Essential Guides

Ocean Mapping

New to Yachting

ESSENTIAL YACHT CREW GUIDES

Learn how to write a memorable yacht cv.

Write a memorable yachting CV for all yacht crew roles

Other essential guides

Manditory certificates needed to work in yachting

Mandatory certificates

Manditory certificates needed to work in yachting

What you need to know about B1/B2 visa

Manditory certificates needed to work in yachting

Download yacht crew CV templates

Manditory certificates needed to work in yachting

How to prepare for a yacht interview?

Manditory certificates needed to work in yachting

What are the two main yachting seasons?

Manditory certificates needed to work in yachting

Big yacht crew hubs you should know about

Manditory certificates needed to work in yachting

Is yachting the right choice for me?

Manditory certificates needed to work in yachting

Yacht crew salary guide

Explore yacht roles

Our team of expert recruiters have compiled valuable cv advice that applies to all positions. additionally, you can scroll down to download cv templates tailored for each role., 1. keep your cv short and to the point — two pages is ideal.

Captains are exceptionally busy people and often lack time to read an essay-length resume. We would say that you have ten seconds or likely less to really capture their attention. You therefore need to keep your yacht CV concise and to the point. A 2-page CV is ideal since you generally need that much space to properly list your experience and present yourself.

Use your yachting CV as an opportunity to build a quick picture of yourself. Its purpose is to secure an interview, while the interview itself is there to expand on your skills and experience. Include 3 key attributes that really qualify you for the role you are for which you are applying.

2. Use only one font across the entire CV

You want to make your resume as clear and easy-to-read as possible, so using one good font across your CV is advised. Classic fonts are still the best option — Arial, Calibri, Cambria, Garamond, Helvetica etc. are all easy to read, clean and professional.

While your entire CV should only be one font, you can still play around with how you stylise it. For example, increase the size of your name and important sections like “Certificates” or “Professional Experience” and put in bold the name of the yacht you’ve worked on. 

3. Include a recent and professional photograph

For many people, adding a photograph may seem like an odd thing to add to their CV, however, on a yachting CV, adding a photo is the norm. The idea behind it is to get another piece of the puzzle on who you are, make people remember you more easily and to help picture you as a crew member on their superyacht.

Your CV photo should professional-looking, with good lighting and a nice background, taken from mid waist up. Try wearing a professional and tidy white polo or a navy polo on a sunny day, as this will make it easy for people to picture you as a crew member already.

Here are a few tips on how to take a good photo:

Show us your smile — this is very important as it will make you look more approachable!

Professional and friendly are the keywords

Make sure your hair is tidy

Wear minimal to no jewellery

No selfies or vacation photos

No sunglasses or hats

Make sure the lighting is good and photo is good quality

4. Include your contact details and key attributes

It sounds so simple, but you would be surprised how many people forget to include this vital information on their yacht crew CV. Yachting is an international industry and your captain may be based anywhere in the world. Include the international dialling code with your telephone number. Make sure you include an email address and Whatsapp contact details, too. You want to make it as easy as possible for the captain to be able to contact you.

You should also include which country you are currently based in, your mailing address, along with your citizenship and date of birth. And, if you speak multiple languages, this is a great thing to highlight on your yacht resume, especially for those applying to work on charter yachts where you will be working with guests from around the world. 

5. Make it easy to read (and avoid block colour)

As you are applying for a professional role in a professional setting, your yachting CV should be clear and easy to read. Some colour is ok on a yacht CV, but we would advise that you avoid the latest trend of using block colour to attract attention. Using bold colours will be a distraction from what matters the most, which is the content of your CV. In many cases printed CVs are still used during the hiring process and having coloured blocks not only wasted ink but can also make CV harder to read when printed in black and white.

For the best results, a yachting CV should be elegant, professional and easy to read. By focusing on the content and keeping the format simple, you can create a CV that stands out for all the right reasons.

6. Double and triple spell check

Although it’s easy to make and overlook spelling and grammar mistakes, most Captains respond negatively to them no matter how insignificant they may seem. To some, a single mistake can rule out a well-qualified candidate. This is because it signals that your attention to detail might be lacking or you are not really serious about the job.

