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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.

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Find Work as a Yacht Captain

A lot of people have romantic notions about being a captain. The truth it, it is one of the hardest and most responsible jobs you could work and you must usually log a lot of hours on the sea and as a first mate before you can land it. The captain is ultimately responsible for the safety and well-being of the crew, passengers, and the ship itself and he or she performs a lot of work on a daily basis.

Here is a small sampling of some of the typical duties a captain performs:

• Plans ship's route and itinerary
• Develops the budget and makes sure expenditures adhere to it
• Interviews and hires crew members
• Supervises crew members
• Settles disputes among crew members
• Negotiates with harbor officials at all ports
• Ensures that the ship is clean and well-maintained
• Ensures the safety of everyone onboard

There are many other duties the captain is expected to perform, but this gives you a good overall picture of the position. The most important thing you should know about the job of captain is that he or she is always looked to for leadership and decision-making and he or she should have extensive knowledge when it comes to yachting and sea travel. More detailed information about this position is provided when you become a member of CruiseJobfinder.

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Becoming a Yacht Captain Takes Skills

Since the captain will need to work with people of all kinds and in many different roles, from passengers, crew members, and port authorities, he or she should also have excellent people skills. Unfortunately, some captains are not always proficient in this area. If you expect to succeed as a captain, though, you will need to hone your people skills.

What Else You'll Need to Know

There is a lot more information you need to know in order to obtain a job as a captain. Examples include the kind of training that is required, the years of experience you should have, and the types of licenses or certifications you'll need. This information plus a great deal more is available to members of CruiseJobFinder. We'll provide you with the information you need as well as basic salary information and interviews with current yachting industry personnel and leaders. You'll get the complete picture of what it takes to become a captain or other position in the yachting industry. Becoming a member of CruiseJobFinder can also help you determine if the yachting industry is right for you as well as which job is a fit for your career goals and personality. We also provide you with yachting industry job postings and resume and interviewing tips that can increase your chances of getting a job.

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Yacht Crew Job Board

With Bluewater's expertise in crew training and yacht crew recruitment, finding your ideal yacht crew vacancy is simple. We offer yacht management services to a variety of exclusive superyachts. Our team excels in sourcing top-notch yacht crew positions, spanning from 25-meter private yachts in the Bahamas to 50-metre charter yachts in the Mediterranean to luxurious 100+ metre superyachts navigating the globe extensively.

118 yacht crew jobs available now.

Yacht Crew Training

Alongside sourcing the latest yacht crew jobs worldwide, Bluewater offers a range of specialised yacht crew training courses. Whether you're new to the superyacht industry seeking entry-level qualifications, an experienced deckhand or engineer aiming to advance your career, or a dedicated crew member looking to enhance your resume with certifications like HELM (Human Element Leadership and Management), Yachtmaster, or OOW (Officer of the Watch), explore our comprehensive yacht crew training options.

Working on a Luxury Yacht

Working as a crew member on a superyacht is undeniably one of the most rewarding yet demanding professions, calling for hard work, dedication, and professional training. The opportunities within the yachting industry are vast, and at Bluewater, we are committed to helping every crew member discover their ideal yacht crew position. Our recruitment division focuses on finding the perfect yacht for crew members and provides unparalleled professional support. Our recruitment experts guide crew members through every step of their yachting career journey, ensuring they receive the best possible assistance.

Manage Your Yacht Career

Whether you're seeking a yacht crew position as a deckhand, engineer, onboard masseuse, stewardess, chef, chief stewardess, purser, first officer, or captain, take control of your yacht career. Create a profile and join one of the world's largest yachting communities for free.

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• Seasonal until the end of Sept
• Qualifications: STCW, ENG1
• Experience: 3+ years
• Salary: DOE
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• Experience: Previous Chief Stewardess Experience
• Salary: €5500
• Until 20th June
• Experience: cooking
• Salary: €4000
• 10 weeks on 10 weeks off
• Qualifications: STCW, ENG1,
• Experience: large or commercial vessels
• Salary: 6000 euros
• Qualifications: OOW3000GT
• Experience: 2 years minimum
• Salary: $5,500 USD
• Qualifications: STCW, ENG1, FHL2
• Experience: 2 years
• Experience: 1 season, but can be green
• Salary: €2750-3000
• seasonal or permanent
• Experience: 2 year +
• Salary: 6500-7000 euros
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• Qualifications: STCW, ENG1 PBII
• Experience: 2 seasons
• Salary: 2800 euros

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Boat Captain Job Description Template

The Boat Captain job description template outlines the responsibilities, qualifications, and skills required for individuals interested in a career as a professional boat captain. This template provides a clear and concise overview of the duties involved in this role, including managing the vessel and crew, ensuring safety protocols are followed, and maintaining the vessel's equipment and systems. Employers can use this template to develop a comprehensive and accurate job description that attracts qualified candidates and helps ensure successful outcomes for all parties involved.

