So what is the best way to find a Housekeeper job abroad?

Update Your CV

Before you start your search for your next housekeeping job abroad, make sure you and your CV are prepared. To up the chances of you landing your dream job abroad, make sure your CV is looking as well as it can be.

If you need some help with optimising your CV, there are articles and templates that can help with this.

But besides making your CV look good, you also want to make sure the content is up to date and as best it can be. It might be worth it for you to invest in some extra training before you start applying for jobs. Training will look great on your CV and will really help you to stand out from the competition.

Not only does it show that you have achieved and understand a certain level of skills. It also shows that you are taking this career seriously, by investing in training!

Do Your Research

An important part of knowing how to find a Housekeeper job abroad is doing your research. Once you feel you have the CV and experience ready to go, make sure you do your research on the jobs abroad. Look at the countries you want to apply for jobs at and consider the following:

• Will you need a work permit or working visa to work in this country?
  • Depending on your nationality and the country you are looking for, you might need a working permit or visa. It depends per country so do your research specifically for the country you are looking at.
• What is their employment and tax system?
  • You want to be familiar with how payment works. If they advertise a job in gross, it might be a very different net income than in the country that you are currently working. So make sure you understand exactly what money will land in your account at the end of the month!
• Is it easy for me to get home if I need to?
  • Will you be working on the other side of the world? In a really remote location? Or traveling on a yacht? If either of those is the case, you might not be able to travel home quickly if you want or need to. So take that into consideration. It might be fine for you for a short period of time. But consider what’s important for you!
• Culture: Will you fit in with the country’s culture.
  • Some countries will have very different cultures than the one you might be used to. Do your research to understand what that means. And most importantly, if you would be happy to work in that cultural environment. There might be different levels of hierarchy or religious differences. Generally speaking, if you go to work in another country you should really be happy to adapt and adjust to their culture and expectations. So make sure you will be able to!

Work With An Agency

If you are not sure where to start, connecting with local agencies will be a great way to start. Chances are they can also help and guide with applications and any other things you need to think of.

But check with your local agency too. Some agencies that are based in one country might work internationally too. There are lots of benefits to working with your agency. They will

Types of Abroad Housekeeping Jobs

Do you know what kind of Housekeeping job you are looking at? Besides the ‘standard’ housekeeper roles, there are other options too! Such as:

• Yacht Steward/Stewardess
• Seasonal Hotel/Resort Housekeeping
• Chalet Housekeeper during Ski Seasons

How Can Polo & Tweed Help

Did you know that Polo & Tweed is an international agency? Although we are based with our HQ in the UK, we work with clients and candidates from all over the world. So we can help you find your dream job, long term or seasonal, abroad. Our experienced consultants will guide you through the process every step of the way. So contact us now to see how we can help you and your international housekeeping career!

The post How To Find A Housekeeper Job Abroad appeared first on .

Join our CEO, Lucy Challenger as part of her Expert Voices series by Costis Frangoulis. Costis is the Founder and CEO of Franman.

Franman was founded in 1991. And has provided a wide range of services to the shipping industry. Costis’ company is focused on shipbuilding equipment, spare parts, and ship repairs. As well as service, consulting, and security services.

Lucy & Costis discuss their mutual love of the sea. They chat about what business is like in Greece at the moment. And the worldwide shipping industry. Also, about what the differences between commercial and domestic use vessels actually are.

Finally, Costis gives some great tips on how to conduct business. How to deal with discretion and confidentiality. And how to deal with multi-million contracts!

Did this Live Chat between Lucy and Costis inspire you to pursue a career on the sea? We can help! Polo & Tweed regularly source and place the finest yacht crew around the world.  If you are interested in registering with us or are looking to recruit your new crew members, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.

If you would need more training before embarking on a new career, Polo & Tweed can help too. We have Yacht Management, Silver Service, and Housekeeping courses all available in group, private, and e-learning format. You can read all about our training options here. Get in touch today and we will help you get a job on a yacht!

The post Lucy & Costis Live Chat about the Shipping Industry appeared first on .

