working on million dollar yachts, thoughts on this?

[Hitch]

This is another career avenue I might pursue. So, here's what I've learned, am qualified to work in the capacity of first mate, basically second in command under the captain. You live and work on these boats for usually a year, sometimes 6 months. These are multimillion dollar yachts, from 100-140 feet or so.

Pros: No expenses, all food and room on board are covered. Pay, I'm told $6,000 a month, with the possibility of doubling that in tips, tips are in cash. So, if you are frugal, you could save pretty much all that while on board. Another big pro, is seeing the world, the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, anchoring up in small tropical islands, going to see all these beautiful places in the world while getting paid for it. Food, getting cooked for by a high end chef every day, all for free. Lastly, women, being surrounded by beautiful women all the time, which can be a Con as well. Oh, also the toys on these yachts, you get to use them sometimes, such as jetskies, and the latest toys are those water pack things that you can fly over the water with.

Cons: Being away from home for up to a whole year. I'm single and can do this, but that's still a long time. The second biggest con is all the rich people, and how they treat the staff of the boats, from the deckhand all the way to the captain, they all get treated like crap. These rich owners, and the rich people chartering the boats can often be real assholes in what they demand. The stories on these boats can be shocking, won't go into too much detail there.

I'm seriously thinking about maybe doing this. Crewing up on these boats usually takes place in April or May, so there's time to think about it. Taking a year off and just seeing a bunch of exciting places.

Anyway, thoughts? Would you do this if you had the opportunity?

[Neuro]

You'ld be a slave, albeit a well compensated slave. Good thing though you are under good shit hit the fan protection. You come along with the billionaire as he flees crumbling civilization to his paradise island with a bunch of the most well proportioned women on the planet....







.... Which is his property! And he may have you killed if something you do or say dissatisfies him. The question is would you prefer to slave for a Jew, a crypto-Jew or a shabbo-goy? I don't know about you but if I were in your shoes I think a real Jew might be best, even though there are no good options really.

[Dogman]

Have done some jobs for the rich, most have this I am better than you attitude and you would have to do the major subservient thing with most of them.

Probably good money, but at what cost to your dignity?


Edit: Also it is sometimes a bitch to get them to pay what they owe you!

[chad]

if shtf, at least you will be the people who know about it ahead of time.

[Neuro]

You'ld be a slave, albeit a well compensated slave. Good thing though you are under good shit hit the fan protection. You come along with the billionaire as he flees crumbling civilization to his paradise island with a bunch of the most well proportioned women on the planet....







.... Which is his property! And he may have you killed if something you do or say dissatisfies him. The question is would you prefer to slave for a Jew, a crypto-Jew or a shabbo-goy? I don't know about you but if I were in your shoes I think a real Jew might be best, even though there are no good options really.
Still, it is not such a bad deal. Remember 95% of the rest of the population will die of starvation, epidemics, violence and/or war!

[Glass]

I think you will do it once. You will be treated like shit. The people who own these boats are C's.

[Santa]

Hitch, if I had your credentials, I'd definitely look into it. I'd guess as much depends on compatibility with the crew as with the owner/s.
It probably runs like any small business that caters to the affluence. Oops, I mean affluent.

[Neuro]

What does 'First Mate' really mean? ? ?

[Dogman]

What does 'First Mate' really mean? ? ?

http://gold-silver.us/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=7095&stc=1

[crimethink]

Anyway, thoughts? Would you do this if you had the opportunity?

Ironic you post this just now. This explains the minimum of what you will encounter:

http://gold-silver.us/forum/showthread.php?80859-Thoughts-amp-Musings-Going-on-a-Cruise&p=745797&viewfull=1#post745797

[midnight rambler]

For a while, a few years ago, I catered to some extremely well-off...rich fucks. This position gave me access to the insides of their homes and to closely observe their *lifestyles*. They paid extremely well, very high fees. I finally got a belly-full of their shit and wouldn't take on any more of that line of work. The thing is, when YOU got a belly-full of their shit YOU (and you WILL) would be STUCK where you're at.

[crimethink]

caters to the affluence. Oops, I mean affluent.

More like effluent.

[Santa]

More like effluent.

Dammit!... and thanks for the correction. :)

[EE_]

Job opening?



First Mate (Sr. Deckhand)

Location: Philadelphia, PA
Job Code: 343
# of openings: 5
Pay range:
Description

Job title: First Mate

Department: Marine Operations

FLSA status: Non-exempt

Reports to: Captain



Job Summary:

Inspired by a commitment to excellence, Shipmates at Entertainment Cruises create unforgettable memories for our guests. The successful First mate is responsible to maintain the appearance of the vessel which includes directing daily activities of the crew, cleaning, some custodial work, and assisting with docking and undocking; will uphold the strictest safety standards for guests and crew; and will maintain a professional and friendly manner consistent with Our Service System.



Essential Functions:

Provide direction to daily activities of crew
Provide exceptional hospitality to guests and coworkers as prescribed in Our Service System (OSS)
Maintain the cleanliness and safety of all common areas
Sweep, mop, and wash down decks to remove dirt, and debris, using brooms, mops, brushes, and hoses
Load or unload materials from vessels
Handle lines to moor vessels to pier
Stand watch in ships' bows, sterns, or bridge wings in order to look for obstructions in a ship's path or to locate navigational aids such as buoys and lighthouses
Operate and maintain ship equipment such as engines and generators, winches, and HVAC systems
Chip and clean rust spots on decks, superstructures, and sides of ships, using wire brushes and hand or air chipping machines


Additional Responsibilities:

Be prepared to begin work at scheduled time
Maintain uniform and personal grooming in compliance with appearance standards
Other duties as assigned by the Captain


Accountabilities:

The successful First Mate will personally contribute to the unforgettable guest experience, be favorably viewed by supervisors and peers, and be swift and efficient in the execution of their assigned duties. Performance will be measured by guest and mystery shopper satisfaction surveys, departmental tests, management evaluation, and feedback from peers on the marine operations team.



