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Can I work on superyacht with a tattoo?

We all know that the superyacht industry can be a superficial one – I mean what other industry besides a modelling agency requires your photo on your cv right? – but what does this mean for potential crew with existing tattoos? The superyacht industry is a competitive one, especially for new crew as the sheer volume of yachties looking for work is high, so…

Will having a tattoo make it impossible for you to find work?

The short answer is that you can find work onboard a yacht with tattoos, but it will depend on the size and number of tattoos that are visible in your uniform. The industry has certainly become more relaxed surrounding tattoos, as the number of crew we have met with them has romantically increased in the past number of years, but ultimately the final call will come down to the personal preference of the yacht owner and/or captain.

Many recruitment agencies will enquire ask you to declare if you have any tattoos when applying for a position online. If you have large tattoos that cover a significant portion of your body and that would be visible either on your forearms, calves, neck or face you may be required to submit a photo of the tattoo for the employer to decide whether or not this will be acceptable. Working on yachts is essentially a glorified hospitality position and you will be customer facing majority of the day, so it goes without saying that if you tattoos are offensive, or covering a significant portion of your face it is highly unlikely you will be successfully employed.

However, if you have a small tattoo on your foot, wrist or thigh that can be easily covered with make up, plaster or in uniform we suggest you be upfront and honest about it with your crew agents as there is little chance of that hindering your employment status. What is more important is that you show your potential employer that you are keen, willing to work hard and most importantly are a team player. Check out our blog on the skills that could benefit you on yachts and how to work on a superyacht, with no experience to read up on some additional skills that will help you find that ever elusive first job on a yacht.

Impress your captain with a can-do attitude and we are confident there will be no issue for you to Get Onboard.

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1. what are the basic requirements you need to be eligible to work in the yachting industry, 2. what is the stcw and why do i need it, 3. what is the eng1 medical certificate, 4. what land based experience will help me find a super yacht job, 5. what are the different departments onboard, 6. what crew training is required for me to work as a junior deckhand.

• Yachtmaster/Coastal Skipper Theory
• Yachtmaster/Coastal Practical
• Specialist Super Yacht Training Course (Deck Hand Training Course)
• RYA Power Boat Level II
• RYA Personal Watercraft Course
• RYA Competent Crew Certificate
• RYA Day Skipper Theory and Practical Certificates
• VHF Radio Operator’s License

7. What crew training is required for me to work as a junior stewardess?

• Stewardess Course
• Proficiency in Designated Security Duties (PDSD)
• MCA Food Safety Level 2
• RYA Powerboat Level 2

8. How do I book my training courses?

9. how do i get my first job on a yacht, 10. are these courses worth it, or am i just wasting my money, 11. will i get hired for my first job from south africa, 12. what is daywork, 13. what are the best locations to get a yacht job, 14. how much can a motor yacht stewardess or deckhand earn, 15. what are the negatives of working on a yacht, 16. what are the positives of working on a yacht, 17. is working on a super yacht for everyone, 18. what is the minimum age to work on a yacht, 19. is accommodation provided when i am completing my yacht training in cape town.

Can You Work on a Superyacht with Tattoos? Guide

Superyachts, the epitome of luxury and opulence, have long captivated the imaginations of those with a taste for the high life. These magnificent vessels, adorned with lavish interiors and offering unrivaled experiences on the open seas, have become a symbol of prestige and exclusivity. 

But as the allure of superyachts beckons, one question often arises: Can individuals with tattoos work on a superyacht? In an industry where standards and expectations run high, let’s delve into the world of superyacht employment and explore the considerations and opportunities available for those with tattoos.

The Historical Perception of Tattoos and Their Association with Rebellion and Counterculture.

Tattoos have a rich historical background, often associated with various cultural practices and personal expression. However, tattoos were not always widely accepted and embraced by society. In many cultures, tattoos were initially perceived as symbols of rebellion and counterculture.

In Western societies, tattoos were commonly associated with marginalized groups such as sailors, bikers, and prisoners. These groups adopted tattoos as a means of personal expression, often symbolizing their affiliation, experiences, or a sense of defiance against societal norms. This association with rebellion and deviance contributed to the negative perception of tattoos within mainstream society.

This negative perception extended into professional environments, where tattoos were often stigmatized. In many industries, including the yachting industry, there was a traditional expectation that individuals should present a clean-cut and professional appearance. Tattoos were viewed as unprofessional, potentially signaling a lack of discipline, respectability, or conformity to the established norms of the industry.

The yachting industry, in particular, upheld a strict standard of professionalism and a focus on impeccable presentation. Yachts were often associated with luxury, elegance, and high-class clientele. As a result, crew members were expected to maintain a polished and professional image to uphold the reputation and standards of the industry.

Tattoos, with their historical association with rebellion and counterculture, were seen as conflicting with the desired image of professionalism. Crew members were expected to project an air of refinement and sophistication, catering to the expectations and preferences of the affluent clientele. Visible tattoos were perceived as detracting from this image and potentially undermining the desired perception of the industry.

Thus, in the traditional perception of the yachting industry and other professional environments, tattoos were often stigmatized and considered incompatible with the expectations of a professional appearance. However, it is important to note that societal attitudes towards tattoos have been evolving, and perceptions regarding tattoos in professional settings have started to shift in recent years.

Evolving Attitudes Towards Tattoos in Society and the Workplace

In recent years, there has been a notable shift in societal attitudes towards tattoos. What was once stigmatized as a symbol of rebellion and counterculture has gradually gained acceptance as a form of self-expression and personal art. This change can be attributed to various factors, including cultural shifts, generational differences, and increased visibility of tattoos in mainstream media.

Society has become more open-minded and inclusive, embracing diversity in all its forms, including different forms of body art. Tattoos are now widely recognized as a legitimate and meaningful way for individuals to express their identities, beliefs, and life experiences. They are seen as an art form that allows individuals to display their creativity and commemorate important milestones or personal narratives.

This changing perception of tattoos has also influenced workplace attitudes. Many industries have adapted to these evolving cultural norms by relaxing their policies on visible tattoos. While certain professions that require a conservative appearance, such as law or finance, may still have stricter guidelines, other industries have become more accepting.

The yachting industry, once known for its strict standards regarding appearance, has also experienced a shift in attitudes towards tattoos. Yacht owners and charter guests are becoming more diverse in their backgrounds and personal preferences. As a result, the industry has recognized the need to adapt to these changing cultural norms and cater to a broader clientele.

Some yacht companies and owners have revised their policies to allow crew members to have visible tattoos. They understand that tattoos do not necessarily impact a person’s ability to perform their duties professionally. Instead, the focus has shifted towards evaluating crew members based on their skills, qualifications, and commitment to providing excellent service.

Moreover, the yachting industry has come to appreciate the benefits of diversity and individuality among its crew members. Tattoos are now viewed as a part of a crew member’s unique identity and personal story, which can enhance the guest experience by creating a more authentic and relatable atmosphere on board.

That being said, it’s important to note that while attitudes towards tattoos have become more accepting, there may still be some limitations or guidelines in place, particularly for highly visible or offensive tattoos. The industry strives to strike a balance between embracing individuality and maintaining a professional image that aligns with the expectations of guests.

In conclusion, changing societal attitudes towards tattoos as a form of self-expression and personal art have influenced the workplace, including the yachting industry. The industry has recognized the need to adapt to these cultural shifts, leading to a more inclusive and accepting environment where crew members can express their individuality through tattoos, while still maintaining a professional appearance.

Recruitment Policies of Superyacht Companies and Agencies Regarding Tattoos.

