Careers on Super Yachts and How to To Land Your Dream Job

We've all watched Below Deck on Netflix and thought how amazing it would be to work on a luxury superyacht or sailing yacht, for some of us it's the only way to experience the grand and opulent world of the super-rich. I'm lucky enough to have grown up around the Industry - My Step Father is a Yacht-Master Instructor and often delivers yachts in the Mediterranean, UK and most recently across the Atlantic to the Caribean. I've also helped many yachties, including Yacht Managers, Captains, Chief Mates, Bosuns, Engineers and Chief Stewards with their CVs / Resumes.

The global market for the Yacht Industry is growing rapidly each year and was US$7.4 Billion in the year 2020, and projected to reach a revised size of US$10.8 Billion by 2026, growing at a CAGR of 6.2% over the analysis period. Source: Global Yacht Industry Market Report. So the industry is a safe bet for career entry and development - with over 15,000+ yachts in the world large enough to require a professional, qualified yacht crew. A career in yachting can be rewarding, exciting and a wonderful opportunity to travel the world and explore new horizons! Wherever there is water, you have the potential to go. Traditionally the yachting industry in the Mediterranean runs from April until September and from November to April in the US & Caribbean.

What's the Salary?

Working as a crew member on a Superyacht has amazing perks, including seeing new countries, beautiful oceans and rubbing shoulders with the rich and famous, and of course the higher than average salaries / rates.

Inexperienced yacht crew working as deckhands or stewardesses can earn between $2000 - $3000 a month. With more experience and higher positions such as Chief Steward and Bowsun, your salary can be between $3500 - $6000 a month and that's before tips... Captains can typically earn between $150,000 - $210,000 per year.

You also live onboard the yacht so there are no living expenses and meals are prepared by the Chef onboard - you rarely need to buy any groceries or toiletries. Another huge benefit that contributes to the amazing Superyacht salary is the potential for your earnings to be tax-free! On charter trips, guests typically tip 5% – 15% of the weekly charter fee, which is split between crew members. This can mean another $1000 per person, per week, in tips. There are other factors determining a yacht crew salary such as past experience and qualifications, including Dinghy Instructor, Divemaster or other specific training. If the yacht is chartered or privately owned and the length of the vessel will also all contribute to your monthly salary. The larger the yacht - the larger the salary!

Typical Salaries

Yacht Crew Positions

Superyacht Captain

A Superyacht Captain is responsible for all activity onboard, crew safety and well being and the experience offered to guests. The Captain is the main point of contact on the yachts for the owner, whether things are going right or wrong it can be a highly pressured and stressful job. The salary reflects the responsibility in this high-pressure environment and the range in salary normally depends on experience and length of the vessel. Generally, larger yachts will carry more guests and staff, therefore the Captain will have higher responsibilities, budget and potential issues to deal with.

First Officer / Chief Mate

First Officer, also known as Chief Officer or Chief Mate, is always second in command to the captain. They will assist the Captain in a wide range of duties and tends to be responsible for the safety of the Superyacht and everyone on board. Furthermore, the role of the First Officer also includes bridge watches and navigation. Due to needing a firm understanding of working on deck, the First Officer has normally started their career as a Deckhand and progressed from there. If you are an experienced First Officer and moved onto larger yachts then your next step will to become a Captain.

Superyacht Bosun

Otherwise known as the Senior Deckhand, the Bosun is the ‘line manager’ of all Deckhands on the boat. The Bosun manages and maintains the exterior of the yacht to the highest standard. This role also includes spending time with guests, ensuring they have fun and are safe when using water toys such as Jet Skis and dinghy sailing boats.

Superyacht Deckhand

An entry-level and very hands-on role, the Deckhand is responsible for the exterior of the yacht and tasks will typically involve cleaning, painting, sanding, varnishing and all general maintenance of the yacht. As with all Superyacht roles, you will be required to at least have your STCW Basic Safety Certificate and completing a Deckhand Course will give you an advantage when looking for your first job on a Superyacht.

Chief Engineer

The Chief Engineer is likely to get involved in the day-to-day work of maintaining the mechanical and electrical operations of the yacht, supervising the rest of the team and ensuring that all planned maintenance takes place. Additionally, the Chief Engineer will coordinate operations with shore-side engineers.

Second Engineer

The more common understudy and right-hand man to the Chief Engineer, the 2nd Engineer often has responsibility for Engine Room maintenance and will take on many of the more challenging maintenance and repair tasks as required.

Chief Stewardess

The Chief Stewardess is responsible for the interior of the Superyacht and attention to detail, elegance and cleanliness is paramount for this role. Furthermore, you will be required to perform duties discreetly, anticipate the requests and demands of the guests as well as manage your team of Stewardesses. A background in hospitality and hotel management will help for this role. Generally, the Chief Stewardess has progressed from a Stewardess role who fully understands the functions of a working Superyacht.

