The complete guide for super yacht crew â from your first day in dock to running the bridge. Roles, certifications, salaries, and life on board, all in one place.
Get Started Explore RolesA super yacht typically operates with 4 main departments. Here's who does what on board.
Ultimate authority on board. Responsible for safety, navigation, legal compliance, and overall operation of the yacht.
Second in command. Oversees deck operations, navigation, safety drills, and maintenance schedules.
Responsible for navigation planning, passage plans, and often the yacht's safety equipment inventory.
Leads the deck crew in maintenance, washdowns, tender operations, and water toy preparation.
Entry-level deck role. Handles line handling, washdowns, polishing, tender driving, and guest assistance.
Senior deckhand stepping toward Bosun. Takes on more responsibility for project management and training.
Heads the interior team. Manages service standards, provisioning, budgets, and guest experience.
Supports the Chief Stew. Often oversees housekeeping, laundry, and service rotations.
Junior interior role. Focuses on detailing, laundry, and assisting with service.
Entry-level interior position. Learning all aspects of yacht interior service.
Responsible for all mechanical, electrical, and technical systems. Keeps the yacht running safely.
Supports the Chief Engineer with daily maintenance, repairs, and system monitoring.
Entry-level engineering role. Assists with engine room rounds, maintenance logs, and repairs.
Specialist in AV/IT systems, electronics, and communications on larger yachts.
Creates menus, manages provisioning, and leads the galley. Often a key factor in guest satisfaction.
Second in the galley. Prepares meals, manages prep, and covers for the Head Chef.
Cooks for the crew (separate from guest meals). Common on larger yachts.
Assists the galley with plating, cleaning, and provisioning â bridges interior and galley.
The certifications you need to work on a super yacht, from mandatory to role-specific.
The mandatory minimum for all crew. Must be completed before working on any yacht.
Medical fitness certificate required for all seafarers. Issued by an MCA-approved doctor.
Progressive qualifications for deck crew advancing through the ranks.
From entry-level to Chief Engineer, MCA-recognised qualifications.
Professional qualifications that elevate interior service standards.
For chefs looking to work on yachts and advance their galley career.
Typical monthly salaries (in EUR) for super yacht crew. Varies by yacht size, experience, and location.
| Role | Department | Monthly Salary (EUR) |
|---|---|---|
| Captain (60m+) | Deck | 9,000 - 15,000+ |
| Captain (30-60m) | Deck | 6,000 - 9,000 |
| Chief Officer | Deck | 4,500 - 7,000 |
| 2nd Officer | Deck | 3,000 - 4,500 |
| Bosun | Deck | 2,800 - 4,500 |
| Lead Deckhand | Deck | 2,500 - 3,500 |
| Deckhand | Deck | 2,000 - 3,000 |
| Chief Steward/ess | Interior | 4,000 - 7,000 |
| 2nd Steward/ess | Interior | 2,800 - 4,000 |
| 3rd Steward/ess | Interior | 2,200 - 3,000 |
| Junior Steward/ess | Interior | 1,800 - 2,500 |
| Chief Engineer | Engineering | 6,000 - 12,000 |
| 2nd Engineer | Engineering | 3,500 - 5,500 |
| 3rd Engineer | Engineering | 2,500 - 3,800 |
| Head Chef | Galley | 4,500 - 8,000 |
| Sous Chef | Galley | 3,000 - 4,500 |
| Crew Chef | Galley | 2,200 - 3,200 |
Salaries are typically paid tax-free (depending on flag state and residency). Crew also receive tips, bonuses, and full room & board.
A typical day for crew during a charter â long hours, high standards, and unforgettable experiences.
Deck crew rise early for the morning wash-down â scrubbing, polishing, and preparing the yacht for the day. Interior crew begin cabin prep and breakfast setup.
Quick crew breakfast followed by a daily briefing. The Captain or HODs outline the day's itinerary, guest preferences, and any safety considerations.
Guests wake up. Interior crew serve breakfast, deck crew prepare tenders and water toys, engineers conduct engine room rounds.
Chef prepares lunch, interior crew serve. Deck crew may be on anchor watch or preparing for afternoon activities.
Water sports, tender trips, or shore excursions. Deck crew drive tenders and supervise toys. Interior crew turn down cabins and prep for evening.
The main event. Chef plates a multi-course dinner, interior crew provide silver service. Deck crew handle anchoring, docking, or night watch.
Guests retire. Crew clean down, reset for the morning, and rotate into night watch shifts. A well-earned rest before doing it all again.
Your step-by-step path from land to sea. Follow these steps to land your first yacht job.
Complete the 5-day STCW course at an MCA-approved training centre. This is non-negotiable â you cannot work on a yacht without it.
Book an ENG1 medical with an MCA-approved doctor. This confirms you're fit to work at sea. Some countries accept equivalent medicals.
Create a one-page CV tailored to yachting. Include a professional photo, relevant experience, certifications, and references. Keep it clean and concise.
Sign up with reputable yacht crew recruitment agencies. Upload your CV, certifications, and references. They'll match you with suitable positions.
Travel to Antibes (France), Fort Lauderdale (USA), or Palma (Mallorca) during peak seasons. Dockwalk and meet crew agents in person â many day-work opportunities arise this way.
Accept day work to get your foot in the door. Perform well, make connections, and many day workers are offered full-time positions within weeks.
Once working, continue training. Additional certs (PB2, PWC, advanced courses) open doors to promotions and higher salaries.
Trusted organisations, training centres, and job boards for super yacht crew.
Bluewater, YPI Crew, Quay Crew, Burgess, and Yacht Crew Agency â register with several for the best coverage.
UKSA, Warsash Maritime Academy, Bluewater Training, and IYT Worldwide â MCA-approved courses worldwide.
Yotspot, Crewfinders, Dockjob, and Yacht Crew Forum â browse and apply for positions online.
Yotspot app, Yacht Crew Forum, and Facebook groups like "Yacht Crew" â networking is key in this industry.
Superyacht News, Dockwalk, and The Crew Report â stay up to date on industry trends and regulations.
MCA (Maritime & Coastguard Agency), MCA Code, and ILO Maritime Labour Convention â the regulatory framework for yachting.
The yachting industry offers adventure, travel, and a career like no other. Start with your STCW, build your CV, and get to a yachting hub. The sea is waiting.
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