TYSA

The Yacht Stew Academy

Introduction:

Starting a new industry can be daunting… Sometimes, basic training isn’t enough to make you feel confident before stepping onboard. Being fully prepared to become a yacht stew is easier with The Yacht Stew Academy (TYSA). There is a range of classes and diplomas to prepare you before joining the industry. Even stews that are already fully experienced in the industry still take advantage of these courses to help develop their career further.

The Yacht Stew brand was launched back in March 2016 and is currently “one of the largest global communities of Super Yacht Steward(esse)s.” All the course that the academy provides is fully online, allowing people from all over the world to access them. This means even stews that are working onboard can carry out these courses!

The academy made its name from impressive industry collaborations and expert training. Not only does this academy provide training though, but The Yacht Stew Academy also acts a platform that encourages stews from all over the world to come together as a community.

(The image is from The Yacht Stew Academy website)

Remote Courses

The unique selling point of The Yacht Stew Academy is that it provides flexible online training allowing stews in any position or location to advance their careers. All the classes reflect real-life situations and tasks so that you can easily apply these new skills when you are working.

The Yacht Stew Academy has “five pillars” on what to expect regarding their courses, including:

1) Inclusivity
2) Approachability
3) Diversity
4) Creativity
5) Professionalism

“The TYSA team has more than 20 years of experience working within all aspects of the Interior on Private & Charter yachts from 35m to 100m.” Allowing the company to offer fully-accredited programs for their students.

What Courses Does TYSA offer?

Cultural Tea Service £99

Foundations of mixology £99

Wine in yachting Fundamentals £59.

(The image is from The Yacht Stew Academy website)

Foundations of Floral Design £499.00

 This course reveals the best flowers and plants to purchase depending on location, seasons and lifespan. It also allows the students to understand better flower arrangements, floral care, and buying from suitable flower suppliers. TYSA has partnered with Luxury Floral Designer, Lorrie Sanon to supply their students with the highest quality (6 months) of training.

Head of Service Diploma £599.00

Developed with world-renowned butlers, this course has been designed to give crew the confidence, knowledge and practical resources to manage and lead a service team.

Plus, TSYA has received accreditation from a company that has worked with AA Rosette, Four Seasons and the Ritz Hotel Group. 

“People 1st is one of the longest-standing hospitality quality assurance & accrediting agencies. Courses are rigorously checked before being given the Quality Mark – and TYSA has received the stamp of approval for the Head of Service Diploma.”

(The image is from The Yacht Stew Academy website)

Wine & Spirit Education Trust – Wine Level 2 £400

The Yacht Stew Academy has even partnered with WSET global. The academy offers WSET Level 2, with an additional module – Wine in Yachting. The module is tailored to the unique yachting environment of provisioning, presenting, storing and serving wine onboard.

Advanced Interior Management £499

AIM supplies crew with the skillset required of a professional Interior Manager. Partnered with Industry professionals, TYSA has provided nine comprehensive modules to teach crew everything they need to know to step into a HOD role confidently. 

Wine List Fundamentals (FREE)

Plus, if you want a taster of what these courses are like, TYSA offers a short free course to help crew understand where to start when compiling a comprehensive wine list for guests for no cost.

Who's Behind The Yacht Stew Academy?

(The image is of Gemma Hulbert, taken from The Yacht Stew Academy website)

Gemma Hulbert (The Yacht Stew) is the founder of The Yacht Stew Academy. Gemma is currently based in the UK after leaving her last position as a chief stewardess in 2020. Gemma is a two-time ACREW award winner and she uses her platforms to provide advice and educate stews. Plus, Gemma’s social media platforms create a hub for stews from all over the world.

However, behind The Yacht Stew Academy, a whole team of industry professionals have come together to help educate and train crew:


Myles Cunliffe – Mixology Instructor
Eileen Donaghey – Afternoon Tea Trainer
Andrew Flock – Cultural Tea Course Co-Author
Rachel Avara – Co-Author, Event management module
Claire Blackler – WSET educator
Lorrie Sanon – Floral Designer & Trainer

The Yacht Stew Academy's Instagram page

TYSA has an Instagram page with very helpful and aesthetic content which keeps viewers engaged and interested. Crew can expect to find a range of useful tips, advice, stories and overviews of their course on this page. All posts are unique and enjoyable whilst still being educational! Here are some examples of previous posts:

  • How to do a formal place setting?
  •  2-ingredient pocket cocktails. 
  • Food & Champagne pairing.
  • Floral Calander.

(The image is from The Yacht Stew Academy, Instagram Page)

Make sure to check out The Yacht Stew Academy and try out one of their courses. Like CrewPass, TYSA aims to provide crew with tools to gain employers’ confidence and further their yachting career.

