What re the Experts Saying?
sually, we start these blogs by giving a nice friendly intro or motivation before going into the meat of our content and this time is no different.
However this time we actually wanted to make mention of the viral TikTok video made by Captain Kate Mccue who hilariously took down the sexiest troll. (I’m not going to lie – I think I watched this like a 100 times) GO CAPTAIN KATE!!
If you haven’t had a chance to watch this video, we highly recommend that you do, it is not only hilarious but also so inspiring and makes us even more proud to be ambassadors of She of the Sea (Not sure what that is, you should take a moment to read our previous blog)
So a couple of days ago we had a zoom session with some of the most amazing leaders in the industry who were there to just give us some helpful information on what exactly is happening around the world right now in the yachting industry, what with jobs available and travel documents needed and how you can upskill yourself during this season of waiting.
Although we wanted to recap the zoom session in blog format, we do recommend that you watch the full interview which we have posted on this blog.
The Recap:
Part 1: Lara Casasola From Lara Travel.
The first thing we know: is that as of the 1st of October, a list of countries will go out that have been regarded as High-Risk Countries. This list states which countries are not allowed to enter South Africa. As is with South Africa, many other countries will have their own list and therefore before you plan your trip, make sure South Africa is not on the high-risk list.
The next issue is that of visas, as very few embassies offer visas at the moment. With Regards to Schengen Countries, it looks as if Italy is the only Schengen Country who is offering Visas at the moment.
With Regards to People in Europe, it all depends on the relative paperwork and visas. If you have the Correct B1 and B2 Visas and are a seafarer you can travel to the U.S
In order to travel, you will need a valid passport, the correct visas. Having a Seaman’s Book will help, and a Contract.
Part 2: Sarah Plant from Recrewt Recruitment
Although the season has been different from what people expected, there are ships that are still running and looking for crew. However, if you have a job it is recommended that you stay where you are. Rather than come home and then have to fight because you cannot get back to your job.
Yachts are more likely to hire a crew with more skills than just a steward course. Examples like Nursing, Beauty-Therapy.
Looks like, now that boat shows aren’t happening, there isn’t much day work, so if they can spend the next few months advancing their skills such as courses the once we go into the next season, there may be more knowledge around what yachting could look like.
Part 3: Linda Leathart From Effective Placements.
Boats are still operating, but many are trying to hire regionally. Which means that more experienced regional crew are in more demand and therefore turning down positions.
Even though it is very possible that the Fort Lauderdale boat show can happen, it is very difficult for South African Yachties to go dock-walking in the U.S. So it is more beneficial for them to stay in contact with crew agencies
If you are in the States already, don’t fly out just yet.
Use this time to polish up your C.V (Resume’), C.Vs are the best way to market yourself, so don’t just state things to do with yachting but also add other skills that you may have.
Part 4: Alex Haubrich From Yachtie World
Boats are spending huge amounts of money to get crews home and often having flights cancelled. Which leads them to look at locals for crew or having to let them go as they cannot afford to pay those sums to get them home and then struggle to get them back.
With no regulations, unless you have a signed contract you would be allowed into the States to look for work.
People who are getting started and don’t have visas could face problems.
A new form for Dock Walking is Virtual. One of the ways you can do that is by registering with Yachtie World or Make connections on Social Media.
Virtual Dock walking is all about making connections and building relationships. As it’s not Yachts that hire crew it’s people.
Also, clean up your Social Medias and C.V and please don’t harass people, start slowly eventually you will get noticed.
Conclusion.
We are going to leave it there for now. But again we highly recommended that you take the time to watch the session and take as many notes as you can as these are some of the leading experts in the industry who have spent a lot of time working out how to serve the yachting community during this time.
So what did we take home from today? So much amazing information and helpful advice, we now know a few things;
The gist of what we heard was that even though travel is opening up there is still not a lot people can do to travel unless they have employment. If you are employed then you will be able to move as long as you have the correct visa in hand. There are some countries that are issuing visas again. Lara’s advice was that you get in touch to discuss your situation as each person has different factors that would come into play and there is no one size fits all.
Travel to the US is difficult at the moment even with yacht papers, but not impossible as long as you have the correct paperwork.
Jobwise there are jobs out there, but yachts are tending to look at crew who are already in the area to minimize movements and delays. The takeaway message here is that if you are overseas, stay there and work on getting a job. If you are in South Africa don’t plan to travel to look for work to either the Med or the Caribbean especially if you are green (new to the industry). It is better to wait for the new Med season next year to start looking for work. Look at getting yourself some industry-relevant experience or doing some extra courses.
But don’t lose hope!!!! This too shall pass and there will be opportunities again in the new season.
Your next step.
If you need more information on anything that was shared through this session you can contact any one of these people industry leaders from the Zoom Session
Lara – Lara Travel – lara@laratravel.co.za
Sarah – Recrewt – crew@recrewt.com
Linda – Effective Placements – linda@effectiveplacements.com
Alex – Yachtie World – yachtie@yachtieworld.net
Sandra – The Yacht Purser – sandra@theyachtpurser.com
Lauren – Trilogy Luxury Training – lauren@trilogyluxtraining.co.za
You can also follow Trilogy Luxury Training Facebook or Instagram to stay updated with the latest information on all things Trilogy Luxury Training and the Yachting industry.
Another heads up! OUR NEXT ZOOM SESSION based on the information of high-risk countries was on the 13th of October. The Video will be posted on Youtube very soon. So continue to follow facebook to catch when that will be released.