The recruitment policies regarding tattoos in the superyacht industry can vary between different companies and individual yachts. While there is no uniform policy that applies to all yacht crew positions, there are general trends and considerations that companies and agencies take into account.

In recent years, there has been a noticeable shift towards more accepting attitudes towards visible tattoos within the industry. Many superyacht companies and agencies have revised their recruitment policies to accommodate crew members with tattoos. However, it is important to note that the level of acceptance can still vary depending on the specific role and the expectations of the yacht’s owner or charter guests.

For positions that involve direct guest interaction, such as stewards or stewardesses, there may still be a preference for a more conservative appearance. In these roles, crew members are often responsible for providing a high level of service and creating a luxurious environment for the guests. Some yachts may prefer crew members to have minimal or discreet tattoos to maintain a polished and professional image.

On the other hand, positions such as deckhands, engineers, or chefs may have more lenient policies regarding visible tattoos. These roles often involve more physical work or behind-the-scenes responsibilities, where direct guest interaction may be limited. Yachts and companies recognize that tattoos do not necessarily impact the individual’s ability to perform their duties effectively in these positions.

It is important for prospective yacht crew members to research and understand the specific policies and preferences of each company or yacht they are interested in working with. Some companies may have strict policies against visible tattoos, while others may have more relaxed guidelines. In certain cases, yacht owners or charter guests may have specific preferences regarding tattoos, which companies will take into consideration during the recruitment process.

Additionally, as the acceptance of tattoos continues to grow within society, there is an increasing number of yacht owners and charter guests who are open to crew members with visible tattoos. Some yachts even celebrate the diversity and individuality of their crew members, considering tattoos as a part of their unique identity and a way to enhance the overall guest experience.

In conclusion, recruitment policies regarding tattoos in the superyacht industry can vary depending on the specific company, yacht, and position. While there has been a general shift towards more acceptance of visible tattoos, certain roles that involve direct guest interaction may still prioritize a more conservative appearance. Prospective crew members should research the policies of individual companies and yachts to understand the expectations and preferences for visible tattoos in each particular case.

Significance of Professionalism in the Superyacht Industry.

Professionalism holds significant importance in the superyacht industry, where high standards of service, luxury, and guest satisfaction are paramount. Crew members are representatives of the yacht and are expected to uphold a professional image that reflects the values and expectations of the industry.

Maintaining a neat and clean appearance is crucial for all crew members, regardless of whether or not they have visible tattoos. It is a fundamental aspect of professionalism that encompasses personal hygiene, grooming, and the overall presentation of oneself. This includes factors such as well-maintained hair, trimmed nails, clean uniforms, and a positive attitude.

Crew members with visible tattoos can still project a professional image through appropriate attire and grooming practices. They can choose clothing options that cover their tattoos during guest interactions or opt for uniforms specifically designed to accommodate tattoos. This demonstrates a level of respect and consideration for the preferences of guests and aligns with the industry’s focus on providing a polished and luxurious experience.

Furthermore, crew members with tattoos can ensure that their tattoos are well-maintained, clean, and not visually distracting. Regular care and maintenance of tattoos, such as keeping them properly moisturized and avoiding fading or discoloration, contribute to a professional appearance.

Effective communication and interpersonal skills are also essential components of professionalism in the superyacht industry. Crew members, regardless of their physical appearance, are expected to engage with guests in a friendly, polite, and respectful manner. Professionalism extends beyond one’s appearance to encompass behavior, language, and the ability to anticipate and meet the needs of guests.

Ultimately, the professionalism of yacht crew members is evaluated based on their competence, reliability, dedication, and their ability to provide exceptional service. While a clean and professional appearance is important, it is just one aspect of the overall package that crew members bring to the table.

In conclusion, professionalism plays a vital role in the superyacht industry. Maintaining a neat and clean appearance is important for all crew members, irrespective of visible tattoos. Crew members with tattoos can still project a professional image by adopting appropriate attire, practicing good grooming, and demonstrating excellent communication skills. Ultimately, the focus remains on providing exceptional service, meeting the expectations of guests, and upholding the reputation of the superyacht industry.

Some Yacht Owners May Have Their Preferences Regarding Crew Appearance, Including Tattoos.

In the superyacht industry, individual yacht owners play a significant role in influencing the crew selection process, including their preferences regarding crew appearance, which may include attitudes towards tattoos. As owners of these luxury vessels, they have the authority to set specific guidelines and expectations for the appearance and professionalism of the crew members on their yacht.

Yacht owners can have varying preferences and opinions when it comes to tattoos. Some owners may have a more conservative outlook and prefer crew members with minimal or no visible tattoos to maintain a certain aesthetic or uphold their personal beliefs. In such cases, yacht companies and agencies take these preferences into account during the crew selection process, ensuring that the crew aligns with the owner’s expectations.

On the other hand, there are yacht owners who are more open-minded and accepting of tattoos. They recognize that tattoos are a form of self-expression and may even celebrate the diversity and individuality of their crew members. In these instances, the crew selection process may prioritize the qualifications, skills, and professionalism of the applicants, rather than their tattooed appearance.

The influence of individual yacht owners on crew selection can also extend to the policies and guidelines implemented by yacht companies and agencies. If an owner has a strong preference for or against tattoos, the company may adjust its recruitment policies accordingly to cater to the specific needs and preferences of that owner.

It’s important to note that the level of influence that yacht owners have on crew selection can vary. Some owners may have a hands-on approach and personally participate in the selection process, while others may delegate this responsibility to yacht management companies or agencies. Regardless of the level of involvement, the preferences and opinions of yacht owners significantly impact crew selection decisions.

In conclusion, individual yacht owners have a considerable influence on the crew selection process, including their preferences regarding crew appearance, which may include attitudes towards tattoos. Yacht companies and agencies take into account the owner’s preferences to ensure that the selected crew aligns with their expectations. Some owners may have more conservative views, while others may be more open-minded and accepting of tattoos. The crew selection process considers these preferences to create a cohesive and harmonious onboard environment that meets the expectations of the yacht owner.

Practical Tips for Crew Members with Visible Tattoos to Manage Their Appearance.

For crew members with visible tattoos in the superyacht industry, there are practical steps they can take to manage their appearance while still maintaining a professional image. Here are some tips:

• Clothing options : Opt for clothing that covers your tattoos during guest interactions. Long-sleeved shirts, blouses, or dresses can help conceal visible tattoos on the arms or shoulders. Consider the yacht’s uniform policy and choose garments that are appropriate and align with the yacht’s aesthetic.
• Makeup and concealer: Explore the use of makeup and concealer to temporarily cover your tattoos when necessary. There are specialized products available that can provide effective coverage. Experiment with different brands and shades to find what works best for your specific tattoo colors and skin tone.
• Creative placement: If feasible, consider the placement of your tattoos in areas that can be easily covered by clothing. This allows you to have the option of displaying or concealing them based on the specific requirements of your role or guest interactions.
• Communication with management and owners: Open and honest communication with yacht management and owners is crucial. Discuss your tattoos during the interview or hiring process, ensuring that you understand their expectations and any specific policies they have regarding tattoos. This allows for transparency and ensures that both parties are aligned on the matter.
• Adhere to grooming standards: Regardless of tattoos, maintain a high level of personal grooming and cleanliness . Ensure that your tattoos are well-maintained and not visually distracting. This includes regularly moisturizing your tattoos to prevent dryness or fading.
• Professional behavior: Focus on delivering exceptional service and demonstrating professionalism in all aspects of your work. While appearance matters, your attitude, skills, and dedication are equally important factors that contribute to the overall perception of your professionalism.

