Boat Deckhand Jobs

You might think that your appearance has little to do with getting a boat deckhand job. Wrong!

Although people may associate a certain laid-back casualness or even scruffiness with those who hang around docks and work on boats, in truth many boat owners and captains want crew who look neat. This is especially true for the luxury yachts and so-called superyachts, which is where the best jobs in this business happen to me.

Now no one expects you to wear a tie and suit to interview for a deckhand job! That would not be looking the part, either. A clean and neat polo shirt (not a tank top), slacks (not cut-off jeans), and dock shoes (not sandals) make up the look to aim for.

"Dock rats" might be the term that some folks use for people who crew on boats and spend their off time making the rounds of waterfront bars. But that doesn't mean it's acceptable to look ratty.

Landing a deck job on a sleek and exciting luxury boat will be well worth the time and small expense of sprucing up a bit.

Crew recruitment agencies should never be overlooked in your search for deckhand employment.

These agencies are experts when it comes to matching prospective deckhands and other boat crew with the right yacht captain or company.

Just remember that when you walk into a crew agency office, you might be competing with dozens or even hundreds of other hopefuls. How you look, your attitude (preferably confident but not smug), and the way you interact with the agency screener will go a long way toward deciding whether you get an actual interview for a position on a boat crew.

Crew agencies may be found in ports around the world. If it's an upscale crewing experience you want, you should try to get yourself to a resort-type port, where the super yachts and mega yachts tend to be found. An agency in one of these so-called "millionaire's playgrounds" can hook you up with the deckhand job of your nautical dreams.

If you want a job on a superyacht, try hanging out with the yachties. Makes sense, doesn't it? As with most other careers, networking and making connections will take you a long way in this business.

When in port and not on their boats, deckhands and captains alike gravitate to certain bars and restaurants. Even if you're new in town, you can ask around to find these places. The great thing about yachtie ports of call is that they're usually extremely laid-back places where it's easy to strike up many friendly conversatons.

Ask everyone you meet if they happen to know of any boat deckhand jobs. Don't pester the same people over and over about it, but don't be shy either. Shyness will not get far in the yachtie environment.

One caution: The eyes and ears of the yachting industry are everywhere. Just as this can work in your favor for finding a job as a boat deckhand, it can work against you if you sabotage yourself through bad behavior. One too many beers in a bar could cause you to say or do something embarrassing, perhaps in plain view and hearing of potential employers. A word to the wise!

One aspect of being a boat deckhand, especially in the yacht world, is that you never stop learning. No one in this business ever knows it all - so never pretend that you do. If you do land a deckhand's job by overselling your experience or skills, it will come back to haunt you.

Picture this. A candidate for a yacht crew position saunters in to a crewing agency bubbling with self-confidence. He tells the interviewer, yes, he has years of experience as a deckhand on many different kinds of boats. The interviewer nods, then suddenly pulls out a length of rope and asks the job candidate to tie a common nautical knot. The candidate is unable to do it. Interview over! This has actually happened before.

Learn as much as you can about boat deckhanding. Get as much hands-on training and experience as possible. Then, when you interview for a job, put your best foot forward - but don't exaggerate. It's much more important to show that you have the right attitude and a genuine interest in learning what it takes to make it in a boat deckhand job.

"A resume? I have to have a resume?"

Newcomers to the yachting and boat crewing industry are often surprised to hear that they need to present a formal resume or CV in order to get a deckhand job. While being able to enjoy a casual lifestyle - and get paid for it! - is one of the attractions of this line of work, it is still work. That means that captains and first mates want to have a nice, complete, neatly typed resume on their desk before they start interviewing you.

Potential boat deckhand employers want to see the same basic things in a resume that employers in any industry want to see: A complete work history (no gaps!), a good and appropriate photograph, sufficient references, etc. And neatness does count!

The good news is that far too many applicants in this industry take a sloppy or hurried approach to creating a resume. Take the time to craft a really good looking and complete resume, and you will be head and shoulders above the competition for your desired boat deckhand job.