Are you looking for a career as a yacht engineer?

Wilsonhalligan have compiled a breakdown of the qualifications and requirements needed to start out as a yacht engineer. As well as insight into the job day-to-day and how to effectively land your dream position.

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What does a Yacht Engineer do?

It depends on the type, size and usage of the yacht. But, the Engineering department are responsible for the operation, maintenance and repair of all:

• mechanics
• electricals
• electronics
• hydraulics
• pneumatics
• as well as in some cases, structural systems and appendages found on board a modern yacht and superyacht.

Skills needed to be a successful Yacht Engineer:

The role requires a keen eye for planning and organisation. Planned maintenance (carrying out preventative and explorative maintenance before failures occur) is a very important aspect in modern marine engineering. Skills in project management, resource allocation and time management are very desirable, in addition to extensive and diverse technical ability. Many yachts employ software programmers to aid a methodical approach to planned and preventative maintenance, as well as to record failures and repairs as they occur. As well as keeping an accurate inventory of spares held on board. Being able to efficiently use such software programs efficiently would be highly advantageous. Examples of these asset management programs are AMOS and IDEA.

Challenges as an Engineer Onboard a Yacht:

Engineering on a superyacht has particular challenges. Some yachts (particularly charter yachts) can be very busy, meaning a very fast paced and demanding environment. High expectations from owners and guests in regards to service and entertainment also puts a keen onus on engineering departments. They are expected to keep all systems working to minimise or eliminate down time and negative impacts on the itinerary. Of course, when the yacht is at sea, many of these systems are safety critical. Break downs and failures offshore bring a whole new set of challenges and risks.

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Which qualifications do I need to get in to Superyacht engineering?

There are really two main entry routes in to yacht and superyacht engineering. They follow two distinct certification pathways – entering from commercial shipping, or working through yacht-based certification routes.

Firstly, the Commercial Shipping Route of Training for Yacht Engineering:

The Commercial Shipping route most commonly begins with a sponsored cadetship with a shipping company. Who, are working in partnership with maritime training providers. Candidates must apply to one of a number of cadetship schemes. And, if accepted will undertake usually 3 years of study and work experience on the sponsoring companies’ vessels. Culminating very often in the Officer of the Watch (Engineering) or ‘EOOW’ ticket. And, usually either an HND or BSc Degree in Marine Engineering or similar.

Once the EOOW certificate is in hand, candidates can be considered suitably qualified. As well as experienced for junior engineering officer roles on large yachts. A common first yachting job for EOOW qualified candidates is 3^rd Engineer. The main advantage of a cadetship is that seatime is gained quickly and on vessels over 3000 GT. It also allows for a ticket which is ‘unlimited’ by tonnage as all yacht engineering certificates are. This opens the door to working on the world’s largest mega and superyachts.

Also, the sponsoring company pays for all courses and examinations which would be extremely expensive if self-sponsored. And, very often a small training bursary is paid on top (some as much as €11,000 / year). The biggest disadvantage is that candidates will have to commit to different types of vessels during the cadetship. These are likely to be chemical tankers or containerships. But most of the large luxury cruise ship companies also offer cadetships. Which, is in some ways closer to the yachting industry. One facilitator of maritime cadetships is the Warsash Maritime Academy – see here.

Secondly, the Yacht Certification Route of Training for Engineering:

This route is made up of 6 key certificates:

The Approved Engine Course (AEC). Often seen as the base-minimum for superyacht engineers who wish to work on yachts over 24m LOA.  Usually a 4-day course covering the theory of compression-ignition (diesel) engines and includes a large amount of practical workshops. View the full syllabus for the Approved Engine Course (AEC). One common provider of AEC courses is Bluewater Yachting in Antibes – see here.

The Marine Engine Operators Licence (MEOL). This is the first certificate in the yacht route that requires sea service, specific shore based learning and an oral exam. View further details on MSN 1859 here.

Y4 Engineer. The first of what is commonly referred to as the ‘Y Tickets’. Y4 allows engineers to work as Chief Engineer on yachts between 200 and 500GT. And, up to 1500Kw in propulsive power.

