CULTURE OF LOCATION
If you've ever felt like me and wanted to travel the world by sea, being a part of a yacht crew is an amazing way to get into the marine industry, where traveling to exotic destinations is the norm. Fort Lauderdale takes the cake, making it one of the best cities to base yourself in when looking to get into the yacht service industry.
There is no way around it; Fort Lauderdale truly is the gem of yachting. This town was built for boating; it generates $9.7 billion in Broward County alone and is the second-largest economic sector in the area. And the industry is continuing to grow. It has been nicknamed Little Venice because of all the little canals behind stately, multimillion-dollar homes with yachts docked behind them.
With this website, my goal is to help you navigate these unfamiliar waters and share my personal experience with the schools, bars, marinas, accommodations, transportation, and online services that you may find helpful during your job search. I want to see you succeed before you sell all your stuff and run down to Florida in pursuit of your yachting career dreams! I hope that by sharing my experience of over 15 years in the industry, I will save you a lot of time, money, and aggravation.
Working on a Charter Yacht
With a surplus of maritime schools, uniform shops, crew houses, hangout bars, and the like, every person you meet is likely to have some connection to the marine industry. If you're truly serious about getting your dream job of working on a yacht, Fort Lauderdale is my top recommendation.
It feels like every other person in Fort Lauderdale somehow has a connection to the maritime industry. That said, this industry is very small and difficult to get into, so being in a large city that revolves around the maritime industry is a great way to get your foot in the door, with a wide range of opportunities.
Steps To Break Into The Yachting Industry
Step 1: Complete the STCW (Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers), medical ENG1, and First Aid courses. The high season for yachting in Florida and the Caribbean is from mid-November to mid-July.
Step 2: Consider attending the annual FLIBS Show (Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show), typically held at the end of October, with November being the unofficial start to the yachting season. Back in 2016, when I was a greenie looking for a job, I went to the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show with my CV and business cards in hand and got the feeling that the focus at the boat show was more about selling yachts than hiring crew. But it’s still a good place to start.
Step 3: Networking. Knowing what I know now from experience, I would take my courses near the end of summer and start networking and job hunting with a mindset to have a job by the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show.
What Yacht Owners Look for in Their Crew
Chartered yacht owners seek professionalism, experience, and a high level of service when hiring a yacht crew. But if you are new to the industry, you don’thave a great amount of experience on your side, so education is key. Owners prioritize crew members who are well-trained in navigation, safety protocols, and yacht maintenance, ensuring the smooth operation of the vessel.
Excellent customer service skills are essential since the crew is responsible for creating a luxurious and enjoyable experience for the guests. Discretion, flexibility, and attention to detail are also key qualities, as crew members must adapt to the specific preferences and needs of the yacht's guests.
Also, owners often look for those with specialized skills, such as cooking, massage therapy, teaching, nannying, photography, watersports instruction, or knowledge of exotic travel destinations, to enhance the overall yachting experience. So, if you have any of this expertise, you will likely have a leg up over the competition.
YACHTING SCHOOLS AND AGENCIES
Maritime Professional Training (MPT): MPT is a renowned maritime training school located in Fort Lauderdale. They offer a variety of courses and certifications specifically tailored for yacht crew members, including stewardess training programs. Attending MPT can enhance your skills and increase your chances of landing a job in the industry. I personally have taken courses there for an STCW refresh and introduction stewardess course. I highly recommend them!
International Yacht Training (IYT): IYT is another reputable training school that offers a range of courses for yacht crew members. They provide comprehensive training programs for stewardesses, focusing on service, etiquette, and hospitality skills. I took my Small Powerboat and Ribmaster (RIB) course with them. The actual course involved maneuvering down the New River out to the ocean for safety and recovery drills. It's definitely a cool spot to learn your skills.
PLACES TO STAY
Marinas
Bahia Mar Marina: As one of the largest marinas in Fort Lauderdale, Bahia Mar Marina is a hub for yacht activity. It offers state-of-the-art facilities, including dockage, fueling services, and on-site amenities. Many yacht owners and crew members frequent this marina, making it an ideal place to connect with potential employers. It’s also the site of the annual boat show!
Lauderdale Marine Center: Known as the largest yacht repair facility in the United States, Lauderdale Marine Center also offers dockage for yachts of all sizes. This marina attracts a wide range of yacht owners and crew members, providing ample networking opportunities.
Accommodations/Lodging in Fort Lauderdale
I got into the yachting industry at 30 years old. Some would say I’m a late bloomer in that respect, but in my personal experience, I have met many mature crew members with longevity in the industry. And I’ve stayed in my share of hostels during my cruise ship days in my early 20s.
Sometimes, the crew and I can't stay on the boat, for example, during a boatyard repair. So when we need other accommodations, we typically use Airbnb. In other cases when I can't find an Airbnb, I use travel apps like Expedia, Booking.com, Kayak, Travelocity, and Priceline to find good deals!
