Seasonal Work USVI & PR

[clamshack]

I was wondering if any cruisers have had experience picking up seasonal work in the USVI or PR. I would assume the best time would be the winter. The type of work I was thinking about would be temporary and menial.

• Charter Company Dock Hand
• Dive, Snorkeling, Leisure Vessell Crew
• General Tourism Customer Service

I am authorized to Work in the US, but don't have a USCG Capt. Lic yet.

I assume the pay is low and marina fees are high. Has anybody had success in this area to top up the kitty?

[contrail]

Are you a US citizen? If not, you can't get a USCG Master's license, which is what you would likely need. If you are a US citizen, you can certainly work in either place, but I think you opportunities would be much better, and for better pay, in the USVI. Marinas fees are high, but there are anchoring and mooring possibilities. To be clear, although I spent much time in both places, my work experience was in the BVI, which is a whole other kettle of fish!

[clamshack]

Are you a US citizen?

Yes

my work experience was in the BVI, which is a whole other kettle of fish!

Tell me more :-).

[Zanshin]

The BVI rules are quite simple - have a work permit or by the time you return after your first day's non-permitted work you will have immigration waiting at your doorstep as several people will have reported you. Getting a work permit for the type of work you are contemplating will require sponsorship, a bit of money and lots of lead time and that is unlikely to happen.

Recently they were talking about fining boat owners doing work on their own boats on the hardstand for working in the BVI illegally...

[Shrew]

Originally Posted by contrail

Are you a US citizen?

Originally Posted by contrail

my work experience was in the BVI, which is a whole other kettle of fish!

Not much point in learning about working in the BVI as a US Citizen. You're better off focusing on the USVI.

[Deep Blue Water]

Originally Posted by clamshack

I was wondering if any cruisers have had experience picking up seasonal work...

By 'cruisers', do you mean the boat owners or the actual crew of the boat?

Not being impolite but I can't imagine boat owners in the USVI having to scrounge around for work.

[clamshack]

By 'cruisers', do you mean the boat owners or the actual crew of the boat?

Yes, an owner of a boat worth around $150k wants to pick up a seasonal job. Why not earn $12,000 or so during high season to supplement one's savings. Then enjoy myself in Grenada or Panama the rest of the year.

Not to be rude, but I didn't think this was a forum for the multi-millionaire/billionaire yacht scene.

[Deep Blue Water]

It's not - it's for everyday cruisers and sailors

[Zanshin]

One needs to keep in mind that these idyllic locations are full of other cruisers (in addition to the locals) also seeking gainful employment. This depresses prices somewhat. I wouldn't count on getting jobs as part of your financial planning but consider any work you can find as a "bonus". I'm cheap - I usually end up doing splicing work for fellow cruisers for beer money.

[Gadagirl]

I've been reading the USVI forum on trip advisor for the past 6 months. Seems employers are desperate for reliable workers. Granted they had unprecedented tourist traffic this year due to being one of the few "easy" destinations for Americans to travel to during covid-19. But there's also lack of affordable living so I'd think living on a boat would solve that problem and give you some advantage. So in my opinion I'd say yes. It's completely possible to obtain a job in the USVI to top up your kitty!

[clamshack]

Originally Posted by Zanshin

One needs to keep in mind that these idyllic locations are full of other cruisers (in addition to the locals) also seeking gainful employment. This depresses prices somewhat. I wouldn't count on getting jobs as part of your financial planning but consider any work you can find as a "bonus". I'm cheap - I usually end up doing splicing work for fellow cruisers for beer money.

That's a good idea and considerate. I have an IT background, so I could help fellow cruisers, with their personal or boat systems.

How do you make your services known to other cruisers, while making it clear that you anticipate compensation?

[Zanshin]

There's no coordinated cruiser's net on the VHF in the BVI so it is all word-of-mouth and local contacts. Unfortunately many cruisers come from the IT-world which reduces the opportunities but, on the other hand, a lot of them are true luddites who need help in that realm. Cruisers as a whole tend to be quite parsimonious, though...

[clamshack]

Originally Posted by Zanshin

There's no coordinated cruiser's net on the VHF in the BVI so it is all word-of-mouth and local contacts. Unfortunately many cruisers come from the IT-world which reduces the opportunities but, on the other hand, a lot of them are true luddites who need help in that realm. Cruisers as a whole tend to be quite parsimonious, though...

Well said sir. I backpacked/traveled for a year overland and found myself yearning for a working life sometimes.

Now I'm moving towards a permanent transition to living aboard. A boat requires a lot more work, but i fear the same inkling eventually. Though the boat will be a home and not another hotel room.

Parsimonious, I am

[dwedeking2]

Originally Posted by Gadagirl

I've been reading the USVI forum on trip advisor for the past 6 months. Seems employers are desperate for reliable workers. Granted they had unprecedented tourist traffic this year due to being one of the few "easy" destinations for Americans to travel to during covid-19. But there's also lack of affordable living so I'd think living on a boat would solve that problem and give you some advantage. So in my opinion I'd say yes. It's completely possible to obtain a job in the USVI to top up your kitty!

This is the same as the situation in Key West. Housing costs are outrageous but living on a boat solves that. If you can fog a mirror you can find work.

[BillKny]

I remember spending time in Hawaii. The rule there was if you could pass a drug test, and you would show up for work when the surf was up, you could have a job… any job…