The Ultimate Checklist for Chief Stewardesses: Organise, Lead, Excel

by | Aug 19, 2025 | The Chief Stewardess | 0 comments

The Evolving Role of the Chief Stewardess

In the fast-paced world of luxury yachting, the chief stewardess plays a critical role in ensuring seamless guest experiences and interior excellence. Beyond service and style, this position requires sharp organisational skills, clear crew leadership, and a deep understanding of five-star expectations.

If you’re ready to elevate your role, this chief stewardess checklist will help you manage every detail — from daily housekeeping routines to charter preparation and service mastery.

The Evolving Role of the Chief Stewardess

What was once a senior stewardess position is now a multi-dimensional leadership role. Chief stewardesses are expected to:

  • Manage junior interior crew
  • Coordinate with heads of department
  • Maintain service standards
  • Oversee housekeeping and provisioning
  • Deliver elevated guest experiences — flawlessly

The modern chief stew is not just a team leader — she’s an interior operations manager, brand ambassador, and discreet problem-solver.

Daily, Weekly & Charter Preparation Checklists

✅ Daily Duties

  • Morning and evening guest area checks
  • Turn-down inspections
  • Laundry tracking (guest + crew)
  • Table setting and décor rotations
  • Beverage stock monitoring

📅 Weekly Duties

  • Uniform audits and repairs
  • Deep-cleaning rotation plan
  • Provisioning inventory review
  • Guest preference file updates
  • Crew service training refresher

🚤 Charter Prep Essentials

  • Guest welcome briefings and floral orders
  • Stateroom readiness + minibar restocking
  • Wine pairing and cocktail menus confirmed
  • Uniform checks and service stations prepped
  • Emergency protocol reminders with crew

Leading the Interior Crew with Confidence

Great service starts with great leadership. Managing a diverse team of junior stewardesses requires:

  • Clear task delegation and role clarity
  • Constructive feedback and regular check-ins
  • Motivational leadership that maintains high morale under pressure
  • Creating and updating SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures)

🎯 Pro tip: Hold quick 10-minute briefings at the start of each day to align the team’s goals and address challenges early.

Cocktail & Service Planning Hacks

Chief stews are often expected to wow guests with sophisticated drinks and flawless table service. Here’s how to stay ahead:

  • Maintain a seasonal cocktail list — include mocktail options too
  • Prep garnishes and glassware before guest arrival
  • Create a theme-night rotation for longer charters
  • Train junior crew in silver service basics
  • Develop a signature table setting style that reflects your yacht’s vibe

Tools to Simplify the Job (and Save Your Sanity)

You’re juggling a lot — let the right tools support your flow.
The Stewardess Bible’s Chief Stewardess Module is a downloadable, print-ready resource built for professionals like you.

Inside the module:

  • Editable cleaning schedules
  • Leadership & team management worksheets
  • Cocktail recipes & service guides
  • Printable checklists for every season

These aren’t just pretty PDFs — they’re tried-and-tested tools designed by experienced superyacht crew, made to reduce stress and improve performance.

Ready to Lead with Precision and Professionalism?

Don’t just manage — master your role as chief stewardess.
✅ Stay organised. ✅ Lead with clarity. ✅ Deliver excellence.

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Goal Setting as a Superyacht Chief Stewardess

by | Jun 12, 2025 | The Chief Stewardess | 0 comments

Goal Setting as a Superyacht Chief Stewardess: Master the Art of Strategy & Subtlety

Introduction: Navigating the Seas with Clear Intentions

Being a Chief Stewardess on a superyacht is not just about setting tables and managing guest experiences—it’s about running a tight ship behind the scenes. One of the most powerful tools in your maritime toolkit? Goal setting. Especially in an environment as dynamic, high-pressure, and politically nuanced as a luxury yacht, intentional planning is essential for long-term success and sanity.

Why Goal Setting Matters As a Superyacht Chief Stewardess in Yachting Careers

The Unique Challenges of a Chief Stewardess Role

A Chief Stewardess gracefully navigates the diverse expectations of owners, guests, the captain, and her team. In the dynamic environment of life at sea, having well-defined goals is crucial for maintaining focus and direction. By setting structured objectives, she fosters clarity and a sense of order, even amidst the inherent challenges of this unique setting.