Most of us rely on the grammar checker to point out the mistakes by highlighting errors with those little coloured squiggles that appear underneath, but don’t rely on that completely. They will not recognise the difference between a correct word and the right word, or catch homophones such as your/you’re, accept/except etc. So, double check and proofread your CV a few times before sending it.

7. List your referees with contact details

Most of the time, agencies will check your references prior to putting you forward for a new position. The Captains and other HoDs also like to contact previous employers directly to get feedback before offering the position to the candidate.

You should list them starting with your most recent ones and make sure they include:

name of the yacht

email address 

phone number

8. Update your yachting CV regularly

While you may not feel as though a lot has changed since you last looked for work, you are likely to have gained a lot of new skills and experience in a short space of time. Make sure to update your yacht CV every time you look for a new yacht job.

Download a free yachting CV template

Now that you know what's needed to create a great CV, go ahead and download a professionally designed free CV template that you can fill out with your information.

Download the full YPI CREW recruitment market report

Download the YPI CREW Recruitment Market Report for an in-depth analysis of current trends in superyacht crew recruitment. Gain valuable insights into the market dynamics and trends specific to each department, providing a comprehensive overview of the industry landscape.

Explore the latest in yachting

cv in yachting

Olympic Grit and Resilience: What Yacht Crew Can Learn from Elite Athletes

cv in yachting

YPI CREW Announces its 2024 Superyacht Recruitment Market Report

cv in yachting

Mind the Gaps: How to Explain Employment Breaks on Your Yacht Crew CV

cv in yachting

YACHT CREW GUIDES

Learn about different positions on board a yacht.

cv in yachting

YACHT CREW SALARY GUIDE

Let’s get started. call us on +33 (0)4 92 90 46 10 or email us., our mission, vision and values, mlc 2006 compliance, essential guides, yacht crew positions.

Chief Officer

Second Officer

Third Officer

Chief Engineer

Interior Crew

Head of Service

Head of Housekeeping

Specialist Positions

Spa Manager

Spa Therapist

Personal Trainer & Yoga Instructor

Hairdresser

Mandatory Certificates

B1/b2 visa information, how to write a memorable cv, how to prepare for an interview, yachting seasons, yacht crew salary guide, is yachting the right choice for me, cv templates, ocean mapping, new to yachting.

+33 (0)4 92 90 46 10

[email protected]

How to write a yacht CV in 2023 [with tips, instructions, and examples]

How to write a yacht CV in 2023 [with tips, instructions, and examples]

Ben Temple

Whether you want to work as a deckhand on a small private vessel or join the large service staff of a superyacht, it’s important to learn how to write a yacht CV.

Working on a yacht can be a fulfilling career. It is a great way to experience the sea, visit different places, meet important people, and have unique experiences. It is also, however, a difficult career. The employee quarters on a yacht typically have little privacy, the days can be long, and the work can be difficult. Further, when you are working on a yacht, you are at sea. You can’t go home until the voyage is over, which could be weeks or even months.

This means that your yacht CV needs to show that not only are you skilled, you have the personality and constitution for working on a yacht.

But if you, like Moby Dick’s Ishmael, find yourself with little or no money in your purse, and nothing particular to interest you on shore, it may be time to write a great yacht CV and see the watery part of the world.

This article will explore all aspects of writing a yacht CV, including:

  • What is a yacht CV?
  • Yacht CV requirements

Yacht CV certifications

  • Yacht CV qualifications
  • How to write a yacht CV

A yacht CV is a document describing your yachting skills and experience that you submit to employers as a part of a job application. It will contain details like personal information, work experience, education, and skills.

The yacht experience can vary greatly. Some yachts may have only a single captain on board and a handful of passengers. Others, such as enormous superyachts, may have a large dedicated staff and crew. Yacht jobs can include captain, crew, bosun, mate, deckhand, dock worker, marina worker, chef, sous chef, stewardess, engineer, and more.

The exact details of your yacht CV will depend on your specific career. There are several different paths that might take you to a yacht, and it’s important that your CV has the right details for your specific goals.

