chief stewardess yacht salary

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Official Yacht Stewardess Job Descriptions and Salaries (Including a Salary Chart)

June 12, 2018 By Julie Perry

For some even more straight-from-the-book fun, I present to you below the official job descriptions for the various yacht steward/ess roles. These are pulled directly from The Insiders’ Guide to Becoming a Yacht Stewardess Chapter 3—a chapter that actually contains descriptions for each of the positions onboard, from Captain to Engineer, and from Executive Chef to Deckhand. And they are all presented with accompanying salary ranges.

The Crew of Megayacht “Allegria” (2010). Photo by Suki Finnerty of YachtingToday.TV

So if you’re interested in a yachting career in another department outside of a superyacht’s interior, consider picking up a copy of my book to learn more . (The “how to get started” information in Part II of the book really does pertain to most any entry-level position.)

Official Yacht Steward/ess Job Descriptions

Meanwhile, here are your yacht stewardess job descriptions, with a detailed salary chart found at the end of this post:

CHIEF STEWAR/DESS (Annual Salary Range: $39,000–$96,000+)

Job Function —The chief stewardess will carry out his or her duties and responsibilities under the direction and authority of the captain. As the person ultimately responsible for the interior of the vessel and for providing superior hospitality service to meet the owner’s and guests’ expectations, the chief stew will also train and manage any lower-ranking stews under his or her supervision. Excellent service, host/ess, and managerial skills are a necessity, as is having a good degree of creative flair.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for the everyday smooth operation of the boat’s interior department, which means being adept in the arts of housekeeping services, laundry procedures and wardrobe management, food and beverage service and cleanup, and entertaining (while maintaining proper etiquette and a high-energy, can-do attitude at all times)
• Responsible for directing, motivating, and training the lower-ranked stews (2nd, 3rd, and so on)—if any are onboard—which includes the assignment and scheduling of rotational duties and implementing Human Resources (HR) procedures and guidelines
• Providing valet services and overall guest care. Note: In the hospitality industry, “valet” refers to any employee who performs personal services for guests (and refers to more than just parking cars, which is what we normally associate it with). With regard to yacht stews, valet services include tasks such as packing and unpacking guests’ luggage, caring for their personal items and specialty garments, and even making daily activity arrangements for them.
• Protecting, maintaining, and caring for valuable interior items and surfaces, such as artwork, silks, china, crystal, linens, fine woodwork, and marbles
• Creating, implementing, and monitoring a financial planning system that includes accounting and budgeting for interior department needs
• Creating, implementing, and maintaining an informational management system of interior inventories and maintenance procedures
• Provisioning to maintain inventory supplies and cover guest usage
• Collaborating with the executive chef regarding meal service for the guests
• Creative planning and quality service of theme dinners and occasional guest parties
• Keeping all interior storage areas organized, orderly, and maintained
• Crew uniform purchasing
• Writing and updating all interior manuals and guest-information documents
• Maintaining and displaying knowledge of international etiquette and protocol
• Watchkeeping in accordance with the list of responsibilities in the crew mess
• Exterior-crew support as needed (requiring proficiency with exterior lines and fenders)
• Selecting, purchasing, and serving fine wines, specialty teas, and cigars, which may require advanced training
• Planning and managing destination experiences proficiently
• Assuming full responsibility for certain onboard safety tasks (as assigned by the first mate) in an emergency

Qualifications —A chief stewardess should possess some type of training and experience in the areas of bartending, silver service, cigar service, and wine presentation and service. (The more extensive a stew’s wine knowledge, the better.) STCW BST certification is now mandatory for a chief-stew position, and previous yachting experience on either charter or private vessels is most always required. It is also recommended that you obtain an ENG1 Seafarer Medical Certificate, or its equivalent. Floral arranging and table decorating skills prove to be an advantage, while an Advanced/Medical First Aid Certificate or a higher degree of medical training is also a major bonus. In fact, many chief stews are now taking courses to become certified as a yacht’s Medical Person-in-Charge. This requires a seven-day course that will satisfy the standards set forth by the STCW Code A-VI/4, 4.4-4.6, offered at many of the marine training schools. While the new PYA Interior-Crew G.U.E.S.T certification is not mandatory (as of July 2013), it is wise to follow the courses outlined and seek out equivalent intermediate and/or advanced interior-crew training classes, if not sign up for the full PYA G.U.E.S.T course modules.

A Chief Superyacht Stewardess handles the ordering of provisions and other guest amenities for the yacht, which might include things like floral displays that the interior crew is too overwhelmed to handle on its own. While that may sound like an easy task, consider that no matter how many years a yacht stew has been doing this job, he or she will always end up in a new port (sometimes half-way around the world). First, he or she must find a reputable vendor. And not only do fresh flower arrangements need to be ordered, but they must be paid for as well. A chief stew must keep thorough accounting throughout a trip and make sure all vendors and provisioners are paid from the right accounts. Photo Credit: Suki Finnerty of YachtingToday.TV.