CrewPass collaborates with The Yacht Stew Academy to help raise awareness about security and safety on board and teach crew the benefits of getting background checks done before entering yacht jobs.

The Yacht Stew Academy’s social media links:

https://www.instagram.com/theyachtstewacademy/

https://www.facebook.com/TheYachtStewAcademy

https://www.linkedin.com/company/tysa-academy/

Dockendo

CrewPass is supporting the revolutionary job board company, Dockendo!

"Applying for a job has never been so easy" -Dockendo

CrewPass is pleased to announce a new partnership with Dockendo!

Dockendo is the unique digital job board platform for the yacht industry, with native apps for iOS, Android, and the web. It is a robust, user-friendly interface and cost-effective platform that helps find and attract candidates deliver speed and quality crew worldwide thanks to the matching algorithm based on the soft and hard skills of the applicants. Have a first impression of the future crew members thanks to the video CV presentation integrated.

Get recognised by Dockendo by signing up with CrewPass and becoming CrewPass Approved, and let the recruiter know that you are a safe placement option. It is a straightforward process; you just fill in your information and wait 7–10 days for your background check results and accreditation.

Dockendo and Crewpass are fully integrated into the sign-in, allowing members to connect and validate their CrewPass approved accreditation and show the badge in their profile when they apply for a job in Dockendo. 

Create and post your offers in Dockendo with our Coupon: Dockendo25

and get 25% off CrewPass for 6 months. If you don’t have a CrewPass subscription, you can create a CrewPass account through the Dockendo sign-up process.

Looking for a SuperbCrew? Hungry for a Yacht Job? Visit: https://bit.ly/333FiK9

Dockendo’s Social Media Links:
https://www.instagram.com/dockendo_/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/dockendo/
https://www.facebook.com/dockendo

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CrewPass is nominated for ACREW’s Best Superyacht Software Award 2022

"The Superyacht Business Awards 2022, voted the Best by Superyacht Captains & Crew, are awarded to the best businesses in the yachting industry. ACREW's network of over 15,000 Captain and Crew Members are invited to vote for the superyacht businesses that deserve global recognition for being the best in their field."

(ACREW, 2022)

Businesses will be judged on their strong social and digital platforms and media partnerships. Winning such a prestigious award will be a great marketing tool for businesses.

CrewPass is officially a nominee for the ‘Best Superyacht Software Award’ 2022. This award recognises businesses that use digital technology to improve the lives of crew members and guests onboard. The product or service is innovative, well polished, easily implemented by the user and has an overall attractive design. The software must serve a purpose, and customer service must be top quality.

We believe CrewPass’ services are a great contender for the awards as our main objective is to make the yachting industry safer for all and, in return, improve all lives onboard. CrewPass’ crew vetting services provide captains visibility on who they are employing. We also give crew agencies the confidence to place fully-vetted crew members onboard. We offer CrewPass Approved crew the chance to stand out and increase their employment chances. Plus, we at CrewPass believes we have surpassed the criteria for the awards:

• Innovation
• Technical excellence
• Effectiveness and implementation
• Impact
• Usability
• Potential for growth
• On-call assistance

Check out our social media pages to find out more:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/crewpass.co.uk/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crewpass/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/crewpassuk

Quay Crew

CrewPass partners with Quay Crew

CrewPass is proud to say they are supported by Quay Crew.

Quay Crew is a leading agency for crew recruitment with over 36 years of combined recruitment experience. The agency supplies yachts with crew that have an exceptional level of yachting experience. Quay Crew has worked alongside some of the most prestigious superyachts in the yachting industry. If you are looking for yacht engineer jobs, yacht galley jobs, yacht deck jobs or interior yacht jobs, Quay Crew posts all these types of jobs on their website!

Quay Crew also agreed that there is a need for CrewPass’ services and has decided to support our brand. Our partnership will help make the marine industry a more secure and safe place.

Get recognised by leading crew agencies like Quay Crew by signing up with CrewPass and becoming CrewPass Approved. It’s a straightforward process, fill in your information, wait 7-10 days for your background check results and receive our accreditation. The accredited crew stand out from the crowd of fully trained crew applicants.

Streamline your onboarding process today and find a job with Quay Crew on their website: https://jobs.quaycrew.com/

Quay Crew Social Media Links:

https://www.facebook.com/quaycrew1?fref=ts

https://twitter.com/quaycrew

https://www.instagram.com/quaycrew/

cv

Superyacht CVs: Make sure your CV looks its best!

