If you are just starting out in yachting, the first thing you'll need to look into is Training. There is a recognized course which is called, STCW-95.  This course takes one week to complete and is basic training for those looking to work on yachts.  The course it self covers 4 areas of yachting that the IMO deems to be important for all to understand when joining the maritime industry.  The core subjects are Basic Fire Fighting, Elementary First Aid, Personal Survival Techniques and last but not least Personal Safety and Responsibility.  This course is offered at a number of yachting schools all round the world.  You do need to make sure that the STCW-95 course that you do, is endorsed by the MCA (British Maritime Coast Guard Authority) as they set the standard for most training, that is if you want to work on luxury yachts. Failure to get an approved course would mean that you would have to re-sit it again and pay all that money once again.  It's not the most exciting of courses but it does give you a good grounding in some of the basics and is also a fantastic way to network with other future crew.

 

The other very important thing is to get your ENG1, this is a full body check up to make sure that you are fit for sea service and to work on Yachts.  It is a non evasive test that requires a number of very standard tests.  If you are given a good clean bill of health, then your certificate is good for 2 years.  Your ENG1 needs to be accepted by an MCA approved physician, click here for the list of Approved Medical Practitioners.

 

 

Check out our list of approved Schools in our Training & Licensing Section to help find a school near you.

Also if you have any further qualifications, drivers license, Scuba license don’t forget to bring them with you, it all helps making you a lot more valuable to an employer.

 

 

 

 

 

New to Yachting