Best way for newbies to become employable?

[freezer01]

Hi there,

It has come that time to follow my lifetime calling and begin my career on the water. I'm 26 y/o male with no experience... yet

After much research I have decided yacht deliveries would suit my ideal lifestyle best, starting as a deckhand. My question is what is the best way to make myself stand out from all the other newbies trying to get an in.

My plan is to get my stcw 95 asap (1st Oct) and volunteer as much as I can to get my miles up while trying to find a job.

I am hoping someone can give me some insight on how to stand out from the crowd and look more appealing to a potential employer and specifically what extra courses etc I should consider.

Thanks

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, freezer01.

Aside from the obvious boat handling/sailing/seamanship skills and experience, I would value crew with electrical/mechanical (engineering), and culinary skills.

[sailorboy1]

Originally Posted by freezer01

It has come that time to follow my lifetime calling and begin my career on the water. I'm 26 y/o male with no experience... yet

Wow your lifetime calling! I'm more than twice your age and haven't a clue as to my liftime calling.

But to stand out you need experience or some useful skill needed on the boat. And I doubt a skill will offset no experience all that much in the beginning.

[haiqu]

Yeah, I don't know what I want to be when I grow up either.

[carstenb]

Gord/May is right. Electrical/mechanical skills are always in demand. Being a GOOD cook at sea is a specialty few really master - but a good cook is a major difference between a happy crew and a not so happy crew.

Sail sail sail sail - get all the miles you can in all kinds of conditions.

But be prepared for a lot of rejection along the way.

[Waterway Guide]

Welcome aboard! I agree with Gord...mechanical and good food!

[hellosailor]

I'd also suggest any kind of first aid, cpr, other medical training is a plus on a resume on a boat.

[jeremiason]

Working deliveries is a little bit diffierent that looking for jobs inthe remainder of the commerical maritime world.

Normally, Delivery Skippers hire their own crew based on past experience with them or recommendtions. It is a small world and word of mouth is used frequently.

Your best bet is meeting with local delivery skippers and introducing yourself. Once they know who you are, you will have a better chance at working.

You are also on the right track about education, the more skills you have the better.

[rtbates]

Good luck with your life's dream..

Besides what the others have said, I've always found a large shock of bright orange hair tends to stand out...