Join our CEO, Lucy Challenger in a live chat as part of her Expert Voices series with Alexandra Parker-Larkin – our Polo & Tweed Head Trainer.  Alex shares with Lucy her background in the Super Yacht world (and how she ended up working at sea). Along with the real picture of what life is like at sea! They also discuss Alex’s work in the training industry. And how Alex helps change the lives of students who pass through the Polo & Tweed training doors!

Did this Live Chat between Lucy and Alex inspire you to pursue a career in the yachting industry? We can help! Polo & Tweed regularly source and place the finest yacht crew around the world.  If you are interested in registering with us or are looking to recruit your new crew members, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.

If you would like to experience a training course with Alex or one of our other wonderful trainers, we can help too! We have Yacht Management, Silver Service, and Housekeeping courses all available in group, private, and e-learning format. You can read all about our training options here. Get in touch today and we will help you get a job on a yacht!

The post Lucy & Alex Live Chat about the Super Yacht World appeared first on .

So what can you expect from Online Silver Service training?

Why Online Training

Firstly, let’s have a look at why someone would consider online training, silver service or something else. Of course, doing a face to face training in Silver Service can have many benefits. You will practice with your trainer in the room, and all the props available.

However, it can be really difficult to make time for a Silver Service training course. Maybe you have very limited holidays you can take up from work. Or you might be living in another country. To then having to travel to, and stay over in another place for the training course can really become a very large expense you might not be able to spend.

Also, online silver service training will be significantly cheaper than doing a face to face training course. And what is really handy, is that you can do it in the comfort of your own home – in your own time! You will not be confined by having to do everything on one set weekend. But you can spread the course material out over times when it works for you – sometimes even over several months!

Not just Handbooks

Everyone who has ever done, or looked at any silver service before, knows that you will not be able to learn it just from reading about it. So just having a handbook with lots of text about Silver Service, is not going to cut it. Expect from your online silver service course for there to be a lot of video footage. This way you can take your time and observe exactly what different types of table settings there are, for example.

Video’s are a key part of online silver service. You cant watch them over and over again. And you can also use them to practice yourself. So you can mimic the setup of the one in the video, and they go over the service exactly in the way they do in the video. A really handy way to practise and learn your silver service skills!

Assessments

From any good online silver service training, you would expect there to be assessments. Of course – tests can be a little scary! But if you really want to learn or improve a skill, they are vital. It is really helpful if your online Silver Service training has short assessments in between the modules – so you can test your knowledge as you go along.

This way you don’t have to finish a whole day of learning, only then to realise there are many modules that require more focus or studying from you. By having a little mini-assessment after each module, it keeps you in check. If you do badly in that assessment – that doesn’t matter! It simply shows you should go over the course material again. Rewatch the video, and maybe do some more practice. This way, you can confidently move on to the next module knowing you really understand the material and have learned the skill properly.

Certificates

You really should expect your online silver service training provider to give you a certificate at the end of your course. What this looks like, can depend per provider. You might just get a proof of attendance/completion of the course. But with some training courses, a certificate is only provided when do you and pass the final assessment. This is a great thing – as it shows and proofs that you have mastered a certain set of skills and understand all the principles.

A certificate, even from an online course, is a great thing to put on your CV or to show future employers. It shows that you have invested time and money into learning this skill. That you take learning and your personal growth seriously and want to contribute to being better at your job. It makes you stand out from other candidates who have not invested in training.

Private Online training

If you would want to do an online training course, but you would prefer live contact with a trainer? Or maybe you want to have a course tailor-made exactly to what you need and what your skillset already is? That also is an option! Training providers who offer online training are normally also able to create a tailor-made course just for you. focusing on all the modules that you should be learning more about or fine-tuning your skillset for. A private course like that will normally be set up over a video call such as Skype or Zoom. This way your trainer will be teaching you live over video call, and go through all of the modules with you. They can also observe you doing your assessments to you get live commentary on how you are doing in your practical skills.

Expect a private training that way will be more expensive than the ready-made online silver service courses. But can be a great option for people who need specific guidance, and cannot leave the house for a full training weekend. There really is an option for everyone!

How can Polo & Tweed Help?

Polo & Tweed are world-leading training providers to students all over the world, with an online academy for all the courses too – including Silver Service! The internationally known and recognised training academy only works with the absolute best trainers in the industry. They have dedicated their years of experience and skill to the students.

