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Everything you need to know about working on a Yacht:
There are currently over 30,000 yachts worldwide, ranging from 24 meters to over 160 meters, each requiring professional and qualified crew. The yachting industry is a high-end, multi-million luxury business, with super yachts owned or chartered by the rich and famous, necessitating top-notch crew members. In recent decades, the media’s attention on the yachting industry has generated unprecedented interest from potential crew worldwide, mostly due to the popularity of the reality show “Below Deck” and it’s spin-offs.
Given the vast number of yacht companies and smaller lines globally, it’s impractical to list them all. Instead, on this page, you’ll find access to agencies that hire for these companies. Simply click on their logo to learn more about them, including their history, fun facts, and how to apply. And remember: You can also explore our lists of Cruise Lines and River Cruises.
Before you learn how to apply, it’s essential to understand the differences between working on a large vessel like a cruise ship and working on board yachts. Additionally, it’s important to note that there are limited positions available, and we’ll discuss each of them here as well.
The differences:
Given yachting’s prestigious reputation and rapid development in recent years, it’s important to recognize that competition in the industry is fierce, and you’ll need to stand out. To secure your first job, you must adhere to a few rules and possess previous experience in luxury hospitality services, such as working in upscale hotels or on luxury cruise lines. Without this kind of experience, you may struggle to join any yachting manning agency.
In contrast, requirements for working on cruise ships are more relaxed, with fluency in English often being sufficient for entry. However, let’s explore other key points of this exclusive and segmented industry:
- This isn’t work for the faint-hearted. During peak seasons, you may be expected to work 18-hour days. Given the nature of the hospitality industry, long hours and late nights are typically the norm. While there are international rules governing crew work hours, you should be prepared to be flexible and anticipate working very long shifts with unconventional hours while guests are onboard. In most positions, there are no replacements, so you’ll be responsible for all tasks yourself, which is quite different from cruise ships.
- Yachting is an international industry, and fluency in multiple languages can significantly increase your job prospects or chances of promotion. While English is the primary language used, you may also be required to have basic knowledge of French, Italian, Spanish, and German, depending on your location.
- You can gain basic yacht experience through day work, also known as “Dockwalking.” This allows you to network with professionals, work for a few days if someone needs last-minute assistance, gain some experience, or even secure your first seasonal job. This contrasts with cruise ships, where such opportunities are not available, and you’re bound by a contract only after being interviewed online multiple times.
- Crew areas on yachts are very compact, and cabins are typically shared by 2, 3, or more people. Unlike cruise ships, where there’s some space for extra luggage, yacht cabins usually consist of bunk beds and small storage spaces, often built into the bed itself for storing valuables and clothes. Crew members typically travel with only a carry-on bag and a small backpack.
- While on a cruise ship, specific roles like bartending and childcare are typically assigned to different individuals, but working as a yacht professional requires you to be highly skilled in a variety of areas simultaneously. These may include bar and restaurant service, housekeeping, SPA services, and even childcare for the interior department. On the Deck, your primary skills would involve maneuvering and maintaining the vessel. However, you may also encounter job roles that require expertise in maintenance and mechanics of personal watercraft, salvage and rescue operations, sail maintenance, fitness instruction, and scuba diving.
Salaries on a Yacht:
These rates serve as samples of current industry-level standards and have been compiled by industry experts, but we need to mention that these same rates may also vary depending on the specific qualifications and experience of the crew member, as well as the operation status of the yacht (whether private or charter), the itinerary of the yacht, and other specific requirements.
Private yachts generally offer higher base salaries due to the absence of income from charter tips. Like cruise ships, most yachts provide health insurance and accident insurance (unless otherwise stated at the time of employment). However, all crew members are responsible for their personal income taxes. It’s important for crew to investigate rules and regulations, seek official advice, and stay updated with national requirements.
It’s essential to note that these salaries are not guaranteed by a contract, unlike cruise ships. Many yachts or companies have their own rules for salaries and tips. Additionally, many yachts may have a separate contract governing standards of behavior, absences, and leave. On smaller yachts, written contracts may not be provided, but this has been typical in the yachting industry in the past. Therefore, crew members should not be overly concerned when accepting a position.
All salaries are displayed in USD Dollars, averaged per month, using our collected data. If you have previously worked on yachts in any position and would like to anonymously share your salary, please fill out this form.
Job Descriptions:
The Captain bears the responsibility for the safe manning and operation of the yacht, with all crew members falling under their command. They oversee the owner’s asset and ensure that all guests aboard have an enjoyable experience. Operating the yacht under strict international rules and regulations, the Captain’s responsibilities are extensive and their position can be likened, to some extent, to that of a CEO on land.
The Chief Engineer reports directly to the Captain and is responsible for ensuring the safe and efficient operation of the yacht. They may work independently or lead a team of up to 4, 6, or more subordinates, depending on the size of the yacht. This team collaborates to operate, maintain, and repair various systems on board the vessel, including outboard engines, electrical generators, propulsion engines, hydraulic systems, and electronic systems.
