Special features of the Maritime CV

As with any job search, it starts with the creation of a CV. But the maritime world is special, so the form and chapters are different for a Maritime CV.

First, let’s choose a simple, clear format from the multitude of templates available online.
Here’s a sample → here

What information do you need to provide for your Maritime CV?

Available in French and English.

1- Nom / Name

Last Name / First Name
First Name / Name

Adopt the English scheme “in reverse” of the French one.

2- Informations personnelles / Personal information

Date of Birth / Nationality
Date of Birth / Nationality

Your seafarer number
Seafarer number

Address or more important, current location & period
Address or more important, current location & period

Phone with country code and WhatsApp number if different
WhatsApp cell phone if different is the most important

E-mail address
Date of Birth / Nationality

LinkedIn URL and/or links to Blog/Portfolio (VERY USEFUL FOR CHEFS/to present their dishes and for STEWs to present their table decorations and booths) / website

Specific to Yacthing:

Visa required for B1 B2 enrolment to work in the USA.

Specify “non-smoker” when this is the case (no cigarettes or electronic cigarettes during working hours)
Health: Non smoker

Specify “no tattoo” when applicable (not visible when wearing uniform)
No tatoo

Specify single when applicable
Marital status: single

List of licenses (coastal, offshore, car, motorcycle, …)
Driving licence clear / Powerboat level 1 ; 2 …

Languages and level
Languages’s level

For more impact and to be sure your CV will be read.
Add a picture toincrease your chance, avoid selfie, anice uniform or equivalent picture is more professional!
Add picture to increase your chance, avoid selfie, a nice uniform or equivalent picture is more professional!

3- Career objectives

Essential part where you specify the position sought, why, and what you can bring to the table..

Example:
” I’m looking for a Second Mate position to get my Master 500 “
” Seeking a First Mate’s position to get my MASTER 500 “

“I am seeking a position on board a motor yacht with a busy itinary and a wonderful crew, private or charter, as a steward.
“I am seeking a position on board a motor yacht with a busy itinary and a wonderfull crew, private or charter, as steward “

“Seeking a Captain’s position aboard a motor yacht up to 30m “
“Seeking a Captain’s position aboard a motor yacht up to 100′ “

It’s best to express ship sizes in feet on English CVs.
“Passionné par la navigation, je cherche un poste de marin sur un voilier “
” Sailing enthusiast, I am seeking a deckhand’s position aboard a sailing vessel “

4- Compétences / Skills

With or without maritime experience, what skills should you emphasize?
– Joiner / Carpenter / Cabinetmaker
– Boilermaker / Welder
– Wake / kite / windsurf / … instructor
– Diving Instructor / Diver
– First-aider
– Hospitality: service/bar/hospitality
– Child care
– Electrician/Electronician/Mechanic
– Pontoon builder for a boat rental company

With or without maritime skills, list your main skills :
– Carpenter
– Welder
– Water sport instructor
– Dive instructor
– Rescuer
– Hospitality
– Nanny or au pair
– Engineer
– Pontooner

5- Profiles sought / Profils recherchés

Personality is important in yachting, we work AND live together!

Example:
– Smiling / Dynamic / Hard-working / Team player / Versatile / Conscientious / Committed / Motivated / Sporty / Keen to progress / Fast learner / Altruistic / Positive / Flexible / Sociable / Can handle pressure / …

– Enthusiast / Dynamic / Hard worker / Team work / Versatile / Conscientious / Involved / Motivated / Sporty / Good mood / Learn fast / Caring / Healthy / Easy going / Able to work under pressure / …

6- Certificates / Certificates

a- STCW certificates
b- RYA / MCA certificate
c- Others (BAC, …) for new entrants only !
d- Seafarers’ medical examination valid until …/…/…

a- STCW certificates
Watch out, do not use “STCW” instead of BST (Basic Safety Training = CFBS Certificat de formation de base à la sécurité)
b- RYA / MCA CoC
c- Education (A Level, …) only for the greenies !
d- Medical certificate

7- Experiences / Expériences

a- Maritime experience :
Position / Duration / Boat size, builder and type (motor/sail) / Private or commercial
Short description of responsibilities / Navigation area / Propulsion type
b- Professional experience :
Brief career summary to highlight the skills listed in Part 4 for new entrants to the profession.
c- Nautical experience :
Pleasure boating, regattas, nautical societies with pontoon berths, …

a- Maritime experience with details for yachties
Short description of responsibilities / Sailing area / Type of propulsion
b- Professional experience for greenies
c- Nautic experience : leasure sailing, race, pontooner, …

8- References

Captain	M/Y	Position	Duration	Contact
Owner	S/Y	Position	Duration	Contact
Employer	Company	Position	Duration	Contact

Links to letters of recommendation

Translation of main posts :

Capitaine = Captain	Second = First Mate	Marin = Deckhand
Hôtesse = Stewardess	Stewart = Stewart	Engineer
Chef = Cook	Chef de service = Chief	Bosco = Bosun

Conclusion

Now that you have all the information you need to write your CV, take the time to make it a pleasant read. Although it can be tedious, it’s a way for your recruiter to get to know you and your knowledge, which is essential for teamwork or for the confidence required when a shipowner entrusts his precious vessel to a single sole crew member.

By way of example, I have partially filled in the template with my personal details, all of which are true to life; references and certificates will be checked before enrolment. In the French version, I filled in the Experience section as a newcomer to the profession, in the English version as a sailor wishing to progress.

If you don’t have the time and prefer a professional result, you’ll find offers for photographers and/or professional CV creation kits in all languages, but be careful, your language level will also be checked !

Happy CV creation and good luck to you all.