Whether you are completely new to the trade, or a seasoned butler. You will be able to learn so much from the online Silver Service training course. The online courses are internationally acknowledged and provide you with a certificate upon passing your final assessment. 

 To find out more about what options work best for you do contact us here now and we look forward to speak to you!

The post What to Expect from Online Silver Service Training appeared first on .

A casual lunch or dinner table setting can still be elegant and inviting!
Share on X

Do you know how to set a casual dinner table? Looking for the right setting for a dinner party? This could be the table setting you are looking for.

Here we will cover the basics and give you some top tips on how to create the perfect casual table setting.

A casual table setting often referred to as an informal table setting, can be considered the most widely used setting. As the table setting you are most regularly going to meet or use, understanding how to approach it is key.

A casual table setting can have many variations and as the name suggests is less formal in structure. As the structure is more fluid, the principal of the home or manager of a high street restaurant may have their own preferred variation and this should always be followed.

The informal or casual setting uses fewer pieces of tableware and cutlery than a formal setting. Serving dishes will typically appear on the table. As with all table settings the food being eaten, the menu, will dictate to some extent the cutlery set on the table.

The cutlery should be arranged so that the set needed for the first course is on the outside. The cutlery required for the second course sits with the first and closer to the plate. The guest works from the outside in as the meal progresses.

How to set a casual dinner table

1. If using a table mat place the table mat on the table. A charger can be used instead but choose a casual feeling charger, a wooden plate or other design which is less formal.
2. Place the largest fork used for the main course on the left hand side, closest to the plate.
3. The small fork may be placed next to the large fork but furthest from the plate. This is used for the first course or salad course if being served.
4. On the right closest to the plate, place the largest knife, this is used for the main course.
5. Next to the knife and furthest from the plate is placed the soup spoon when soup is being served.
6. Directly above the knife place the water glass.
7. To the right of the water glass and a little lower place the wine glass approximately above the soup spoon.

Top tips

Where you choose to place the napkin can change the look and feel of the table considerably, as can the colour and material of the napkin. Where the napkin is placed will vary the feel and look too. You might consider folding the napkin and placing to the left of the plate with the forks laid on top. Placed in the centre of the plate folded or using a napkin ring. Another alternative is to put the napkin in the wine glass.

Speak to your principal or manager to find out what their preferences are. You can then adapt and ensure the setting looks how they want.

Find out the menu before you start setting the table. If you are working in a restaurant your manager might have a preferred basic setting. Which you then switch out the cutlery to match the guest’s order later.

A dessert spoon and fork can be placed at the top of the setting above the plate. With the fork handle pointing to the left and the spoon handle to the right. Alternatively, the spoon and fork can be brought to the table once the main course has been finished. And should be omitted completely if a desert is not to be served, such as at lunch.

If there is no bread to be eaten with the meal then the bread plate and knife should be omitted.

To find out more about the differences between a casual table setting or informal setting and a formal table setting see here.

Want to learn more and perfect your skills?

If you are looking to understand table settings and table management in more depth, perfecting your skills then why not consider joining Polo & Tweed’s Silver Service training course. You will learn how to read a menu and put together the correct table setting.

Practice laying the table for all the myriad of service styles along side casual or informal service. A great chance to hone those skills whether you are in food & beverage, boutique hotels, private homes, private jets or yachts, service is an important skill to learn.

Polo & Tweed can provide tailor-made training internationally, for a consultation call +44(0)203 858 0233 or contact us here.

The post How to Set a Casual Dinner Table appeared first on .

The first qualification of the chef-at-sea is mental aptitude.
Share on X

Commitment

The first qualification of the chef-at-sea is not the physical qualification but rather a mental aptitude.  This is the ability to commit to long hours, little sleep and working in close proximity to other staff.

On land-based chef roles, downtime can be easily filled with walks around the home, driving to the local village, or visiting friends and family.  These options are not available at sea. A yacht chef’s downtime will be spent in (often shared) crew accommodation.

The metal strength to live on a yacht full time is key to a long and successful career.  Yacht staff are also expected to work long hours, operate on little sleep, all whilst being able to provide the very highest standard of cooking and presentation.

