STCW Superyacht Steward or Stewardess
Our Superyacht Steward/ess course at Flying Fish UK provides the essential skills and qualifications needed to start working as a Superyacht Steward or Stewardess. It's the perfect springboard you need to enter the industry with confidence.
Description
Working on a superyacht is an exciting career option, offering travel to some of the world's most exotic and beautiful destinations.
The average salary for a new 'Stew' is around €2,500 per month, tax-free. And don't forget about the tips coming from the rich and famous.
Your accommodation and food on board are provided, so this can be a great way to save money, and there are fantastic opportunities to advance your career if you work hard.
Course programme
STCW Basic Safety Training - 6 days
STCW course is compulsory for ALL crew who work on Superyachts. The course comprises the following training modules.
- Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting.
- Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities.
- Proficiency in Security Awareness.
- Personal Survival Techniques.
- Elementary First Aid.
VHF Radio Operators Course - 1 day
RYA Radio VHF Short Range Certificate (GMDSS/DSC) teaches you marine radio techniques and emergency procedures.
This is a requirement for tender operators to use marine radios.
Stewardess Training – 5 Days
- Getting a job, career advice, CV creation, references, and interview techniques.
- The role of the interior crew and life on board
- Wine appreciation course at an independent boutique establishment.
- Cocktail mixing, Barista training, and Silver Service.
- Level 2 food hygiene course.
- Organise and run a cocktail party for VIP guests at one of Britain's most historic and prestigious yacht clubs.
- Housekeeping and laundry.
- Flower arranging and table set up.
- Mooring protocol, fenders, and lines.
RYA Powerboat Level 2 Course – 2 Days
A legal requirement for yacht crew who need to drive the yacht tender.
Superyacht Recruitment Event in Antibes, France
There is no additional charge for this. Our staff in Antibes help you through the process of seeking employment. The event includes looking at local crew agencies, what to expect, presentation, do’s and don’ts, dock walking, and a final polish of your CV before you begin your career in the superyacht industry.
Flying Fish UK
The course is run by our experienced training partners at Cowes, Isle of Wight, yachting capital of England.
Where to stay whilst you are training
If you book accommodation with us, you will stay in comfortable, self-catering crew accommodation very close to our training centre in Cowes.
The price for shared room accommodation for the duration of the course is $1150
What's included
All safety equipment, publications, and certification.
Qualifications and core skills
- RYA Powerboat Level 2
- RYA VHF Radio Short Range Certificate
- STCW Basic Safety Training
- CIEH Food Safety Level 2
- MCA Proficiency in Designated Security Duties
- Barista course
- Wine appreciation course
- Cocktails course
- Customer service training
- Industry and career mentoring from our experts
- Free online recruitment service
- Superyacht recruitment day in Antibes
Before you start
- Experience in the hospitality industry is helpful but not required.
- To succeed in the superyacht industry, you must present a smart, well-groomed appearance and have an excellent work ethic.
What next?
- You are ready to step on board your first private yacht as a steward or stewardess.
- Online recruitment from Flying Fish will help you with your job search
- If you're heading down to the South of France for the Med season, or to cross to the Caribbean, you can book a free place at our recruitment day in Antibes and register with some of the top superyacht crew agencies.
Faq
- What qualifications and experience do you need to work as a Steward or Stewardess on a superyacht?
- STCW Basic Safety training, included in this course, is mandatory for all crew on board.
- Radio and Powerboat qualifications are an advantage as they mean you are more versatile as a crew member.
- Additional skills in cocktail mixing, wine appreciation, silver service, flower arranging, etc, make you more versatile and employable.
- Any qualification or transferrable experience in hospitality will definitely be an advantage. If you have worked as a Nanny, Beautician, Hairdresser, or Air Steward/ess, to name a few, then this will look great on your CV
- How do I get my first job on a superyacht?
- The Superyacht industry constantly seeks energetic, well-presented, hardworking people, male or female, to provide guests and owners with the ultimate leisure experience.
- Almost everybody looking for a job on a Superyacht travels to Antibes in the south of France, which is the epicentre of superyachts in Europe. Once in Antibes, you can register with the local crew agencies, walk the dock, and start networking online to find your first job.
- Superyachts recruit for the Mediterranean season between February and May, so this would be an excellent time to arrive in Antibes. The following key recruitment period is between September and November as yachts prepare for the Caribbean season. Yachts will cross the Atlantic anytime between December and January to cruise the Caribbean or the US for the winter.
- How long does it take to find a job?
- Over the last 15 years of training Superyacht crew at Flying Fish UK, most of our graduates have found work within a month of arriving in Antibes.
- You must be proactive, get up early, and ensure you are at the front of the queue. From our experience, people who work hard and explore every opportunity will find a job quickly.
- You must be hard-working, happy to work long hours, and used to sharing duties. Have a can-do attitude and a willingness to go the extra mile to help your fellow crewmates.
- What about pay and working conditions?
- A Stewardess starting in the industry can expect to earn €2,000 to €3,500 per month – paid in Euros and usually tax-free.
- Tips can add quite a lot on top.
- You will live on board the yacht in a shared single-sex cabin. Your meals will be provided. The cabins are generally small but comfortable, with an ensuite bathroom.
- You typically work from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm, five days a week. Unsociable hours are common when owners or guests are on board.
- Can I develop a career on a Superyacht?
- Yes, and many have. Every Stewardess starts as a Junior Stew, then as you gain time and experience onboard, you can progress to 2nd Stew, then Chief Stew.
- The chief Stew runs the entire interior team, manages the budget, and will be the first point of contact for the guests and owners.
- Some yachts also employ a Yacht Purser. She/He is often described as the PA to the Superyacht.