The Superyacht Industry offers an affluent work environment, ample salary, and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see and experience the world. But while there are pros, there are cons, and we should weigh them against each other before deciding. Superyacht Industry is indeed a lucrative opportunity, but is it really for you? Let’s explore the negative side of the superyacht industry.
What’s so Great about the Superyacht Industry?
Superyachts are some of the world’s best marvels in the shipbuilding industry. Naturally, it is honourable to work on such super vessels designed for recreational purposes. Did you know that some of the world’s popular superyachts may cost up to 3 million euros a week to charter? A superyacht employee earns via their regular salaries plus tips. While tips vary, sometimes they can even exceed your monthly salary. You can imagine why working on a Superyacht can be enticing for many.
Not to mention, you get to live on one of the technological marvels, experience the world, and meet elites from all sorts of backgrounds. You learn elite-class etiquette and earn your host’s gratitude and respect (along with tips).
That sounds great on paper. But before diving into the Superyacht industry, you should be aware of its negative side.
The Negative Side of the Superyacht Industry
The Superyacht Industry isn’t as rainbow and sunshine as you see it on social media. Behind a functioning yacht, there’s a fleet of crew working very hard to maintain order and efficiency. So, is the Superyacht industry really for you? Let’s see
Long Working Hours
During the season, you are expected to work long hours every day, without expecting any appropriate day off. This will be particularly mentioned in your contract. If you cannot keep up with long working hours without any breaks, you will find yourself burning out rather quickly. Besides that, if you cannot cope with fewer sleeping hours, this industry might not be for you. We all have different sleep requirements. So if you are someone who requires long sleeping hours, this is not for you.
Positive: If you are someone who can endure long working hours while staying on top of things, this could be the perfect industry for you. Exercise regularly to keep your physical fitness in check.
Limited Personal Space
Not everyone copes with personal space difficulties in the same manner. Some of us are extroverts, some are ambiverts, and some are introverts. On a superyacht, the crew cabin may not be as luxurious or spacious as you might imagine. Some superyacht crew cabin spaces tend to be ridiculously narrow, to the point that you would barely have any personal space for yourself. If you have claustrophobia or value your personal space above everything else, the superyacht industry might not be for you.
Positive: Senior crew members on a superyacht may get personal cabins. Also, some superyachts may have decent cabins, as shown in this video.
Far Away from Home
When you start working on a superyacht, especially on a charter yacht, you will be staying onboard for the remainder of the trip. And if your yacht is in the season, expect multiple charters. A season may last up to 100-130 days, depending on the superyacht owner. During the season, you will be consistently working on cleaning, tending to guests, watchkeeping on deck, and much more. It would be natural to feel lonely or miss your family during the season.
Positive: Thanks to modern technology, you can stay in touch with your family and friends via phone or WiFi. Superyachts are equipped with WiFis so you’ll have a good internet connection to connect with your family. Don’t be afraid to talk about your feelings to your colleagues as well.
Eccentric Owners and Guests
Ultimately, superyachts are a workplace for its crews. And in workplaces, harassment, discrimination, nepotism, or mental exhaustion will naturally follow due to reasons (although it should not). Some Superyacht owners or the visiting may be eccentric, demanding unreasonable things from their crew. Thus it can get uncomfortable real soon and real fast. Crew members may feel ‘stuck’ working in such a toxic environment.
Positive: While this is true, these are exceptions. Superyachts are no exception to a toxic work environment. Before joining ANY superyacht, make sure you thoroughly read the contract and do a background check on the yacht owners before having a handshake with them. Always talk to your seniors and seek a solution rather than hiding your pain away. There are always other Superyachts to work on.
Conclusion
Superyacht is a demanding industry that will significantly drain your mental and physical stamina if you are not prepared. Like any other work environment, there are drawbacks to this industry as well. A rule of thumb would be that if you see too many red flags in your work environment, you know it is time to leave.
This is why it is important to stay on your toes and assess your situation before working on a superyacht. Not to mention, seeking a superyacht career can be financially challenging. So, after all that investment, it is always a good idea to get a little background check on the superyacht and its owners you will be working for. Pro tip: during dock walking, hang out in nearby bars to meet up with crews for news and information.
Finding a good work environment ANYWHERE often involves a little luck. But, you do not have to rely on luck to find great Superyacht-related courses in Cape Town! If you are a South African aspiring to work on a Superyacht, Skipper Training SA can assist you. Contact us today for more information.
