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Our crew database includes 5,133 Captains, 10,037 Deckhands, 2,947 Chief Engineers, 1,313 ETOs, 5,570 Chefs, 15,180 Stews, 1,469 Massage Therapists, etc. Here are some of the recently registered yacht crew members:

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Superyacht Jobs

Matching quality crew with quality superyachts For over a decade, we’ve made it our job to find you the best superyacht jobs by taking a candidate-first approach to crew recruitment.

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Reliable, responsive and realistic

Only by understanding your skills and yacht career aspirations can we successfully connect you with your dream role onboard whilst ensuring an exemplary owner and guest experience.

Being ex-yachties ourselves, we know how competitive the industry can be and how reality often fails to meet expectations, so it’s our mission to change that.

Putting equal emphasis on the interests of everyone involved, we are able to pair the perfect crew with the perfect superyacht jobs 99% of the time.

Roles we recruit for From the bridge to the engine room and the deck to the galley, we recruit for superyacht jobs at all levels from green crew with certified potential to experienced Heads of Departments and Captains. Specialist secondary skills also range from beauty therapy, massage and fitness through to AV/IT, watersports instructors, medically trained personnel and manual trades.

Interior department, bosuns and officers, junior to chief engineers, junior to chief stew, galley hand to head chef.

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Our Promise

By putting your trust in Quay Crew, you can trust us to:

  • Be honest and transparent – if you’re not suited to the role or the culture of the yacht, we’ll tell you; and if the yacht isn’t offering a competitive salary or package, we’ll consult with them too.
  • Give career advice – on the roles you’re currently suitable for, how you can improve your CV and what secondary skills could make you stand out.
  • Never send your CV on-spec – we’ll always speak 1-2-1 with a candidate before putting them forward for a role and follow up with verbal references from past yachts and employers.
  • Communicate – at every stage of the process, whether it’s good or bad news.

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Testimonials.

“I think the reason that Quay Crew is (in my opinion and most of my colleagues’ opinions too) the industry’s leading agent is down to the culture of integrity, honesty and real care that permeates your company, and the careful selection of a candidate that will stay in the job. Long may it continue. I will never hesitate to use, recommend or assist Quay Crew for as long as I’m in yachting, and after.”

Chief Officer – 70m Yacht

“Having moved into the yachting industry from the commercial sector, Sam gave me valuable feedback on my CV and routes into the industry. I can highly recommend Sam to anyone looking for their next engineering position as she does her best to make sure that the yacht is right for you.”

2nd Engineer – 52m Yacht

“Having been in contact with Caroline since the summer, I felt the whole way through my search application process that she was completely on my side and has supported me and given me the confidence to propel my career to the next level.”

Chief Stew – 60m Yacht

“I would just like to take this opportunity to express how amazing Max has been in finding myself and my partner a position on a brand-new build. Max has been such a rock star in not just finding me one job but two jobs, which I am absolutely grateful for. It’s really nice to have a crew agency like Quay Crew who are reliable, trustworthy as well as always wanting to consider your best interests. The team at Quay Crew are absolutely exceptional and I will always recommend only the best for them. ”

Captain – 30m+ Yacht

“The best crew agent I have ever dealt with…always on the ball, super efficient, attentive and always available. There are so many agencies that only care about the yachts because they are the ones paying and completely ignore the crew so I want to thank you for all your help. ”

Head of Service – 100m Yacht

“I really appreciate the communication and commitment from Quay Crew and would like to mention that Tom has been incredible throughout the process. He had a vast amount of information relating to the role and yacht and knew exactly what would suit me. I highly recommend Quay Crew.”

Bosun – 60m+ Yacht

“Quay Crew was the most professional of the agencies I was using in my search. I had constant communication throughout and the whole process was personal. I’m very happy with the placement and would recommend Glen and the team to anyone. ”

2nd Officer – 65m Yacht

“What sets the team apart more than anyone else is the open and honest dialogue as well as the feeling that we’re working towards the same goal. Rather than just being another number or CV on someone’s desk, I established an amazing rapport with Glen so that he was able to really know what my goals were and where I wanted to take my career…and he was absolutely instrumental in seeing that I achieved that by placing me on my current vessel. At some point in the future, I plan to be on the opposite side of the interview process and Quay Crew will be the first agency that I reach out to.”

2nd Officer – 80m Yacht

“I wanted to say how fantastic Tom has been in finding a job for me. From first talking to him on the phone, he gave some fantastic advice about the industry and made the whole process feel calm and easy. His communication was absolutely exemplary and he went above and beyond to secure me a job. I would highly recommend Quay Crew to anyone.”

Deckhand – 90m Yacht

“I recently completed a 4 week trip through Quay crew on a yacht that Phil placed me on. I had applied for the role through other agencies but they refused [to put me forward] and Phil was the only recruiter that I spoke to who also saw flexibility in the job requirements. It’s a pleasure dealing with a recruiter that actually understands the role and the candidates suited for it. I hope to work with Phil and the Quay crew team again in the future.”

Night Navigation Officer – 80m Yacht

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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.

58 yacht crew jobs available now.

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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.

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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.

58 JOBS FOUND

  • 4:2 rotation
  • Qualifications: STCW, ENG1
  • Experience: 2 years
  • Salary: 3500 euros

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  • Qualifications: Chief mate 3000
  • Experience: 3 years +
  • Salary: 7000 euros
  • Qualifications: STCW, ENG1, Food Hygiene Level 2
  • Experience: 1 Year +
  • Salary: 4000 to 4500EUR (DOE)
  • Qualifications: -
  • Experience: 2 Years +
  • Salary: 4000EUR
  • Permanent (No rotation)
  • Qualifications: Y1 or Unlimited
  • Experience: Commercial and 1 Season + of Yachting Ideally
  • Salary: 8500EUR
  • Salary: DOE
  • Permanent 30 days
  • Qualifications: YM, OOW pref
  • Experience: Similar experience
  • Salary: 4000 EUR
  • Temporary (6 Months)
  • Qualifications: STCW, ENG1, Food Hygiene Level 2, Driver’s License
  • Salary: 5000EUR
  • 10 days, until 19/09 or 20/09/2024
  • Experience: 1- 2 years
  • Salary: 3000 EUR
 
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About the Yacht Positions

The diversity and opportunities to work aboard superyachts around the world are endless. The yachts range in size from 60ft to 600ft with crew of 1 - 100 crew members in four primary departments. Each department is responsible for a unique set of tasks aboard and is suited for individuals with specific skillsets and experience. Explore professions within each department.

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.

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Deckhand/tender mechanic 100m+ private motor yacht

Viking Crew are looking for a  tender mechanic to join a 100m+ motor yacht  Must have experience with small diesel and petrol engines, Responsible for the maintenance and upkeep...

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Temp chef needed for 70m support vessel.

Temp Chef needed for 70M support vessel, currently based in the Med. Start date: End of September - until Mid November Salary paid in USD Candidate needs to cook for an acti...

Shop Specialist required to join a retail concessionaire at sea

A well-established retail concessionaire at sea is currently seeking for a Shop Sales Specialists ( Beauty, Fragrance, Liquor and Fine Jewellery ). Candidates must have previous experience ...

Assistant Retail Manager required to join a retail concessionaire at sea

An Assistant Retail Manager is required to join a retail operator onboard cruise lines. Applicant must have previous experience managing the daily operation of retail departments by achieving and...

Watch Specialist required to join a retail concessionaire at sea

A well-established retail concessionaire at sea is currently seeking for a Shop Specialist (Watch Specialist). Candidates must have previous experience in sales and be willing to work ...

Retail Manager required to join a retail operator at sea

A Retail Manager is required to join a retail operator onboard cruise lines. Applicants must have previous experience managing the daily operation of retail departments by achieving and...

Ordinary Seaman -Discover a career ‘beyond wonder’

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

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...

1st Engineer required to join Windstar Cruises

We are looking for an experienced 1st Engineer to join a small luxury cruise company.  1st Engineer will be reporting directly to chief engineer. This luxury sail assisted and motor yacht...

ETO required to join Windstar Cruises

An ETO is required to join Windstar Cruises. The successful candidate will be fully aware of how the electronics systems are interconnected, able to operate, understand ...

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Working on Superyachts: Our Guide to Getting Paid and Traveling the World

Sustainable travel expert, adventure seeker

Jakobstad, Finland

Throughout m y  ten years as a superyacht stewardess, people have been intrigued by the job and what they imagine it entails. Admittedly, I  have  worked for celebrities  and  visited places I doubt I would’ve seen if it weren’t for the job. However, being repeatedly woken by the steward’s buzzer and requests to “make the engines less noisy” is infuriating, even when it’s at the behest of one of the world’s most famous drummers. And guess what? A visit to Mustique is a lot less paradisiacal when you have to spend your one hour ashore frantically trying to find a blind masseuse and a case of vintage rosé.

As a seasoned yachtie, I can tell you all about the pros and cons of this much-lusted over job. Read on and find out if a life below decks could be the life for you. 

You’ll earn the kind of cash that can buy you a house

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Become a yachtie and you’ll see a fat paycheck and your bank balance balloon as you start to earn the big bucks. We’re talking average monthly salaries starting around 3,000 Euro. If that doesn’t sound like a lot, keep in mind that you’ll have all of your expenses (everything from toothpaste to health insurance) conveniently paid for by the yacht’s owner. Smart sailors know that savings can quickly add up, especially when they are supplemented by generous charter tips. Hello down payment on a little white house by the sea! 

Pro tip: Many yachties get a bit carried away with being able to drop 150€ on a rosé lunch without flinching. I did, and the fact that I now own a ridiculous amount of unwearable shoes doesn’t make up for it. While it’s ok to occasionally revel in having an abundance of cash to spend on whatever you like, you’ll regret it if you don’t see your salary as an opportunity to invest in your future. 

You’ll see some of the most stunning and remote corners of the world

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While the well-trodden  Mediterranean-in-summer-and-Caribbean-in-winter  circuit is nothing to be sniffed at, you could also hit the jackpot with a more adventurous owner. Imagine setting sail for a round-the-world trip, experiencing the lagoon-like waters and balmy trade-winds of the Pacific and/or exploring the Antarctic’s remote, white wilderness? Become a yachtie and these dreamlands can become your next port of call.