Aligning Personal and Professional Objectives

While your job may be to ensure others’ comfort, don’t neglect your own growth. Setting goals allows you to prioritize personal development alongside operational excellence—ensuring you’re not just floating along, but steering your own ship.

Types of Goals Every Chief Stewardess Should Set

Short-Term vs. Long-Term Goals

Short-term goals can focus on enhancing your performance during the next guest trip or optimising your provisioning systems for better efficiency. On a broader scale, long-term goals might include working towards a Purser role or pursuing yacht management certification, which can further your career and open up new opportunities in the industry.

Career Progression Goals in the Yachting Industry

Think beyond the next season. Where do you want to be in five years? Set measurable milestones like training completions, leadership roles, or yacht size jumps.

Team Development & Crew Culture Goals

A harmonious interior department starts with you. Set goals to mentor junior stewardesses, encourage cross-training, or even improve mental health and morale through creative onboard activities.

Case Study One: Intelligence, Does It Hinder Your Career?

Recognising the Double-Edged Sword of High IQ

While intelligence is undeniably a valuable asset, it can inadvertently intimidate superiors and alienate subordinates, particularly in the confined space of a yacht. I discovered this early in my journey. My keen problem-solving skills and rapid verbal recall sometimes sparked friction—captains viewed my input as “challenging authority,” while team members felt a disconnect. Acknowledging these dynamics has been pivotal in my personal and professional development, significantly enhancing my ability to connect and lead effectively.

Adapting Communication Styles for Better Crew Dynamics

The solution isn’t to dumb yourself down, but rather to adjust your communication. Speak simply, instruct clearly, and don’t flaunt your intellect. Let results, not reasoning, speak for themselves.

SMART Goal Setting on Board: What Works Best

Specific and Measurable Targets for Interior Departments

Instead of “make service better,” aim for “reduce guest complaint rate by 30% this season” or “cross-train junior stews in barista skills by month’s end.”

Achievable Milestones for Charter Seasons

Set manageable goals like preparing themed table settings in advance or pre-emptively training the team on new service styles before a high-profile trip.

Relevant Goals Tied to Yacht Owner Expectations

If an owner values privacy above all, build crew protocols around discreet service. Every goal should serve the yacht’s mission.

Overcoming Ego and Hierarchy Challenges at Sea

Managing Up Without Overstepping

Learn your captain’s and officers’ personalities. Some appreciate initiative, others prefer blind obedience. Craft your upward communication to fit their egos and expectations.

Leading Down Without Losing Respect

Be the leader who inspires through clarity, kindness, and consistency, not fear or superiority. Your team will perform best when they understand the “why” behind your “what.”

Practical Tools and Tips for Goal Tracking

Using Checklists, Shift Logs & Reports

These aren’t just paperwork—they’re powerful tools. Use them to track team performance, spot patterns, and adjust targets.

Digital Tools and Goal Planning Apps

Apps like Trello or Notion help structure recurring goals, seasonal planning, and even guest preferences for future trips.

Communication Strategies That Empower, Not Overwhelm

Simplifying Instructions Without “Dumbing Down”

Say what you mean, mean what you say, and avoid unnecessary jargon. Clear communication breeds efficiency.

Building Trust Through Emotional Intelligence

Read the room. Some crew members may require more encouragement, while others thrive on independence. It’s essential to tailor your approach to meet their individual needs.

Learning to Play the Political Game on Board

When to Speak Up – and When to Stay Silent

Not every conflict merits pursuit. Achieving success often hinges on careful attention to timing, tone, and tact. It is essential to communicate with intention and clarity, prioritising a thoughtful purpose over mere passion.

Balancing Authenticity with Strategy

You don’t need to disguise your true self—simply present who you are with thoughtfulness. When authenticity is paired with discretion, it becomes a formidable force.

Refining Goals After Each Season or Rotation

Using End-of-Season Reviews to Reset and Refocus

Facilitate structured debriefs to thoroughly analyze key outcomes. What strategies yielded success? What obstacles did we encounter? Leverage these valuable insights to empower and optimise our approach for the next cycle.

Feedback Loops for Continuous Improvement

Involve your team in the goal-setting process to enhance their engagement and commitment. When team members have a voice, it not only elevates morale but also instils a sense of ownership that drives success.

