If you’re the type of person who can’t imagine living the mundanity of a 9 to 5 office job, then this article is for you! You are probably hoping that there is more to work than just tea breaks and endless meetings, and you are in luck. There are in fact a number of exciting jobs out there that allow you to stay true to your passions and earn a decent wage, with a position aboard a yacht as a yacht deckhand being one of the most adventurous jobs you can have, offering a chance to travel the world while teaching watersports and generally being a core part of operations a large yacht. Below, discover what the life of a deckhand can encompass.
As adventurous jobs go, yacht deckhand is the coolest…
What makes it an exciting job?
Okay, so your initial research may show that being a deckhand is largely about keeping the outside areas of the yacht in great condition, and this is true. However, this in itself is already a step up from sitting behind a desk. Working out on deck all day means you get to feel connected with your surroundings and get the best views of anyone onboard, benefitting from the fresh sea air and Vitamin D.
What’s more, a key part of many yacht deckhand jobs is taking the guests out to make the most of the exhilarating water toys that the boat offers – this is particularly true on larger yachts. Having qualifications such as Dinghy Instructor or Dive-master makes you instantly more employable, sometimes negating limited experience actually working onboard yachts, and can also increase your overall salary.
As deckhand you’ll be responsible for driving and helping guests with toys like Jet Skis, small sailboats, paddleboards, and kayaks, or teaching the guests how to work the equipment on their own. Some groups may require you to join them in the water or tender along beside them as they swim. Your yacht may also offer snorkelling, scuba diving, kite surfing, wakeboarding, or waterskiing; basically, whatever water-based activity your guests are doing, you will often be right by their side, affording you the opportunity to enjoy the activity with them and making it one of the most adventurous jobs out there! Depending on your qualifications, some guests may want you to take on the role of their onboard personal trainer, potentially allowing you to set up workout classes on land and appreciate the beauty of wherever you are in the world a little more.
What’s more, the friendships you will forge during your career as a yachtie will likely be some of the strongest you will ever make, remaining long after your life as a yacht deckhand has finished.
The less adventurous parts of the role
Of course, a deckhand is typically an entry-level position on a yacht, equal to junior stewardesses, so you are naturally on the lowest rung of the crew hierarchy. You will therefore also be expected to pick up some of the less-than-exciting jobs thrown your way. Cleaning and polishing the entire exterior of the yacht is your biggest priority day to day, and this requires constant attention in order to keep it in the sparkling condition that the guests expect.
You also can only leave the yacht to explore your cruising destination if it has been okayed by your Captain. Plus, it’s worth bearing in mind that this is certainly no 9-5 job, with very long hours while guests are onboard and some night shifts required.
However, what other jobs are there that offer the chance to travel to some of the coolest and most breathtaking destinations on the planet aboard a luxury yacht, teaching, supervising and enjoying watersports and often receiving hefty tips from satisfied guests? That’s why we vote deckhand to be the most adventurous job you can get! Learn just what it takes to become the perfect candidate for deckhand yacht jobs before you take the plunge.
