WELCOME TO SEASCOPE FRANCE - THE WINNER OF BEST TRAINING SCHOOL AWARD 2023
WELCOME TO SEASCOPE FRANCE - THE WINNER OF BEST TRAINING SCHOOL AWARD 2023
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Frequently Asked Questions

Check most frequently asked questions here
Yachting Questions
What is a superyacht ?


A superyacht, also known as a megayacht, is an exceedingly luxurious vessel typically exceeding 24 meters (approximately 79 feet) in length. These vessels boast an array of opulent amenities, which may encompass multiple decks, swimming pools, jacuzzis, helipads, theaters, gyms, spas, and more. Advanced navigation technology is often integrated into their design. Additionally, superyachts are staffed with a full-time captain and crew, employed year-round to ensure seamless operation and exceptional service.
What's the difference between a motor and a sail yacht ?

A motor yacht is like a boat with a powerful engine, which makes it go fast even if there's no wind. It's easy to steer and maneuver, but it needs fuel, which can be a bit expensive.
Motoryachts in Antibes

A sail yacht uses large sails to catch the wind and move forward. This means it goes slower if there's not much wind, but it doesn't need fuel, so it's cheaper to run. Steering a sail yacht takes a bit more skill.
Sail yachts in the port Vauban Antibes

What are the different roles on a yacht ?
On a yacht, there are various roles and positions, each with specific responsibilities. Here is some of them:
  1. Captain : The captain is in charge of the overall operation and safety of the yacht. They are responsible for navigation, crew management, guest safety, and compliance with maritime regulations.

  2. First Mate (First Officer): The first mate assists the captain in managing the crew and overseeing operations. They often handle tasks like navigation, safety drills, and maintenance.

  3. Deckhand: Deckhands are responsible for the exterior of the yacht. They handle tasks such as cleaning, maintenance of the deck and hull, handling lines and anchors, and operating water toys. They may also assist with guest activities.

  4. Engineer (Chief Engineer): The engineer is in charge of the mechanical systems on board, including engines, generators, and other machinery. They perform regular maintenance and repairs to ensure everything runs smoothly.

  5. Steward(ess) : Stewards and stewardesses are responsible for the interior of the yacht. They handle guest services, including setting and clearing tables, serving meals, cleaning cabins, and ensuring guest comfort.

  6. Chef (Galley Crew): The chef is in charge of preparing meals for guests and crew. They plan menus, provision the galley, and ensure that all dietary preferences and restrictions are accommodated.

  7. Bosun: The bosun is a senior deckhand responsible for overseeing the deck crew and assisting with maintenance and repairs. They often lead activities such as water sports and tend to smaller boats (tenders).

Remember, the specific roles and crew composition can vary depending on the size and type of the yacht, as well as the preferences of the owner or charter guests. 

What training do I need to work on a yacht ?
According to the Standards of Training, Certification & Watchkeeping (STCW) Convention of 1995, all seafarers who want to work onboard commercial vessels and superyachts must complete Basic Safety Training (STCW BST). The training lasts 5.5 days and includes 5 modules: Elementary First Aid (EFA)Personal Safety and Social Responsibility (PSSR), Proficiency in Security Awareness (PSA)Fire Fighting and Fire Prevention, and Personal Survival Techniques.

Other training depends on your preferred career path. Depending on your role you can choose interior training, engineering course, yachtmaster course etc.

Here's what yacht stewardess interior training looks like:

What is the minimum age requirement for yacht crew training ?
You can take training starting with the age of 16. However, it might not be the case with the actual work on a boat.

We recommend that you are at least 18 years old to start looking for your first job on a boat. 
Is training enough to land a deckhand job on superyachts?

While training is essential, it’s just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to securing a job on superyachts. First and foremost, having the right certificates is crucial. The STCW Basic Safety Training is mandatory for anyone looking to work on yachts, as it covers essential safety protocols.

In addition to mandatory certifications, holding RYA qualifications such as Powerboat Level 2 Handling and a Personal Watercraft (PWC) license can give you a competitive edge, especially for deckhand positions. Having practical knowledge and skills relevant to the role—such as line handling, maintenance, and tender driving—will also make you more attractive to employers.