Conclusion: Becoming a Strategic Chief Stewardess

Goal setting as a superyacht chief stewardess isn’t just a professional necessity—it’s a survival skill. By blending strategic vision with emotional awareness, you can rise through the ranks, command respect, and create an onboard culture that thrives. Play the game well, and the deck is yours.

FAQs About Goal Setting in Yachting

How often should a chief stewardess review her goals?

  • At the end of each charter, season, and rotation, goal reviews should be regular and reflective.

What’s a good career goal for a stewardess aiming to become chief?

  • Start by mastering all interior departments, take courses like GUEST, and express interest in leadership roles during performance reviews.

How do I balance team goals with personal ambitions?

  • Align them. Set goals that develop the team and showcase your leadership—it’s a win-win.

Can being too intelligent really hurt your career in yachting?

  • Yes, if not managed with emotional intelligence. Adapt your communication, and use your intellect to support—not outshine—others.

What tools are most helpful for goal setting onboard?

  • Use Trello, Notion, shift logs, and performance reviews. Combine digital tools with old-school checklists for best results.

How do you adapt when your goals conflict with your superior’s?

  • Communicate calmly, propose a compromise, and remember—it’s a yacht, not a democracy. Know when to pivot.

Mastering Goal Setting as a Superyacht Chief Stewardess: A Pro-Level Strategy for Maritime Success

by | Jun 9, 2025 | The Chief Stewardess | 0 comments

Introduction to Goal Setting in the Yachting Industry

Goal setting is more than just a personal development buzzword—it’s a foundational strategy that drives operations in high-pressure maritime environments. For those working in the luxury yacht sector, particularly as a chief stewardess, it transforms chaos into control and confusion into clarity. The dynamic, fast-paced world of yachting demands leadership that can adapt, organize, and inspire—and that’s where effective goal setting comes in.

The Role of a Chief Stewardess on a Superyacht

A chief stewardess serves as the backbone of the yacht’s interior. From managing guest experiences to leading the stewarding team, this role requires a seamless blend of operational oversight, people management, and hospitality excellence. With high expectations from owners and charter guests alike, the chief stewardess must embody efficiency, grace under pressure, and an unwavering commitment to standards.

Why Goal Setting Matters at Sea

In maritime life, especially onboard superyachts, structure is key. Goals provide a roadmap not just for tasks, but also for team harmony and accountability. They clarify expectations, break down overwhelming tasks into manageable steps, and cultivate a sense of progress and accomplishment—even in high-stress situations.

Case Study: Mastering Goal Setting as a Superyacht Chief Stewardess: A Pro-Level Strategy for Maritime Success

Goal setting became a daily ritual for me as chief stewardess. A particularly effective strategy I used involved structured daily meetings during off-charter periods. The clarity it provided for both myself and the team was invaluable.

End-of-Day Walkthroughs and Strategic Planning

Each evening, I’d perform a final walkthrough, noting what had been completed and what was still outstanding. This helped me mentally prep for the following day and ensured that nothing slipped through the cracks.

Conducting Effective Daily Meetings

Morning meetings were short, sharp, and efficient. We’d review the plan, set daily targets, and open the floor for team input. This made everyone feel included and accountable. Importantly, we weren’t just assigning tasks—we were cultivating ownership.

Team Engagement Through Collective Goal Setting

True success lies in team synergy. Including the crew in decision-making gave them a stake in the outcomes. Volunteers often stepped up for specific jobs, especially when they were part of forming the plan.

Encouraging Volunteering and Ownership

Crew members felt more motivated when they had the freedom to choose their tasks. It wasn’t about dictating—it was about empowerment. This reduced resistance and built pride in their work.

Using Incentives to Boost Productivity

Where possible, I’d include incentives like time off or shorter shifts once goals were met. These small gestures created a tangible connection between effort and reward.

Transparent Communication with the Interior Team

One major motivation for team members was understanding the “why” behind their tasks. I made it a priority to keep the team informed about upcoming charters, guest preferences, and yacht movements. This transparency fostered trust and reduced anxiety.

Onboard Training as a Goal-Oriented Priority

Even during hectic charters, I carved out time for learning. Training wasn’t a luxury—it was a necessity for maintaining high standards.