Personal faves:  If you’re lucky like me, you’ll get to sail to the  awe-inspiring Galápagos islands where you’ll experience close encounters with sea turtles, sea lions, and rays. Or, you’ll visit the incredible Marlborough Sounds and soak up cinematic colours, not to mention the chance to taste green-lipped mussels, washed down with that celebrated Kiwi wine: the Sauvignon Blanc.

You’ll laugh your butt off with newfound friends

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There’s usually a tremendous sense of camaraderie on board a superyacht. The shared ‘pains’ of living the yachtie life acts as a kind of social glue and will no doubt result in friendships that you’ll cherish forever, not to mention places to crash in all corners of the globe.

Personal faves: I’m still regularly in touch with many of the funny, interesting, and lovely people that I worked with eons ago. In fact, it’s a whopping twelve years since I crossed paths with the Italian deckhand with a mop of blonde curls and wicked sense of humour that I still hang with. We’ll be celebrating our 11th anniversary later this year.

You’ll entertain your mates back home with stories that will blow their minds

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A season on the sea will give you enough stories to entertain your mates back home for the next two years. My first season’s stories range from the sensational (a famous rapper handing me 500 USD for packing his suitcase in under a minute) to the distressing (days of rough seas and being violently ill in the Bay of Biscay). And from the hilarious (getting my butt stuck in a porthole while sneaking back onboard after curfew) to the totally brag-worthy ones (chats with Jamiroquay on a private Jamaican beach).

You’ll soak up epic sunsets and spot amazing wildlife all the time

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The most dramatic seascapes, the illustrious green flash, pods of dolphins, and seas alight with phosphorescence are just a few of the wondrous sights that’ll become part of your everyday life. When sailing conditions are sweet and you’re bantering away with fellow crew while helming one of the world’s most beautiful sailing boats, it’s easy to think that this is  the  best job in the world.

Pro tip:  While it’s tempting to drag your feet and whine as you get hauled out of bed in the dead of night, try your best to stay stay present. Looking back, it’s during those 4-8am watch shifts that I witnessed the most vivid sunrises, saw the most incredible marine life, and had the best conversations with fellow crew.

You’ll feel as though you’re stuck in a BBC drama

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Those weeks (or months) when you have charter guests (or the boss) offer plenty of moments that are less than ideal. To be honest, waking up early to serve breakfast and working a 16-18 hour day is nothing out of the ordinary. While some guests show genuine appreciation, others might call you ‘the girl’ and talk to you like a duchess might to a servant in a BBC costume drama. And you? That’s right, you have your hands behind your back and you smile.

Pro tip: Whether you’re dealing with an owner with more money than manners, a toffee-nosed guest, or an inconsiderate lump whose offensiveness is unintentional, don’t take it personally— it’s their problem, not yours.

You’ll find ironing someone else’s undies to be positively unglamorous

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The work mostly consists of detailing and, believe you me, there’s nothing glamorous about that. Mopping up blood juice from the broken meat freezer is something no one aspires doing. Nor is folding little fans from the ends of toilet paper, dusting behind never opened books, or ironing the captain’s Calvin Kleins. In fact, many tasks you’ll be asked to do will make no sense at all . Guess what? You’ll be doing them anyway.

Pro tip: Questioning whether certain tasks are necessary or suggesting a different way of doing things hardly ever goes down well. Almost comparable to being in the merchant navy, you’ll need to respect the chain of command. Simply keep your cool and do as you’re asked and you’ll have very little to worry about.

You won’t make it to your best friend’s wedding

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A random rich person (the yacht’s owner, aka, your boss) is now in control of your time, how much you sleep, your general whereabouts, and pretty much everything else that’s going on in your life. Your best friend’s wedding? Christmas with your family? Chances are you won’t be able to make it to either one. Even if there’s nothing scheduled to happen at the time you want to be away, you can be guaranteed that a last minute charter or broker’s viewing will arise and ruin your plans spectacularly.

Say goodbye to privacy and alone time

super yachts work

You’ll be sharing everything and ‘alone’ time will be a thing of the past. What’s more, you’re stuck on a boat with the same people all the time. Most of them are probably people you wouldn’t choose to hang out with and some will have habits that are downright disturbing. When you’re tired, grumpy, and fed-up with having to step over your roomie’s dirty knickers, you’ll start to sweat the small stuff and, occasionally, will feel the urge to strangle somebody. However, you won’t be able to ‘walk it off’ or talk to your mates about it over a beer in the pub.

Pro tip: Although onboard politics are a fact of yachtie-life, don’t join the drama club. Listen and offer advice when appropriate, but avoid getting sucked into someone else’s saga and/or spreading gossip. Oh, and a note on the latter: wherever you are on a yacht, there will always be someone that can overhear your conversation, no matter how far away from the others you think you may be. 

There’s no escaping the industry’s ‘golden handcuffs’

super yachts work

Those fat stacks I mentioned as one of the pros? Well, the downside is that it’s easy to become dependent on the income the industry can offer. In fact, many yachties end up feeling trapped within a lifestyle that they themselves have subconsciously created. 

Pro tip: Think about the future before you make investments that could ‘imprison’ you. If you don’t, you may one day find that you can’t afford to leave a job that you stopped enjoying a while ago.

Still up for this? Here’s how to go about it:

super yachts work

Step 1: Complete an STCW Basic Training Course. This is required if you dream of being able to work on a commercially registered yacht. Aside from classroom days, this five-day course includes a lot of fun stuff, such as clambering into life rafts and putting out fires the size of a house.

Step 2: Get ready to yachtifie your CV (make sure to mention hospitality work or other relevant experience such as massage or beautician skills) and head to a super yacht hub such as Palma de Mallorca, Antibes, or Ft. Lauderdale.

Step 3: Finally, you’ll need to sign up with one of the yacht crew agencies and keep checking social media pages such as Palma Yacht Crew ; the latter posts jobs and day work positions regularly.

A last word of advice:

super yachts work

Before you start booking flights and selling your furniture, I have one more piece of advice to share. One of the reasons I kept returning to work on boats is that I couldn’t seem to adjust to a ‘normal’ life ashore. Whenever I’d leave a job, I’d get itchy feet and crave adventure and the only way I knew how to get that (with a good salary) was in yachting.

So, if you still find yourself down yachting’s rabbit hole five or ten years from now, don’t say I didn’t warn y’all! But hey, if that rabbit hole includes ticking off a huge chunk of your travel bucket list and making lifelong friends, you’ll have zero regrets.

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WORKING ON BOARD A YACHT

Yacht crew positions: understanding different roles and responsibilities.

Jobs on a yacht, superyacht, yacht crew positions

Yachting is an unique industry and a career in yachting will take you on the adventure of a lifetime. Yacht crew work and live on some of the world’s most advanced superyachts that they help operate and maintain.

Discover the different opportunities available on board a yacht.

Working on board a yacht takes a variety of skills and dedication. Yacht crew share both their work and living space with each other and together they aim to deliver the best holiday experience to yacht owners and their guests. The deck and engineering crew need to obtain various certifications for safe manning of the vessel and the interior team will be trained and ready to deliver service on the highest level. All this will be compensated with an excellent salary and numerous benefits that come with each position. 

The exact positions available on board each yacht depend on its size and operational structure. Below you can find descriptions for each of the positions available to yacht crew.

As recruiters, we are your partner in recruitment. We are here to guide you through the recruitment process and offer our expertise to help you land your ideal job. Our recruiters are solution driven; they have a voice, an opinion and will champion you for the right jobs on the best yachts with the finest captains and crew. If you are looking to work on board a yacht, get in touch with our recruiters via your YPI CREW profile .

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Where in the World is Nina?

Guide to Becoming a Yacht Stewardess Working on Superyachts

This working on superyachts guide is a authored by Carryn.

Working on superyachts seems glamorous, right? Your office overlooks crystal clear waters and your job involves stepping into the life of the rich and famous.

Not to mention, you get paid a fortune whilst doing so! But, as with most things in life, there’s more to the yachting industry than what meets the eye.

This guide details all the steps to getting a job working on a super yacht and what life is really like as a yacht stewardess — the good, the bad and the ugly!

Table of Contents

Before I Became a Yacht Stewardess

After 6 months working on a superyacht, is it easy to get a job working on superyachts, connections within the yachting industry, other qualities needed to become a yacht stewardess, the salary for a yacht stewardness, 1. do you want to become a yacht stewardess or a deckhand, role of a yacht stewardess working on a super yacht, role of a deckhand, other positions available for working on superyachts, 2. requirements for working on superyachts, 3. where to get a job: the mediterranean or the caribbean, 4. visa requirements for working on superyachts, 5. working on a private yacht vs a chartered yacht, 6. how to land that job as a yacht stewardess, register with yacht crew agencies, networking with other crew and yacht stewardesses, how much does it cost to work on a super yacht, what is life really like working on superyachts, how i got my job working on a superyacht, 1. how much time do you have to get a job, 2. do you believe in yourself, 3. are you ready to work your ass off every single day, how to become a ski instructor almost anywhere in the world, how to be a travel nanny and work as you travel, how to be an au pair in spain + tips for getting a job, how to work abroad & travel the world, how you can work abroad without experience so you can travel longer.

After graduating from college in South Africa, I jumped straight into the working world and started “adulting”.

After 3 months of long, hard work, with very little pay, I decided that I was tired of being broke and living in debt.

In an attempt to see just how versatile my skills were, I quit my job in search of greener pastures on the other side of the world, France. Here, I began what I thought would be a lifelong career as a yacht stewardess. I was intrigued by the idea of working on superyachts, how glamorous it all was and of course the MONEY.

Working as a yacht stewardess changed my life for the better. When I left for France I was a young, naive college graduate who struggled to find a balance between traveling and being financially independent.

6 months later, which is a lot earlier than I’d expected, I decided to throw in the towel. The money I’d made was amazing yet never gave me the job satisfaction I was actually looking for. I returned home with a new-found love for my country, my family and the smaller things in life.

Working on superyachts put my life into perspective.

It was an extremely personal time filled with self-reflection and allowed me to appreciate and value my own personal skills and work ethic.

How to work on a yacht and travel the World.

Working on Superyachts: The Basics

A superyacht is a large luxury boat that’s longer than 24 meters. These yachts are owned by the rich and famous and often make their way between the Caribbean and the Mediterranean waters.

These superyachts need crew to provide them with that 1st class service. And this is where the thousands of yachties come into play.