Chef Skills

A head chef will be expected to have advanced skills in all forms of cuisines including specialist diets and desserts. Plus the ability to be creative and adaptive when faced with a depleted store, or limited ingredients. After all, when you’re on a yacht one cannot just pop to the Harrods food hall to pick up the fresh ingredients for a dish which might be requested by a guest.

This adaptive ability will only be something that the very experienced chefs will have.  Being able to re-stock the inventory from different locations, and still provide the guests with the cuisine they require is an advanced skill!

Silver Service

Onboard Yachts, there are a variety of services performed for the guests.  From French service, Russian service through to traditional Silver and Buffet service.  The Head Chef or chef crew will be expected to perform all of these services to the highest level.

A yacht chef must be prepared for any request and have the ability to demonstrate the service effortlessly.  It is therefore vital to have a Silver Service qualification to ensure that you can demonstrate these skills.  The yacht service is much more intimate (even onboard the large superyachts) which makes presentation essential.

Yacht Experience

Alongside chef experience, a yacht chef should have qualifications as appropriate to the yacht, superyacht or cruise they are working on.  These can include STCW basic training and RYC yacht master training.

A yacht chef should have the health and safety and understanding of yacht environments in order to work well on the yachts.

Looking for a yacht chef?

Whether you are looking to place yacht chef or be placed as a yacht chef. You’ve come to the right place. As professional recruiters we can save you time and headache with our expertise.  You can start your search for a yacht chef or, for candidates, register to find a placement. If you have any other questions feel free to reach out to us.

The post Qualifications of A Great Private Yacht Chef appeared first on .

Whilst it is more suited to the younger generations, the process and types of crew involved with running these magnificent vessels is impressive.

Of course, the types of staff required for each vessel vary depending on the size of yacht and the type of yacht.  In the super yacht world, it is likely that a large number of the below crew will be involved for each yacht.

Wow, the staff required to operate a yacht...
Share on X

Here is an overview of the crew involved in building, maintaining, and running these floating mansions: 

Deck Crew

Yacht Captain – Is a highly experienced and professional skipper.  To captain a superyacht you would need to have experience managing luxury yachts over 24m in length. And you should have extensive and proven career history.

As captain it is you are responsible for the crew, guests and vessel. Every crew member and even visiting guests fall under your command and you have the final say on all yacht decisions.  Alongside your qualifications, expect to be paid a high salary in return for your professional service.

Captain/Engineer – A multi-faceted role, this combines the skills of captain with Engineer.  A highly sought-after type of crew, they will straddle the skills for both captaining the boat and ensuring engineering issues are dealt with whilst at sea.

1st Officer – Sometimes known as Chief Officer or Chief Mate is second in command to the Captain and manages all the deck crew including the Bosun, Deckhand and any second or third officers.  You would be required to undertake bridge duty and thus have a good range of qualifications and skills.

2nd Officer – Is the second-ranking position to the 1st Officer.  You would require a good level of qualifications  and skills to achieve this position.  A 2nd Officer may also be designated in additional areas such as security, medical, or safety, depending on background and specific skills.

3rd Officer – Is the third-ranking position to the 2nd Officer.  Qualifications and skills as per the other officer roles are required.

Chase Boat Captain – A chase boat is a vessel which does not live on the main yacht and often has their own crew. These can be towed, driven separately, or berthed in a convenient location.

Chase boats are becoming very popular due to restrictions in tender garage space.  As the name would suggest this role refers to the captain who is in charge of the chase boat and subsequent crew.

O.O.W (Officer On Watch) – This is a deck officer in charge of keeping watch on the ships bridge and overseeing navigation whilst on duty.  The OOW ensures the ship complies with all COLREGS and safety protocols.  This position requires additional qualifications in order to help perform the said duties.

Bosun – Sometimes referred to as the Leading Hand or Senior Deckhand, the Bosun is an experienced deckhand most likely able to take on additional and extra responsibilities.  They tend to be the main tender driver and take additional responsibilities in security.  Like a deckhand, less qualifications are required, but flexibility and the ability to take direction and blend into the team environment is very important.