Job Specifications / qualifications:

Energetic and enthusiastic personality essential
High School Diploma (or GED or High School Equivalence Certificate)
Pre-employment and on-going random drug testing is required for all marine personnel
Must have 1-3 years maritime experience OR 1 year mechanical experience
Must be able to effectively understand and convey written and verbal information to guests and coworkers
Must possess a service orientation – actively looking for ways to help others
Will work for extended periods of time without sitting
Required to lift furniture and other heavy items such as provisions up and down stairs. Required to throw mooring lines from ship to pier.
Will be required to be available for work on all major holidays
Must be age 18 or older
Per maritime law, must be a US Citizen or a Permanent Resident
Qualified comprehensive background check


*For purposes of this job description only, references to the ‘Company’ are to the following subsidiaries of Entertainment Cruises, Inc.: Premier Yachts, Inc., Mystic Blue Cruises, Inc., Seadog Ventures, Inc., and Spirit Cruises, LLC. You are employed by one of these subsidiaries, not by Entertainment Cruises, Inc.



Apply for this position: http://ch.tbe.taleo.net/CH07/ats/careers/apply.jsp;jsessionid=F738363ADAA6F4C8A6293E39971B3 C4F.NA10_primary_jvm?org=ENTERTAINMENTCRUISES&cws=1&rid=343

[madfranks]

Ironic you post this just now. This explains the minimum of what you will encounter:

http://gold-silver.us/forum/showthread.php?80859-Thoughts-amp-Musings-Going-on-a-Cruise&p=745797&viewfull=1#post745797

Ha ha, yes, Hitch, you will have to prepare to be treated like shit from the owner and all his friends and guests. But for the prospect of coming out a year later with a good amount of money, you just have to weigh the pros and cons.

Make sure the ship has wi-fi so you can access the net.

[Hitch]

Ha ha, yes, Hitch, you will have to prepare to be treated like shit from the owner and all his friends and guests. But for the prospect of coming out a year later with a good amount of money, you just have to weigh the pros and cons.

Make sure the ship has wi-fi so you can access the net.

Your thread inspired me to make this one, however it's only been about a week since learning about opportunities like this one.

I was thinking though, I really haven't had my midlife crisis yet. I've always thought, if you are going to plan a midlife crisis, think big. That is a job that will have folks just shaking their heads, now THAT guy is having one heckofa midlife crisis. On a multimillion dollar yacht full of topless women.

Too many guys waste their crisis on a fancy car, or some BS, so yes, I need to decide if the pros outweigh the cons.

The best time at job like this one, is when the owners are gone, and you are anchored someplace beautiful, like the med, and just looking after the boat. That's the time when you get to have some fun, see the sites, etc.

[Hitch]

Apply for this position: http://ch.tbe.taleo.net/CH07/ats/careers/apply.jsp;jsessionid=F738363ADAA6F4C8A6293E39971B3 C4F.NA10_primary_jvm?org=ENTERTAINMENTCRUISES&cws=1&rid=343

EE, that's more of a deckhand position. These yachts have multiple deckhands, not that I wouldn't be doing that work, but the first mate jobs I'm looking at are licensed positions. IE, I would be driving the boat under my captain's license. When making ocean crossings, we can't be at the helm for more than 12 hours per day. So, the captain can't be driving for 24 hours constantly. We would alternate watches.

The times I've been at sea at the helm, I loved it. Can't imagine what that would be like on yachts like that...

[Publico]

Ten to 15 years ago I worked at an old folks home sitting at the front desk providing "security" when the office was closed. The family that owned it also owned a lot of real estate including being the landlords of the local Wally World and Sam's Club. I figured at the time they were making $75,000 a day on the rent. Anyway the father and mother (about 65 years old) had a 150 ft. yacht built new. I checked the net and found it cost out of the Italian shipyard was $14 million, and that was just for the hull, mechanicals, and the bridge (the stuff that makes the ship go to sea). The rule of thumb was to double the $14 million for outfitting the yacht with staterooms and the rest of the living space.

They had several yachting and boating magazines sent to the old folks home (they had their main offices there as well) so I got to read up on yachting and so. Rule of thumb, it cost about $10,000 a day just to maintain the yacht in port. The ship's captain made $1,000 per foot of ship length per year. Don't expect ANY privacy on the ship; the only member of the crew with their own private quarters is the captain and even then a lot of ship owners wanted a captain and crew member to be married (such as the chef). If you are the ship's chief engineer you MIGHT have your own quarters near the engine room and you may very well still share the quarters with the engineer's mate. It was said American owners were friendlier with the crew versus European and Asian owners (more likely to be invited to share Christmas dinner, or have the owner invite you for a nightcap).

Some other things. First, if you wear a red shirt and the skipper calls you "little buddy" watch out, there's more to it than meets the eye - if you know what I mean. Second, if the opportunity presents itself skip trying to score with the movie star; instead hook up with the Kansas farmer girl (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=64mAgL8G4-E). She'll let you put your coconut cream in her pie and maybe score some good bud as well. Also learn something really useful like how to recharge batteries using coconuts shells and sea water.

And never volunteer to clean the poop deck.

[Dogman]

Ten to 15 years ago I worked at an old folks home sitting at the front desk providing "security" when the office was closed. The family that owned it also owned a lot of real estate including being the landlords of the local Wally World and Sam's Club. I figured at the time they were making $75,000 a day on the rent. Anyway the father and mother (about 65 years old) had a 150 ft. yacht built new. I checked the net and found it cost out of the Italian shipyard was $14 million, and that was just for the hull, mechanicals, and the bridge (the stuff that makes the ship go to sea). The rule of thumb was to double the $14 million for outfitting the yacht with staterooms and the rest of the living space.