On larger yachts, typically over 50 meters in length, it is common to have one or more electricians or electronics officers as part of the Engineering team. These specialists assist with the increasingly complex AV/IT, communications, and other systems found on modern boats.
The First Officer, also known as the Chief Officer or Chief Mate, serves as the second in command and reports directly to the Captain. They are responsible for overseeing the deck crew, which may include the Second Officer, Third Officer, Bosun, and Deckhands, depending on the size of the yacht. The First Officer or the Second Officer may also be designated as the security, safety, and medical officer, tasked with overseeing deck operations and maintenance, deck budgeting, inventory management, supervision of all toys and tenders, setting up watch schedules and passage planning, and managing all other deck duties not covered by the deckhands.
Many yacht chefs begin their careers in hotels or restaurants before transitioning to the yachting industry. They typically complete a training course approved or recognized by the competent authority, covering practical cookery, food and personal hygiene, food storage, stock control, environmental protection, and catering health and safety.
To succeed in yacht kitchens, chefs must be exceptionally talented, with a diverse repertoire from around the world, as guests expect dining experiences akin to those in top restaurants. They must be flexible and able to work under pressure, often with limited availability of ingredients depending on the location. In essence, yacht chefs must work wonders!
Additionally, yacht chefs must be knowledgeable about various diets, fad diets, religious requirements, and food allergies, ensuring they can cater to all dietary needs and preferences
The Chief Stewardess performs duties and responsibilities under the direction and authority of the captain. As the individual ultimately accountable for the interior of the vessel and for delivering exceptional hospitality service to meet the owner’s and guests’ expectations, the Chief Stewardess also oversees the training and management of any lower-ranking stewards under their supervision. Excellent service, hosting, and managerial skills are essential, as is possessing a good degree of creative flair.
The Bosun oversees the deckhands and is responsible for organizing and supervising deck operations, as well as the deployment and storage of toys and tenders. They manage deck supplies and possess comprehensive knowledge of all products used to clean and maintain the exterior of the yacht. Additionally, the Bosun is often the primary tender driver, requiring confidence and a positive attitude when interacting with guests. During passages, the Bosun also undertakes bridge watches, and on vessels without an assigned First Officer, may assume this role.
As a steward/ess, your role involves maintaining the interior of the yacht and delivering the highest standards of guest service. Key qualities for this position include discretion, attention to detail, the ability to anticipate guests’ needs, and adaptability in various situations. Since you’ll interact with diverse individuals, excellent communication and interpersonal skills are essential, along with the ability to provide exceptional service with a smile. You should also possess energy, a strong team spirit, the ability to remain calm under pressure, and a willingness to follow instructions.
The Deckhand role serves as the entry-level position on a yacht, representing the initial step on the career ladder. While the job encompasses various responsibilities, its primary focus lies in maintaining the exterior of the yacht in impeccable condition, with polishing being a major task. Depending on the yacht’s size, there may be between 1 and 10 deckhands.
Additionally, Deckhands assist with maintenance projects such as sanding, caulking, filling, and taping for varnishing or painting. They are also responsible for ensuring the yacht’s cleanliness through tasks like wash downs, stainless steel polishing, and waxing, all while gaining knowledge about yacht maintenance, operations, and systems. Other duties include line handling, tender driving, navigation, safety protocols, and accompanying and supervising guests during water sports and diving activities.
Tips for landing your first job:
In many ways, the skills gained from other areas of the hospitality industry, such as years of experience on cruise ships, are easily transferable to yachting. These skills encompass culinary expertise, laundry service, silver service, bartending, flower arranging, and sommelier experience. Additionally, skills like nannying, massage therapy, and hairdressing are also highly valued, not to forget multiple idioms.
To begin your journey in yachting, obtaining the STCW Training course is essential; it’s challenging to secure work without this crucial training. Enrolling in this course demonstrates to potential employers your commitment to the industry and willingness to undergo initial training. Entry-level deckhand candidates may also consider additional certifications such as the tender driving certificate (PSCRB), while steward/esses seeking additional skills may benefit from courses in flower arranging and silver service, which are widely available worldwide.
It’s important to have sufficient funds for the selection process, as it may take time before landing your first job on board a yacht. Many agencies worldwide are hesitant to hire new recruits without prior chartering or ultra-luxury hospitality experience, making entry into the industry challenging.
For medical examinations, the standard requirement is the NMA (ENG1), which can cost a few thousand dollars/euros depending on your location. Previous medicals from cruise ship experience are not valid for yachting, so be prepared for this additional cost.
Lastly, obtaining the appropriate visa is crucial during the yacht joining process. Non-US citizens heading to any US port on a yacht will require either the C1/D or the B1/B2 visa. This process can be streamlined by applying through the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your country of citizenship. Applicants must possess a passport valid for travel to the U.S. for at least six months beyond the intended period of stay. As the Mediterranean season typically begins in April/May, and yachts start heading to the Caribbean from September on wards, having the US visa pays off its price.