Lead Deckhand – As the name suggests, the Lead Deckhand will be in charge of the other deckhands.  Generally, only found onboard yachts where more than one deckhand is required, this is a position of responsibility. Ultimately the buck stops with the lead deckhand, so it takes a strong personality and adaptive approach to get the job done regardless of the day or hour!

Deckhand – A position known for hard work, a deckhand will be up early and go to bed late.  They have a number of duties, but their overall job is to ensure that the yacht is in pristine condition.  On larger superyachts you may have over 5 deckhands working. Qualifications do not need to be extensive, but positive attitude is vital!

Security Officer – Super yachts are valuable and expensive items, so a dedicated security officer is commonplace.  Spending 60 million on a superyacht is considered to be a mid-level purchase in the superyacht world!

Security officers are often employed to take control of all aspects of security, from when the yacht is moored in the bay (and the crew depart for downtime) through to being moored on land.  This position is suited to close protection and military background candidates with specific qualifications in security.

Commercial Shipping Master – This is a phrase referring to a Captain of a commercial shipping vessel.  They are in essence the captain of the boat (see captain) but will typically be in charge of commercial operations rather than private or chartered yachts and super yachts.

Professional Race Crew – These are unique and exceptional individuals, with a strong background in shipping.  Race crew members require a high level of qualification and ability to focus whilst leading the crew and vessel to compete in international competitions.

Interior

Purser – Is in charge of the interior and financial matters in accordance to the ship.  Normally found on large yachts and superyachts, the Chief Steward will report to the purser.  Due to the amount of admin required a strong background of accounts and bookkeeping is required.

Chief Steward/ess – Will be the most experienced member of the Steward team.  They will often be in charge of recruiting and training less senior members of the team.  The chief steward should have the ability to think ahead, plan for every possibility and focus on the finishing touches and detail required for the very highest standard of service. Yachting qualifications and a proven history of working onboard large yachts are required for this position.

2nd Steward/ess – Second in command to the Chief Steward, the 2nd steward is in charge of all duties as requested by their superior.  The 2nd steward ensures interiors, housekeeping, laundry and the presentation of the vessel is spotless.  Their duties may include anything from childcare (if required) to pet care.  They work closely with the crew to ensure that the guest and clients experience onboard is perfect.

3rd Steward/ess – Third in command to the Chief Stew and Second Stew.  All duties expected by the Steward role.

Steward/ess – A role found onboard every yacht or superyacht, the steward is in charge of client experience.  From housekeeping through to food and drink service, the steward helps with all aspects of running the yacht.  Stewardesses are expected to work long hours and have a good, positive and flexible attitude.

Stew/Deck – This is a combined role between a Steward and Deck crew member.  This role straddles both the interior and exterior of the yacht and is a popular choice when needing additional staff on board.

Solo Steward/ess – Typically found on much smaller vessels, the solo steward will be the only steward on board.

Head Chef – Is perhaps one of the most important roles on board. The right chef is the key to a successful crew and perfect guest experience.

A head chef must have a wide range of culinary experiences, and be able to take part in the service for the guests if required, including Silver Service, Buffet Service and Fish filleting at the table.

Sous Chef /2nd Chef– The assistant to the head chef, the sous chef will help the Head Chef with all cooking duties and also cook for the crew of the yacht.  Often this role is combined with a steward position, but on the larger vessels this may be a self-contained role (see Cook/Stew).

Cook/Stew – This role combines cooking with steward duties.  Assisting the head chef, and then performing standard Steward duties (see Steward).

Cook – This position is suited to an individual who is less experienced as a chef but enjoys cooking.  This would be a candidate who is happy to cook for the crew and guests (if required),and will be often used during off duty hours (for example if the chef is sleeping).  Generally, not an individual role (unless the yacht is very big), this is a good skill for any of the main crew to have on their CV.

Head of Housekeeping – Often this role is found in the larger vessels or commercial cruises, this person would be in charge of housekeeping and be a specialist in this subject.  They would oversee the duties and work closely with the Chief Stew.

Laundry Personnel – This may be a crew member with additional skills in laundry, or on the bigger vessels this may be a dedicated role.  This role is typically found more in commercial shipping where the cruise ships require a huge amount of laundry each day at sea.