They had several yachting and boating magazines sent to the old folks home (they had their main offices there as well) so I got to read up on yachting and so. Rule of thumb, it cost about $10,000 a day just to maintain the yacht in port. The ship's captain made $1,000 per foot of ship length per year. Don't expect ANY privacy on the ship; the only member of the crew with their own private quarters is the captain and even then a lot of ship owners wanted a captain and crew member to be married (such as the chef). If you are the ship's chief engineer you MIGHT have your own quarters near the engine room and you may very well still share the quarters with the engineer's mate. It was said American owners were friendlier with the crew versus European and Asian owners (more likely to be invited to share Christmas dinner, or have the owner invite you for a nightcap).

Some other things. First, if you wear a red shirt and the skipper calls you "little buddy" watch out, there's more to it than meets the eye - if you know what I mean. Second, if the opportunity presents itself skip trying to score with the movie star; instead hook up with the Kansas farmer girl (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=64mAgL8G4-E). She'll let you put your coconut cream in her pie and maybe score some good bud as well. Also learn something really useful like how to recharge batteries using coconuts shells and sea water.

And never volunteer to clean the poop deck.

Echos of star trek, the red shirts are the ones that get bumped off!

:)

[gunDriller]

and if their twenty-something daughter knocks on your cabin door late one night, what are the rules ? :)

[palani]

Aye, Matey!!! There's the devil to pay!!!!

And pay attention to the scantlings. Some wenches have more of them and others less.

[milehi]

Can you bring a firearm on board in case of pirates?

[Hitch]

and if their twenty-something daughter knocks on your cabin door late one night, what are the rules ? :)

And that's the other problem. The rules? You are fucked, either way, or both ways. That is a lose-lose situation.

[Hitch]

Rule of thumb, it cost about $10,000 a day just to maintain the yacht in port. The ship's captain made $1,000 per foot of ship length per year. Don't expect ANY privacy on the ship; the only member of the crew with their own private quarters is the captain and even then a lot of ship owners wanted a captain and crew member to be married (such as the chef).

The Captain that's helping me getting connected with this, said exactly the same thing. $1,000 per foot of ship per year, and he actually got married and his wife became the chef. Ironic, but thanks for confirming this information. Maybe that's the ticket to becoming a captain, get married and become a team. They seemed happy while they were doing that, but he did say they got out to plant roots and start a family. Can't do that on board.

[Publico]

The Captain that's helping me getting connected with this, said exactly the same thing. $1,000 per foot of ship per year, and he actually got married and his wife became the chef. Ironic, but thanks for confirming this information. Maybe that's the ticket to becoming a captain, get married and become a team. They seemed happy while they were doing that, but he did say they got out to plant roots and start a family. Can't do that on board.

You can start a family while on board, but you can't have a family on board.

[Publico]

Can you bring a firearm on board in case of pirates?


That depends. If the ship is U.S. flagged then U.S. law applies while in U.S. waters and the waters of the state the ship is in. Then there's some U.N. treaty that limits firearms on the high seas. Then you're limited by the laws of the nation where the ship sails in. Some nations' coast guard require the firearms to be locked up tight while in their waters.

[Hitch]

Then there's some U.N. treaty that limits firearms on the high seas. Then you're limited by the laws of the nation where the ship sails in. .

This only applies in coastal waters, right? From my knowledge, once out on the high seas, your vessel 'becomes' your own country, so to speak. Hence, nation laws can't apply anymore. International waters, that is. Not the fishing regulations that extend out further, but true international waters.

[Serpo]

My advice .............do it........adapt , learn from it , come out the other end ........

Think about how hard it is too save when you have expenses make this a must job .

Often rich people can make me sick in the stomach but seeing through them is the key..............ie this is what money ,power ect does to people , it can turn some into megalomaniacs.

I made good money in my job but when I see people putting on airs and being snobbish too those not as fortunate it really gets me mad. Its basically a superficial way of these people pretending to be superior then others and you are only taken in by this if you WANT what they have.......heaps of money....so we envy them,because we are all taught to go get money.

If we can get over this drive for more, which I have ,although it may be my age and position in life that dictates this too me, it does make sense .

Getting over the incessant drive for more cash frees up part of ourselves that maybe we have neglected.





Just remember a person can be the richest person in the world and have nothing but his own heart............

[palani]

I remember a scuba trip to Tortola once. Elizabeth Taylors yacht was anchored out and after diving I sucked down some beers with the captain. Seems he was at the bar every day.

[Serpo]

That is one of the troubles surrounding these things maybe the partying but is there is a job too do then its more like a working holiday.

[Publico]

This only applies in coastal waters, right? From my knowledge, once out on the high seas, your vessel 'becomes' your own country, so to speak. Hence, nation laws can't apply anymore. International waters, that is. Not the fishing regulations that extend out further, but true international waters.

The laws of the nation which the ship flies its flag still apply to ships on the high sea. During prohibition ships flying flags of other nations would either pull in a U.S. port to pick up passengers then sail to outside the 3 mile U.S. jurisdiction and start serving booze, or anchor 3 miles off shore and let people make their way out to the foreign flagged ship for booze. Under international law any nation can prosecute "piracy" (murder, rape, hijacking, robbery, etc.) on the high seas. On the high seas the U.S. Coast Guard can't board a foreign flagged ship without the permission of the flag nation. All nations including landlocked nations have the right to use the high seas and flag vessels

[zap]

You do what you think is right and more then likely that will be the way to go ..... get going my friend , you'll have so much fun and make lots of money while your gone.....


I will buy you breakfast when you come home XOXO :)

[EE_]

You'd have to ask yourself...
Could you handle wearing a clean uniform everyday, having your meals prepared for you, working out at a great fitness facility, not beating your body up like you do now, meeting exotic women/places, or showing people around?
It might be harder then you think?

https://realamylee.files.wordpress.com/2011/09/marco-sorvino.jpg

[old steel]

and if their twenty-something daughter knocks on your cabin door late one night, what are the rules ? :)

Don't answer, if her dad finds out you will walk the plank.

[Publico]

Or be unfortunate enough to be forced to marry into a wealthy family that owns a yacht.