We are seeking an experienced Boat Captain to lead a crew and ensure the safe and efficient operation of our vessels. The Boat Captain will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of the vessel’s operations, including navigation, safety, maintenance, and crew management. The ideal candidate will have a passion for boating, strong leadership skills, and extensive experience in marine transportation.

Responsibilities

• Operate and navigate the vessel safely and efficiently
• Maintain a high level of safety for passengers and crew at all times
• Ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations
• Manage the vessel’s crew, including scheduling, training, and performance evaluations
• Oversee maintenance and repairs of the vessel, including arranging for necessary repairs and ordering supplies and materials
• Communicate effectively with passengers and crew
• Maintain logs and other records as required by law

Requirements

Education and experience.

• US Coast Guard Master’s license or equivalent
• Minimum of five years of experience as a Boat Captain or similar role

Skills and Abilities

• Excellent navigation skills
• Strong leadership skills
• Excellent communication skills
• Attention to detail
• Ability to work well under pressure
• Strong problem-solving skills

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, and climb for extended periods
• Ability to lift and carry heavy objects
• Ability to operate vessel controls and equipment

Introduction

Looking for a Boat Captain to join your team? Crafting a job posting that attracts the right candidates is essential. Below we share some tips on how to create an effective boat captain job posting.

Job Title and Summary

The first step is to come up with an informative job title that accurately reflects the duties and responsibilities of the position. For instance, "Boat Captain for Fishing Charter Company" is more specific and descriptive than simply "Boat Captain."

Next, write a brief summary of the job. This should include key information about your company, the duties of the position, and any qualifications you require from candidates.

List the responsibilities of the job in order of importance. It's important to provide clear expectations so that candidates can determine if they are a good fit. Examples of Boat Captain responsibilities include:

• Operating and navigating boats safely and efficiently
• Ensuring the safety of passengers and crew
• Maintaining the boat, cleaning it regularly and performing basic repairs
• Monitoring sea and weather conditions and adjusting routes as necessary
• Ensuring compliance with maritime laws and regulations

Qualifications

Next, list the qualifications required for the job. Consider the level of education, certifications, and experience necessary. Mention any special skills or attributes that would be beneficial to the position. Examples of qualifications for a Boat Captain include:

• Experience operating boats of various sizes and types.
• A valid captain's license or certification.
• Knowledge of safety regulations and procedures.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills.
• The ability to make quick decisions in emergency situations.

Job Type and Benefits

Include the type of employment you are offering and any applicable benefits, such as health insurance or retirement plans. You can also mention any perks or incentives, such as flexible scheduling or paid time off.

How to Apply

Finally, include clear instructions for applicants on how to apply for the position. This should include any required documents, such as resumes or cover letters. Provide information on your application process and timeline, and be sure to include contact information for the person responsible for reviewing applications.

By following these guidelines, you will be able to create a boat captain job posting that attracts the best and most qualified candidates. Good luck!

Frequently Asked Questions on Creating Boat Captain Job Posting

What qualifications and skills are required for a boat captain.

• A valid captain’s license issued by the U.S. Coast Guard
• Knowledge of boat handling and navigation as well as safety precautions
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to make quick decisions in an emergency situation
• Good physical fitness for extended periods on the water

What should be included in a Boat Captain job posting?

A job posting for a Boat Captain should include information about the company, the job responsibilities, and the required qualifications. Also, include details on compensation and any benefits that are offered. It is recommended to mention any unique perks of the job such as travel opportunities, flexible hours or the opportunity for advancement within the company.

How can I attract high-quality candidates for my Boat Captain job posting?

• Create a detailed job description and outline clear qualifications and required skills
• Offer a competitive salary and benefits package
• Consider offering training and professional development opportunities
• Highlight unique aspects of the job which differentiate it from other boat captain opportunities
• Use an engaging tone and a clear and concise writing style to attract qualified candidates

What are the primary responsibilities of a Boat Captain?