STEWARDESS—2nd and 3rd Stews; sometimes referred to as Senior and Junior Stews (Annual Salary Range: $30,000–$54,000+)

Job Function —A 2nd or 3rd stew will carry out his or her duties and responsibilities under the direction and authority of the chief stew and the captain. Individuals holding these positions are responsible for assisting with the maintenance of the interior of the vessel and providing superior hospitable service, in line with the owner’s and guest’s expectations. Hostess skills should be well developed to fully accommodate the owners and their guests while onboard.

• Maintaining interior housekeeping during a trip (detail cleaning) while also being held largely responsible for guest-cabin care
• Laundry, ironing, and other wardrobe maintenance tasks for guests and sometimes crew (when guests are onboard)
• Applying excellent guest service (including silver service) and expert bartending skills when called upon
• Guest care and valet services
• Assisting in the creative planning and quality service of theme dinners
• Assisting with physical product inventories, provisioning, writing and updating checklists, and all other applicable tasks within interior
• Exterior-crew support as needed

Qualifications —This is an entry-level position; while previous yachting experience is not required, it does bring added salary benefits. STCW BST certification is now mandatory for obtaining even entry-level work on a megayacht. It is also recommended that you obtain an ENG1 Seafarer Medical Certificate, or its equivalent. Table service, bartending, and cocktail-service experience or equivalent qualification are crucial to landing a job—training and certification recommendations for these can be found in Chapter 7 of The Insiders’ Guide to Becoming a Yacht Stewardess. While the new PYA Interior-Crew G.U.E.S.T certification is not mandatory (as of July 2013), it is wise to follow the courses outlined and seek out equivalent introductory interior-crew training classes, if not sign up for the full PYA G.U.E.S.T introduction modules.

Yacht Stewardesses at Work Photo Credit: Suki Finnerty of YachtingToday.TV

Dual Positions

On smaller and midsize vessels, where not as many crewmembers are needed (nor is there room for them), the core crew positions listed in the last section are often fused into what I call “dual positions.” An individual hired into such a position will assume a dual role and be expected to wear more than one “hat” during the course of a day.

Here are some examples:

• Deckhand-Stew
• 2nd Engineer-Deckhand
• Captain-Engineer
• Stew-Purser

Steward/ess Salaries

According to Dockwalk’s annual Crew Salary Survey in September 2013 , steward/esses are making a wide variety of salaries these days, and the amount of experience and training they have makes a difference. Of course, the size of the yachts will also be a factor. Compensation for chief stews runs anywhere from $3,450 to $5,650 a month on smaller yachts (80 to 140 feet) to $5,200 to $8,000 a month on yachts over 140 feet. It is very common now to see $65K and $70K salaries, or even $90K+ on the much larger vessels. Salaries for entry-level yacht stewardesses start out between $30K–$43K a year, or $2,500–$3,600 a month.

Base salaries for stewardesses, when compared with those of food and beverage servers, cabin stews, and laundry staff on cruise ships, are slightly higher. But where the potential income differences become dramatic is when you consider the tips one can earn working on luxury charter yachts, or the bonuses and perks afforded the crew on solely private yachts.

Here is a table that sums up salary ranges for the various stew roles within the interior department on a megayacht / superyacht:

Steward/ess Salary Ranges

While annual salary guidelines are given above, again, keep in mind that the ranges are wide because salaries will depend on a variety of factors, including the size of the yacht, the use of the yacht (private or charter), the style of boat (power or sail), and what other benefits are available to the crew, such as insurance packages or education reimbursement. Salaries may also vary depending on the specific qualifications of a crewmember, the amount of time the owner and guests use the vessel, and what itinerary will be traveled. Furthermore (and I cannot emphasize this enough), the compensation ranges listed are base salaries and do not reflect tips, if those are applicable.

Yacht Crew Have Got 99 Problems, But Living Expenses Ain’t One of Them

The first thing people always say after I give them the above salary figures: “Gee, is that all? I thought you said it paid well?” And someone will always add, “Oh, well I can get paid that same amount to take an entry-level office job.”

But here’s the kicker: no expenses.

Most all positions on luxury yachts require you to live aboard and travel with the vessel, and therefore, your room and board are completely covered. It is customary and expected that everything you need on a daily basis is provided by the yacht owner—your meals, your uniforms, laundry detergent, linens, and on most boats, even your personal hygiene products, such as soap and toothpaste. Meanwhile, your earnings automatically go into your bank account.

