We are frequently asked “How do I become a CRC skipper?” or “How long does it take to become a CRC skipper?” So, we thought we would give you an insight from one of our recently qualified Yachtmaster Offshore skippers, Jake O’Connell.
Here’s what Jake had to say about his journey.
I joined the Commercial Rib Charter (CRC) freelance team in October 2022 with no experience of the commercial workboat industry or working at sea for that matter.
From the outset I was fully committed to my role as deckhand and was eager to gain as much experience and knowledge as possible. I was paired up with a highly skilled and experienced skipper who also ended up becoming my mentor. The more I developed my skills the more frequently I was asked questions about my plans to progress to skipper.
When I was ready to take the next steps, I reached out to my skipper and CRC management, who were able to offer me guidance and development opportunities.
The management at CRC contributed significantly, understanding what I wanted from my career, pushing me to aim higher and believing in my capabilities. I was given trust and opportunities to work across various vessels, projects and have more involvement in skipper duties to maximise my experience.
The CRC freelance team I work with shared knowledge and offered their support, especially when it became time to sit the theory exam. Skippers and crew mates who had previously passed the theory exam gave me 1:1 tutoring during downtime from shift.
These combined selfless efforts from the people I worked with played a significant role in achieving my Yachtmaster theory in under 11 months, when I had virtually no experience beforehand.
Once I had passed my theory it was then time to fine tune my practical abilities. With continued dedication, teaching and time I was able to gain the essential skills and hours of training on the vessels and in December 2023 I passed my Yachtmaster Offshore.
For me, I genuinely feel without the support, patience, mentoring and opportunities from my colleagues and CRC none of this would have been possible.
Now I am a qualified skipper I plan to continue working with CRC, alongside likeminded, hardworking individuals. I hope to offer deckhands wishing to follow the same path, the same support and mentoring I was offered.