[Glass]

Or be unfortunate enough to be forced to marry into a wealthy family that owns a yacht.

wealthy families don't marry with plebs. We is all plebs. All the people I met or know of who had mega yacht 20+ million were all major pricks and C's.

Personally I would not do this. The way these people treat their "servants" would astound you. If I wanted high seas adventure go merchant sailor. the money or the adventure.

[Hitch]

not beating your body up like you do now,

I have to make a change, one way or another. This was just an idea. I can't keep going like this at my current job. Last week I worked 36 hours straight. This past week, I worked 16 hours, had 4 hours sleep, then worked 20 hours....then had 3 hours sleep, then worked another 16 hours. When I told them I couldn't do the next job, they called me old.

[midnight rambler]

I have to make a change, one way or another. This was just an idea. I can't keep going like this at my current job. Last week I worked 36 hours straight. This past week, I worked 16 hours, had 4 hours sleep, then worked 20 hours....then had 3 hours sleep, then worked another 16 hours. When I told them I couldn't do the next job, they called me old.

WTF is wrong with them?

[Hitch]

WTF is wrong with them?

They see us as resources. They need the job done, I understand that. I don't complain, the pay is good, they respect hard workers, but when I get an "old" comment, I want to stuff someone's head in the dirt.

The young guys are pussies, imo. Rarely do we get a new guy who is worth training, imo. Most would rather play with their cell phones.

Basically, I hope to train my replacement. Give me ONE new guy who gets it, and I'll train him, then I can leave and feel good about it.

[midnight rambler]

Give me ONE new guy who gets it

lol Good luck with that.

[EE_]

I have to make a change, one way or another. This was just an idea. I can't keep going like this at my current job. Last week I worked 36 hours straight. This past week, I worked 16 hours, had 4 hours sleep, then worked 20 hours....then had 3 hours sleep, then worked another 16 hours. When I told them I couldn't do the next job, they called me old.

Old! Fuck them!

That sounds like a company that doesn't give a shit about their employees.
Sounds like you are being used and will be tossed aside like an old rag.

I still believe there are a few companies out there that actually care about their people. You really should look at your options. As much as you don't want to give up your home (boat) life, you may have to travel, or move.

You are at a good age to make a move like that. In 10 years, you may not be.
I hope you find your niche before that happens and you really are "old" in your profession.

Search the market place, you can go in many directions.

[Glass]

yeah sorry I'm down on snobs and they are probably not all snobs. Who knows it could be an awesome experience to reflect on in years to come. I've looked at getting a berth on a merchant vessel. There are quite a few that have private cabins available. I think you can muck in if you want.0 There are not many vessels coming to Australia so it could take 18 months to get back and then it would be to the other side of the country and only if you could book the cabins. Sometimes the wait is 3 or 4 years. A few go through the Malacca straits. Not sure about doing that.

What about someone who drives a boat from A to B but might not be on duty during the time at B. These mega yachts get sailed to things like the Monaco GP or the Bahrain GP. Other events as well. Seasonal stuff like the Mediterranean in the Summer. If you're going Caribbean then you're sailing the owners down from Florida or SC, any further up than that and your sailing down, they fly in and sail about or not.

There are a couple web sites that list the super and mega yachts that you can hire and it can cost a cool $130,000 a week. Check out the forsales. $20 mil is lower middle in that world. But maybe times are tough now? I haven't looked for a few years. Could be a bargain to be had. Although all that free money might keep prices up.

[EE_]

You may have to think about a supervisory position. Let me say this, me, having moved from a hands on working position to a supervisory/management position, can be and was for me, not easy. Managing people and production for the most part, was harder then working with my body. Managing people that lacked talent and desire to work is like babysitting retarded children. The world has changed.
I thought about it all the time, how it was easier to just work. The pay was better, but I always put in more hours then everyone else...was I really making more money?
When the recession hit, I managed to keep working a couple/few more years, but I was working even harder as more duties were put on me. Once all the big jobs came to an end, I was told there is no work and I could go back to work with my tools to stay working. That's when I made the decision to go home and not go back.
I have a cushy life now, I do miss the people and wheels turning, but not enough that I want to go back to full time work. :)

http://www.msprotege.com/members/derrick1623/smilies2/couch.gif

[EE_]

Work on Super yachts: Advice on everything you need to know
Posted on January 30, 2013

I spent 4 years working on luxury superyachts (or megayachts or gigayachts) and every time someone I know is thinking about it I end up having the same conversation with them. I’ve decided to stop doing that and put everything that I’d normally say into this post. This is everything you need to know about working on superyachts, all in one place.


[Disclaimer]

I’m not an expert in this and everything here is my opinion or a gross generalization of the industry. It may not be the same in all cases. I expect you to use more than one source and I expect you to understand my bias’ in the industry. I had extensive racing experience before I left and worked up from the deck to an engineers role on private sailing yachts. I’ve put a very brief summary of my relevant experience at the bottom.

I WILL NOT ANSWER EMAILS ABOUT THIS POST. This is everything that I know. If you want to ask something, contact these guys at theCrewCoach.com or leave a comment below. (If you’re looking for a job, have them help with your CV!)

Firstly…

Working on superyachts is awesome and is loads of fun. No doubt about it. But it’s also lots of hard work, long hours lots of stress small living quarters and not much time off. (See the “Industry of Extreme’s section”) having said that, it is great to do while you are young and is an awesome way to travel while earning cash… (Although some do make a life of it)

Do remember that it’s not so easy to just jump on a boat for a couple of months with no experience earn some cash and then leave. There are tons of kids just like you who also want to get that job. A little bit of experience goes a long way and without it it’s very hit and miss. Your first job could take you 4 months to get. Prepare for that – it’s far better to be pleasantly surprised.

Where to go

Superyachts follow the seasons. In winter (November to May) they go South to the Caribbean, Bahamas and Florida. In Florida want to base yourself in Fort Lauderdale (venture to Miami and West Palm as well), from there you’ll catch trips to the Bahamas, and in the Caribbean you want to head to St Maartin or Antigua.