Delegated Training: Learning from Peers

Often, I’d assign a more experienced stewardess to shadow and teach a newer crew member. This not only built skills but also strengthened team bonds.

Ensuring Standards with Supervisory Follow-Up

Later, I’d personally follow up to ensure the correct methods were being taught and followed. This upheld consistency and reflected the yacht’s professional image.

Strength Through Unity: The Team Mentality Approach

I firmly believe that hoarding knowledge is detrimental. Every stewardess should feel competent and supported. A well-trained, informed team is far more powerful than a group relying on one leader to solve every problem.

The Chief Stewardess as a Mentor and Leader

Beyond assigning tasks, being a chief stewardess means being a mentor. When your team feels you’re invested in their growth, they rise to the occasion with loyalty and enthusiasm.

Tools and Techniques for Goal Setting Onboard

Utilizing tools like checklists, whiteboards, shared digital notes, and visual progress charts made goal tracking visible and achievable. Apps like Trello or Evernote can be particularly useful when synced across crew devices.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Crew Goal Setting

Some pitfalls include micromanagement, vague instructions, and failure to follow up. Clarity and consistency are essential. Never assume that everyone is on the same page—communicate clearly and check in regularly.

Measuring Success and Progress on a Superyacht

Success isn’t just in completed tasks—it’s in guest satisfaction, crew harmony, and a seamless charter experience. Feedback, performance reviews, and daily reflections are all part of tracking goal effectiveness.

Conclusion: The Legacy of a Goal-Driven Leadership Style

Consistent goal setting turned my interior team into a high-functioning, motivated unit. The habit not only improved productivity but also morale and professional growth. As a chief stewardess, it’s one of the most powerful tools in your leadership arsenal.

FAQs About Goal Setting as a Superyacht Chief Stewardess

Q1: How often should a chief stewardess set goals with the team?
Daily check-ins and goal reviews are ideal, especially during charters or busy turnaround periods.

Q2: What’s the best way to motivate crew to achieve goals?
Incentives, transparency, team inclusion, and clear benefits tied to outcomes are most effective.

Q3: Should training be a part of daily goals?
Absolutely. Even short, targeted training sessions help maintain standards and improve team skills.

Q4: How do you handle crew members who don’t meet goals?
Private feedback, support, and retraining are better than public correction. Focus on development, not punishment.

Q5: Can goal setting help with stress management onboard?
Yes. Clear goals reduce chaos and provide structure, which is calming in high-pressure situations.

Q6: What tools can assist with goal tracking on yachts?
Apps like Trello, whiteboards in crew areas, and shared digital documents work well for visibility and coordination.

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Project Management & The Superyacht Chief Stewardess

by | Mar 20, 2025 | The Chief Stewardess | 0 comments

Superyacht Refit vs. Rebuild: A Guide to Effective Project Management

Project management can be a challenging skill to master, even for the most experienced chief stewardess, especially when it comes to refurbishing an old superyacht. Whether you decide to refit or rebuild the vessel, both options demand careful planning, effective resource management, and expert supervision. Efficient allocation of time and money is essential to ensure a successful transformation.

By the end of the project, your superyacht will not only look stunning but also have every financial resource accounted for. As a chief stewardess, you play a pivotal role in managing the process, ensuring smooth operations, and overseeing your team.

Essential Project Management Skills for a Successful Superyacht Refit

As an interior manager, you must possess strong project management skills to oversee a yacht refit effectively. Here are key competencies to master:

1. Communication

Clear and confident communication is critical. You’ll be responsible for conveying expectations, goals, and deliverables to various stakeholders, from crew members to contractors. Effective communication ensures that everyone stays aligned and informed throughout the project.

2. Team Leadership and Delegation

A great project manager understands the importance of teamwork. As a chief stewardess, you’ll coordinate tasks, assign responsibilities, and resolve conflicts to maintain efficiency. Evaluating your team’s performance and ensuring accountability are crucial for meeting project objectives.

3. Negotiation Skills

Negotiation plays a vital role in managing costs, securing resources, and setting realistic timelines. Strong negotiation abilities help avoid unnecessary delays and overspending while keeping the project on track.

