yacht seaman job description

Yacht Crew Positions and Salaries

The organisational structure onboard a superyacht follows a strong hierarchy based upon a military model. Exact job duties and lines of authority are set and strictly adhered to. This hierarchy is followed on the vast majority of yachts; however, responsibilities of the crew on smaller yachts are often merged.

There are four departments on yachts with clear organisational structure:

• Deck (including Bridge) – Safety, passage delivery, maintenance of the yacht's exterior, guest outdoor activities
• Engineering – Safety and smooth operational running of the yacht
• Interior – Housekeeping, guest wellbeing, activities, accounting
• Galley – Food preparation, stock control, hygiene, galley maintenance

The top of the hierarchy on each yacht is the Captain , who reports to the yacht owner either directly, or through a representative or a yacht management company.

Salaries vary and depend on the yacht size, use, type and location, as well as the experience and qualification of the crew member. We included typical salaries of crew based on the data available from reputable industry sources, as well as our research of over 60,000 crew registered with us.

Deck Positions

The primary duty of the Captain is the overall safe manning and operation of the yacht. Yacht Captain is responsible for the vessel, yacht crew, owner and guests, including personnel management, shipyard/project management, legal and regulatory compliance, accounting, achieving owners' objectives, and answers to the owner regarding all decisions.

First Mate / Chief Officer

The First Mate or Chief Officer is the right hand of the Captain. Takes command of the yacht from Captain when required. Shares Captain's responsibilities as required.

Bosun / Lead Deckhand

Bosuns are usually experienced Deckhands with additional responsibilities. They are in charge of Deckhands onboard the yacht and often spend a lot of time with guests during outdoor activities. The Bosun is normally the main tender driver.

Responsible for the maintenance of the exterior of the yacht and keeping it in pristine condition at all times. Deckhands also assist in maintaining, cleaning and operating yacht's tenders.

Engineering Positions

Chief engineer.

Responsible for the Engineering Department and for all technical aspects of the boat and its equipment. The Chief Engineer's duties include overseeing all mechanical and electrical operations, ensuring all planned maintenance takes place and liaising with subcontractors.

Second / Third Engineer

The Second and Third Engineers report directly to the Chief Engineer. They assist in maintaining all mechanical and electrical operations of the yacht.

ETO / AV/IT Officer

Electro-Technical Officer (ETO) and AV/IT Officer are in charge of daily maintenance of all electronic, computer, audio/visual and communications equipment and their efficient operation. This includes the radio, radar, telephones, satellite communications, navigation systems, computers, Internet connection, interior equipment (TVs, sound systems), etc.

Electrician

The Electrician is responsible for maintenance of all electrical circuits onboard the vessel, circuit breakers, switches, lighting, batteries, etc.

This is an administrative position on large yachts. The Purser is responsible for all operations in the interior department, including inventory, purchasing, provisioning, accounting, organising guest activities, and assisting the Captain with the yachts paperwork.

Chief Steward(ess)

Duties are similar to those of other Steward(ess)es onboard the boat, but on a more senior level, including managing the interior department and training. Small yachts with less crew do not have a Purser. The Chief Steward(ess) is in charge of all the responsibilities normally carried out by the Purser on large yachts.

Steward(ess)

Steward's or Stewardess's main responsibility is to maintain the interior of the yacht and provide the highest standard of care to the owner and guests. They serve food and drinks, prepare guest activities, pack and unpack luggage and are on call for anything that the guests want anytime day or night. On some yachts, they help the deck crew moor the yacht.

The Head/Executive Chef onboard a luxury superyacht is a culinary trained professional responsible for the overall management of the galley department on larger yachts, including guest and crew meals, provisioning, food safety, maintaining strict hygiene standards and financial/budgetary administration.

Assists the Head Chef in all aspects of galley duties. The Sous Chef may be required to independently provide crew meals or guest meals at the direction of the Head Chef.

Crew Chef / Cook

Large yachts employ a separate crew and guest chef. The Crew chef provides meals for the crew.

Other Positions

Many yachts, especially the large ones, have several additional positions. These are often combined with primary roles, e.g. Stewardess / Masseuse or Deckhand / Dive Instructor . The most common are:

Career Advice:

Email address:

Remember me Forgotten password?

Password Reset

Enter your email address and we will email you a password reset link.

Email address:

Yacht Captain

Description, responsibilities.

• Ensure the safety and security of all passengers and crew.
• Plan and execute voyages, including route planning and navigation.
• Manage the yacht's budget and expenses.
• Coordinate with port authorities and other maritime officials.
• Oversee all maintenance and repair work on the yacht.
• Train and supervise the crew, ensuring high standards of performance.
• Ensure compliance with all maritime laws and regulations.
• Provide exceptional customer service to guests.
• Maintain detailed logs and records of all voyages and activities.
• Monitor weather conditions and make necessary adjustments to plans.
• Conduct regular safety drills and inspections.
• Manage provisioning and inventory for the yacht.
• Handle any emergencies or incidents that may arise.
• Ensure the yacht is kept in top condition at all times.
• Communicate effectively with guests, crew, and shore-based personnel.

Requirements

• Minimum of 5 years of experience as a Yacht Captain.
• Valid captain's license.
• Thorough understanding of maritime safety and navigation.
• Excellent leadership and management skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to handle high-pressure situations with ease.
• Keen eye for detail and strong organizational skills.
• Experience with budget management and financial planning.
• Knowledge of maintenance and repair procedures for yachts.
• Ability to train and supervise a diverse crew.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to make quick decisions.
• Proficiency in using navigation and communication equipment.
• Understanding of maritime laws and regulations.
• Ability to provide exceptional customer service.
• Willingness to work long hours and be away from home for extended periods.

Potential interview questions

• Can you describe your experience as a Yacht Captain?
• What is your approach to ensuring the safety of passengers and crew?
• How do you handle high-pressure situations or emergencies?
• Can you provide an example of a challenging voyage you have managed?
• How do you ensure compliance with maritime laws and regulations?
• What strategies do you use for effective crew management?
• How do you maintain the yacht in top condition?
• Can you describe your experience with budget management?
• How do you provide exceptional customer service to guests?
• What is your experience with navigation and communication equipment?

Needed Skills

Related job descriptions.

Personalised Job Feed

Head of housekeeping, junior stew, sole engineer, masseuse/ stew, housekeeping stew, chief officer, 2nd engineer, 2nd officer, service stew, deck/ steward(ess).

No jobs matching your preferences. Do you want to be among the first to hear about jobs like these? Get alerts for new jobs.

• Yachting for beginners
• Owning a yacht
• Motor Yachts
• Sailing Yacht
• Indian Ocean
• Mediterranean
• Buying or Selling a Yacht
• Yachting Events
• FAQ – Luxury Yacht Charter
• FAQ – Buying a Yacht
• FAQ – Sell your Yacht
• How Much Does It Cost To Charter A Luxury Yacht?
• All our Blog Post & News

Yacht crew positions : Hierarchy, Missions & Salaries explained

Like any well-run hotel, restaurant, or other luxury service, a crewed yacht needs organized structure and good management. Whether you’re staffing your own luxury vessel or looking for an exciting career working and traveling the world, you need to know how this structure works, and what you can expect to pay or earn and do in the various roles on board.

Every yacht is a little different, and organization may reflect the style of the captain or the demands of the owner. But the same jobs need to be done on almost every boat. Organized with ranks, heads of each division report to the Captain. It’s not a military-style organization, but there are parallels with merchant marine grades and structures.

Smaller yachts need fewer crew, and staff may wear multiple hats that cross more traditional divisions and may combine some jobs with others. Large yachts have more distinct divisions or subdivisions, with more specialization to divide tasks and manage staffing. The core skills are the same, but finding staff with the right blends to do the jobs is key. Crew with broader skills are highly sought after.

As a yacht owner, you shouldn’t have to worry about day-to-day management decisions or organizing all this. That’s why you have a captain, and it’s better to leave staffing decisions entirely up to him or her. But it’s still important to know what it is people you’re hiring do, why they’re there, and how many you need. You don’t want too many crew, or to be short-handed. An understanding of what your yacht needs helps you talk to the captain to keep your yacht running how you want it.

For those looking to break into yacht crew work, consider your skills and strengths, and what jobs appeal to you. You’ll need training before you work, and you can direct your job path through the training you seek. Your goal is a suitable position on a well-run yacht, so make yourself the most attractive candidate possible.

Yacht Work Life

Working on a yacht is also living on the yacht. Crew must have a space to sleep, food, and all the basics that any employee needs. Large yachts have space reserved for crew, and owners looking for quality crew should provide good working and living conditions. Your crew takes care of you, and you should take care of them.

Depending on where a yacht operates or what flag she flies, a variety of labor laws or rules may be in effect. These requirements may be for work visas, contracts and written agreements, and compliance with merchant and ship crew treaties and laws. Be prepared to have work and non-disclosure agreements between yacht and crew, though a few yachts skip this.

Seasonal Jobs

Many yacht positions are seasonal. Year-round employment is more likely for senior crew like the captain and department heads, but not all yachts see year-round use. And some yachts may use different crew in different locales between seasonal moves.

Any job listing should give seasonal information, with geographic information, the length of the season, and the prospects for year-round positions and repeat employment.

Hours, Salaries, and Expectations

Yacht crew is a service job at its core, and every yacht owner is looking for service-oriented people who understand how to deliver a hotel-quality living and restaurant-quality fine dining. Work experience in luxury hotels and restaurants is a big plus for some jobs, and makes breaking into yacht work easier.

