A Beginner's Workbook to Career Paths
Brought to you by Academy by Ephemeris Your free guide to sailing into an exciting career on the world's most luxurious yachts. No experience? No problem! Let's make it simple and fun.
Hello, Future Yacht Crew!
Imagine giant, shiny boats bigger than houses, sailing across sparkling oceans. These are superyachts—fancy homes on the water for rich adventurers. Working on one is like being part of a floating hotel, restaurant, and adventure park all in one!
If you've never heard of this world before, that's okay. This workbook is your map. We'll explore four main "teams" (called departments) on a superyacht: Deck, Engineering, Interior, and Galley. Each has steps to climb, like levels in a video game.
Why Academy by Ephemeris?
We're your friendly guide! We help you find courses, build your CV, and track your progress—for free at first. Sign up at ephemeris.academy/signup to get started.
Quick Tip:
Every path starts with basics like a doctor's check-up (Medical Fitness Certificate) and safety lessons (Basic Safety Training). These keep you safe on the water. Academy by Ephemeris can help you find where to get them.
Step 1: What's a Superyacht Career Like?
Superyachts need teams to run smoothly. You might travel the world, meet cool people, and earn good money—but it's hard work too, like long hours and teamwork.
All paths require:
  • Being at least 16 (usually 18+ for big roles).
  • A valid medical check (to prove you're healthy).
  • Basic Safety Training (5 short courses on survival, fire-fighting, first aid, safety rules, and security).
  • Refreshing safety skills every 5 years.

Fun Fact: No matter the path, update your safety training and medical every few years. Academy by Ephemeris tracks this for you!
Outdoor adventures and driving boats?
Fixing machines and solving puzzles?
Cleaning, organizing, and making people happy?
Cooking delicious food and creating meals?
Self-Reflection Time: What do you love? Circle one above! (We'll match this to paths next!)
Step 2: Explore the Four Career Paths
Let's dive in! Each path has starting jobs, steps to level up, key courses, and why it might be for you. Use Academy by Ephemeris's Course Finder at ephemeris.academy/provider-product/?global=true to book classes worldwide—online or in-person.
Path 1: Deck Department – The Outdoor Heroes
You're the captain's helper, like steering a pirate ship! You handle ropes, drive small boats, and keep the outside shiny. Perfect if you love sun, sea, and action.
Who It's For: If you're sporty, love the outdoors, or have boating skills, this is you! (E.g., if you've sailed or love water sports.)
Career Stages (From Newbie to Boss):
01
Junior Deckhand/Deckhand
Start here! Clean decks, help with anchors. No experience needed—just enthusiasm.
02
Bosun
Lead the team, manage equipment.
03
Officer of the Watch (OOW) 3000GT
Navigate and watch for safety.
04
Chief Officer 3000GT
Second-in-command.
05
Captain/Master 500GT or 3000GT
The big boss—drive the whole yacht!
Key Courses & Steps (Summarized):
  • Start: Medical + Basic Safety Training (1-2 weeks).
  • Progress: Efficient Deckhand, Navigation courses, Yachtmaster, Leadership training (e.g., HELM Operational).
  • Advanced: Master 3000GT modules, oral exams.
  • Extras: Security Officer, Fast Rescue Boats, Polar Waters training.
  • Time: 1-5+ years, with sea time (months on yachts).
Why Choose This? Adventure every day! Use Academy by Ephemeris to watch promo videos and choose your path at ephemeris.academy/path/deck.
Your Notes: Does this excite you? Why? __________________________________
Path 2: Engineering Department – The Fix-It Wizards
You're the superhero who fixes the yacht's "heart"—engines, lights, and gadgets! Like building with Legos, but giant and watery.
Who It's For: If you love tinkering, puzzles, or have tech skills (e.g., mechanic background), pick this! Great for problem-solvers.
Career Stages (From Newbie to Boss):
Junior Engineer
Help with basic fixes and checks.
Second Engineer (Small Vessel <3000GT/9000kW)
Handle more machines.
Chief Engineer (Small Vessel <500GT/3000kW)
Lead small teams.
Chief Engineer (Small Vessel <3000GT/9000kW)
Top engineer—fix anything!