4. Risk Management

Every refit project comes with risks, from unexpected repairs to supply chain disruptions. Being proactive in identifying and mitigating potential issues—such as scheduling around poor weather conditions—ensures the project progresses smoothly.

5. Organization and Time Management

Staying organized is non-negotiable. Managing schedules, tracking budgets, and keeping documentation in order will prevent costly mistakes. Discipline in planning and execution ensures timely project completion.

6. Keeping Calm Under Pressure

Superyacht refits are demanding, and unexpected challenges are inevitable. Maintaining composure under pressure ensures a positive working environment and prevents unnecessary disruptions.

Refit vs. Rebuild: What’s the Difference?

A refit involves upgrading or repairing an existing yacht, while a rebuild means starting from scratch. Each option has its pros and cons:

Feature Refit Rebuild
Cost More affordable Expensive
Time Required 6-12 months 2-3 years
Environmental Impact Sustainable Higher waste due to discarded materials
Business Continuity Allows partial use of the yacht Full downtime until completion

Choosing between a refit and a rebuild depends on budget, timeline, and long-term goals.

How to Protect the Superyacht Interior During a Refit

A superyacht’s interior includes valuable and delicate items, making proper protection essential during refurbishment. Follow these steps:

  1. Inventory and Documentation
    • List all interior items, including artwork, furniture, appliances, and personal belongings.
    • Keep track of their location and condition before and after storage.
  2. Safe Storage Solutions
    • Use protective coverings to prevent damage from dust, moisture, and pests.
    • Opt for water-resistant and impact-proof storage solutions for fragile items.
  3. Supervised Handling
    • Assign a team to carefully move and store interior elements.
    • Supervise the process to ensure all items remain undamaged.

Managing Crew During a Refit

During a refit, the crew may experience downtime, which can lead to disengagement. Keeping them occupied with structured activities is essential.

1. Crew Holidays

Give your team time off to rest and recharge. This allows them to reconnect with family and return refreshed for future duties.

2. Professional Training

Use this period to upskill the crew. Training in safety procedures, customer service, or specialized yacht operations adds value to their roles.

3. Onboard Tasks

Some crew members can assist with the refit by handling inventory management and storage. This ensures accountability and efficiency in safeguarding yacht interiors.

4. Alternative Accommodation

If necessary, arrange for temporary housing, such as nearby hotels or rental properties, to maintain comfort and convenience for the crew.

How to Create a Detailed Interior Inventory

A comprehensive inventory is essential to monitor all yacht assets before, during, and after a refit.

  1. Assessment and Categorization
    • Group items by value, fragility, and size.
    • Identify objects requiring special handling or storage.
  2. Detailed Documentation
    • Record each item’s quantity, dimensions, and condition.
    • Use photographs and digital logs for reference.
  3. Regular Inspections
    • Conduct periodic checks to verify item safety and placement.
    • Update records as items are moved or reinstated.

How to Stay in Control Amidst Chaos

Managing a refit requires staying composed despite unexpected setbacks. Here’s how to stay ahead:

  • Prioritize Tasks – Handle urgent matters first and prevent minor issues from escalating.
  • Monitor Resources – Keep track of budgets and adjust spending as needed.
  • Keep the Crew Focused – Reinforce roles and responsibilities to maintain efficiency.
  • Adapt Quickly – Be flexible and adjust strategies to keep the project on schedule.

Conclusion

A successful superyacht refit requires meticulous planning, resource management, and leadership. As a chief stewardess, your ability to communicate, delegate, and problem-solve will ensure a seamless transformation. By keeping the crew engaged, protecting interior assets, and staying organized, you can oversee a refit that enhances both aesthetics and functionality while staying on budget.

Whether refitting or rebuilding, effective project management is key to delivering a yacht that meets the highest standards.

References

 

How to Write Superyacht Crew Profiles

by | Dec 17, 2019 | The Chief Stewardess | 0 comments

Superyacht Crew Profiles

Superyacht Crew are the heartbeat of the yacht. They are central to the yacht functioning in a coherent, professional and effective manner. The crew is the “human element” working in synergy with an abundance of luxury onboard, offering the guests a seven-star plus cruising experience.

Therefore, it is imperative that the guests know who their crew are and how their individual skills add to the synergy of the yachts functioning.

