I get asked this question alot, so I have started asking Captain's and First Officers on the Superyachts I visit what they would look for in a crew member/deck hand and how they generally find staff; this is what they have told me:-

'Walk the dock' - if you are wanting a job, then walking the dock can be the best way, rather than signing up with a crew agency that then charges the Yacht for your employment. If you are going to this then there are a few things you should consider:

• Be smartly dressed - at minimum a polo shirt and shorts. 
• Start early in the morning (8am) 
• Ask for a job not just day work, they may take you on for day work then end up employing you if you prove your worth. 
• Make sure you have a tidy, well-written C.V. and copies of your certificates with you; if you attended a crew training course, make sure your references are from your instructors, not just your careers advisor/mentor who is bound to give you a good reference regardless. 
• Ask to speak to the first officer where possible, the Captain will usually be too busy. 
• Don't give up after asking once, keep going back to show your eagerness. 

Areas you might wish to consider visiting for this are:

Palma, Mallorca - Club de Mar, Astilleros de Mallorca, STP shipyard etc

Antibes, France

Golfe Juan, France

Cannes, France

When should you go? 

March, April, May are the best times when alot of Superyachts are in Shipyards/marinas having works done and preparing for their charter season. 

Certificates /Qualifications

• STCW 95 is the minimum qualification you will require for anyone to employ you onboard

Other qualifications that may help you are:-

• A tender licence such as RYA Powerboat level 2 certificate

• Yachtmaster practical 

• RYA Personal Watercraft instructor 

• PADI Advanced open water / Rescue diver or instructor 

• GMDSS radio operators licence, rather than Long Wave Radio

 Keep an eye out on Dockwalk for job opportunities click here the webpage.