Now you may be reading this because you have a tattoo somewhere on your body and youre not entirely sure if it’s going to affect you getting a job on a yacht.

If you have tried to google the ‘Can I work on a yacht with a tattoo’ or read about it on Facebook groups you will find a mixed bag of answers so hopefully I can provide some insight

Firstly, do you have a tattoo? Is it visible? What type of boat are you hoping to work on, sail yacht or motor yacht? Is the tattoo offensive? Are you aiming to be a yacht stewardess? A deckhand? An Engineer?   

There are a lot of factors to consider when you have a tattoo  and you’re trying to get a job onboard. The main one is if it is visible with a uniform on. So for females in the interior thats skort and polo dress for the males on deck thats shorts to the knee and a polo and for engineers you’re quite lucky as tattoos are generally more acceptable as you are more ‘behind the scenes’ not on show to the guests onboard.

If you have a visible tattoo don’t worry it is not the end of your not even started yachting career. Getting your first job in yachting with a tattoo may mean It could take slightly longer to get your first job or you may not be offered a certain role due to management policies or owner preferences however this doesn’t mean there aren’t other boats who don’t mind tattoos. Don’t just give up! 

If you are dockwalking or going for an interview it is best to cover them up by wearing a long sleeve polo or trousers. Remember yachting is always about first impressions and we don;t want a bad one or the judgement which can come from tattoos. 

So you may be wondering should I write on my resume that I have tattoos?

I would say yes and then put visible or not visible. You don’t want to waste anyones time, if it’s an owners preference the chief officer looking to hire has no say in this, he is simply following the rules.  The boat may ask for photos to clarify how visible the tattoo may be and to see it before they offer you a job. This is normal.

Which boats will be more likely to employ crew with tattoos?

It depends on a lot of factors like owner preference, management policiy, but generally speaking smaller yachts under 55m tend to be more relaxed about tattoos. And then there are sailing yachts which tend to be more casual so generally speaking tattoos aren’t as big of an issue as opposed to on larger motor yachts. 

I have also found charter yachts are strict with employing crew without tattoos as they have a variety of guests onboard. 

From my experience working on boats over 60m, the interior and exterior team have not had any visible tattoos. I actually got my small foot tattoo removed as I was conscious of it when I ‘had’ to go swimming with guests, it was not visible until I removed my shoe. I didn’t want it to an issue for future job roles so I just got it removed. Ouch and those machines hurt! However you don’t have to do this, I have a friend on a sailing boat who has dainty tattoos all up her arm, it’s not a problem. And another friend who has smaller arm tattoos and she worked on 55m motor yacht and also on some really fabulous boats!

It’s not impossible… however it will definitely be harder  to find work with visible tattoos.  There are more sail yachts willing to take on crew with tattoos than motor yachts. Just make sure that your skills and your work ethic exceeds any issues anyone can have with your tattoos. 

You may have to put in a bit of extra time and effort in securing a position but ultimately there will be a boat which will see beyond your body art and employ you based on the fact you are good at your job and a good candidate