arrangements.

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Shake & Pour Bundle: Luxury Tea Service & Foundations of Mixology

Senior stews courses.

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IAMI Guest: Destination, Event and Interior Management

Master the art of interior management, event planning, and destination management for unforgettable guest experiences. From efficient admin and event design to expertly crafted itineraries, elevate your skills and confidence as Head of Department.

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Head of Service Diploma

Learn the skills to become the memorable, well-respected Head of Service that the team remembers for years, along with how to do your job and thrive in your new role calmly, confidently and effectively.

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Wine & Spirit Education Trust - Wine Level 2

Partnering with WSET global, we offer the world-renowned WSET Level 2, with an additional module - Wine in Yachting. This module is tailored to the unique environment of provisioning, presenting, storing and serving wine onboard.

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Advanced Interior Management

AIM provides you with the skillset required of a professional Interior Manager. Through partnerships with Industry professionals, throughout nine comprehensive modules, you will learn everything you need to know to confidently step into a HOD role.

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Senior Stew Bundle: Advanced Interior Management & Head of Service

The admin and logistical knowledge required of Interior Management and the in depth knowledge, confidence and finesse required in service. The bundle serves you both. 12 month completion window.

IAMI GUEST Accredited Courses

IAMI Guest: Foundations of Leadership

IAMI Guest: Foundations of Leadership

Explore leadership fundamentals: styles, motivation, team leadership, communication, conflict management, and more. Elevate your leadership skills as a HOD with this GUEST accredited course.

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IAMI Guest: Crew Wellbeing and Human Resources

Prioritise crew wellbeing and leadership in our comprehensive course. Covering HR, recruitment, performance management, stress impact, and team building. Enhance your skills for a healthier, more productive crew.

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IAMI Guest: Yacht Accounting, Bookkeeping & Budgeting

Dive into the core of yacht management with our Yacht Accounting, Bookkeeping, and Budgeting course. Master accounting principles, purchase procedures, budgeting, and more.

Institute of Hospitality Endorsed Courses

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Head of Service

Learn the skills to become the memorable, well-respected Head of Service that the team remembers for years, along with how to do your job calmly, confidently, and effectively and thrive in your new role.

Wine Courses

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Wine List Fundamentals

Unsure where to start when compiling a comprehensive Wine List for Guests? This free mini-course will give you the tools, knowledge and resources to create a beautifully presented Wine List for Owners and Charter Guests.

Money-Saving Bundles

Senior Stew Templates have finally arrived!

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Full Course Library

Modernised education for the yachting industry. All students receive LIFETIME access once signed up.

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Mental Health First Aid Training

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GUEST Student Community

A community platform for all students enrolled in the GUEST-accredited courses at TYSA!

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TYS Membership Community

A community of like-minded yacht stews! Let's encourage and support each other through monthly learning!

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Senior Stew Template Packs

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HOS Templates

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Advanced Interior Management Templates

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TYS Membership

The TYS Membership: Elevate your yacht stew game with expertly crafted charter plans, checklists, and exclusive guidance. Unlock your potential and deliver unforgettable experiences and thrive in your career!

£29.99 / month

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Junior Stewardess: How to Kickstart your Yachting Career

Getting into yachting? This course will teach you to create a yachting CV that stands out (yep, they're different to regular CVs!), the steps to secure your first job and what to actually expect on board as a Junior Steward/ess.

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Junior Stew: Service Essentials

Service is a huge part of the Steward/ess role, from table setting, wine, cocktails, to styles of food service and more. In this course, we break it down and teach you everything you ACTUALLY need to know to feel confident in your first service role.

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Housekeeping is a huge part of the Steward/ess job and takes time to master. In this course, you'll learn everything you need to know, from how to make the perfect bed, all the way to stain treating, cleaning products, folding guest clothes and more.

My Crew Kit

Yacht Stew/Stewardess Training Courses

Essential stewardess courses to distinguish you in the competitive market.

Essential Superyacht Stew/Stewardess Qualifications:

Certain training courses are essential for you to qualify for employment onboard certain types of yacht and superyachts. Additional training, specific to the role of the steward(ess) is beneficial to those who are new to the industry, would like to refine and broaden their skill set, or to those who would like to progress in their career as a yacht steward(ess).