St Martin in the Caribbean

In the summer, the yachts head North. Either up the US coast to Boston, Maine and Newport (Newport is the place you want to be) or across the Atlantic to the Med. The season normally starts in Palma de Mallorca (best place to go at the start and end of the season) and then moves on to France or Italy. Mid-season you want to be based around Antibes, this is because there is a good support network and it’s a short train ride to Monaco, Nice and Cannes. (It’s often better to jump on the train to look for work outside of Antibes!)

*Note: many yachts do world tours and go to many more places. These are only the best starting spots where the boats get work done – i.e. they need help.

Visa’s

As a saffa travelling on a SA passport, I’m going to throw this one in here. Visa’s are a bitch and not having them will often cost you a job. The first thing to do is contact SAMSA and get a seamans book. This will replace vias’s in some countries. #winning

Otherwise for the US you want a B1/B2 visa and you’ll need Schengen or French / Dutch Atillies visa’s depending on where you’re going. One thing to note is that by international law, the yacht is an extension of the land that it is registered in – regardless of what waters you are in. If it’s an American flagged vessel you’ll need other visa’s that allow you to work in America. To avoid tax, make sure that you’re never in 1 country for more than 183 days. Many yachts are registered in Bikini or Malta as they are tax havens.

Courses

The only thing you really have to get is an STCW 95. The rest may differ depending on what area you’re wanting to go into (see “Crew Positions” below) As a deckhand, a tender course is handy, as an engineer your AEC or MEOL and as a stew or chef do something in that line.

REMEMBER: Pretty much nothing that you’ve done on land is going to be relevant and it counts for VERY little. (That goes for engineering too) Similarly, most of what you do on yachts will mean nothing in the real world.

Sail vs Power

There are 2 different types of boats you can work on. Owners / guests of sail yachts are generally more relaxed and are there for the journey or experience of sailing. They’re normally more laid back and friendly. As crew you get a lot more slack, can generally use the equipment when the owner is not there and you’ll interact with the guests in a less formal way. (Things like the chef making sandwiches for lunch as the boats heeling while you sail, come to mind.)

With motoryachts, the owner / guest is there for the destination. They want to be treated like kings all the time. They generally don’t interact with the crew and the level of service (read: stress) is a lot higher. It is far more like a floating hotel where everything just has to work. You do get bigger cabins though!

NOTE: Some large sail yachts (over 150 feet) act more like motor yachts than sail yachts. This is especially true for builds like Perini Navi.

Private vs Charter



As with power vs sail, there is a similar difference between private and charter yachts. Private owners generally pay a little less, but your quality of life is far greater. They let you use the stuff when they’re not there, they’ll give you plenty of perks and try to keep you around if they like you. (Otherwise it’s like having different servants at your holiday house every time you go – not that I’ve experienced this myself…) They’re more laid back and may interact with the crew more.

Charter guests are paying about $150k – $350k per week. That food better be awesome and those cabins perfect. Not to mention the TV and aircon being exactly right every time… They’re a lot less forgiving, work you much longer hours, but can leave you massive tips at the end of a stay. ($1000 per person per week is the norm – about 10% of the charter fee.) You work like a bitch but get paid like a king. It’s pretty stressful.

Crew and positions

There are 4 main streams of personel. Deck, Engineering, Interior and Chef. The crew size will normally be about 1 per 20ft (sail) or 1 per 15ft (motor). So, a 180ft sailing yacht would have: Captain, First Mate, Boson, Deckhand, Engineer, 2nd Engineer/deckhand, Chief Stew, 2nd Stew and Chef. More or less.

Boys generally start on deck, girls interior. Yes there is a bias for pretty girls (Millionaires like pretty girls around them) so get over it. It’s not that blatant, but it does exist. A trick for boys is to offer to help out in the engine room. It means that you’ll clean the inside instead of the outside, but you get out of the sun and can get paid more.

Your first job

When you’re starting out, send your CV to a bunch of crew agents in the place you are going to. (Yes you have to be there in person to get the job.) Check in with them at least every 3 days in person and ask if they’ve found you a job – this keeps you top of mind and top of the pile. Make sure your CV is only one page. You honestly don’t have enough relevant experience to fill more and it reflects badly.

Every morning at 7:00am you get up, get dressed and you “walk the docks”. (Wear a white t-shirt with kaki / navy shorts and slip-slops) What this entails is you asking every single boat in the marina if they have day work. Most will say no. It sucks, but you get used to it. If you don’t find something, go to a nearby town or marin

a and try again there. Basically, they’ll hire you if they need an extra hand for a day (or week) and you’ll be doing the shittiest of the jobs. You can expect to get about $100 – $150 and lunch for the day.

Your first job is most likely going to come from someone you’ve dayworked for or through a referral from one of them. Make sure you record the yachts you work on in your CV and ask for references whenever you can.

ADVICE: An easy going attitude, not too hungover or grumpy, a big smile and a willingness to do anything they give you goes a VERY long way!

If it’s not working leave. It doesn’t get better. Ever. There is also no such thing as notice period – unless you’re ending on a good note. The general rule for relationships is that you don’t screw the crew. I’ve never seen this end well. It’s OK to join the boat as a couple, but to start a relationship when there are 5 other people living it with you is too much for everyone. Someone always leaves.

Life on board (Added)

There are 3 modes of work on board. Firstly, when you have guests onboard. You’re up form 7:00am till 11:00 (can vary) and spend all your time cleaning and running around after guests and their wishes.

The second mode is delivery. This is when you are moving the yacht to another location and is normally done once the guests leave or to move to another country / place. It normally requires you to be on watch (like 2 hours on with 6 off) where you have to fill out the logs and monitor the trip.

Lastly, you have yard periods. This is where there are no guests onboard and you get to do all the big jobs and maintenance that you need. Often done in a place that has good support services and often take on dayworkers to help you get ready for your next trip. Work is 8:00 – 5:00 with partying on some evenings and on weekends.

