DOCKWALKING: Your Key to Breaking Into the Yachting Industry (Without Getting in the Way)
If you’re reading this, there’s a good chance you’ve already heard the term “dockwalking.” It’s a rite of passage for any green crew member hoping to land a job (we dockwalked at the start of our yachting careers too). But let’s be honest—it’s not the most glamorous part of the job hunt. However, if you’re willing to put in the time and effort, dockwalking can get your foot in the door—provided you do it right. Here’s your guide to navigating the docks like a pro.
Timing Is Everything
Approaching boats at the wrong time can be a surefire way to get shut out. It’s all about respecting the crew’s schedule while seizing those crucial windows of opportunity. So, when’s the best time to strike?
Mornings are golden. Most crews start with meetings, often around 7:50 a.m. The sweet spot for dockwalking is between 8:15 a.m. and 9:00 a.m.—after the morning briefing has wrapped up and the crew is transitioning into their day’s tasks. Arrive a little earlier, and you might catch some crew members hanging about before the meeting starts, but don’t interrupt the meeting.
Leaving your CV? Some boats put out a box with a note asking you to place your CV inside and not disturb the crew. Follow these instructions—after all, why would they want to employ you if you can’t follow simple tasks?
Under no circumstances should you stick your CV under the deck protection on the gangway, stuff it in the fire plan holder, put it under the welcome mat, or leave it in any other creative place you find. The deck crew won’t appreciate fishing your soggy CV out of the water or trying to spear it with a boat hook.
Afternoon dockwalking can also be worthwhile—it may help you secure day work for the following day, so it’s worth considering.
Avoid break times. The last thing you want is to interrupt someone during their downtime. Common break times to avoid include:
- 10:00 a.m. – Morning tea break
- 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. – Lunch hour
- 3:00 p.m. – Afternoon tea break
If you approach the docks during these periods, don’t be surprised if the crew is nowhere to be seen. Even if they are around, chances are they’ll be too preoccupied to chat.
Plan Your Approach
Dockwalking is no sprint—it’s a marathon. Instead of bouncing aimlessly from one marina to another, create a clear plan. Map out the areas you want to cover, and take note of boats you’ve already approached so you don’t waste time retracing your steps.
Be strategic with your route. It’s tempting to rush from marina to marina, but this can quickly drain your energy and enthusiasm. Plan your dockwalking over a few days or even weeks to ensure you cover all the bases. If you're based in a popular yachting hub like the French Riviera, why not venture as far as Italy? The train network makes it relatively easy to cover a lot of ground—even if you have to dodge the occasional strike.
Use apps to your advantage. Tools like MarineTraffic can help you check if a marina is busy before you leave your crew house.
Be Prepared
Dockwalking is all about making the right impression, and that starts with looking the part. It’s a cliché, but it’s true—first impressions count. You don’t need a suit and tie, but you should aim to look clean, smart, and ready for action. A decent polo shirt, shorts, and comfortable deck shoes should do the trick. And don’t forget a spare change of clothes, preferably something you don’t mind getting dirty.
Watch Out for Guests, Be Polite, Empathetic, and Brief
Nobody wants to be interrupted by a shout from the dock or an unexpected ring at the doorbell when there are guests on board. So, be respectful. If the crew is wearing polos or there are flowers and dock chairs out, it’s a clear sign that the yacht has guests onboard. Skip these vessels when dockwalking.
Here’s a golden rule: always approach crew members politely. A quick “Sorry to bother you, I know I’m probably the 20th person today, but I’m looking for work…” goes a long way in showing that you understand you’re interrupting them. Empathy can soften the encounter and make the crew more likely to engage.
Your pitch should be brief—15 to 20 seconds max. Think of it as an elevator pitch. You don’t need to go on about your entire work history. Focus on what makes you a good fit for a yacht, such as hands-on skills like carpentry or painting, or any previous day work experience.
The Unwritten Rule: Don’t Be a Pack of Seagulls
One of the biggest mistakes green crew make when dockwalking is showing up in groups. When approaching yachts, keep the numbers small—ideally, no more than two people. A group of five or more crew members loitering on the dock can be off-putting. The last thing a yacht needs is a pack of people trying to sell themselves all at once. And if the boat needs just one day worker—who gets it?
Also, do not shout “Hey, bro!” from the end of the gangway. Not only does this make you look unprofessional, but it’s also incredibly unlikely to get you a positive response. Approach the crew calmly, respectfully, and with a friendly tone.
Don’t Just Stand There—Take Notes!
When you're dockwalking, organisation is key. After speaking to a crew member, jot down the name of the boat, the person you spoke with, and any useful details, like when they might need day workers next. This helps you track your progress and prevents awkward situations where you approach the same yacht twice without remembering what was said.
Patience and Persistence Are Key
It’s easy to get discouraged if you don’t land a job straight away. Dockwalking is all about building relationships, so don’t expect instant results. Just because you don’t get a job on your first (or tenth) attempt doesn’t mean you won’t get one in the future. Every “no” is just a step closer to a “yes.”
The yachting industry thrives on connections, so stay positive and follow up. The more persistent and polite you are, the more likely you’ll be remembered when they next need crew.
In Conclusion: Dockwalking Can Be a Grind, But It’s Worth It
No one’s claiming that dockwalking is a glamorous part of the job search. In fact, it’s probably the last thing you want to do. But, with a little strategy, a lot of perseverance, and by staying organised and keeping your spirits high—success on the docks is often just one polite conversation away.
Good luck!