People often confuse working on superyachts with that of working on cruise ships. No, they are not the same! Working on a superyacht is a far more intimate job. There can be two to twelve guests on board and you’re at their beck and call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

It’s a grueling job that will have you working long hours in confined spaces, but the rewards are far greater than those of the cruise ships.

Yes and no.

The yachting industry is a difficult one to get into, but once you have your foot in the door, you’re guaranteed future work and better positions. However, getting that first job working on a superyacht is the hardest part.

You will struggle to secure a job in advance as most captains and crew agencies want to meet you in person before they hire you. As a result, you need to go to the yachting hubs where you will spend your time job hunting.

Securing a job takes time. For some, it’s a matter of days, but for most, it takes weeks or even months.

How to get a job as a yacht stewardess on a Superyacht.

The saying “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know” never rang so true as it does in the yachting world. If you have connections in the industry, you shouldn’t have a problem getting a job as a yacht stewardess.

The yachting industry is a small one and referrals are the easiest way to land your first job.

Owners want young, good-looking crew running around after them. As a yacht stewardess, your uniform consists of short skirts and tight shirts and you need to look presentable and professional at all times. If you fit this profile of a yacht stewardess, finding a job working on a superyacht will be a lot easier for you.

Your personality and drive also play a huge factor. Captains and owners want outgoing, energetic and friendly crew who will get on well with the rest of the team.

You have very little personal space and whilst conflicts are bound to happen, you will have to master the art of the “smile and walk away” and avoid confrontations with other crew and guests.

So yes, getting a job working on superyachts isn’t easy, but if you have the above points covered, I bet you could get a job!

The starting salary for a yacht stewardess or deckhand is roughly 2,500€ per month. This is with no experience and excludes 10% tips  — which you receive on chartered trips. These tips could quite easily match your base salary. And it’s all tax-free!

You have no rent to pay as you live on board the boat. Your meals are prepared for you by the qualified chef, and you don’t need to purchase any groceries or toiletries.

EVERYTHING is covered. What I saved in 5 months whilst working on superyachts has taken me a full year to make as an English Teacher in Korea !

Working on a yacht as a stewardess is a powerful experience.

Sounds too good to be true, doesn’t it?

How to Work on a Superyacht: 6 Steps

Each of these superyachts needs 6-10 crew who all work together to ensure the smooth running of the luxury vessel. There are many positions available ranging from engineers to chefs but most crew start off as either a yacht stewardess or a deckhand.

As a yacht stewardess or stew, as it’s more commonly referred to, your main tasks are housekeeping and ensuring that the interior of the yacht is properly maintained. You need to provide the highest standards of hospitality and ensure that the guests are taken care of. To put it bluntly, you’re a glorified maid wearing a cute outfit!

Daily Tasks of a Yacht Stewardess

As a yacht stewardess, your daily tasks whilst working on a private yacht include meticulous cleaning of the interior of the boat such as the cabins, toilets and living areas. You’re responsible for all the laundry, ironing as well as flower arranging, and table setting for all meals.

You need to provide a silver service dining experience and make world-class cocktails whenever the guests request. If there are children on board your yacht, you may also be asked to keep them entertained whilst ensuring all your other tasks are completed.

Working Hours

Your days start when the first guest awakes and end when the last guest goes to bed! If they’re out clubbing until 4 am, you’ll have to stay up to welcome them back on board and perhaps serve them drinks upon their return.

There are no free weekends if you’re on charter and you rotate shifts with the other crew, who also work just as hard. Because of this, the hours are long and tiring and if you have demanding guests, you could feel completely broken by the end of it.

The workload and the sort of work changes depending on the season, whether you have guests on board and any maintenance issues.

The deckhand’s position is more geared for men and includes maintaining the exterior of the yacht as well as all the deck equipment. You scrub the boat, top to bottom and it’s a physically demanding role. Tasks include cleaning the engine, painting, and varnishing the deck. You’re in charge of the fenders and ropes as well as the tenders and jet skis.

Perhaps you’re a qualified chef, engineer or beautician. These jobs are also available but with no prior yachting experience, you will struggle to find positions available.

You may want to apply as either a yacht stewardess or deckhand first, and highlight these additional skills in your CV. This is because there are more opportunities for stews and deckhands. Captains will also be reluctant to hire a chef or engineer who’s doesn’t have experience working on superyachts as the demands are different from those of the normal day job.

People happily working on a private yacht.

To find a job working on superyachts, there are a few basic requirements that you need to meet.

STCW stands for Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers. There are 5 modules that need to be completed within this required course. These include:

  • Personal Safety & Social Responsibilities (PSSR)
  • Fire Fighting
  • Personal Survival Techniques (PST)
  • Proficiency in Designated Security Duties (PDSD)

Eng 1 (Seafarer Medical Certificate)

This is an exam to ensure you don’t suffer from any existing medical condition that may deter you from performing your job. You’ll be required to take a urine sample and a doctor will perform a physical exam to ensure you have no issues with your sight or hearing.

Additional Courses to Work on a Superyacht

Once you’ve secured your position, your chief stewardess or captain will conduct proper in-house training to ensure you know how to work on a yacht and complete the tasks to their standards.

The below courses will prepare you for your new job and will add value to your yachting CV, but they are costly and are not a requirement.

  • Stewardess courses where they cover interior care skills, silver service, table setting, cocktail service as well as flower arranging.
  • Food Safety Certificate Level 2 . This certification applies to crew working on MLC compliant yachts. Service personnel such as chefs and yacht stewardesses working out of the galley will need this food hygiene certification.
  • Powerboat Level 2 allows you to ride the tender and is beneficial for deckhands.

There are 2 yachting seasons: The Mediterranean and the Caribbean Season.

Each of these areas has yachting hubs where crew base themselves when looking for work. These towns are filled with aspiring yachties all gunning for the same position. Once the season is complete, your yacht may move to warmer waters or dock in the harbor until the winter season has passed.

The Mediterranean Yachting Season

The yachting season in the Mediterranean starts as early as April where these superyachts start crewing up and the season continues until August. The main hubs to look for work in the Mediterranean include Antibes in France and Palma de Mallorca in Spain.

The Caribbean Yachting Season

The Caribbean season is active all year round with September to March being the busiest months. Ft. Lauderdale in Florida is the main hub which attracts hundreds of crew every year. From here the boats move toward Antigua and St. Maarten in the Caribbean and as well as the Bahamas where guests enjoy the crystal-clear waters and tropical islands.

  • Caribbean: If you’re heading to the United States of America, you’ll need a B1/B2 Visa.
  • Mediterranean: A Schengen visa is required if you are going to France or Spain.
  • Seaman’s Book: Once you find a job working on a super yacht, you need to arrange a seaman’s book. This is recognized as proof that you are working on a yacht and is also a compulsory document when applying for a transit visa.

Superyacht docks

There are two kinds of superyachts: Private yachts and chartered yachts.

Private Yachts

Private yachts are used exclusively by the owner.

In some cases, the owner may use the yacht a few times a season and so the crew will have a more relaxed schedule. But don’t take this for granted. I spent 5 months working on a private yacht and had guests on board every day!

Chartered Yachts

Chartered yachts are hired by groups of people for a shorter duration.

You usually have a day or two to get the yacht ready for each charter. This means that the guests are always changing, and the routes are very busy. However, it’s standard for the crew to receive 10-20% tips from the guests. Not too bad if you ask me!

So you’ve completed your yachting courses and you’ve decided whether you’re going to the Mediterranean or the Caribbean. Flights are booked, and visas have been organized. Now, you need to get a job working on a superyacht.

Find a Crew House for the First Week After Your Arrival

These crew houses are like hostels catering for new yachties. They are slightly more expensive than other accommodation you can find. However, it’s worth staying in a crew house for the first week while you try to find your way around your new surroundings.

If you’re heading to the South of France, I highly recommend “The Crew Grapevine” which is where I started off.

The crew houses are generally a stone’s throw away from the harbor and the staff working there understand the yachting world and will help you find your feet.

The owners of these crew houses are also highly respected in the industry and if you make a good impression, they may put in a good word for you with a captain they know. The crew houses also include free printing which is great when you have to print out hundreds of CVs.

The docks

Reserving Your Spot at a Crew House

These crew houses are extremely popular and because of the uncertainty of the yachting industry, you cannot book your spot in advance. Some people land a job working on a private yacht after 2 days and so they leave the crew house immediately, others only leave after 2 months!

The best way to get into a crew house is to keep in contact with them when you start organizing your trip.

Introduce yourself and let them know your plans. Then, a week before your arrival, mail them each day to see if they have openings available. I received an email confirming my booking the day I landed in France. Talk about cutting it fine!

After your first week, you would know your way around and would have met other yachties. Together you can rent an apartment for the rest of your stay as this is a far more affordable option.

Finding Daywork on a Yacht

Daywork is temporary work on board a superyacht where you help the other crew complete their duties, but you don’t stay on board the boat.

Daywork on a yacht is a great way of earning money and building up your CV whilst looking for a permanent job as a yacht stewardess.

You get paid $100 – $150 for the days’ work and this should be enough to keep you going for a few extra days.

Dock Walking

As the name suggests, dock walking involves walking through the marinas in search of work on a yacht. With a big, friendly smile on your face, you approach the many superyachts and hand your CV over to the crew.

You’ll most likely face rejection as the boats will have crew but hold your head up high and keep going! For tips on how to create the perfect CV, check this post out.

Security at some of these docks has become extremely tight and dock walking is not allowed in some marinas. This is especially true in the US so perhaps you need to look at some of the below options when looking for work on a yacht.

Yachts are interesting locations to work; you’re often plunged into very formal environments, so professionalism is key.

Yacht crew agencies are often the first port of call for captains looking for a yacht stewardess or deckhand. Registering with these crew agencies can be done through an online application where you include your work experience, qualifications, current location and contact details. This is followed by an interview which needs to be done in person.

This is the easiest way to get a job working on superyachts but if you don’t make an impression, they won’t remember you.

Making connections within the industry is of utmost importance when looking for a job as a yacht stewardess. Put yourself out there and find a common interest with other crew you meet. If they like you, they’ll pass your details onto their captains.

But of course, be aware that every new yachtie is looking to make these connections. You need to stand out from the rest and avoid hanging out in spots that only attract new crew.