Whats Awesome



The money. The travelling and seeing the most amazing places in the world. Living in the prime locations on the international scene. A month in Monaco, anyone? Days off in these locations rock. Saving money – if you’re wise. No tax. The parties are INSANE! Ocasional heli ride or trip in private Gulfstream 550, but only if you’re lucky.

What Sucks

The space. No seriously, you’re living with someone else in a room the size of a double bed. You have one cupboard, one shelf and a bed that touches both shoulders and tapers at your feet. All your possessions must fit in a suitcase. Living on top of people. You have no idea how confined spaces can rub people the wrong way and there is no cure for cabin fever except to get the f@#% out. Missing your friends and regular Wednesday night poker. Weddings, birthdays, fathers day and pretty much anything else you miss involving your family. It sucks big time.

The Industry of Extremes

I find it very common for people who hear that you work on a superyacht to reply with the, “Wow, that must be the best job in the world!” response. But is it really?

What most people don’t understand is that the pro’s and con’s of being a yacht crew is to live constantly in extremes. On the one hand you have the pro’s like living in the most exotic locations, getting paid (often in foreign currency) tax free, constantly moving and meeting new people, having no living expenses – besides drinking – to mention just a few. But at the same time many of these can be looked at from the other side of the coin.

Getting paid tax free means that you use offshore banking and will get pretty heavily taxed if you ever want to take that money home to buy a house for example. The reason that the boat covers all your living expenses is due to the fact that on many busy charter boats, you may never get the opportunity to go ashore and do shopping on a regular basis and often have no permanent means of transport to do it. The meeting new people part is awesome, but whenever you meet new friends one of you inevitably will have to move on within a couple of weeks. This makes it very hard for relationships with members of the opposite sex as you either only see each other every couple of months or you live onboard together in the same space as about 7 other people. Another bonus is that you have a largely international group of friends that you will bump into around the world. One of the reasons for the high pay compared to regular jobs is the sacrifices that you have to make in living and personal space, although there is also a lot of freedom having everything you own fit into a suitcase and backpack!

Yes, it is great when you get a couple of thousand dollar tip and 4 days off in the French Riviera, just remember that you had to put in 3 gruelling weeks of 18hr days of charter to get there. Too many people are very naïve about what it actually takes to live in the industry and therefore are not prepared for the sacrifices they need to make. But having said all this if you can put up with the con’s – which most young adventurous people can easily handle – you are in for a fantastic time filled with high adventure, good memories and hopefully a house or 2 by the end. At the end of the day it is all about balance and the constant juggling of the extremes.

In Closing…

Yachting can be loads of fun and a great way to save. The most important advice that I can give anyone wanting to start out on yachts is: “Don’t be more trouble than you’re worth.” When you’re starting out, you are very easily replaceable. You’re living right on top of people and getting in their space. Getting along with others and not ever being involved in fights, arguments and politics can make you indispensable – it’s more important than what you know or how hard you work. Don’t be a dick and good luck.

My time on yachts: [Added]

I’ve been racing dinghy’s and small yachts since I was 10. In Jan 2005 I dropped out of my 3rd year doing engineering at UCT and left to sail the Cape to Bahia race on a Benneteau 47′. I stayed on the yacht and went up to the Caribbean, stepping off in Antigua. After 4 months of intermitted daywork I got a job as a deckhand on a 137ft ketch. Within 2 weeks they offered to train me up as an engineer. A 6 month yard period at West Palm followed and a trip to the Bahamas for Xmas.

After that trip the whole crew left as the owner didn’t want to move the boat and I went back to Antigua. I got a job as a Deckie / 2nd engineer on a 140ft ketch and sailed to Palma. After the crossing I left, and joined another 92ft sloop in Egypt as mate / engineer. 6 months of hell with a russian owner and I left again to join my last boat, a 170ft schooner as deckhand. Moved into a 3 month rotation with the chief engineer after a couple of months and stayed onboard for another 2 years.

In 4 years I went to over 100 countries, done 7 ocean crossings and logged 48 000nm – twice the distance around the equator. I miss it like you’d miss university – It was awesome, but I’m glad I’m not there anymore.

http://rogernorton.net/blog/2013/work-on-super-yachts-advice-on-everything-you-need-to-know/

[Dogman]

They see us as resources. They need the job done, I understand that. I don't complain, the pay is good, they respect hard workers, but when I get an "old" comment, I want to stuff someone's head in the dirt.

The young guys are pussies, imo. Rarely do we get a new guy who is worth training, imo. Most would rather play with their cell phones.

Basically, I hope to train my replacement. Give me ONE new guy who gets it, and I'll train him, then I can leave and feel good about it.

Shit mon, you are a sailor, what is this "Dirt" landlubber talk?

Wish you could slowly "keelhaul" them on a ship with a "dirty bottom" with lots of barnacles!

Just saying!

[gunDriller]

What, no Boating Accident Wise-cracks ?!

+ it's been MONTHS since I heard someone talk about dick-stabbing.


ANYWAY ... if you take a cordless drill down into the hold and start drilling holes in the wall ... instant boating accident !

so they better pay the staff ...

[JohnQPublic]

Your thread inspired me to make this one, however it's only been about a week since learning about opportunities like this one.

I was thinking though, I really haven't had my midlife crisis yet. I've always thought, if you are going to plan a midlife crisis, think big. That is a job that will have folks just shaking their heads, now THAT guy is having one heckofa midlife crisis. On a multimillion dollar yacht full of topless women.

Too many guys waste their crisis on a fancy car, or some BS, so yes, I need to decide if the pros outweigh the cons.

The best time at job like this one, is when the owners are gone, and you are anchored someplace beautiful, like the med, and just looking after the boat. That's the time when you get to have some fun, see the sites, etc.

