How to get a job sailing in Florida

[KrisOfTheCreek]

Hello everyone! I'm completely new to sailing and new to this forum and I have a question you guys might be able to help me out with. I have an Irish friend who is interested in moving to the United States; he's a sailing instructor in Ireland and would like to continue on in that same line of work in the US if he can. He's thinking about moving to somewhere in Florida. Can anyone give me some info I can pass on to him that would help him get a job sailing in Florida? I don't know how all that works but as I'm here in the US I thought it might be helpful if I could help him out somehow. Here's a bit about his education:
-completion of Irish Leaving Certificate
-3rd level education (2007-2010)
-Higher National Certificate in Adventure Sports Management
Any suggestions? Thanks!

[CharlesFCook]

Does he have or can he get a green card?

[KrisOfTheCreek]

He doesn't have one yet but he's eligible for one.

[Sailmonkey]

He'll probably need a US sailing instructor certificate.

[jackdale]

Originally Posted by Sailmonkey

He'll probably need a US sailing instructor certificate.

Does that also entail a USCG ticket?

[Celestialsailor]

As far as I know a Foreigner can only get a 6 pak license from the USCG.

[avb3]

Originally Posted by Celestialsailor

As far as I know a Foreigner can only get a 6 pak license from the USCG.

Your correct, at least when I last investigated this about 3 months ago. I doubt things have changed.

[David M]

If he got a license he could also make money doing "six-pack" skippered charters.

[avb3]

Originally Posted by David M

If he got a license he could also make money doing "six-pack" skippered charters.

I would think he would need a green card, as I'm pretty sure that there are no exemptions he qualifies for that I couldn't. In other words, I can't work in the USA legally without a green card, so how an Irish citizen could, I don't know.

Now, Florida does have a program whereby if he invests $.5M and employs 10 employees for 2 years, he can get fast tracked to citizenship. If he has the resources, that may be an option.

[Hearts Content]

Absolutely, unemployment rates are not nearly high enough down here. I am sure there is a local that would love to give up his work to this guy.

Sheez!

[denverd0n]

So, to kind of summarize...

He has to get some kind of work or residency visa. He has to have a USCG Captain's license. Then, of course, he has to actually find a job. To find a job he will probably have to have a teaching certification from ASA or USSailing.

Finding a job may be the hardest part, since Florida's unemployment rate is significantly higher than the U.S. average, and so there is a lot of competition for jobs around here. On the other hand, there aren't all that many people who are qualified to teach sailing lessons, so who knows?

I wish him the best of luck.

[Sailmonkey]

Originally Posted by jackdale

Does that also entail a USCG ticket?

For youth programs, no. For larger boats I don't think so, but am not 100% sure

[Tingum]

The only easy chance I see is to work as crew on a foriegn flag vessel. Lots of them around south Fl.

[belizesailor]

Originally Posted by Tingum

The only easy chance I see is to work as crew on a foriegn flag vessel. Lots of them around south Fl.

+1. Getting the visa, USCG ticket, ASA/USSAIL certs in place is going to take significant time and effort. Signing on as crew would be much quicker and easier. Then, maybe pursue getting the other paperwork in place while working as crew. Lots of fully crewed larger yachts based out of Ft. Lauderdale. So, might be a good place to start looking.

This is all only worthwhile if he intended so relocate for an extended period of time.

[FSMike]

Unless the law has changed (entirely possible) I do not believe you need a USCG captains license to teach sailing. It is treated differently than carrying passengers for hire.
The individual would need a green card and probably an instructors certificate to find employment. One good source of leads would be the ads in the sailing mags for the various sailing schools.