Super Yacht CV Advice

It is common for people to stress about writing their CVs but we are here to help and advise the best format suited for the Super Yacht Industry.

We will work with you to get the right CV to present to our clients. A strong CV makes a strong first impression.

Consider the audience – an owner who could be the leader of a multi-billion corporation may be reviewing your CV so appreciate the standards he is used to for the corporate world. Why would he accept less for crew whom he will trust his life with at sea?
Include a presentable, personable photo and it is important to give details of your experience and sell yourself.
It is important to provide details of hands on experience rather than focus on managerial skills as we operate with much smaller teams than you are used to. Most first placements will be as a 2nd engineer so the chief is looking for your hands-on experience to know he can delegate tasks to you. If you focus on leading a team – it is not going to be of interest to him at this level – he is looking for a hands-on, can do attitude to share the workload.
Everything is relevant to what you can bring to the team whether it be electrical experience, aircon, refrigeration, working on smaller craft, crane operations, helicopter landing experience, security etc. as yacht engineers have a very diverse skill set so be sure to include anything you feel is relevant.
On the personal side with hobbies, interests; whether you are into restoring cars or bikes to diving, water sports, fitness regimes etc. you should state this as most crew and some owners are very dynamic and like to keep themselves fit and healthy and take part in activities together. It’s all about working with like-minded people.

Strong written references are also vital in this industry. Most clients will insist on 2 written references to support your application so you will need to ask your manager/head of department to provide written references when you are ready to leave the service.

Samples of Super Yacht CVs from ex-Royal Navy engineers as follows:

CURRICULUM VITAE

Name:
DOB:
Nationality:
US Visa: B1/B2 (10yrs)
Health: Excellent. Eng 1 until March 2016 Non Smoker, no visible tattoos.

Driver: Full UK License inc. Motorbike

UK Mobile:
Email:

Qualifications:

MCA Chief Engineer Y3 and EOOW (unlimited) Certificate of Competency.
Advanced Safety Certificates STCW95. Helm M.
All advanced Y2 Units complete, NOE accepted, waiting for Oral dates.
Foundation Degree in Marine Engineering Systems, Portsmouth University.
Higher Diploma, Building Engineering, Northumbria University.
RYA Level II Powerboat Certificate.
Marine Outboard Motors Servicing Certificate.

Career History:
Nov 2014 to Jul 2015 Relief Chief Engineer/ Second Engineer

A 2007 60m 903 grt
CAT 3512B 1575hp / 1174kW X2
Cummings QSM11 Gen-sets 280 kVA X2

Hands on Chief Engineer, solely responsible to the yacht’s owner for the management, operation and repair of all technical aspects of the vessel.
Allocating budget for the maintenance, repair, refit and dry docking of the ship and its machinery. Machinery such as Marine Diesel Main Engines, Diesel Generators, Hydraulic Plant and system, Chilled Water Plant, Refrigeration Plant, Sewage treatment plant and systems, steering systems, all ships Electrical power distribution and Bridge Electronic systems such as radar, navigation equipment, GPS equipment, Satellite communications, IT & AV systems and telecommunications.
Responsibility also for the allocation and supervision of work to junior engineer officers, mechanics, day workers, contractors and sub-contractors, during refits, maintenance periods and dry docking. (Intermediate and 5 Year Surveys)
Responsible also within the ship’s engineering function for all aspects of health and safety including risk assessment and permits to work as part of International Safety management system. (ISM & ISPS)

March 2001 – March 2015

ROYAL NAVY – Chief Petty Officer (CPO) Marine Engineering Artificer.
(14 years’ service – 2,434 sea days) Joined the Royal Navy in 2001 as a marine engineer apprentice gaining first class passes throughout my career, subsequently promoted to Chief Petty Officer in 2012.

Serving on the following ships and gaining unprecedented Marine Engineering experience.

2010-2014

Propulsion Manager HMS Edinburgh Type 42 Destroyer
Length 141m Grt 5200

Fully endorsed Chief (Marine Engineer Officer of Watch 1 (EOOW1)).
Entrusted with responsibility for the smooth running and timely maintenance routines ofthe complete propulsion plant, and all auxiliary machinery/systems.
Interacted with the public in a polite and professional way, showing the higheststandards of presentation and communication, whilst demonstrating equipment on highprofile Open to Visitors days.
Accountable to the Captain for the efficient day-to-day running and availability of thepropulsion plant and associated auxiliaries, including formal reporting and book-keeping.
Conducted Health and Safety assurance and risk assessments to ensure a safe andorderly work environment.
Planned preventative and corrective maintenance packages of the vessels electrical/mechanical engineering equipment using computer based ‘unit maintenance management systems’ for both ships staff and external contractors.

2008-2010

Propulsion Maintenance Supervisor & Maintainer
HMS York Type 42 Destroyer Length 141m Grt 5300

Extensive knowledge of Tyne and Olympus Gas Turbines, CPP Propulsion.
Conducted rigorous trials and Power Performance Assessments.
Demonstrated complete working knowledge of Paxman Ventura Diesel engines.
Diagnosed, repaired faults, supervising maintenance on multi-million pound propulsionsystems and auxiliary equipment including; gas turbines, gearboxes, AC/DC motors, control systems, switchgear, diesel generators, boiler/steam systems, hydraulic systems, pumps and pressurised systems, condition based monitoring, automatic voltage regulators, cathodic protection systems, non-destructive testing, IMO waste disposal equipment, air filtration/vent and fire detection systems.
Issued and supervised permit to work systems (COSWP) for ships electrical systems, working at height, embarkation of flammable liquids and confined spaces.

