Click for Cross Click for Perko Click for Abeking Click for Walker Click for Westport

Improving our chances

Discussion in 'Yacht Crews' started by Matthias, Jul 11, 2006.

You need to be registered and signed in to view this content.
  1. Matthias, Jul 11, 2006
    #1
    Matthias

    Matthias New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 5, 2006
    Messages:
    8
    Location:
    Germany
    I've got a 2nd Class Commercial license and 5 years passenger ship experience, while my partner is taking the STCW basic safety course and has some waitressing and hosting experience, but for the last six years she has worked in an accounting firm as a bookkeeper and accountant. We registered with a couple of crewing agencies, but they all say the chances are very slim in finding a engineer/junior steward couples position since my partner does not have any yacht experience.
    Since we aren't to keen on working on separate yachts because we've already had to deal with plenty of time apart due to me working on passenger ships, is there anything we can do to improve our chances? We are planning on heading off to Ft. Lauderdale or the Med. in a month if we can't manage to find a position prior to leaving home, but should we even bother doing that if the odds are against us? Does anyone have any crewing agencies to recommend that would be most likely be able to help us find a yacht?
    Thanks for any help/guidance.
  2. Ken Bracewell, Jul 11, 2006
    #2
    Ken Bracewell

    Ken Bracewell Senior Member

    Joined:
    Feb 9, 2006
    Messages:
    1,759
    Location:
    Somewhere Sunny
    Citizenship

    What nationality are you both?
    US stewardesses and engineers are in extremely high demand.

    That being said, you guys are a high-risk unknown at this point. The reason being that couples can be volatile given the wrong circumstances. If there is a problem with one of them, both have to go. I happen to be very lucky to have two sets of couples aboard with little or problems, but I think I'm the exception rather than the rule.

    So... my recommendation is to head to the Med. (if this summer) or Lauderdale (in the fall). If you were willing to spend even one season apart, your chances would be very good to find a position together afterward. Your partner may even work as a freelance stewardess in order to both learn and prove herself. You may also be able to find some temporary work as a relief engineer. Working freelance would afford you the opportunity to live together ashore with intervals of seperation until you find the right job together.

    Good Luck.
  3. sailronin, Jul 11, 2006
    #3
    sailronin

    sailronin Senior Member

    Joined:
    Dec 7, 2005
    Messages:
    111
    Location:
    North Palm Beach, Fl.
    I would second Ken's opinions. At this point experience will be a major plus in marketing yourselves aboard yachts.

    Good luck,
    Dave
  4. Matthias, Jul 12, 2006
    #4
    Matthias

    Matthias New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 5, 2006
    Messages:
    8
    Location:
    Germany
    Thanks for the info. To answer your question Ken, my citizenship is German, but I am a Canadian permanent resident. Bonny is a Canadian citizen.

    We are planning on heading down to Florida in the beginning of September and hopefully we'll have some luck there if nothing else turns up before then. Is September too early to try to find work in Ft. Lauderdale?

    Do any Captains accept crew at a reduced salary on a training basis? I think we just need to get a foot in the door somewhere.

    Matthias
  5. Ken Bracewell, Jul 12, 2006
    #5
    Ken Bracewell

    Ken Bracewell Senior Member

    Joined:
    Feb 9, 2006
    Messages:
    1,759
    Location:
    Somewhere Sunny
    I think September is a good time. That will give you a chance to get comfortable in Ft. Lauderdale and learn the ropes of getting around. That is when all the boats should start to pass through on their annual migration to the south. Register with several of the crew agencies and plan to do as much daywork as you can get (note that dayworkers generally get the worst jobs that the rest of the crew don't want, so do it with a pleasant disposition and a smile). Dayworking is a good way to network and meet captains/crew.
    If you still haven't found something by October, you will be swamped with daywork as the Ft. Lauderdale Boat Show (the world's largest in water show??) is the last weekend in October. Most boats pick up extra workers prior to the show in order to make everything perfect.
    Next piece of advice- Take every interview that is offered to you. It is good practice.
    Once again - Good Luck.
    By The Way- You've come to the right place for advice!:)
  6. ychtcptn, Jul 13, 2006
    #6
    ychtcptn

    ychtcptn Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 8, 2005
    Messages:
    517
    Location:
    Lighthouse Point, FL
    I just love it when Ken replies, it saves me having to type the same thing. Ken, I am back in FL and busy interviewing, looks like I will be heading to New England soon on a boat, see you up there.
  7. Ken Bracewell, Jul 13, 2006
    #7
    Ken Bracewell

    Ken Bracewell Senior Member

    Joined:
    Feb 9, 2006
    Messages:
    1,759
    Location:
    Somewhere Sunny
    We will be at the Isle of Goats for the month of August. Look me up.
    Good Luck with the interviews.
  8. Matthias, Jul 13, 2006
    #8
    Matthias

    Matthias New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 5, 2006
    Messages:
    8
    Location:
    Germany
    Thanks for all the good advice Ken and taking the time to share it. We are now planning to head to Ft. Lauderdale in September and are hoping that about 3 months will give us enough time to make some connections and find some work together.