Beauty/Spa therapist – This is a role-specific with skills in line with beauty and holistic treatments.  Superyachts will generally have an area for pampering and your role on the vessel is to satisfy the client’s needs.  You would need to have traditional therapist qualifications, along with your yachting qualifications.  It is often common to combine the role of 1st Officer/2nd Officer with a combination role.

Hairdresser – Unlike beauty and spa, there are less formal qualifications to be held as a Hairdresser and rather experience and confidence within this area is key.  This can be a combined role with the beauty/spa therapist and indeed with main crew members on the vessel.

Masseuse – Involved in the beauty/spa area onboard, the masseuse role is to relax and treat the guests at their leisure.  From sports massage through to Swedish and reflexology, a range of massage techniques is preferred.  Again, this role can be combined with the Beauty/Spa therapist (depending on the size of the yacht) and can also be combined with main crew duties.

Fitness Trainer – Roles specific for personal trainers or fitness coaches, these team members would work with the guests in the dedicated gym areas helping with fitness goals whilst at sea.  These might be specific training programmes or general conditions.  Again, this role might be a combined role with other crew duties.

Nurse – An important role, particularly if the yacht doesn’t have facilities for helicopter landing.  Qualifications must be in line with medical guidelines, and the nurse or Doctor should have ability to cope with a wide range of illness and ailments.  Up to date First Aid and yachting qualifications will also be expected.  Again, this role can be combined with the main crew duties.

Engineering

Chief Engineer – This member of the team is required to oversee and ensure that the electrical and engineering of the yacht is operating without issues.  They should be flexible and willing to help fix not only important problems, but even be willing to help fix a broken toilet!

At sea the right part might not be immediately accessible, so an engineer should be able to troubleshoot and think outside the box.

2nd Engineer – Second in command to the Engineer, the 2nd engineer assists and helps with all duties around the maintenance of the vessel.

3rd Engineer – Third in command to the Engineer.

ETO (Electrician Technical Officer) – Normally employed on larger vessels where the support is required.  They report to the Chief Engineer.

Electrical Engineer – Again this role is similar to the ETO.  Reporting to the Chief Engineer and holding qualifications in Electrical maintenance.

Fitter – Typically found on the very large yachts and commercial cruise ships.  A fitter will be able to assist with fixing and dealing with broken parts of the fitted units onboard the ship.

Aviation

Pilot – For the larger vessels, commercial and cruise yachts, access to the vessel is often by air (helicopter or seaplane).  The larger vessels may well have their own aviation permanently stationed on the yacht, and in turn a pilot is required to fly the appropriate aircrafts.

Shore Based

Admin – As the title suggests this team will manage the administration, HR and paperwork of the yacht.  Working closely with the purser onboard and with the owner of the vessel, ensuring that the specific operation of the yacht is always managed correctly.

Admin will be closely linked to the Captain, Purser and Chief Steward on the yacht and will involve a whole host of specialised skills from graphic designers through the tech, online support teams.

PA – This role is suited to a highly organised and efficient team member.  Working closely with the admin team and the crew onboard the yacht.

Villa Staff – As the name would suggest, this would encompass a wide range of shore-based staff to work within the villa’s typically frequented by the yacht.  This could range from a Butler through to Nanny, Housekeeper, Chauffeurs etc.

Contract Workers

Alongside the main crew of the yacht, there are contract workers who are brought in for yacht maintenance. As and when this might be required.  These roles are self-explanatory. And they all work to ensure that the yacht is maintained. Any repairs are done efficiently when the yacht is in port or moored for the day.

Roles include: Day Worker, Varnisher, Painter, Spray Painter, Carpenter. Shipwright, Metal Fabricator, Welder, Rigger, Laminator, Electrician. Electrician Expert, Sail Maker, Project Manager. Customer Service Staff and Catering Staff.

How Polo & Tweed Can Help

Did you find this full list of yacht crew & staff helpful? And would you like to work on a yacht? Get in touch with us! Polo & Tweed regularly source and place the finest yacht crew around the world.  If you are interested in registering with us or are looking to recruit your new crew members, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.

The post The Full List of Yacht Crew & Staff appeared first on .

L.M. Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables

What distinguishes the best yacht stewards and yacht stewardesses from the average yacht crew?

