South Africa is not famous for its superyacht scene. In fact, the sight of a superyacht is such a rare occurrence in South Africa. So, if you are an aspiring South African seafarer who dreams of working on a superyacht, you must go international. In this article, let’s understand what visa you need to work on a superyacht.
What Visa Do You Need to Work on a Superyacht as a South African
South Africa is not the place to find work on a Superyacht. So, when it comes to working overseas on a superyacht, two prime regions should come to your mind: the Mediterranean and the Caribbean.
Depending on where you work, you WILL require either a Schengen Visa for Mediterranian or a B1/B2 Visa for the Caribbean.
The Mediterranean and Schengen Visa
For South Africans, the Schengen Visa is mandatory. However, just because the Schengen Visa gives you free access to all the Schengen territories in Europe, you cannot just randomly apply for it at any mission.
The Mediterranean yachting season starts in April/May and it lasts till October, right before the winter season.
The most popular destinations to deckwalk and find work on superyachts are Antibes (France), Cannes (France), Monaco, Palma de Mallorca (Spain), and Viareggio (Italy). During the season, these ports are brimming with superyachts. The scene here is extremely lively and competitive.
We will provide more information regarding finding a job effectively at the end of this article.
Anyway, as you are likely to visit these places to try your luck out, your entry point should be one of these countries. That also means that you should apply for a Schengen Visa at the embassy of one of these countries.
Provide sufficient proof of your identity and financial state and also a return ticket. This is important as it assures the authorities that you are planning to illegally extend your stay or disappear in the EU.
Your Schengen Visa grants you tourist access. Take this opportunity to dockwalk at the popular locations mentioned above and try your luck.
Working on a UK-flagged Vessel
Since the UK is not a part of the Schengen territory, you must apply for the UK visa separately.
Since South Africa has not ratified the C108 Convention of ILO, the country does not issue the Seafarers’ Identity Document, which is also acceptable for working on a UK-flagged ship.
The Caribbean and B1/B2 Visa
Going for the US route as a South African could prove more expensive than trying to find work at Mediterranean superyachts. However, if you have the finances for it, this is how the procedure usually pans out.
The Caribbean season starts around October/November. Right at the beginning of the season, Florida becomes a hotspot for yachts to anchor and crews to deckwalk—especially Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach.
This season usually occurs in the US waters. So, to enter the US territories, you will need a B1/B2 Visa. This visa allows you to stay up to six months in the USA. Again, make sure you have financial proof that you can afford it and that you intend to return home.
Also, please note that B1/B2 visa does not allow you to work on US-flagged vessels. Only on foreign-flagged vessels i.e. the vessels coming from the Mediterranean.
Conclusion: What Visa do I need to Work on a Superyacht?
Since going to the US to find a job on a ‘foreign-flagged’ vessel can be quite expensive, we would highly recommend you stick to the Mediterranean season. Get your Schengen Visa, go to those popular locations mentioned above and try your luck.
If you wish to work in the Caribbean season, we advise you to deckwalk in September in the Mediterranean. Your goal is to find a job on a superyacht heading for the Caribbean in the winter season. The yacht management will likely help you with the visa process.
However, as a greenhorn, we highly advise you to stick to the Mediterranean season and build up some experience. It will be relatively inexpensive and easier for you.
Here are some useful links if you are finding a job on a superyacht from within South Africa.
Writing a CV for a Deckhand Job on a Yacht
Finding Entry-Level Deckhand Work in South Africa
How long does it take to find a Job on a Yacht?
Ultimately, what visa you need to work on a superyacht depends on your goals, financial situation, and your drive to seek the desirable position.
If you are looking for a Deckhand/Stewardess Course in South Africa, Sail and Power SA can help you. We also assist you with your visa arrangements. Feel free to connect with us today or check our website for more information.