If you are new to the yachting industry, it can seem daunting to write a flawless CV. Plus, unlike many industries, the yachting industry demands a specific CV style, and certain attributes must be applied to write the perfect yachtie CV. This is why CrewPass is now supporting Superyacht CVs. Superyacht Cvs is a CV writing service precisely created for yachting. Crew members can pay to have high-quality CVs made to improve their chances of getting hired. This service is great for people joining the industry, people who lack time, people struggling to get into the industry, and people whose first language isn’t English.

We asked the founder of Superyacht CVs, Rachel Cunningham, questions about the yachting industry, details about her services and some advice for green crew.

Introduction

Hi, I’m Rachel Cunningham, the person behind www.superyachtcvs.com. I help yacht crew redesign their CV either through reformatting their current resume to suit the yachting aesthetic, or by rewriting their CV to highlight land-based skills that translate across to yachting. I also assist many yacht crew who speak English as a second language and need to tweak their CV to help it sound more naturally ‘English.’ 

What did you do before starting this business?

I have been in yachting for over 8 years now. I started as a winter yard crew chef and even worked a year as a charter stewardess before coming back into the galley and eventually working my way up to being a head chef on an 88m. Through all of this, I maintained my other side passion of building websites and creating graphics which led to designing Cvs for friends and eventually operating on a word of mouth basis within the industry.

How did you get into the yachting industry?

Like many things in my life, it happened quite organically. I hadn’t even heard about yachting until I was in my 30s, so I started quite late. But a friend was an engineer in the industry and gave me some pointers, links to agencies, and helped me create my first yacht cv. From there, like many green yachties, I did some dockwalking and networking locally until I landed my first job.

Why did you start Superyacht CV's?

It grew into what it is today slowly. Over the past two years, I have created CVS for people only on word of mouth. Because I was working full time, I had to be cautious about how much extra work I took on, so the quality remained high. I am now going more land-based, so I can focus on creating more amazing yachting CV’s for crew and helping the new crew coming in to make the perfect first impression.

How can your services help aid employment?

A CV is just the first touchpoint for a job. It gets you the chance to speak to the HOD or captain for a formal interview. As an experienced yachtie, I help with ensuring the CV is well written and also includes the correct and relevant information. A great CV is the fastest way to get your CV to the top of the pile, then you can blow them away at the interview stage! 

“A poor CV will halt all chances of an interview, so it really is in your best interest to have a nicely formatted CV to grab their attention.”

What is your unique selling point compared to your competition?

I was a tech journalist and travel blogger before yachting, so combining those skills with a long career in yachting has helped show people my point of difference. I can also build personalised websites, which has been well received, particularly by yacht chefs wanting to have a more professional edge on the competition.

What CV packages do you offer?

  1. I currently offer a full CV makeover package, where I will design a bespoke cv for you bring it up to ‘yacht spec’ with complete tweaking of the text.
  2. I also have a website design package for yacht crew who are wanting to show more of their skills or who wish to display a more professional presence online.
  3. I am also working on creating template packages for crew who want to have full control of their CV, but who need a bit of guidance in writing their own CV’s. Watch this space!

What do you like and dislike about working on-land vs working on a superyacht?

I love working on yachts- the free toiletries, the abundance of snacks and clean laundry are some of the best bits! Not to mention being able to live down the corridor from your best mates, the days off in exotic locations and the fact that no two days are alike. Yachting is an amazing industry filled with some of the greatest people I have ever met! But don’t get me wrong, it’s also hard work, there are plenty of late nights long hours, and not everyone onboard is your friend… It can get really tough and lonely out there on some boats, and it’s not for everyone.
I’ve only just stepped back to land recently, and so far, I am loving the freedom of choice- what I wear, eat, drink and do each day. And I don’t yet miss having 23 people around me 24 hours a day.

Do you have any tips or advice for anyone trying to get into yachting?

“Network, Network, Network!!”

Try to make genuine friends in the industry, don’t just approach random yacht crew at bars and expect them to welcome you with open arms right away.
And be careful if you are going out to yachtie bars, everyone is watching. I have seen many green stews and deckhands get turned down for jobs because they were seen acting up previously at bars. People talk, your reputation is everything.

And of course, present yourself in the best light, both in person and of course with your CV!

Why did you want to collaborate with CrewPass?

I really believe in what they are doing within the industry, and I want to support that to help the industry move forward.
Recently, I unintentionally employed a crew member who had a fictional CV and references. The “agent” who passed the candidate on to me had claimed they had checked everything, but it took a look at the seaman’s book to see nothing matched up.
This could have been avoided if CrewPass had existed at the time.

“Something like CrewPass will ensure these checks are done externally, giving HOD’s more trust in each candidate.”