  • Yacht CV Requirements

If you want to become a yacht employee, sometimes called a “yachtie”, your yacht CV will need to show that you have all the certifications and accreditations for the position you are applying for.

The specific requirements of a yacht CV may depend on what country the yacht company is based in and what countries it will travel to. Because most yacht jobs will require sailing to and from different countries, you will have to be conscious of where the particular yacht job is based and what the hiring requirements are.

Further, the specific qualifications, certifications, and skills that you need will depend on what specific yacht role you are applying for.

If you are looking to work in the kitchen of a yacht, for example, or as wait staff, you will want to list your food safety certifications, your culinary education, and your experience serving.

If you are looking to work as a member of the deck crew, you will need appropriate safety certifications.

Will you be working as a tour guide? Will you have to use the helm, or do any navigation? Will you be dealing directly with customers, clients, or passengers? If so, make sure your yacht CV reflects this.

Yacht CV Certifications

Certain certifications are required to become a yachtie. When you apply for a yacht job, you must ensure that you have the right certifications for your role.

Anyone who works on a commercial ship will need a Standard for Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) certification.

Also required is an ENG1 Medical or equivalent, which is a certificate confirming that you are medically able to work on a yacht and at sea.

Other certifications, while not strictly mandatory, can improve your CV, such as deckhand training courses and boating certifications like Power Boat 2.

If you are applying for a role in the kitchen or in a hospitality role, you can also look for stewardess training courses, food safety and hygiene certifications, hospitality courses, silver service courses, and more.

It’s important to think carefully about exactly what type of career you are pursuing and what certifications can help you.

Once you have the certifications you need, you can get to work writing your yacht CV. Yacht CV sections include:

Yacht CV personal information

At the beginning of your CV, make sure to add your personal information.

This should begin with your contact details. In your contact information section, include your:

  • Email address
  • Phone Number
  • City of residence

In the USA and Canada, you are not expected to include a picture with your yacht CV. In most European countries, however, a picture will be expected, especially if your position will be guest-facing. Make sure to study the CV requirements of your specific country when preparing your CV. If you provide a picture, make sure it is professional and appropriate.

Some yacht companies also require you to state whether you are a smoker, and whether you have tattoos. You can include this alongside your contact information, or in a separate Personal Details section.

Yacht CV summary

At the top of your CV, begin with a brief professional summary. A summary is a short section, usually only a few sentences or bullet points, that briefly describes you and your experience. It should have a few key highlights, either of key skills that make you a great candidate, or some important achievements from other roles that show what you can do.

A great summary can be what convinces a hiring manager to read the rest of the CV.

Yacht CV Summary

Yacht CV work experience

Your Work Experience section is the most important part of your CV. It is the longest section, and the section containing the most detail.

In a Work Experience section, list previous positions in reverse-chronological order, beginning with your current or most recent job and working backwards. In each role, provide a job description that details your responsibilities and achievements in that position.

For each entry, include:

  • Company name
  • Dates worked
  • Job description

If you have experience working on a yacht, you should emphasize your yacht positions, providing them with more detail than you do to other positions. Work Experience entries for yacht jobs can also be formatted differently. For yacht positions, list the name of the vessel, its size, and whether the yacht was private or charter.

For example:

Deep Blue | 103’ | Private Stewardess June 2021 - August 2022

This gives yacht employers a clear idea of what kind of yacht experience you have.

When writing your job descriptions for each role, try to focus on concrete examples of your experience, including achievements and accomplishments. Describing only your basic duties makes for a boring CV.

To come up with achievements, try to brainstorm concrete successes that you contributed to. It can help to consider quantifiable aspects of your job. If you can provide verifiable numbers, your experience will seem more credible and more impressive. For a yacht CV, measurable aspects of previous positions could include the size of the vessel, the length of the voyage, the number of passengers or rooms, event attendance, provisioning budgets, and more.

Further, be sure to use active language as much as possible when describing past experience. Action words make your work experience seem more dynamic, and make you sound like an independent worker who takes initiative and gets the job done. Action words like organized , managed , hosted , spearheaded , and navigated all indicate an employee that employers would be happy to hire.

