Following on from getting yourself organised with the right courses and some solid relevant experience, it’s time we address the elephant in the room: Dockwalking. 

It’s awkward. It’s exhausting. And quite frankly, this might be the only industry left in the world where newbies are expected to go door to door like Oliver Twist, begging for an opportunity. Will it ever go away? Probably not. It’s a rite of passage. Pretty much everyone has done it. Sure, you’ll meet that one crew member who’s all smug, “I’ve never had to dockwalk.” But he’s either a) lying or b) the luckiest person ever. As for the rest of us? Yep, suck it up, it’s got to be done - but on the plus side, it’s a good way to make friends amongst other dockwalkers, and other crew. 

Before You Hit the Docks

 🔹 Shoes: (Clean) trainers are your best friend. Forget deck shoes - you’ll just take them off if you’re invited onboard anyway. Comfort first.
 🔹 Clothing: Smart but practical. Ironed shorts and a polo or tee is spot on. No suits. No cocktail dresses. This isn’t an awards show.
 🔹 CVs: Print a few clean, up-to-date copies. QR code business cards are a nice touch, but old-school paper still works.
 🔹 Attitude: Friendly, confident, open. Most crew will be kind - they’ve been in your shoes. If someone’s rude? Smile, walk away, move on. Their problem, not yours. 

 🔹 Go boat to boat, smile, introduce yourself, and let them know you’re looking for work.
 🔹 Have a quick chat if the crew have time. You might get advice, a referral, or even a "come back tomorrow for a washdown."
 🔹 Be interested, be curious, listen, and take in any tips you get. With a pinch of salt. 

One round of dockwalking won’t cut it. You may need to do it daily for weeks. That’s normal.

Even if you don’t stop at the same boats each day, be visible. Smile and wave at familiar faces. Eventually, someone will remember you and offer you a break.

 🔹 Add it to your CV immediately!
 🔹 Ask them to be a reference for you.
 🔹 Show up, work hard, be a legend. If you impress them, they’ll talk - and in yachting, good word of mouth travels fast. 

 🔹 Update your CV and re-send it to agents each time you get new experience.
 🔹 Keep your online profiles current.
 🔹 Check in with agents just like you check in with familiar faces on the dock. Be proactive, not annoying. 

Online job boards, Facebook groups, and agency listings are all great places to find work - just be smart about how you use them.

By all means, apply enthusiastically, but try not to apply indiscriminately. If a listing asks for a Chief Mate with a CM3000 and five years’ experience on 50m charter yachts... and you’re fresh out of your STCW course? That’s not your job. Don’t apply just because it exists.

Why? Because applying for every job under the sun (especially ones you’re wildly underqualified for) won’t make you look keen. It’ll make you look like you didn’t read the brief.

Instead:

 🔹 Stick to junior and entry-level roles (Stew/Deckhand/Junior anything).
 🔹 If you’re not sure you meet the requirements, you can still message the recruiter with a polite question - just be concise and honest.
 🔹 Don’t send your CV to the same agent five times a week for jobs you’re not suited for. You’ll wear out your welcome fast. This is the equivalent of repeatedly yelling “Are we there yet?” from the back seat on a 12-hour drive.
 🔹 Do reach out with purpose: “Hey, I’ve just landed two weeks’ daywork on a 40m and updated my CV, would love your feedback.” 

Don't take it personally. If you apply via Facebook or an agent, chances are you’re one of 1,000 applicants. And if a job says "1 season minimum," they generally mean it. Truth is, yachts don’t call agents for green crew - they’d rather give dockwalkers a shot or try out people recommended by their friends. But building a good relationship with an agent early will help you when you come back with experience, then they may be better positioned to help you. So take note of the agents who were helpful to you on your way up – it’s a two-way street! 

Dockwalking sucks. No one loves it. But it’s a necessary evil, and it gets results.

So lace up your trainers, slap on a smile, and get out there. Your first break might be just one “Hey, got a minute?” away.

You’ve got this.

 ✨ For more no-nonsense tips and honest advice at every stage of your yachting journey, check out Superyacht Life: How to Start, Succeed, & Stay Sane by Erica Lay - available 1st October on Amazon.