Below is a list of courses you should complete as essential yacht stew/stewardess training in order to meet the general employment requirements for both private and commercial superyachts.

  • STCW Basic Training
  • Food Safety & Hygiene Level II
  • Proficiency in Security Certificate

Hostess in attesa d'imbarco su uno yacht

STCW Basic Safety Training

In order for you to legally obtain a job on a  commercial  superyacht (over 24m) you have to be certified with all four basic safety training modules, which are as follows:

  • Personal Survival Techniques | PST (A-VI/1-1)
  • Fire Fighting Fire Prevention | FFP (A-VI/1-2)
  • Elementary First Aid | EFA (A-VI/1-3)
  • Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities | PSSR (A-VI/1-4)

STCW Basic Training courses can be booked on an individual bases or booked in combination with other essential deckhand courses. You can  find out more about STCW Basic Training , connect with an  STCW Basic Training Centre near you , or continue to other deckhand safety training courses below.

*Although this is a commercial requirement, it is generally seen as a requirement for employment onboard private vessels by yacht owners, captains, management companies or flag states. Failure to obtain STCW Basic training can severely limit employment opportunities.

Find out more information about the STCW Basic Training

Find an STCW Basic Training Course / school near me

Food Safety / Food Hygiene Level 2 Certificate:

All MLC complaint vessels require staff involved in food handling and catering activities on board to hold a recognised food safety certification. Due to the fact that there are a number of awarding bodies, accepted by different flag states, you are likely to encounter variations in this course. It is important to ensure that a) the course that you choose is MLC compliant and b) accepted by the flag state that you choose to work under. In order to meet the requirements of the majority of flag states, including the UK Maritime & Coastguard Agency, it is recommended to pursue an MCA approved version of the course.

We have ensured that the training providers listed for this course on My Crew Kit are approved by or accepted the MCA. You can find out more information about the course and find an in class or online version of the class on the link below:

MCA Approved Food Safety / Hygiene in Catering Level II

Food Hygiene Certificate Galileo

Proficiency in Security Awareness / Duties Certificate

(STCW A-VI/6-1) & (STCW A-VI/6-1)

In order to work on an ISPS-compliant vessel, an STCW proficiency in security certificate is required. Proficiency in Designated Security Awareness (PSA)  is the minimum requirement, whereas  Proficiency in Designated Security Duties (PDSD)  is required for crew who are designated security duties on such vessels.

Both courses can be done in class or online. *ISPS complaint yachts are commercial yachts larger than 500GT (Usually commercial yachts +50m in length)*

Find out more about the PSA & PDSD STCW Certifications and connect with a training provider, or continue reading about further deckhand training below.

Find a PDSD course 

Additional / Beneficial Yacht Stew/Steward(ess) Qualifications:

These are additional courses and certifications specific to the duties associated with a yacht steward(ess).

Introductory Superyacht Stewardess Course:

Super yacht stewardess serving guests at training school

This yacht stewardess crash course will better prepare you for the industry and teach you some basic skills and principals. Usually grouped with the above essential courses and offered as a combined training package. Stewardess courses are useful for people with no transferable skills that are unfamiliar with the industry. Although these courses are helpful and should improve your chances of gaining employment, they may not necessarily be accredited or internationally recognised. Although the Syllabus is dependant on the training provider, similar topics are usually covered. These yacht steward(ess) courses are available in both online and in-class formats.

Find a Recommended Superyacht Stewardess Course Training Provider

GUEST Hospitality Steward / Stewardess Training Program:

The G.U.E.S.T Hospitality program is accredited by the International Association of Maritime Institutions (IAMI) who are recognised by the UK Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA). The program provides interior yacht crew with a clearly defined training routes upon which to grow a career upon. The hospitality program, tailored towards the role of the yacht steward(ess) is comprised of three levels of assessment ( Introduction , Advanced & Management Level) as well as specialist modules for specific duties.

GUEST Hospitality Program

The Hospitality Introduction Program is appropriate for entry level crew and consists of four modules that are as follows:

  • Unit 23: GUEST Introduction to Yachting & Yachting Life​
  • Unit 32: GUEST Basic Housekeeping & Laundry Service
  • Unit 02: GUEST Basic Food & Beverages Service
  • Unit 03: GUEST Basic Wine, Bartending & Mixology

Additional training, information and topics deemed as appropriate by the training provider in question may be included with the packages and/or modules offered. Both online and in-class training options are available.