Yacht CV Example: Work Experience

Yacht CV education

The importance of your education will depend on your specific role. If you are applying to work as a server or deckhand, a post-secondary degree won’t be necessary (as long as you have the right certifications). If you are applying as an engineer, however, you will need to show that you have the right academic credentials.

In your Education section, list your degrees in reverse-chronological order, beginning with your most recent degree and working backwards. For each entry, include the:

  • Degree name
  • School name
  • Date of graduation

Generally, a description isn’t needed in an Education entry. If there are particular aspects of your education that you would like to highlight, however, such as GPA, specializations, or a key project, they can be included.

Yacht CV Example: Education section

Certain certifications are integral to your yacht CV. If you want to work on a yacht, or any commercial vessel, you will need to show that you have the right safety training and health certification.

This usually means that you need to list your STCW certification and ENG 1 Medical certification. You may also want to include your Power Boat 2 certification. First aid certifications can also be an asset.

However, those certifications may not be enough. Be sure to study the job posting and research the position as much as possible so you know exactly what certifications will be required.

Yacht CV skills

A Skills section is a section of your CV where you list your most important and most relevant competencies. This can include soft skills , like communication and people skills, and hard skills , like electrical engineering or navigation.

A Skills section, while not strictly mandatory, is a great way to make your yacht CV more impressive. Listing all your skills in one place makes it easy for employers to quickly glance at your CV and see exactly what your expertise is.

The easiest way to format your skill section is to simply list your skills in a bulleted list. Sort the list so that your most relevant skills are at the top.

If you would like to draw more attention to your skills, you can make each skill or skill area a heading, and provide a more detailed description of the skill below. With VisualCV, you can even add strength ratings to each skill. This method works great for skills-based CVs .

Yacht CV skills can include:

  • Customer Service
  • Maintenance
  • Firefighting

Yacht CV interests

When you work on a yacht, you will be sharing cramped quarters with all of your coworkers, with very little privacy and no time to yourself. For this reason, it’s important to make sure you are a good culture fit for the vessel. While not mandatory, it can be a good idea to include a brief selection of your interests and hobbies in your yacht CV so the employer can see if you will fit in with the rest of the crew.

  • Customize your Yacht CV

Even if you are only applying for yacht jobs, it’s important to customize your yacht CV for every application. Different job postings will have specific requirements and specific skills they are looking for, so it’s important to make sure your CV is a perfect fit. A generic CV won’t be perfect for every application.

To do this, study the application closely, and research the company and vessel to learn as much about it as you can. Then, use what you have learned to carefully customize your CV so that the right skills, experience, and personality are emphasized. Remain truthful, but edit your experience so that it matches the job description as closely as possible.

  • Yacht CV example

A dedicated and enthusiastic steward with extensive experience working on yachts and superyachts. Capable of achieving the most demanding targets and objectives whilst remaining focused on delivering a high standard of service at all times. Naturally strong interpersonal skills give me the ability to communicate concisely and articulately with crew and guests. I enjoy being a part of a successful and productive team and have the ability to shine in high pressure environments. I am certified in first aid, ship safety, and health standards.

Work Experience

Steward Deep Blue | 103’ | Private

  • Hosted cocktail parties of 100+ guests.
  • Managed galley to ensure organization of food and service.
  • Led galley training for new hires, including plating and presenting meals.
  • Delivered a 5-star service to our guests.
  • Provided care for passengers who require special assistance.
  • Organized meal service, including serving hors d'oeuvres, drink service, and bartending.
  • Received multiple commendations for customer service and communication.
  • Ensured the highest level of safety by inspecting safety equipment, making safety announcements, and demonstrating safety procedures.
  • Provided excellent VIP enhanced service to important guests on board.
  • Gave tours and passed appetizers.

