How to Start a Career in Yachting: A Practical Guide to STCW, ENG1, Visas and Finding Your First Job
Oceaneria Yacht Industry Report
By the Oceaneria Recruitment Team
One of the most common questions people ask when entering the yacht industry is:
"What do I actually need before I can apply for yacht jobs?"
The answer is simpler than many people expect.
While there are many specialist qualifications available throughout the industry, nearly every yacht crew member starts with the same foundation.
Whether you want to work as a deckhand, stewardess, chef, engineer, ETO, officer or captain, there are two qualifications that sit at the center of almost every yacht career.
The Two Qualifications Nearly Every Yacht Crew Member Needs
STCW Basic Safety Training
STCW stands for Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping.
This is the internationally recognised safety qualification required for crew working at sea.
The course covers:
✓ Personal Survival Techniques
✓ Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting
✓ Elementary First Aid
✓ Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities
✓ Security Awareness
STCW is designed to teach the fundamental safety skills required to work onboard commercial vessels and superyachts.
The certification generally remains valid for five years before refresher training is required.
Seafarer Medical Certificate (ENG1)
The second requirement is a recognised seafarer medical certificate.
The most widely recognised medical certificate in yachting is the ENG1.
The ENG1 confirms that you are medically fit to work at sea and typically includes assessments covering:
✓ General health
✓ Vision
✓ Colour vision
✓ Hearing
✓ Medical conditions that could affect safety onboard
The certificate is generally valid for up to two years.
Without STCW and a recognised seafarer medical certificate, most yacht recruitment agencies and employers will not be able to consider your application.
Step 1: Decide Which Career Path Interests You
Before spending money on courses, think about where you see yourself working onboard.
Deck Department
Suitable for people who enjoy practical work, maintenance, watersports, navigation and outdoor environments.
Typical progression:
Deckhand → Lead Deckhand → Bosun → Officer → Captain
Interior Department
Suitable for hospitality professionals, hotel staff, waiters, customer service professionals and people who enjoy guest-facing roles.
Typical progression:
Stewardess → Senior Stewardess → Chief Stewardess
Engineering Department
Suitable for mechanics, electricians, technicians, fitters, diesel specialists and engineers.
Typical progression:
Junior Engineer → Engineer → Second Engineer → Chief Engineer
Galley Department
Suitable for chefs and culinary professionals.
Typical progression:
Crew Chef → Sous Chef → Head Chef
Step 2: Complete STCW Basic Safety Training
This is normally the first qualification completed by new crew.
Choose a recognised maritime training provider and ensure the certificates are issued by an approved training organisation.
Popular training providers include:
South Africa
Cape Town remains one of the world's leading yacht crew training hubs.
Popular providers include:
✓ STC Southern Africa
✓ Superyacht Training Academy (SYTA)
✓ Super Yacht School South Africa (SYSA)
✓ Ocean Star Sailing Academy
✓ Get Onboard Academy
United Kingdom
The UK remains one of the strongest maritime training markets in the world.
Popular providers include:
✓ UKSA, Cowes
✓ Flying Fish, Cowes
✓ Warsash Maritime School, Southampton
✓ Maritime Skills Academy, Dover
✓ Falmouth Training Solutions, Cornwall
France
Popular locations include:
✓ Antibes
✓ La Ciotat
Many new crew choose to train in Antibes before beginning their job search in the Mediterranean.
Spain
Popular locations include:
✓ Palma de Mallorca
✓ Malaga
Palma has become one of Europe's largest superyacht centres and remains a popular location for both training and recruitment.
Step 3: Obtain Your ENG1 Medical
Once your STCW is complete, the next step is obtaining a recognised seafarer medical certificate.
The simplest route is usually an ENG1 medical through an MCA-approved doctor.
The MCA publishes official lists of approved doctors both within the UK and internationally.
In some countries, equivalent seafarer medical certificates may be accepted depending on the yacht's flag state and management company.
If you are unsure, always confirm acceptance before relying on an equivalent certificate.
Step 4: Prepare A Yacht Specific CV
A yacht CV is very different from a traditional corporate CV.
Your CV should clearly show:
✓ Professional photo
✓ Nationality
✓ Passport status
✓ Visa status
✓ Availability date
✓ STCW certification
✓ ENG1 certification
✓ Relevant experience
✓ Languages
✓ Contact information
Keep it concise, professional and easy to read.
Step 5: Register With Recruitment Agencies
Once your documents are in place, register with reputable yacht recruitment agencies.
Most agencies will require:
✓ Yacht CV
✓ Passport copy
✓ STCW certificate
✓ Medical certificate
✓ References where available
The earlier you begin building relationships with agencies, the better.
Step 6: Understand Your Visa Situation
Your nationality will influence your options.
South African Crew
Most South Africans will need to consider Schengen visa requirements before travelling to Europe.
The common pathway is:
✓ Passport
✓ STCW
✓ ENG1
✓ Yacht CV
✓ Agency registration
✓ Schengen visa
✓ Travel to a Mediterranean yacht hub
European Passport Holders
European citizens generally have greater flexibility when seeking work within Europe.