2005-2008

Electrical Systems Supervisor & Maintainer
HMS Iron Duke Type 23 Frigate Length 133m Grt 4900

Interests:
Restoration of Scooters (Vespa/Lambretta), Running and Muay Thai boxing.

References:

xxx MSc

Senior Chief Engineer, M/Y Idol UK Mobile:
Email:

YPI Yacht Engineer testimionial

John Smith

Date of Birth:
Nationality
Tel:
E-mail:
Non Smoker
No visible tatoos

PROFILE

An apprenticed Electromechanical Technician with a wide variety of skills and experience. A devoted and extremely motivated problem solver, with strong communication and planning skills developed during more than 2 years in the super yacht industry and 10 years in the Royal Navy. Currently holds the MCA Y2 in addition to a class 4 commercial certificate of competency. Highly experienced in all aspects of Marine Engineering. Proven experience working as both a Yacht Engineer and Royal Navy section head.

TRAINING AND EDUCATION

MCA Y2 Yacht Marine Engineering
MCA Class 4 Commercial Engineer Officer of the Watch (EOOW, III/1). BTEC HND in Marine Engineering
BTEC City and Guilds in Electro-Mechanical craft
Achieved qualifications for several courses in leadership, management and professional development STCW 95 Advanced Fire Fighting
STCW 95 Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats STCW 95 Certificate of Medical First Aid at Sea
ENG1 (Valid until Aug 2013) Full clean driving licence Computer literate
10 GCSE’s including English, Maths and Science

CAREER HISTORY

Oct 2009 – Present: 2nd Engineer MY xxx, 70m Lurssen. Privately owned super yacht.

Successful completion of busy dry dock upkeep period where the boat was totally repainted, starting with the documenting and removal of all fixtures, fittings and equipment on the superstructure, coordinating with contractors and shipyard staff. Finalising by coordinating the reinstallation and correct set to work of all equipment, back to a correct functioning state and high standard of finish.
Worked closely with Chief Engineers, compiling the work packages for the 5-year special survey on board, researching work schedules and liaising with class societies, manufacturers, and contractors to detail the correct level of maintenance. Supervised and managed scheduled and reactive maintenance tasks and carried out technical fault diagnosis and complex defect rectifications on a wide range of marine systems.
Fully conversant with the UMMS and IDEA planned maintenance and purchase order systems.
Researched, compiled reports and briefed management on technical issues regarding cost savings, improvements in material and processes, safe working practices or systems.

Feb 2000 – Oct 2009: Chief Petty Officer Marine Engineering Artificer, Royal Navy

Qualified as a senior level Engineering Officer of the Watch, responsible to executive management for controlling machinery and directing manpower as necessary to maintain effective propulsion, auxiliary system performance and safety within a multi-million pound warship at sea.
Fully conversant with safety, fire fighting and damage control procedures and methods on board both military and merchant vessels. Seasoned in the training of crews to a high level on these subjects.
Supervised the control of health and safety in the workplace in accordance with the ships ISM system, Issues including; permit to work, PPE or substances requiring COSHH regulation. Active member on safety committees.
Trained and developed junior members within the marine engineering department, using methods such as structured training, directing, coaching and example. Aided subordinates career progression by expanding their technical and procedural knowledge, building towards specific career targets and goals.
Took a lead role as Technical Search Specialist during boarding operations whist on RN counter drug operations in the West Indies and North Atlantic. Operations, which culminated with a haul of in excess of 3000kg of cocaine.

2008 – 2009: Divisional officer for Marine Engineering part 2 trainees at HMS Sultan one of Europe’s premier engineering colleges.

2006 – 2008: Propulsion and Controls Section Head Type 23 Frigate HMS Portland. Responsible to the executive management for correct, effective maintenance and safe operation and of all propulsion systems.

2005 – 2006: Domestics and Hotel services Section Head Type 23 Frigate HMS Portland. Responsible to the executive management for correct maintenance and safety of all domestic services on board.

HOBBIES AND INTERESTS

Motorcycling: Social riding, Track day enthusiast, Touring through Europe
Snowboarding: Travel to the Apls most years for the last 10.
Keeping Fit: Enjoys running, cycling and resistance training at the gym
Socialising: Enjoys vibrant social life with friends and family

REFEREES

Stephen Cartwright
Master MY xxxx 2008 – Present
Email:
Phone

Stuart Barnes
Chief Engineer MY xxx 2007 – Present
Email:
Phone:

CV template as follows:

GENERAL NOTES:

CV should be maximum 2 pages long

Use only one font

Do a full spell check

Correct layout with paragraph spacing, line spacing, etc.

Your CV presentation is so important because it will be seen by head of department, captain, management and owner!

Name and title

Date of Birth:

Nationality:

Phone number:

E-mail:

Non-smoker/No tattoos (if relevant)

Location:

Visas:

PROFILE

Write a few sentences about your key attributes e.g. ex years’ experience as a marine engineer, proven longevity etc. This is your chance to sell yourself and not to state what you want.

TRAINING AND EDUCATION

List all your relevant licenses and qualifications, including STCW refreshers noting expiry dates.

CAREER HISTORY

List your experience chronologically starting with your most current job first

Date Position Vessel name and size

Full description of responsibilities and assignments, systems and engines used on board, itinerary, charter/private, refit or survey work if any, include all relevant electrical and AV/IT experience.

Date Position Vessel name and size

Full description of responsibilities and assignments, systems and engines used on board, itinerary, charter/private, refit or survey work if any, include all relevant electrical and AV/IT experience.

Date Position Vessel name and size

Full description of responsibilities and assignments, systems and engines used on board, itinerary, charter/private, refit or survey work if any, include all relevant electrical and AV/IT experience.