A Boat Captain is responsible for navigating and operating boats or ships, ensuring safety equipment is in place and up to date, overseeing the work of the crew, and managing the boat's maintenance and repairs. They may also be responsible for transporting passengers, cargo and coordinating with other vessels or port authorities as necessary.

Can I require previous experience when posting a job for a Boat Captain?

Yes, it is recommended to require previous experience when posting a job for a Boat Captain. This will help ensure that candidates have a good understanding of boat safety and navigation and possess the skills needed to successfully carry out the responsibilities of the job.

What are the working conditions for Boat Captains?

Boat Captains typically work long, irregular hours, including early mornings, late nights, weekends, and holidays, depending on the job requirements. They often work outdoors in all weather conditions and may be required to travel frequently. Therefore, candidates should have good physical endurance and stamina to withstand the demands of the job.

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Junior Captain

About the junior captain.

The junior captain on a yacht possess all the necessary licenses and certifications for the position, but may only have limited experience as captain. This individual should possess knowledge of yacht management, safety and financial administration coupled with the drive and energy to convince a prospective employer that they are ready for the career step of their first command. Excellent communication, particularly with owners and guests, in addition to strong interpersonal and time management skills as well as the ability to motivate the crew are essential for success in this position. This role typically requires a minimum of three years of superyacht industry experience and some engineering knowledge/mechanical aptitude.

Job Responsibilities

• Achieving owner's objectives
• Crew hiring and dismissal
• Ultimate safety for passengers, crew, environment and vessel
• 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
• Shipyard/new build experience
• Limited experience in intended cruising area
• No previous full-time captain position

Position Statistics

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

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Superyacht Crew Jobs

If you are looking to find out more about yacht crew jobs, you came to the right place. This article will give you a clear overview of what employment in yachting is like.

There’s more than 367,000 yacht crew workers employed on the 7,000+ SuperYachts in the world. This article gives an overview of working on Yachts including tips and hints for finding jobs.

Working with yachting involves being at the right place at the right time. The ability in travel and work is among the attractions of the industry and is a great bonus. Finding a dream job is not easy, but it’s possible.

There are various levels of yacht crew jobs available to be filled. Some of these yacht jobs require little experience and others require extensive experience in the yachting industry.

Jobs in yachting

Those aboard are divided into the bridge engines deck and interior. There are other areas where owner could need personnel such as Security employees, personal support personnel or even helicopter pilots.

In recent years, the yachting industry has exploded in terms of size and demand for more skilled yacht crew. The vessels got bigger and more powerful and there is a higher demand for employment on them. The benefits that come with it are great which explains why people from across the world want to be part of it. Below are the main categories you see on board crewed super yachts and in every section you will find more details about the key jobs in yachting.

Deck department: This is a very active department with a great deal of navigation, pilotage and safety responsibility. The deck department involves also involves dealing with tenders, jet skis, water toys, line handling and crane operations. The deck yacht crew is also responsible for maintaining the everything that has to do with the exterior, teak decks, hull, superstructure.

Climbing up the hierarchy to ultimately become a yacht captain takes a great deal of commitment to enroll courses to improve skills and abilities, and gather the necessary nautical miles. It’s not unusual for someone to start as a deckhand and work his or her way up the ladder and work on several mega yachts before to reach a deck officer position.

What are the different yacht crew positions in the deck department?

Yacht captain.

The yacht Captain or master has full control of the vessel. The role ranges from managing a full-time employee or a large operating unit with several departments and crew members plus a vast budget. Qualifications range from a 200 ton license to a Master Unlimited depending on the size.

• Yacht captain salary guide
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Chief Officer

The chief officer or the first officer is the second commanding officer most frequently assumed to act as relief captain as needed. They are also principally responsible for bridge duties and maintaining a smooth function of the deck department. A chief officer is the second

• Yacht chief officer salary guide
• Yacht chief officer jobs

Officer of the watch

Officer of the Watch is deputy of chief/first officer. The job also covers the safety of the yacht and anyone found aboard. The position is usually found on larger yachts and is an important role. Read here for details about the Role of the Watch officer. Find everything about sailing news at.

Yacht OOW jobs

Bosun is responsible for the deck persons, and is usually below The captain or Second or Third Officer, depending on the size of the boat. A BOSUN would involve experience in deck-handing and various other certificates are required. Discover more about the bosun role in the bunks and the bosun crew.