Sailing in Greece on a group trip

Getting a job as a yacht stewardess can take days, weeks and even months. However, I firmly believe that this is dependent on the individual. I’ve met people who’ve invested all the time and money into working on superyachts and after a few months, they’ve had to return home as they were unsuccessful in finding a job and so their funds ran dry.

The competition is strong and when you’re at these yachting hubs, you may feel overwhelmed by the number of newbies in the industry. But, your luck can change in an instant.

Getting into the yachting industry is not cheap as your initial expenses are NOT covered. You need to support yourself financially until you get a job working on a superyacht. It’s a big investment, but one that you can pay back within your first month of work.

Cost for these courses vary between countries and all amounts below are estimates.

These expenses include the following:

  • STCW: $600-$1,200 for the 5 courses ($900 average)
  • ENG1 Medical: $80
  • Flights to the yachting hubs in the Mediterranean or Caribbean: $1,000
  • Visa: $60-$120
  • Accommodation for your first week: $275
  • Meals for your first week: $200
  • Additional expenses: $100
  • Total expense = $2,645

Bearing in mind that it can take weeks, if not months to find a job, your cost for food and accommodation could be considerably higher.

Your first season working on a superyacht will always be tough. Because you have no experience, you’ll most likely take the first job you can find as beggars can’t be choosers. You won’t really know what you’ve signed up for until you start working.

You’re the junior stewardess and everyone else has put in the hours and earned their stripes, now it’s your turn!

You may work a bit longer than the rest, you’ll be put in the laundry room and spend the entire day ironing and you’ll be the one waking up early. You’ll travel to exotic locations with the most stunning scenery. But you’ll only enjoy these views from the portholes of the cabins as there’s cleaning to be done.

But after you have one season under your belt, you’ll have more connections and can pick and choose what sort of yacht you want to work on. You will be able to find out which boats have easier guests and schedules and you won’t need to jump at the first job offer you get.

RELATED: 10 Jobs Abroad With Accommodation (& Without Experience!)

I started my yachting career in Antibes, France. After 3 days of dock walking, I was feeling extremely unmotivated by the sheer amount of crew looking for work.

I had invested so much time and money into getting to France, and financially I only had 2 weeks to find work before I was broke!

It was a beautiful sunny day and a lot of people were going to the beach to relax after a busy week of dock walking. I was torn between taking the morning off or continuing my search for work as a yacht stewardess. Reluctantly, I decided to first go to a few crew agencies and see if I could chat with one of their staff.

I must have made a good impression because two hours later I received a phone call for an interview with a captain. After a successful chat, I accepted the position and a few hours later I was on a train to Italy to start my career as a yacht stewardess working on a private yacht.

How to travel the World and get paid as yacht stewardess.

Questions to Ask Yourself Before You Commit to Working on Superyachts

It’s important to put pressure on yourself and set deadlines. Financially I only had two weeks to support myself. This was cutting it fine, but I feel that this pressure is what lead to me finding a job after only 4 days.

You’ll face rejection but will need to keep pushing through in order to secure a job. You’ll also have to justify the initial investment and if you don’t believe that you can cut it in the yachting industry, then perhaps you need to look for something less risky

Some days I worked for up to 18 hours and had very little sleep. My nails and fingers were scarred with blisters and cuts from washing so many crystal glasses. My skin went bad from not seeing the sun, and my legs were developing varicose veins from standing up all day.

But my crew were amazing. We all worked equally hard and supported each other on the difficult days. You might be lucky and find a sweet job with an easy schedule, however, prepare for the worst but this will only make you stronger.

In the end, my experience and the money I made was totally worth it. Think long and hard if you think you’re up for this kind of lifestyle. There are some that stick around and end up with great jobs who get extra tips and even flights to whatever country they want. It’s a fabulous job if you think you’re game for the challenges that come with it.

More Jobs Abroad

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Do you have what it takes to work on a superyacht? Do you want to become a yacht stewardess? Let us know in the comments!

>>> Bio

Hey, I’m Carryn! I’m a nature enthusiast and passionate explorer who loves hiking, diving, and adventuring through new countries. My travels have taken me from the peaks of Kilimanjaro to the underwater worlds of Indonesia and have lead me to Korea where I am teaching English. I share my travel stories on my blog, Torn Tackies , where I aim to inspire people to step out of their comfort zone and explore the world that surrounds them.

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Guide to Becoming a Yacht Stewardess Working on Superyachts

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Nina Ragusa is an adventurer, messy bun master, breakfast fan, and full-time travel blogger. She's been abroad since 2011 and blogging on Where in the World is Nina? for nearly as long. Nina helps people like you move around the world while making money. She loves talking about how to work abroad and online to travel longer! Read more about Nina

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Hi Nina, thank you so much for the information. I’m looking at doing my course (again) in November. Unfortunately I didn’t pursue the yachting industry the first time I did my course as I started working on the ships. But your insight has really motivated me to try again, so thank you.

Thank you Nina for sharing your info and guiding us, i do have a question though, i am a type one diabetic, and really want to work on a yacht, i am already currently in the Hospitality industry. Do you know whether type one diabetics are allowed to work on yachts?

Great info ! Thank you so much for sharing your experience, I’m looking forward to become a stewardess, I have a question: for working in the Mediterranean Sea it doesn’t matter which Schengen visa? I might have the chance chance to do a German visa, would that work? Thank you again J+

Thank you, Nina! I am heading to Antibes on May 1st to find my first yacht job and I am super excited! I’m always reading online and checking out any information I can in order to prepare, so this blog was a prize to find as it is loaded with fantastic info!

Hope you’re having a fantastic day, wish me luck!

Yes! The best of luck 🙂

Hi nina i have already documents f Seaman book and passport Eng1, food safety and level hygiene level 2

Stcw Sdsd My probllem is only the visa i want to earn already

Can you tell me whats lacking ,

How is the procedure in landing yachts ?

I think sometimes that when i travel my own expense in goin ‘

Like france

I think its too expensive

Or i think in mind that when i applied in us embassy here in philjppines for b1b2 visa

W/out a company yet is hard for me

Coz.i didnt travel yet in any location overseas I have first in mind that i justonly denied for that

Pls can you help me my dear ffriend Can you pls.humbly assist me in my dream career I am a greenie and recently took my iyt yacht card here in manila philippines

Its been an honor to have an indtrument /way like you

On helping othera like me

I want t hear your quick Humbly help my friend

Thank you so much Nina for all of this information! You’ve made me more excited to start my yachting career. I am heading to Phuket next month to take my STCW + Stewardess course, then am hoping to head over to Antibes after to start looking for work by March 🙂

That sounds SO exciting! Have fun 🙂

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Working on a superyacht - a complete guide.

Patrick Maflin

Working on a superyacht is an exciting prospect if you’re trying to find a job which offers something very different from your typical 9 to 5 grind.

There are numerous roles you may wish to consider on board a superyacht.

What you choose will depend on your personality, interests, skills and background.

In this complete guide to working on a superyacht we hope that you will gain a better understanding of how to best go about getting a job aboard a superyacht, to hopefully embark on the career of your dreams at sea.

What is a Superyacht?

What does working on a superyacht have to offer, what is the work ethic like, chief engineer, second & third engineer, technical officer, first & second officer, chief steward/stewardess, steward/stewardess, how much are yacht crew paid, what skills & experience are required, do i need any qualifications, how do i find a superyacht job, when are the yachting seasons.

A superyacht is the term used to describe any leisure yacht which is over 24 metres in length.

Nowadays the superyacht industry has become a very popular and lucrative one.

Many people are considering taking up a job on board a superyacht, especially since the hit reality TV series Below Deck gained worldwide popularity.

Yacht crew serving guests

Nowadays there are several superyachts sailing the seas, including motor and sail.

Between them, thousands of crew members are employed to ensure the superyacht is kept in top shape and that the owners and any guests on board are served to the highest standards.

Working within the superyacht industry can prove to be a very rewarding and enticing career for the right types of personality.

It’s certainly a different kind of career than most other traditional jobs.

There’s always a great deal going on on board, and travel and adventure will be an integral part of your life.

As most yachts head to the Mediterranean in the summer months, and the Caribbean in the winter, you will get to experience the sunniest places at the best times of the year.

Moreover, yacht crew are very well paid.

Salaries will vary considerably from one yacht to another, depending on its size and type.

It’s important however to bear in mind that working on a superyacht also means having to work long hours.

But the end result can be rewarding, especially if you spent over 183 days at sea.

This essentially means any income earned should qualify for the seafarers earning deduction , which means you pay zero income tax!

A traditional job will often have a set start and end time every day.

You head off home after a long day, and see your family and unwind for the rest of the evening.

This is certainly not the case with a job in the superyacht industry.

At the end of a long day, you will most likely spend the evening having dinner with the rest of the crew.

And you will generally share a cabin with another crew member, so essentially, you live and work in one place around the clock.

It’s therefore important to keep this in mind, along with your openness to this kind of lifestyle.

You need to have the right personality to be able to live in these conditions, and be very personable to get along well with others.

Thus, a friendly and outgoing personality is a must for a crew member.

You would need to also be a grafter with a great work ethic.

What are the Job Roles Aboard a Superyacht?

Yachts Moored in Marina

The Captain is the person responsible for the safe navigation and operation of the yacht.

The Captain will have full responsibility for the crew members, guests, tenders and toys.

Other responsibilities include money management and budgeting, overseeing the upkeep of the yacht, and managing refitting projects.

The role of the captain will vary depending on the size of the vessel.

The smaller the yacht, the more hands-on the captain will be.

Whereas with bigger yachts, the more the captain’s responsibilities become administrative in nature.

However, this job can be very lucrative and Captains tend to be very well paid .

The Chief Engineer will be responsible for the engineering department, and for the safe and efficient operation of the vessel.

The Chief Engineer will manage engineers, electricians and electronic technical officers, while reporting directly to the Captain.

The Chief Engineer tends to get involved in the daily work revolving around the mechanical and electrical operations of the ship.

They will also ensure that any planned maintenance takes place on time, and that should anything need fixing it is seen to as efficiently as possible.

This is another important role which involves maintaining the mechanical and electrical operations under control.

The second or third engineer will be responsible for small tasks as well as more complex ones, as they will need to see to anything that requires fixing, be it the main engine, an air conditioner or a jet ski.

They will also need to maintain an inventory of important parts required for possible breakages or replacements.