Whether you’re a family office, personal assistant, concierge, or yacht company, you want to hire the best possible steward or stewardess for your yacht. The most important part of finding the best possible staff for your yacht is knowing what to look for when recruiting. These are our top tips as to what makes a great member of the team.

1. Presentation

Presentation is one of the most important aspects of yacht crew. Don’t overlook it. The best yacht stewardess and yacht steward will take a great deal of pride in how they present themselves, from the clothing they wear down to the finishing touches (facial hair, makeup, jewellery etc).

Although its important not to discriminate based on appearance (as good presentation can be taught), the role of the yacht stewardess and steward is that they are often on ‘display’ and represent the principal and the yacht itself when at sea.

When you are looking at potential yacht stewardesses and stewards alongside their skills, you should take careful note of how they present themselves.  This will lend itself to how they take pride in their appearance when they are in the role itself.

We often like to think of the yacht stewardesses and steward as hostesses and hosts of the sea. Much like how commercial airlines have strict rules and regulations on uniform, makeup, hair and presentation for their cabin crew, the world of super yachts and high end yachts are extremely similar.  The crew are expected to look 100% top notch no matter what time of day or hour it is.

2. Qualifications

Ensure each candidate has the correct qualifications for the vessel you are recruiting for.  The bare minimum is the STCW95 which is the basic training required to work on board a vessel bigger than 24 metres.  It is a must for any candidate serious about a career at sea.

Other handy qualifications to look out for are the ENG1/ML5 which is valid medical produced by the maritime coastguard agency to state that you are fit to work, RYA qualifications which range from power boating certificates to yacht master, PADI SCUBA qualifications from Rescue Diver through to Divemaster (or Instructor). And if the role is specific for the yacht, such as spa or chef, then also look for relevant certification in that area.

The greater the amount of qualifications tends usually means a greater standard of yacht stewardess or yacht steward, but in turn the expected salary will be higher.

3. Energy

The key to working at sea and being the very best yacht steward or yacht stewardess is energy and passion.  Life at sea sounds romantic, hours of watching the waves lap onto the side of the yacht, dolphins playing in the wake and incredible scenery.  The reality can be much less glamorous, from finding your sea legs (sea sicks gets the best of most men and women), many months away from your family and loved ones, and sometimes extremely long shifts with little sleep and rest.

Life at sea really only suits a select few.  It can become extremely apparent if the yacht steward or yacht stewardess isn’t cut out to the role, so bear in mind their previous placements and size of vessel.  If they have worked on smaller yachts and had less intensive itineraries, then think carefully if they will take well to a much bigger crew and more strenuous itineraries.

Candidates will and often want to climb the career ladder, but ensure that you can glean their passion and integrity when you interview them to ensure the right fit for the role.

4. Time at sea

This is an important factor to consider and it will differ from role to role.  Entry level roles will attract individuals who have less experience on their CV and this is OK, as candidates have to start somewhere, but in the more experienced positions, look to see if they have repeated seasons or years with the same yacht (a sign they had their contract extended or continued).

Find out if they often chop and change to new positions (sometimes a sign that they are not a stable hire).  Speak to their references and find out as much information as you can about the person and their attitude and approach to work.  Although checking references is tedious, it’s a vital step (unless you are using a reputable agency who can do this side of the process for you).

5. Use the professionals

There are more and more yacht staffing agencies popping up, but try to find an agency that suits your captain and yacht style.  For example, if you want a British style/high end service on the yacht, consider using British agencies. If you feel the crew are more suited to easy going, less polished or relaxed approach, then the US agents might suit you better.

A good agent will be able to adjust the search to whatever you require and the nationality of the agent shouldn’t make any difference to the end result. But pick wisely as the agent is key to the process and will make your experience of the recruitment process much easier.

At Polo & Tweed we are well versed with finding and placing the very best Yacht stewards and Yacht stewardesses into some of the most incredible and high end yachts and superyachts on the globe.  We pride ourselves in our approach to the process and treat each client individually as their own needs will be unique.  We’d love to speak to you if you need some advice and we are happy to help with your next yacht steward or yacht stewardess role.  Just drop us a line and one of our lovely consultants will be delighted to talk to you.

The post What Makes A Great Yacht Stewardess appeared first on .