Yacht bosun jobs

Deckhand is an entry level position in which a crew member learns the ropes of yachting. Starting at this position, it’s possible to work your way up through further positions and progressively gain experience in terms of time spent on board. The large majority of yacht crew have started from sheer hard work and dedication.

Yacht deckhand jobs

Engineering department

There is a high demand for yacht crew with strong engineering skills and the knowledge of propulsion systems, air conditioning and electrical systems. The engine department is a part of the yacht’s machinery.

Most boats have diesel engines that need regular checks, general maintenance and surveys by marine engineers. In this department, you will find qualified electricians, mechanics and electronic technicians. Yachts with bigger ‘power’ are becoming more popular as they improve speed and comfort for passengers.

What are the different yacht crew positions in the engine department ?

Yacht chief engineer.

The chief Engineer shall be responsible for maintaining the engines with mechanical equipment on board the vessel. It requires a good understanding of the systems for propulsion, air conditioning and electrical systems. A chief engineer manage a team of engineers to perform all the required tasks under the authority of a captain .

He’ll report directly to the captain or person in charge on board.

Yacht engineer salary

Yacht engineer jobs

Yacht 2nd Engineer / 3rd Engineer

Second engineer reports to Chief Engineer. The Second Engineer performs under the supervision of the Chief Engineer and/or Captain, the routine maintenance work on board vessel’s main engines, generators and other auxiliaries.

2nd Engineer receives assistance from the 3rd engineer and technicians in his or her department. It is a position that provides the opportunity to gain more knowledge and experience in order to move up to chief engineer.

It is also possible to work your way up from 2nd or 3rd engineer to chief engineer by enrolling in courses and gaining the required expertise as a yacht crew.

ETO: Electro Technical Officer

The ETO is in charge of electrical systems. This includes all tasks related to power generation, regulation and application in the vessel’s departments, in addition to the maintenance work on board. Everything in terms of electrics is under his responsibility including batteries , switchboards, wiring diagrams etc..

AV/IT Officer

There is a high demand for professionals with strong knowledge of communication and audio-visual systems. The AV/IT Officer would be in charge to control all the entertainment systems on board, including satellite TV, home cinema, music players etc..

He’s also responsible for other technology used on board such as wifi or telephone system .

Yacht AV/IT jobs

Electrician

This job includes all tasks related to power generation, regulation and application in the vessel’s departments. It also requires a good understanding of electrical wiring diagrams, electric circuit breaker panels and generators.

What are the different yacht crew positions in the interior department?

Interior luxury yacht crew positions includes steward(ess), chefs, food and beverage managers, housekeeping department. There might be additional activities that fall under the interior department, such as yacht nurses or butlers.

For yachts normally the purser is one of the tasks on larger vessels. The function involved working in numbers and budget management, handling yacht crew visas and other compliance and accounting matters.

Yacht purser jobs

Yacht chief Steward(ess)

This job requires attention to detail with an understanding of guest requirements and preferences. You will be in charge of everything related to service and housekeeping on board.

The Yacht chief Steward(ess) is in charge of the well-being and happiness of guests on board, by making sure everything runs smoothly in terms of food, drinks, cleanliness & guest requests.

On a large luxury yacht, this position might be replace by a Head of service and a Head of housekeeping.

Yacht stewardess salary guide

Yacht chief stewardess jobs

Yacht Steward(ess)

The Yacht Steward(ess) reports to the Chief steward or person in charge on board. It is a junior position and will be assisting the chief steward with different tasks related to service on board.

Yacht stewardess jobs

Laundry Steward(ess):

The yacht’s laundry department washes, dries and irons clothes for everybody on board. Yacht staff must provide guests with clean clothes all the time so this department is busy most of the day.

Yacht laundry jobs

Housekeepers:

Housekeepers are responsible for making up cabins, cleaning and doing laundry as well as serving guests with all their requirements. They are also involved in organizing parties on board with the help of the deck crew.

Yacht housekeeper jobs

Galley department:

These are very important members of all yachts as they prepare meals for everyone on the boat. They are responsible for buying food and drinks to store in fridges aboard. The client expects well qualified cooks onboard who can provide delicious dishes which can be served to them anytime they want.

The head chef Some yachting exercises require some culinary knowledge & requisite knowledge in particular. The larger the yacht the more formal the expectations and entry requirements (e.g. cook in highly-regarded restaurants or if the owner has a cooking degree).