A Technical Officer or Electronic Technical Officer (ETO), as they are sometimes referred to, will be responsible for the day-to-day maintenance of equipment, including computers, communication equipment, electronic equipment, and audiovisual equipment.

Such equipment will be more advanced and more commonplace the larger the yacht.

The Technical Officer will need to see to the planned maintenance of the various systems.

Practically all superyachts will have a First Officer on board, but bigger vessels will typically employ a Second Officer as well.

The roles of such officers are very similar, and they revolve around the safety of the yacht and the people on board.

Hence their duties will include various safety and administrative tasks, overseeing all deck operations, supervising toys, undertaking bridge watches and keeping charts updated.

The second officer will act as an understudy to the first officer.

The Chief Steward/Stewardess is a high ranking role which involves being responsible for the interior of the yacht, as well as managing the interior staff members.

They will report directly to the Captain.

Some of the tasks that a Chief Steward will need to oversee include cabin preparation, food service, drink service, silver service, flower arranging, organising events and arranging trips.

It’s a very varied and demanding role, but a yacht stewardess earns a good salary .

This is one of the most common entry level jobs in the yacht industry.

The primary role of a steward or stewardess is to ensure that the interior of the yacht is as clean and organised as possible.

This includes cabin preparation and cleaning, maintaining drinks stock, drink preparation and serving, laundry, ironing, plant care and flower arranging, among others.

The Chef will be responsible for everything relating to food - from the purchase of food items and its transportation to the yacht, to its preparation and presentation to the guests on the table.

The chef will also be responsible for the galley, including its organisation and clean-up.

The chef will need to be creative and inventive, to ensure varied and balanced menus.

Only experienced chefs tend to work aboard superyachts, with an impressive CV of having worked in commercial kitchens for several years prior.

So it’s understandable that a yacht chef makes a very good income .

On larger yachts there will also be a sous chef or second chef alongside the head chef.

They will be responsible for culinary duties as well as assisting the chef in various ways.

The sous chef will typically take care of the cooking for the crew members along with any side work required for meal preparations for the yacht owner and their guests.

The Bosun, or as sometimes referred to, the Leading Hand or Senior Deckhand will be responsible for maintaining the yacht’s exterior in tip top shape.

They will also be in charge of all the deckhands.

The Bosun’s role includes organising deck operations such as the maintenance of toys and tenders as well as their proper storage, deck maintenance and storage of any supplies required for deck operations.

The Bosun may also undertake bridge watch duties at sea as well as be the main tender driver.

The Deckhand position comprises numerous roles which revolve around cleaning and maintenance.

The deckhands will be responsible for maintaining the exterior of the yacht in good condition, and this will include tasks such as painting, polishing, varnishing, sanding, finishing and carpentry jobs too.

Deckhands will also drive tenders and toys.

A deckhand will often need to escort guests who will be using toys.

At times deckhands will also help out interior staff in cleaning cabins, serve meals or to provide assistance in the galley.

Whilst this is considered a low level position aboard yachts, many deckhands gain certification before embarking on a yachting career to ensure they are fully skilled to do the job.

Competition for yacht deckhand roles is fierce, so before applying for a deckhand job , it’s best to be prepared first.

The salaries of the various yacht crew members vary from one yacht to another, depending on the type of yacht, and its size.

However, to give you an idea, the average superyacht salary for an entry level job, such as a steward or a deckhand, will typically range between £1,700 to £3,000 per month.

There’s also the addition of tips to consider.

Sometimes during charter season you can earn a substantial amount from tips, which could even end up doubling your salary.

Another thing to consider is that if you are a UK resident, you would benefit from a tax-free salary if you pass your residency test .

You also need to bear in mind that your day-to-day costs would be taken care of if you work on a yacht, as you would also be living on it.

Hence you will not have to pay for water or electricity bills, rent or meals.

Doctor signing ENG1 Medical

As with any job, the more experience and relevant skills you have, the better.

For example, gaining an ENG1 Medical Certificate and the STCW Basic Safety Training certificate are a must.

You may need to also beef up your CV by demonstrating that you have various other skills or training which will come in useful.

You should try dockwalking to get some experience on board a yacht, even if for just a short period of time.

This will help to show that you are willing to work and learn, while also giving you some experience to include in your CV.

You will need to get an ENG1 medical to certify that you are fit to work at sea.

The STCW Basic Safety Training is a mandatory qualification for a seafarer.

There are numerous other courses which you may opt to follow to be better qualified and improve your chances of getting a job on a superyacht.

For instance, courses about hospitality, flower arranging, food and drink service are ideal for someone who aspires to work as a steward.

Courses on carpentry, powerboats and diving are ideal for anyone wishing to get a job as a deckhand.

The more relevant skills you have, the better your chances are of getting a job as a crew member more quickly and easily.

To get a job on a superyacht, it’s important to start off by preparing yourself well to be a good prospective applicant.

Complete the STCW Basic Safety Training course and get as many relevant qualifications as you can.

You will also need to hold an ENG 1 medical which proves that you are fit to work on board a sea vessel.

Make sure to prepare a good CV to delineate your qualifications and experience to prospective employers.

You may wish to check for jobs through yachting agencies and online job platforms.

It’s also important to understand how the superyacht charter season works to know when is the best time to look for such job openings.

Dockwalking is a great way to find a job as a crew member, or to gain some experience which will improve your chances of getting an even better job in the future.

The superyacht season in the Mediterranean starts off in March and goes on until May.

The winter season in the Caribbean ranges from October to May the following year.

During these periods the demand for new crew increases greatly.

Hence this is the best time to look for a job on a yacht.

By now you should have a good idea of the various careers available on board a superyacht, along with the various responsibilities of the different roles.

We also gave you some tips to help you to get started and how to best go about finding and applying for such a post.

If you’re fortunate enough to land yourself a job working on a superyacht and start earning a salary, speak to us for help in preparing your self-assessment tax returns to ensure you pay the correct amount of income tax.

Disclaimer: Any advice in this publication is not intended or written by Marine Accounts to be used by a client or entity for the purpose of (i) avoiding penalties that may be imposed on any taxpayer or (ii) promoting, marketing or recommending to another party matters herein.

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How to Become a Deckhand on a Superyacht: A Step-by-Step Guide

Home Blog How to Become a Deckhand on a Superyacht: A Step-by-Step Guide

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Embarking on a career as a deckhand on a superyacht offers an unparalleled blend of adventure, luxury, and the opportunity to travel the world. Whether you’re drawn to the pristine beauty of the open sea or the meticulous care of magnificent vessels, becoming a deckhand could be your gateway to an extraordinary lifestyle. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of how to start your journey, covering everything from necessary qualifications to finding work.

What Is a Deckhand?

A deckhand is an essential crew member on Superyachts, responsible for maintaining the vessel’s exterior, assisting with docking, and ensuring safety equipment is up to par. Beyond upkeep, deckhands play a significant role in guest experiences, facilitating water sports activities and managing tender operations to transport guests. With a focus on detail, physical stamina, and a commitment to service, deckhands are key to both the operational efficiency and the luxury experience on board. This position offers a unique blend of adventure and professional growth for those passionate about the industry.There is a clear pathway leading deckhands from their starting point as a junior deckhand to becoming a captain which we will cover later on.

super yachts work

What Does a Typical Day Usually Look Like For a Deckhand?

A typical day for a deckhand varies from boat to boat and depends if there are guests on or off.With guests on , the deck crew usually start early in the morning going around the yacht to make sure all the furniture is uncovered, decks are clean , paint is shiny and everything is looking presentable for when the guests come out.The deck crew will set up the watersports equipment and launch tenders into the water to have them ready on standby for guest operations. Throughout the day the deck crew will be on standby waiting for guest requests taking them in tenders ashore ,exploring or to carry out watersport activities which could include jetskis, sea bobs, kayaks, surfing , wakeboarding, flight boards , snorkelling, diving and much much more.

What Qualifications Do I Need To Become a Deckhand On a Superyacht?

  • STCW Basic Safety Training : The cornerstone certification for maritime professionals, covering safety protocols, firefighting, and sea survival techniques.( Mandatory )
  • ENG1 Medical Certificate : A health certification confirming you’re fit for sea duty.( Mandatory )
  • Powerboat Level 2 / IYT Small Powerboat & RIB Master : Often required for handling the yacht’s tenders and smaller boats. ( Some yachts mave have this as a mandatory requirement )
  • Superyacht Deckhand Training : ( Not mandatory but highly recommended )
  • LROCP (Long Range Operator Certificate of Proficiency) VHF/HF Marine Radio Operator’s Certificate Course  ( not mandatory but recommended )

Where Can I Complete The Qualifications?

STCW 95  –  https://www.superyacht-crew-academy.com/

ENG1 Medical Certificate: –  https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/mca-approved-doctors-overseas/mca-approved-doctors-overseas

Powerboat Level 2 / IYT Small Powerboat & RIB Master: https://www.superyacht-crew-academy.com/courses/tender-driving-iyt-rib/

Superyacht Deckhand Training: https://www.superyacht-crew-academy.com/courses/superyacht-deckhand-course/

For AMSA Medical:   https://www.sonichealthplus.com.au/services/legislative-medicals/maritime

LROCP (Long Range Operator Certificate of Proficiency) VHF/HF Marine Radio Operator’s Certificate Course : https://www.superyacht-crew-academy.com/courses/vhf-marine-radio-operators-certificate/

What Transferable Land Skills Are Good To Have For a Superyacht Deckhand?

Carpentry:  Carpentry skills are indispensable for maintenance and custom fittings, ensuring the yacht’s aesthetic and structural integrity. Your ability to craft and repair woodwork is crucial for preserving the luxury and bespoke nature of superyachts.

Videography & Photography:  In an era where digital presence is key, your videography and photography skills can be used to document voyages and market the yacht’s charter services, enhancing its appeal to potential clients.

Diving:  Diving skills open up underwater maintenance and exploration services, adding an exclusive experience for guests and ensuring the safety and cleanliness of the yacht’s hull.

Fishing:  Knowledge of fishing can enhance the guest experience, offering personalised excursions and the thrill of catching fresh seafood for onboard meals.

Swimming & Surf Instructing:  Proficiency in swimming and the ability to instruct guests in water sports like surfing enrich the array of activities offered, ensuring guests have a memorable and active stay.

Fitness Instructor:  As a fitness instructor, you can lead personalised workout sessions, helping guests maintain their fitness routines while enjoying the luxury of the yacht.

