Crew housing plays an important role in a crewmember’s success. Becoming a superyacht crewmember takes more than desire. Mandatory qualifications, like safety training and medical certificates, additional training for specific roles on board, and a strong work ethic are necessary elements to get hired. It all takes time and money, and chances are, you’ll be spending it away from home. While you’re working to obtain those licenses or that dream job, you’ll need a place to stay — hopefully one that won’t break the bank. Superyacht crew training is widely available from the U.S. to the Med, England, Asia, and down to Australia, but odds are, many will find themselves in the Fort Lauderdale area or in Antibes, France. With a variety of training schools, marinas, and yards, dedicated crew accommodations, or crew houses, play an important part in a yachtie’s life, from affordability to networking to support. “We offer accommodations tailored for yachting professionals, from those just starting out to industry vets to full crews looking for a home while their boat is out of the water or being serviced,” said Jamie Smith, owner of Crew Haven in Fort Lauderdale. “While there are other housing options available in these areas, what truly sets us apart is our unique business model that prioritizes giving back.” Smith is a former crewmember who realized the need for affordable accommodations when not working. She was able to earn enough for a house down payment and rented her two extra bedrooms to help make the payments, saving every penny from her work as a stewardess to invest in the property. It was that experience that made her realize the true value of crew housing. “We offer referral discounts, host networking events throughout the year, and we’ve maintained helpful collaborations with other industry professionals for training courses, meet and greets, Q&As,” she said. “We also provide our guests access to an exclusive ‘Crew Haven Community’ group chat where many crew post to our job board and help assist others in finding their next dream job. Many of our residents express a strong sense of community — we learn from one another, support each other, and create a place to call home, while being thousands of miles away from family and friends.” Crew accommodations can vary from shared rooms, to a private room in shared houses, to a fully private home. Both short-term and long-term stays are available, and prices are typically much less than staying in a hotel — especially when you consider the perks. It’s essential to remember certain factors when looking for crew housing, especially when it comes to safety and security. “Just like on a vessel, it's important to put health and safety first,” Smith said. “Check that your host offers things like self-locking doors, exterior cameras, fire extinguishers, first aid kits, and local emergency contact information prior to booking.” That also translates to the neighborhood where the crew house is located. Like the yacht, cleanliness and sanitation are key both around the crew house and the surrounding area. Also consider the type of accommodation — are you looking to network or need a quiet place to study? It all has an influence on your state of mind. “Quality housing plays a significant role in setting crewmembers up for success,” Smith added. A safe place to stay eases the nervous green crew and provides a positive outlook on their path forward. “We’re a stepping stone for industry hopefuls and a familiar friendly face for our vets.” No matter where you decide to follow your dream as yacht crew, upgrade your license, or stay during a refit, finding that home away from home is an important part of making it easier to find a friendly face, adjust your psyche, and enjoy your time ashore.