Find Out More / Connect With a Training Provider

Hospitality Specialist Training Modules are available for those who would like to refine specific skills.

  • Unit 06 | Cigar Services
  • Unit 10 | Floristry & Plant Maintenance
  • Unit 11 | Barista & Hot Beverages
  • Unit 12 | Advanced Wine Appreciation Module 1
  • Unit 13 | Advanced Wine Appreciation Module 2
  • Unit 14 | Advanced Bartending & Mixology Module 1
  • Unit 15 | Advanced Bartending & Mixology Module 2

Power Boat Level II :

Many yachts, especially those less than 50m, may require a stew to drive a tender from time to time, it can, therefore, increase your employability on smaller vessels.

Find a Power Boat II training course

Crew sitting in a small powerboat during their level 2 training to work on yachts

WSET Wine Training

The Wine & Spirit Education Trust provides globally recognised education and qualifications in wines, spirits and sake, for yacht crew who have service-related roles.

Find a WSET Training Centre

Transferable Skills and Training:

Previous jobs or training that you have experienced may be positive to your yachting skill set. Have you worked or training as a waitress/waiter, beautician, hairstylist, makeup artist or masseuse/masseur? Training and skills such as these will compliment your yacht stewardess training and boost your chances of finding a job on a yacht.

Find out more about transferable skills / move to step 3

stewardess beautician training

Find Steward(ess) Training Near you:

Find stewardess training courses in the selected countries below. You can refine the location on the results page.

South Africa 

United Kingdom 

United States

View All Regions

Yacht Steward(ess) Training in South Africa:

Find training courses in Durban or Cape Town , South Africa or connect with a featured training provider below:

Trilogy Luxury Training

Yacht steward(ess) training in the united states:.

Find training courses in Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Cape Canaveral & Orlando Florida on the links below or view all stewardess training providers in the United States.

Savvy Maritime Academy

Fort lauderdale, yacht steward(ess) training in france.

Find superyacht stewardess courses in Antibes and Cannes or view all stewardess training providers in France.

Yacht Steward(ess) Training in the United Kingdom

Find superyacht stewardess courses in Antibes and Cannes or view all stewardess training providers in The United Kingdom

Yacht Steward(ess) Training in Spain

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How to Become a Stewardess on a Superyacht: A Guide

  • April 3, 2023

Working as a stewardess on a superyacht is an exciting and rewarding career that can offer a unique lifestyle and the opportunity to travel the world. However, breaking into the industry can be challenging, and candidates must have the right skills and qualifications to succeed. 

In this guide, we will explore what it takes to become a stewardess on a superyacht.

Qualifications

To be considered for a stewardess position, candidates must have certain qualifications. A high school diploma or equivalent is required, and many employers prefer candidates with a college degree. 

Candidates should also have a valid passport, a seafarer’s medical certificate, and a basic safety training certificate.

While some employers may hire entry-level candidates, most prefer those with some experience.

Candidates with experience in hospitality, customer service, or the luxury industry are desirable. Experience working on a yacht or in the maritime industry is also beneficial.

In addition to the required qualifications, candidates must undergo training to become a stewardess on a superyacht. Training programs should cover topics such as interior yacht operations, housekeeping, laundry, and service. 

Stewardesses on superyachts must have a range of skills to succeed in their roles. Excellent communication skills are essential, as they must interact with guests and crew members from various backgrounds. 

Stewardesses must also be detail-oriented and have strong organizational skills to keep the interior of the yacht clean and tidy. Other skills required include the ability to work well under pressure, adaptability, and the ability to multitask.

Roles and Responsibilities

Stewardesses on superyachts have a range of roles and responsibilities. One of the primary responsibilities is to ensure that the interior of the yacht is clean and tidy. This includes cleaning cabins, making beds, and doing laundry. 

Stewardesses are also responsible for preparing and serving meals and drinks, including setting tables and serving food and beverages. They may also be responsible for managing inventory, ordering supplies, and maintaining equipment.

Career Progression

Many stewardesses on superyachts use the role as a stepping stone to other careers in the yachting industry. 

With experience and additional training, stewardesses can progress to roles such as chief stewardess, purser, or even captain. Others may choose to move into roles in the yacht management or brokerage sectors.