Driving Boats:  Skill in driving tenders and other small boats is essential for transporting guests, leading excursions, and ensuring the smooth operation of all water-based activities.

Painting/Varnishing:  Expertise in painting and varnishing is crucial for the upkeep of the yacht’s appearance, protecting it from the elements and maintaining its value.

Watersports Instructor

Watersports instruction encompasses teaching and guiding guests in activities such as jet skiing, wakeboarding, kiteboarding and paddleboarding. For superyacht crew, being skilled in watersports instruction not only enhances the guest experience by offering fun and engaging activities but also ensures safety and confidence in the water

deckhands

Can Deckhands Have Tattoos?

The yachting industry values professionalism and a certain standard of appearance. While visible tattoos may not be a deal-breaker on all yachts, they can limit your job prospects. It’s advisable to be upfront about any visible tattoos when applying for positions.

Each yacht has its own unique culture and policies, particularly when it comes to tattoos. While some yachts are more lenient, embracing both small and large visible tattoos, others may enforce strict policies against them. It’s important to be transparent about any visible tattoos you have. However, there’s no need to disclose tattoos that are not visible.

Is It Hard Being a Deckhand?

It’s not all watersports and driving multimillion-dollar tenders , there are long days of work , loads of physically demanding work and a lot of job/yacht-specific skills to learn which only comes with experience working on Superyachts.There will be a lot of working outdoors in hot weather, a lot of yacht maintenance & cleaning.There will be a lot of hard work however there are so many rewarding experiences and memories that outway by far all the hard work.Make sure you have a can-do, positive attitude and don’t be afraid to help other departments on the yacht if you have spare time , it goes a long way.

How Much Do Junior Deckhands Earn?

Salaries for deckhands can vary widely based on the yacht’s size, the vessel’s itinerary, and the deckhand’s experience.

Junior Deckhands : Starting Salary: Junior deckhands, who are just beginning their careers in the yachting industry, can expect to earn between $2,500 and $3,500 USD per month. These entry-level positions provide the foundational experience necessary for a successful career at sea.

Experienced Deckhands : Salary Range: As deckhands gain experience and demonstrate their skills, their earning potential increases. Experienced deckhands can expect to earn between $3,000 and $4,500 USD per month, depending on the yacht’s size, the complexity of the itinerary, and the specific duties they are tasked with.

Lead Deckhands : Salary Insights: Lead deckhands, who have additional responsibilities and may oversee junior deckhands, can see their salaries increase to between $3,500 and $5,000 USD per month. Their role is more demanding, requiring not only a thorough understanding of deck operations but also leadership skills.

Bosuns: Earning Potential: Bosuns, who are responsible for supervising the deck crew and maintaining the exterior of the yacht, can earn between $4,000 and $6,000 USD per month. Their salary reflects their critical role in ensuring the vessel is in pristine condition and their ability to manage the deck team effectively.

Officers: Salary Range: Officers on yachts have significant responsibilities, including navigation and safety management. Their salaries can range from $5,000 to over $8,000 USD per month, depending on their rank, the size of the yacht, and their specific duties. Chief officers, who are second-in-command, can expect salaries at the higher end of this range.

Captains: Top Earnings: Captains, who have the ultimate responsibility for the yacht, its crew, and its passengers, can earn from $7,000 USD to well over $20,000 USD per month. The captain’s salary is influenced by the size of the yacht, the complexity of the voyages undertaken, and their level of experience.

Factors Influencing Salaries

 Yacht Size: Larger yachts typically offer higher salaries due to the increased workload and expertise required. Experience and Qualifications: Crew members with more experience and specialized qualifications can command higher salaries. Charter vs. Private: Crew on charter yachts might earn more due to tips from guests, whereas private yacht crew salaries are often more stable but without the added bonus of tips.

What Does The Career Progression Look Like To Go From Deckhand To An Officer ( MCA Route ) ?

super yachts work

How Do I Find Superyacht Job Position Listings?

The best place to look is on crew agency websites or job search platforms like  Yotspot  which has a large number of job listings you can look through,  create a profile and update your account with your CV and all your certificates then you will be able to apply for jobs.

Below is a list of almost all the crew agencies from around the world that you can sign up with to increase your chances of landing a job. It is a lot of work creating profiles and uploading documents, however, it could increase your chances of being connected with the right job at the right time.

DOWNLOAD THE CREW AGENCY LIST

yotspot photo

Are There Facebook Groups That Post Job Listings?

Yes, there are multiple facebook groups that post job listings all the time , it’s great to sign up with as many as you can to increase your chances of finding a job. Please note: make sure to clean up your Facebook profile before signing up to the groups as future employers may see your profile and you want to make a good first impression.

Some groups include:

Antibes Yacht crew 

Palma Yacht

Australian Pacific Yacht crew 

super yachts work

How To Become a Deckhand In Australia?

The process involves specific training and certifications, especially due to the requirements set by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA). Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate your way into this career:

1. Understand the Training Requirements

The foundational step to becoming a deckhand in Australia is to complete the necessary safety training. While the training is broadly similar across different countries, there are specific requirements for those intending to work on commercial vessels within Australia:

  • STCW Basic Safety Training: This is a mandatory course for anyone working at sea, covering essential safety procedures, firefighting, first aid, and personal survival techniques. In Australia, the AMSA requires crew members working on commercial vessels to have an AMSA-compliant Certificate of Safety Training (COST).
  • General Purpose Hand: The Australian General Purpose Hand Near Coastal Certificate I in Marine Operations qualification will enable you to work as a deckhand on Australian Registered commercial or private vessels
  • AMSA Medical: If you wish to work on commercial vessels in Australia you will need an AMSA medical to ensure you are fit to work at sea you can find centres to complete the medical here – https://www.sonichealthplus.com.au/services/legislative-medicals/maritime

2. Choose the Right Certification for Your Career Path

Depending on where you intend to work, you’ll need to choose the appropriate certification:

  • For Private and Foreign-Flagged Vessels in Australia: If your goal is to work on private or foreign-flagged vessels within Australia, you can use an MCA-approved STCW 95 certificate issued by the Marshall Islands, which SCA (Superyacht Crew Academy) offers. This certification allows you to work on private and foreign-flagged vessels in Australia, providing a pathway to gain experience before potentially heading overseas.
  • For Commercial Vessels in Australia: If you aim to work exclusively on commercial vessels in Australia, such as charter boats or tour boats, you should obtain an AMSA Certificate of Safety Training (COST). This certification is specifically designed to meet the requirements for crew members on commercial vessels operating within Australian waters.

3. Gain Experience

  • Start Locally: Gaining experience in Australia before heading overseas is highly recommended. Working locally allows you to understand the industry better, build your resume, and develop the necessary skills in a familiar environment.
  • Consider Temp Work: Temporary positions can provide valuable experience and insight into the life of a deckhand. These roles can also offer networking opportunities, which are crucial in the yachting industry.

4. Plan Your Career Path

  • Decide on Your Long-Term Goals: Whether you wish to explore international waters or prefer to stay within Australia, your career goals will influence the type of experience and certifications you should pursue.
  • Continuous Learning: The yachting industry is constantly evolving, so staying updated with the latest safety protocols, regulations, and skills is essential for your career development.

Once you have completed your training sign up to as many Australian agencies as possible to increase your chances of landing a job , you can find a list of the Australian agencies below.

MARINE JOBS AYC MYS SUPERYACHT CREW CHAPMAN YACHTING SUPERYACHT CREW INTERNATIONAL CREW PACIFIC CHAMPION CREWING

What Are The Next Steps To Becoming a Deckhand?

Now you are ready to travel and become a deckhand on superyachts it is time to get certified, get all your qualifications mentioned earlier below:

  • LROCP (Long Range Operator Certificate of Proficiency) VHF/HF Marine Radio Operator’s Certificate Course

Figure out where you want to look for work and head there to be based in the yacht hub to be around for interviews and networking.

Create your CV/resume and sign up to crew agencies online , creating your profiles and applying for jobs.

Attend job interviews and hopefully land your first deckhand role ( make sure to practice interview questions beforehand )

We interviewed a Superyacht captain with some really helpful advice on what to do and what not to do in interviews you can check it out below

EXPERT JOB INTERVIEW ADVICE FROM A SUPERYACHT CAPTAIN

Becoming a deckhand on a superyacht is an exciting path that offers more than just a job – it’s a lifestyle. With the right qualifications, a proactive approach to job hunting, and a commitment to continuous learning and improvement, you can embark on a rewarding Superyacht career. The world of superyachting awaits those with the courage to pursue their dreams of traveling , making good memories and friends.

Ready to Travel The World As a Superyacht Deckhand?

We have the necessary courses you need to start as an entry-level deckhand, head over to the link below for some more course information.

STCW 95+10 – https://www.superyacht-crew-academy.com/courses/stcw-95-10/

Superyacht Deckhand Course – https://www.superyacht-crew-academy.com/courses/superyacht-deckhand-course/

Superyacht Deckhand Package – https://www.superyacht-crew-academy.com/courses/superyacht-deckhand-package/

GPH ( General Purpose Hand ) – https://www.sydneymaritimeinstitute.com/deckhand-gphcourse

Best of luck with your career as a Superyacht Deckhand!

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Superyacht Crew Academy

Superyacht Crew Academy Provides training and certification for people who wish to work on Superyachts anywhere in the world and within the Australian Maritime Industry. Legal Name: Club Sail Pty. Ltd. Trading as: Superyacht Crew Academy Registered Training Organisation no. 91462

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Discover your path to a rewarding career in the Superyacht Industry with our comprehensive guides

Career maps providing an awareness of the requirements for each onboard position.

Career maps providing an awareness of the requirements for a range of positions onshore. COMING SOON

super yachts work

Yacht Crew work within four main departments, Deck, Engineering, Interior and Galley (kitchen), some vessels, may also require a Purser, and / or specialists. Within each department there is a progression from junior levels up to head of departments, with the Captain being the highest-ranking person onboard.

Bridge, Deck and Watersports Operations

Interior Crew

Food & Beverage, Housekeeping, Valet and Specialists

Engineering Crew

All onboard mechanical and technical maintenance

Culinary Crew

Catering for crew and guests

Yacht Purser

Administrative and HR duties

super yachts work

Land based occupations within the Superyacht sector are wide-ranging. These sectors include industries such as ship building, brokerage, charter, sales, management, recruitment, etc.

