Day Working

Day working is pretty much what it says. For many crew on the job hunt this is their way of getting some money together to continue financing their search for work. It is also an ideal and very interesting opportunity to see how boats operate, to get a feel for the sorts of jobs available, to network and meet and talk to other crew.

Daywork is NOT the same as working as relief crew.

Warning: Day work is still 'Work'. See all that stainless steel? (Image below) It needs constant upkeep and maintenance. Get a little behind on that maintenance and you'll be in trouble so sometimes day workers are taken on to maintain the level of cleanliness and condition.

Is day work only day by day?

Daywork can be anything from a single day to a couple of weeks or more.

What sort of day work would I do?

Dayworking can come in all shapes and sizes. As a dayworker you may find yourself making hors d'ouevres for seventy guests or helping change the oil in the engine room, or you can spend hours cleaning fenders and tenders or ironing sheets and crew uniforms.

Why is there day work?

Daywork is available for many reasons. Sometimes the yacht is short of a crew member through illness/injury for example or they don't take up their post for a couple of weeks or they are simply short staffed for a particular project.
For example a stew will approach the captain and say I am doing a major spring clean and need someone to help for a couple of weeks, or if there is a large maintenance project underway the mate may need a couple of extra willing hands to get the project completed quickly.

How do I find Day Work?

Finding daywork takes a process similar to the Dockwalk so please read that article.

Remember:
Always start your daywork search early in the morning, starting out on the dockside no later than 7 am and there is not much point in carrying on after 9.30 am. Most skippers are looking for someone from whom they can get a full days work.

If your morning daywork search is fruitless start the hunt again from about 3.30 pm at the earliest until 5.30 to 6 pm. If there is planned daywork for the following day you will beat the early risers and be first in.

How can I improve my chances of finding day work?

Network at the local bars and crew houses. Be energetic, you wont find work if you don't get out bed until 10. If you do find daywork work hard and at the end of the day ask the skipper or mate to write a quick reference to say that he was pleased with your level of work and commitment.

What qualifications would I need for day work?

None but if you are asked if you can varnish and have never lifted a paint brush in your life - don't be tempted to lie.

Can doing day work find me a permanent job?

I know a number of people who have gone on board as a dayworker and have simply stayed on. One friend started as an assistant engineer but the chef walked out and he was asked to help make crew meals while they looked for a new chef. He did such a good job they asked him to stay on.

How much money can I earn doing day work?

This varies from country to country, flag to flag, sail to motor but you should be looking at around £115 to £130 a day which should include at least one meal and two tea breaks providing you are working a full day.

If I am injured as a dayworker on board would I be covered?

Ask the skipper about this but we always recommend that crew have a comprehensive personal insurance. Do not rely solely on an ordinary backpackers insurance, they do not always cover you if you are working - look into this carefully.

If you have life insurance check with your insurers that you are covered.