 

How to Write Crew Profiles

Crew profiles are not everyone’s cup of tea to write, and I know many senior crew who avoid doing this task, until the very last minute. This avoidance results in flat and uninteresting compositions that nobody wants to read.Writing these profiles, however, was one job, which I was happy to do, and I relished in the creativity of such a task.

So why write a crew profile?

In short, to inform the yacht’s guests who the crew are. These profiles are added to the guest compendiums and left in the cabins, for the guests to read at their leisure, along with familiarising themselves with the yacht’s other operational procedures.

What is the best way to approach writing these profiles? I found there is two preferred way. The fist is a personal chat with each individual crew member for a more casual flowing biography.

The second way is to read their CVs and compile an exciting picture of who they are. Furthermore, and as an added bonus of adopting this formal style of writing, is that you have all of their education, technical skills and interest all in one place, which is a great time saver.

Now, think about your international environment in which you work. Many guests may not be native English speakers. Therefore, use simple language with easy to read sentences.

Long-drawn out grammatically correct sentences can be a real bore, and your guests may lose interests in the crew profiles very quickly. Lastly, have someone else read the profiles before printing them out and adding them to the compendiums.

Now that you have chosen your preferred style, simply start the beginning, with an introduction. Include their name, job title how long they have worked onboard.

Next, comes the fun part where you get to be a little more creative and show their personal side. Things you can discuss here may include, where they come from, what their professional credentials are.

Writing The Crew Profiles

When writing the crew profiles, consider the personal qualities and professional, credentials which are commonly associated with the relevant positions.

For example:

Position Personal Qualities Professional Accomplishments
Captain Achiever, kind, curious, focused, inspired, positive, uplifting, driven, determined, Always at the forefront, trustworthy Accomplished, expert, leader, experience, innovator, authority, safety, commander, authorised, licenced,
Chief Officer Tenacious, earnest, noble, industrious, direct, meticulous Resourceful, dependable, direct, professional, certified,
Bosun Intrepid, athletic, strong, flexible, considerate, Skilful, accomplished, seasoned,
Deckhand Seeker of adventures, hard-working, fit, cordial, Accomplished, trained, endorsed,
Chief Engineer Capable, innovative, ingenious enterprising, disciplined, natural problem solver Experienced, knowledgeable, proficient, licensed, commissioned,
Second Engineer Proficient, skilful, adaptive, selfless, tolerant Qualified, licensed, experienced, skilled,
Chief Stewardess Gracious, supportive, friendly, considerate, respectful, understanding, insightful, discreet Experienced, degree, diploma, knowledgeable, disciplined
Stewardess Happy, enthusiastic, cooperative, capable, helpful, gentle, Approved, certified, competent, suitable
Head Chef Creative, inspired, visionary, unorthodox, accommodating, kind-hearted, Accredited, certified, endorsed, appointed,
Second Chef Zealous, efficient, predisposed, likeable, Trained under, recognised, educated

For your convenience, I have created six sample crew profiles in appendix twelve of The Chief Stewardess Bible for the purpose of adaptation.

Superyacht Crew Visa’s Explained

by | Oct 21, 2019 | The Chief Stewardess, The Superyacht | 0 comments

Superyacht Crew Visa’s Explained

What visa do I need to work on a yacht?

For this article, I am going to have to be very general about my advice.

When you are a professional yacht crew member, it is an understatement to say that you will be ‘travelling a lot’, whether it be by air, sea or land.

You will find that the one thing that comes up in conversation is what visa do I need for XXX country.

Therefore, to explain the superyacht crew visa topic, without waffling on too much, I will break down the requirements into locations.

Consequently, the three types of visa’s that we will discuss here are:

  1. Schengen visa
  2. USA B1/B2 visa
  3. The Australian superyacht crew visa

For all visa processes and to make the application as easy and as stress-free as possible, make sure your passport is up to date with more than twelve months validity on it.

The Schengen Visa

The Schengen Area consists of 22 European Union (EU) state members and four non-EU members who are, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.

Ireland has also opted out of the Schengen policy, and they operate a separate visa policy.

At the time of writing this, the United Kingdom is battling their way through Brexit, but at this stage, UK citizens may move freely within the EU. Furthermore, the UK also run a separate visa programme.

