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Training or experience?

Discussion in 'Yacht Crews' started by honorace2797, Sep 17, 2006.

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  1. honorace2797, Sep 17, 2006
    #1
    honorace2797

    honorace2797 New Member

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    Hello all,

    I am a 19 year old living in coastal US state.
    A friend and I are very interested in pursuing a Yachting career (Motor OR Sailing). Working as Deck hands is our only goal for now, though we may later pursue moving up. We have no experience in open water boating, but motivation to try it is high.
    We have looked at many ways of entering the field.
    We assumed that some (or maybe a lot) of training and certification would be required. Such as - STWC 95, and general boat handling skills training etc...

    We've looked at the UKSA School in the UK, and also several smaller schools in Australia and elsewhere.

    After reading over this forum however, I have seen that a bit more focus is on just getting yourself out on the docks and doing day work.

    So, is just doing day work for weeks enough to get a job,
    Or would it be better to get at least some minimal training first?
    We want to be the best deck hands we can be. We're not just trying to make money or get a ride. We know this takes determination and a lot of hard work. We're ready, but just not sure how to start.

    My friend and I don't really have the means to pay for a huge education like the UKSA's Ocean Graduate program, would their Crew Training course be adequate to take care of the official side of things?

    I think I am seeing that getting some training (that might include some experience and miles) and then hitting the major docks for a while would be a good plan. Am I even close to a good plan here?

    OR, do we need to get experience on small private vessels or something first?

    This is what we want to do, any suggestions?

    Thanks for any input,

    Justin
  2. Norseman, Sep 19, 2006
    #2
    Norseman

    Norseman Senior Member

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    Not an expert on the subject as I started in the Merchant Marines when I was a teenager instead of on yachts, but I'll give it a shot anyway:

    Go down to the waterfront and start scrubbing decks.
    Especially here in Ft. Lauderdale there will be lots of "day jobs" before the Big Boatshow, to spruce up yachts and make 'em ready for sale.

    I was out of work and out of ideas 2 years ago and did exactly that: Scrubbed, cleaned and polished 54' to 80' yachts for 4 weeks for a fairly decent hourly wage.

    (It was tough for a 47 year old kid like me to work in the sun for 8 hours per day, but it had to be done to pay my property taxes for the year.)

    While doing that you will meet owners, captains and brokers that may take a liking to you if you work hard and do a decent job without complaining.

    A deckhand job may come soon after that. First for deliveries, then perhaps more permanent stuff later.
    Then, as you rack up sea time and learn the boats, go for you mate licence and move up the ladder.

    Good luck.
  3. honorace2797, Sep 19, 2006
    #3
    honorace2797

    honorace2797 New Member

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    wow, ok.

    Just jump in cold turkey huh?

    Alright then...

    Thanks for the input.



    (Happy to hear any other opinions)
  4. Norseman, Sep 19, 2006
    #4
    Norseman

    Norseman Senior Member

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    Well, there is many ways to skin a turkey...:D

    You could certainly go to school and take the fire fighting and first aid courses to qualify for STWC 95. That 5 day class here in Ft. Lauderdale cost around $1,000.00 if memeory serves me right.

    As for boat handling, well ya have to rent an instructor and a boat...$$$.


    The point is, start hanging around the water front, good help is always hard to find and if ya are motivated, ya will always find something.

    A big no-no on yachts are drugs and some don't want smoking or drinking either. Other than that, hard work and a good attitude should get ya a deck hand position.

    Your milage may vary..:)
  5. honorace2797, Sep 19, 2006
    #5
    honorace2797

    honorace2797 New Member

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    Yea OK,

    That's more what I thought would be good.
    I'd feel a bit more comfortable presenting myself with at least some qualifications.
    Even though I am very motivated and ready to work, it seems that not knowing how might make me look a little less desirable to a captain. I don't like asking too many questions. But as someone once said: "There are no stupid questions, just stupid people". :rolleyes:

    But that sounds good; getting yourself on the water front and getting known (known as in, a GOOD reputation).
    I completely understand the "no-no's", I plan and will strive to be a profesional, not a lazy bum. I hope to stay away from all those (drugs, smoking etc...) things for ever. No offense to those who choose them.;)

    Thanks Norseman


    Justin
  6. Norseman, Sep 19, 2006
    #6
    Norseman

    Norseman Senior Member

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    Yeah anytime, but more guys should pipe up and offer advise on how to "get started".

    The above was only my personal notes and I am only a part-timer in this business. Don't run any more yachts, back to being the captain on a 225' fast ship called the Boeing 747.
    (Could advise ya better on how to start in the flying business, but that is really a rocky road these guys, mega yachts are probably more fun...)

    Good luck and be prepared for some hard work in the sun before ya climb into the wheel house or flybridge of something big with 4 stripes on yer shoulders.....;)
  7. honorace2797, Sep 19, 2006
    #7
    honorace2797

    honorace2797 New Member

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    Thanks again Norseman

    Happy flyn' and smooth air to you.:cool:

    --------

    I'm all ears.:)