Remember that individual yacht owners may have varying attitudes towards tattoos. It’s important to respect their preferences and adapt accordingly. By taking these practical steps and maintaining open communication, you can manage your appearance effectively while still embracing your individuality through your tattoos.

Watch Yacht crew tattoos & seasick stews | Video

Top 5 FAQs and answers related to Can You Work on a Superyacht with Tattoos

Can i work on a superyacht if i have visible tattoos .

Yes, it is possible to work on a superyacht with visible tattoos. Attitudes towards tattoos in the industry have become more accepting, and many yacht companies and owners have relaxed their policies regarding visible tattoos. However, the level of acceptance can vary depending on the specific yacht, position, and the preferences of the owner or charter guests.

Will having visible tattoos affect my chances of getting hired as a yacht crew member? 

While visible tattoos may have been a concern in the past, attitudes are changing, and many yacht companies are becoming more accepting. The impact on your chances of being hired can depend on various factors, including the specific company, the position you are applying for, and the preferences of the yacht owner or charter guests. It is essential to research and understand the policies and preferences of the companies and yachts you are interested in working with.

Are there specific positions on a superyacht where having visible tattoos is more acceptable? 

Yes, some positions on a superyacht may be more accepting of visible tattoos than others. Roles that involve less direct guest interaction, such as deckhands, engineers, or chefs, may have more lenient policies regarding visible tattoos. On the other hand, positions that involve significant guest interaction, such as stewards or stewardesses, may have stricter expectations for a more conservative appearance. However, these preferences can vary depending on the specific yacht and the owner’s preferences.

What can I do to manage my visible tattoos while working on a superyacht? 

To manage visible tattoos while working on a superyacht, you can consider clothing options that cover your tattoos during guest interactions, use makeup or concealer to temporarily conceal them, or choose creative placement of tattoos that can be easily covered by clothing. It is also important to maintain open communication with yacht management and owners to understand their expectations and any specific policies they have regarding tattoos.

How can I ensure a professional image while having visible tattoos on a superyacht? 

To maintain a professional image with visible tattoos on a superyacht, it is important to focus on overall grooming and cleanliness. Regularly moisturize your tattoos to keep them well-maintained, adhere to grooming standards, and deliver exceptional service with a positive attitude. Professional behavior and open communication with the yacht management and owners are also essential to ensure that you align with their expectations and demonstrate your commitment to maintaining a professional image.

Conclusion:

Attitudes towards tattoos in the workplace, including the superyacht industry, have been evolving. While tattoos were historically stigmatized and considered incompatible with a professional image, there has been a noticeable shift in recent years.

Many industries, including the superyacht industry, are becoming more accepting of tattoos as a form of self-expression and personal art. While some restrictions may still exist, opportunities are available for individuals with tattoos to work on superyachts.

It is important to strike a balance between self-expression and maintaining professionalism. Crew members with tattoos can manage their appearance through clothing choices, makeup, creative placement, and open communication with yacht management and owners.

The positive note is that the acceptance of tattoos in the workplace continues to grow. Society is becoming more open-minded and inclusive, recognizing that tattoos do not define an individual’s capabilities or professionalism. As time progresses, there is potential for even more inclusive attitudes and policies regarding tattoos in the superyacht industry and other professional fields.

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Are Superyacht Crew With Tattoos Still Less Likely To Find Work?

Many recruitment posts traditionally have stated ‘no-visible tattoos’, but with attitudes towards body art shifting worldwide, is it still true that superyacht crew with tattoos are less likely to find permanent work?

To answer the commonly asked question ‘can you work on a superyacht with tattoos?’, we reached out to tattooed crew members and seasoned recruiters to discover the current stance on body art within the industry. 

The yachting industry only continues to grow in popularity, with many newcomers flocking to yachting hubs in hopes of landing their first yachting job (Below Deck has a lot to answer for), but what is the likelihood of permanent employment for visibly tattooed hopefuls?

Origin of the sailor tattoo

Seafarer tattoos are believed to have originated in Polynesia and were brought to the West by Captain James Cook in the 1700s. Traditionally, tattoos served as markers of a sailor’s travels, indicating his beliefs, his role aboard the ship and his superstitions.

The tradition of tattooing continued to spread throughout the world’s Navies – bored seafarers would tattoo mementos of their travels to pass the time during long voyages. Other amusing tattoo trends emerged during the Second World War when the inking of a rooster and pig on each foot was popular, it was thought to prevent sailors from drowning. 

Today, the culture surrounding marine industries has changed and a more ‘professional’ appearance is now considered more important. Perhaps this is especially true when considering the yachting industry, an industry that places a high value on discretion, image, and sleekness.

However, with many crew transitioning from commercial seafaring backgrounds where tattoos are likely to be less of an issue onboard, do tattooed crew struggle to find permanent positions on board private vessels? 

“I’m finding that more often than not the experience is the clincher, and a great [crew member] won’t be turned down for an inoffensive tattoo”

Erica Lay started her recruitment career in 2007, working for The Crew Network . She moved on to YCO in 2008 before leaving at the end of 2012 to open her boutique agency EL CREW CO . For those of you who may be questioning ‘can yacht crew have tattoos?’, Lay may have some answers.

Lay has noticed that when it comes to recruiting tattooed crew, it depends largely on the position: “Over the years I’ve generally had no issues placing engineers and chefs with tattoos, the problem seems to be more prevalent with client-facing roles such as interior and deck roles”

The now managing director of EL CREW CO feels that as general attitudes towards tattoos are changing within society, larger more visible tattoos are becoming more accepted: “Tattoos [were once] reserved for military personnel, gang members, and prisoners. Tattoos have gone from crude basic inkings to works of art that often tell a very personal story”, Lay elaborates.

As for a shift in attitude towards tattoos within the industry, Lay believes that experience is now of higher priority: “For senior positions, I’m finding that more often than not the experience is the clincher, and a great chief stew won’t be turned down for an inoffensive tattoo. Chefs with tattoos aren’t an issue, nor are engineers. I’ve even worked with some sailing yacht owners who expect tattoos on their crew, as in their eyes it demonstrates a ‘real sailor’.”

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“the attitude has changed, those who did not really ‘like’ [tattoos] in the past have learnt to accept them”.

Maria Carnicelli, who has recruited crew for The Crew Network for three years, believes one reason for the ‘no visible tattoo’ request could be because of charter clients: [On charter yachts] the nationality of clients varies, and there is no certainty that they are ok with tattoos. I believe that in this case the no tattoo policy is set in stone just to avoid creating any potential discontent of the client”

Like Lay, Carnicelli does however believe that due to the shifting worldwide acceptability of visible tattoos, the yachting industry is following suit:

“People with tattoos used to be compared to non-serious people, or people with bad habits. Now that at least 60% of the worldwide population has at least one tattoo. The attitude has changed and those who in the past did not really ‘like’ tattoos have learnt to accept them. As usual, this is something that relies on the culture and the age of the Owner.”

“At no point have I been affected by the fact I have visible tattoos. Sadly I’m aware this is not the case for all tattooed crew”

Christian Deakin, Chief Officer onboard a 42-metre motor yacht, agrees that there has been a noticeable shift in attitude in recent years: “I remember looking at particular Facebook groups and recruitment websites before I joined the industry, and seeing that at least 50% of the posts said ‘No visible tattoos’, and thinking perhaps this is an industry I won’t be able to become a part of”. 

Deakin has several tattoos, both visible in uniform and concealed. The pieces that are visible in uniform include a fully tattooed forearm and a 3/4 sleeve on his right arm, as well as a small ankle tattoo. 

