Aggressor Employment Advantages
Liveaboard Yacht Requirements
Embarking on a career aboard a liveaboard dive yacht, nestled in an exotic and breathtaking location, offers a truly unparalleled and thrilling life experience. Our dedicated staff members have the unparalleled opportunity to immerse themselves in stunning natural surroundings while exploring and interacting with extraordinary marine habitats. With a global reach, our staff are able to share their passion, expertise, and knowledge with guests from all corners of the world, forging unforgettable memories and building a legacy of excellence. This is a truly unique, exciting, and rewarding professional path that is not to be missed.
Each yacht's staffing requirements are meticulously tailored to meet the country's regulatory standards and the vessel's registry flag state. While local citizens and residents with the right to work are typically given priority, the regulations allow us to recruit foreign workers for specialized roles when necessary. We are proud to provide comprehensive support to our international staff throughout the process, ensuring a seamless and stress-free experience.
We seek out talented individuals who possess the requisite qualifications and certifications for our available skilled positions that qualify for work permits, including Captains, Cruise Directors, Engineers, Chefs, and Dive instructors. We prioritize hiring locally for roles such as Dive Guides or Divemasters, Stewards, and Galley Assistants.
We are delighted to offer exciting opportunities for those who qualify for work permits in our Caribbean-based yachts (7), and Palau (2).
Join our dynamic team and discover the unparalleled joy of living and working aboard a luxury liveaboard dive yacht in a paradise-like setting.
Yacht Management Structures
There are two common management/organizational structures on the yachts:
CAPTAIN IN COMMAND: In this structure the Captain is in command of the maritime aspects of the yacht and is also responsible for all hotel and diving operations. All staff members answer to the Captain.
CAPTAIN & CRUISE DIRECTOR: In this structure the Captain is in command of all maritime aspects of the yacht and the maritime staff answer to the Captain. A Cruise Director is then responsible for interacting with all guests and managing the hotel and diving programs. Some of the staff members report to the Cruise Director. Together, the Captain and Cruise Director work as a team. This model is typically used when the Captain and maritime team are from an operating country where English is not the primary language.
The Reality of Working on a Liveaboard
When prospective employees consider joining our staff, they often think only of the glamourous aspects of yacht life. While breathtaking sunsets, amazing dive locations, and exciting ocean adventures are part of the experience, a lot of hard work goes into executing a memorable trip for our valued guests. It’s more than just a job on our yachts. We have compiled a “Reality” list below to provide clarity for prospective employees in advance of the application process.
Reality #1
Remember that there is no “I” in TEAM
The fact that staff spend 365 days with roughly the same people, in a confined area, does not leave a lot of room for abrasive personalities or dramatic mood swings. Cooperation, consideration, and being a team player are vital traits to creating that special environment that all Aggressor Liveaboards’ guests have come to know and expect.
Reality #2
There is no such thing as “9 to 5”
Potential applicants who find ten hours a day, five days a week a rough schedule, need not read any further. There are times when staff are rudely awakened from a well-deserved sleep to repair a broken toilet in a guest’s Stateroom, or when fellow staff are sick and team members have to pick up the slack. And, don’t forget, staff do this all “with a smile!”
Even those with experience in restaurant management, hotel management, or have worked on a cruise ship, find working on an Aggressor Liveaboards® dive yachts is a 24/7 commitment. If you don’t think you can make that commitment, this job might not be for you.
Reality #3
“What, this closet is my living quarters, and you share it with me?”
If you are currently living in a one-bedroom apartment and don’t think you could live in anything smaller, suffer from claustrophobia, or have problems sharing space with others, you may want to consider a land-based operation. In the staff quarters on a liveaboard, you won’t be given much stretching room or room for personal items, and more importantly, you will have little privacy.
Reality #4
Compensation
Working on a liveaboard should be something that you do because you love the work; however, Aggressor Liveaboards® staff are well compensated. Because staff are out at sea with room and board paid for, good financial skills allow staff to save most of their salary, tips, and commission earned.
Reality #5
A Dive Professionals' responsibilities extend beyond diving every day.
Contrary to popular belief in the liveaboard diving industry, Dive Team members do much more than just diving. While they do have the chance to participate in some incredible dives, this is only possible through staff rotation. In reality, Dive Team members are involved in a range of tasks, including assisting on the dive deck, carrying out daily turn down service, monitoring guests' bubbles, working in the engine room, cleaning guests' rooms, and often the entire yacht, as well as supporting the Chef in meal preparation. The "I am a Dive Professional, therefore all I do is dive" mindset is not applicable on a liveaboard, where a multifaceted approach to tasks is required.
Reality #6
No matter what the staff position, organization and time management are keys to success.
This means more than organizing the dive briefing 15 minutes before the dive time or coordinating with the Captain when the yacht will move to the next dive site. It also means keeping paperwork in order, reading it, understanding it, completing forms accurately, and even alphabetical filing. Everyone on the boat has responsibilities that go beyond what is on the schedule. Efficient staff manage their time well to ensure they make it to bed on time.