Yacht work can be very demanding, with periods of intense work when the owner and guests or a charter party is on board. Long days aren’t uncommon, but often balance with slack time when the boat is empty of passengers. There is always work to be done, but there’s usually a chance for time off.

Most salaries are monthly, since many positions are seasonal. Pay ranges are commensurate with experience, rank, and responsibility. Private vessels usually offer higher base pay, as charter crew can earn tips on top of their base salary. Because of the demands of the lifestyle, compensation is good and you have minimal living expenses on board.

Benefits and Time Off

Because so many jobs are seasonal and may occur in different countries and locations, benefits offered to yacht crew vary widely. But it is not uncommon for crew to be offered health and accident insurance and a flight to the vessel. Living on board, you’ll get food, rooming (usually shared), basic toiletries, uniforms, and laundry. Yachts with a longer view may offer additional training to long-term prospects.

Time off is usually linked to boat use, and may be sporadic in-season or when the boat has the owner and guests on board. There will always be some time off, but it may be between very intense work periods.

Most crew jobs have an employment contract that meets the Maritime Labour Convention 2006 (MLC). This should spell out the contract period and duration, as well as salary, leave and time off, probationary periods, repatriation policies, and any other crucial details to meet the minimum international standards of crew welfare.

This contract should also contain shipboard policies on confidentiality and non-disclosures, drug and alcohol use on board, personal hygiene expectations, interpersonal relationships, and dispute resolution. Job expectations and requirements can also be included, with specific language about roles, tasks, and cooperation between divisions.

Note that all crew agreements will explicitly prohibit drug use on board, most limit alcohol consumption and ban hard liquor on board, and many boats have policies prohibiting intimate personal crew relationships. Because the crew is living on board full time and in close quarters, rules to maintain decorum and crew harmony may be in writing.

Training & Certificates

Two key certifications are required for yacht crew. Employers look for the STCW (Standards of Training, Certification and Watch-keeping for Seafarers) and the ENG1 (Seafarer Medical Certificate). Insurers generally require crew to have these two certifications or the equivalent.

The ENG1 isn’t a class. It’s a medical exam to ensure that the crew is physically fit to serve at sea and has no underlying conditions that may arise far from help. It’s best for prospective crew to secure the ENG1 before investing more time and money training.

STCW is a week-long class on the basics of onboard safety. This includes hands-on modules covering personal survival, fire safety, first aid and CPR, accident prevention, and security awareness. It needs to be refreshed every five years.

Shared, Hybrid, and Crossover Jobs

Larger vessels will have more defined duties and specific areas of responsibility. But smaller yachts may want the crew to have different roles in different situations. For example, a hybrid job description may read “3rd Engineer/Steward” and describe a role in engineering when the boat is empty but on inside crew when passengers are on board.

When hiring or seeking jobs be prepared to look for creative crossover skill sets to meet the needs of the vessel.

Extra Skills and Duties

Any extra skills outside the regular duties makes crew more attractive. From stewards who can teach yoga, give massages or play cocktail piano to deck crew who know how to water ski, SCUBA dive, or fish, anything that crew can bring to enhance the passenger experience adds value to the employee.

If you’re looking for a position, list the skills you’d be comfortable using. If a vessel owner is looking for something specific, spell it out and figure out how that special duty fits into the employee work day.

The Four Main Divisions

Most yacht crews break into four primary divisions which group related tasks and responsibilities together. While the grouping sounds like it’s by section of the boat, they’re really more functional. For example, stewards (Interior) will definitely serve meals, whether they’re in the main dining room or out on deck. Deckhands (deck) are going to be involved in painting, sanding, and varnish jobs anywhere on the boat.

The deck crew handles most of the exterior operations of the yacht, and runs it. Deck hands and crew keep the boat looking clean and shiny, and handling most vessel operations. This includes driving and operating the yacht, navigation, running all launches and ship’s craft, handling lines, and all maintenance and painting, washing, and shining.

2-Interior (or Inside)

Inside crew are primarily the stewards and housekeepers. Larger vessels will have a dedicated housekeeping staff separate from the stewards, but smaller vessels may not.

Stewards keep the interior clean, do all housekeeping, laundry, food and beverage service, cabin preparation, and anything else needed for the comfort of the passengers.

3-Engineering

Below decks, the engineering department ensures the safe and smooth running of all the ship’s machinery and electronics. Engineers are engine and systems specialists, and there will usually be a dedicated electronics expert. Most engineer jobs require professional training and certification.

Fine dining is a hallmark of the yachting experience, and a full-time galley crew prepares all meals for passengers and crew. The head chef plans the menus and provisions the boat, while junior chefs assist the head chef with meal preparation and keeping the galley spotless.

Yacht Job and Department Details

Departments are all organized in a hierarchy, with a department head reporting to the Captain. The clear chain of command makes for smooth operations, with all communications going up and down ranks. Junior staff will occasionally take instructions from other divisions as all crew is expected to help as needed. A captain or department head may organize staff differently, so reporting structures listed are guidelines only.

All salary ranges are monthly figures and are ranges based on yacht size and crew experience. Senior jobs on larger yachts have more responsibility than the same job title on yachts with smaller crews. Experienced crew are very desirable and can expect more pay for their positions.

Listed responsibilities are not exhaustive, and different yachts may allocate some jobs to different positions.

Read also: The yacht charter experience ladder

The Captain

The captain of the vessel is the overall decision maker for the yacht in all situations, including the safety of the vessel. The owner should leave the Captain responsible for operational decisions about hiring and staff and operating the ship. To become a captain requires years of experience and training, and a broad set of skills including yacht operations, personnel management, budgeting and finance. The captain works directly with the owner and owner’s representative, if the captain is not also acting as the representative.

On an organization chart, the Captain is usually placed in the deck division, but the Captain is always the senior-most crew on the yacht and all division heads report to the Captain.

Responsibilities include:

• Responsible for all navigation and running the yacht.
• Senior decision maker on all crew hiring.
• Manage repairs, refits, and yard work.
• Manage budgets and accounting. On larger yachts, this task ends more on the Purser, but the captain is always responsible.
• Ensure all paperwork, clearances, and legal requirements are completed.
• Primary contact with the owner or charter parties.

Reports to: The yacht owner

Salary Range: $6,000 to $22,000

The deckhands handle all the outside responsibilities of the ship, including cleaning and maintenance of the yacht and all the ship’s vessels and toys on board. Deck crew will have significant contact with passengers in this role, operating launches and delivering guests to and from shore and handling the toys.

All deck crew have watch responsibilities on passage, and daily responsibilities keeping the yacht pristine and clean. They will also do line handling and secure the yacht.

Deck department : Chief Mate/First Officer

The Chief Mate or First Officer is the second in command of the vessel, and left in charge when the Captain is not on board. The first mate has the requisite skills to stand in for the captain and run the yacht if needed and usually acts as the division head of the deck team.

The seamanship skills needed are similar to the Captain’s position.

• Primary safety officer for the yacht and all passengers and crew.
• Supervise and manage all operations on deck.
• Bridge watches on passage.
• Passage planning and navigation.

There may be additional mates on larger vessels, these 2nd, 3rd, etc. mates have similar responsibilities on rotation. But the first mate is senior and always second in command.

Reports to: Captain

Salary Range: $4,000 to $9,500 (First mate)

Second and more junior mates may earn $2,000 to $4,000

Deck department : Bosun

The Bosun is the senior deckhand and manages the junior hands on board. This will usually be the most experienced hand on board.

• Organizing all operations on deck.
• Coordinating the use, storing and launching of the ship’s boats, toys, and equipment.
• Managing the passerelle, watching passenger safety.
• Contact point for guest service on boats, toys, and trips to shore.

Reports to: First mate

Salary Range: $3,000 to $5,000

Deck department : Deckhands

Deckhands are constantly busy with maintenance, cleaning, polishing, and assisting guests as needed. They will assist other departments as needed or given special duties.

• Daily cleaning of the yacht’s exterior.
• Painting, varnishing, polishing.
• Line handling.
• Launching and operating dinghies and tenders.
• Repairs and carpentry.
• Helping guests as needed – everything from handling baggage and gear to embarking and disembarking.

Reports to: Bosun

Salary range: $1,300 to $3,000

Though every position on a yacht is service-oriented, the interior or inside crew provides the primary customer service. They will interact the most with the passengers daily, and they’re directly responsible for the quality of their experience on board.

Interior department : the Purser

The purser is the chief financial officer of the yacht and handles all the financial operations on board. Accounting, purchasing, payroll and hiring, and all money matters end up with the Purser. This is a senior staff position, and may be the interior department head. Smaller yachts may eliminate the purser’s job and add it to the captain’s and other senior staff duties.

Responsibilities Include:

• Accounting and bookkeeping for all financial transactions.
• Human resources and payroll.
• Handling logistics for all departments related to purchasing.
• Managing contracts.
• Event coordination, including off yacht bookings and payments.
• Primary administration of the boat’s business paperwork.
• Inventory and supply management.

Salary Range: $4,000 to $8,000

Interior department : The Chief Steward/ess

The chief steward or stewardess has primary responsibility for all service roles inside. Food and drink service, cabin preparation, and anything to do with helping the passengers be more comfortable and enjoy their stay. The chief steward will be inside crew with several years of experience.

The chief steward manages the interior staff, setting and enforcing vessel service standards. The chief steward ensures the crew delivers a five-star hospitality experience.

