The #1 Mistake That’s Holding You Back in Your Yacht Job Search

Crew are the foundation of the yachting industry. You’re the ones who make an owner’s trip unforgettable, keep charters running smoothly, and ensure guests receive top-tier service. Simply put, without skilled, dedicated crew, yachting wouldn’t be what it is.

But here’s the reality. When crew take shortcuts and overlook the basics, it affects the experience on board. In some cases, it can even lead to an owner deciding to sell their yacht sooner than they had ever anticipated. That’s how much of an impact you have.

If the industry is telling us anything lately, it’s that professionalism doesn’t seem to be as important as it used to be. Maybe we’ve moved away from the fundamentals, but getting back to them is the easiest way to stand out. The more we, as crew, are perceived as professionals, the more opportunities—and possibly even higher salaries—will follow. And crew salaries have been stagnant for years now.

Completing your online job profile in full, keeping your CV updated (even after a short freelance job), and ensuring your certifications are current may seem minor, but these actions show that you take your career seriously.

These details don’t go unnoticed. Captains, recruiters, and owners expect crew to be organized, reliable, and professional. The ones who put in the extra effort are the ones who get hired.

We see it happen all the time. Crew apply for jobs, eager to land the perfect role, but when we check their profile, it’s incomplete. They've uploaded a CV—that’s it. An outdated one at that, with missing references and certificates. Then, there’s another candidate who took the time to finish their profile. Their references are verified, their certificates are uploaded, and their CV is polished. They’re the ones who get shortlisted—not because they are more qualified, but because they’ve shown they’re prepared.

The truth is, captains and recruiters expect crew to put their best foot forward. A complete profile signals that you’re serious, organized, and committed to working in this industry.

Did you know? Captains, Heads of Departments, and recruiters are reviewing your CV—checking for errors, gaps, and whether you took the time to complete your profile. These small details say a lot about your professionalism and reliability.

Meridian wants you to succeed. That’s why we’ve made it free for crew to join, apply, and even get their references checked. But if your profile is only half-finished, you’re selling yourself short on that dream job you want to apply for.

Whether you apply on Meridian or any other recruiter or online job site, the expectation is the same: have a completed profile. Full stop. The crew who treat this as a career, not just a job, are the ones who get ahead. The industry expects and needs professionals. Are you showing up as one?