Claudia offered her story to Yachties of Australia after asking for some help, she is from Sydney Australia and has been in the marine industry for just over two years. Working on a number of different boats, from yachts to jetboats here is her outlook on the local industry.
What level of certification do you hold, and what was the path to achieving it?
I currently hold a coxswain grade 1 and MED 2, to achieve these qualifications I sat through a course for each. By completing practical and theoretical exams successfully, I was issued with an AMSA licence.
How did you come about working on yachts and jetboats?
I was lucky enough to grow up on the water, doing water sports every other afternoon after school and going out on weekends with the family on boats, as time went on I took a keen interest in making this a career path as I enjoyed being out on the water more than anything else, I couldn’t imagine myself working in an office.
The more I ventured out and spoke to people, the more opportunities I saw for working on a variety of vessels. Jetboats has been one of the most rewarding jobs I’ve had in the industry so far, there’s a joy in sharing your passion with others, even if it’s just for a 30 minute ride in the harbour.
What is a typical day for you on the jetboats compared to working on a yacht in Sydney Harbour?
Although they are similar in some ways, jetboats requires me to be more hands on as it’s my responsibility to make sure the vessel is running smoothly for the day. This involves things like engine start ups, checks, safety equipment, fuel levels etc, then of course taking passengers out for a 30 minute thrill ride. Whereas on the yachts as a deckhand, it’s my duty to make sure the vessel has maintained its cleanliness assist the skipper and sometimes engineers with their tasks to ensure a smooth operation of the vessel.
Did you have any relevant experience before joining the yachting industry? What did you do previously?
Before venturing out into the marine industry properly, I worked for my parents as they owned small 24ft self drive hire boats based out of Putney. This is where I was able to gain relevant experience with customers to brief them about the vessel, driving them to and from pick up locations, while also maintaining the vessels. This was a great start into the industry for me as my dad is one of the best when it comes to the mechanics of the vessel and overall boating.
Have you got any highlights from your two years in the industry?
Some highlights so far would have to be meeting amazing people along the way, weather that’s crew members or even the guests onboard.
What advice, tips, dos and don’ts would you give a person wanting to start a career in the industry?
If you’re thinking about doing it, just do it!
Ask people questions, be curious and love to learn. There’s always something new to learn from another person in the industry.
And definitely don’t be intimidated if you’ve never been a yachtie. This industry has so many great mentors to learn off of, it’s worth taking the risk.
Looking to get into yachting, check out Life Before Yachting to get started.