Chief Steward Responsibilities:

• Scheduling and training junior crew for meal and drink service and cabin preparation.
• Primary contact with guests for meals and drinks.
• Sommelier and wine service.
• Coordinate with the galley for meals and presentation.
• Decorate the interior, from flower arrangement to table settings.
• Arrange onshore activities and outings.

Reports to: Captain or Purser, depending on the yacht

Salary Range: $4,000 to $8,500

Stewards/Stewardesses

The stewards and stewardesses are the primary guest service staff. They will work closely with guests and passengers, and have daily contact with them as they meet most of their needs while on board.

Steward Responsibilities:

• Food and drink service.
• Room preparation and turndown service.
• Cleaning, polishing, housekeeping, and inside maintenance.
• Cabin detailing.
• Laundry, pressing, and folding.
• Help with outings, trips, debarkations.

Reports to: Chief Steward

Salary Range: $1,500 to $4,500

Housekeeping

Larger yachts may have a dedicated housekeeping and laundry staff. This will be part of the inside crew, under either the purser or the head steward. There may be a senior housekeeper, if there are more than one housekeeping crew on board.

Responsibilities are the cleaning and laundry portions of the steward’s job, and a laundry steward may spend most of her time inside the ship’s laundry.

An experienced Head of Housekeeping may earn from $4,500 to $7,000, while a Laundry Steward typically earns from $2,500 to $3,500.

Read also: CAN OWNING A YACHT TO CHARTER (REALLY) BE PROFITABLE?

Food service requirements on any yacht are high. Whether it’s a privately owned vessel or a charter, the expectations are always for top tier food service, with a variety of meals planned for the requirements of every passenger. Chefs and cooks prepare all meals on board for passengers and crew, but sometimes other interior crew may help with prep work or cleanup.

Smaller yachts have smaller galley crews, but the largest vessels may have an executive chef and several sous chefs. All chef positions require formal culinary training and experience, but cook positions are often entry level. Promotion from cook to chef is unusual without additional training.

Galley department : the Head / Executive Chef

On larger yachts, an Executive Chef will run the entire galley with the help of sous chefs and cooks. With an Executive Chef, there’s an expectation that the food and menus will be on a level with Michelin star-rated restaurants.

The executive chef brings a thorough understanding of food preparation and presentation, and moves food preparation past creative up to artistic. Job responsibilities are similar to a chef, but the job demands and the required experience and education are much higher.

Salary range: $7,000 to $11,000

The chef has overall responsibility for all meals on the yacht, from provisioning in remote places to hygiene and good safety. If there’s only one chef, she’s the head of the galley crew. Finding the best provisions in far away locations and making the best of local food availability is a major part of the job.

• Planning a delicious and varied menu for passengers.
• Sourcing all food and arranging transport to the yacht.
• Maintaining and operating within the galley budget.
• Preparing passenger meals with professional presentation and style.
• Cleaning and maintaining galley and galley equipment.
• Deliver menus and meals on time, while running an organized and spotless galley.

Galley department : Sous Chef

The sous chefs assist the chef in all aspects of running the galley, and may have independent assignments to plan and guest and crew meals. While not primarily responsible for provisioning, the sous chef will help with food selection, menu preparation, and planning. A sous chef must have formal culinary training.

Reports to: Head chef

Salary Range: $3,500 – $6,000.

Galley department : The Cook

Cooks may be entry-level positions or experienced, but do not require formal gastronomy education. They will assist the chef and sous chefs, cooking meals and dishes for guests and crew, helping with provisioning, and keeping the galley neat.

• Assist with provisioning and buying high-quality food from local sources.
• Follow all food handling and safety guidelines.
• Assist the head chef as needed, taking direction and guidance.
• Prepare guest and crew meals as required.
• Staying on top of galley inventories and supplies.

Salary Range: $2,500 to $3,500

Engineering

The engineering department keeps the yacht and all its systems working. Whether it’s the engines, electronics, air conditioning, or the plumbing – it’s up to engineering to keep it running.

There is considerable overlap with commercial shipping in the engineering field, as many of the same skills apply. And there is a broader range of qualifications and grades based on the size and power of the vessel. Job ratings may be set by required experience based on tonnage of ship or power of engines, with corresponding levels of pay and responsibility.

Unlike commercial shipping, engineers may get involved in other aspects of running the yacht, like helping with docking and water sports with mechanical toys.

Engineering certifications, training, ratings, experience and licensing are critical to hiring competent engineers, and for engineering crew it’s an important facet of career advancement. This is important for Chief and 2nd Engineers, which are often broken out by MCA (U.K. Maritime and Coastguard Agency) rating or other international equivalent.

MCA ratings for engineers Commercial and Private Yachts over 24m are:

Y4: Less than 200 Gross Tons and less than 1,500 kW engine power Y3: Less than 500 GT and 3,000 kW Y2: Less than 3,000 GT and 3,000 kW Y1: Less than 3,000 GT and 9,000 kW

There is also an unlimited rating for merchant vessels larger than the Y1 category. For discussing salary and responsibilities, we will include all ratings in one position description, but pay scales with the size of the yacht and any required higher ratings.

Chief Engineer

The chief engineer manages all aspects of keeping the yacht and its systems running. The chief engineer manages all the engineering staff, and directs all maintenance, repairs, troubleshooting and upgrades. This is a management position, but requires extensive hands-on technical experience and knowledge. Chief engineers on large yachts hold an MCA Y1 or Y2, smaller boats will have a lower rated chief and a smaller staff. Check  Jooble.org  to find abroad marine engineer vacancies.

• Provisioning, shopping, and stocking.
• Preparing passenger and crew meals.
• Following instructions and cooking under the direction of others.
• Galley cleaning.
• Follow food safety and storage procedures.
• Food pre-preparation.

Salary Range: $6,000 to $15,000

2nd Engineer

The second engineer is also a highly skilled position requiring a rating or license and several years of experience. This senior level engineer also needs knowledge of how to troubleshoot and maintain all yacht systems.

• Maintain and manage all engineering operations.
• Hire, train and supervise all engineers.
• Project manage all upgrades and retrofits, including managing budgets, contracts, and suppliers.
• Coordinate maintenance schedule for the entire yacht around the usage and seasonal schedules.
• Maintain costs and accounting for engineering operations.
• Design and handle all safety operations.
• Set and maintain standards for operations and cleanliness in the engine room.

Reports to: Chief engineer

Salary Range: $5,500 – $10,000

OOW (Officer of the Watch) Engineer

The OOW is a junior engineering position, but still licensed. There are two categories of OOW – MEOL (Marine Engine Operator License) and the more junior AEC (Assistant Engine Course). The overall responsibilities are similar, working to support the senior engineers and handle independent assignments. The AEC rating is entry level for licensed crew, but has training and certification.

• Support the chief in all projects.
• Maintain a clean, safe engine room.
• Perform all maintenance, troubleshooting and repair tasks as needed.
• Support motorized water sports.
• Occasionally assist with other vessel operations, like line handling.

Reports to: Chief Engineer

Salary Range, MEOL: $4,500 to $6,000 Salary Range, AEC: $2,500 to $3,500

Electronics/Technology Officer (ETO)

The ETO takes responsibility for all audio-visual and information technology on board. Ensuring passengers have access to the internet, movies, television, and music is a primary responsibility. This position carries a fair amount of passenger interaction, and an ETO needs good troubleshooting skills to go with customer service skills.

• Ensure all audio/visual and entertainment systems are always available for passengers.
• Assist passengers with personal technology and ship systems as needed.
• Conduct regular maintenance and upgrades of the network, information, and A/V systems around passenger schedules.
• Assist other engineers as needed, especially with electronic systems.
• Contribute as needed with other departments for boat and passenger operations.

Salary Range: $4,000 to $9,000

Junior Engineer

This is a lower or entry level position for someone with engineering skills but without formal licensing or certification. The junior engineer will help with safety and cleanliness, and assist in any engineering tasks as needed. The ability to solve problems and fix things opens this spot for anyone capable and willing to do the job.

• Help with cleaning, maintenance, and safety functions.
• Help anywhere needed on the yacht.
• Assist senior engineers as needed, taking direction and following instructions exactly.
• Constantly develop skills.

Read also: IS BUYING A BOAT A BAD IDEA?

Whether you are a yacht owner or considering entering this dynamic industry with an established and reliable crew, it is essential to have an understanding of the yacht’s hierarchical structure, mission priorities, and salary expectations. By doing your research on the complexity of yachting before hiring your team, you can confidently select the right group of experienced and qualified professionals for your needs. Staying up-to-date on top industry trends and knowing the capabilities of each type of yacht crew position will enable you to make sound decisions that support a safe and cost-effective journey. With quality personnel at your helm, you can cruise unhindered in luxury and explore new destinations with peace of mind.

Fractional Yacht Ownership : Everything you Need to Know

What is the best country to register your yacht offshore, you might also like.

What differentiates a yacht from a superyacht or a mega yacht?

Chartering Requirements and Regulations: A Guide for Boat Owners

What are the Fastest Cruising Catamaran on the Market?

• Brokerage New Construction How to Buy How to Sell
• Yacht Fleet Yacht Catalog Charter Marketing Destination Guides
• Financial Services Payroll & Accounting Payroll Service Process Logistical Support Admin Services Crew Admin
• Job Descriptions Crew FAQ
• About Sitemap

• Yacht Department Directory
• Deck Department

Senior Master

About the senior master.