Start Your Career Journey Today

With high standards, attention to detail, and exceptional service, working in the Superyacht Industry is both challenging and rewarding. If you are a team player with a professional and positive attitude, start planning your career today with our Career Maps.

Job titles may vary depending on the structure and setup of the yacht .

Contributors

A group of highly influential and respected individuals from  across the Superyacht industry came together to create these career maps. 

My Crew Kit

How to Become a Superyacht Deckhand

In order to work onboard a superyacht you must complete the following steps:.

  • Learn About Deckhand Duties
  • Understand How The Deck Structure Works
  • Complete Deckhand Training
  • Complete "How To Work On A Superyacht Steps"
  • Learn Additional Skills
  • View Current Deckhand Job Vacancies

Male superyacht Deckhand with a handheld radio getting ready to drop anchor, with a blue sky in the background

1. Learn about deckhand duties

Before looking for a job as a superyacht deckhand, it is important to have a good understanding of the duties associated with the role. It is a physically demanding position that requires determination and hard work. Working in a team while learning from experienced crew members is the key to becoming a successful deckhand.

Duties change depending on the yacht's schedule. This results in a wide range of responsibilities with emphasis on the cleanliness of the vessel, tender driving, lookout duties and general maintenance.

Find out more about the role of a deckhand

Detail of beautiful Superyacht, deckhand lifting the huge fender of the starboard side of the megayacht, spotless grey and white superstructure

2. Understand the deck structure

A deckhand is the lowest-ranked member of the deck team. When starting out, it is essential to have a good sense of situational awareness while learning from others wherever possible. Respect the higher-ranked crew and always do your best to fulfil the requests to the absolute best of your ability. Ask questions and ensure that you operate in a manner that is safe. The deck structure varies depending on the size of the vessel. The duties and responsibilities of a solo deckhand/mate on a small vessel will be different from that of a deckhand in a larger team.

Find out more about the structure of the deck department

3. Complete Deckhand Training

There are certain training courses that all superyacht deckhands have to complete (and pass). In addition to the mandatory certifications & licenses, there are additional courses that may help you stand out amongst the crowd. Training courses are a significant investment and it is important to find a package that is best suited to your budget. My Crew Kit has broken down the training options below.

Find out more about deckhand training courses

Crew sitting in a small powerboat during their level 2 training to work on yachts

4. Complete the steps on how to get a job on a Superyacht:

Now that you have a good understanding of what being a deckhand is about, it is time to take action. You will only become employable once you hold the correct certification and documentation. Visas are required in order to travel to superyachting hubs where you will attend interviews. You need to register with crew agents and ensure that you are applying for jobs wherever possible. Building a positive reputation together with a strong network of individuals involved in the industry is key.

Follow the steps to start working on a superyacht

5. Find opportunities to learn additional skills!

There are a lot of experienced crew members to learn from and there is a lot of information on the internet to study (in addition to the courses that you study). Take advantage of every opportunity possible. Make sure you create a strong brand image of yourself and ALWAYS go the extra mile, even if there is no tangible benefit. Act in a professional manner and remember that every contact you make is a potential reference.

When an opportunity presents itself, make sure that you are prepared. Know your knots as well as your COLREGS. You will encounter situations where you can stand out or be seen as "another deckhand". Chief Officers and Captains are looking for well presented, professional crew who work well in a team and are willing to learn. Put yourself out there, work hard and most importantly enjoy what you do. Good luck!

Deckhand driving a tender boat

6. View the latest deckhand vacancies!

In order to find a job as a deckhand, you need to keep track of the latest deckhand vacancies. We have made this easy by displaying the latest deckhand jobs from various crew agencies.

View Deckhand Jobs

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9 superyacht crew members share what it's really like working for a billionaire on board

  • Superyachts are luxurious, but working on them isn't.
  • Insider polled superyacht crew members to find out what it's really like working for a billionaire on board.
  • They said their days are spent fulfilling requests and keeping the yacht in top shape — but it really all depends on the superyacht owner.
  • Visit Insider's homepage for more stories .

Insider Today

While working on a superyacht sounds glamorous, in reality it can be anything but.

Insider polled superyacht crew members to get an inside look at life on board. When asked what working for a millionaire or billionaire is really like, they agreed on a few things, like long hours.

Many superyacht  crew members wake up before dawn to start their day, which typically involves a lot of cleaning and catering to the requests of owners and guests.

Read more: The super rich are hoarding cash — instead bartering yachts, $30 million mansions, and caviar to ride out the pandemic

But while some superyacht owners are demanding, others are less so — it really all depends on their personality. Some crew members said that owners and guests are more like regular people than you'd expect.

Here's what life on board looks like, according to nine superyacht crew members.

Note: Insider was able to verify each crew member's identity, but we refrained from publishing their full names to protect their privacy.

Working on a yacht can be lucrative.

super yachts work

Insider previously reported that deckhands earn an average of $3,083 to $3,574 a month, depending on the boat size. Captains reportedly get paid even more — they earn $7,750 to $19,961 a month on average.

Kate Lardy of the Sun Sentinel reported that a captain in Fort Lauderdale once spent a total of $14,255 on day workers, who are hired temporarily for onboard services, during a two-month period.

But it's also tiring and demanding.

super yachts work

One captain who works on a 120-foot boat alluded to tiring conditions. Working for a billionaire is "demanding," he said, with hours that begin very early — before 6 a.m. — and end very late.

Yacht crew members have to meet high expectations.

super yachts work

One electronic technical officer who works on a 223-foot yacht stressed the pressure of delivering top-notch service while remaining level-headed.

Working on a yacht involves "very, very long days with little rest and expectations to perform at the highest levels of service while not losing your cool under pressure," he said.

They have to work hard to keep yachts spotless.

super yachts work

Guests and owners can be messy and dirty — and it's up to the crew to make sure it doesn't look that way. A mate on a 92-foot yacht said he had to wake up before guests or other crew members to get the yacht's exterior ready for the day.

"They expect it to look like no one has touched it," he said. "So any rain or dew, water spots, bird crap, or salt spray has to be continuously cleaned, not to mention having to constantly wipe stainless [steel] and glass when guests move around the boat. They leave smudges and fingerprints everywhere.

"By the time I start at the top of the boat and move around drying the boat, washing windows, and prepping water toys, depending on where the guests are, it's time to clean behind them."

He said he then has to be available for whatever the day brings, whether guests want to take the tender out or play with water toys, the interior crew needs help with service, or any maintenance issues need to be addressed.

There's a lot of cleaning, smiling, and snacking.

super yachts work

Nic, a chief stewardess, shared her typical daily itinerary, which extends from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., with a one-hour break for a power nap.

There's constant snacking, as she doesn't always have time to sit and eat, she said. She's also "always thinking and planning ahead for the next meal or excursion," like what guests "need to take with them and what they need upon return," she said.

"Always thinking of ways to make the day special and 'perfect' (as much as possible)," she said.

She added: "Cleaning, cleaning, cleaning, and lots of smiling. Behind the scenes, a lot of running around and working at high speed, throwing stuff into drawers and sorting it out later when you have time, laughing, and keeping crew spirits high. Never-ending laundry."

Work is easier when the owners are away, which is often.

super yachts work

Billionaire owners actually don't spend a lot of time on their multimillion-dollar yachts. Neither do the guests who charter them.

"Owners or guests are typically not on the boat all that much, so most of the time the crew has the boat to themselves," said Michael, a former yacht captain who worked on yachts ranging from 130 to 170 feet.

"Work is pretty easy and consists of general maintenance and keeping the boat in perfect/ready state for when the owner does show up. If you have a good crew it can be very enjoyable. If you do not, it can be very stressful and miserable."

Everything depends on the owner's personality.

super yachts work

Some crew members get lucky working for generous yacht owners, while others get treated like the help.

"It's hard work and long days when they are on board," said Martin, the captain of a 155-foot yacht. "It really depends on the owner. Some have treated me like family, and some have treated me like a servant."

But sometimes it's not the owner who's difficult.

super yachts work

A chef on a 150-foot motor yacht also said that working for a billionaire could be unpredictable, as every boat and owner is different.

But it's not the owner of the yacht who's always difficult to work for.

"Bear in mind that the captain is every bit as much your boss as the owner is, and sometimes the captain is a bigger pain in the ass than the billionaire owner," she said.

Yacht owners are just your everyday people on vacation — with more money.

super yachts work

According to Mark, the captain of a 114-foot yacht, billionaire owners are just like normal vacationers. Kind of.

"They're just people holidaying, but with more money and toys to fill their days," he said.

They can be more down-to-earth than expected, but their spontaneity can be frustrating.

super yachts work

"It's really nice to find out that some of the wealthiest people you'll work for are actually more down-to-earth and normal like any person you'd meet on the street," a stewardess on a 112-foot sailing yacht said. "The saying is 'money screams, wealth whispers.'"

She added: "A typical day involves turning heads, beds, and laundry for guests and crew, which can be a lot if you're a department of one. Food and beverage service three times a day. A lot of plans and schedules change on the fly depending on the owners and their wants and whims, which can be a bit frustrating."

super yachts work

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What qualifications are required to work on a Superyacht?

So you wonder- what are the essential yacht qualifications and certifications needed to work as yacht crew? No matter whether you are the most experienced captain or a brand new yachtie, it is essential that you acquire, and maintain your yacht qualifications and certifications up to date. In order to be eligible to work at sea, there are some mandatory legal requirements:

  • STCW basic training, including Proficiency in Designated Security Duties (PDSD)
  • ENG1 medical Examination

STCW Basic Safety Training Yacht Certificate

The STCW yacht qualification is the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchingkeeping (STWC) course and it’s a compulsory requirement for any seafarer employed at sea. The STCW Basic Safety Training yacht qualification comprises five modules which take eleven days to complete. The modules are personal survival techniques, firefighting, elementary first aid, personal safety and social responsibility, and proficiency in designated security duties. Learn more about the  STCW Basic Safety Training certificate here.

ENG1 SEAFARER MEDICAL CERTIFICATE

A seafarer medical certificate is mandatory for anyone hoping to get a job on a yacht. The most popular and widely recognised of the available seafarer medical certificates is the ENG1. The ENG1 Medical is a basic medical certificate and is as essential as your STCW’10. It is a mandatory requirement to prove you are fit to work as a yacht crew member at sea. Only MCA-approved doctors can perform an ENG 1 medical exam. Learn more about the  ENG1 Seafarer Medical Certificate .

