Start by choosing the onboard department that best suits your skills and interests, such as deck, engineering, and interior. Obtain the essential: STCW basic training and medical certificates (ENG1 or accepted equivalent) and prepare a professional yachting CV. You can then register with crew agencies and job platforms, attend yachting events and consider dockwalking to meet industry professionals and find opportunities. Before travelling or looking for work, make sure that local immigration, employment and port regulations allow you to seek employment and work legally. Contact advice@pya.org for more information on employment contracts.

The Professional Yachting Association (PYA) provides professional guidance, practical resources and representation within the wider yachting industry. We can help you understand training and certification routes, employment standards, how to correctly record and verify your sea service, issue Yacht Rating Certificates, MCA certification guidance, professional events and confidential member assistance.

PYA membership provides access to professional services, industry information, events and support throughout your yachting career. The New to Yachting Membership is designed for those starting out in the industry, offering practical guidance to help you understand the sector, prepare for your first role and begin your career with confidence. The Full Membership is intended for crew progressing in their careers and includes ongoing Sea Service Testimonial verification and maintenance of a PYA Service Record. You can still use the captain as a signatory, as long as you have their contact information (email).

Many yacht crew begin their careers in junior or entry-level positions. Relevant experience in areas such as hospitality, engineering, watersports, childcare, cooking, spa/ massage practitioner or personal trainer can be valuable. Employers also look for professionalism, teamwork, adaptability, and a good understanding of onboard life. Temporary work or daywork can also help you gain practical experience where you are legally permitted to work.

Requirements depend on your role, the yacht, and its flag state. Entry-level crew needs STCW Basic Training, Security Awareness training and a valid seafarer medical certificate, such as an ENG1 or accepted equivalent. Specialist roles may require additional qualifications, including food hygiene, tender driving - Power Boat Level II, engineering – AEC1, or other role-specific certificates. Always check the current requirements applicable to your intended position before booking training. For personalised career advice and guidance on the qualifications you may need, you can contact the PYA team at srb@pya.org.

You should retain clear copies of all documents relating to your employment, training and sea service, including: Your passport. Your valid medical certificate, such as an ENG1. Your training and qualification certificates. Your verified Sea Service Testimonials. Your employment documents. Keeping your records organised throughout your career can make future qualifications, sea service and certification applications much easier.

Use professional yachting CV, reputable crew agencies, recognised job platforms, networking and lawful direct applications. Dockwalking, industry events, and networking can help you meet potential employers and build professional contacts. Before undertaking dockwalking or daywork, make sure that local immigration, employment and port regulations allow you to do so.

A Seafarer Employment Agreement (SEA) is a written employment contract covering areas such as your role, wages, leave, notice periods, repatriation and other employment conditions. Crew working on commercial seagoing yachts covered by the Maritime Labour Convention should receive an individual SEA, have sufficient time to review it and retain a signed copy. Crew working on private yachts should also request a clear written employment contract setting out their employment conditions. Find more information about the employment contracts

Keep copies of your employment contract, pay slips, messages, and any other relevant evidence. Raise the issue in writing through the yacht's onboard complaint procedure, Captain, management company or employer where appropriate. If the situation remains unresolved, seek professional advice. PYA members can contact the PYA Member Assistance Service for confidential guidance and support at advice@pya.org.

A Seaman’s Discharge Book is issued by a maritime authority, usually by the flag state of the vessel you are employed on or by your country of origin. A Seaman’s Discharge Book records your dates and ports of joining and leaving a vessel and cannot be completed retrospectively, so it is best to arrange one when you begin your employment.  Find more information here