How to Get a Job on Below Deck: Your First Step with STCW Training

If you’ve ever watched Below Deck or admired Captain Sandy’s crew, you’ve probably wondered how you can land a job like that—sailing around the world, working on superyachts, and experiencing the adventure and excitement of life at sea. While it might seem glamorous on TV, the crew members you see on Below Deck started their maritime careers with essential training and hard work, beginning with one key qualification: STCW Basic Safety Training.

In this blog, we’ll take a look at what it really takes to join a crew like Captain Sandy’s, the realities of life at sea, and how completing your STCW training is the first step towards making your dream of working on a superyacht a reality.

The Reality of Life on a Superyacht

Life on a yacht, as seen on Below Deck, looks like the ultimate dream—sun-drenched decks, exotic destinations, and a glamorous lifestyle. However, behind the scenes, working on a superyacht requires dedication, long hours, and a deep understanding of safety procedures. The crew members are trained professionals who must be prepared to handle everything from high-maintenance guests to emergency situations.

While Below Deck offers a glimpse into the day-to-day drama, the reality of working at sea is all about:

Emergency Preparedness: Yacht crew members need to be ready to handle emergencies, whether it’s a fire, medical situation, or an abandoned ship scenario. STCW Basic Safety Training teaches the vital skills required to manage these events, ensuring you know how to react calmly and effectively.
Teamwork and Communication: Like the crew members on Below Deck, life on a yacht is a team effort. You’ll need to work closely with your fellow crew members to ensure smooth operations and guest satisfaction. STCW training introduces you to the high level of professionalism required for teamwork at sea.
Hard Work and Long Hours: Life on a yacht is no 9-to-5 job. The crew is often on call for long hours, and every day brings new challenges—from handling guest demands to performing maintenance and managing safety protocols. However, the reward is an exciting, fast-paced job that takes you to some of the most beautiful places in the world.

How STCW Training Prepares You for Yacht Life

If you’re serious about joining the yachting world and working on a luxury superyacht like the ones featured on Below Deck, your journey starts with STCW Basic Safety Training. The STCW (Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers) course is the industry’s must-have certification for anyone working on yachts or other seafaring vessels.

Here’s how STCW training sets you up for success:

Core Safety Skills
STCW training provides you with the essential skills required to work safely at sea, including firefighting, personal survival techniques, first aid, and personal safety responsibilities. These practical, hands-on skills ensure you can handle any emergency situation that arises on board.
Meeting Industry Requirements
Without STCW certification, you won’t even be considered for a role on a yacht. Every superyacht crew, from Captain Sandy’s team to the deckhands on Below Deck, must meet these industry standards. Completing your STCW course shows potential employers that you’re serious about your career and ready to take on the responsibilities of life at sea.
A Gateway to Superyacht Careers
Once you’ve completed your STCW training, you’ll have the foundation to apply for various roles on superyachts, from deckhands and stewards to engineers and chefs. Whether your dream is to sail the Mediterranean like the crew on Below Deck Mediterranean or explore the Caribbean, the STCW certification is your ticket to an exciting career.
Confidence and Preparedness
Working on a superyacht can be unpredictable. The skills you learn in STCW training will give you the confidence to manage high-pressure situations, from guest emergencies to difficult weather conditions. Just like the crew on Below Deck, you’ll need to stay calm under pressure, and your STCW training will give you the tools to do just that.

Want to Join Captain Sandy’s Crew? Start with STCW Training

If your dream is to join a superyacht crew and travel the world like the stars of Below Deck, it all starts with the right training. While the show might highlight the fun and excitement, working at sea requires serious dedication and skill, and STCW Basic Safety Training is your first step to making that dream a reality.

At Stream Marine Training, we offer a range of STCW courses that will equip you with the essential knowledge and skills to start your yachting career. Whether you’re aiming to work on a superyacht or explore other maritime opportunities, our training programmes are designed to meet the highest industry standards and prepare you for life at sea.

Get Started Today with Stream Marine Training

Ready to take the first step towards a career on the high seas? At Stream Marine Training, we provide industry-leading STCW courses that give you the qualifications needed to join the crew of a superyacht like those seen on Below Deck.