Senior Steward Demeter | 100' | Charter

  • Organized interior stewardess duties.
  • Made sure the company's SOPs were followed and respected on every voyage.
  • Managed catering orders when sailing as a single operator.
  • Organized VIP catering on the vessel, meeting preferences of guests.
  • Assisted cooking crew and chef in galley when needed
  • Organized food provisioning for crew and guests.
  • Provided excellent VVIP enhanced service to important guests on board.
  • Ensured safety and wellbeing of VIP guests during voyages to various destinations.
  • Conducted safety demonstrations prior to voyages and carried out checks throughout the vessel.
  • Laundry, cabin service, interior detailing.

Steward Ranger | 60' | Private

  • Made beds, including turn downs and fluff ups.
  • Led laundry and ironing services for guests and crew.
  • Cleaned and maintained heads.
  • Prepared yacht for 3 boat shows and multiple cocktail parties with 50+ guests.
  • Verified passengers' compliance with safety regulations throughout all stages of voyage.
  • Assisted exterior crew support when needed.
  • Rostered on various short and long haul routes.

Master in Tourism & Hospitality Management University of Texas

  • Provisioning
  • Drink service
  • Meal service
  • Galley management
  • Safety demonstrations
  • Scuba Diving
  • Learning Languages

Certifications

  • ENG 1 Medical

Yacht CV Example

Community Success Manager & CV Writing Expert

Ben is a writer, customer success manager and CV writing expert with over 5 years of experience helping job-seekers create their best careers. He believes in the importance of a great resume summary and the power of coffee.

The 2023 Resume Writing Guide [+ Job Search Tips and Resume Examples]

Our 2023 Free Resume Writing Guide is filled with quality job search tips, resume examples and information you need to know before writing your resume or CV.

January 30, 2023

Madison Norton

VP Marketing & Resume Expert

What to include in a CV - an international guide

A guide to what personal information to include in your CV, no matter where you are applying for a job.

June 16, 2020

James Clift

Co-Founder & Director

How to write a resume when you have no education [high school or college]

You don't need an education to have a great career, and you don't need a degree to write a great resume.

June 27, 2022

Ben Temple

Copyright © 2024 Workstory Inc.

Select Your Language:

Seaworthy Secrets

How to Write the Perfect Yacht CV [With Template]

If you’re looking to craft the perfect yacht CV, you’ve come to the right place. As the Chief Stewardess onboard a 50m Super Yacht, I’ve been assisting Captains with hiring crew and gathering yacht crew CVs for 8 years.

With my experience, I am familiar with the type of yachting CVs that Captains prefer to see. It is crucial to make a great first impression to ensure that your yacht resume is given proper consideration.

In this article, I break down the essential do’s and don’ts of a Yacht CV.

Scroll down to the end of this article to find a basic Yacht CV Template to help get you started. And yes, it’s free!

You can use this template and edit it accordingly to create your own Yacht Captain CV, Deckhand CV, Yacht Stew CV, as well as an Engineer or Chef Resume. All that’s left is for you to email it to recruiters or hand out physical copies when dock walking.

Table of Contents

What is a CV in Yachting?

There are a few distinct differences between a regular CV and a CV in yachting.

  • The main one is that you need to include a photo of yourself! If you do not include a photo, it is likely your yacht CV will be tossed in the bin
  • Unlike other CV’s, you also need to include your date of birth
  • You will be highlighting your skills and attributes specific to the job you are applying for. It is a great idea to make these edits to highlight what you have to offer
  • As you travel to seek work, you will need to edit your location and availability

cv in yachting

Layout of a Yacht CV

When a Captain has 20 to 50 yachting resumes on his desk, there is a general easy-to-read layout that they prefer to see.

  • It is very important to keep your CV to 2 pages
  • Use a simple, easy-to-read font
  • If you want to be creative with your colors, go for it. Just make sure the Captain can easily read the font
  • Keep your layout clear and simple, making sure to include all of the required information listed in this article
  • There are numerous Yacht CV examples online for you to decide your preference. A great tool to use is Canva .