Second chef

The Second Chef works and assists the Head Chef in order to maintain the same quality and service level as expected by clients. They might also be involved in buying food and other items for boat stores.

The crew chef is responsible for cooking food for all yacht crew on board. It includes catering to their specific dietary requirements, allergies or specialities.

Assistant chef

Assistant chefs might also work on board, depending on how big/small or luxurious yachts are. Assistants will be more involved in kitchen activities such as cleaning, prepping and organizing.

Yacht Jobs Requirements & Experience Needed

Experience in Yachting: This is very important. On most yachts, you must have experience aboard similar boats before applying for this particular yacht job. You may need some time to gain all the required skills for each position; this will depend on your availability and your level of experience.

Qualifications & certifications: These are needed for some positions on board so you must speak with your yacht crew agency or the captain first to see what qualifications they require.

Qualifications and certificates are very controlled and highly specific. Each department has its own set of rules. However, there are 2 standard mandatory requirements in order to get a yacht job.

STCW Basic Safety Training

STCW Basic safety Training is a globally recognized standard by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). These requirements are set to ensure that all crew members have adequate knowledge and understanding of their job role, what it implies and how to deal with emergencies. All yachts must comply with it before hiring any seafarers aboard that yacht. It has 5 different modules, for which you will need to gain all the certificates in order to proceed to your next yacht job.

ENG1 – Medical Examination:

This is a medical examination performed by an MCA approved doctor that checks if applicants are fit enough to work on board. All yacht crew must have valid ENG1 in order to comply with standard regulations set by governing bodies.

Apart from those two requirements, you might need other certificates depending on your own position description. For example, for a steward job, you may need to have a food handling certificate or a barista certificate as well as having previous experiences in similar positions before applying for this yacht job.

It is more common to find these skills over time rather than having them right away when you start.

Language skills:

Spanish, French and Italian are the most common languages on yachts in Europe and South America. English is essential to communicate with guests from all over the world. It may not be a must if you work in a different department but it’s important that you speak the language of your workplace.

Physical strength

A yacht crew job demands a lot of physical work from staff. All daily duties revolve around keeping the vessel clean and ready for guests. People who work hard on yachts stay healthy and strong to cope with the workload throughout their career. You can eat well, exercise regularly or combine both with a balanced lifestyle to keep yourself fit.

Being a team player

Yachts are small communities where everyone must work well together in tough situations. You might need to help the crew when they are busy or ask for help when you are in difficulty. This is why it’s important to get along with all types of people on board as some may be older than you or younger than you. You must show respect to everyone and treat them the same way in return, no matter their age or position.

Yacht jobs are demanding because you work for people who want perfect service at all times. Captains and owners don’t accept mistakes and expect all crew members to do well in their role. You must follow all safety standards to avoid disasters and make sure your guests are happy.

Yacht crew jobs are fun, diverse and offer you the chance to meet new people from around the world . However, this is not an easy career as you need to work very hard at first to learn everything about each position on board.

How to apply for the right luxury yachts?

Motor yachts vs sailing yachts.

Jobs on luxury sailing boats are generally less intense than those on motor vessels. They are often smaller, which might necessitate the ability to multitask. Salaries on sailing yachts are usually lower than those aboard motor yachts.

Charter yachts VS private yachts

On charter yachts, you might working dual seasons, in Caribbean and in the Mediterranean. You might have a more exiting itinerary, and earn more charter tips but your will generally work harder. On a private luxury yachts, the use of boat is entirely up to the owner to decide, and therefore you might remain in port for a long time, or on the contrary explore Antartica, who knows?

How much can I make as a yacht crew member?

Yacht crew salaries can very greatly depending on the position. We encourage you to check our salary guide to see how much you can expect to earn.

How to interview for a yacht crew job?

When you meet with heads of departments and interviews with captains be able to iron your clothing and brush up hair clean, awake and presentable. Working for mega rich yacht owners has meant you will have to be stylish and be modest. It could be a good idea to cover tattoos, remove face piercings, apply fresh nail polish, trim hair and tie back your hair as well. Some people just don’t.

Working with crew agents to find a yacht job really helps to boost your careers.

Between Ft. Lauderdale, Antibes, dozens of Facebook groups, social media and online sources to help you find yacht jobs. Agents are your main point of contact and represent you under your best light. They can help your prepare for an interview, choosing the right yacht to work on.