Y3 Engineer. Allows engineers to work as Chief Engineer on yachts up to 3000GT and up to 3000KW in propulsive power.

Y2 Engineer. Allows engineers to work as Chief Engineer on yachts up to 3000GT and up to 6000KW in propulsive power.

Y1 Engineer. Allows engineers to work as Chief Engineer on yachts up to 3000GT and up to 9000KW in propulsive power.

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency have simplified the Y ticket structure however, and page 19 of MIN 524 provides a simple conversion table from Y tickets to the new standard – Small Vessel (or SV) tickets.

Some course providers are now offering yachting cadetships – one example is this one provided by the UKSA in Cowes on the Isle of Wight.

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How To Find a Job as a Superyacht Engineer

Once you have the relevant qualifications, then comes the time to start looking for your first position. Of course, word of mouth and personal connections made through training are a fantastic way to gain knowledge on current positions available however, also consider the following:

Dockwalking – travel to one of the main Superyacht hubs like Palma, Antibes or La Ciotat and walk the docks asking yachts if they need engineering crew. You should take a proper CV, references, and make sure you are well–presented. Be polite and prepare yourself for some face-to-face rejection. However, don‘t take things personally.

Use a reputable crew agent such as wilsonhalligan who are MLC 2006 compliant, vastly experienced and a well respected crew recruitment agency in the industry who does the dock walking for you!

We hope you find this helpful! And, we wish you luck on all your career endeavours.

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Check out the latest yacht crew jobs available with Wilsonhalligan. Also, like their Facebook page where they post featured yacht engineer jobs as well as the latest jobs available.

For the latest Superyacht Content career and training news, click here.

Superyacht Housekeepers

Wilsonhalligan often sees green yachties apply for the role of a Superyacht housekeeper and work their way up to the head of the house. With the housekeeper role being a common entry position into the Superyacht industry, it’s a great way for aspiring yacht crew to begin their career at sea.

What experience do I need to become a Superyacht housekeeper?

Of course, it is always advantageous to have previous relevant experience in hospitality to join yachting. For example, working in high-end restaurants as a waitress. Or working in various areas of hotels i.e. the restaurant and housekeeping. However, you can also enter as a green stewardess without any hospitality experience whatsoever.

Nonetheless, working in Housekeeping in boutique hotels and high-end (chain) hotels will put you in good stead to gain a good housekeeping position on board a reputable yacht.

Depending on the size of the yacht, and previous experience, as an entry-level stewardess housekeeping is generally the area you will start off. Especially for someone who hasn’t any hospitality experience. This is because housekeeping is an area that can be taught to a green stewardess. As it doesn’t necessarily put them under pressure with guests straight away. They can practice making beds time and time again before guests arrive.

What are the requirements for Housekeeping on a yacht?

Housekeepers need a strong eye for detail, keeping a lookout for fingerprints, watermarks, smears, dust, etc. You need to be meticulous and take pride in your work. Ensuring every bed and cabin looks like it has come straight out of a catalogue. As well as looking after guest rooms, housekeeping also includes looking after different ‘public’ areas of a yacht. These include guest corridors, guest’s day beds, crew areas, etc.

It is important to be trained in the correct use of products and chemicals for each and every surface to make sure there is no damage made to the expensive materials.

Although there is less guest interaction in housekeeping, guest satisfaction still plays a very important role. To the guests staying on board, when the crew pays attention to the finer details, it really makes an impact. For example, noticing how they sleep at night (how many pillows, how many covers, blankets). Or if they are eating the turndown of fruit/chocolates and what type of water they drink. Preparing the cabin in this personal way the next night can leave a lasting impression.

Video by Top Notch Tabletops

What progressions are available once landing a yacht job as a Superyacht housekeeper?

There is great career advancement in housekeeping on yachts. From Junior Housekeeper, to lead Housekeeper, to Head of House. We know many pursers who have come from a housekeeping and service background. As they have learned the same managerial skills needed while a purser actually has nothing to do with service.

Let us know through our socials if you have any questions by clicking here.

Interested in a career as a Superyacht housekeeper? Get in touch with Wilsonhalligan Recruitment.

For the latest Yacht Crew career and training advice, click here.

