Working as a crew member on a luxury yacht is a dream for many, but it is not a career for the faint of heart. The yachting industry demands a unique blend of skills, dedication, and resilience. Whether you are aspiring to be a deckhand or already part of a yacht crew, understanding the mindset and traits necessary for success is crucial. This blog post will explore the key characteristics and attitudes that define a successful yacht crew member, offering valuable insights for those looking to thrive in this high-pressure environment.
Adaptability: Embracing Change and Uncertainty
Adaptability is one of the most critical traits for anyone in the yachting industry. Yacht crew members often face rapidly changing circumstances, whether it’s a sudden shift in weather, a change in itinerary, or an unexpected request from guests. For example, on my first yacht, which was based in the Mediterranean for the winter, I had made plans to fly back to the UK for Christmas to see my family. As soon as I arrived in the UK, I got a call from the Captain saying that the boss was arriving in 24 hours and I needed to be back on board in 12 hours. I went straight from arrivals back to departures and had to cancel my Christmas plans. That was disappointing, but on the flip side, you might be berthed in the Med for the winter and get a call from the boss to head to the Maldives ASAP. You have to take the rough with the smooth.
Embracing the Unexpected
Life on a yacht is anything but predictable. Crew members must be ready to handle unexpected challenges at any moment. These challenges could range from addressing maintenance issues to quickly adapting to new guest preferences. A successful yacht crew member remains calm under pressure and approaches each situation with a problem-solving mindset. As a green crew member, this usually means assuming a supporting role to the senior crew. Don’t add to the unexpected challenges by going against the flow.
Flexibility in Roles
Unlike many other professions, yacht crew members often wear multiple hats. A deckhand might be called upon to assist with interior duties, or a stewardess might need to help with exterior cleaning. Being flexible and willing to step outside your primary role is essential in ensuring the smooth operation of the yacht. For example, on one yacht I worked on, the deck crew used to help out in the laundry, ironing the bed linen during quieter times. This was a welcome break from routine, and you got to hang out with the interior team and learn a new, albeit mundane, skill. There should be no job that is ‘beneath you’.
Attention to Detail: Striving for Perfection
In the world of luxury yachting, excellence is not just expected; it is demanded. Attention to detail is paramount, as the standards are exceptionally high. Guests expect immaculate cleanliness involving everything from the precise arrangement of cutlery to the meticulous polishing of surfaces. Developing an eye for detail is going to be something to work hard at. Remember: “there is no such thing as a clean superyacht”. This mantra also applies to your appearance and personal space (crew cabin inspections are commonplace). This attention to detail mindset also leans into the philosophy that ‘if you take care of the small things, the big things take care of themselves’.
Precision in Execution
It is not just an immaculate superyacht that matters. It is also how we carry out our work and the professionalism with which we do it. On deck, this can be anything from morning setup to hauling anchor or tender operations. A professional attitude and a flawless work ethic are paramount. In the beginning, that means a willingness to learn quickly and an acceptance that the respect of the senior crew is earned. You start as a small fish in a big pond. Beyond the luxury, everything on a superyacht is geared towards time efficiency because time is money – the boss’s money. All our movements are rapid, precise, and controlled. During a mooring operation, for example, you should not be running on deck (it’s arguably dangerous and gives the wrong impression of impending disaster), nor should you be standing still (this might give the impression of being idle), but somewhere in between – moving with genuine confidence and purpose.
Continuous Improvement
A successful yacht crew member continually seeks ways to improve their performance. This means not only meeting the high standards but also finding ways to exceed them. This is especially important at the start of your career. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and try not to ask the same question twice. Whether it’s learning new skills or refining existing ones, a commitment to continuous improvement is a hallmark of an outstanding crew member. Here are some of our career development courses. Contrary to popular belief, being a deckhand can be a very monotonous job at times which doesn’t require much brain power. This routine can lead to boredom – with all the negative spin-offs that go with that – so learning a new skill or seeking ways of improvement can also be a welcome source of positive stimulation. Bear in mind, however, that this is likely something that you are going to have to seek out yourself and is not something that is going to be handed to you. A great example of this is working towards your Officer Of the Watch Training Record Book.
Teamwork: Collaborating for Success
The ability to work effectively as part of a team is another vital trait for yacht crew members. The success of a yacht’s operation depends on the seamless collaboration between all crew members, each playing a crucial role. This can sometimes be a huge source of conflict on a superyacht, especially when there is a clash of egos. The good news is that at a junior level you won’t have much, if any, say in the day-to-day operations and therefore very little decision-making responsibility. Being a good team player for junior crew generally means getting comfortable with eating ‘humble pie’ and doing what you are told in the beginning. Try to avoid confrontation where possible, hold a positive outlook, and remember that sometimes mistakes are for others to make – even if you think you know better… Oh, and always remember to smile.