Whilst Deakin believes he has been fortunate that his tattoos have not prevented him from finding work, he understands this may not always be the case: “I have done quite well at working my way up the ladder and at no point have I been affected by the fact I have visible tattoos. Sadly I’m aware this is not the case for all tattooed crew”

‘Finding the right boat’

Most seem to agree that for heavily tattooed folk, it has historically been a case of ‘finding the right boat’, with owners that are perhaps more open-minded. Perhaps then, it is the introduction of a new generation of yacht-owner that is set to be the catalyst for a change in attitude. Deakin echoes this: “In my opinion times have changed, the mentality has changed worldwide not just in yachting. now everywhere you look you see people with tattoos. A lot of the new generation yacht owners have tattoos, so they are unlikely to say that their crew shouldn’t have them”.

Alexandra Post, who has worked on her current vessel for the last two years, explains how she had repeatedly been turned down by boats due to tattoos: “I had many interviews with promising outcomes, only to have opportunities fall through as a result of my visible tattoos. I went through emotional rollercoasters continuously and ended up working in a bar close to a marina. I befriended a local, only later to learn that he was a yacht captain. He eventually hired me and gave me a chance to prove my work ethic”

Post suggests that the yachting industry may not have previously accepted tattoos due to the concept of ‘purity’: “ I think people’s opinion, in terms of upper-class industries, is that of ‘purity’. People with tattoos are often judged immediately based on their visible ink”.

But Post, now happily employed, also agrees that perhaps attitudes are changing and that perhaps now the onus is rightly on work ethic, and the individual approach of each crew member: “If crew with visible tattoos work just as hard as those that don’t, and can be respectful and presentable, attitudes will change. I believe all people can contribute to the industry, visible tattoos or not”

The verdict

Many within the yachting industry are in agreement that although it has historically been difficult to gain acceptance as a crew member with visible ink, attitudes and connotations around tattoos are changing worldwide. Surely then the yachting industry will follow suit.

In air travel, it appears that body art is already becoming less of an issue for cabin crew. A recent article by Globe Trender revealed that:

“Virgin Atlantic has announced a change in policy regarding tattoos for its uniform wearers and front line staff – becoming the first British airline to allow employees to show their body art”

Perhaps the yachting industry is not so far behind. The influx of a new generation of yacht owners may bring with it an overhaul of old ideals of what is deemed acceptable within the industry.

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Can I still get work on a Superyacht with a tattoo?

As an online superyacht crew recruitment platform, we often get asked if tattoos are a barrier to getting work onboard a luxury vessel? 

Like most walks of life, superyacht owners come from a variety of backgrounds and walks of life themselves. So I strongly believe there will always be a yacht for every type of yachtie. Owners who like tattoos, owners who don’t and those who are completely indifferent either way! What I would say though, is that visible tattoos can reduce the number of roles you might be successful in applying for, due to the fact that some boats have a no visible tattoo policy.

The superyacht industry is renowned for being particular, to say the least.  It’s a popular career choice, so there’s lots of competition for jobs and employers want only the most committed, hard-working crew members. Crew who will fit in with the ethos of delivering an exceptional standard of service, take instruction, learn quickly and fit in with the team.

So although the answer is YES you can get work on a Superyacht if you’ve got a tattoo.  There is a rather large BUT … landing that superyacht gig you really want will depend on where, what and how large your tattoo is?

With tattoos becoming more and more popular, superyacht captains and recruiters have become more relaxed, they’ve had to. They’re very aware they could be missing out on a fabulous stewardess, deckhand, engineer, paddleboard instructor or chef if they say no to tattoos, but likewise they do have to be mindful of the owner’s preferences and those of his/her guests and the sensitivities of charter guests. After all, superyacht jobs are pretty much all customer facing, so it goes without saying that any offensive tattoos or big facial tattoos might hinder your chances of getting work if there’s a chance the guests might be offended in any way.

If yours is a small or discreet tattoo you got whilst on holiday or on a gap year, that you can easily cover up if you’re asked to, then you should have nothing to worry about.

On the other hand, if your tattoo is large or visible either below the line of your t-shirt sleeve, above your collar line or below the knee, some yachts might discount you. It’s very subjective.  The final decision depends very much on the captain and owner. I’d suggest the type, size and location of the tattoo is so subjective you might even be asked to send in a picture of it, along with your application just to check it’s acceptable.

Saying that, we’ve had many, many crew with tattoos, make successful applications for jobs onboard superyachts over the years and then go on to forge fabulous careers in the superyacht industry.  Some of them even getting more tattoos whilst overseas, travelling from country to country. 

One department that does seem to avoid as much scrutiny is the engine room. Mainly because many engineer roles are not client facing. For those with tattoos who wish to cover them up there are so many products out there. From skin colour arm wraps to cover up paints. One thing I would say though is that you should always be honest on your profile and CV. The best way to start a new role badly is to have to explain that you do have a visible tattoo on day 1 when you stated otherwise on your CV. You can always write that you can use cover up products when on charter. This seems to be much more common then when I started in the industry 10 years ago. 

What superyacht recruiters are really on the lookout for, are qualified crew with a positive, can-do approach to work and an enthusiasm to hard graft.  As long as you’ve ticked those boxes and you’re honest about your tattoos, you shouldn’t have any problems finding work on board a luxury superyacht.

If you’d like more information about recruiting crew onboard a motor yacht please get in touch today.  With access to nearly 70,000 yachting professionals worldwide  www.yotspot.com  enables you to hire people quickly and efficiently.  Post a job or search the  Yotspot database  to find onboard crew and people ashore for all your maritime and yachting needs.

The Seaworthy Stew

Tattoos in the superyacht industry.

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Nov 23, 2020

If you have tried to google ‘Can I work on a superyacht with a tattoo?’ or read about it on Facebook groups you will find a mixed bag of answers so hopefully this episode on The Seaworthy Stew podcast can provide more insight.  Firstly, d o you have a tattoo? Is it visible? What type of boat are you hoping to work on, sail yacht or motor yacht? Is the tattoo offensive? Are you aiming to be a yacht stew? A deckhand? An Engineer?  

There are a lot of factors to consider when you have a tattoo and you’re trying to get a job in the yachting industry.  Tune in to hear my views on job prospects for aspiring yacht crew with visible tattoos. 

WANT TO KICK START YOUR YACHTING CAREER? Check out this resource hub: https://www.theseaworthystew.com/kickstart ---

WANT TO KNOW THE FIRST STEPS TO YACHTING? Get your free eBook: https://www.theseaworthystew.com/littlebluebook

QUESTION? DM JESS ON INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/theseaworthystew/

About the Podcast

Wondering... How to become a yacht stewardess? What it's like to work on a superyacht? How to find a job in yachting? What training is required to work on superyachts? If you need to do courses to land your dream job at sea? Welcome to The Seaworthy Stew podcast, a show dedicated to answering all of those questions… and more! Whether you’re over your 9-5 and dream of travelling the world and getting paid to do it, you’re an airline or cruise ship stewardess looking to transition to a yacht stew, or you’ve just heard so much about the yachting industry and you want to know more about life onboard, this is the podcast for you. Each episode, you’ll hear about the real yacht crew life, info on how to kick-start your superyacht career and tips on becoming a junior yacht stew and landing your dream job on a yacht. Hit subscribe now to be notified when new episodes go live. To download my free eBook ‘Your First Steps To Yachting’ head to theseaworthystew.com/littlebluebook

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Tattoos In The Superyacht Industry

23 nov 2020 · the seaworthy stew.