Key Courses & Steps (Summarized):
  • Start: Medical + Basic Safety Training (1-2 weeks).
  • Progress: Approved Engine Course (AEC) 1 & 2, Workshop Skills, High Voltage training.
  • Advanced: Management courses, oral exams for Chief Engineer.
  • Extras: AV Systems, VSAT (satellite tech), Mental Health training.
  • Time: 1-4+ years, with sea time and hands-on experience.
Why Choose This? Keep the yacht running—feel like a genius! Academy by Ephemeris has instructional videos and course bookings at ephemeris.academy/path/engineering.
Your Notes: Do you like fixing things? Examples from your life: __________________________________
Path 3: Interior Department – The Magic Makers
You're the fairy who makes the inside sparkle! Clean rooms, serve drinks, and make guests smile—like hosting a fancy tea party on water.
Who It's For: If you're organized, friendly, or love decorating/helping people (e.g., hotel or customer service experience), this fits! Creative and detail-oriented folks shine.
Career Stages (From Newbie to Boss):
1
Junior Steward/ess
Basic cleaning and helping.
2
Stew/Cook, Laundry/Housekeeping/Service Steward/ess
Specialize in one area.
3
Second/Chief Steward/ess
Lead the team.
4
Interior Manager
Boss of all inside magic!
Key Courses & Steps (Summarized):
  • Start: Medical + Basic Safety Training (1-2 weeks).
  • Progress: Intro to Yacht Interior, Food Hygiene, Wine/Spirits courses (WSET Levels 1-4), Flower Arranging.
  • Advanced: Leadership (HELM), Purser training, Mental Health.
  • Extras: Cocktail Making, Cigar Specialist, Packages for juniors/experienced/seniors.
  • Time: 1-5+ years, with onboard experience.
Why Choose This? Make people happy—feel rewarding! Check packages on Academy by Ephemeris at ephemeris.academy/path/interior.
Your Notes: Do you enjoy making spaces pretty or serving others? __________________________________
Path 4: Galley Department – The Food Wizards
You're the chef who whips up yummy treats! Like baking cookies, but fancy meals for adventurers on a boat.
Who It's For: If you love cooking, food, or have chef skills (e.g., restaurant experience), go here! Creative foodies thrive.
Career Stages (From Newbie to Boss):
Crew Chef
Basic cooking for the team.
Sous Chef
Help the head chef.
Head Chef
Create amazing menus!
Key Courses & Steps (Summarized):
  • Start: Medical + Basic Safety Training (1-2 weeks).
  • Progress: Food Safety (Levels 2-3), Ship's Cook Assessment, Culinary skills (e.g., Sauces, Indian/Italian/Thai Cuisine).
  • Advanced: Certificate of Competence (Ship's Cook), Mental Health.
  • Extras: Wine/Spirits pairing, specialized cuisines.
  • Time: 1-3+ years, with 1 month sea time minimum.
Why Choose This? Turn food into art—delicious fun! Find courses via Academy by Ephemeris at ephemeris.academy/path/galley.
Your Notes: What foods do you love making? __________________________________
Step 3: How to Choose Your Perfect Path
Think of it like picking a flavor of ice cream—what makes you smile?
Love food and creating?
Galley! (Chef skills = natural fit.)
Technical and fixing?
Engineering! (Puzzle-solving personality.)
Outdoors and action?
Deck! (Adventurous spirit.)
Helping and organizing?
Interior! (People-pleaser vibe.)
Decision Checklist:
  • ☐ Match your hobbies/skills to a path.
  • ☐ Try a free CV builder on Academy by Ephemeris to see job fits.
  • ☐ If unsure, start with basics—they work for all paths!

Pro Tip: New to yachting? Check progressivecrew.online via Academy by Ephemeris.
Step 4: Your Next Adventure – Get Started!
You're ready! Sign up for free at Academy by Ephemeris: Build your profile, find courses, and track progress. We have global providers, books, tools, and even a blog for tips.
Note:
For just a small fee later, unlock features like course bookings and expert advice. Ready to sail? Register now at ephemeris.academy/signup Questions? Chat us on WhatsApp: wa.me/3728801930.
Final Notes Space:
My chosen path: __________.
First step I'll take: __________________________________.
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