They can help your land a great permanent position, rotational or even temporary.

There are a lot of yacht recruitment agency around the globe but only a few are serious about quality recruitment. It’s important that choose an agency who really know what they do and that the yacht crew agency has a good relationship with yachts and management companies.

Yacht jobs offer you great opportunities to travel around the world, experience new cultures and meet all types of people from business tycoons to celebrities! It’s vital that you prepare yourself as much as possible. There are always some open yacht crew jobs, especially for starters and intermediates, but as you get more experienced, your expectations rise and the fewer openings there are.

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Lighthouse careers is one the world’s largest recruiting partner for superyachts. We provide crew a new approach to yacht employment search by applying your talents and personality to match you to your ideal superyacht crew position that meets your needs and preferences.

Check our recruitment page regularly to stay informed about the latest vacancies for yacht crew jobs.

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Work On A Yacht

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Official Yacht Stewardess Job Descriptions and Salaries (Including a Salary Chart)

June 12, 2018 By Julie Perry

For some even more straight-from-the-book fun, I present to you below the official job descriptions for the various yacht steward/ess roles. These are pulled directly from The Insiders’ Guide to Becoming a Yacht Stewardess Chapter 3—a chapter that actually contains descriptions for each of the positions onboard, from Captain to Engineer, and from Executive Chef to Deckhand. And they are all presented with accompanying salary ranges.

The Crew of Megayacht “Allegria” (2010). Photo by Suki Finnerty of YachtingToday.TV

So if you’re interested in a yachting career in another department outside of a superyacht’s interior, consider picking up a copy of my book to learn more . (The “how to get started” information in Part II of the book really does pertain to most any entry-level position.)

Official Yacht Steward/ess Job Descriptions

Meanwhile, here are your yacht stewardess job descriptions, with a detailed salary chart found at the end of this post:

CHIEF STEWAR/DESS (Annual Salary Range: $39,000–$96,000+)

Job Function —The chief stewardess will carry out his or her duties and responsibilities under the direction and authority of the captain. As the person ultimately responsible for the interior of the vessel and for providing superior hospitality service to meet the owner’s and guests’ expectations, the chief stew will also train and manage any lower-ranking stews under his or her supervision. Excellent service, host/ess, and managerial skills are a necessity, as is having a good degree of creative flair.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for the everyday smooth operation of the boat’s interior department, which means being adept in the arts of housekeeping services, laundry procedures and wardrobe management, food and beverage service and cleanup, and entertaining (while maintaining proper etiquette and a high-energy, can-do attitude at all times)
• Responsible for directing, motivating, and training the lower-ranked stews (2nd, 3rd, and so on)—if any are onboard—which includes the assignment and scheduling of rotational duties and implementing Human Resources (HR) procedures and guidelines
• Providing valet services and overall guest care. Note: In the hospitality industry, “valet” refers to any employee who performs personal services for guests (and refers to more than just parking cars, which is what we normally associate it with). With regard to yacht stews, valet services include tasks such as packing and unpacking guests’ luggage, caring for their personal items and specialty garments, and even making daily activity arrangements for them.
• Protecting, maintaining, and caring for valuable interior items and surfaces, such as artwork, silks, china, crystal, linens, fine woodwork, and marbles
• Creating, implementing, and monitoring a financial planning system that includes accounting and budgeting for interior department needs
• Creating, implementing, and maintaining an informational management system of interior inventories and maintenance procedures
• Provisioning to maintain inventory supplies and cover guest usage
• Collaborating with the executive chef regarding meal service for the guests
• Creative planning and quality service of theme dinners and occasional guest parties
• Keeping all interior storage areas organized, orderly, and maintained
• Crew uniform purchasing
• Writing and updating all interior manuals and guest-information documents
• Maintaining and displaying knowledge of international etiquette and protocol
• Watchkeeping in accordance with the list of responsibilities in the crew mess
• Exterior-crew support as needed (requiring proficiency with exterior lines and fenders)
• Selecting, purchasing, and serving fine wines, specialty teas, and cigars, which may require advanced training
• Planning and managing destination experiences proficiently
• Assuming full responsibility for certain onboard safety tasks (as assigned by the first mate) in an emergency

