Working on a luxury yacht is an exciting career that allows you to travel the world and be paid for it. However, it takes dedication and hard work to get hired by a yacht owner or management company. In this comprehensive guide, we will cover everything you need to know about how to get hired to work on a yacht.
What Positions Are Available on Yachts?
There are many different positions available to work on yachts. Some of the most common roles include:
- Captain – The captain is in charge of the entire vessel and crew. They have ultimate responsibility for the safety of the yacht.
- First Mate – The first mate assists the captain in navigating and operating the yacht.
- Engineer – The engineer maintains all of the mechanical and electrical systems on board.
- Deckhand – Deckhands assist with line handling, cleaning the exterior, and guest activities.
- Stewardess/Steward – The interior crew clean and maintain the interior of the yacht and provide service to guests.
- Chef – The chef prepares meals for the owners and guests.
- Purser – The purser manages the inventory, accounts, and guest services.
The positions required on a yacht vary depending on the size of the vessel. Larger yachts over 150 feet may have 10 or more crew members covering a wide range of roles. Smaller yachts under 80 feet may only require a captain, first mate, and stewardess.
What Qualifications and Training Do You Need?
The qualifications and training required will depend on the position you are applying for. Here are some of the common requirements:
- Captain – Requires a captain’s license, years of prior experience, and specialized training.
- First Mate – Often requires a captain’s license or other navigation certification.
- Engineer – Marine engineering certification and training on maintaining vessel systems.
- Deckhand – Physically fit with some prior boating experience.
- Stewardess/Steward – Customer service experience. Hospitality training is preferred.
- Chef – Culinary degree or apprenticeship and experience cooking for groups.
- Purser – Experience with accounting, bookkeeping, and inventory management.
In additional to formal qualifications, most yacht crew positions require you to obtain certifications in first aid/CPR, safe food handling, and maritime security. Passing a pre-employment drug test is also mandatory.
How Much Experience Do You Need?
The amount of experience required will vary based on the position:
- Captain – Extensive experience operating yachts required, often 10+ years.
- First Mate – 2-5 years experience on yachts or other boats.
- Engineer – 2+ years maintaining marine mechanical and electrical systems.
- Deckhand – No experience required for entry-level deckhands.
- Stewardess/Steward – Customer service experience required, but no prior boating experience necessary.
- Chef – 2+ years cooking experience, preferably on yachts or other vessels.
- Purser – Bookkeeping and inventory management experience. Retail or restaurant experience helpful.
While extensive boating experience is mandatory for captain and engineer roles, stewardess and deckhand positions can provide entry-level opportunities for those new to the yachting industry. Having hospitality experience is a plus for stewardess roles.
Where Can You Get the Required Training and Certifications?
There are a number of options for getting the training and certifications required to work on yachts:
- Maritime academies – Offer bachelor’s and associate degree programs that include courses for captain’s licensing, marine engineering, and other certifications.
- Crew training schools – Provide intensive courses for entry-level yacht crew in areas like line handling, food service, and stewardess skills.
- Community colleges – May offer associate degrees and certifications in marine engineering, navigation, and vessel operations.
- On the job – Captains and engineers can gain required sea time for licensing working under a certified operator.
- Online courses – A wide range of online courses are available for maritime certifications in security, first aid, food safety, and more.
Some of the most reputable maritime academies in the United States include:
- California Maritime Academy
- Great Lakes Maritime Academy
- Maine Maritime Academy
- Massachusetts Maritime Academy
- State University of New York Maritime College
- Texas A&M Maritime Academy
Popular crew training schools for yacht crew include:
- Bluewater Crew Training
- Dorset School of Superyacht Catering and Service
- Superyacht Academy
- Warsash Superyacht Academy
In addition to formal education, Hands-on training under experienced crew is extremely valuable preparation for most yacht positions.
What Key Skills Should You Highlight?
When applying for yacht crew roles, you want to highlight skills that showcase you are qualified for life at sea. Key skills to emphasize include:
- Seamanship and navigation – For roles like captain and mate, highlight navigation, vessel handling, and maritime rules knowledge.
- Mechanical aptitude – Engineers should emphasize experience troubleshooting and repairing complex systems.
- Physical fitness and stamina – The ability to handle physically demanding duties is important for deckhands.
- Customer service and hospitality – Stewardess and purser candidates should highlight guest relations experience.
- Culinary skills – Chefs should showcase their cuisine experience and ability to cater events.
- Organization and management – Pursers and senior crew should emphasize inventory, budgeting, and management skills.
