It sounds like the perfect time for you to go out and explore before you do get caught up in the same ol' same ol' of having a career and life in one place. Where are you living now? If you can give me an idea I can tell you the best places near you to go to find a yachting job.

Basically what I did was to get my STCW 95 before I even got on a boat. This is just a certification showing that you know the standards of boating like firefighting, CPR and lifesaving in the water. This is not necessary but more and more boats require it so it does give you a head start on getting a job. It's a week long course. When I got mine I think it was about $800 US. Then I found a crew agency. I think it was Crew Network but there are many out there that act as agents between boat captains and crew members. You give them your resume and they will find a job for you and/or you look through their open jobs and select the ones you are interested in. Next you'll have an interview with the agency and the boat captain or representative if you're a good match. If they like you they will offer you the job. The interview may be either by phone or in person. My first job interview was with a boat in Maine and I was in Florida. They hired me over the phone and two days later they flew me up there. So it all kinda depends. The most important thing is to find a good reputable agency. Do your research. They shouldn't charge you to talk with them. Most of the agents are really nice and want to help. I think I used crew network and crew unlimited and a few others in Ft. Lauderdale but they do place people from all around the world. Please let me know if you have any questions. I wish you the best of luck!!!

Jerri

Okay this is a random place to comment, but I wasn't sure if you are still using your old One girl and her backpack blog .. OK so basically I am sooo impressed with your travels, and the fact you did it solo is admirable !!! I really want to do the same when I graduate next summer, and I am thinking about working on a yacht .. I'm studying law which is not my passion, but I have done everything by the rules, went to school, high school, did all my exams, went to university (or college as you americans call it !! hehe) and my parents i think expect me to go into a boring 9-5 job straight after graduation and in fact i just feel so restless, i feel i need to explore the world, to live, and do things independently, as this is the only way one can grow, and this is one of the best ways to discover what you are meant to do in life / or what interests you as a career you know !!! Okay, so i'm going off on a tangent, but I wanted to ask if you could give me any advice, as to how you got started, did you have any boating experience before ?? And how was it, at the beginning ?? If you could let me know I would really appreciate it ! Anyways good luck with your medical studies !! Take Care, Natalie