The senior master onboard a yacht possesses in depth knowledge of superyacht management and safety, financial administration, private and commercial programs as well as navigational expertise in multiple cruising areas. This position requires a consistent record of longevity, excellent owner references and first-rate crew management resulting in low turnover. It is essential that all licenses and certificates are up-to-date and the latest requirements/newest technologies are fully understood. This role requires at least 10+ years of experience as a captain on yachts.

Job Responsibilities

• Ultimate safety for passengers, crew, environment and vessel
• Achieving owner's objectives
• Crew hiring and dismissal
• Personnel management
• Shipyard/project management
• Legal and regulatory compliance

Required Skills

• Calm and charismatic personality
• Superior leadership, communication, management and diplomacy skills
• Excellent boat handling and navigational skills
• Excellent ISM and ISPS knowledge and practices
• Excellent maintenance, engineering and technical / troubleshooting experience
• Ability to remain calm and give directions in an emergency situation
• Organized and methodical
• Financial management

Salary Modifiers

• Speaks multiple languages fluently
• New build experience
• Project Management certification or Management degree
• Limited experience in intended cruising area
• Lack of experience on a similar size vessel

Position Statistics

Career path, junior captain, first officer / chief mate, officer of the watch, junior deckhand.

Superyacht Jobs

Welcome to the viking crew maritime job search portal for superyacht jobs..

Below you will see all of the latest jobs in the superyacht sector of the maritime industry available via Viking Crew – The leading cruise, commercial and superyacht maritime crew services provider.

From your first role to some of the most prestigious positions in the maritime industry, this page is updated in real-time with all of the latest superyacht jobs.

Use the filters below to get started finding your next role in the maritime industry.

• 1st Engineer
• 1st Officer
• 2nd Engineer
• 2nd Officer
• 4th Officer
• Assistant Maitre'D
• Assistant Shop Manager
• AV/IT Officer
• Bar Manager
• Chef De Partie
• Chief Electrician
• Chief Housekeeper
• Chief Steward/ess
• Crew Purser
• Deckhand/Medic
• Demi Chef de Partie
• Destination Manager
• Destinations Services Advisor
• Entertainment Manager
• Estate Manager
• Executive Chef
• Executive Sous Chef
• Food and Beverage Manager
• Hairdresser
• Head Mixologist
• Head Waiter
• Hotel Director
• Hotel Manager
• Housekeeping Steward/ess
• Inventory Manager
• Laundry Steward/ess
• Lead Deckhand
• Lead Housekeeper
• Nail Technician
• Placement Consultant
• Receptionist
• Service Steward/ess
• Shop Assistant
• Shop Manager
• Shop Specialist
• Sole Engineer
• Steward/ess
• Storekeeper
• Technical Communications Officer
• Technical Manager

Specialist Skills

• Access Control
• Accountancy Software (Quickbooks)
• Accountancy Software (Sage)
• Accountancy Software (Zero)
• Accounting & Budgeting
• Acrylic Nails
• Acupuncture
• Administration
• Air Conditioning
• Allergies Cuisine
• American Cuisine
• American Service
• Aromatherapy
• Atkins Cuisine
• Azerbaijani
• Azimut Drive (360 Rotation)
• Bashkort (Bashkir)
• Beach Set Ups
• Boat Building
• Bow Thruster
• Bridge Publications
• Bridge Systems
• Brow Treatment
• Bss Sound Web
• Buffet Service
• Caribbean Cuisine
• Carpet Care
• casino dealer
• Chart Corrections
• Child Care (Nannying)
• Chinese Cuisine
• Chocolatier
• Cigar knowledge
• Cleaning & Detailing
• Cocktail Knowledge
• Cocktail Making
• Coffee Making
• Communication
• Computer Skills
• Crane Operation
• Customer Relationship Management Crm Software
• Data Administration
• Data Analysis & Storage
• Deep Tissue
• Diesel Electric
• Diesel Engines
• Dining Management Software
• Discjockey/Dj
• Drone Operations
• Eastern European Cuisine
• Electro Hydraulic Controls
• Engineering
• Entertainment Systems
• Event Management
• Eyelash Treatment
• Fibreglass Repairs
• Filing & Fairing
• Firewall/Security
• Fleet Management Software
• Fly Boarding
• Frb Driving
• French Cuisine
• French Service
• Fruit Carving
• Fuel Cell Systems
• Fusion Cuisine
• Galley Assistance
• Gas Fuel Or Tri Fuel
• Gas Turbine
• General Repairs & Maintenance
• Generators & Alternators
• German Cuisine
• Greek Cuisine
• Guest Reservations.
• Hair Extensions
• Hair Styling
• Haitian Creole
• Hammam Ritual
• Hawaiian Creole
• Healthy (Low Fat) Cuisine
• High Voltage
• Hospitality
• Hydraulic Systems
• Ice Carving
• Ice Navigation
• ICU Experience
• IDEA knowledge
• Indian Cuisine
• Indian Head
• Indonesian (Bahasa Indonesia)
• Inflatables
• Installation/Configuration
• Interval Training
• Inuit/Inupiaq
• Irish Gaelic
• Ism/Isps Procedures
• It/Customer Support
• Italian Cuisine
• Itinerary Planning
• Japanese Cuisine
• Kaleidescape
• Kite Surfing
• Knots Knowledge
• Kosher Cuisine
• Laundry & Housekeeping
• Lighting Systems
• Line Handling
• make up artist
• Malay (Bahasa Melayu)
• Mandarin (Chinese)
• Martial Arts
• Massage Techniques
• Mediterranean
• Mexican Cuisine
• Microsoft Excel
• Microsoft Outlook
• Microsoft Powerpoint
• Microsoft Word
• Mid Eastern Cuisine
• Molecular Cuisine
• Mooring Operations
• Nail Construction
• Nail Painting
• Napkin Folding
• Nas Systems
• Network Support
• New Build Experience
• Nouvelle Cuisine
• Nutritian & Diet Plans
• Outboard Engines
• Pacific Rim Cuisine
• Paddle Boarding
• Personal Trainer
• Pescaterian
• Photography
• Planned Maintenance Systems
• Plated Service
• Polar Waters
• Provisioning
• Radio Systems
• Refit Experience
• Reflexology
• Refrigeration
• Russian Service
• Sail Repairs
• Sandblasting
• Satelite Communications Systems
• Search Engine Optimisation (Seo)
• Shellac Nails
• Shipboard Property Management Software
• shipyard period
• Silver Service
• Simulator Instructor
• Single Screw
• Single Screw (With Kort Nozzle)
• Software Devlopment & Engineering
• Spanish Cuisine
• Spear Fishing
• Stand Up Jet Ski
• Steam Turbine
• Steering Gear
• Table Service & Settings
• Tea Service
• Teak Maintenance
• Teak Repair
• Technical Drawings
• Television/Tv
• Tender Driving
• Tender Operations
• Touch Panels
• Troubleshooting
• Twin Screw (With Kort Nozzle)
• Underwater Videography
• Vegetarian Cuisine
• Video On Demand
• Videography
• Visa Knowledge
• Wake Boarding
• Wake Surfing
• Wardrobe Management
• Watchkeeping
• Water Jet Propulsion (Inc Jet Skis)
• Water Makers
• Water Treatment
• Waterskiing
• Watersports
• Web Devlopment
• Windlass & Winch Systems
• Window Treatment
• Wine Knowledge
• Wraps Srubs
• Health & Beauty
• East Mediterranean
• Middle East
• Netherlands
• Northern Europe
• West Caribbean
• West Mediterranean

Co - Manager for private Villa -Tahiti.

Viking Crew are looking for a dynamic and experienced Co-manager for a 6 star luxury Villa in Tahiti. This position may suit a couple who want to split the work or a solo candidate Must s...

Share This Job

Service stewardess needed for 100m+ private yacht.

Viking Crew is looking for a Service Stewardess for a 100M+ private Sailing Yacht. Candidates should have at least 1 year in yachting, preferably more, large yacht experience is a bonus, cand...

Technical Superintendent needed for large fleet of yachts

Viking Crew is looking for a Technical Superintendent for a large fleet of yachts. Candidates must be willing to relocate and have previous experience as Technical Superintendent, taking care...

Deckhand - Discover a career ‘beyond wonder’

Scenic Luxury Cruises and Emerald Cruises are searching for a Deckhand to join our Fleet.     All of our ships feature the very latest in Navigation Technology and we are committed to the v...

Lead Deckhand 100m+ Motor Yacht

Viking Crew are looking for a Lead Deckhand to join a 100m+ private motor yacht. Start date: ASAP Valid STCW, ENG1 and Yacht Master. Male only, due to cabin arrangements on-board.

Hairdresser needed for 80M private/charter yacht

Viking Crew is looking for a Hairdresser for an 80M private/charter yacht, currently in the Med. Start date: ASAP Dual role with Housekeeping / Stewardess duties Itinerary: ...

Laundry Stewardess needed for 80M+ private yacht

Viking Crew is looking for a Laundry Stew for an 80M private/charter yacht. Candidates must be proficient in the laundry, with a good understanding of different detergents and laundering equi...

Temporary housekeeping Steward - 70m + Private Motor yacht

Viking Crew are looking for a temporary  housekeeping Steward to join a 70m+ motor yacht  Male due to cabin arrangements Experienced with housekeeping, inventory, uniforms and linens <...

Temporary Housekeeping Stewardess 70m+ Motor Yacht

Viking Crew are looking for a temporary stewardess to join a 70m+ private Motor Yacht Start Date 8th September approx. Minimum 1 years experience in a similar role. Position will...

Food & Beverage Manager required to join Windstar Cruises

Windstar Cruises are looking for a Food & Beverage Manager to join our fleet!   Food & Beverage Manager Responsivities: Develop a highly motivated and pro-active team. Bar and restaurant se...