If you have tried to google ‘Can I work on a superyacht with a tattoo?’ or read about it on Facebook groups you will find a mixed bag of answers so hopefully this episode on The Seaworthy Stew podcast can provide more insight. Firstly, d o you have a tattoo? Is it visible? What type of boat are you hoping to work on, sail yacht or motor yacht? Is the tattoo offensive? Are you aiming to be a yacht stew? A deckhand? An Engineer?

There are a lot of factors to consider when you have a tattoo and you’re trying to get a job in the yachting industry. Tune in to hear my views on job prospects for aspiring yacht crew with visible tattoos.

WANT TO KICK START YOUR YACHTING CAREER? Check out this resource hub: https://www.theseaworthystew.com/kickstart ---

WANT TO KNOW THE FIRST STEPS TO YACHTING? Get your free eBook: https://www.theseaworthystew.com/littlebluebook

QUESTION? DM JESS ON INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/theseaworthystew/

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How To Get A Job As A Yacht Stewardess

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Looking to work in the superyacht industry and wondering how to get a job as a yacht stew? Here's your go-to information for landing your first job on a superyacht, this episode covers:

Ready to learn more about being a yacht stew?! Save this free guide – 7 Ways to Nail Your First 7 Days As A Yacht Stew

Best of luck with your new yachting adventure!

P.S Download the Yacht Crew Packing List here

5 Yachting Interview Questions To Ask (& What Not To Say)

An exciting (and nerve-wracking) part of getting your first yachting job is getting the call or email to say you’ve been short-listed for an interview.

You may wonder how to prepare for your yachting interview when you have no idea what to ask?!

In this episode of The Seaworthy Stew Podcast, I share 5 questions to ask in your interview and why. It will give you insight into the superyacht you’re being interviewed for.

A yachting interview is as much of a decider for you as it is for the boat to see if you would be suitable for the role. After all, I don’t want you to get on a poorly run vessel so I’m hoping these questions will allow you to sort through and find a great boat!

Want to learn more about how to get a job on a superyacht? Check out my free eBook "Your First Steps To Yachting" grab it here Want to build up your stewardess skills with an on-demand stewardess training course? Check out The Seaworthy Yacht Stew Training Course here

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How Superyachts Work & What Happens When You First Get Onboard

You’ve got your first job on a yacht! You’ve packed, you’ve travelled and now at the boat about to walk onboard. EEEK! Those nerves kick in *Insert awkward smile*. Here’s what to expect during the first week, everything from safety walk-throughs, your first shift, settling in, radio communication, life onboard and the systems you'll have to get used to + tips at the end of the episode. Want the detailed guide on ‘7 ways to nail you’re first 7 days as a yacht stew’ >> Download here.

Want to learn more about how to get a job on a superyacht? Check out The Yachting Kickstarter Guide Course - A step-by-step, here's how you do it guide on landing your first job in the competitive yachting industry. Want to build up your stewardess skills with an on-demand stewardess training course? Check out The Seaworthy Yacht Stew Training Course here

What Is Day Work and What Should Green Crew Expect?

As green crew, one way to land a permanent role as a yacht stew or deckhand is by building up your new yachting CV with day work. Learning how to get day work and taking advantage of those opportunities can be a stepping stone to starting your yachting career.

Day work gives you an introduction to what it’s like to work onboard, where you start to build your first yacht stew or deckhand skills, it also gives you income during the job hunting phase, allows you to network and creates a positive reputation for you in the industry.

This episode answers these questions: What is day work on yachts? Why do yachts need day workers? How to get day work for yacht crew? What do you get paid as a day worker? What to wear to day work onboard? Hot tips for green crew when day working. Want to learn more about how to get a job on a superyacht? Check out The Yachting Kickstarter Guide Course - A step-by-step, here's how you do it guide on landing your first job in the competitive yachting industry. Want to build up your stewardess skills with an on-demand stewardess training course? Check out The Seaworthy Yacht Stew Training Course here

It’s Not Your Usual Yachting Job! Managing A Luxury Spa And Teaching Pilates Onboard Superyachts | Interview With Vee

Vee's Instagram @Pilateswithvee_ www.pilateswithvee.com

🤷‍♀️ What Will I Gain From Doing A Yacht Stew Training Course If It Doesn’t Guarantee Me A Job?

Do I need to do a training course to work as a yacht stew? What will I learn from a stewardess course? Will it guarantee me a junior stew role? If these questions have been on your mind and you’ve been debating whether or not to do interior superyacht training, check out this episode.

Jess From The Seaworthy Stew dives into what you will get out of a stewardess course and it’s not a guarantee that you will have a job… however there are lots of benefits you’ll discover for junior crew that will set you on the right pathway to professional yacht stewardess. Free guide 7 Ways To Nail Your First 7 Days As a Yacht Stew Download Here

1 Year Into Life As A Yacht Stew | Interview with Steph The Stewardess

As Steph now steps into a new role on a charter boat she gives some wise words to green crew who are about to embark on their yachting career. Sharing the self doubt she experienced when she was in Palma thinking I’ve got no experience, I’ve chosen the wrong job, I’m here at the wrong time, I’m never going to get a job to proving others wrong and overcoming it all when she finally landed the dream job at sea.

This episode is motivating and inspiring for green stews wanting to enter the yachting industry, giving you a glimpse of what you my experience.

If you you’re looking for your first postiion as a yacht stew, or your’re a solo or junior stew who’s looking to improve their stewardess skills + learn the systems that help make a well run boat then The Seaworthy Yacht Stew Online Training Course would be of huge benefit to your new yachting career.

This online course teaches the need to know practical side to working in the interior! SO when you step onbaord you will feel confident to rotate between housekeeping, laundry and service.

To check it out head to www.theseaworthystew.com/stewardess-training

How to Prepare For Your First Charter as a Junior Yacht Stew

Wondering how you can prepare for your first charter as a junior yacht stew? In today’s episode, I share tips on what to do to boost your confidence and go into the charter or yachting season being as prepared as possible.

From procedures to learn, what you need to understand and how the boat operates, the expectations of your exact role whether it’s laundry, housekeeping, service, or crew mess.

It’s always a busy time leading up to charter there are thousands of things going on so if you can be prepared in advance it makes your life so much easier and you go in feeling confident about it all. Hello SUPER STEW!

Want the shortcut to learning all the things a junior yacht stew needs to know? Join The Seaworthy Yacht Stewardess Online Training Course. Learn how to be a professional yacht stewardess with video training, downloadable checklists and tools to help you as a junior stew. This course teaches the need to know practical side to working in the interior of a yacht from housekeeping, cleaning, laundry, and service to table settings, food and beverage, flower care, and more!

Best times to find work on a superyacht

Want to know the three best times to find a job in yachting to give you the best chance at scoring work?

Are you wondering how to get a job on a yacht? How to find work as a yacht stew or deckhand?

Check out this episode! Yachting is seasonal, there are boat shows and events when more yacht crew are needed, and there's a change over of yacht crew at the beginning and end of a season. It's about timing it right to maximise job opportunities in the yachting industry.

Want to learn how to get a job on a yacht? Tools here >> The Yachting Kickstarter Guide Become a professional Yacht Stewardess: Course here >> The Seaworthy Yacht Stewardess Online Training Course

Getting the most out of your finances while working on yachts / Monica from CrewFo

An interview with Monica from CrewFo, an ex. yacht stewardess who was smart with her money (buying 2 investment properties during her time onboard). Monica shares her tips to get the most out of your finances as yacht crew from setting up your bank account correctly, organising cash cards, buying a property, using foreign exchange and investing. As yacht crew you earn good money so why not make the most out of it and set yourself up, after all this is one unique industry where you can save a huge chunk of money each month to benefit your future self.