The process is usually:
✓ STCW
✓ ENG1
✓ Yacht CV
✓ Agency registration
✓ Travel to yacht hubs
British Crew
British crew continue to benefit from widely recognised MCA qualifications and ENG1 certification.
However, post-Brexit visa and immigration requirements should be reviewed before travelling to Europe.
Other International Candidates
Crew from Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the United States and many other countries generally follow a similar pathway:
✓ Passport
✓ STCW
✓ ENG1
✓ Yacht CV
✓ Visa research
✓ Agency registration
✓ Travel
Step 7: Position Yourself Where The Jobs Are
The largest yacht recruitment hubs in the Mediterranean include:
✓ Antibes
✓ Monaco
✓ Palma de Mallorca
✓ Barcelona
✓ Genoa
✓ Viareggio
✓ La Ciotat
Being physically present in major yacht hubs can still be valuable, particularly for entry level crew seeking daywork and networking opportunities.
The Industry Has Changed
Ten or fifteen years ago, it was often possible for someone to arrive in Antibes with an STCW certificate, an ENG1, a decent attitude and a willingness to work hard.
They could spend a few weeks dock walking, introduce themselves to captains and crew, pick up some daywork and potentially secure their first permanent position.
That still happens today.
However, what has changed is the level of competition.
There are now more training providers, more recruitment agencies, more online job platforms and significantly more people entering the industry than there were a decade ago.
Captains, chief stewardesses and yacht managers often have access to hundreds of CVs for a single junior position.
As a result, STCW and ENG1 are no longer something that makes a candidate stand out.
They are simply the minimum requirement.
Think of them as your entry ticket rather than your competitive advantage.
Today's most successful candidates typically combine several approaches:
✓ Recruitment agencies
✓ Online job platforms
✓ Social media networking
✓ Industry referrals
✓ Dock walking
✓ Daywork opportunities
✓ Professional online profiles
The industry remains accessible to newcomers, but preparation and professionalism matter more than they once did.
Additional Courses That Can Strengthen Your CV
This is where many candidates ask the next logical question:
"What else can I do to improve my chances?"
The answer depends on your career goals and budget.
These courses are not mandatory.
You should never delay entering the industry simply because you cannot afford additional qualifications.
However, if you have the financial means and know which department interests you, supplementary courses can strengthen your CV and help differentiate you from other entry level candidates.
Additional Courses For Deck Crew
RYA Powerboat Level 2
One of the most valuable additional qualifications for aspiring deckhands.
It demonstrates basic tender handling, manoeuvring and safety awareness.
Many deck crew eventually obtain this qualification anyway, so completing it early can be beneficial.
Personal Watercraft (PWC) / Jet Ski Instructor
Useful on yachts carrying water toys and guest equipment.
Not essential, but often viewed favourably.
RYA Tender Operator
Particularly useful for deck crew working on larger yachts operating guest tenders.
Yachtmaster Offshore
A more advanced qualification that supports long term progression towards officer and captain positions.
Additional Courses For Stewardesses
Food Safety and Hygiene
Demonstrates knowledge of food handling and service standards.
Barista Training
A surprisingly popular addition for interior crew.
Silver Service Training
Widely recognised throughout the yacht industry and often valued on larger vessels.
WSET Wine Courses
Can strengthen applications for charter yachts and guest-focused service roles.
Additional Courses For Engineers
Approved Engine Course (AEC) 1
Often the first engineering qualification pursued by aspiring yacht engineers.
Approved Engine Course (AEC) 2
Provides additional technical knowledge and career progression.
Marine Diesel Courses
Useful for candidates transitioning from automotive or industrial engineering backgrounds.
Marine Electrical Courses
Increasingly valuable as yachts become more dependent on electrical and electronic systems.
Additional Courses For Chefs
Food Safety Level 2
Commonly requested within the industry.
Food Safety Level 3
Can strengthen applications for larger vessels.
HACCP Training
Demonstrates understanding of food safety systems and procedures.
Common Mistakes New Crew Make
✓ Spending money on advanced courses before obtaining STCW and ENG1
✓ Travelling without researching visa requirements
✓ Using a traditional corporate CV instead of a yacht CV
✓ Failing to register with agencies before arriving in Europe
✓ Letting certificates expire
✓ Relying exclusively on dock walking
The Simplest Route Into Yachting
If you remember only one thing from this guide, remember this:
Get your passport ready.
Complete STCW Basic Safety Training.
Obtain an ENG1 or recognised seafarer medical certificate.
Create a professional yacht CV.
Register with recruitment agencies.
Understand your visa requirements.
Position yourself in the right yacht hubs.
Network consistently and apply professionally.
Consider additional qualifications that support your chosen career path.
For most people entering the yacht industry, these steps provide the strongest foundation for finding that first opportunity and building a long-term career at sea.
Join Our Yacht Professional Network
If you're ready for your next opportunity, up for the challenge of building a career in the yachting industry, or simply want to stay informed about future roles, salary insights and industry opportunities, we encourage you to submit your profile to Oceaneria.
By joining our network, you'll become part of a growing community of yacht professionals and gain access to career opportunities, industry knowledge and practical insights designed to help you move forward.