So what does a day in the life of a Yacht AV/IT Engineer look like? 

Despite the differences in work schedules and work conditions between yachts, crew recruitment company Wilsonhalligan interviewed a yacht engineer himself to find out what a typical day looks like as a Yacht AV/IT Engineer. This example is based on a small yacht, with guests:

The night before Guest arrival

A few days before, all the systems will be checked thoroughly to ensure no parts are needed. Nothing worse than needing a replacement JAP router or WAP the night before! Also, this is specific to smaller yachts and systems.

18:00 – 

Firstly, go through the entire system, all AV inputs, lighting, security cameras, etc. Do a “Walk around” Step on the yacht as if you are the owner and do exactly as they would do. Connect your phone to Wi-Fi straight away, how is the signal speed? Watch the news, sports games, turn on music. Ask other crew to do the same with their devices. As there will be extra devices and systems used, you should stress the system as much as you can.

First day with Guests

07:30 – 

Wake up! Shower, shave and get presentable for the day.

08:00 – 

On deck and do a walk around to check lines, anchor and fender, morning meeting.

08:15 – 

Afterward, head to the rack and see if all systems are running properly. Owners, like most people, check their phone as soon as they wake up so even if you haven’t seen the boss yet, be sure he will want his Wi-Fi network working first thing!

09:00 – 

Run TV’s and test all AV throughout the yacht where the owner will be, sundeck TV for breakfast news, Main Saloon for movie nights. Go through every input and signal to make sure everything is working seamlessly.

10:00 – 

Then, set up the TV for the breakfast news, have whatever channel the owner likes on, and if a swivel or adjustable TV have it facing the owner’s normal seat at the table. Make sure all remotes are within reach, clean, and charged with batteries.

11:00 – 

Finally, time for food and a break!

12:00 – 

Depending on the owner, have a quick chat with them after breakfast. What are their plans? Will they be inviting friends over in the evening to watch the boxing? In which case, are you going to stream through 4G cellular data or is it accessible through SKY? Is there going to be a(nother) karaoke session after dinner? Get as much info as you can to do all the prep and what you can expect!

12:30 – 

Lunch.

13:30 – 

Now, log on to the network and check your average data speeds, what devices are using the most data, do you need to throttle speeds for the crew? If using a 4g Data plan are you on track with your data allowance?

15:00 – 

Do another walk around if guests are off doing water sports or ashore. Check the rack is clean, free of dust. Racks are very high fire risk areas and need to be checked and maintained as much as possible.

16:00 – 

Meanwhile, Boss has brought on new music/ films/ TV series that need to be imported to the yachts media library, always have a backup drive for all media. Upload everything onto the system and to the secure backup. Test and see if new media is working.

19:00 – 

While guests are getting ready for dinner, make sure music and playlist is playing in areas of the yacht where they may be having pre-dinner drinks. Set the ambiance!

20:00 – 

Guests are sitting down for dinner and want to watch the sports game. This is usually accessed through an Apple device using an app that permits you to access British channels and then transmitted to a TV via Apple TV. Depending on current data speed/ setup you may have to ask the crew to disable their devices so all data can be used for steaming, especially live and HD streaming.

22:00 – 

Once the dinner is cleared away, guests might be interested in using a karaoke machine or playing a game (depending on what they drank!). Or, if with family may want to just relax and watch a movie. This is where the preparation comes in. If all areas have been checked and organized, minimal attention from you is needed. They may want to do everything themselves which is why you have remotes accessible and a clear AV structure and setup.

23:00 – 

Lastly, if you haven’t eaten while the guests are eating now is your time! Stay on standby until guests have gone to bed just in case any situations arise.

We hope this experience provides you with the inspiration to pursue a Yacht AV/IT Engineer job.

If you would like to talk to us further about how to get into the yachting industry and work as an engineer, simply get in touch with Wilsonhalligan’s friendly team who will be more than happy to help and guide you.

For the latest superyacht news, click here.

Cover Photo by Eric Prouzet on Unsplash

With the new year comes new opportunities. Why not check out the latest yacht job vacancies available?

Are you looking to progress within the yachting industry? Click the Job titles in the following posts to see the latest yacht crew vacancies, available with Wilsonhalligan.