CrewFo are a company which specialise in providing financial solutions for superyacht crew. They have offered Seaworthy Stew Podcast listeners 10% off their Preferred Plus Membership to check it out click here. Enter discount code SWS22 to access.

Want to learn how to get a job on a yacht? Tools here >> The Yachting Kickstarter Guide Learn the stewardess skills and train to be a yacht stew: Course here >> The Seaworthy Yacht Stewardess Online Training Course

Disclaimer: This podcast contains general financial information only. Monica is not a financial advisor she is speaking about her personal experience in the industry. You should consider if the information is appropriate to you and your needs, before acting on it.

Rotational Yacht Crew Jobs

When you’re searching for yacht jobs online as a stewardess or deckhand you may have seen jobs advertised as rotational or 3:1 or 2:1 and a lot of questions have popped up around these jobs. So today's episode we will get clear on what rotational jobs are, how they work, why they are sought after in the industry and the differences between working as a permanent yacht crew and rotational yacht crew. >> Want to know how to make a stand-out yachting CV? Check out The Yachting CV Toolkit

>> Junior stews wanting to level up their stew skills and feel 100% job-ready - Check out The Seaworthy Yacht Stewardess Training Course Yep! SIGN ME UP

What Training Courses Do I Need To Work On A Yacht?

Are you wondering what crew training you need to work on yacht? What qualifications are required for a stewardess? From the STCW and ENG1 Medical to The Food Safety Hygiene Level 2 and Interior Stewardess Training. There are lots of training courses to work on a yacht, some are required and some are extra's which can be to your advantage when first trying to get a job on a yacht. Plan for the start of your yachting adventure with this episode on yacht crew training courses!

>> Download the free eBook "Your First Steps To Yachting" here

Housekeeping Do's & Don'ts For Junior Yacht Stews

When you're first starting in the yachting industry everything feels foreign and as a Junior stewardess, there are so many new things to learn. In this episode, I run over housekeeping do's and don'ts which will help you to gain more knowledge about what to do and what not to do a yacht stew on a superyacht.

>> Download the FREEBIE GUIDE "10 Ways To Build Your Yacht Stew Skills From Home" here

>> Junior stews wanting to level up their stew skills and feel 100% job-ready - Check out The Seaworthy Yacht Stewardess Training Course. Yep! SIGN ME UP

10 Ways To Build Your Yacht Stew Skills From Home

When it comes to learning the skills to be a yacht stewardess it's a never-ending process, there are always new tips and tricks you discover along the way. However, it's important to get the foundations right as you progress in the industry.

If you're just starting out in the yachting world and want to know how you can improve your skills while you're still at home waiting to start your new life at sea this is the podcast for you!

It will help you develop skills at home before you even step foot onboard... which is always to your advantage. Download the FREEBIE GUIDE "10 Ways To Build Your Yacht Stew Skills From Home" here

Want to prepare the best you can before you start in your new yacht stew role? Let's get you job ready and feeling confident with The Seaworthy Yacht Stewardess Training Course. A 100% online course with everything you need to know to guide you on the right path to a professional yacht stewardess. Yep! SIGN ME UP

Chief Stew Advice 15 Years In The Yachting Industry | Interview with Marien from Yachts Mermaids

In today's episode, I chat with Marien From Yachts Mermaids who has over 15 years of experience in the superyacht industry. "If you want to grow personally... yachting is the fastest way to do so."

We discuss the transition for green yacht crew from land to sea, the importance of having support, following your inner guidance, dealing with challenges while working on a yacht, new menstrual onboard training and the key skills needed to step up to chief stew! + Marien answers your Q's sent in: - How to deal with a chief stew with a bad attitude - How to tell your parents you want to do yachting - What the main travel essentials are when packing

Superyacht Table Service - The Do's and Don'ts

In today's episode we run over the do's and don'ts of Superyacht table service. It will give you a good introduction to some of the foundations of service you need to know as a service stewardess role onboard. If you want to polish your service skills as a yacht stewardess. The Seaworthy Yacht Stewardess Course has you covered. Inside the course, you get video modules on service guidelines for the 4 main types of services onboard. You will also find Table Setting Guidelines for Informal and Formal dining, plus a How to Set a Table cheat sheet. As well as In the Drinks module you will have access to the wine service guidelines, bar set up checklists, and more.

Download The Seaworthy Yacht Stewardess Course here.

Superyacht Radio | Behind The Scenes Of The Seaworthy Stew

This episode is a rebroadcast from Superyacht Radio which is a podcast devoted to the global superyacht industry . Tune in to hear my interview with Maeve about and how I transformed 6 years experience as a Yacht Stewardess into creating a platform to help share this knowledge with aspiring yacht crew through online courses, podcasts, and support to guide green crew on how to break into the industry with confidence.

Want to learn more about how to be a yacht stew? Find out more from the Superyacht Stewardess Training Course at https://www.theseaworthystew.com/coursewaitlist

Are we Instagram friends yet? Connect with me over at https://www.instagram.com/theseaworthystew/

What Is Silver Service on Superyachts?

How to do silver service onboard a yacht? What is silver service? How to do the silver service technique?

There are many rules and principles of silver service onboard superyachts.

As a yacht stewardess, you need to be service savvy and understand a broad range of service styles.

Remember most services onboard are bespoke so they are tailored to the boss or guest preferences. Some rules you may have learned in a fine dining restaurant may not apply onboard because the service is guest-specific.

Want to learn more about how to be a yacht stewardess? Find out more from the Superyacht Stewardess Training Course at https://www.theseaworthystew.com/coursewaitlist

What Type Of Stew Are You - Housekeeping, Service or Laundry?

There are three main roles of a yacht stewardess and they fall into laundry, housekeeping and service. This episode runs over each department so you can work out what you might enjoy most and the skills required to advance in these roles.

What Are The Responsibilities Of A Yacht Stew?

So you want to be a yacht stew? Did you know stews have more responsibilities onboard than just providing awesome holidays for charter guests and nailing table settings?

Apart from the usual providing 5-star service to all guests, silver service, cocktail skills, l aundry and housekeeping onboard.. there are some responsibilities of yacht stewardess you may not be aware of. Have a listen to this episode to find out what they are.

➡️ Superyacht Stewardess Training course launching soon! Click here to join the waitlist. ---

WANT TO KNOW THE FIRST STEPS TO YACHTING? Grab the free eBook: www.theseaworthystew.com/littlebluebook

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#Yachtstewardess #Superyachtjobs #Superyachtcrew #Megayacht #Deckhand #stewardess #yachtlife #Yachtcrew #yachtstewardessjobs #entrylevelyachtjobs #yachtingCV #Charteryachts #privateyachts #yachtlife #Superyachttrainning #Dockwalking #Yachtie #theseaworthystew #yachtingcareer

Can yacht stewardess have tattoos?

FAQs about Tattoos for Yacht Stewardesses:

Q: are there specific locations on the body where tattoos are more acceptable, q: are there any size limitations for tattoos, q: can crew members cover their tattoos with makeup or clothing, q: will having visible tattoos affect my chances of getting hired as a yacht stewardess, q: what should i do if i already have visible tattoos and want to pursue a career as a yacht stewardess, q: can tattoos be seen as a form of self-expression in the yachting industry, q: do yacht owners or charter guests have any say in crew appearance, q: are there any specific tattoo designs that are generally considered more acceptable, q: can crew members with tattoos be asked to cover them during certain events or charters, q: are there any specific industries or locations where tattoos may be more accepted within the yachting industry, q: can tattoos be considered an advantage when seeking employment as a yacht stewardess, q: do some yachts offer tattoo-friendly policies, q: can crew members with tattoos face any challenges in their career progression, can yacht stewardess have tattoos.