I like that at a glance, you can see what yacht crew members are legit and trusted, and also who is invested in the industry with a career in mind. I feel that yacht crew aiming for longevity will greatly benefit from investing in a CrewPass account. It should also halt yacht crew who jump boats and try to hide their bad experiences. The way forward is through being verified, and having that confirmation on your CV will be a sure way to get it on the top of the pile!

If you are looking to improve your yachting CV or need a brand new, beautifully crafted resume or website by Superyacht CVs, please click the link to the website:

Homepage

 

grace fp

Interview with freelance yacht & estate chef: Grace Dvornik.

You’ve most likely have seen or heard of Grace Dvornik if you work in the yacht industry. Grace is a very influential freelance yacht chef who has created a name for herself in the industry. Grace has been honoured as a top 3 finalist at ACrew in 2020 and a nominee in 2021. Plus, Grace has been featured in several media outlets, including the Daily Star, Superyacht Chef, Flightless, Dockwalk, Oceanscape, Luxury Lifestyle magazine and many more! If you do not know about Grace by chance, CrewPass was lucky enough to interview Grace Dvornik, who is officially a CrewPass Approved crew member!

Introduction:

I’m Grace Dvornik, a freelance chef from Clearwater Beach, Florida. I have worked on boats for about 7 years and as a yacht chef for 5 years. In addition to yachting, I also frequently work as a personal chef on private estates. When I’m not working, I enjoy watching Hallmark movies with my grandparents, visiting Saturday morning farmer’s markets, and volunteering as a scuba diver at a local aquarium/marine animal hospital.

Can you describe what a typical yacht charter looks like as a freelance yacht chef?

When working freelance, being able to adapt to your new surrounding and having the ability to improvise are crucial as no one contract is the same as another! Typically when I’m hired, I try to get as much information as possible about the itinerary of the trip and the food preferences of the yacht owners or guests. Preference sheets are a big help and, after speaking with the captain first, I try to set up a call with the yacht owners or send them an email to introduce myself and discuss the trip. Sometimes, I’ll even look up pictures of the style of yacht to gauge what kind of galley I’ll be working in. Before arriving at the yacht, I plan a tentative menu and place orders for provisions, as usually I arrive 24 hours or less before guest arrival. After guests depart, I organize and clean the galley before I leave to try to leave it in the best shape possible for the next trip.

“Being as prepared as possible beforehand and consistent communication during the trip paves the way for a successful contract.”

How did you get into the industry?

I started sailing right out of college after applying for a job on a gaff-rigged schooner as a deckhand/prep cook on a whim. What was supposed to be a 3 month summer job ended up paving the way for my long-term career. I did 3 seasons as a deckhand/mate on charter sailing vessels before transitioning into yachting and landing my first chef job on a 64ft sailing yacht. I had the goal to get into the yachting industry for over a year before getting my first contract and obtained my STCW, ENG1, Powerboat Level 2, and Advance Medical Care Provider certificates. Once I hand my certificates, I signed up with as many yacht agencies as I could to make industry contacts.

What made you want to be a yacht chef in the first place?

I loved working on sailboats and noticed that while working as a deckhand, I was spending a lot of time in the galley watching and helping the chefs. I had always had an interest in and love for cooking, and I thought that becoming a yacht chef would allow me to have a long-term career in the industry. My passion for cooking, paired with my sailing experience, was what led to my first job as a yacht chef.

Why did you choose to do freelance?

After I left my first full-time position because the boat was put up for sale, I went to a chef academy to gain additional experience. I decided to start taking short term/freelance jobs before committing to a permanent contract to see what types of boat I liked working on best – sailing vs motor, private vs charter, different size crew, etc. While on the search for the perfect job, I realized that working freelance was the perfect job for me. Freelance contracts allowed me to work on a variety of boats, meet more people, and travel to interesting places that I likely would not have been able to had I stayed with one program long term.

What are the pros and cons of working on a yacht?

Pros of yachting: meeting interesting people and travelling to incredible locations that you wouldn’t other have the chance and low personal expenses while getting excellent pay and tips.

Cons of yachting: tight crew accommodations, being away from friends and family, and missing events like holidays, birthdays, and weddings.

What job would you want to do if you weren’t a yacht chef?

If I weren’t a yacht chef, I’d want to fulfil my childhood dream of being a yoga teacher while working in a smoothie shack on the beach in Costa Rica (but I think there’s still time for that dream to become a reality).

What is the go-to meal or food item that you like to make?

Key lime pie! I’m most known for my key lime pie with a graham cracker crust. It’s my personal favorite, and whether it’s my clients’ favorite dessert or the first time they’ve tried key lime pie, it’s always a hit!