Once you are confident you are fit and able to work at sea, it’s time to complete your additional training in the department you feel is most appealing. Finding your first job on a super yacht is by far the most challenging part of the process, which is why we strongly suggest you look into completing additional courses in order to better your chances of being hired. We offer full career packages for the deckhands, stewardesses, chefs and engineers. While the STCW and ENG1 are the only compulsory courses that you need to complete in eligible to work at sea, there are various other courses you can complete that will greatly enhance your CV. These include deck modules like,  Powerboat Level 2 ,  Yacht Rating certificate ,  Jetski licence , and  Stewardess training  which includes flower arranging, barista training, wine pairing and basic housekeeping skills.

While the yachting industry has many perks, it certainly isn’t for everyone. Often you are required to spend long periods away from friends and family as well as working long hours living in a shared work environment. Take a look at our article to learn the truth about yacht crew life and see if working on a yacht is really for you. Do you still have some unanswered questions? Why not  download our eBook and find out all the insider tips of surviving, and preparing for yacht crew life , or  contact  the Get Onboard team.

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1. what are the basic requirements you need to be eligible to work in the yachting industry, 2. what is the stcw and why do i need it, 3. what is the eng1 medical certificate, 4. what land based experience will help me find a super yacht job, 5. what are the different departments onboard, 6. what crew training is required for me to work as a junior deckhand.

  • Yachtmaster/Coastal Skipper Theory
  • Yachtmaster/Coastal Practical
  • Specialist Super Yacht Training Course (Deck Hand Training Course)
  • RYA Power Boat Level II
  • RYA Personal Watercraft Course
  • RYA Competent Crew Certificate
  • RYA Day Skipper Theory and Practical Certificates
  • VHF Radio Operator’s License

7. What crew training is required for me to work as a junior stewardess?

  • Stewardess Course
  • Proficiency in Designated Security Duties (PDSD)
  • MCA Food Safety Level 2
  • RYA Powerboat Level 2

8. How do I book my training courses?

9. how do i get my first job on a yacht, 10. are these courses worth it, or am i just wasting my money, 11. will i get hired for my first job from south africa, 12. what is daywork, 13. what are the best locations to get a yacht job, 14. how much can a motor yacht stewardess or deckhand earn, 15. what are the negatives of working on a yacht, 16. what are the positives of working on a yacht, 17. is working on a super yacht for everyone, 18. what is the minimum age to work on a yacht, 19. is accommodation provided when i am completing my yacht training in cape town.

IMAGES

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  2. How To Work On Super Yachts & Sailboats (2021)

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COMMENTS

  1. Yacht Jobs

    Our crew database includes 5,133 Captains, 10,037 Deckhands, 2,947 Chief Engineers, 1,313 ETOs, 5,570 Chefs, 15,180 Stews, 1,469 Massage Therapists, etc. Here are some of the recently registered yacht crew members: Hundreds of live jobs on yachts and superyachts. Jobs for yacht crew in the Mediterranean, Caribbean, USA and other locations.

  2. Superyacht Jobs

    Roles we recruit for From the bridge to the engine room and the deck to the galley, we recruit for superyacht jobs at all levels from green crew with certified potential to experienced Heads of Departments and Captains. Specialist secondary skills also range from beauty therapy, massage and fitness through to AV/IT, watersports instructors, medically trained personnel and manual trades.

  3. The Best Yacht Crew Job Vacancies Available Today

    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. 57 yacht crew jobs available now.

  4. Crew Positions

    About the Yacht Positions. The diversity and opportunities to work aboard superyachts around the world are endless. The yachts range in size from 60ft to 600ft with crew of 1 - 100 crew members in four primary departments. Each department is responsible for a unique set of tasks aboard and is suited for individuals with specific skillsets and ...

  5. Superyacht Jobs

    Mediterranean. Posted 10 / 09 / 2024. Viking Crew require a Deckhand/Dive Instructor for a 75m+ Motor Yacht in the Mediterranean. Start Date: ASAP. Candidates must have: STCW Basic Training ENG1 PADI Dive Instructo... Find Out More Share This Job Save This Job.

  6. Yacht Crew • SuperYacht Jobs • Work on a Luxury Yacht

    Work on A Yacht. Looking for a job on a yacht?Or are you searching for an experienced crew member?. SuperYachtFan will help you.. We offer a platform where candidates leave a short profile, with relevant data such as experience and education.. Recruiters, owners, or yacht captains can mail us, requesting the candidate's contact details.

  7. How to Work on a Yacht: Step by Step Job Guide for Crew

    The tips depend on the size of the Yacht and the guests, but a good estimate is 10 - 20% of the total weekly price of a Yacht. If you imagine a 50m (165 foot) Yacht with 9 crew, it typically charters for $150,000 - $250,000 per week. For simplicity, let's add a 15% tip for $200,000/wk.

  8. How To Work On Super Yachts & Sailboats (2021)

    Inexperienced yacht crew working as deckhands or stewardesses can earn between $2000-3000 a month. With more experience and higher positions, your salary can be between $3500-$6000 a month. On charter trips, guests typically tip 5% - 15% of the weekly charter fee, which is split between crew members.

  9. Find The Latest Yacht & Superyacht Jobs

    Wilsonhalligan are looking for an Owner's Representative / Yacht Manager to look after the Management and Private / Charter of 45m+ vessel. The ideal candidate will: - have an extensive experience as an Owner's Rep / Yacht Manager in the Superyacht Industry - have a strong Accounting experience - have a crew management background, looking after contracts, employment and salaries - Yacht ...

  10. Working on Superyachts: Our Guide to Getting Paid and ...

    Working on Superyachts: Our Guide to Getting Paid and Traveling the World. Danielle Berclouw. Jakobstad, Finland. ... Step 2: Get ready to yachtifie your CV (make sure to mention hospitality work or other relevant experience such as massage or beautician skills) and head to a super yacht hub such as Palma de Mallorca, Antibes, ...

  11. Super Yacht Jobs

    Yacht crew work and live on some of the world's most advanced superyachts that they help operate and maintain. Discover the different opportunities available on board a yacht. Working on board a yacht takes a variety of skills and dedication. Yacht crew share both their work and living space with each other and together they aim to deliver ...

  12. Start working on a superyacht

    2. Choose the Yacht Crew Department you Wish to Work in. Before joining the yachting industry, it is essential to decide on your career path. The work environment and duties associated with each superyacht department vary greatly. It is therefore advised that you understand the training, duties and requirements associated with each role.

  13. How to Work on a Superyacht, with no Experience

    Day work is an excellent opportunity to network, build contacts in the industry, and get a foot in on your journey to securing a more permanent job. How much money do you make working on a yacht? The standard entry level salary for a junior stewardess or deckhand ranges between €2,000 - €2,500 or $2,300 - $2,800 per month. This amount ...

  14. Guide to Becoming a Yacht Stewardess Working on Superyachts

    4. Visa Requirements for Working on Superyachts. Caribbean: If you're heading to the United States of America, you'll need a B1/B2 Visa. Mediterranean: A Schengen visa is required if you are going to France or Spain. Seaman's Book: Once you find a job working on a super yacht, you need to arrange a seaman's book.

  15. Working on a Superyacht

    Only experienced chefs tend to work aboard superyachts, with an impressive CV of having worked in commercial kitchens for several years prior. So it's understandable that a yacht chef makes a very good income. Sous Chef. On larger yachts there will also be a sous chef or second chef alongside the head chef.

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    However, after working on some of the largest and most prestigious superyachts and eventually being promoted to the rank of chief officer, I'm now in a position to share everything that I've learnt. ... MTT MEDIA GROUP LTD trading as Work on a Superyacht. Registered in England and Wales. Company No: 15112659. Registered Office: 128 City ...

  17. How to Become a Deckhand on a Superyacht: A Step-by-Step Guide

    1. Understand the Training Requirements. The foundational step to becoming a deckhand in Australia is to complete the necessary safety training. While the training is broadly similar across different countries, there are specific requirements for those intending to work on commercial vessels within Australia:

  18. superyachtindustrycareers.com

    With high standards, attention to detail, and exceptional service, working in the Superyacht Industry is both challenging and rewarding. If you are a team player with a professional and positive attitude, start planning your career today with our Career Maps. Job titles may vary depending on the structure and setup of the yacht.

  19. Careers

    Careers in the superyacht industry. A superyacht is defined as any leisure yacht over 24 metres (79 feet) in length. There are many hundreds of superyachts sailing the seas and oceans today - motor or sail, and they employ thousands of crew members from around the world. Owning or chartering a multi-million-pound superyacht is an exclusive ...

  20. How to Become a Superyacht Deckhand

    In Order To Work Onboard A Superyacht You Must Complete The Following Steps: Learn About Deckhand Duties Understand How The Deck Structure Works Complete Deckhand Training Complete "How To Work On A Superyacht Steps" Learn Additional Skills View Current Deckhand Job Vacancies 1. Learn about deckhand duties Before looking for a job as a superyacht […]

  21. 9 Superyacht Crew Share What It's Like Working for a Billionaire

    Some crew members get lucky working for generous yacht owners, while others get treated like the help. "It's hard work and long days when they are on board," said Martin, the captain of a 155-foot ...

  22. Superyacht

    Superyacht. Azzam, at 180.6 metres (592.5 ft) the longest superyacht, as of 2020. A, at 142.8 metres (468.5 ft) the largest "sail-assisted" motor yacht, as of 2018 [1] A superyacht or megayacht is a large and luxurious pleasure vessel. There are no official or agreed upon definitions for such yachts, but these terms are regularly used to ...

  23. What qualifications are required to work on a Superyacht?

    The most popular and widely recognised of the available seafarer medical certificates is the ENG1. The ENG1 Medical is a basic medical certificate and is as essential as your STCW'10. It is a mandatory requirement to prove you are fit to work as a yacht crew member at sea. Only MCA-approved doctors can perform an ENG 1 medical exam.

  24. Divers look for cameras that could explain why Mike Lynch's superyacht sank

    Italian special forces divers have embarked on an operation to recover video surveillance equipment that could explain why Mike Lynch's superyacht sank.. The sinking of the Bayesian off the ...