NEW STRUCTURE MAY PROMOTE SUPERYACHT CALLS

ALL will be relieved that a suspect has been arrested for the recent brutal murder of a young South African crewmember aboard a superyacht in the Bahamas.

- BRIAN INGPEN

The loss of a vibrant young life is so tragic, and naturally has cast a deep shadow over a potentially exciting and lucrative career path for some young locals.

Following the enormous expansion of the leisure boat industry particularly in the Mediterranean and Caribbean opportunities exist aboard superyachts for those with some navigation, marine engineering or yachting qualification. Hospitality qualifications also can present openings to permanent employment in the industry, although some of these vessels also require the completion of several pre-sea courses like firefighting, safety-at-sea, and others.

Hoping for adventure and travel, other local school-leavers use the superyacht and conventional yachting worlds for a gap year.

For many owners or skippers, such an appropriate qualification is essential before they will consider employing a new hand. Entry is difficult and usually needs recommendations of seasoned salts within the sector.

Oomph-filled and enthusiastic South Africans are sought after; lazy youngsters or those just seeking fun in the sun should not bother approaching the industry as life aboard can be tough -working in confined spaces, dealing sometimes with difficult and haughty upmarket passengers, and, at the height of the season, long hours.