Sign Up For News & Updates

• Terms & Conditions " required=""> I agree to your Terms & Conditions *

• Industry Updates
• General Boating News
• Something Else
• I am happy to receive email updates from Viking Crew
• I agree to your Terms & Conditions

Ready To Apply?

Apply with 1 click with your viking crew account..

Don't have one? Click below to register and complete your profile

Email Address

Remember Me

Register With Viking

Search saved.

Manage your search preferences in your user profile

Thankyou for your message.

We aim to respond to all queries within 24 hours. Still looking for the perfect job? Start a search now

Thank you for signing up, keep an eye on your inbox. Ready to start your job search?

• Our Clients
• Our Offices
• Associations & Accreditations
• Crew Your New Build Yacht Projects
• Yacht Services Overview
• Funding and Grants
• Maritime Labour Convention (MLC)
• Crew Placement
• Client Placement
• Crew Management
• Crew Deployment
• Green Crew Pathway
• Mental Health & Wellbeing
• Women in Maritime
• MCA Wellbeing at Sea Tool
• Newsletters

Essential Guides

Ocean Mapping

New to Yachting

Yacht Captain jobs

Your new adventure awaits.

Photo of Captain Sally-Ann Konigkramer

Explore more yacht roles

Other essential guides.

Mandatory certificates

What you need to know about B1/B2 visa

Download yacht crew CV templates

How to write a memorable yachting CV

How to prepare for a yacht interview?

What are the two main yachting seasons?

Big yacht crew hubs you should know about

Is yachting the right choice for me?

Yacht crew salary guide

Leading from the helm as a Captain is undoubtedly one of the most fulfilling and rewarding career paths in the superyacht industry.

The Captain holds the most senior position onboard a yacht and the one responsible for the overall operation of the yacht, the safety of its crew, owners and guests. It’s an all-encompassing position where excellent navigational capabilities are coupled with a high level of administrative and managerial skills.

The role differs depending on the size of the yacht, its usage and its cruising itinerary. Captains on smaller yachts need to be hands-on problem solvers and multitaskers. Under 35m, for example, the Captain’s position also encompasses the role of an Engineer, whilst on larger yachts the Captain has dedicated teams and Heads of Departments under their command.

What does a yacht Captain do? | Yacht Captain Job Description

Commanding the yacht and navigating safe passages across the oceans is just a small part of a Captain’s job. A yacht Captain is also in control of overall safety, crew management, budgeting, administration, refit projects, voyage planning and adhering to all international maritime regulations (ISM, MARPOL, SOLAS).

The responsibilities of a yacht Captain include:

Safe navigation and operation of the yacht

Ensuring that the yacht is in all respects compliant with the relevant laws and regulations

Ensuring that the yacht is prepared for annual flag surveys, annual class surveys and port/flag state controls

The setting of budgets and budget management

Hiring, leading, appraising and dismissal of crew

Overseeing the maintenance of the vessel

Ensuring legal and regulatory compliance

Managing yacht refits and surveys

Managing fuel costs and dockage fees

Being an ambassador for the yacht, hosting and entertaining guests as required

Voyage planning

Soft and hard skills required to be a yacht Captain

Successful Captains are excellent leaders, able to set a common goal for their crew and able to communicate with owners, guests, crew, contractors and brokers alike.

The skills of a successful yacht Captain include:

Excellent leadership, management and diplomacy skills

Excellent yacht handling and navigation

Ability to stay calm in difficult situations

Good grasp of finance and legislation

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

Organisation and administration skills

How to become a yacht Captain?

Maritime training and sea-going experience is required.  Positions are qualification based, from a Master 200, Master 500, Master 3000 and up to a Captain Unlimited. Training may be completed in a National Maritime Academy, a university or a specialised Sailing School.

Mandatory certificates needed to work on board a yacht 

All crew members regardless of position and seniority need to have a valid STCW Basic Safety Training certificate, along with a recognised Seafarers medical certificate, the most popular being the ENG1 which is issued by an MCA (Maritime and Coastguard Agency) professional medic. 

Without these two certificates, it is not possible for crew to work on board a yacht and a Recruiter will not be able to assist you in finding work onboard a yacht. For more information about mandatory certificates please visit our Mandatory Certificates Guide .

Are you ready to secure a Captain position on board a yacht?

Become a member of YPI CREW and connect with our recruiters so they can guide you through your job search. 

Each of our recruiters is specialised in crew placement for a particular department and they will do their best to get you an interview on board a yacht. They will also advise you on how to best present your experience and skills and prepare for a yacht job interview.

YPI CREW TEAM

Ypi crew recruiters in charge of captain recruitment.

Ulrica Lindström

Head of Captain and Officer Department

Captain and Officer Recruitment Specialist

Caitlin Sorrell

Let’s get started. call us on +33 (0)4 92 90 46 10 or email us., our mission, vision and values, mlc 2006 compliance, essential guides, yacht crew positions.

Chief Officer

Second Officer

Third Officer

Chief Engineer

Interior Crew

Head of Service

Head of Housekeeping

Specialist Positions

Spa Manager

Spa Therapist

Personal Trainer & Yoga Instructor

Hairdresser

Mandatory Certificates

B1/b2 visa information, how to write a memorable cv, how to prepare for an interview, yachting seasons, yacht crew salary guide, is yachting the right choice for me, cv templates, ocean mapping, new to yachting.

+33 (0)4 92 90 46 10

[email protected]

Jobs Description

An amazing opportunity may arise

A private individual or company running a private or commercial vessel. He fits out a yacht, meaning that he supplies all material, equipment and pays all relevant expenses to run the ship properly.

Master on board, responsible for all operations. In charge of navigation, accounting, legal and regulatory compliance, crew management, safety for passengers, crew environment and vessel.

First officer

Assists the captain in administrative and safety duties, but also in crew management (schedules, discipline). Must have a sufficient diploma to stand in for the captain in case of emergency.

Either on deck in charge of navigation watches, commercial operations at dock (mainly helping the first officer) or in the engine room assisting the chief engineer. Or both.

Key position between the crew and the officers. Manages the deck crew. Responsible for maintenance and cleanliness of the vessel, in charge of use and maintenance of toys and tenders.

The entry level for almost all professional crew jobs, encompassing many responsibilities but most importantly maintaining the exterior of the yacht and keeping it in pristine condition at all times.

Chief Engineer

In charge of maintenance of installations and equipment on board. Making sure everything is available for use, responsible for safety in the engine room, failure detection and inventory.

Second Engineer

Assists the chief engineer in updating documentation, engine room management, engine room and ship safety, pollution prevention, emergency procedures and machinery maintenance.

The Electro-Technical Officer is in charge of all the electrical systems on the ship: maintenance and smooth running of electrical devices, IT systems, audiovisual and communication equipment.

A purser is a senior crew member who manages several areas, ranging from administrative tasks and financial matters, to interior management, inventories and provisioning.

Chief Steward(ess)

In charge of interior crew: plannings, maintenance, inventories, accounts, service, kitchen, intermediation between customers and stewardesses. Can also help with maneuvers.

Second Steward(ess)

Enthusiastically supports the chief stewardess in all interior duties and interacting with guests, providing excellent service in every aspect of their on-board experience.

Steward(ess)

Maintains the cleanliness of the ship’s interior and services guests. Responsibilities include daily cleaning, including guest and common areas, serving meals, doing laundry.

In charge of provisioning for food, cooking meals for guests and crew, stowage and hygiene, accounts and inventory in the kitchen. Manages all kitchen crew.

Double function positions

Cook/stew, cumulating the position of stew and chef ; Deck/engineer, cumulating tasks on deck and in the engine room ; Stew/deck, cumulating interior and deck duties.

Current Openings

• Apply Freelance stewardess • Private • SOF |30m South of France
• Apply Deckhand • Private • Med | 39m M/Y Mediterranean Sea
• Apply Stewardess • Private • Med | 39m M/Y Mediterranean Sea
• Apply Chief stewardess • Private/Charter • Turkey |42m MY Turkey -
• Apply Deckhand • Private • Spain| 30m MY Spain
• Apply Freelance Chef • Private • South of France | 35m MY Italy

All Yacht Jobs

Get in touch and let us know how we can help

Opportunities don't happen, you create them

• Career Advice
• Salary Guide
• Dockwalk Presents
• Digital Dockwalk

What are the Different Crew Roles on a Luxury Yacht?

Holly is the editor of Dockwalk. She grew up racing sailboats in England before switching to the world of superyachts and moving across the pond to Fort Lauderdale.

So you’ve scored your first job as crew on a superyacht — great! Here is a who’s who of everyone you will meet on board...

The role : Responsible for the entire vessel, including crew and guests

Responsibilities : Navigation, safety, personnel management, regulatory compliance, budget management

Reports to : The owner

The captain is the highest ranking member on board and carries four stripes on his/her epaulets . Not only is the captain responsible for the vessel’s safe navigation and operation, but every soul on board falls under their command, even the guests. Much like a ”sea-based CEO,” the captain oversees the entire operation from the exterior to the interior. They spend a significant amount of time in the wheelhouse navigating, but the role also requires a great deal of financial management, hiring, appraising, and dismissal of crew. Captains have an extensive amount of maritime experience, training, and seafaring knowledge, as well as a solid grasp of administration duties and accounting. On smaller vessels, the captain might be required to be more hands-on, but on larger vessels, s/he will be assisted by a number of supporting roles, such as the first officer.