- Foreign languages – Fluency in languages like Spanish, Italian or French is a plus for guest-facing roles.
While formal maritime qualifications are required for captain and engineer roles, deckhands and service crew should highlight any boating, hospitality or customer service experience they have even if not directly on yachts.
Where Are Job Openings Advertised?
There are several key resources for finding open yacht crew positions. Common places to look include:
- Online yacht crew job boards – Sites like Yacht Crew Agents, The Yacht Market, and Work on a Yacht post listings from brokerages, management companies and owners.
- Crew agencies – Recruiters like Crew Finders and Seal Superyachts have access to unadvertised openings.
- Social media – Facebook groups like Yacht Crew Connect let you connect directly with crew recruiters.
- Marinas and docks – Talking directly with captains and crew is a way to find unposted opportunities.
- Industry magazines – Print and online publications will advertise open positions.
Some additional tips for finding openings:
- Search by location – If you are flexible, look for jobs in popular yachting locations like Fort Lauderdale, Antibes, Palma de Mallorca.
- Follow high-end brokerages – Many publicly list openings for the yachts they manage.
- Attend boat shows – Yacht owners and crew recruit at events worldwide.
What is the Hiring Process Like?
The hiring process for yacht crew positions usually includes:
- Submitting an application and resume – For advertised openings, you will need to submit your information through the provided channel.
- Pre-screening interview – A phone or video call to assess your background, skills and fit.
- In-person interview – Often conducted dockside or on the vessel if located close by.
- References and background check – Captains and owners will contact your list of references.
- Offer letter – This will outline your position, compensation, contract dates, and expectations.
- Acceptance and paperwork – You will need to formally accept and complete all required new hire paperwork.
Some tips for standing out in the hiring process include:
- Have all required certifications up-to-date.
- Dress neatly and professionally for all interviews.
- Collect strong references from prior captains or employers.
- Be prepared to demonstrate your skills – chefs may need to do a cooking trial.
- Show enthusiasm for living and working at sea.
The hiring process moves quickly so be responsive and flexible regarding interview scheduling. For reputation roles, there is high competition so make yourself stand out!
What Kind of Pay and Schedule Can You Expect?
Yacht crew salaries and schedules will vary based on your position and the size of the vessel you are working on. Here are some general guidelines on compensation:
| Role | Average Salary Range | Typical Contract Length |
|---|---|---|
| Captain | $60,000 – $150,000+ | 8-12 months |
| First Mate | $40,000 – $60,000 | 8-10 months |
| Engineer | $55,000 – $80,000 | 8-12 months |
| Deckhand | $35,000 – $52,000 | 6-8 months |
| Stewardess/Steward | $40,000 – $60,000 | 6-10 months |
| Chef | $70,000 – $95,000 | 8-12 months |
| Purser | $50,000 – $70,000 | 8-12 months |
Salaries tend to be higher for experienced crew on larger yachts over 160 feet. Many contracts also include bonuses, paid vacation time, and uniforms/travel reimbursement.
The schedule involves working while the yacht is in use, around 6-8 months of the year in regions like the Caribbean, Mediterranean, and New England. During yard periods and vessel maintenance, crew are typically off.
What are the Pros and Cons of Working on a Yacht?
Working on yachts offers some great benefits but also has downsides to consider:
Pros
- Travel opportunities – Get paid to sail to exotic destinations worldwide.
- Adventure – Experience new activities and places not accessible to tourists.
- Camaraderie – Build bonds with crew who share unique lifestyle.
- Flexibility – Time off between contracts to pursue other interests.
- Upward mobility – Build experience to advance to higher positions.
- Pay – Salaries are higher than equivalent hospitality shore positions.
Cons
- Long hours – Crew often work 7 days a week, up to 12 hours per day.
- Isolation – Weeks or months away from home without much contact with family/friends.
- Confined spaces – Living and working in tight quarters.
- High standards – Owners expect 5-star service and perfection.
- Tough work – Physically demanding duties like night watches and cleaning.
- Instability – Schedules change on short notice and employment can be temporary.
Working on yachts offers great life experiences and decent pay, but requires dedication and an ability to cope with the challenging lifestyle.
Conclusion
Working on luxury yachts offers the opportunity to earn a good living while traveling the world. But it takes hard work, training, and perseverance to get hired. Do your research on requirements for different roles. Get the necessary certifications and licenses. Build your industry connections through job sites and crew agencies. Be professional and enthusiastic when interviewing. If you have a passion for life at sea and provide great service, you can develop a rewarding long-term career in the yachting industry.
