Working on a yacht is a unique and exciting career path open to anyone passionate about the sea and hospitality. Yachts are luxurious vessels typically used for leisure and travel, ranging in size from small sailing yachts to massive superyachts that accommodate dozens of guests. Yachts require a crew, and many positions are available for those looking to work on board.

Day work is a common arrangement in the yacht industry where yacht workers are hired temporarily to help with tasks that the onboard crew cannot handle because of other obligations. Day work can range from a day, a week, or even a month, depending on the contract, with jobs ranging from gathering food, doing laundry, or event assistance, which frequently happen on yachts. However, being a yacht dayworker goes beyond these details, so we will discuss them in this article.

The Basics of a Day Work Arrangement

Yacht workers in the day work arrangement are called dayworkers. Day workers are typically hired through crew houses or direct applications by going to docked yachts with their CVs on hand. The work can be seasonal, and it is essential to have a flexible schedule. Day workers are expected to have a positive attitude and a willingness to work in any department.

Additionally, dayworkers are expected to have relevant experience in the tasks they are hired for. For example, if a day worker is hired to do laundry, they should have experience in laundry operations and know how to handle different fabrics and detergents. If a day worker is hired to help with food preparation, they should have culinary skills and knowledge of food safety regulations.

The Challenges of Day Work

Being a day worker can be challenging in many ways. For starters, it can be tough to find consistent work, especially during the off-season. Day workers may have to spend a lot of time searching for jobs, which can be frustrating and financially stressful. With this in mind, lack of job security is also a problem because dayworkers are hired temporarily, and their contracts can be terminated anytime. This means they cannot rely on a stable income and may have to look for new jobs constantly.

While it doesn’t always happen, day workers may also face discrimination from permanent crew members. Some permanent crew members may view day workers as inferior and treat them poorly. This can create a hostile work environment and make it challenging for day workers to do their jobs effectively.

How Much Will You Get Paid?

Day workers can expect to make around USD 150 or €100- €130 cash daily, depending on experience. Accommodations are not usually included because yachts have limited space onboard. Day workers are expected to find their own accommodation, which can be challenging in popular yachting destinations.

Tips When Working as a Dayworker

To help you be an effective yacht dayworker, here are some tips:

• Pack spare clothes: Day work can be messy, and having spare clothes on hand is essential. You never know when you might get covered in food or other substances, or you may work on the yacht for several days without going home.
• Never be late: Punctuality is crucial in the yachting industry. If you are late, you could miss out on an opportunity or, worse, lose your job.
• Be open to working in any department: Dayworkers are expected to be flexible and willing to work in any department. You may be asked to help with laundry, cooking, or deck work.
• Always be ready to lend a hand: Dayworkers should always be prepared to help with any task. This could mean assisting with a guest’s luggage or helping to set up for an event.
• Build your network – Networking is essential in the yachting industry. Dayworkers should take every opportunity to meet new people and build relationships with industry professionals.

Conclusion

Being a yacht dayworker is a laborious but fulfilling job that requires dedication, hard work, and a willingness to learn. Anyone who enters the trade can have a long and successful career if they approach it with the right attitude and mindset, especially since they will deal with people from all walks of life. With this, you will gain valuable experience and make connections that can lead to future opportunities in the yachting industry.

If you are looking for yacht crew jobs, Yachtie Careers can help! We have a diverse network to match prospective applicants to the right yachts based on experience and fair work. Send your CVs to us today!