Working on a charter boat can be so much fun that sometimes you might even forget you’re working!
No job on a boat is easy, of course; in fact, a job on a charter boat will likely be one of the hardest jobs you’ve ever loved. But, spending each day on a boat surrounded by waves and sun and people having a good time will undoubtedly result in you having a great time too.
If you’re thinking about getting a job on a charter boat – as a cabin steward, a deckhand, an engineer, a sailor, a cook, or any other role – read on for some great tips to ensure that this dream job ends up being everything you believe it to be.
- Be Prepared to Work Hard All the Time
Working on a charter boat is no walk in the park. The reality of a job on the boat is that you will be working hard all the time. You will work hard hours and you will be asked to fulfill impossible demands from the captain and from your passengers. If you are someone who does not like to work hard and loves to take lots of breaks, you need to accept the fact that this job might not be for you.
- Pace Yourself
However, with that said, it’s crucial that you pace yourself. You need to please your passengers and the captain at all times. Go above and beyond whenever you can, but don’t wear yourself out in the first couple of days at sea; you’ll pay for it later.
When you have the opportunity to rest or sleep, do it. Don’t run yourself ragged or you will fail. Monitor your personal happiness like we4sea.com monitors the efficiency of your boat.
- Avoid Drama
Even the largest charter boat is a small space when compared to other workplaces elsewhere. You will be spending days, weeks, and months with many of the same fellow crewmembers. You may not like them all, but you have to get along with them. You cannot escape them. Avoid drama at all costs. Kill your co-workers with kindness. When push comes to shove, you’ll be glad that you did.
- Tips, Tips, Tips
Not every group will tip you and the rest of the crew, but the groups that do will make a huge difference to you when it comes to your overall income from working on the boat.
Treat every group as if they are going to give you the best tip you’ve ever received – and maybe that will come true. Even if they don’t, your hard work will leave a great impression that may lead to them recommending your boat to another group that may, in fact, give you a gigantic tip. It’s all worth it in the end.
- Get Away When You Can
Many people sign up to work on charter boats because they think they will have the opportunity to see the most beautiful places in the world up close and personal. Unfortunately, that’s not often the case. When you’re in port, you’re still working; you’ll be cleaning, prepping, and onboarding supplies.
Therefore, when your captain gives you some time off to go ashore – take it. If you can get away from your coworkers during this time, even better, but if they are able to join you, that’s ok too. The key is being somewhere other than onboard even if it’s just for a little while.
Enjoy Working on a Charter Boat
Again, working on a charter boat isn’t easy, but it’s an amazing experience that you will absolutely love. If you want to have the time of your life working in the job of your dreams, keep the above tips in mind. Work hard and take care of yourself and your job on a charter boat is something you’ll look back upon fondly for the rest of your life.