Key takeaways
- ✓Keep it to one or two pages, with your role, availability and contact details at the top.
- ✓Put certificates and their expiry dates near the top — they decide whether you are eligible.
- ✓List sea time and vessels clearly: name, size, type, your role and dates.
- ✓Use references that can be contacted, and a professional, friendly photo.
The structure that works
| Section | What to include |
|---|---|
| Header | Name, the role you want, nationality, availability, phone, email, current location |
| Photo | Clear, friendly, professional — many yachts expect one |
| Profile | 3–4 sentences: who you are, your experience and what you are looking for |
| Certificates | STCW, medical and role-specific certificates, with issue and expiry dates |
| Experience | Vessel name, length, private or charter, your role, dates, two or three key tasks |
| Skills | Languages, water sports, tender driving, service skills, maintenance, IT |
| References | Name, role, vessel and contact details — with their permission |
Write your profile in your own words
The short profile at the top is where you stand out. Say what you do, what you are good at and what you are looking for — for example the type and size of yacht, private or charter, and the season. Keep it honest and specific; vague phrases such as “hard-working team player” say nothing a captain does not already expect.
Mistakes that cost you the job
- •Certificates without expiry dates, or certificates that have already expired
- •Gaps in your experience with no explanation
- •Unreachable references, or references who do not know they are listed
- •Spelling mistakes and an email address that is not professional
- •A CV that is three or more pages long
Keep it up to date
Update your CV after every season or contract, while the details are fresh. Keep a logbook of your sea time — you will need it for higher certificates anyway.
On Maritime Delivery you can import your existing CV to fill in your profile description and certificates automatically, and verified crew can download a clean, printable CV built from their verified certificates, completed assignments and sea time.
Frequently asked questions
Should a yacht crew CV have a photo?+
In yachting, yes — most captains and crew agents expect a clear, friendly, professional photo on the CV. Conventions on photos in job applications differ in other industries and countries.
How long should a yacht crew CV be?+
One page for entry-level crew, two pages at most for experienced crew. Put the most important information — role, availability and certificates — at the top.
What should I put on a yacht CV with no experience?+
Your certificates (STCW Basic Safety, ENG1), transferable skills such as hospitality, mechanics, water sports or languages, any sailing or boating experience, and references from previous jobs.
Sources
Put it to work