Guides: breaking into yachting
A researched reference for green crew — people trying to land a first job on a superyacht with no sea time. Start with the pillar guide below, then dig into certificates, pay and seasons. Every figure is given as a range with its source, and re-checked periodically.
Figures verified July 2026 — costs, salaries, visa and certification rules change; verify with official sources before relying on them.
How to get a yacht job with no experience
The full green-crew path: the certificates you need first, a yachting CV, choosing a hub in season, agencies, dockwalking and landing a first junior role.
CertificationSTCW Basic Training explained
What the mandatory STCW Basic Safety Training modules are, roughly how long the course takes, what it costs, and how the fire and survival elements refresh.
CertificationThe ENG1 seafarer medical
The UK MCA medical that is the industry default: what is tested, approximate costs by country, how long it lasts, and which conditions can restrict a certificate.
MoneyYacht crew salaries by role
Approximate monthly salary ranges for deck, interior, engineering and galley roles, plus how vessel size, charter tips and rotation change the numbers.
On the groundDaywork, day rates and yacht seasons
Where and when to be: Med and Caribbean season timing, the main crew hubs, rough daily rates for daywork, and a high-level look at visas.
AtlantisDesk compiles these guides from public industry and government sources. We are not former yacht crew and do not present first-hand sea experience — where accuracy matters (medical, legal, immigration), always confirm with the official sources we link to.