The DORIS Program

DORIS:

Dade-County Oceanic Recreation and Interactive Studies

Empowering young women aging out of foster care with a solid foundation for their future by providing them the opportunity and support to obtain skills to become a valuable member of a Yacht crew. 

Doris, in Greek Methology, means

Who Is Doris?

In Greek mythology, Doris was a sea goddess belonging to a group of goddesses called sea nymphs or Oceanids. She was the wife of the sea-god Nereus and the mother of the fifty Nereides.


Unlike many sea gods and goddesses, Doris was a kind and nurturing ruler. Doris is known to mean “bounty of the sea” as she was credited with providing food and habitat for all ocean creatures. 

What Does A Yacht Stewardess Do?


Depending on the size of the yacht and number of crew onboard, there could be between 1 and 5+ yacht stewardess. The duties and responsibilities of a yacht stewardess will vary. Your first job as a stewardess on a larger size yacht will consist of learning the basic duties of a stewardess. Crew mess duties, detailing, cleaning windows and polishing is high on the agenda to keep the yacht in immaculate condition at all times. 


Onboard a smaller yacht with a lower number of stewardess, responsibilities will increase to more hands-on duties such as tender driving, anchoring, mooring procedures, assist within the galley or deck operations. 


The workload varies depending on the yacht, season, itinerary and whether you have guests onboard. The busiest booking times are usually around pre-season and boat shows. A yacht stewardess position on a superyacht requires energetic professionals, as you will constantly be on your feet. While guests are not on board, it is common to have a typical 8am-5pm schedule with weekends off working fulltime. If there is a trip or event with guests, hours will be much longer and work will be much more demanding.

A New Perspective on Life!


"Becoming a crew member on a luxury yacht is a career move that not only can grow your bank account, but also enlarge your worldview. It’s about travel, providing service, and stepping outside your comfort zone to become more knowledgeable about the world, its customs, and its diverse people. I know from firsthand experience that when you take on an adventure such as the one offered in this industry, you can discover an entirely new perspective on life.” ~Julie Perry

Responsibilities of a Yacht Stewardess

What Are The Responsibilities Of A Yacht Stewardess?


  • Providing 5-star service to guests and ensuring guest satisfaction
  • Providing excellent guest service, silver service and bartending skills when needed
  • Maintaining laundry, housekeeping and wardrobe tasks for both guests and yacht crew
  • Floral arrangements and decorations
  • Excellent knowledge of fine dining, wines and cocktails
  • Maintenance of guest-cabin care and detailed cleaning
  • Assisting with inventory and restocking provisions
  • Watchkeeping within the crew mess
  • Stowage for sea
  • Attention to detail
  • To maintain a safe and secure environment
Dade-County Oceanic Recreation and Interactive Studies

Core Focuses Of The DORIS Program


Below are examples of topics learned.

Vessel Operations & Basic Deck Work
Vessel Operations & Basic Deck Work

Although your role as a stewardess is predominantly focused on normal interior duties, it is common that you will be involved in other departments during certain periods. We ensure you understand the fundamentals so that you can be a valued crew member.


A few topics include:

  • Learning lights, shapes and emergency sounds of the vessel
  • Terms that interior crew should know
  • Terms for standard part of interior yacht domain
  • Knowing basic nautical knots
  • Line handling and fenders
  • Passport photo and application
Stewardess Duties & Practical Skills
Stewardess Duties & Practical Skills
  • Service standards and expectations
  • Guests relations, grooming and etiquette
  • Stewardess responsibilities and duties
  • Watches while underway or in port
  • Table settings
  • Guest preferences
  • Housekeeping and daily charter checklist 
Wines, Cocktail Making and Bartending
Wines, Cocktail Making & Bartending

In depth knowledge of wines and cocktails is something that develops gradually with experience. A stewardess must be ready to serve and suggest the right wine or beverage to compliment meals and prepare the client's choice of cocktail on demand. We ensure you understand the fundamentals so that you can be a valued crew member.


A few topics include:


Cocktails 101

  • Recipe, spirits and glass types
  • Mocktail recipes


Wines 101

  • Sparkling wines
  • Light and dry whites
  • Rose's
  • Full body whites
  • Light to medium bodied reds


How To Keep Track Of Provisions For

  • Crew
  • Bar
  • Guests/Owners
  • Medical
  • Grocery
Shipyard
Shipyard

There will be times you will have extended time in the shipyard/marina with no owners or guests. This time is used to keep the yacht in good working condition and looking clean.


Tips and ideas to keep busy while in the shipyard to be prepared for the next cruising adventure include:

  • Deep clean entire vessel
  • Polish marble, stainless steel, mirrors and windows
  • Check hinges/locks, lights and toilets
  • Order and update
  • Crew meetings
Laundry Guidelines
Laundry Guidelines

Organizing laundry includes guest clothing and crew uniforms to yacht bedding and table linens. Whether working aboard a private or charter yacht, when owners and guests are on board, the laundry pile is sure to build at a rate quicker than you can typically keep up with. The task itself can often present an ongoing learning curve, with losses and shrinkage just two of the daily challenges faced.


A few topics include:

  • Pre wash do’s and don'ts
  • Pre dry do’s and don'ts
  • When in doubt, first ask
  • Pro tips
  • Laundry symbols guide
  • Guest laundry log 
Behind The Scenes
Behind The Scenes

Managing Yacht Owner/Charter Guest expectations starts before the cruising begins.


The following tools will help you prepare and manage the expectations of the Yacht Owner or Charter Guests:

  • Guest welcome book/individual profile
  • Accounting
  • Scheduling
U.S. Coast Guard Approved Training & Certifications Included In The Program:


Deck Hand & Interior Crew Training

It touches on topics such as basic protocols that every yachtie (stewardess) should know. It teaches rudimentary seamanship tools like essential knots and imperative requirements such as service etiquette and galley must haves. It even explains some basic engineering needs!


ENG1 Seafarer Medical Certificate

The ENG1 is a medical examination set by the MCA (Maritime and Coastguard Agency) to assess whether individuals are fit to work on a seagoing vessel and perform duties at sea.


Basic STCW Training

The STCW Basic Safety Training qualification comprises five modules which take five days to complete. The modules are personal survival training, firefighting, first aid and CPR, personal safety and social responsibility and proficiency in security awareness.

Have questions? Interested in learning more?

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