Being called as a fill-in for a yacht program already underway can be tricky. Here’s how to show you’re a pro.

INTERIOR

Be honest about your skill set.

Detailing rooms can involve extensive knowledge of different types of wood, treated glass, laundry, etc. Check in with the head of housekeeping or chief stew before using any cleaning products — the way you have been cleaning something at home doesn’t always work on board.

Never gossip about previous vessels.

Yachting is a small industry, and you never know who in a new crew knows someone from a previous crew. Gossiping about previous guests is also a big red flag. No one will trust you.

Dress appropriately.

Ask the person hiring you how they would like you to dress for arrival. If you will only be cleaning cabins, yoga pants may be acceptable. If guests are on board, arriving in a skort — or making sure the vessel has your (honest!) size skort available — is critical. Always bring black and white slip socks. Until you know what the culture is, wear minimal makeup and limited jewelry.

Make your special skills known.

Are you a wine connoisseur? Are you great at flower arranging? Are you a licensed yoga teacher or massage therapist? Any special skills will help the overall program, so long as the vessel knows before guests arrive. Letting guests know about your skills before the chief stew/captain is never a good idea.

Ask if you can listen to music.

Usually, one earbud in while you work is…