What would you say is the most challenging meal you’ve cooked?

The most difficult meal I’ve had to cook was when I had a Middle Eastern prince and princess as charter guests in the Caribbean. The prince requested a sheep to be slaughtered and butchered for him onboard! Thankfully, we did not procure a live animal due to a miscommunication with a local farmer, but I had to butcher the sheep using a hacksaw. I had to saw through bone in order to break down the rib rack into lamb chops that could fit in a frying pan. At the prince’s request, I also dissected the innards and served the heart, lungs, liver, and kidneys as the first course. Without a doubt, that is the most difficult galley task I’ve ever had to do, and I’m happy to say the prince was pleased with his meal.

Tell me a bit about your ‘Upscale Down-Home Cookbook.’

My Upscale Down-Home Cookbook is a digital cookbook containing a selection of 27 recipes inspired by dishes I prepare for clients on yachts and private estates, as well as some of my family’s favorite recipes. The name is a term I borrowed from a former head chef of mine who coined the phrase to describe the elevated comfort food style cuisine we served to our boss.

“My goal was to put together recipes that anyone could make – from the at-home cook to a yacht chef.”

Can you tell me how you come up with content for your social media?

I use Instagram to share stories about my travels for work, cooking tips & recipes, and food photos. It’s become somewhat of a social media portfolio to give people a sense of my personality and skillset. When I started my TikTok account, I used videos that I had recorded onboard over the years – mostly funny videos I had originally taken to send to friends. Some of those videos gained a lot of attention as people were fascinated with my job. I find the most authentic videos are the ones I don’t plan. Most often, I grab my phone to record clips in real-time (safety permitting, of course) of funny or interesting events happening onboard the yacht or in the galley while I’m cooking.

Were you ever background checked before working on a yacht?

I have worked on 22+ boats, and 8+ private estates over the span of my freelance career and only remember having a background check conducted for 3 of these jobs.

“I find it surprising the vast majority of superyachts do not require a background check before hiring as I feel it would provide an additional level of safety for the owner, crew, and vessel.”

Superyachts are essentially an extension of the owner’s home, so it’s crucial that those who work within their inner circle can be trusted. Background checks would provide an additional level of security, and I feel that CrewPass could be the new standard for yacht crew certifications along with the STCW and ENG1.

Lastly, what advice would you give to someone wanting to become a yacht chef?

My best advice to anyone interested in becoming a yacht chef is to create a portfolio! Having sample menus and pictures of your food shows captains and yacht owners your style of cooking and what you are capable of creating. They are often requested during interviews so having a portfolio ready streamlines the hiring process and helps you market yourself.

We want to say a huge thanks to Grace for taking the time to provide these valuable answers. If you want to find out more about Grace or you would like to get cooking inspiration check out Grace’s website and social media pages:
https://www.gracedvornik.com/
https://www.instagram.com/gracedvornik/
https://www.facebook.com/gracedvornik
@gracedvornik (TikTok)

Not only is Grace Dvornik an excellent yacht chef, but she is also CrewPass Approved, which means Grace has completed and passed her background check and has been awarded the CrewPass accreditation. The CrewPass accreditation allows employers and crew agencies to know that you are a safe candidate option. We recommend any crew members, especially green crew, to subscribe to CrewPass and get their background checks so that they can stand out from the crowd and promote safety onboard.

If you want to know more about the role of a chief stewardess, please read Brooke Laughton’s blog post or if you want to learn more about the role of a yacht captain, check out Corey Adcock’s blog post.

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CrewPass partners with Wilsonhalligan

CrewPass announces a new partnership with the ‘Best Superyacht Agency 2021’ (ACrew, 2021) Wilsonhalligan. Wilsonhalligan offers the latest Superyacht job roles and provides shoreside jobs plus jobs in private households.

Wilsonhalligan sees the values CrewPass brings in furthering the profession of yachting and providing safety within the industry.

Crew members can easily search vacancies, get advice and download a CV template with Wilsonhalligan. The crew agency hosts a range of job types, including freelance, full-time, part-time, permanent, rotational, seasonal and temporary vessel positions. In return, the scope of job vacancies that Wilsonhalligan offers best suits any crew candidate looking to work onboard.

Anyone looking to get hired but struggling to stand out from the ever-growing industry, use CrewPass’ services and become a start candidate and be recognised by leading crew agencies like Wilsonhalligan. Kick start your dream yachting career today and register with Wilsonhalligan on their website: https://www.wilsonhalligan.com/search-yacht-crew-jobs/

Our ‘CrewPass Approved’ accreditation makes you one step ahead of the rest!

