Leaving a yacht is a part of the job but doing it the right way is essential for your reputation and future career in the industry. The yachting world is small, and your professionalism during your departure can significantly impact how you’re perceived by future employers.
Maintaining a positive reputation is crucial, as negative news travels fast in the yachting community. It will also have an impact on the quality of the verbal reference the yacht gives agencies and prospective employers.
Here’s how to make sure you leave a yacht gracefully:
Give plenty of notice:
Don’t leave your crew in the lurch. Providing ample time for the yacht to find a replacement is crucial. This demonstrates respect for your colleagues, allows the vessel to adequately prepare, find a replacement and if you are senior, ensures a smooth handover of your responsibilities.
Consider the yacht’s schedule too when handing in your notice. It goes without saying but do your upmost to make yourself available to work your notice. Too many crew tell their new yacht that it will be no problem joining in 2 weeks’ time when their notice is 30 days.
Be honest about your reasons:
Whether it’s to gain experience on a different type of vessel, pursue professional development or further training, seek opportunities for personal growth, or because the yacht environment isn’t the right fit for you, be upfront and clear about your reasons for leaving. Transparency is important but frame your reasons constructively.
Just as importantly, don’t BS. E.g. ‘I’m going home for personal reasons’ in the middle of the season as everyone will know within a week or two that you’ve joined another yacht and that leaves a bad taste in the mouth of your Captain and HOD.
Work hard until the end:
Don’t slack off in your final weeks. Maintain your work ethic, continue to be a valuable crew member, and complete all your duties to the best of your ability. A strong finish demonstrates your commitment, professionalism, and respect for your crewmates. It also leaves a positive lasting impression.
Don’t be that crew member who is now out partying mid-week and dragging other crew with them. Even more importantly, don’t be that crew member who is loudly telling everyone how amazing the new boat is, how you’ve got a 3/1 and a €500 pay rise. That sews seeds of discontent with the other crew and your Captain and HOD will be very annoyed!
Secure a good reference:
This is crucial for your next role. A positive and honest reference can significantly enhance your job prospects.
Not every yacht does consistent performance appraisals. If that’s the case with your current yacht, then ask regularly for feedback about your performance and areas for improvement. Then act on it.
Not everyone can be an incredible tender driver or mixologist. But everyone can be a good crew member. I’ve taken hundreds of references for crew who are competent at their job but bring a great attitude and are great for crew morale. Be that crew member.
This blog gives some excellent ideas about this…
Work habits that will help you to stand out onboard – Quay Crew
Maintain professionalism:
Even if you’re leaving due to a negative situation, avoid burning bridges.
As mentioned at the start, the superyacht sector is extremely small, and bad news travels much faster than good news. Always be polite and professional.
What have you learnt from this negative situation? What would you do differently in the future? If you have been let go, this might be a good time to look in the mirror and reflect on yourself and what you actually bring to the table and decide what needs to change in the future.
Your reputation matters: if you provide misleading information, it can damage your credibility.
Ultimately, your conduct when you leave a yacht leaves a lasting impression. By following these steps, you can ensure a smooth transition, protect your professional standing, and demonstrate the maturity and respect that are highly valued in the yachting world.
If you’re looking to leave a yacht and find your next role, make sure that you register with us for new job alerts.