Superyacht Stewardess

Another entry-level position into working onboard a Superyacht. Being a Superyacht Stewardess is a wide-reaching role that covers are a whole range of day to day activities and tasks. You will be the host, cleaner, florist, housekeeper and collectively responsible for looking after the guests 24/7.

Chef

The position of Chef is challenging in every sense of the word. From the initial purchase of the food items, transportation to the yacht, (changing money and languages in between), to the preparation and final presentation on the table for paying guests and yacht owners. The Chef onboard also has to prepare all crew meals to keep the crew happy and well-fed.

Training Requirements

If you plan to work as a crew member on a superyacht there are 2 mandatory certificates required to get on board for all personnel:

1. ENG1 Seafarer Medical Certificate

ENG1 Seafarer Medical Certificate is a UK medical examination to prove you are fit to work at sea. An MCA-approved doctor must issue all applicants with an ENG1 Medical Certificate or equivalent.

2. STCW Basic Safety Training

STCW Basic Safety Training is a mandatory qualification required by all crew hoping to work on a commercial or charter yacht larger than 24 metres (78 feet).

Role Specific Training

Deckhands complete more training including:

• VHF Radio
• RYA Radar
• RYA Competent Crew
• MCA Proficiency in Designated Security Duties (PDSD)
• RYA Powerboat Level 2
• RYA Tender Operator or IYT tender driving license
• PWC Personal Watercraft Proficiency
• General GRP and carpentry repairs

Yacht Stewards / Stewardesses complete more training including:

• An interior crew-training course or courses, such as the PYA GUEST Program
• STCW Proficiency in Medical First Aid
• STCW Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats
• VHF Radio Short Range Certificate (GMDSS/DSC)
• RYA Powerboat Level 2
• PWC Personal Watercraft Proficiency
• MCA Proficiency in Designated Security Duties (PDSD)
• MCA Human Element, Leadership and Management (HELM) at Operational Level

First Mates / Chief Officers

• RYA Yachtmaster Offshore or IYT Master of Yachts <200gt
• RYA Yachtmaster Ocean or IYT Master of Yachts <200gt Unltd
• Master (code vessels) <200gt CoC
• OOW (Yachts) <3000gt CoC 
• Chief Mate (Yachts) <3000gt CoC

Captains or Masters

• Master (code vessels) <200gt CoC
• Master (Yachts) <500gt CoC
• Master (Yachts) <3000gt CoC

Resume / CV Requirements

99% of Yacht Management Companies and Yacht Crew Agencies don't use enterprise-level applicant tracking systems (ATS) so their resumes don't need to follow ATS rules. On top of that, the Super Yacht sector is all about image! I suggest using a creative style template on no more than 2 pages. You can download Microsoft Word Superyacht Resume / CV Templates (US Letter & A4) here, including example content to help you edit the resume!

Yachting Agencies in the US & UK

Crew 4 Crew: +1 954 764 8995: [email protected]: www.crew4crew.net

Crew Network: +1 954 46 79 777: [email protected]: www.crewnetwork.com

Crew Unlimited: +1 954 462 4624: [email protected]: www.crewunlimited.com

Crewfinders International: +1 954 52 22 739:[email protected]: www.crewfinders.com

Elite Crew International: +1 954 52 24 840: [email protected]: www.elitecrewintl.com

Luxury Yacht Group: +1 954 52 59 95 9: [email protected]: www.luxyachts.com

Moran Yachts: +1 954 62 60 412: [email protected]: www.moranyachts.com

Palm Beach Yacht Crew: +1 561 86 30 082: [email protected]: www.yachtcrew.com

Crewbay: +44 (0) 117 939 3747: [email protected]: www.crewbay.com

Crew Management Recruitment: +44 (0) 17 03 45 49 55: [email protected]

Crewseekers: +44 (0) 14 89 57 83 19: [email protected]: www.crewseekers.net

Dohle (Vantage Yacht Crew): +44 (0) 1624 653 080: [email protected]: www.dohle-yachtcrew.com/

Greycoat Placement Ltd: +44 (0) 20 72 33 99 50: [email protected]: www.greycoatplacements.co.uk

Hutchinsons: +44 (0) 20 75 81 00 10: www.hutchinsons-staff.com

Seagem International: +44 (0) 12 02 42 23 41: [email protected]: www.seageminternational.com

Superyacht Crew Agency: +44 (0) 20 81 23 45 35: [email protected]: www.superyachtcrewagency.com

Viking Recruitment Ltd: +44 (0) 13 04 24 08 81: [email protected]: www.vikingrecruitment.com

Wilsonhalligan: +44 (0) 23 80 45 86 52: [email protected]: www.wilsonhalligan.com

Wilde Marine Service: +44 (0) 14 81 72 64 46: [email protected]

Yachtchefs.com: +44 20 30 06 26 08: [email protected]: www.yachtchefs.com

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