Yacht stewardesses are known for their impeccable appearance and professional demeanor while catering to the needs of high-end clients aboard luxury yachts. However, with the rising popularity of tattoos as a form of self-expression, many individuals, including aspiring yacht stewardesses, wonder if having tattoos is acceptable in this industry.

The answer to whether yacht stewardesses can have tattoos largely depends on the specific requirements and regulations of each individual yacht and its crew management. While some yachts may have strict policies against visible tattoos, others may be more lenient or even embrace individuality and personal expression.

It is essential to keep in mind that the yachting industry caters to an elite clientele who often have discerning tastes and specific preferences. Therefore, yacht owners and charter guests may have certain expectations when it comes to the appearance of the crew. This means that while tattoos may be accepted on some yachts, there might be limitations on the visibility or size of the tattoos.

Moreover, the decision regarding tattoos may also vary depending on the role of the individual within the yacht crew. While deckhands or engineers may have more flexibility in displaying tattoos due to their roles being more physically demanding, stewardesses who are primarily responsible for guest service and presentation may be subject to stricter guidelines.

Ultimately, it is advisable for aspiring yacht stewardesses to research and inquire about the tattoo policies of the yachts or crew management companies they are interested in working with. This will not only ensure a harmonious fit between personal style and professional requirements but also avoid any potential disagreements or misunderstandings once hired.

Yes, some yachts may allow tattoos on areas that can be easily covered by the uniform, such as the upper back or shoulder. However, it is best to consult with the yacht or crew management regarding their specific guidelines on tattoo placement.

While there may not be strict size limitations for tattoos, it is generally recommended to opt for smaller or more discreet designs to ensure a professional appearance. Again, it is crucial to consult with the yacht or crew management regarding their specific expectations.

In some cases, crew members may be required to cover their tattoos using makeup or clothing. This is to maintain a consistent and polished image that aligns with the expectations of the yacht’s clientele.

It may depend on the specific preferences and requirements of each yacht or crew management company. While some yachts may prioritize a more traditional and conservative appearance, others may be more open to individuality and self-expression.

Consider exploring opportunities with yachts that have a more relaxed approach to tattoos or those that prioritize skills and experiences over appearance. Additionally, you can also explore options for tattoo removal or covering tattoos with makeup for professional purposes.

Yes, tattoos can be seen as a form of self-expression and individuality. However, it is essential to strike a balance between personal expression and professional appearance, considering the expectations and preferences of the yacht’s clientele.

Yacht owners and charter guests often have significant influence over crew appearance, as they expect a certain level of professionalism and presentation. Their preferences may vary, and it is crucial for the crew to adhere to these expectations to ensure a positive and successful charter experience.

While there are no definitive rules regarding tattoo designs, it is generally advisable to opt for designs that are not offensive or controversial. Aesthetic and tasteful designs that align with the professional image expected in the yachting industry are typically more accepted.

Yes, crew members may be asked to cover their tattoos during certain events or charters where a more formal or conservative appearance is preferred. Flexibility and adaptability are essential qualities for crew members in the yachting industry.

Certain regions or types of yachts may have a more accepting or relaxed stance toward tattoos. It is advisable to research and explore opportunities within these specific industries or locations if tattoos are an important aspect of your personal style.

While tattoos may not be considered a literal advantage in securing a job as a yacht stewardess, they can contribute to showcasing individuality and personal style. However, it is crucial to align personal expression with professional expectations and industry standards.

Yes, some yachts may have more tattoo-friendly policies and embrace individuality among its crew members. These yachts may prioritize a modern image and cater to a younger, more diverse clientele who are more accepting of tattoos.

Career progression within the yachting industry may be influenced by various factors, including experience, skills, and personal qualities. While having tattoos alone may not directly hinder career progression, it is essential to maintain a professional appearance and meet the expectations of potential employers.

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Below Deck Sailing Yacht's Dani Soares Has So Many Beautiful Tattoos

Take a closer look at the Parsifal III crew member's body art collection. 

Below Deck Sailing Yacht 's Dani Soares has quite an impressive collection of tattoos. The yachtie is inked up with bold and colorful designs that match her vibrant personality — some of which we've seen on the show. While celebrating a successful first charter on Season 2, Dani shared a peek at her back and midriff tattoos in an itty bitty bikini. (Check out Dani at the off-duty party in the clip above.)

How to Watch

Watch Below Deck Sailing Yacht on Peacock and the Bravo app . 

On her Instagram page , the stewardess has further documented her body art. Let's take a closer look, shall we? 

Dani's most prominent pieces of ink can be found on her shoulders. On one shoulder, the yachtie has a large floral design. Meanwhile, the other shoulder features a black airplane surrounded by a wash of bright colors. 

Catch Up on BDSY Season 3 in the Free Bravo App!

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Dani Soares (@iamdanisoares)

She also has what looks like a dandelion with its florets blowing away on one arm and a large quote in black font on the other arm.

Dani's midriff contains a few elegant pieces as well, including a huge rose tattoo along her ribcage and another quote in a scripted font just beneath her breast. 

Then, there are the matching tattoos she and her best friend have on their shoulder blades. The pair's look-alike tattoos feature adorable stick figure characters that look like they are talking to each other via a tin-can telephone when placed side by side. 

• Dani Soares

Below Deck Sailing Yacht

• Tattoos And Piercings

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Tazzy New Member

Hello all, I'm about to get underway with sorting my STCW then hopefully soon after I'll land my first yacht job as Stewardess. However I'm slightly concerned with my tattoo that I stupidly had done to cover a scar on my left foot when I was 19 (I'm now 32 but thankfully people say I still look 20!) It's not massive but about 4 ladybirds crawling up a vine. As I say it's on my foot, will this be a problem for me? I have make up that I can use, but I heard you have to be barefoot to work on yachts. Thanks in advance xx

olderboater Senior Member

It will not bother most but it will bother some. It is what it is. Just continue on as if no problem, and when it is, deal with it. Most things done to cover it are more conspicuous than the tattoo. Saying it was done to cover a scar is also in your favor.

Ken Bracewell Senior Member

Larger boats often put the crew in shoes.

Thanks guys

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Welcome to Yacht Stewardess School

We are a professional team having years of yacht and hospitality experience under the belt.

Our focus is to train highly qualified yacht stewardesses and assist in further job searching.

Working on a yacht means traveling around the world.

It gives a unique opportunity to acquire valuable experience and interesting acquaintances, enriching your social life.

"Life during the journey is a dream in its purest form"

A. Christie

Job description

Being a yacht stewardess is a dynamic and challenging, but also fun and adventurous lifestyle.

You will live and work onboard, around the world with a multicultural & multilingual crew, a team consisting of a Captain, Engineer, Chef, Chief stewardess and others. 

Requirements

Previous hospitality experience preferred (Hotels, restaurants, cruise ships) 

Intermediate English

Fit, presentable & preferably no tattoos

YSS February 2018

 LISTEN TO THE PODCAST

Free masterclass, yachting courses, watch my free live masterclass "how to get a job on a yacht" .

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Superyacht jobs, life onboard, about yachting, listen now.

Hear about the real yacht life, info on how to kickstart your superyacht career and tips on becoming a super stew.

The Seaworthy Stew: Podcast 

 A Chief Stew with 6+ years experience in the superyacht industry. I help aspiring crew confidently land their first job and teach the skills needed to be a stand out YACHT STEW.

