How to create a standout nautical CV in 2026

In my five seasons as chief stew, I've reviewed hundreds of candidate CVs. Most people make the same mistakes. Here's what actually works.

The nautical CV: your introduction at sea

A nautical CV is not the same as a conventional resume. Shipowners and captains look for very specific information: certifications, nautical miles sailed, vessel types, languages and availability. A good nautical CV can be the difference between landing the job or being filtered out in the first round. According to Yemplea data, profiles with a complete CV receive twice as many contacts from companies.

Ideal structure of a nautical CV

Your nautical CV should include these sections in this order:

1. Personal details and photo

• Full name
• Nationality and ID document
• Date of birth
• Phone number with international prefix
• Professional email
• Professional photo of good quality, preferably in uniform or nautical setting

2. Certifications and qualifications

This is the most important section. List all your certifications with:

• Exact certification name (PPER, STCW Basic, etc.)
• Issuing authority (Capitanía Marítima, accredited center)
• Issue date and expiry date
• Certificate number if available

Order from most relevant to least. Include: main nautical certification, STCW, ISM medical certificate, FSI, ORR and any complementary training.

3. Sea experience

For each position include:

• Vessel name and type (sailboat, motor, catamaran)
• Vessel length
• Your position on board
• Dates (month/year start and end)
• Type of navigation (charter, private, racing)
• Navigation area

If you don't have professional experience, include internships, miles as crew or any relevant sailing.

4. Languages

Specify your real level (A1 to C2 or native) in each language. English is essential in the industry. Other valued languages: French, German, Italian, Russian and Arabic.

5. Specific skills

• Water sports you're proficient in (paddle surf, wakeboard, diving, jet ski)
• Maintenance knowledge (painting, fiberglass, electrical systems)
• Cooking (if applicable to the position)
• Driving license / jet ski license
• Navigation software you know

6. Availability

Clearly state:

• Available dates
• Whether you can start immediately
• Your current location and willingness to relocate
• Whether you accept living on board

Common mistakes to avoid

• Including irrelevant experience: a 3-page CV full of hospitality jobs won't impress. Focus on nautical experience.
• Not listing expiry dates: shipowners need to know if your certifications are current.
• Inappropriate photo: avoid selfies, party photos or sunglasses. Professionalism above all.
• Lying about miles or experience: the industry is small. Lies get discovered and your reputation suffers.
• Generic CV: tailor your CV to the position you're applying for. A deckhand CV is not the same as a stewardess CV.
• No references: include at least 2 references from previous captains or shipowners with phone and email.

Format and presentation

• Length: 2 pages maximum. Ideal: 1 page if you have limited experience.
• Format: always PDF. Never send a .doc or .pages file.
• Design: clean, professional, easy to scan. Avoid overly decorated templates.
• File name: CV_FirstNameLastName_Position_2026.pdf

Digital CV on Yemplea

On Yemplea you can create a complete professional profile that works as an always-updated digital nautical CV. Upload your certifications, list your experience, languages and availability. Companies can find you directly and you receive alerts for job offers matching your profile.

Plus, you'll soon be able to generate a professional nautical CV with AI directly from your Yemplea profile, ready to download and send. Trust me, it's what I wish I'd had when I started out.