One of the benefits to yachting is the fact that they operate in a Tax-Free environment.  Due to the fact that majority of the worlds luxury yachts are registered in Tax Havens like the Cayman Islands, Isle of Man.  When you start out in the yachting industry earning tax free dollars, it’s wise to open up an offshore tax account.  There are a few offshore banks but you have to weigh up the pro’s and cons with each.  Here are a couple to consider:

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We all know that Drugs are bad news, so let me explain why Drugs and yachting don’t mix.  Firstly for obvious reasons we have the legal issue, if you got caught with drugs you would immediately be fired and both yourself and the drugs would be passed over to the local authorities.  Now if the police or coastguard would find drugs on the yacht, well you would have then made a massive mistake.  Not only would you be detained and face jail time but you have also implicated the Captain, who will now possibly loose his job, license and worst of all have the yacht seized.  You read it right, if the authorities find drugs onboard the yacht they have the rights to seize that vessel so technically you could have cost the yachts owner millions of dollars for your miss doings.  To help deter crew from using drugs the use of drug test kits are widely used, they range from urine tests to hair follicle testing.  Either way it means you will loose your job and your name will be tarnished in the industry, which inevitably will make it harder to get a job. 

Now the next part, Alcohol.  Yes it’s fun and yes it’s part of the yachting lifestyle but just like anything, it has it’s downside.  We all work with the mantra “work hard, party hard” but with that comes the idea that we are all adults.  The unfortunate part is that we all talk about those individuals that take the drinking and partying too far.  We all talk about the people that take a good night too far, so it’s a great idea to not end up that person.  Especially if you are just starting out in the industry,  you don’t want to be known as that guy or girl that parties too hard!

Appearance in yachting is a big deal.  The way you look represents the type of person you are, and when it comes to yachting, image is everything!

Walking the docks is the one place where people will judge you on your appearance.  So many times I’ve seen yacht crew dock walking wearing their flip flops, board shorts, a t-shirt, looking like they’ve just stepped off the beach or for those women that have too much makeup on or long fingernails and you wonder if they’re the right type of person that you’d hire to work on a yacht.  However the person that is neat in appearance, collared shirt, smart pair of shorts and a nice pair of walking shoes will always make a great impression.

Tattoo’s are another issue in yachting, as they are seen undesirable.  A general rule is if the tattoo can be hidden by clothing then it’s ok.  You just have to remember that you’ll be working in short sleeve t-shirts and shorts most of the time, so if the tattoo can’t be seen then it’s ok.  Each boat is going to be different and the rules regarding appearance will vary.  At the end of the day the smarter you look the easier it will be to find work.

If you are just starting out you’ll be looking for somewhere to stay?  We suggest crew houses are your best choice for accommodation.  The other part is that they are normally really well located near the marina’s and ports.  Crew houses also are great when you start out as they offer you a chance to network with others looking for work and also for getting daywork.

Crew accommodation varies per yacht.  General sleeping arrangements will be 2 bunk style beds in each cabin with an ensuite.  The Cabins themselves can be quite small but generally the newer the boat or the larger size of boats, the accommodations size will increase to make crew life a little more comfortable.  Don’t forget to pack light due to space restrictions but feel free to bring anything that will make life comfortable, the only problem being that if it weighs too much you’ll be paying excess baggage. I would always suggest starting out with one bag, allowing for all your basic clothes and don’t forget something to go out in.  If you feel that your cupboard space is a little bare you’ll have more than enough time to go shopping all over the world, literally!

Salary packages will vary depending on the size of the yacht and to how much the yacht is willing to pay.  There is a vague industry standard but as there is no union regulating pay scales, the yachts can pay anything they want.  The other aspect to salary packages are the benefits.  The benefits on board each yacht will vary, there is no guarantee but they can include:  paid vacation 1-2 months a year, Medical Insurance, paid courses for industry training, flights home each year & also yearly performance bonus.  I thought i would add the salary guide line for you to reference.  As I said it is a guide and should be used as a guide.  To be honest most salaries will be based on your skill level and the salary allowance aboard the yacht.  At least you'll have an idea of what each position pays going into your interview.

CREW	100'-120ft	120'-140ft	140'-160ft	160'-180ft	180' -200ft	200' & UP
Exterior
CAPTAIN	$9,000 - 10,000	$10,000 - 11,000	$11,000 - 13,000	$13,000 - 15,000	$15,000 - 17,000	$18,000+
CHIEF ENGINEER	N/A	$7,000 - 7,500	$7,500 - 8,000	$8,000 - 9,00	$9,500 - 10,000	$11,000+
2nd Engineer	N/A	N/A	$6,000 - 6,500	6,500 - 7,000	$7,000 - 7,500	$7,500 +
ENGINEER	$5,000 - 5,500	$6,000 - 7,000	$7,000 - 7,500	N/A	N/A	N/A
2nd/ 3rd ENGINEER	N/A	N/A	$4,000 - 4,500	$4,500 - 5,000	$5,000 - 5,500	$5,500 +
1st Officer/Mate	$4,000 - 5,000	$5,000 - 5,500	$6,000 - 6,500	$6,500 - 7,000	$7,000 - 8,000	$9,000 +
2nd MATE (OOW)	N/A	N/A	$4,800 - 5,000	$5,000 - 5,500	$5,500 - 6,000	$6,000 +
BOSUN	N/A	$3,500 - 4,000	$4,000 - 4,300	$4,300 - 4,500	$4,500 - 5,000	$4,500 +
DECKHAND	$2,500 - 3,000	$3,000 - 3,200	$3,200 - 3,400	$3,400 - 3,600	$3,400 - 3,600	$3,400 +
JUNIOR DECKHAND	$2,500 - 2,800	$2,500 - 2,800	$2,500 - 2,800	$2,500 - 2,800	$2,500 - 2,800	$2,500 +
Interior
PURSER	N/A	N/A	N/A	$6,000 - 7,000	$7,000 - 7,500	$7,000 +
CHEF	$5,000 - 5,500	$5,500 - 6,000	$6,500 - 8,000	$8,000 - 8,500	$8,500 - 9,000	$9,000 +
SOUS CHEF	N/A	N/A	$4,000 - 4,500	$4,500 - 4,800	$5,000 - 5,500	$5,000 +
CREW CHEF	N/A	N/A	$3,500 - 4,000	$4,000 - 4,500	$4,500 - 4,800	$4,800 +
CHIEF STEWARDESS	$4,000 - 4,500	$4,500 - 5,000	$5,500 - 6,000	$6,000 - 6,500	$7,000 - 7,500	$7,500 +
2nd STEWARDESS	$3,000 - 3,300	$3,300 - 3,500	$3,500 - 4,000	$3,800 - 4,000	$4,000 - 4,500	$4,500 +
STEWARDESS	$3,000 - 3,200	$3,000 - 3,200	$3,200 - 3,400	$3,200 - 3,400	$3,200 - 3,400	$3,200 +
JUNIOR STEWARDESS	$2,500 - 2,800	$2,500 - 2,800	$2,500 - 2,800	$2,500 - 2,800	$2,500 - 2,800	$2,500 +