From leisure and adventure to testing the water in different industries or working, gap years can be a fruitful break to recharge your mind and reshape your perspectives. If you are looking for work during your gap years, we have exciting news for you. In this article, we are exploring cruise and yacht work opportunities for a gap year student in South Africa.
Work Opportunities on a Yacht in South Africa
If you are willing to do some physical labour while earning big bucks, then South Africa has excellent work opportunities on numerous yachts in South Africa. Mind that we have said ‘yachts’, not ‘superyachts’. If you are looking to spend a gap year on a superyacht, you will have to go international.
Anyhow, if you wish to work on any commercial or recreational boat not falling under the National Small Vessels Safety act of South Africa, you will require an STCW certificate at the minimum. Apart from that, having knowledge equivalent to the RYA Powerboat Level 2 certification also helps. And lastly, you should be medically fit. In South Africa, a SAMSA medical certificate of fitness would suffice, unless you are working on a superyacht. Then you would need an ENG1 medical certificate.
What kind of Job Opportunities are Available on a Yacht?
Yacht or superyacht owners are always looking for a competitive crew to look after their recreational vessels. These jobs may include, but not limited to, deckhand, stewardess, kitchen staff such as chefs, or technical person such as an electrician. However, most commonly, you will be assigned to a deckhand or a stewardess crew, depending on your preference.
So what does a deckhand do? To sum up, a deckhand maintains everything on a deck. Their responsibilities may include cleaning and polishing the deck, hull maintenance, yacht toys maintenance, and entertaining the guests onboard, if applicable.
A stewardess on the other hand is the interior crew. They are responsible for interior management. This includes, but not limited to, room services, housekeeping, interior cleaning and maintenance, and table etiquettes.
While a yacht or a superyacht crew leads a exquisite and adventurous life, the work hours can be difficult. However, if you are taking a gap year to experience something different in your life, working on a yacht can be a refreshing and rewarding experience for you.
Work Opportunities on a Cruise in South Africa
Compared to a yacht or a superyacht, there are numerous opportunities on a cruise. Usually, the cruises are looking for a large dedicated crew that would work in the season.
To work on a cruise, you must be able to procure a valid medical fitness certificate. Besides that, you will also need the basic STCW certificate.
While the marine opportunities such as deckhand or stewardess are available, there are also other opportunities for the people having artistic inclinations. These entertaining positions may include singing, dancing, trick shows, comedy shows, and more.
You may be able to work in a retail store as well. Or how does working in a spa and fitness section on the cruise sound like? They offer positions such as massage therapists, estheticians, or fitness instructors.
Apart from that, there are more serious marine and technical positions such as navigation officers, engineers, or technicians. However, these may be hard to come by at entry-level.
On the other hand, if you prefer to stay dry on the land, cruise companies also hire for roles such as marketing, sales, and reservations.
Conclusion
And that sums up the work opportunities available on a cruise or a yacht in South Africa. If you wish to work on a vessel in South Africa during your gap year, a cruise may offer better chance at landing a seasonal job than a yacht does. Additionally, pay on a cruise might be lower than a yacht or a superyacht. However, it will give you a lifetime worth of experience.
If you are keen on in making a career in the marine industry, however, you should aim for the deckhand or stewardess jobs. For training or information regarding these positions, give us a call or check our website.