Nationals of EU countries and Schengen nations are visa-exempt and are allowed to reside, move freely and work in each other’s countries.

For those nations outside of the EU and the Schengen visa agreement, then the following rules apply.

They are the Annexe 1 and Annexe 11.

The list of countries in Annexe I includes Asia, Africa and South America (Western part), Russia and China; this means that South Africans and Filipinos are eligible to apply.

The Annexe II countries include the USA, Canada, New Zealand, and Australia. Annexe II citizens need a visa only if they intend to stay for more than 90 days within 180 days.

Therefore, no visa is required for citizens from Annexe II countries to enter the Schengen area.

Below is a generalised explanation of the Schengen visas for non-EU citizens there are:

  1. Transit type B visa
  2. Short-stay type C visa
  3. Longstay type D visa

The first one is the transit visa, and it is commonly known as the Type B visa. As a yacht crew member, who travels a lot, you may know this visa as an entry or exit visa.

That is to say that this visa is only required if you are passing through a Schengen state for no more than five days.

For example, Transit type B visa is very applicable if your visa has expired and you still need to travel home.

The second type is the short-stay type C visa. This visa is valid for 1 to 5 years. When the visa expires, renewal can be testing.

This visa can not be changed, renewed or extended within the Schengen area. You must leave the  Schengen area and reapply.

The documents needed for this visa are:

  • The employment letter
  • Crew/work contract
  • Port letter and yachts itinerary
  • The yachts registration details
  • Personal travel insurance

In addition to the above requirements, there is a subsection to this visa referring to the “short” part of the visa name. The short-stay relates to the 90 days in and 90 days out within a 180 day period.

Essentially this means that if the yacht intends to spend the summer months cruising within the Schengen area then, the crew member will have to be stamped out by the shipping agent, rendering the crew member limited to the yachts flagged state.

At the end of the season, the crew member can be stamped back into the Schengen area, meaning that the time spent onboard under the flag state was time sent outside of the EU or Schengen area.

The third type of visa is the Longstay type D visa. The type D visa is the best visa to obtain a because it is renewable within the Schengen area.

The visa can be obtained by presenting the same paperwork are the type C visa.

B1/B2 Visa

The USA is a megabase for the superyacht industry.

By its very nature, it draws hundreds of young and aspiring superyacht crew, looking for work and adventure on the high seas.

If you are not a US citizen or hold a green card, then you will need to apply for a B1/B2 visa to work on board a superyacht in US waters.

According to the U.S. State Department website,

“The visitor visa is a type of non-immigrant visa for persons desiring to enter the United States temporarily for business (B-1) or for pleasure, tourism or medical treatment (B-2)”.

This visa must not be confused with the C1/D visa which is a crew visa, broadly used for maritime personnel including a cruise ship and cargo vessels.

Unlike the Australian visa, the USA visa is not a straight forward visa to gain.

US Department of State is particularly interested in your ties with your own country.

You must be prepared to show that you pay taxes elsewhere, rent a home or can prove that you reside somewhere else in the world, which means that you are in no way interested in overstaying your visa or have illegal immigration intentions.

To obtain a B1/B2 visa, you really need to have all of your paperwork in order, including a letter of employment from your yacht.

The letter of employment is not stated on the website, so I guess it’s not technically required, but it sure will help during the interview process.

Next,  you will need to fill out a DS-160 form and make an appointment with your nearest US consulate general or embassy.

Be prepared for some tough and at times, rude questioning.

Other helpful papers, as mentioned above, include phone records, utility bills, bank statements and other documents that show that you reside happily elsewhere.

Please take the time to research this information accurately.

The Australian  Superyacht Crew Visa

The Australian superyacht crew visa was explicitly created to encourage the growth of the superyacht industry in Australia. Therefore,  it is very straight forward to gain this visa.

You must have a contract to work on a superyacht in Australian waters, and a supporting letter from the owner of the yacht confirming the person’s employment.

If you are not an Australian citizen, you will need to apply for this visa. The temporary activity visa (subclass 408)  Superyacht crew stream, allows you to work in Australia as a crewmember of a superyacht.

You can travel to and from Australia as many times as you want while your visa is valid.

The visa is valid for 12 months, with a maximum stay of up to 2 years. Furthermore, this visa is also renewable and you can do it online.

 

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