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How To Write A Yachting CV

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Your Yachting CV (Curriculum Vitae) is most likely the first point of contact a superyacht has with you. Therefore, putting together the Perfect Yachting CV is essential. After all, it’s your personal sales pitch to the Captain or Head Of Department looking to hire you!  

A Yachting CV differs significantly from a land-based CV. It features maritime jargon, qualifications, and a photo. As well as this, it also requires a particular layout that needs to tick the relevant ‘industry standard’ boxes. Imagine a Captain or Chief Stew has 150 CV’s on their desk. If your CV doesn’t look like a Yachting CV, it’s probably going straight to the shredder. It needs to look the part! 

Below I have created a simple step-by-step guide providing all you need to create a perfect, professional yachting CV AND If you need some help with this check out my course – The Yachting CV Toolkit . It’s a comprehensive guide which includes 3 x CV templates, a full CV review and all the information on how to piece together your CV from land to sea to make sure you have the best chance at scoring your dream yacht job.

1. Primary Information

Start by filling in all primary information within the top half of the page, including your phone number, email, date of birth and nationality (Do not include your passport number!). Also include your health status (if you’re COVID vaccinated), marital status, driver’s license, your current location and availability. 

• Phone numbers:  I recommend having a local sim card when you are in an area to ensure a boat can contact you at any time. WhatsApp is extensively used within the industry. Therefore I recommend getting a WhatsApp number. Once you are in the industry, you will most likely have various international sim cards. It’s a good idea to keep one consistent WhatsApp number. Then, use the local number you may have at the time for phone calls and data. 
• Email:  If your email isn’t professional sounding (e.g. [email protected]), create a new one. 
• Location : Ensure this is kept up to date, as captains will use this location to work out your flight paths and travel arrangements when you secure a job. 

2. Qualifications

Here you will need to separate your  maritime qualifications  (mandatorily required certificates) and  other qualifications  to avoid clutter. 

For your Maritime Certifications such as STCW, PDSD and Food Hygiene Level 2, add the expiry dates or the year of completing them if an expiry date is not applicable. 

If you have  other relevant qualifications , you can create another heading and include certificates such as University Degrees or Diplomas, Post Graduate Education, PADI or SCUBA (Dive Certifications), Carpentry or Electrician (Deck related only), Floristry course, Mixology or Wine Courses. 

3. Work Experience and your transferable skill s

In this section, you need to list your land-based and/or yachting experience. If you’re green ,  you will need to pull apart all your land-based work experiences, highlighting the duties/skills that could be transferable to the yachting industry. 

If you have worked in restaurants, hotels, events or the aviation or cruise ship industry, this is all highly transferable to yachting. It is essential to pull out any key skills and include them under your type of experience, such as  Hospitality   Experience  or  Other Experience.  It is not necessary to write all aspects of the job. Choose the duties that are the most relevant to your desired yachting role. From here, you can further break down and add relatable skills to help explain your background and what you’re capable of. 

Once you have day work experience,  you can add this to your ‘Yachting Experience’ heading, including all of the key duties you had and the time you were on board. 

If you have Yachting Experience,  highlight everything unique about your position and the direct responsibilities you had. Then you need to back up these with examples as proof.  For example, instead of writing you have ‘Wine Knowledge’ you need to think about how you used this skill. It may have been a food and wine pairing menu for charter guests, here you SHOW OFF your talent’s with a practical example. Think about what your working highlights were whilst onboard. What did you LOVE to do? Maybe you have been setting up themed nights and planning events such as beach BBQs. 

For your yachting experience, we should write it as per the below:

• MM YY – MM YY M/Y NAME, 80 M OCEANCO • 2200GT – STEWARDESS
• Followed by a paragraph about the position (This format also applies to any day work experience). 

Your hobbies should be a brief paragraph where you can add a few quirky things, outdoor activities, and water-sport activities. If you’re aiming for an interior role, you can add something creative if it suits you (do not put socialising). 

It’s a good idea to look at transferring your hobbies into skills. As the hobbies section is an excellent place to put secondary skills superyachts may look for. For example, you may have on your CV that you’re into photography and filming. They could turn this into taking crew profile pictures, creating a guest charter and welcome videos. 

It is not uncommon for charter boats to request crew to have additional skills that guests may find interesting or helpful. It allows charter brokers to sell a yacht having valuable crew skills such as kite-surfing or a pilates teacher onboard. These skills are also usually listed under your crew profile in the boat’s  Welcome booklet .

5. The Perfect Yachting CV Personal Profile

This section is one of the LAST steps as it ties together all your experience and skills.  It’s also the most important paragraph of your CV  and should be six sentences or less and sit right below your primary information.  

Your Personal Profile is where you persuade the reader to carry on looking at your CV. Your profile should concisely and effectively display who you are, your skills and strengths relevant to the role and the experience to back it up. Therefore, I recommend saving this key paragraph to last as it’s a summary and the hook, line and sinker as to why you are fit for the job.

I suggest splitting your profile into three sections:

• What are you searching for?
• Who you are
• What can you offer?

Bullet point things you might mention under each section, then list the qualities that position you as the ideal person for the job.  

If you’re green  for the ‘what you’re searching for’ section, I suggest broadening this statement. For example:

“I aim to secure a position as a yacht stewardess/deckhand/chef/engineer position on a motor or sailing yacht.”

You want to avoid being too picky with what you want based on no experience yet. 

When you are writing what you can offer, you need to know what you can bring to the table that is unique? You can use a mix of hard and soft skills to position yourself as well-rounded. Last, back up your skills with evidence. Don’t just add ‘attention to detail’. You need to give an example of this.

6. References

Put down a minimum of three references you can rely on to have positive things to say about you. Ensure their information is current when writing on your CV and structure it so the most recent reference is at the top with correct contact details as they will no doubt be checked.

7. Your CV Headshot

Your photo is a really important part of your CV. It needs to show you are professional, smiling and looking the part. This means you will need to dress in a white polo shirt or white blouse (ironed) and ideally have a background of yachts in the distance or water. If you can’t take a picture in these environments, a plain white background is ok.  TIP:  When you are taking your photo, have your shoulders back and put your hands behind you as it helps to stand up tall, also face into the sun (at the perfect time in the day), so you don’t have shadows on your face. Natural makeup and neat hair are best for females. For males, ensure you are well-groomed.

Other important yachting CV rules to follow:

•  Your CV should be no longer than two pages
•  Font sizes should be between 10.5 and 12
•  Correctly labelled and saved as:

NAME SURNAME CV 

• Send your CV as a PDF document to a yacht or PDF and .doc to yacht crew agents
• Make sure there are NO Spelling and grammar errors
• List certificates and experience in reverse chronological order

A yachting CV can be the difference between you getting a job and being overlooked among a sea full of other candidates. If you need some help, check out  The Yachting CV Toolkit . It’s a comprehensive toolkit that gives you everything you need to create a professional Yachting CV that ticks the industry boxes, and stands out from the rest. It includes:

• Three CV Templates;
• How to recognise the transferable skills from your land-based jobs and apply them to your new CV;
• How to use power words to communicate your message firmly and confidently;
• The secret personal profile formula;
• Advice on how to create the perfect CV headshot (no fancy equipment required!)
• And a full CV review. 

Maritime Courses

Check out The Seaworthy Stew Online Courses to learn how to get your first job in the yachting industry, how to secure yachting job opportunities and the yacht stewardess skills that will lead to a thriving yachting career.

This article was originally posted on Superyacht Contents page to see the article click here

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About .

I’m a chief stewardess with over 6 years experience working in the superyacht industry on boats up to 88m. I help aspiring yacht crew by propelling them with the know-how and tools to confidently break into the superyacht industry.

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