Salary and Benefits

Working as a stewardess on a superyacht can be a lucrative career, with salaries ranging from $46,000 to $66,000 per annum per month. Salaries may be higher for more experienced stewardesses or those with additional qualifications. 

In addition to a salary, stewardesses on superyachts may receive benefits such as health insurance, paid time off, and the opportunity to travel the world.

Finding a Job

Finding a job as a stewardess on a superyacht can be challenging, but there are resources available to help. Many yacht crew agencies specialize in placing candidates in stewardess positions. 

These agencies can help with everything from creating a resume to finding job openings. Candidates may also find jobs through job boards or by networking with industry professionals.

Becoming a stewardess on a superyacht is an exciting and rewarding career that offers the opportunity to travel the world and work in a unique environment. While breaking into the industry can be challenging, candidates with the right qualifications, experience, and skills can succeed. By undergoing training, building experience, and networking with industry professionals, candidates can increase their chances of landing a job as a stewardess on a superyacht.

Kickstart your superyacht career with Yachtie Careers. We offer stewardess training to help you broaden your horizons in your journey as a stewardess. Subscribe to our mailing list to be the first to know about any upcoming yacht job offers.

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Northern Yacht Club sets sail with significant upgrades

From: Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

News release

Federal investment helps upgrade dock, power, and water services infrastructure in North Sydney

how to become a yacht stewardess canada

May 9, 2024 · North Sydney, Nova Scotia · Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)

Marine tourism plays an important role in attracting visitors to Cape Breton’s shores, contributing to its economic growth. The Northern Yacht Club in North Sydney acts as a gathering point for boaters from near and far, drawing visitors to the area and contributing to a vibrant community.

Jaime Battiste, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Member of Parliament for Sydney – Victoria, today announced a non-repayable contribution of $147,400 to the Northern Yacht Club to help upgrade the club’s facilities and services. This announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA.

This investment will support a number of upgrades including replacing aging infrastructure and installing environmentally friendly, plastic EZ docks, which are easier to maintain and more resilient against the harsh maritime weather. New power and water pedestals will also replace those lost in recent storms, improving safety and functionality of the marina. This project ensures the club can continue to promote boating in the region and provide the facilities necessary to support visiting vessels from Canada and international ports.

By investing in projects like this one, the Government of Canada is strengthening its commitment to helping communities flourish and pursue opportunities for growth.

"We support brighter futures and stronger local communities when we invest in infrastructure. Your federal government is proud to support the North Sydney Yacht Club to ensure that it can continue to welcome both local and international visitors for another 100 years. This will ensure North Sydney's economy sails to greater successes.” - The Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA
"Situated near Sydney and attractions like the Cabot Trail, the Northern Yacht Club is a prime spot for sailors and tourists. With these upgrades, the club is enhancing its appeal as a destination for all.” - Jaime Battiste, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Member of Parliament for Sydney – Victoria
“The Northern Yacht Club is very appreciative of the support from ACOA as it strives to make necessary improvements in its docking facilities and services. As a result of this contribution, the club will continue to provide top notch, accessible docking for its members and visiting boaters from Canada and around the world.” - John Astephen, Commodore, Northern Yacht Club

Quick facts

The Northern Yacht Club (NYC) has a rich sailing and event hosting history, including international, national, and regional events. In 2025, the club will celebrate its 100 th anniversary with a season full of special events and a week-long regatta.

During the summers of 2014, 2015, and 2016, NYC participated in Race the Cape, playing host to keelboats from various ports in the Maritimes and the Eastern United States. In 2022, the club hosted the Mobility Cup, an international regatta for sailors with disabilities.

The funding announced today is provided through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency’s (ACOA)  Innovative Communities Fund (ICF) .

The ICF builds on the strengths of communities and provides the tools needed to identify opportunities for sustainable economic growth.

Related products

  • Northern Yacht Club Casts a Wider Net for Clientele
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Connor Burton Press Secretary Office of the Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency [email protected]  

Lauren Sinclair Director of Communications Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency [email protected] 782-641-6365  

John Astephen Commodore Northern Yacht Club [email protected] 902-574-4845

Stay connected

Follow ACOA on Facebook , Twitter , LinkedIn and Instagram .

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