Wilsonhalligan Social Media links:

https://www.instagram.com/wilsonhalliganrecruit/
https://www.facebook.com/wilsonhalliganjobs
https://www.linkedin.com/company/wilsonhalligan-large-yacht-recruitment/

 

For 10% off your 2-year subscription please use the discount code: Wilsonhalligan10

francisco-gomes-DDyl_mkjqmg-unsplash

Interview with Captain Corey Adcook

At CrewPass, we aim to give our audience the advantage they need within the marine industry. This is why CrewPass are interviewing multiple people from different vessel positions to provide individuals who are new to the industry advice and tips straight from the best before choosing which route they want to go down.

A couple of weeks ago, we interviewed ex-Chief Stewardess Brooke Laughton about her path to becoming a Chief Stewardess and how she ended up on Below Deck Mediterranean. This week we interviewed a Captain named Corey Adcook. Captain Corey has been working in the yachting industry for over 16 years and has brilliant advice for those desiring to become a Captain themselves.

Can you describe what you do day to day as a captain?

My day always starts with a cup of tea! Then I check in with the bridge. If we are at sea, I will catch up with the navigational officer in charge and ensure everything is as it should be. We don’t like things not being as expected when at sea! Then I’ll have a meeting with all heads of department for updates on guest movements & operations. Followed by a check in with the guests at breakfast and any updates for or from them. 

“The day could require me to handle the manoeuvring of the yacht, do some navigational planning, deal with the running of the ship’s business, or, most importantly, anything the guests require.” 

Being the Captain of a luxury yacht brings great responsibility, not only from the safety aspect but also the welfare of the crew onboard. It is similar to being the Managing director of a business, except this one floats and has many hazards to avoid.

How long have you worked in the industry?

Over 16 years now. I started out on very small boats in comparison to what I am now involved with. It has been a challenging career, as it takes a great toll on your personal life. I’ve missed endless weddings, funerals and life events. Even now, I only see my wife and children half of the year. There are great sacrifices.

What training did you need to get to Captain level?

Captains’ certifications vary depending on the size (Gross Tonnage) of the vessel. I have the MCA Master 3000 certificate of competency, enabling me to be in command of a yacht up to 3000 gross tons, which would be about 80-90 metre depending on the design of the yacht. The MCA has a certification route that ensures that a balance of hands-on training and experience is acquired as one develops through the ranks, along with a minimum time frame, hours on the bridge and some shore-based courses, followed with a final 1-2-1 interview style exam. I would recommend an MCA approved training centre such as Warsash Maritime Academy for the latest info and guidance.

What has been the highlight of your career?

 Of course, we get to go to some breath-taking locations, off the beaten track beaches, crystal blue waters, see amazing wildlife and all the famous high glamour places. But this is with work, so I rarely get to truly enjoy them. But bringing a yacht in and out of New York City was something special as it was so different to the usual yachting scenery. We arrived via the back of Long Island, so we popped up right next to the freeway running along the water’s edge. Police siren’s wailing and New Yorkers going about their everyday life and then coming round the corner to the Statue of Liberty. It felt like we were in a movie. We had to take a local Pilot on board, and he was like a tour guide as we passed under every bridge, telling us the name and any history related to it.

What is the proudest moment in your career?

Many to choose from… from a personal aspect, My granddad was in the merchant navy during WW2 as an Ordinary Seaman (the entry-level position) and was on a vessel involved with the construction of the Mulberry harbour by Omaha Beach. (Read up about it if you don’t know the history of it.) When I achieved my Captain’s certification, my grandad was literally lost for words. He left the merchant navy and never progressed any further, so my achievement was made all the better by him being so proud.

From my work side, I would say helping out and mentoring crew, some who would have got overlooked by others, Who have then gone on to develop their life into something special, be it on yachts or in the “real” world.

Have you experienced working with difficult crew members?

 Yes, of course. Crew are people, after all! Except the difference compared to working with someone in a shore-based job is that you don’t get to go home at the end of the day. As a Captain, I have to manage that accordingly. The starting point is recruitment. Aside from the certifications required for the position, I hire on character and see what will fit well with the rest of the already established team. I always make it a priority to listen to people. What might seem insignificant to someone else could be a real problem for the person, and they may be allowing that to be disruptive with other crew members. One of my many cliched phrases is “the small things become big problems”. And that’s certainly the case when you are working and living together, often in very demanding conditions where you can’t be the priority. The guests get that luxury. So it’s key to focus on crew welfare. I really struggled on one boat when I was coming through the ranks, and I’ll never forget that when dealing with others. If a crew member is unhappy on a yacht, it is hard to contain, which isn’t ideal when stuck inside a tin can.

