5 Things Captains Actually Look for in a Yachting CV

In the competitive world of superyacht recruitment, your CV has about six seconds to make an impression. At The Ocean Marine LTD, we review hundreds of profiles a week. Here is what actually catches a Captain's eye—and what gets your CV deleted.

1. The Photo Matters: Forget the selfie from the night out in Antibes. Your photo should look like you are ready to step on board immediately. Wear a white polo shirt, stand against a neutral background, remove sunglasses, and smile. Grooming standards are high; your photo is the first proof that you can meet them.

2. Longevity is KingIf your CV shows five boats in five months, alarm bells ring. Captains want return on investment. If you have done daywork or temporary seasons, clearly label them as "Temporary" or "Relief" roles so it doesn't look like you were fired or quit.

3. Transferable Skills (For Green Crew)No yachting experience? No problem—if you frame your background correctly. Hospitality, high-end carpentry, diving instruction, or nursing are all highly relevant. Don't just list your previous job titles; list the skills that apply to life at sea.

4. The "Gap" ExplanationYachting is a career, not a gap year. If you have gaps in your employment history, explain them briefly (e.g., "Travel," "Study," "Family Leave"). Unexplained gaps create doubt.

5. Keep it SimpleCaptains are busy. They don't want to read a five-page essay. Keep your CV to two pages maximum. Use bullet points, clear headings, and always save it as a PDF so the formatting doesn't break on different devices.

Ready to find your next boat?[Link: Register your CV with The Ocean Marine LTD today.]