Whether it is for travelling around the world or working up to save money, many high school graduates consider taking a gap year. Under normal circumstances, you might not be able to do both. But what if we tell you there’s a way to earn money AND see the world? That’s right. The answer is: ‘working on a superyacht’. But, should you work on a yacht during your gap year? Let’s see.
Why should I work on a Yacht during my Gap Year?
High school students take a gap year (or two… or more) after graduating for numerous reasons. Seeing the world or working to save up money are among the most common reasons for taking a year gap.
If you decide to work on a yacht, you can do both! At the ripe age of 18-20, you are physically fitter than many older candidates. What’s more? You do not need a degree to work on a yacht. The pay is lucrative and you get to see the world from a different perspective.
But okay, enough summarisation. Let us note down the pros one by one.
An Opportunity to See the World
Congratulations! You have passed high school. Now what? You are at a crossroads in your life. An endless possibility of choices that will shape your future!
Now, one of those choices is taking a gap year, going on a travel, experiencing the world and discovering a new self! But then flip out your pockets inside out… Alas! It is going to put a HUGE dent in your savings.
Not necessarily!
This is where you can consider working on a yacht/superyacht during the season. You get to see the world minus all the travel and accommodation costs.
That’s amazing, right? What’s even more amazing is our second point!
Earn a Hefty Sum of Money
YOU GET PAID FOR IT!
That’s right. Working on a superyacht as a deckhand or a stewardess can help you make about 2800-3000 USD a month!
And that’s not the only thing. If you are working during the season on a very busy superyacht, then chances are you will be doubling that salary with a hefty sum of tips your crew would be shovelling in!
Working on a superyacht at such a young age can help you save up for your college tuition fees while also letting you experience the world from different perspectives.
This brings us to the third point!
Experience Different Perspectives
Working on a superyacht is all about stepping out of your comfort zone. It is time to explore different cultures and cuisines, meet people from different backgrounds and learn their ways.
This is the perfect recipe to learn different perspectives on life and rediscover yourself.
Besides that, you will be meeting wonderful people—potentially lifelong friends or useful connections—and learning new experiences that could prove beneficial for you.
You will learn a Whole Range of Real-Life Skills
Working on a superyacht is not all roses. You are going there for work… and the work can be brutal, but rewarding.
As an inexperienced aspiring seafarer, the maximum you can be is either a deckhand or a stewardess. Deckhand is predominantly a position for males while females dominate the stewardess scene. Either way, there is something for you here.
As a deckhand, you will learn watercraft skills, engine maintenance, ropework, cleaning duties, and much more. As a stewardess, you will primarily have the responsibilities of attending to the guests, interior management, barista skills, wine appreciation and cocktail mixing, and decorations of all sorts.
Apart from that, you will learn useful life skills like teamwork, problem-solving, time management, meticulous management and so on. These timeless skills will stick to you for your entire life!
Conclusion
Taking a gap year to work on a yacht or a superyacht can be a rediscovering experience. It can give you plenty of time to think about your future and find your passion. Who knows, you might find working on a yacht or a superyacht to be your lifelong passion!
If you are considering working on a superyacht, you should consider taking the deckhand/stewardess courses. Not to mention, you will also need STCW, RYA Powerboat Level 2, and an ENG1 medical certificate.
For more information, please contact us today or consider checking out our website.