Do you think background checking crew members should be standard practice?

Absolutely. The industry, even in my time have developed from something people could do as a summer job to a highly competitive professional industry. As a Captain, I am responsible for extremely expensive assets; the guests and the yacht. Often crew will chaperone guests on excursions or activities or be in control of some very expensive equipment.

“I need to be as confident as I can that in a competitive job market, I have got honest, genuine crew members, where what they state on their CV is genuine.”

What makes an ideal crew member?

A perfect team is made up of players with all types of varying skills and strengths. I need crew that can do their job to the best of their ability, be selfless, genuine and mindful of the rest of the crew. If I get that, we have a great operating yacht.

What is your favourite yachting destination?

I enjoy the Croatian islands; there isn’t quite the same glamour of many Mediterranean hotspots. But there are endless picturesque bays to explore, quaint fishing villages and something different for the guests to experience ashore. And a new destination is never too far away.

What tips and advice do you have for anyone wanting to get into a yacht or wanting to become a captain?

If you want to get into yachting, be aware that it is not a glamourous life. You are not the guest; you are the person ensuring the guest has a luxurious time. The horrible jobs won’t do themselves, and as the newest person in, they will most likely fall on your lap. If that still hasn’t put you off, also be prepared to make major sacrifices. If the guests are on board but you want to attend a friend’s wedding, it most likely won’t be possible. It’s not like other jobs where you can book time off whenever you like. If that still hasn’t put you off, then contact a reputable yacht crew training centre and find out what basic safety training is required as a minimum to get a job on a luxury yacht. You might be the best sailor in the world, but if you haven’t completed your basic safety training with a certificate in hand, a Captain can’t recruit you. Once you get that first job, listen, listen and listen.

“Work hard, and use your time wisely to enjoy the experience but also develop so that when the time comes, you are the person being considered for a promotion.”

If you decide to make a career out of the industry and want to be a Captain, then keep listening and asking questions (at the right time!). Use your time wisely to study, do your courses and develop your skills. Have a timeline in place to complete your courses and sit your final exam. Keep the focus. Don’t expect to become a Captain with a click of your fingers.

We want to say a massive thank you to Captain Corey, who took the time to answer all these questions! We hope that this advice is helpful for anyone questioning to become a Captain. If you are a Captain yourself, CrewPass offers a free vessel account for Captains that allows you to add your CrewPass Approved crew onto our daily operations app, which includes a digitalise watch rota, an automated crew list, an effective in and out board system, and a fully-encrypted inter-crew chat feature.

Comment below what vessel position should we interview next!

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Personal Trainers, Yoga Teachers and Spa Therapists Onboard

Did you know that if you are a personal trainer, yoga teacher or spa therapist, your services are in demand on superyachts? The current superyacht market demands fitness and wellness crew on board as the shift towards wellness-focused lifestyles increases in popularity. Luxurious superyachts have specifically requested gym and wellness spaces incorporated in designs. Many guests have also explicitly sought out wellness yacht charters which have become super popular.

Image from Ocean Independence

Superyachts with outstanding gym designs and wellness spaces

According to BOAT International, some of the best superyachts include the Flying Fox, Joy, Amaryllis and Titania. The Flying Fox has two floors with the best treatments executed by skilful therapists and professional trainers. Plus, the Flying Fox offers a range of water toys perfect for anyone who thrives on adventure. Joy offers beautiful views whilst guests work out. The yachts large windows fold open to create an indoor-outdoor space. BOAT International lists all the impressive gym equipment on board, including “free weights, a bench press, elliptical, treadmill, exercise bike and more.” The Titania superyacht is “home to a climate control gymnasium” (BOAT International) and a personal trainer who does personalised workouts to benefit all guests. Lastly, the Amaryllis has a range of exercise equipment, including a treadmill, versa climber, spinning bike, a cross trainer and a rowing machine!

Image from BOAT International

What do you need to work onboard a superyacht?

Personal trainers will need a minimum of a recent Level 3 Personal Training Certification. According to Wilson Halligan, you will need a 200hr certification if you are a yoga instructor. Plus, if you are a Spa Therapist, you will need an NVQ Level 3 with experience in nail care, massage skils and facial skills. All three professions will need to acquire maritime qualifications, including an STCW and Eng1 Medical Certification. If you work on a yacht, you will predominantly work as a stew(ard) or a deckhand and practise your specialised services when required by guests.