Here are a few other options in Fort Lauderdale:
Crew House Fort Lauderdale: This cozy crew house offers affordable accommodations with a communal atmosphere, making it ideal for mingling with fellow yacht crew members. It's conveniently located near marinas and crew agencies, making it easy to connect with potential job opportunities.
Yachtie World: Situated in residential neighborhoods close to marinas, Yachtie World provides quiet and comfortable stays for yacht crews. The homes feature spacious rooms, fully equipped kitchens, and some have backyards for relaxing after long days on the water.
Crew Haven: Offering a unique experience, Crew Haven provides crew members with the opportunity to stay, allowing you to immerse yourself in the yachting lifestyle and enjoy serene waterfront views.
FOOD AND RESTAURANTS
Maritime industry clientele often frequents these bars, so it’s a great place to network and make some meaningful contacts when looking to break into the industry.
The Wreck Bar: Located at the B Ocean Resort, The Wreck Bar is a popular spot for yacht crew members to unwind after a long day. This unique bar features a porthole view into the hotel's pool, where you can enjoy live mermaid shows while sipping on your favorite cocktail.
Coconuts: This is my go-to spot—always busy, great location, and the seafood is consistently good. Situated on the Intracoastal Waterway, Coconuts is a favorite hangout spot for locals and yacht crew members alike. With its relaxed atmosphere, waterfront views, and delicious seafood, it's the perfect place to socialize and network with others in the industry.
Boat House: Located right on the canal, it’s a great upscale bar atmosphere that offers happy hour specials.
CLICK LINKS TO VISIT
WELLNESS AND SPA
When it comes to relaxation, I’m your go-to gal for all things spa life! I've worked as a massage therapist for many years before making the transition to a yacht stewardess, and while some might view spa visits as a luxury, I believe they’re a must-have, especially for dedicated yacht crew members like you. You truly deserve those zen moments!
Fort Lauderdale has a vibrant wellness community sprinkled all throughout town. Lots of yoga, massage, and sauna studios are popping up everywhere, offering day passes.
Here are my recommendations for spas with the most amenities if you really want to splurge:
1. Heavenly Spa at The Westin - Treat yourself to their signature therapies and watch your worries fade away.
2. Four Seasons - Immerse yourself in unparalleled luxury and reenergizing treatments that will leave you feeling revitalized.
3. The Ritz-Carlton - Enjoy a lavish pampering experience that will make you shine from the inside out.
And if you’re watching your budget, no need to fret! Look into resort passes apps or Groupon for a more wallet-friendly getaway experience.
Remember, prioritizing self-care is crucial for longevity in this industry, especially for someone who works as hard as you do!
CLICK LINKS TO VISIT
TRANSPORTATION, SAFETY, AND TRAVEL
Choosing the ideal transportation option in Fort Lauderdale really hinges on your individual needs and tastes. Personally, I prefer having a car, but public transportation is also a viable way to navigate the city. Additionally, Fort Lauderdale is one of the most accessible airports for travelers and deals on flights.
Here are some popular options:
Public Transportation:
1. Broward County Transit (BCT): BCT operates a network of buses that serve most of Fort Lauderdale and the surrounding area. You can purchase tickets on the bus or in advance online or at a BCT sales center.
2. Sun Trolley: The Sun Trolley is a hop-on hop-off bus service that runs along the beach, downtown, and the airport. Tickets can be purchased on the bus or in advance.
3. Brightline: Brightline is a high-speed train that connects Fort Lauderdale to Miami and West Palm Beach. It is a convenient option for traveling between these cities, but it may not be the best choice for getting around within Fort Lauderdale.
4. Ride-Sharing: Uber and Lyft are available in Fort Lauderdale and can be a convenient option for getting around, especially if you are traveling with a group or late at night.
5. Private Transportation: If you are looking for a more luxurious or personalized experience, you can hire a private driver or limousine service.
Additional Tips:
* If you are staying in a hotel, ask about their transportation options. Many hotels offer shuttle services to the airport and local attractions.
* Consider using a navigation app like Google Maps or Waze to help you get around Fort Lauderdale.
* Be aware of traffic congestion, especially during peak hours.
* If you are driving, be sure to follow the rules of the road and park in designated areas.
* Have fun exploring Fort Lauderdale!
AGENCIES, APPS, AND ONLINE SERVICES
Using a Crew Agency
Crew agencies are also available to assist in job placement. That said, personally, I never had much luck using agencies. But the key in starting out is optimizing all the resources you have available.
Here are a few you may want to consider: Cotton Crews, Bluewater, Northrop & Johnson, YPI Crew, Elite Crew LLC, NauticALL, and Yotspot.
Online Resources in the Yacht Industry
To expand your reach even further, these online resources are very much worth checking out: Nautilus International, Triton News, DayWork123.com, and Facebook crew groups.
It is my hope that these resources and my experience will jumpstart your journey into an amazing career on a yacht!