Every spring, hundreds of hopefuls arrive on the French Riviera chasing their first yacht job. Some are crewed within a week; others go home disheartened. The difference is rarely luck — it’s preparation.
Arrive with the paperwork done
Before you even think about walking the docks, have these in hand:
- STCW Basic Safety Training — non-negotiable
- ENG1 or equivalent seafarer medical
- RYA Powerboat Level 2 if you’re going for deck
- A tidy, one-page CV with a clear photo
Captains hire fast in season. If your certificates aren’t ready, you’re not a candidate.
Dockwalk with respect
“Dockwalking” — introducing yourself boat to boat — still works, but etiquette matters. Go early morning, be neat, be brief, and never step aboard uninvited. Leave a CV, say thank you, move on. Register with the Antibes crew agencies the same week.
Say yes to daywork
Daywork — casual paid days cleaning, prepping or provisioning — is how most crew get their break. It puts you on boats, builds references, and often converts into a permanent spot. Treat every day like an audition.
Your first season isn’t about the perfect boat. It’s about getting on a boat and being someone they want to keep.
Base yourself where the fleet is
There’s a reason crew flock to Antibes: Port Vauban and the surrounding marinas hold one of the densest concentrations of superyachts in the world. Training and job-hunting from here — rather than arriving cold — puts you exactly where the hiring happens.