Build Your Professional Sailing CV

In professional sailing, your CV isn't just a job application—it's your passport to opportunities on the water. Whether you're pursuing superyacht positions, commercial merchant roles, or charter sailing careers, a properly verified sailing CV opens doors that self-reported profiles simply can't.

This guide explains what maritime employers actually need to see, which certifications matter for different sectors, and how Crew the Boat's verification system helps you stand out in a competitive field.

A professional sailing CV differs fundamentally from land-based CVs. It must document:

• Mandatory safety certifications – STCW, medical certificates, emergency response training
• Verified sea-service – Documented time aboard vessels with specific details
• Certificates of Competency – For licenced officers and qualified ratings
• Vessel-specific experience – Types sailed, tonnage, trade routes, geographical areas
• Maritime skills – Navigation, engineering, hospitality, technical competencies
• Physical requirements – In some sectors: professional photograph, appearance standards, availability

STCW Basic Safety Training

The foundation of professional maritime work worldwide. Established by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), STCW sets baseline qualifications for seafarers across all commercial vessels.

STCW Basic Safety includes:

• Personal Survival Techniques (PST)
• Fire Prevention and Firefighting (FPFF)
• Elementary First Aid (EFA)
• Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities (PSSR)

What you need to know:

• Required for commercial vessels over 24 metres
• Course duration: 5 days (approximately 40 hours)
• Valid for 5 years, requires refresher courses
• Must be completed at MCA-approved or nationally recognised training centre
• Cost: Approximately £900–£1,100 (varies by location)

Medical Certification

All professional mariners must prove medical fitness for sea duty.

ENG1 Medical Certificate (UK standard):

• Thorough examination by MCA-approved doctors
• Tests general health, vision, hearing, colour differentiation
• Valid for up to 2 years
• Recognised internationally as the gold standard
• Cost: Typically £120–£200

Why colour vision matters: Maritime regulations require crew to distinguish navigation lights (red, green, white) and signal flags—essential for safety-critical roles.

Superyacht & Charter Yacht CVs

The superyacht industry has the most distinctive CV requirements, particularly for charter vessels where crew interact with high-profile guests.

Unique requirements:

• Professional photograph (passport-style or nautical portrait)
• Personal details: nationality, visa status, smoking status
• Visible tattoos and piercings disclosure (some yachts have appearance standards)
• Current location and immediate availability
• Physical fitness indicators

Commercial Merchant Marine CVs

Commercial shipping emphasises regulatory compliance and documented sea-service.

Key credentials:

• UK: Certificate of Competency (COC) issued by MCA
• US: Coast Guard-issued MMC (formerly "Z-card")
• Documented sea-service history (vessel name, type, tonnage, dates)
• Specific ratings: AB (Able Seaman), QMED, etc.

Racing & Performance Sailing CVs

Competitive sailing CVs emphasise race results, documented miles, and specific sailing skills.

Rather than traditional job listings, racing CVs often present a miles table documenting passages, distances, vessel types, roles, and conditions.

Crew Placement Agencies

Superyacht agencies require CVs registered in their database, will not represent you without valid STCW and medical certificates, and match your credentials to vessel opportunities.

Charter Management Companies

Charter companies have strict requirements because crew represent their brand to paying guests. They check all mandatory certifications are current, professional appearance standards, guest service experience, and criminal background vetting.

Why verification matters: Charter companies won't risk unverified crew. One incident with fake credentials can void insurance and destroy reputations. Crew the Boat's verification system gives charter companies confidence in your profile.

Insurance Underwriters

For vessels with professional crew, insurance companies review years of experience, incident history, certification currency, and vessel type experience matching the insured yacht.

Impact: Insufficient crew qualifications can void insurance. Highly qualified crew may reduce premiums. Crew CV quality affects vessel insurability.

Keep Certifications Current

Create a tracking system:

• STCW: 5-year renewal cycle
• Medical certificates: 2-year validity (typically)
• First Aid: Various renewal periods
• Radar, ARPA, other endorsements: Check individual requirements

Why it matters:

Working with expired certificates is illegal on commercial vessels and results in immediate dismissal, insurance claims denied, vessel detention by port state control, and potential legal liability.

Maintain Detailed Sea-Service Records

Document everything:

• Vessel name, flag, official number
• Vessel type and gross tonnage
• Start and end dates (exact dates)
• Routes operated and areas navigated
• Your specific role and responsibilities
• Discharge letter from captain or company

Use Maritime-Specific Language

Industry terminology matters:

• "Conducted navigational watches" not "worked shifts"
• "Maintained deck equipment and rigging" not "did maintenance"
• "Executed mooring operations" not "tied up the boat"
• "Ensured ISPS compliance" not "followed security rules"

Emphasise Safety and Compliance

Maritime employers prioritise safety above everything. Highlight:

• Perfect safety record (if applicable)
• Participation in safety drills
• Emergency response training
• Incident-free service periods
• Safety certifications and courses
• Knowledge of ISM Code, SOLAS, MARPOL regulations

Expired Certifications

Never submit a CV with expired certificates. Recruiters immediately dismiss applications showing expired STCW or medical certificates.

Exaggerating Experience

The maritime industry is small—false claims get discovered and can blacklist you permanently.

Why verification matters: Crew the Boat's verification system means employers trust your credentials. Self-reported platforms can't offer this assurance.

The Verification Problem

Most online crew platforms operate on self-reported information. Anyone can claim RYA Yachtmaster or STCW certification without proof. Employers waste time vetting candidates who've exaggerated credentials.

Crew the Boat's difference:

• Stripe Identity verification for user accounts
• Certificate upload and validation
• Qualification verification system
• Verified badges on profiles
• Employers filter by verified credentials only

What You Need

Essential credentials:

• STCW Basic Safety Training (if pursuing commercial work)
• ENG1 or equivalent medical certificate
• Any RYA, MCA, or Coast Guard qualifications
• Documented sea-service (logbook, discharge letters)
• Professional photo (for yacht positions)

Upload to Crew the Boat:

• Certificate scans or photos
• Qualification numbers and expiry dates
• Vessel details from your sea-service
• Professional photo
• Complete your profile

Build Your Profile

Complete sections:

• Qualifications: Upload and verify all certificates
• Sea-service: Document passages, deliveries, contracts with vessel details
• Experience: Describe roles, responsibilities, achievements
• Skills: Navigation, engineering, hospitality, languages, technical abilities
• Availability: Current location, visa status, immediate availability

Request Endorsements

• Ask captains you've sailed with to endorse your skills
• Verified endorsements appear on your profile
• Build credibility through peer recognition

A professional sailing CV is more than a job application document—it's your verified record of maritime competence, safety training, and sea-service. Whether you're pursuing superyacht positions, commercial shipping careers, or racing opportunities, verified credentials open doors.

Crew the Boat provides the verification system the maritime industry needs. Build your complete sailing CV with verified qualifications, documented experience, and professional presentation. When employers search for qualified crew, your verified profile demonstrates genuine competence—not self-reported claims.