First Officer

The role : The captain’s second in command

Responsibilities : Navigation, overseeing docking procedures, managing deck crew, maintenance of deck equipment, watchkeeping

Reports to : Captain

The first officer, also known as the chief officer or first mate, is the second in command and serves as the right-hand man to the captain. Their roles are similar with some duties shared but this can vary from vessel to vessel. The first officer will have a thorough understanding of the bridge and navigation systems and should be able to step in the captain’s absence. They will oversee all deck operations and maintenance and manage the deck crew as well as a long list of administrative duties. The first officer will also have knowledge of all safety procedures on board in case of an emergency.

Second Officer

The role : Supports the first officer and captain

Responsibilities : Managing deck crew, maintenance of deck equipment, navigation, watchkeeping

Reports to : Captain/First Officer

Most yachts will have a first officer but larger yachts might employ a second or even a third officer. This role is often filled by a former senior deckhand who is working their way up the ladder to become a captain. Essentially, the second officer acts as an understudy to the first officer and is jointly responsible for navigation, bridge watches, and management of the deck team. The second officer may also be the designated security, safety, or medical officer on board.

Chief Stewardess

The role : Responsible for the interior of a vessel

Responsibilities : Managing the interior team, food and beverage service, cabin preparation, liaising with guests, interior detailing, training of interior crew, upkeep of inventories and provisioning, orchestrating guest activities

The chief stewardess is the head of the interior team and often the first point of contact for guests during their stay on board. Reporting to the captain, the role involves the maintenance and presentation of the interior as well as the training and management of a team of stewardesses. Chief stewardesses have an expert eye for detail and are able to deliver a seven-star luxury experience by going the extra mile for guests and keeping an impeccable interior. They must be able to anticipate the needs of guests on board as well as being able to delegate duties to their fellow stewardesses. A chief stewardess is a superb organizer and is often tasked with arranging guest activities ashore, planning themed evenings, and throwing parties.

Second/Third Stewardess

The role : Responsible for maintaining the interior

Responsibilities : Housekeeping, interior detailing, food and beverage service, flower arranging, party planning

Reports to : Chief stewardess

The second and third stewardesses report to the chief stewardess and are responsible for the execution of all interior duties from guest service to bartending, cabin detailing, and laundry. This is a role that requires a high degree of organization , attention to detail, and discretion. 

The role : Responsible for overseeing accounting and managing operations and administrative work

Responsibilities : Overseeing the accounting and budget, crew HR, port clearance, guest concierge

The purser is both an administrative and managerial role and more commonly found on larger vessels. Often filled by an experienced chief stewardess, the role of a purser is to manage the accounting and operational budget, customs for the vessel and goods, immigration for crew and guests, and handle trave logistics and itinerary management. They are also in charge of crew HR, including payroll, leave, crew travel, certificate management, and contracts. They can assist with procurement and will ensure all items are shipped to the vessel and delivered on board. The purser is the first line of contact for shoreside suppliers, agents, and management.

Chief Engineer

The role : Responsible for the engineering department and technical equipment

Responsibilities : Overseeing the vessel’s mechanical and electrical systems, managing and supervising repairs, managing and training a team of engineers

Day to day, the chief engineer is responsible for the maintenance of all the mechanical and electrical operations. As such, the chief engineer will have detailed knowledge of all systems on board the vessel, from engines and generators to air conditioning, refrigeration, electronics, and hydraulics. Troubleshooting is an essential skill for any engineer working on board a yacht and the chief engineer will manage or supervise any repair work required. Where repair work requires an external operative, the chief engineer will be responsible for coordinating with shore-side engineers. He or she will also be required to manage and train an entire team, which on larger vessels might consist of engineers, electricians, and ETOs (Electronic Technical Officer). 

Second/Third Engineer

The role: Support the chief engineer in the maintenance of all onboard systems

Responsibilities : Maintaining the vessel’s mechanical and electrical systems, repair work

Reports to : Chief engineer

As the size of a yacht increases, so does the number and the complexity of systems on board. A second or third engineer might be required to pick up some of the maintenance work required.

The role : To maintain the exterior of a vessel and manage the deck crew

Responsibilities : Managing the deck crew, overseeing, assisting with and executing maintenance work on deck, line handling

Reports to : First Officer

The bosun is often an experienced former deckhand and leads a team of exterior crew. He or she is responsible for the maintenance of the exterior, from cleaning windows and daily washdowns to painting, caulking, and other basic repairs. As one of the more experienced members of the deck crew, they play an important role in communicating with the captain and first officer during docking procedures and are usually the first to get behind the wheel of a tender. The bosun will have a working knowledge of the toys on board and will supervise guests.

The role : To maintain the exterior of a vessel and assist with deck operations

Responsibilities : Wash downs, polishing, assisting the bosun in maintenance projects, supervising toy use, line handling, tender driving

Reports to: Bosun

Naturally, the bigger the boat, the larger the number of deck crew you have, which might consist of a lead deckhand and junior deckhands. The deckhand will support the bosun in executing maintenance and repair projects on deck and will assist in keeping the exterior of the yacht in immaculate condition. You can spot a member of the deck crew gripping a brightly colored chamois in one hand. 

The role : Responsible for food on board

Responsibilities : Provisioning, menu planning, preparing meals, budget management

The chef plays an all-important role on board and is responsible for preparing and delivering meals to the highest possible standard. The superyacht chef will typically have experience working in restaurants or hotels or as a private household chef, with detailed knowledge of local and seasonable produce, food and wine pairings, and the ability to prepare menus with limited availability. A yacht chef will have often had extensive training with the ability to execute meals with precision and creative presentation and be able to adapt to any dietary requirement with ease. On smaller yachts, the role might be absorbed by a stewardess, while larger yachts may employ a sous chef. 

Sous Chef/Crew Chef

The role : Supports the chef in provisioning and preparing meals

Responsibilities : Provisioning, menu planning, preparing meals

Reports to : Chef

Bigger yachts might have a sous chef to assist in the execution of breakfast, lunch, and dinner, for guests and crew. They will have similar knowledge of produce and menu planning with the ability to execute meals with detail. Some yachts will even have a dedicated crew chef who cooks for the crew only.

*Roles and responsibilities may vary from vessel to vessel

More advice for new crew

• Advice for Crew Getting Started in Yachting
• The Top Yacht Crew Jobs This Week
• 101 Words You Need to Know as Crew

More from Dockwalk

Most popular on dockwalk.

Royal Navy Ship HMS Trent Seizes Cocaine Worth £40 Million In The Caribbean Sea

Seafarers Hospital Society Launches Pilot Project To Support Women At Sea

Hydrocell Launches The First Hydrogen-Powered Boat

Indian Port Workers Call Off Strike After Agreeing To New Wage Settlement

Duties of A Bosun (Boatswain) on a Ship

When one watches movies of ships and boats, the name of a boatswain or a bosun stands out quite clearly.The name bosun is actually derived from the original term boatswain that was used to describe these professionals for the first time in England in the 15th century.

In today’s times, however, both bosun and boatswain are used commonly to describe the people working in this profession. For the purposes of this article, we will use the word Bosun hereon.

To understand the role of the Bosun, we must first look at the career progression for the same. A trainee OS (ordinary seaman) after having gained the appropriate experience becomes an OS. Following that, after gaining further experience, the OS is promoted to the rank of an AB (able-bodied seaman).

When the AB is deemed by the company to be well experienced and in possession of the requisite skills to be one, he is promoted to the rank of the Bosun.  A bosun has to be thorough with seamanship practices and must possess considerable knowledge in the aspects of knots, hitches, bends, whipping, and splices for anchoring the vessel, among other things.

The main duties of bosuns revolve in the deck area of the ship . The Bosun is a member of the deck department and his duty, among others, is to supervise the deck crew of the vessel. The bosun is also involved, under the purview of the Chief Officer (and eventually the Master), in the planning, scheduling and assigning of work to the deck crew on the ship.

To further simplify his role, a Bosun has to ensure that the lowermost workers are effective in their duties and that the ship’s officers are able to carry out their quota of work without constant direct involvement with the crew’s deck work and all other aspects involving the deck crew.

Bosuns are required to be experienced because when it comes to the deck crew sailors they are the superiors. The more experience a person has been a boatswain, the more helpful he will be to maintain the efficiency and the promptness required on the deck. The experience to become a bosun is gained by the years one puts as a deck sailor.

It has to be noted that since the responsibility of Bosuns is quite large, the pay given to them is also high. Shipping companies usually pay the Bosun a premium amount as compared to other deck crew seeing as his experience and responsibilities are considerably more. The pay is decided by the Unions set up specifically for professionals who are existing bosuns or aspire to be bosuns.

Initially, before ships were fitted with equipment like GPS and computers and other technologies, the boatswain was also required to have technical knowledge about a ship’s geographic positioning and many other important details. But after this equipment came to be used extensively, the technical know-how for bosuns has stopped being compulsory requirements.

