Hi everyone,
As you know, the Mediterranean summer is around the corner and many of you will be looking for jobs soon if you aren't already.
Whether you're looking for your first job as yacht crew or not, I wanted to give you a few thoughts on what may lie ahead for you on your job search.
Feel free to replace South African with any nationality, age, gender etc if you like but the below is especially relevant to my country men and women.
South Africans have a reputation and you need to be aware of how you contribute to it.
Before you dismiss this or worry, please listen. You might be one of the 'good ones,' but regardless, there are people who, for various reasons, are hesitant to hire South Africans.
These reasons could include having too many on board already, past negative experiences with hiring certain South Africans, or client preferences. Whatever the reason, we must acknowledge that we are all facing the same challenges. Years ago, South Africans had a great reputation and were in demand for being hardworking, humble, and respectful crew. Granted, the industry was smaller then, and there were fewer of us, but over the past 11 years of running YOA yacht crew, I've seen a significant increase in South African yacht crew and also an increase in unfavourable sentiment from some.
With that said, it is becoming increasingly difficult for us to find and keep jobs. So what can be done?
This is certainly not definitive, but here are some things to keep in mind for all crew, not only South Africans!
You are replaceable.
You are not the most important person on board. (Regardless of your rank or what you may believe). The guests/owners are the most important. This is a service industry and you are there to help the guests enjoy their experience on board.
Do your very best to justify your salary (every day) - Compare what you are able to earn/save on yachts to jobs on land and give yourself a regular reality check.
Be a good crew member
Don't be the person to say: "That's not my job"
If you use it, put it away, if you break it own the mistake and try to fix it, clean up after yourself, ask questions and learn from those around you - I know, this should go without saying.
Keep in mind that most crew members have probably been at this for much longer than you and have seen hundreds of crew come and go. They invest their time, energy, and money in your training, so show your appreciation through hard work, asking questions, and making their investment in you worthwhile.
Be pro-active
Work on building connections with people in the industry - crew members, crew agents etc, etc and keep in mind that when someone endorses you, their reputation is also at stake. This is why many are hesitant to recommend certain crew members.
Longevity will always count in your favour.
Be humble
For those of you that know me, you know that I'm not immune to making mistakes, but I've always done my best to reflect on them and avoid making them again. This is one of the main reasons I started YOA superyacht training in 2014. I count myself extremely fortunate to have met so many amazing crew like you over the years and really hope this helps.
I know how many hurdles we need to jump over to even get overseas to get a shot at a job. Don't let it be a waste. Back yourself, put the effort in, it will be noticed.
Here's to you! You've got this. Do yourself and all of us justice.
Hulle weet nie wat ons weet nie!
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