I am not trying to dissuade you from the job, but why not just skip the "midlife crisis"? Stop letting pop psychologists tell you how your life is going to to go.

[JohnQPublic]

Ha ha, yes, Hitch, you will have to prepare to be treated like shit from the owner and all his friends and guests. But for the prospect of coming out a year later with a good amount of money, you just have to weigh the pros and cons.

Make sure the ship has wi-fi so you can access the net.

If you are truly first mate, you will be treated with a bit more dignity then the rest of the crew. The bad part is you will probably be the one expected to hand crap to the rest of the crew. You would have a good crew if you actually treated them with dignity, but it might not help your career.

[govcheetos]

Friend of mine is the Captain and Engineer for a 100 foot yacht, somewhat small compared to the others. His owner is self made and if he walked into a dive/biker bar you wouldn't know he was worth over a billion. My friend is in charge of all things boating related for this guy, the big yacht, a smaller 34 footer, a runabout, a jet boat, and 5 or six jet skis. He does a lot of the work himself that he can to save money for the owner who then compensates him well for, he outsources the rest at various boat yards. He occasionally takes on extra crew when going on passages up and down the east coast, or to the bahamas or virgin islands. The owner is a cool regular guy and treats everyone that works with him as extended family. He has allowed my friend to use their high volume discount they receive on parts to get me some good deals saving me up to 40% on some expensive stuff. The owner actually used his big yacht twice last year. Once to go to the bahamas. He calls my friend and says "Lets go to the bahamas third week of next month". My friend pilots the boat there with a small crew, the owner and some of his family show up, hang out for a few days and leave. My friend takes the boat back to the states. One year the owner said take it to the bahamas, and once he got there the owner called and said something came up and he couldn't go. Told my friend to hang out and enjoy himself for a week before coming back. He does a whole lot more waiting around and maintainence than piloting the boat and dealing with the owner. Keep in mind too that this boat is never chartered, which a lot are to offset expenses. On charter boats you're basically getting wannbe rich elites renting the boat for a week or month and partying like rock stars, "Driving it like they stole it". Lots of douchebags usually.

[Hitch]

If you are truly first mate, you will be treated with a bit more dignity then the rest of the crew. .

The job of the first mate is to back the captain up. You both have to trust each other, with your lives. If you don't...well, bad things happen.

I think first mate might be the top spot in avoiding drama and bullshit though. Everyone beats up on the deckhands. The chef gets pounded on as well. The captain does all the managing, has to deal with the owner's requests, often impossible requests, and has to deal with any deckhand drama.

The key to this being a good job, is really the Captain. If you trust your captain and he has your back, you can and will do fine and get through anything. The reverse is true as well, if your captain stabs you in the back and you can't trust him, your life will be a living hell.

[Publico]

Here's a nice website to check out yachts (www.superyachts.com) for sale. Used yachts are generally less expensive than what I remember from 2002.

[Glass]

200,000 Euro per week. Good money if you can get it.

http://www.superyachts.com/syv2/resource/227-146-95-c-ad69/superyachts/property/description/lazy-z-2217.jpg
This ones in the Med. Just a random pick from Publico's link in the upto 600,000 per week range.

I wonder what the hire frequency is for vessels like these. How many weeks a year these could be hired for?

I liked the story from the person who did it. There are some very big yachts in FL.

[Hitch]

200,000 Euro per week. Good money if you can get it.

http://www.superyachts.com/syv2/resource/227-146-95-c-ad69/superyachts/property/description/lazy-z-2217.jpg
This ones in the Med. Just a random pick from Publico's link in the upto 600,000 per week range.

I wonder what the hire frequency is for vessels like these. How many weeks a year these could be hired for?

I liked the story from the person who did it. There are some very big yachts in FL.

That is a good story, and this is a very helpful thread. Regarding how many weeks a year, it depends upon the season and the boat. I was told sometimes you might only charter out 1 week a month. The remaining 3 weeks you are maintaining the boat. Polishing brass, etc, while hopefully having some fun as well.

The amount of money thrown around with these vessels is mind boggling. I was told around 80K a week to charter, not counting fuel, that 200k euros is insane. Just to park the vessel at a dock is $1000 a night some places, then you've got to tip the port captain a grand or two as well.

Then you've got the crazy parties with the charter folks to deal with. Apparently the russians are the worst, trash the boat, drugs, hookers, etc and they are some hard core dudes. It's not wise to charter out to the russians apparently.

[mick silver]

was wondering how old are you hitch that you need help to know what's good for you . you are the only that can come to the answer you need ... right are wrong , but you need to do what's best for you . my dad always said you cant find the answers from other you will know in your heart what right are wrong

[Hitch]

was wondering how old are you hitch that you need help to know what's good for you . you are the only that can come to the answer you need ... right are wrong , but you need to do what's best for you . my dad always said you cant find the answers from other you will know in your heart what right are wrong

That's good advise, mick. Remember though, I'm the idiot who thought I could make a difference by becoming a cop in the ghetto. Truth is, I'm not good at taking care of myself. At dinner the other night, I looked my father in the eye and told him that.

I am learning to be more cautious at what decisions to make in life. Perhaps too cautious, I feel like I've got to research everything before making a decision.

[mick silver]

I have fallen more then once but it don't stop me from getting up again it called life

[EE_]

Remember though, I'm the idiot who thought I could make a difference by becoming a cop in the ghetto.

Who are we to argue with you

I am learning to be more cautious at what decisions to make in life. Perhaps too cautious, I feel like I've got to research everything before making a decision.

That's a sign you might be getting...well...OLD!



...................

[Hitch]

......

[midnight rambler]

I ain't old, dammit.

I can bench press my body weight, deadlift almost 2 times that.

When you pussies can do that, you let me know. Until then, piss off.

Can you carry 110# on your shoulder up a ladder two stories?

[Hitch]

Can you carry 110# on your shoulder up a ladder two stories?

Truthfully? Yes I can do that.

[Publico]

Can you carry 110# on your shoulder up a ladder two stories?