Wellness yacht charters

A rise in the importance of self-care and wellness has caused a rise in guests requesting to go on wellness charters. Bluewater highlights: 

“A yacht not only provides tranquil accommodation and deck spaces for exercise and contemplation, but also comes with a private, highly-trained chef who tailors healthy menus to accommodate any health request or special diets, from weight loss and detox to gluten free, raw food, or paleo.” 

Guests request meditation sessions, pilates classes, hair treatments, plunge pools, beauty salons onboard, massages and more. Large yachts can offer these services on board in their own spa facilities, but smaller yachts have to dock up and visit a local spa venue.

If you are thinking about switching to a yachting career and want to streamline the onboarding process, sign-up to CrewPass and become CrewPass Accredited and stand out from the crowd!

Sources:

https://www.wilsonhalligan.com/

https://www.bluewateryachting.com/blog/blue-beyond-12-exclusive-wellness-superyacht-charters-286

https://www.boatinternational.com/charter/luxury-yacht-charter-advice/the-best-luxury-yachts-for-charter-for-fitness-and-wellness–28053

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The top yacht chefs on social media 2021

On superyachts, food is one the most important elements that can make or break a charter. Therefore, chefs have an essential role on yachts, and they are constantly under pressure to meet high standards. Becoming a yacht chef takes hard work and dedication; all yacht chefs need basic yacht training and at least two years of experience in a professional kitchen. These highly skilled chefs have incredibly long workdays and very early starts. Serving the elite with unique food preferences and demands means yacht chefs have to be completely versatile. The yacht chefs featured on this blog are, in our opinion, the top chefs on social media. All chefs included in this blog post extraordinary creations and excellent food presentations on their social media.

Dean Harrison(@theyachtchef)

Dean Harrison is arguably one of the most well-known chefs on Instagram, and if you’re a yachting enthusiast, you have probably heard of Dean Harrison. Harrison has been a trained chef for 16 years, and impressively, 9 of them has been in yachting! Flexibility, composure and organisation are his greatest strengths. Harrison’s Instagram highlights a range of brightly coloured food and aspirational yacht lifestyle posts. Dean Harrison has a uniquely neat and precise food presentation that looks luxurious. Combining his thorough plate displays and the use of expensive garnishes such as caviar, Harrison’s food screams extravagance. If you are interested in becoming a yacht chef, Harrison also provides in-depth tips and advice on his website.

Nicholas Hare (@nickprivatechef)

Nicholas Hare, also known as “Nick”, is a private yacht chef from England. Hare is a very versatile chef cooking vegan dinners to lavish seafood! But what draw people to his social media is that Nick is not afraid to make comfort food such as a smashed double patty’s with cheese, maple bacon burger that looks mouth-watering—or re-creating a family favourite, a classic spaghetti bolognese! Nick’s social media pages highlight his dedication and love for cooking, as nearly all of his posts showcase his exceptional food creations.

Nina Wilson (@thecrewchef)

Nina Wilson is currently the head chef on Motor Yacht Trevelry, and she is also behind the scenes of the yachting industry columnist for Dockwalk. Her attention to detail is exceptional, and her YouTube video about breakfast preparation illustrates how dedicated Nina is to her profession. Her warm personality on her YouTube videos makes her naturally likeable. Her accuracy in batch production shows how much of a perfectionist she is as a chef. Like Dean Harrison, Nina Wilson posts a variety of food and travel photography on her social media. Plus, Nina uses interesting flavour combinations making her a stand out yacht chef.

Hannah Walker (@chefhannah_seasoning)

Hannah Walker is another British yacht chef who has made our top yacht chef list! Her fresh and flavoursome cooking is always a crowd-pleaser. Plus, Walker’s strengths are cooking healthy food plus, vegan and vegetarian dishes. For example, Walker’s buttermilk battered cauliflower looks divine and wholesome; many of her meals are internationally inspired cuisine. Walker’s innovative dishes is one of many reasons why her social media pages are such a hit online.

Grace Dvornik (@gracedvornik)

Lastly but definitely not least, Grace Dvornik is growing in popularity on social media. Grace is a freelance yacht and estate chef who is rather famous on TikTok. Impressively, Grace has served many impressive figures, including celebrities, royalty and retired politicians. Grace’s salad’s looks too good to eat, and delicious desserts are insanely impressive. Grace’s healthy but delicious food, plus her down-to-Earth Instagram, is refreshing and inspiring.

*CrewPass doesn’t own the rights to the images displayed on this blog.

If you liked this blog, comment below! Please like, follow and share CrewPass’ social media and stay up to date with CrewPass by signing up with our newsletter. Plus, if you are a chef trying to streamline your onboarding process, why not subscribe to CrewPass’ accreditation and stand out from the crowd!