General Duties Of The Bosun

• Planning the daily work schedule under the purview of the Chief Officer and assigning the required work to the appropriate members of the deck crew. For example, a job that requires more experience will be assigned to an AB rather than an OS
• Seeing that the work assigned to the crew is realised to the end
• Maintaining the deck of the ship; tasks involve chipping, painting, buffing etc and overall maintenance of the deck
• Maintenance of the windlass of the ship to ensure its optimum performance during stations. Also, to perform repair work onboard as required
• Being thorough with the firefighting aspects of the ship and ensuring that other deck crews are thorough as well
• Responsible for the ship’s deck stores, paint locker, Bosun store and other such areas as assigned to the Bosun by the Chief Officer
• Ensuring that the mooring operations, anchoring or the vessel is carried out efficiently
• Inform the Chief Officer of the progress of the deck work being carried out
• Being the connect between the officers and the crew with regard to shipboard work

To categorise the general duties of the Bosun, they can be classified under the following headings:

• Supervision: As mentioned above, the Bosun supervises the deck crew for the work that they carried out and ensure that the work carried out is of appropriate quality and is done on time
• Maintenance: A couple of points cover this aspect; to reiterate the importance of it, the Bosun ensures work is out carried out in the assigned areas to ensure that the deck is maintained properly. Aside from preventive maintenance, the Bosun also is a guide to the junior members of the crew to understand the importance of deck work and its effective execution
• Mooring/Anchoring: From the time when the mooring lines are laid out deck prior to reaching port, right to the time when the ship is cast off, the Bosun plays a crucial role for efficient operations of the vessel. The same applies to the anchoring of the vessel

To sum it up, the Bosun plays a vital role in ensuring that the ship is seaworthy. Being the proxy between the officers and the crew, the Bosun is essential and imperative to the smooth functioning of the ship.

About Author

Shilavadra Bhattacharjee is a shipbroker with a background in commercial operations after having sailed onboard as a Third Officer. His interests primarily lie in the energy sector, books and travelling.

Read More Articles By This Author >

Disclaimer : The information contained in this website is for general information purposes only. While we endeavour to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the website for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.

In no event will we be liable for any loss or damage including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from loss of data or profits arising out of, or in connection with, the use of this website.

Do you have info to share with us ? Suggest a correction

Daily Maritime News, Straight To Your Inbox

Sign Up To Get Daily Newsletters

Join over 60k+ people who read our daily newsletters

By subscribing, you agree to our  Privacy Policy  and may receive occasional deal communications; you can unsubscribe anytime.

BE THE FIRST TO COMMENT

This wave site is very nice for us. So that thanks for your supporting seafarers.

Sar I am Ab second placemant search of us

I am a practicing boatswain mate and a member of the Liberian coast guard I wish to fulfill my dream,That is becoming or working on a vassel.can Marine insight help me get through?I need the experience on a big ship please help me if you can……

We are not into job assistance. Best of luck for your future.

what certificate the boatswain should hold ?

I always wanted to know what my dad’s duties were aboard ship. He passed away when I was young. His journeys at sea became my bedtime stories and the souvenirs he brought home encouraged me to go into Art History. Thank you for this post & to our dedicated Merchant Marines.

In 1955, a Junior Third Mate (deck officer) on SS Exiria told me that at his first assignment in WW2 as an Ordinary Seaman, he found that the entire deck gang, including the boatswain, able seamen, and ordinaries were his classmates at the Sheepshead Bay recruit training center. The war zone extended to U-Boats working the area immediately around Sheepshead Bay.

One of the AB’s, a Galician (Spanish Celt) named Patricio was noted for having tracked an enemy plane with a 20mm anti-aircraft gun. Having no safety cutout, he shot holes in the stack. Stacks are repairable.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Subscribe to Marine Insight Daily Newsletter

" * " indicates required fields

Marine Engineering

Marine Engine Air Compressor Marine Boiler Oily Water Separator Marine Electrical Ship Generator Ship Stabilizer

Nautical Science

Mooring Bridge Watchkeeping Ship Manoeuvring Nautical Charts  Anchoring Nautical Equipment Shipboard Guidelines

Explore 

Free Maritime eBooks Premium Maritime eBooks Marine Safety Financial Planning Marine Careers Maritime Law Ship Dry Dock

Shipping News Maritime Reports Videos Maritime Piracy Offshore Safety Of Life At Sea (SOLAS) MARPOL

What Does a Seaman Do?

Find out what a Seaman does, how to get this job, salary information, and what it takes to succeed as a Seaman.

Embarking on a career as a Seaman involves joining the crew of a ship to ensure its smooth operation and maintenance. This role encompasses a broad range of responsibilities, from handling deck operations and assisting in the navigation of the ship to performing routine maintenance tasks and ensuring the safety of all on board. Seamanship is not just about physical labor; it requires a keen understanding of maritime protocols, a strong sense of teamwork, and the ability to adapt to the unique challenges presented by life at sea. Whether part of a commercial vessel, a cruise ship, or a naval fleet, a Seaman plays an integral role in the maritime industry, contributing to the efficient and safe passage of goods and passengers across the world’s oceans.

Seaman Job Duties

• Perform regular maintenance and cleaning tasks on deck, including painting, sweeping, and rust removal to ensure the vessel’s condition is preserved.
• Operate deck machinery such as winches and cranes for loading and unloading cargo, ensuring safe and efficient handling of goods.
• Stand watch during specified periods, monitoring the ship’s position, navigational equipment, and safety to ensure a secure voyage.
• Assist in mooring and unmooring operations by handling ropes and cables, securing the ship safely at docks or when anchoring.
• Participate in emergency drills and real-life emergency situations, including man overboard, fire fighting, and abandoning ship, to ensure preparedness and safety of all aboard.
• Engage in navigation duties under the guidance of senior officers, including steering the ship and plotting courses, to contribute to safe and efficient voyage planning.
• Perform basic engine room tasks under the supervision of the engineering staff, such as monitoring equipment, assisting with repairs, and ensuring machinery operates efficiently.
• Conduct marine wildlife observation and reporting as part of environmental compliance and conservation efforts, documenting sightings and ensuring the vessel’s activities do not harm ecosystems.

Seaman Salary & Outlook

A seaman’s salary is influenced by vessel type (cargo, tanker, cruise), rank (ordinary seaman, able seaman, officer), experience level, and the duration of contracts. Specialized roles (e.g., handling hazardous materials) also command higher pay. Additionally, the shipping company’s size and the economic demand for maritime transport impact earnings.

• Median Annual Salary: $49,350 ($23.73/hour)
• Top 10% Annual Salary: $89,500 ($43.03/hour)

The employment of seamans is expected to grow slower than average over the next decade.

Advancements in automation and technology aboard ships, leading to more efficient operations with fewer crew members, and the increasing use of unmanned vessels for cargo transport, are primary reasons for the slower-than-average growth in seaman employment. Global shipping trends and environmental regulations also influence demand for traditional seafaring roles.

Seaman Job Requirements

Education: A seaman typically holds a high school diploma, with a significant portion also possessing post-secondary certificates. Education in maritime studies, navigation, or marine engineering is advantageous. Courses in physical sciences, mathematics, and mechanics support the role’s demands. Additionally, classes in communication and teamwork are beneficial, reflecting the collaborative nature of maritime operations. While specific majors are not mandatory, studies aligned with marine operations or mechanical skills are preferred to navigate the complexities of the job.

Experience: For the role of Seaman, many candidates enter with no prior experience, while a significant portion have some experience, typically gained through on-the-job training or specific training programs. Experience in maritime operations, safety procedures, and basic seamanship skills are valuable. Hands-on training aboard vessels is common, allowing newcomers to learn directly from seasoned professionals. This blend of formal and informal training environments prepares individuals for the diverse challenges faced at sea.

Certifications & Licenses: Seamen typically require a Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) issued by the United States Coast Guard for U.S. waters. Additionally, a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) is necessary for access to secure maritime facilities. Depending on the vessel and waters navigated, an STCW (Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers) certification may also be required for international duties. No certifications or licenses are recommended, beneficial, or sometimes needed beyond these.

Seaman Skills

Navigation: Seamanship involves the precise use of navigational instruments, charts, and celestial bodies to determine a vessel’s position, course, and speed. Safe passage from port to port relies on this skill, ensuring the well-being of crew, cargo, and vessel.

Knot Tying: Securing vessels, cargo, and equipment with various intricate knots enhances operational efficiency and safety at sea. Proficiency in knot tying is vital for smooth sailing and emergency preparedness.

Safety Procedures: Adhering to strict safety protocols helps prevent accidents and ensures the safety of the crew and vessel. Knowledge of emergency procedures, including man-overboard situations and firefighting, along with regular drills and equipment checks, is essential.

Deck Operations: Coordination and execution of tasks on a ship’s deck involve safe mooring, unmooring, and anchoring, as well as overseeing cargo loading and unloading. Effective communication with the bridge and engine room is crucial, along with a comprehensive understanding of safety procedures and deck maintenance practices.

Emergency Response: Swift and effective execution of safety protocols during emergencies, such as fires or hull breaches, is critical. A calm demeanor, quick decision-making, and familiarity with the ship’s emergency equipment and escape routes are necessary to ensure everyone’s safety.

Weather Forecasting: Predicting atmospheric conditions accurately is integral to navigation and safety. Interpreting meteorological data and satellite imagery aids in route planning and identifying potential weather hazards.

Seaman Work Environment

A seaman’s work environment is predominantly aboard ships, where space is both a workplace and living quarters, demanding adaptability to confined areas. The deck or engine room serves as the primary workspace, equipped with specialized maritime tools and machinery, necessitating strict adherence to safety protocols to mitigate the inherent risks of maritime operations.

Uniforms are standard, reflecting the practical and safety requirements of sea life. The culture aboard is shaped by the necessity for teamwork and discipline, with a hierarchy that defines roles and responsibilities clearly. Work hours are irregular, governed by watchkeeping duties that ensure the vessel’s continuous operation, leading to unique challenges in maintaining work-life balance.