Qualifications —A chief stewardess should possess some type of training and experience in the areas of bartending, silver service, cigar service, and wine presentation and service. (The more extensive a stew’s wine knowledge, the better.) STCW BST certification is now mandatory for a chief-stew position, and previous yachting experience on either charter or private vessels is most always required. It is also recommended that you obtain an ENG1 Seafarer Medical Certificate, or its equivalent. Floral arranging and table decorating skills prove to be an advantage, while an Advanced/Medical First Aid Certificate or a higher degree of medical training is also a major bonus. In fact, many chief stews are now taking courses to become certified as a yacht’s Medical Person-in-Charge. This requires a seven-day course that will satisfy the standards set forth by the STCW Code A-VI/4, 4.4-4.6, offered at many of the marine training schools. While the new PYA Interior-Crew G.U.E.S.T certification is not mandatory (as of July 2013), it is wise to follow the courses outlined and seek out equivalent intermediate and/or advanced interior-crew training classes, if not sign up for the full PYA G.U.E.S.T course modules.

A Chief Superyacht Stewardess handles the ordering of provisions and other guest amenities for the yacht, which might include things like floral displays that the interior crew is too overwhelmed to handle on its own. While that may sound like an easy task, consider that no matter how many years a yacht stew has been doing this job, he or she will always end up in a new port (sometimes half-way around the world). First, he or she must find a reputable vendor. And not only do fresh flower arrangements need to be ordered, but they must be paid for as well. A chief stew must keep thorough accounting throughout a trip and make sure all vendors and provisioners are paid from the right accounts. Photo Credit: Suki Finnerty of YachtingToday.TV.

STEWARDESS—2nd and 3rd Stews; sometimes referred to as Senior and Junior Stews (Annual Salary Range: $30,000–$54,000+)

Job Function —A 2nd or 3rd stew will carry out his or her duties and responsibilities under the direction and authority of the chief stew and the captain. Individuals holding these positions are responsible for assisting with the maintenance of the interior of the vessel and providing superior hospitable service, in line with the owner’s and guest’s expectations. Hostess skills should be well developed to fully accommodate the owners and their guests while onboard.

• Maintaining interior housekeeping during a trip (detail cleaning) while also being held largely responsible for guest-cabin care
• Laundry, ironing, and other wardrobe maintenance tasks for guests and sometimes crew (when guests are onboard)
• Applying excellent guest service (including silver service) and expert bartending skills when called upon
• Guest care and valet services
• Assisting in the creative planning and quality service of theme dinners
• Assisting with physical product inventories, provisioning, writing and updating checklists, and all other applicable tasks within interior
• Exterior-crew support as needed

Qualifications —This is an entry-level position; while previous yachting experience is not required, it does bring added salary benefits. STCW BST certification is now mandatory for obtaining even entry-level work on a megayacht. It is also recommended that you obtain an ENG1 Seafarer Medical Certificate, or its equivalent. Table service, bartending, and cocktail-service experience or equivalent qualification are crucial to landing a job—training and certification recommendations for these can be found in Chapter 7 of The Insiders’ Guide to Becoming a Yacht Stewardess. While the new PYA Interior-Crew G.U.E.S.T certification is not mandatory (as of July 2013), it is wise to follow the courses outlined and seek out equivalent introductory interior-crew training classes, if not sign up for the full PYA G.U.E.S.T introduction modules.

Yacht Stewardesses at Work Photo Credit: Suki Finnerty of YachtingToday.TV

Dual Positions

On smaller and midsize vessels, where not as many crewmembers are needed (nor is there room for them), the core crew positions listed in the last section are often fused into what I call “dual positions.” An individual hired into such a position will assume a dual role and be expected to wear more than one “hat” during the course of a day.

Here are some examples:

• Deckhand-Stew
• 2nd Engineer-Deckhand
• Captain-Engineer
• Stew-Purser

Steward/ess Salaries

According to Dockwalk’s annual Crew Salary Survey in September 2013 , steward/esses are making a wide variety of salaries these days, and the amount of experience and training they have makes a difference. Of course, the size of the yachts will also be a factor. Compensation for chief stews runs anywhere from $3,450 to $5,650 a month on smaller yachts (80 to 140 feet) to $5,200 to $8,000 a month on yachts over 140 feet. It is very common now to see $65K and $70K salaries, or even $90K+ on the much larger vessels. Salaries for entry-level yacht stewardesses start out between $30K–$43K a year, or $2,500–$3,600 a month.