Clear Communication
Effective communication is the backbone of successful teamwork. Crew members must be able to convey information clearly and efficiently, whether it’s during a high-pressure situation or a routine task. This ensures that everyone is on the same page and can work together effectively. This is especially important when using the crew radios or a VHF. It is always a good idea to over-communicate – but try not to waffle. Also, when listening to radio communication, try not to second guess what is going on by making assumptions. Remember: “assumption is the mother of all f@#k ups”.
Mutual Support and Respect
Respect and support among crew members are essential for maintaining a positive and productive working environment. This involves recognizing each other’s strengths and weaknesses, offering help when needed, and fostering a sense of camaraderie. Crew etiquette plays an important role here. It’s the little things that matter, for example, clearing away after yourself or making sure everyone has eaten before taking a second helping at mealtimes. Be considerate in your shared work and living space – a cohesive team is more resilient and better equipped to handle the challenges of life at sea, which makes your life easier in the long run.
Professionalism: Upholding High Standards
Professionalism is a non-negotiable trait for yacht crew members. This encompasses not only the way you perform your duties but also how you conduct yourself both on and off the yacht. Many yachties have succumbed to the dangerous mix of temptation and disposable income, only to find themselves jobless the next day. Yachting is a word-of-mouth industry and is a surprisingly small world. Word does get around.
Maintaining Composure
Yacht crew members often operate under intense scrutiny from guests who expect the highest level of service. Maintaining composure and professionalism, even in stressful situations, is crucial. This involves being courteous, respectful, and discreet at all times when dealing with guests. The same can be said for crewmembers – especially senior crew. You cannot let yourself reach your ‘flash’ point. Take whatever comes your way on the nose and just remember that it is only a superyacht, a toy for the boss – you are not finding a cure for cancer.
Representing the Yacht
As a crew member, you are a representative of the yacht and, by extension, its owner. This means upholding the yacht’s reputation by demonstrating professionalism in all interactions, whether with guests, port authorities, or other maritime professionals. Your behavior directly impacts the yacht’s image and the experience of its guests. For example, if you are driving guests in a tender and someone cuts you off, you cannot start swearing at them as you might in your own car.
Resilience: Enduring the Demands of the Job
Working on a yacht is physically and mentally demanding. Crew members often work long hours with few breaks, and the job can be both physically strenuous and emotionally taxing. Resilience is, therefore, a key trait for those looking to succeed in this environment. Resilience is also a trait needed for dealing with rejection when trying to find your first job.
Physical Stamina
The physical demands of working on a yacht require a high level of fitness. Crew members must be prepared for long days of physically intensive work, from heavy lifting to extensive cleaning. Maintaining good physical health is essential for enduring the rigors of the job. For example, that means staying hydrated and wearing sunblock while working on deck in the sun. Heat stroke is a common occupational hazard and is no joke – and your crewmates won’t thank you for the extra workload.
Mental Toughness
Mental resilience is equally important. The ability to stay positive and motivated, even when faced with challenging situations or long stretches away from home, is vital. Developing coping strategies, such as stress management techniques, can help sustain mental well-being during busy times. However, a healthy work-life balance is unrealistic to implement when on charter. It is how you spend your down-time that matters. If you work hard and play harder, you will eventually burn out.
Discretion: Respecting Privacy and Confidentiality
Discretion is an indispensable trait for yacht crew members. Given the exclusive and often high-profile nature of the yachting world, maintaining the confidentiality of guests and owners is paramount. Crew members often have access to the personal lives of high-profile guests. Respecting their privacy and maintaining discretion about what you see and hear on board is crucial. Understanding the importance of confidentiality extends beyond the yacht. It means not discussing details about guests, itineraries, or operations outside of the yacht environment. Remember the phrase “loose lips sink ships”.
Conclusion: Cultivating the Right Mindset
In conclusion, the journey to becoming a successful yacht crew member is one of continuous learning and personal growth for those who possess the right mindset and traits. Adaptability, attention to detail, teamwork, professionalism, resilience, and discretion are all crucial for thriving as a yacht crew member. By cultivating these mindsets, aspiring and current crew members can excel in the high-pressure work environment of luxury yachting, providing exceptional service and ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience for their guests.