Noise levels can be high, especially in the engine room, and the pace of work varies with the ship’s operations. Interaction with others is constant and crucial for safety and efficiency. Despite the challenges, the opportunity for travel and the camaraderie among crew members create a unique and rewarding professional environment.

Advancement Prospects

A seaman’s career advancement is largely determined by accumulating sea time and passing competency exams. Starting as an Ordinary Seaman, the first step up is to Able Seaman, requiring specific sea time and a professional exam. Further progression to a Deck Officer or Engineer position involves more sea time, rigorous training, and passing additional licensing exams.

For those aiming at command positions, such as Captain or Chief Engineer, extensive experience, leadership skills, and a deep understanding of maritime laws are essential. These roles demand years of sea time and passing a series of advanced examinations.

Specialization also offers advancement paths. Seamen can pursue careers in areas like safety, navigation, environmental protection, or technical operations on board. Each specialty may require additional certifications and proven expertise in the field.

Ultimately, a seaman’s advancement hinges on practical experience, professional exams, and specialization, leading to higher responsibilities and roles on board.

What Does an Airline Customer Service Agent Do?

What does a chief technical officer do, you may also be interested in..., what does a wound care specialist do, what does a medical gas technician do, what does a wells fargo branch manager do, what does a process excellence manager do.

How to Become a Yacht Captain- An Expert’s Handbook

Do you want to become a yacht captain? Having watched my husband climb the ranks over the past 12 years, I have first-hand experience of seeing what it takes to become a yacht captain.

We started working on a small catamaran in the Seychelles, and today, he is the successful Captain of a world-traveling 50m super yacht.

Becoming a yacht Captain requires a significant investment of time and money, but the reward of commanding your own vessel and crew is immeasurable.

Let’s explore what it takes, including the salaries, necessary skills, and certifications.

Table of Contents

Job Description of a Yacht Captain

The Captain of a superyacht is responsible for the safe navigation of the vessel, the safety of the crew onboard, as well as protecting the environment.

They are the primary source of communication with the yacht owner, guests, and management company.

They also handle all the daily operations of the yacht, including crew management and safety training. The Captain deals directly with management companies, port control, maritime legislation, budgets, accounting, and human resources.

Yacht Captain Salary

The below super yacht Captain salary guideline is based on my personal research using an average of over 10 major yachting platforms:

• 20m-30m: $4000-$7500 p/m
• 30m-40m: $5500-$9500 p/m
• 40m-50m: $8000-$15000 p/m
• 50m-70m: $13000-$19000 p/m
• 70m+: $16500+ p/m

Additionally, with longevity a yacht Captain can also expect to see discretionary annual raises and bonuses.

If they work on a Charter Yacht there will also be charter tips received averaging $2500-$5000 per week of chartering.

Roles and Responsibilities of a Yacht Captain

The job of a Yacht Captain can be compared to that of a CEO, CFO, and COO of a large corporation. The responsibilities are huge.

On a smaller vessel of 35m or less, the captain will need to be more hands-on, and they will likely also be the engineer of the vessel.

However, as the vessel size increases, you will have larger teams and heads of departments to assist in delegating tasks.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Crew Management and training
• Hiring and dismissals of crew
• Human resources
• Accounting and budgeting
• Safe navigation of the vessel
• Safe navigational planning
• Marine and environmental protection
• Vessel maintenance – planning yard work and refits
• Owner and guest liaison
• Planning of guest trips and itineraries
• Ensuring the yacht is compliant with maritime law
• Ensuring the yacht is compliant with all flag state safety regulations

Soft and Hard Skills

When it comes to the question of how to become a yacht captain, besides the required licenses, it is essential to hold certain soft and hard skills:

• Strong leadership skills
• Team management
• A quick thinker and problem solver
• Calm under pressure
• Exceptional communication skills
• Diplomatic in decision-making
• Excellent boat handling skills
• Navigational skills
• Administrative skills
• Organizational skills
• Computer literate
• Strong understanding of maritime legislation

Mandatory Certifications for How to Become Yacht Captain

The license required when identifying how to become a Yacht Captain is dependent on the size/tonnage of the vessel they wish to drive.

Your entry-level Captain license is the Yacht-Master 200 ton. This allows you to drive a vessel of under 200 tons, which is approximately 35m/100ft.

From there, with enough sea time and experience, you can move up towards the Master 500 and then Master 3000 tickets.

If you were to start from scratch, you would first want to look at how to become a deckhand . This will give you all the information and guidance you require before you get to the point when you are ready to start your master’s licenses.

Here is the order in which you would complete your courses:

• ENG1 Medical
• Efficient Deckhand (EDH)
• Yacht-Master Offshore (200ton)
• Yacht-Master Ocean (200 ton)
• OOW (Officer of the Watch)
• Chief Mate 3000
• Master 500 ton
• Master 3000 ton

Yacht Master Offshore 200 ton Limited

Holders of this certificate can Captain a yacht up to 200 gross tons and must be within 150 nm from a safe haven whilst doing so. This course is also required to legally stand watch on a vessel of up to 500gt.

The course consists of theory and practical work and takes 13 days to complete.

Pre-requisites for Yacht Master 200t Limited:

• 3,000 nautical miles while cruising at sea
• 50 days at sea as an active crew member
• 5 days as skipper on vessels less than 24m LOA
• 48 hours on watch at night underway as an active member of a yacht’s crew. During at least six hours of this nighttime experience, the candidate must have acted as the vessel’s captain or watch leader.
• A GMDSS-compliant Marine Radio Operator’s Certificate such as the RYA Short Range Certificate or higher
• All qualifying sea time must be within 10 years prior to the exam

Master of Yachts 200 ton Ocean Unlimited

This certificate allows the holder to be in charge of a commercial yacht of up to 200 gross tons on unlimited voyages.

This comprehensive six-day course on celestial navigation is designed to equip future yacht Captains with the knowledge necessary to navigate the globe using a sextant and air navigation tables.

Additionally, it will enable them to plan, undertake, and manage an ocean passage with confidence.

Pre-requisites for the Master 200 ton Unlimited:

• Before enrolling in the course, candidates must have completed two voyages of 250 miles each or one voyage of 500 miles. The majority of the journey must take place out of sight of land, which means being at least 20 miles away from the shoreline.
• For the qualifying voyage, it is expected to create a passage plan that can be reviewed during the course.

Officer of the Watch (OOW)

In order to obtain the MCA Officer of the Watch (Yachts Less Than 3000 GT) Certificate of Competency, candidates must complete seven distinct modules. These modules are designed to prepare candidates for the MCA oral exam.

Pre-requisites for the OOW:

• IYT Master of Yachts Limited certificate
• A minimum of 250 days of actual sea service
• 115 days can be either sea service, stand-by-service or yard service
• A Completed MCA approved training record book

The 7 modules include:

• Navigation and Radar (15 days)
• General Ships Knowledge GSK (5 days)
• Proficiency in Survival Crafts and Rescue Boats/Advanced Sea Survival (3 days)
• Human Elements and Leadership Management HELM (3 days)
• Global Maritime Distress and Safety Systems (GMDSS)
• Efficient Deckhand EDH (5 days)
• Electronic Chart Display and Information ECDIS (5 days)
• MCA OOW Deck Oral Prep Work (12 days)

Chief Mate 3000GT

After obtaining the Officer of the Watch certification for yachts less than 3000gt, you can apply to the MCA for the endorsement of the Chief Mate (Yachts less than 3000gt) Certificate of Competency. It is possible to apply for both certifications at the same time.

Course Modules include:

• STCW Advanced Fire Fighting (4 days)
• Proficiency in Medical First Aid (4 days)
• Human Elements of Leadership Management – Management level (4 days)

Master of Yachts (500GT)

This certificate is required in order to Captain a yacht of up to 500 gross tons.

Requirements for the course:

• 12 months as a watch-keeping officer with an OOW Certificate
• A valid ENG1

Modules include:

• Stability (5 days)
• Business and Law (5 days)
• Navigation and Radar with ARPA Simulator (10 days)
• Seamanship and Meteorology (5 days)
• Celestial Navigation Refresher and Exam (5 days)
• Proficiency for persons in charge of medical care onboard a ship (4 days)

Master of Yachts (3000GT)

This certificate is required in order to Captain a yacht of up to 3000 gross tons.

The modules for the Master 3000GT are the same as that of the Master 500.  If you pass all the modules and have met the requirements for the Master 3000GT, you can skip the Master 500gt Course and do the exam and oral for the Master 3000GT.

Requirements include:

• including not less than 240 days watch-keeping service whilst holding an accepted OOW Certificate of Competency (CoC).
• All of this service must be completed in vessels of 15m or over in load line length and include 12 months in vessels of 24 m or over in load line length, or 6 months in vessels of 500gt or more.
• A valid ENG1 Certificate

Final thoughts

Most crew don’t anticipate the significant amount of time and money it takes when wondering how to become a yacht Captain.

My advice to you is to start logging your sea time from the very beginning and plan ahead. You don’t want to miss out on opportunities due to not having the required license.

If you are still looking for more detailed information or if you are looking to book a course, head over to the PYT website. They are an MCA compliant training facility with schools in Fort Lauderdale and South Africa.

Good luck on your journey. I hope to see you out in the big blue ocean commanding your own vessel one day.

Hi, my name is Lisa, a Chief Stewardess in the yachting industry with 10 years of experience, as well as 8 years of hospitality experience prior to that. Being in the yachting industry has been a whirlwind of adventure, growth, challenges and some of the best experiences of my life, and I am excited to share my knowledge and experiences with all of you.