The most recent yacht job vacancies:

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We all love Gin don’t we? It may not be the “all day drinking partner” that Rose is in the South of France but is still Super popular among guests and crew alike.

Wilsonhalligan, in partnership with HMS spirits have sent us this great list of Gin cocktails for you to WOW your guests with, and maybe even try yourself when the charter is over!

Gin

Gin’s rise in popularity over the past few years has been phenomenal and whether your guests enjoy the high-quality classics or prefer more unusual flavours, there’s no doubt that you’ll get more than a few requests for gin cocktails this season.

Here at WH we have carefully selected our top 5 gin cocktails that will impress owners, guest and crew alike. We teamed up with Ben from HMS Spirits, to show you how to make the most of his brilliant gins.

HMS Spirits have won numerous awards for their exceptional gin, with every batch being carefully hand crafted here in the UK.  Ben’s family’s naval background is the inspiration for the beautiful nautical themed bottles, which look stunning on any superyacht bar.  From the classic Negroni to new twists on traditional favourites you’re sure to find something here that will impress.

Negroni

This popular Italian cocktail is often enjoyed as an aperitif and the secret to the perfect Negroni is balance.  Reach for the best spirits you have on board and use equal parts gin, vermouth and Campari.

Ingredients

• 25ml gin
• 25ml sweet vermouth
• 25ml Campari
• Ice

Pour the gin, vermouth and Campari into a mixing glass with ice. Stir well until the outside of the glass starts to feel cold.

Strain into a tumbler and add 1 large ice sphere or some fresh ice.  Garnish with a slice of orange or blood orange when in season.

 

Earl Grey Martini

A sophisticated twist on a classic martini, this cocktail requires a little advanced preparation but is then quick and simple to make for guests.  The bergamot oil from the Earl Grey tea gives a lovely citrus hit and you could even get creative with the way you serve it…

Ingredients

• 700ml bottle of gin
• 1 tbsp of good quality loose-leaf Earl Grey Tea

In advance, put the earl Grey Tea in a large jug and pour over the gin.  Stir for about 45 seconds and then strain through a tea strainer back into the bottle.  You may still see small particles of tea in the gin so strain for a second time through a coffee filter.  You can then store this gin until ready to use.

• 85ml infused gin
• 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 4 tablespoons simple syrup

Pour the infused gin, lemon juice and simple syrup into a cocktail shaker over ice.  Shake and strain into a sugar rimmed martini glass.

 

Lavender Spritz

Perfect for a party or afternoon cocktails, this pretty cocktail, with a light floral twist, will be sure to delight your guests.

Ingredients

• 200ml red vermouth
• 200ml white vermouth
• 200ml gin
• 1tsp dried lavender
• Soda or tonic water
• Lemon wedges
• Fresh lavender sprigs

Pour the red and white vermouth and gin into a jug or bottle and add the dried lavender and leave to infuse overnight.

Allow 50ml per person and serve over lots of ice, topped up with soda or tonic water. Add some lemon wedges and a sprig of lavender.

French 75

 Rumoured to have been created in the New York Bar in Paris, this is a great combination of gin and champagne, the perfect cocktail for any celebration.

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp sugar syrup
• 50ml gin
• Champagne

Pour the lemon juice, sugar syrup and gin into a cocktail shaker and fill with ice.  Shake well then strain into a champagne flute.

Top with a little champagne, wait for the bubbles to settle and then fill up some more. Swirl gently with a cocktail stirrer and garnish with a strip of lemon zest.

English Garden Cocktail

A refreshing summer cocktail that is really easy to make.  Perfect for large parties and events as you can multiply the ingredients and serve from a jug.

Ingredients

• 50ml Gin
• 25ml St Germain Elderflower Liqueur
• 75ml Apple Juice
• 10ml Lime Juice
• Cucumber Ribbons

Shake all the ingredients and strain into a tall glass or jug with filled with fresh ice.  Garnish with cucumber ribbons and a sprig of mint.

 

Let us know how you get on. We are just off to get the cocktail shaker out!

Thanks to Wilson Halligan and HMS Spirits.