Your Photo for a Yachting CV

You may not be a Yachtie yet, but you need to act the part and look like one. Follow these guidelines for the perfect photo:

  • SMILE! You want to look like someone the crew would enjoy having onboard
  • Dress in something smart/appropriate, and sell yourself as the professional yacht crew member you want to be seen as. Ideally, a polo so you look like a Yachtie
  • Take the photo from about the mid-waistline up
  • Stand by a natural background of either a marina, the ocean, or some greenery
  • Do not take a selfie! Have someone take this photo for you

Profile/Objective

This is a short paragraph highlighting the position you are looking for and any attributes and skills that make you a good fit for the job. Be very specific about what you write here, and be sure to include attributes that are beneficial to the job you are applying for!

This is the moment the Captain will decide if they continue to read the rest of your Yacht CV or not.

man standing next to a jetski

Personal Information to Add to your Yachting CV

Most yachts have very specific requirements when hiring crew, so do not leave out any of the below points:

  • Nationality
  • Visa’s held
  • Tattoo (visible or not)
  • Health Status & Smoker (Y/N)
  • Languages spoken
  • Drivers License
  • Email & phone number
  • Availability and current location

Yachting Experience

Here, you need to list all of the Yacht Jobs you have held. Be sure to include:

  • The name and size of the Yacht
  • The dates you were onboard
  • The position you held
  • Your basic roles, responsibilities, and duties while onboard
  • If you have the space, you can include the locations where the vessel cruised

Some of you may not have any maritime experience, and that is ok. If you have done any day work, be sure to include that here and highlight your duties and the dates you were onboard.

Other Non-Yachting Experience

Here, you want to include any experience prior to yachting, even if it is not yachting-related.

Captains like to see any jobs/positions you have held in the past, as skills are always transferable. This gives some insight into what you have been doing leading up to the point of finding a job in yachting.

a template of a yacht cv

Qualifications to Include on your Yacht CV

List all qualifications you have relevant to yachting in your Yacht resume.

Remember that yachts like to see add-on skills, so things such as Scuba Diving Instructor, Yoga Instructor, Masseuse, and any other certifications you hold should be included.

Here, you just want to include your highest level of education and when you graduated.

Other Interests/About me/Hobbies

This section of your Yacht CV is your chance to list out a few additional standout qualities, attributes, or hobbies. This gives a bit of insight into who you are as a person and what you enjoy doing in your spare time.

This is very important, as anyone can write anything on a piece of paper, but a reference speaks volumes.

Even if the position you held was not maritime-related, a reference is also a good indication of your character and work ethic in any position you have held in the past.

You really want to get written references wherever possible.

man driving a tender

How to Make sure your CV doesn’t get Trashed

  • Take the time to write up a good Yacht CV. I can’t tell you how often I haven’t read further than the first line because of a sloppy, disorganized Yacht resume.
  • SPELL CHECK! In an industry where you have to be meticulous in everything that you do, spelling and grammatical issues in your Yacht CV are not a good start.
  • When you save and email your Yacht CV, be sure to have it saved in a Word and PDF format.
  • When you are responding to a job posting, write a short and clear email to the person who put up the post and highlight why you are a good fit for the position and why you want to become a yachtie .

How to Introduce Yourself in an Email

Dear Captain/To Whom it may concern

Please find attached my resume and references in my application for the position of “Deckhand on a 50m Superyacht”. Although I am new to the industry, I believe I would be an asset to your team as I am motivated and driven to succeed in the yachting industry. I am also an avid wakeboarder and love being on the ocean, so I believe I will adapt well and learn quickly. I am not afraid of hard work, and I look forward to having the opportunity to speak with you further.

Thank you for taking the time to view my application.

Kind regards

Downloadable Yacht CV Template

Use this Yacht CV link to download a basic yachting resume, fill in your personal information, and get ready to land your dream job!

Now that you have crafted the perfect Yacht CV, it is time to land your dream job. For those of you wanting to know how to become a yacht deckhand , read here for more information.

For those of you looking to find out how to become a yacht stewardess, read this insider’s guide!

cv in yachting

Hi, my name is Lisa, a Chief Stewardess in the yachting industry with 10 years of experience, as well as 8 years of hospitality experience prior to that. Being in the yachting industry has been a whirlwind of adventure, growth, challenges and some of the best experiences of my life, and I am excited to share my knowledge and experiences with all of you.

