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Hey Stew,
Here are the 6 biggest mistakes most beginners make.
I created this short mistake guide as a small preview of my full roadmap. It’s packed with practical advices that actually works.
These tips come from my own 7 years in yachting, but not only that. Over the years I’ve talked to dozens of yachting colleagues, asked how they started, what traps they fell into, and what really helped them get their first contract. This guide is a mix of my path and the real stories from other crew who’ve been exactly where you are now.
You don’t have to go through the same pain I did back in 2019. Read this, skip the traps, and feel more prepared right away.
Ron
Here are the 6 biggest mistakes most beginners make.
I created this short mistake guide as a small preview of my full roadmap. It’s packed with practical advices that actually works.
These tips come from my own 7 years in yachting, but not only that. Over the years I’ve talked to dozens of yachting colleagues, asked how they started, what traps they fell into, and what really helped them get their first contract. This guide is a mix of my path and the real stories from other crew who’ve been exactly where you are now.
You don’t have to go through the same pain I did back in 2019. Read this, skip the traps, and feel more prepared right away.
Ron
Waiting too long for “perfect” certifications Many greenies think they need every possible course (silver service, wine, advanced cocktail, etc.) before even showing up. Get the absolute minimum (STCW Basic + ENG1 medical) and start applying.
Using non-professional or casual photos As a chief steward, I received hundreds of CVs and so many got deleted in seconds because of the photo. The most common one? A casual shot of the person sitting in a restaurant with a glass of wine. Use a clean, professional headshot (shoulders up, good lighting, neutral background). Wear a white polo shirt or smart collared top (classic yacht look).
Ignoring visas and legal status Non-EU greenies arrive without understanding 90/180 Schengen rule, stamp-out/in procedures, or visa runs. You overstay → fines, bans, deportation.
Focusing on partying instead of learning. You arrive, join the crew bar scene, drink too much, sleep little and forget to check Facebook groups for new offers and late for dockwalking.
Applying for senior positions when you’re a complete beginner. I saw this mistake all the time: greenies applying for roles like Head of Service, 2nd Stew, or even Chief Stew with zero yacht experience. Agencies get frustrated fast and they need reliable junior crew, not people overreaching. When you apply for senior roles, agencies can label your CV as “not realistic” or “not serious”. They remember the name and skip you even when a perfect entry-level junior stew position opens up. You miss real opportunities because you aimed too high too soon.
Booking accommodation for just one week (and not in advance) Many people arrive in France (Antibes, Nice, Cannes) hoping to find a job in the first 7 days, so they book an Airbnb or hostel for one week only. In reality, almost no beginner finds a contract that fast — High season in French Riviera is extremely expensive. Last-minute bookings cost 50–100% more than early ones, and when your week ends, you end up paying double for another short stay (or moving every few days, wasting time and energy). Many lose hundreds (sometimes thousands) of euros just on housing while still searching.
How to avoid:
How to avoid:
- Book accommodation at least 1–2 months in advance, prices are much lower and you get better options.
- Plan for a minimum of 4 weeks (ideally 1–2 months), this gives you breathing room to search calmly without panic.