I can as long as she doesn't kick, hit me with her hands or grab the sides of ladder.

[EE_]

Originally Posted by midnight rambler
Can you carry 110# on your shoulder up a ladder two stories?


Truthfully? Yes I can do that.

That's all?

I can carry 220lbs on my shoulders...I've been working out though.

http://img.chan4chan.com/img/2010-08-15/1281826276326.jpg

[Hitch]

I can as long as she doesn't kick, hit me with her hands or grab the sides of ladder.

Haha, I think there's some nautical significance to that question, yet I've failed to realize.

Usually you would be carrying her down the ladder, not up, and I'd suggest keeping her legs in front of you, the rest of her off your back. Seems to work better that way.

[Hitch]

That's all?

I can carry 220lbs on my shoulders...I've been working out though.


The thing that makes me chuckle is you actually could do that, toss a couple of 110# gals over your shoulder. I know you are joking with this post, but it's funny anyway. It's a laugh. All in good fun I suppose.

[zap]

You guys are stupid ! I can carry 100 pounds of chicken feed on each shoulder and I am almost 50 and a girl for christ sakes most here wouldn't believe the kinds of work and muscle I had to have to have to go tit for tat with the Mr. he didn't give me any slack.

Hitch you are getting older and in your late forties it starts to catch up with you .... hell why not get a job smiling and saying yes mam..... if you can make big money smiling and saying yes why not?

[woodman]

Go for it Hitch. If it doesn't work out you can always go back to where you're at. The only thing you'll regret in later years are the choices you didn't make and the chances you didn't take.

[Neuro]

Go for it Hitch. If it doesn't work out you can always go back to where you're at. The only thing you'll regret in later years are the choices you didn't make and the chances you didn't take.
Just check out how the country of the ship investigates murder charges involving billionaire owners and hired plebs sleeping with their daughters... Probably it doesn't matter as the whole crew will testify you slipped and fell in the sea just as the owner was coming with his jet ski!

[woodman]

Just check out how the country of the ship investigates murder charges involving billionaire owners and hired plebs sleeping with their daughters... Probably it doesn't matter as the whole crew will testify you slipped and fell in the sea just as the owner was coming with his jet ski!

Then of course a judicious course would be to find a feminine yacht owner and make sure she will provide the proper 'package' benefitting a 'first mate'.

[Hitch]

Then of course a judicious course would be to find a feminine yacht owner and make sure she will provide the proper 'package' benefitting a 'first mate'.

Until she gets tired of you, or you piss her off. I'm told I'll need to put my picture on my resume. Apparently, that's the first thing they look at. If they like the way you look, they will read your resume, if they don't, into the circular file it goes.

[Hitch]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A4FfCjP-dhY

[Hitch]

I'm sorry, but I had to post this. Talk about an epic fail!


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N6TYQZd0HPs

[Dogman]

Top heavy, eh!

[Neuro]

Then of course a judicious course would be to find a feminine yacht owner and make sure she will provide the proper 'package' benefitting a 'first mate'.
It is only Billionaire Men buying yachts. I doubt Hitch want to be the first mate of a feminine yacht owner! ;D

[Publico]

Pay and Fishing video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O08caTKuQPc)

Work on a Yacht youtube channel (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCErdkFT1-iqaNRdrLHO4Lvw) (lots of videos).

[Hitch]

I wonder if I could get a job on this yacht.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1dQGMXCNaF0

[Publico]

You're gonna to need a bigger boat.

[Cebu_4_2]

Can you carry 110# on your shoulder up a ladder two stories?

Fuck That! I'm old enough to remember that that is just stupid.

110 on shoulder is fine but that ladder thing gets in the way.

[singular_me]

I second that, every downside has an upside and otherwise.

That's how NWO education gets us totally framed, by instilling this quest for more upsides than downsides, which exploits laziness in thinking as it is which of the path of least resistance in the end

everything is a 50-50 as long as one is smart enough to observe both sides of the coin




My advice .............do it........adapt , learn from it , come out the other end ........

[Glass]

I was thinking about this thread, maybe a week ago. It turned up in a search today strangely enough.

So my thoughts. I think in hindsight my advice, to stay away from the rich #$@stards might not have been the best advice. As long as you got a job on a good boat. It seems that in the world of Super/Mega yatch charters that onboard staff can do quite well.

The boats I'm talking about are the $1mil + per week. You can pay as much as $5mil per week. I looked at what the costs are etc to run a mega yatch. They say it's about 10% of the purchase price P/A for operational expenses. Obviously a lot of these big boats are up for charter because the crew is paid for, the costs need to be offset and operating the boat as a business gives you the tax deductions.

When a boat is chartered it is customary for the crew to receive a gratuity of about 10% the charter fee. This cost is not included in the charter price. It is extra. Now sure you get multiple crew on board and most boats are running a crew of 20 - 30. Some big boats are running crews of 50. The arab yatchs often run a crew of 100 or more and they have 100 guests on board. Looking at those boats its hard to see where all the people are put but I think in that world you probably get something akin to a 1600's boats accomodations. Maybe you get a hammock but certainly not a cabin like you would on some of the westerner owned boats. The crew cabins and facilities are pretty good on those.

So as a capatain you might be pulling $70K - $100K P/A. Possibly more. Regular crew in the $50K range. Food, board and exotic locations included. Maybe you can use the toys when the boat is unoccupied. Who knows. You might pick up another $5K per charter. If you were on a busy boat with 10+ charters per year you could pocket $100K as a lower than capatain crew. Tax? probably not because you are not living in any one country for any period of time.

[palani]

I was thinking about this thread

Australians are pre-disposed to traveling. I used to see their sailboats come into San Juan harbor, you'd meet the owners occasionally in the bars frequented, they would do repairs, pick up some change doing odd jobs and in a week or a month would slip anchor and be gone to the next port.

'Course this is not the same as working for a living on a charter vessel. If anything this lifestyle is the antithesis of working for a living.