Ultimate Guide to Dock Walking: 10 Tips on How to Dock Walk

Yacht crew salaries: complete guide to what yacht crew earn, leave a comment cancel reply.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

cv in yachting

Impartial training and careers advice

Call us: +441983 280 641

+441983 280 641

cv in yachting

How to write a Yachting CV

If you are new to the Superyacht industry, then you have probably not written a yachting CV before. If you need help writing a Yachting CV, our guide will explain what to do and what not to do.

Writing a Yachting CV differs from a CV that you may write for a land-based job. For example, on a yachting CV, you are asked to provide a picture and give your date of birth, which is considered discriminatory if you apply for a land-based job.

At Flying Fish, we help hundreds of customers new to the Yachting industry write a professional yachting CV. The yachting CV is so important, we include ono-to-one support during our Superyacht Deckhand and Superyacht Steward/ess courses. This forms part of our Career Support Service.

First, a bit of background to a Yachting CV

Your CV is a summary of your skills, experience, and interests. It explains why you are a good fit for the Deckhand or Steward/ess position, plus all the skills and experience you have to offer the yacht.

Research indicates that the reader forms an opinion about your CV in just a few seconds. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that your CV is engaging and flawless.

The yachting CV must include character references, as talking to somebody who knows you gives confidence to the employer.

Your yachting CV needs to create a good first impression and be brief and to the point. It’s a sales pamphlet, not an essay.

Writing a yachting CV

The Yachting CV breaks down into seven topics. You don’t have to use our CV template format. Some crew agents may want the headings in a different order. You can design your CV template but ensure you have covered the seven headings below.

  • Personal information

Qualifications

  • Work/Yachting experience

Hobbies and interests

A few golden rules.

Before we dive into the detail, it is worth highlighting a few important points:

You must be honest. Don’t worry if you have not worked on a superyacht before, it’s not an obstacle to getting a job. If you are a smoker say so. If you have visible tattoos then say so and let the employer decide.

Working on a yacht, whether a small sailing yacht or a large superyacht your character is key. The employer will probably pay more attention to your character/work ethic than your qualifications.

Getting the format right

How you design your yachting CV is just as important as its content. The font you use, and how you present it also play a significant role. Choose a font like Calibri, 11 points, or Verdana 10 points as they are easy to read. Make sure you save your CV as a PDF file or similar format that can be opened on both a MAC or PC.

Personal Information

This is the easy bit, follow the prompts in our CV template. Make sure you add the international dialing code, +44, as an example. Add your current location but bear in mind this will change.

Social Media

Today we all have an online profile. You will add your name, DOB and upload a photo to your CV. Yachts interested in you will likely look at your social media to see what you do in your free time.

Ensure your Instagram, Facebook, and any other profiles confirm what you say about yourself in your CV. For example, if you tell the reader that you are a non-smoker only to find recent images on your social media feeds of you smoking, it will cast doubt in the readers mind to your honesty or perhaps lead to an awkward conversation during your interview!

Superyacht crew are likely to contact you on WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, or Instagram. A Captain may ask you to send your CV via one of these channels. We recommend you become familiar with the process of sending your Yachting CV, via WhatsApp, and Facebook Messenger.

You must add a passport-sized head and shoulders image to your CV. No selfies! Ask someone to take a photo of you in the morning or evening when the sun is lower to prevent squinting.

It’s a good idea to wear a polo or T-shirt, no branding – something comfortable. No need for a shirt or tie; after all, you won’t be wearing one onboard.

Don’t apply filters or Photoshop your image to enhance it. Keep the size of your photo below 250kb. Many boats download CVs using satellite, so file size is important.

Girls, if you have long hair, tie it back so that we can see your face. We advise wearing minimal makeup and jewelry. Men need to be clean-shaven; make sure your hair neat and tidy.

Below are some examples of CV photos taken of Flying Fish customers.

How to write a yachting CV

Start with the most important qualifications first: STCW Basic Safety Training , PDSD , ENG1 medical , Powerboat Level 2 , etc. All your qualifications should be bullet-pointed.

If you have any additional skills relevant to the job you are applying for, then include them here, (Watersports Instructor, Diving, PT Instructor, Beauty, massage, to name a few). We don’t need to know your GCSE results.

