Dynamic Deckhands Wanted

Yes, boat handling and maintenance skills are important in the world of superyacht crewing. At least as important (some would say more so!) is your image. Dynamic deckhands have a personal image, based in a certain personality type, that causes others to see them in a fun and professional way.

The good news is that if that image does not quite fit you at the moment, you can cultivate it; to some degree you can even "fake it 'til you make it!" Try to meet and hang out with yacht crew members. Observe them. See which ones are the group leaders that the others tend to gravitate toward. Study their body language, way of talking, their openness and confidence, etc. Chances are you will be seeing a truly dynamic deckhand whose personality you can "model."

Yes, image is that important in the yacht crew world. It will put you in good stead to work on your image fully as much as you do your boating skills.

Dockwalking is one of the best ways to find and obtain a job on a superyacht. Yes, there are hiring agencies you can go through, but meeting working crew members and their captains is still one of the best ways to achieve employment in this industry.

Would-be dynamic deckhands learn the ins and outs of dockwalking and how to use it correctly to crush the competition for superyacht jobs. Believe it or not, there exist tested dockwalking strategies and methods that can help you beat the rest of the dockwalkers and bring you that extra cash - not to mention the adventure - that you are looking for. It is up to you to see out this knowledge and then put it into action!

You should also learn where the essential ports, docks and marinas are, particularly in the Caribbean and the Mediterranean. Did you know that in the Mediterranean, it is possible to approach the equivalent of some 14,000 yachts in three different countries within a single week? Then, there are some little known ports in that region that you could visit, and that could easily land you months of daywork and money simply because you showed up!

When you picture yourself working on a huge luxury yacht, you might imagine spending your days running up and down decks attending to various tasks but never coming in contact with the water on which your vessel drifts from port to port.

The truth is that dynamic deckhands get wet! If you want to stand out in this job and be the deckhand that everyone notices, you have to be comfortable in the water.

For example, you will want to learn to drive both jet and outboard tenders, or powerboats, in all types of weather. When you're powering your way through the ocean in one of these small boats, you're going to deal with frequent spray, especially if the sea is choppy. And when it storms you will really experience what a good soaking is!

Can you keep your head and wits about you when stinging water is hitting you from every direction? If you can manage the tender in the roughest of situations, you will make yacht owners and guests alike see you as a seasoned professional - possibly even someone to put on the fast track to captain.

Also, one of the jobs you are likely to be called on to do is to safely manage the affairs of your guests while doing water sports. Your goal will be to make sure they have the maximum enjoyment possible during their time aboard with you - including when you or out jetskiing or swimming with them.

If you love the water, then a deckhand job will definitely keep you in close touch with it!

The world of the megayachts and superyachts floats serenely above the troubles of the global economy in which most people live.

It may surprise you to learn that recessions and economic slowdowns barely touch those who are rich or fortunate enough to own one of these huge floating pleasure boats. That isn't to say that an occasional owner might find that his fortune has suddenly hit the skids, and end up having to sell his beloved boat. But most people in that league have made sure to protect their wealth in such a way that that kind of misfortune is unlikely to ever sneak up on them.

The superyacht industry is as robust as ever. This means that once you get your foot in the door - or should we say, foot on deck - you can be virtually assured of steady work for as long as you want. On the other hand, you might face more competition in getting that crucial first job. The answer is simple: Become a dynamic deckhand and you will rise above everyone else, straight into the position of your choice.

All my deckhand-related lenses in Word doc/ebook format:

Deckhand Job Guide - Secrets to Employment On A Super Yacht Publish at Scribd or explore others: How-to-Guides & Manu deck hands superyachts