Checklist: prepare your 2026 nautical season step by step

Every year I see people arriving in Ibiza in June thinking they'll find work easily. Wrong. Preparation starts months earlier. Here's my personal checklist.

The season starts in March

Yacht owners and charter companies start hiring crew between February and April for the May to October season. If you wait until June, you're late. Yemplea has prepared this checklist to help you get ready on time.

Mandatory documents

• ISM Medical Certificate (valid)
• STCW Basic (valid, renew every 5 years)
• Initial Health Training (FSI)
• ID/NIE/Passport (valid)
• Social Security number
• Professional nautical certification (if applicable: PPER, PER, etc.)

Complementary training (recommended)

• Food Safety certificate
• Cocktail / barista course (for stewardess)
• Updated first aid
• English B2+ level (certified or demonstrable)

CV and professional profile

• Updated nautical CV (1 page, with photo)
• Complete Yemplea profile (level 3: photo, certifications, experience)
• Job alerts activated for your area and position
• Work preferences configured (contract type, vessel size, salary)

Search strategy

• Define target area/s (Ibiza, Palma, Barcelona...)
• Visit marinas in person (March-April)
• Contact charter companies directly
• Apply to offers on Yemplea regularly
• Network: let people know you're available

Personal logistics

• Temporary accommodation in your work area (if you don't live there)
• Work clothes: polo, bermudas, non-slip shoes
• Private health insurance (recommended as supplement)