Yachting experience

If you have worked on a yacht before, sailed with family or friends, worked on a ferry, dive boat, etc. then here is where you provide a brief summary of your experience so far.

Detail when you were onboard, your position, and the yacht’s name. If you don’t have any yachting experience, don’t worry, remove this section from your yachting CV.

Work experience

Place your work experience chronologically, with your most recent position first. Please describe the skills you learned and how you exceeded expectations in your job, using only two or three sentences.

This is arguably the most important section; what do you like to do in your spare time? Generally, yacht crew are outgoing people who like sport, travel, and adventure.

If you share a passion for the outdoors, you will fit in well. Maybe you play a sport, keep fit, are a keen photographer, have run a marathon, or enjoy travel. All these are relevant as they show your character.

You must list two references in the same format as shown in our Yachting CV template, name, telephone, email. Your references may come from a previous employer or somebody that has worked with you. Your reference can’t come from a family member!

Most recruitment agents ask for a written reference as part of their recruitment process.

What to do next

Now that you have finished your Yachting CV, there are a couple more tasks to do.

  • Ask somebody to read your Yachting CV to ensure it makes sense and reads well.
  • Spell-check your CV, then spell-check it again!
  • Save your CV as a PDF. You can open a PDF on any device. A PDF is a condensed file, so if the reader downloads your CV, it doesn’t chew up all data.
  • Your Yachting CV may change. You will probably want to change your photo, and your location will change when you start looking for work. If you perform day work, we will add the yacht you worked on and the tasks you completed to your Yachting CV.

Once you are happy with your Yachting CV, you can start looking for your dream job. You can search for Superyacht jobs on Facebook, YotSpot , or through a Superyacht Recruitment Agency .

Learn about working in the Superyacht Industry by downloading our free guide on working on Superyachts.

Free yacht guide

FIND YOUR FIRST SUPERYACHT CREWJOB

Industry advice and tips about starting your new career on a superyacht.

IMAGES

  1. Yacht Cv Template

    cv in yachting

  2. Yacht Crew CV Information & Template Download

    cv in yachting

  3. Cv Template Resume Template Professional Cv Yachting Resume Yachting Cv

    cv in yachting

  4. CV Template : Kate Atlantis

    cv in yachting

  5. Yacht Captain CV Templates

    cv in yachting

  6. Yacht Stewardess Yacht CV Templates

    cv in yachting

COMMENTS

  1. How To Write a Yacht Crew CV (With Template and Example) - Indeed

    A yacht crew CV is a specialized CV that highlights a candidate's experience on yachts and other large vessels, such as sailboats. It can be especially important for yacht crew members to edit their CVs according to the jobs they want, as showcasing specific experience can help them secure particular roles.

  2. Yachting CV Examples & How to write a good CV | YPI CREW

    Stand out from the crowd and learn how to write a yachting CV. Secure your interview for your dream role onboard with our resume tips and examples.

  3. How to write a yacht CV in 2023 [with tips ... - VisualCV

    A yacht CV is a document describing your yachting skills and experience that you submit to employers as a part of a job application. It will contain details like personal information, work experience, education, and skills.

  4. How to Write the PERFECT Yacht CV [with template]

    You can use this template and edit it accordingly to create your own Yacht Captain CV, Deckhand CV, Yacht Stew CV, as well as an Engineer or Chef Resume. All that’s left is for you to email it to recruiters or hand out physical copies when dock walking.

  5. The Do's and Don'ts of a Yachting CV - theseaworthystew.com

    Want the step by step guide on how to create a stand out yachting CV? For green and experienced yacht crew, to make YOUR CV stand out it needs to tick the relevant ‘industry standard’ boxes to ensure you get a look in onboard as a stewardess, deckhand or engineer.

  6. How to write a Yachting CV - Flying Fish

    The yachting CV must include character references, as talking to somebody who knows you gives confidence to the employer. Your yachting CV needs to create a good first impression and be brief and to the point. It’s a sales pamphlet, not an essay. The Yachting CV breaks down into seven topics.