Dispelling the myths – the Superyacht Industry

Working on a superyacht might sound like one of those crazy 'too good to be true' jobs, but in fact it's a realistic and potentially lucrative career option as Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology (NMIT) Tutor Stuart Whitehouse can testify, having worked in the industry for 10 years before taking up his current role at NMIT.

Whitehouse is keen to dispel some of the myths about the industry and get the message out that working on superyachts is a genuine and viable career path. 

Myth # 1 – There are no jobs at the end of the course

Definitely not true, says UK-born Whitehouse, who is still in touch with many of the programme's previous graduates, many of whom are now working on various types of boats all around the world. However he does acknowledge that the vast majority of people will need to travel outside of Nelson and probably outside New Zealand to find work.

"If you do this course and wait for it to come to you, it won't happen. You have to go out and get the work – you've got to travel to one of the major ports in Europe and put yourself forward.

"You'll often start with day-work, then delivery work. If you keep going, you'll get a break and once you've got your first position on a boat and provided you've got a good work ethic, you're in.

"The industry is huge – every marina in Europe has boats and they are always looking for good crew. Kiwis and Aussies are generally well-regarded and there are a lot of crewing agencies worldwide".

Myth # 2 – The Global Financial Crisis (GFC) killed the superyacht industry

Did it hurt it? Absolutely. Did it kill it? No way, says Whitehouse.

"Some of the wealthiest people might have lost a third of their wealth – but they're still extremely wealthy. The GFC has also made boats more affordable for a greater number of people, so if anything, it's actually opened it up".

Myth # 3 – Working on a superyacht is one big party

While partying has its place, you also need to be prepared to work extremely hard, says Whitehouse.

"Working on a superyacht is primarily a service industry – your job is to keep guests and owners happy.

"You need to be hard-working and have good attention to detail. The superyacht industry is a small community and word soon gets around about whether you've got a good work ethic or not. If you're up boozing all night, that won't cut it. You've got to be there on time and remember that you're not leading the lifestyle, the guests and owners are".

Myth # 4 – Working on a superyacht is a short term job, not a career

While some people use it simply as a way to finance their travels for the big OE, others make a career of it. While graduates of NMIT's superyacht programme can expect to start out as deckhands or stewards, with some sea-time and additional 'tickets' (maritime qualifications) under their belts, they can work their way up through the ranks. Others go on to work in related industries such as tourism, hospitality or transport – or come from those backgrounds into the industry. A steward or deckhand starting out can expect to earn about 2000-3000 euros a month, and living on board means no living expenses.

"People who are really smart work hard in the industry for ten years or so, then come home with a nice little nest egg", says Whitehouse.

Myth # 5 – It's an industry that's only for young people

The industry is certainly not limited to the young, says Whitehouse, who started his superyacht career at the age of 26.

"In fact some boats won't hire 18-20 year olds as they prefer to take on older people with greater maturity and life skills".

Myth # 6 – You have to be a sailor

Simply not true, says Whitehouse - although sailing experience can be beneficial and it helps if you already have your sea-legs.

"There are many different roles on board a luxury boat – chef, deckhand, steward, engineer to name just a few. Plus, many of the luxury boats are actually power or motor boats rather than traditional sailing yachts".

Myth # 7 – Auckland is the only place in New Zealand to do your training

Not so - you can also train for this industry through the Nelson Maritime School which is part of NMIT. The Nelson Maritime School has been a leading provider of maritime and fisheries training since 1976. NMIT's course is the only one which offers both a three-day motor yacht and five-day sailing yacht practical – taken in the stunning Abel Tasman National Park and Queen Charlotte Sounds. Students also benefit through being able to use NMIT's state-of-the-art hospitality and engineering facilities for the hospitality and engineering parts of the programme.

Students on the 12-week Certificate in Superyacht Crewing programme gain certification in STCW Basic Training, RYA Navigation, Radar, Powerboat and practical sailing, along with diesel engine maintenance, fire-fighting and RRTOC certification. For further details, view the Superyacht Crewing page.

Published in the Nelson Mail - 11 May 2013