Base salaries for stewardesses, when compared with those of food and beverage servers, cabin stews, and laundry staff on cruise ships, are slightly higher. But where the potential income differences become dramatic is when you consider the tips one can earn working on luxury charter yachts, or the bonuses and perks afforded the crew on solely private yachts.

Here is a table that sums up salary ranges for the various stew roles within the interior department on a megayacht / superyacht:

Steward/ess Salary Ranges

While annual salary guidelines are given above, again, keep in mind that the ranges are wide because salaries will depend on a variety of factors, including the size of the yacht, the use of the yacht (private or charter), the style of boat (power or sail), and what other benefits are available to the crew, such as insurance packages or education reimbursement. Salaries may also vary depending on the specific qualifications of a crewmember, the amount of time the owner and guests use the vessel, and what itinerary will be traveled. Furthermore (and I cannot emphasize this enough), the compensation ranges listed are base salaries and do not reflect tips, if those are applicable.

Yacht Crew Have Got 99 Problems, But Living Expenses Ain’t One of Them

The first thing people always say after I give them the above salary figures: “Gee, is that all? I thought you said it paid well?” And someone will always add, “Oh, well I can get paid that same amount to take an entry-level office job.”

But here’s the kicker: no expenses.

Most all positions on luxury yachts require you to live aboard and travel with the vessel, and therefore, your room and board are completely covered. It is customary and expected that everything you need on a daily basis is provided by the yacht owner—your meals, your uniforms, laundry detergent, linens, and on most boats, even your personal hygiene products, such as soap and toothpaste. Meanwhile, your earnings automatically go into your bank account.

What other job can you take where, at the end of the year, you have nearly your entire salary sitting in your bank account, relatively untouched? Most people in other industries are lucky if they save 1/10 of the amount they earn in a year. Why? Because they are paying rent and utilities, buying and maintaining cars, and purchasing all the clothes they wear to work each day. And let’s not forget groceries.

Ready to find out how to get started one your way to working on a yacht? All the advice you need to land that first yacht job can be found in this guide . Good luck!

Megayacht crewmembers. Photo Source: Suki Finnerty of YachtingToday.TV.

Interested in more advice on how to become a yacht stewardess and what it takes to handle the job? Download Chapter 1 of The Insiders’ Guide to Becoming a Yacht Stewardess 2nd Edition here .

September 11, 2013 at 6:01 pm

This is something I really would like to do !! I’m going to check into getting the training !!

[…] some even more straight-from-the-book fun, click here to check out official “job descriptions” for the various yacht stewardess roles on a …, pulled directly from The Insiders’ Guide to Becoming a Yacht Stewardess’ Chapter 3. Even […]

[…] as engineers. Then you work your way up to captain, mate, chief engineer, chief steward/ess; and the salaries in those higher-level positions are outstanding, and then you have the tips, […]

[…] then travel around and see the world. Our guest today is Indy native Julie Perry. She worked as a yacht stewardess…and then wrote about it with her first book. Then she wrote a second edition that just came […]

[…] watching the full season of Below Deck, and based on my own experience as a superyacht stewardess, I feel Captain Lee made decisions that a truly professional captain would make. It is also Captain […]

Captain - 24m - Private

Posted on 29 Feb 2024 by Quay Crew

Job description

24m Private Motor yacht are seeking an experienced Captain to join them within the next month • This is a fantastic opportunity to work with an excellent owner and management company running an established yacht with solid cruising plans for the Summer • They are looking for an experienced Captain that has experience running similar size yachts and holding a minimum of MOY 200t or Yachtmaster offshore • A engineering ability and skillset would be advantageous and you will be required to oversee planned maintenance and general engineering checks • The yacht will be cruising the Med this Summer and an extensive knowledge of SOF and Sardinia will be required • Plans for the Winter are TBC but options are being explored including a home port, potential to be shipped to the Caribbean or a retainer for the Captain over the Winter period • Accommodation onboard during the Summer months and live ashore accommodation being explored for the Winter months • The owner is keen to use the yacht between the months of July-September • This position is also open to a couple (Captain & Stew) for the right proven couple • On offer is a negotiable salary DOE but with an initial range of 6500-7500 Euros, MLC standard leave, full medical insurance

Salary note

Negotiable salary DOE but with an initial range of 6500-7500 Euros

Starting location

Not specified

Leave allowance

Gym for crew, job requirements, qualifications.

MCA Yacht Master Offshore

Minimum experience

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