You’ll also need to be physically fit for the demands of working on yachts, so employers typically require a valid medical seafarer's certificate such as the ENG1. This confirms that you’re fit to work at sea and is a standard requirement across the industry.

However, landing a job is often about more than just qualifications. Yacht employers look for the right person who can thrive in the unique lifestyle of working onboard. This includes being:

  • Open-minded and adaptable
  • Comfortable staying away from home for long periods
  • Hardworking and able to follow strict hierarchies
  • Able to live in confined spaces and share quarters with others
  • Resilient under pressure and willing to handle demanding tasks

Ultimately, the combination of the right certifications, skills, physical fitness, and a mindset suited to the yachting lifestyle will improve your chances of success in the industry.

What is ENG1?

ENG1 is a medical examination performed by a MCA-approved doctor. While it is not mandatory for STCW Basic Safety Training, it is required for every seafarer before taking a job on a commercial vessel. The ENG1 certificate proves that its holder meets the minimum health requirements to work at sea. 

During the ENG1 medical examination a doctor will measure height and weight, carry out eyesight and color blindness test, hearing test, take blood pressure, and listen to heart and lungs etc. In general, the examination takes up to 1 hour. The issued medical certificate is valid for 2 years. 

ENG1 can be booked during the STCW Basic Safety Training week. Below is the list of doctors in France and Monaco: 

France

Dr C Besse

74 Avenue de la Liberte
2nd Floor
Golfe Juan  06220
Tel: 00 33 6 47 45 22 88

Dr S. Gordon 

Cabinet Medical Gordon
1913 Route de Cannes
Valbonne
Tel: +33493 129 566
Email: www.gordonmedical.fr/eng1

Dr B Lavagne

“Le Vendome” C
4 Chemin du Tanit
Juan Les Pins - Antibes 06160
Tel: 00 33 6 61 15 03 07
Email: bruno.lavagne@wanadoo.fr

Monaco 

Dr C Trim-Cauchois

Yacht -Club de Monaco
Espace Calypso –Belle Classe Academy
Quai Louis II
Monte-Carlo  98000
Tel: 00 33 6 43 91 75 79
Email: drcauchois@gmail.com

Think to bring with you for the examination:

  1. Old ENG1 certificate (if any)
  2. Photo ID: Passport, Identity Card or Discharge Book…
  3. Glasses/Contact lenses if worn plus spare pair.
  4. Any medical reports that relate to treatment since last ENG1.
  5. Payment (you can ask about the exact fee when booking an appointment). 
  • You are advised not to go nightclubbing or listen to very loud music the night before for auditory test reasons.
  • You are advised to drink plenty before you go as there is also a urine test.
Do you provide accommodation?
Our training courses and packages do not include accommodation. However, Seascope France works closely with a number of crew houses in Antibes:

The Crew House
The Crew House is located in the heart of Antibes, within 3 mins walk to our office and 15 mins to our classroom. 
Address: 1 Av. Saint-Roch, 06600 Antibes
Phone: +33 0628586626
Contact person: Virginie 

 Crew Grapevine 
Three private crew houses located in the Old Town of Antibes, just beside Port Vauban. 
Contacts: Kate, Jason, Jenn

Backpackers House 
Based in the Old Antibes, this crew house is close to the train station and bus station. 
You can contact them on Facebook on by phone.
Phone: +33 4 97 04 75 46

Amma’s Crew House
Crew accommodation next to Old Antibes and within 10 mins walk from our classroom. 
Contact: carol_martin76@hotmail.com
Phone: +33 6 19 63 82 50

 

Other accommodation options: 

Hotel Le Collier 

19 Bd Général Vautrin, 06600 Antibes

Tel.: 04 93 74 56 40

Residéal Antibes
This hotel is situated 6 minutes away from our classroom in Antibes, and 8 minutes away from the train station. 
Contact: résideal.antibes@resideal.com 
Phone: +33 (0)4 92 90 76 00

Golfe-Juan

Hotel Le Provence 

5 min walk to our classroom/ Port

AirBnB Golfe-Juan

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