What other job can you take where, at the end of the year, you have nearly your entire salary sitting in your bank account, relatively untouched? Most people in other industries are lucky if they save 1/10 of the amount they earn in a year. Why? Because they are paying rent and utilities, buying and maintaining cars, and purchasing all the clothes they wear to work each day. And let’s not forget groceries.

Ready to find out how to get started one your way to working on a yacht? All the advice you need to land that first yacht job can be found in this guide . Good luck!

Megayacht crewmembers. Photo Source: Suki Finnerty of YachtingToday.TV.

Interested in more advice on how to become a yacht stewardess and what it takes to handle the job? Download Chapter 1 of The Insiders’ Guide to Becoming a Yacht Stewardess 2nd Edition here .

September 11, 2013 at 6:01 pm

This is something I really would like to do !! I’m going to check into getting the training !!

[…] some even more straight-from-the-book fun, click here to check out official “job descriptions” for the various yacht stewardess roles on a …, pulled directly from The Insiders’ Guide to Becoming a Yacht Stewardess’ Chapter 3. Even […]

[…] as engineers. Then you work your way up to captain, mate, chief engineer, chief steward/ess; and the salaries in those higher-level positions are outstanding, and then you have the tips, […]

[…] then travel around and see the world. Our guest today is Indy native Julie Perry. She worked as a yacht stewardess…and then wrote about it with her first book. Then she wrote a second edition that just came […]

[…] watching the full season of Below Deck, and based on my own experience as a superyacht stewardess, I feel Captain Lee made decisions that a truly professional captain would make. It is also Captain […]

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Yacht Crew Salaries: Complete Guide to What Yacht Crew Earn

It’s no secret that the impressive yacht crew salaries attract most people into the exclusive yachting world.

Junior deckhands or stewardesses can earn starting salaries of $3000 per month. With a few years of experience and some courses to back you up, this amount moves up towards $4000-$4500 per month!

In order to compile this superyacht crew salary guideline, I have taken 10 of the top yachting platforms and used all of their data, combined with my personal experience, to reach an average salary expectation for each position.

Table of Contents

How Much do you Make Working on a Yacht?

Yacht Captain Salary

• 20m-30m: $4000-$7500
• 30m-40m: $5500-$9500
• 40m-50m: $8000-$15000
• 50m-70m: $13000-$19000
• 70m+: $16500+

Requirements of a Yacht Captain

• Years of experience needed: 3-5 years of experience as Chief Officer/Mate and more than 5 years of experience as a Captain for larger yachts
• Minimum level of Qualification: 200ton licence which allows you to drive vessels below 200tons

The Captain has the highest level of responsibility onboard the yacht and hence they earn the most out of all the yacht crew salaries.

Captains are accountable for the overall safety of the yacht, crew members and guests.

They also handle daily operations of the yacht, guests, and owner liaison. They deal with management companies, port control, budgets, human resources, and many more tasks and logistics that make the job demanding and stressful.

On top of this, Captains are required to hold high levels of certifications depending on the size of the yacht they are driving.

Yacht Captain salaries can sky rocket with higher levels of qualifications.

If you are looking to become a Yacht Captain one day I recommend looking into the courses required so you can get started with licenses and sea time. It takes time to get there, but when you do it will be worth it.

Chief Officer Yacht Salary

• 30m-40m: $4000-$6000
• 40m-50m: $4500-$7500
• 50m-70m: $5500-$9000
• 70m+: $8000+

Requirements of a Chief Officer

• Years of experience needed: 3-5 Years
• Minimum level of qualification: Officer of the Watch

The Chief Officer is second in command to the Captain and is responsible for carrying out the Captain’s standing orders.

On smaller yachts, the Chief Officer is referred to as the Mate.

The Chief Officer is responsible for carrying out the safety duties onboard and assisting in the bridge with paperwork and navigational planning.

The Chief Officer is also responsible for leading and managing their deck team, ensuring crew are following their duties as well as managing the water sports and guest activities.

The salary of a Chief Officer depends heavily on the license held.

Bosun Yacht Salary

• Years of experience needed: 2-3 years
• Minimum level of qualification: Yacht Master Offshore
• A yacht Bosun salary can vary between $4000 and $6000.

Responsibilities of a Bosun

The Bosun is essentially the Lead Deckhand onboard. A lead deckhand salary on a larger vessel will be similar to that of a bosun salary on a smaller vessel.

This is an opportunity to step up from being a deckhand and gain some experience in a leadership role. This position is in place for larger yachts so that when the Officer is busy with bridge duties, someone is in charge on deck.

Yacht Deckhand Salary

Years of experience needed: 0

• Minimum level of qualification: None needed, however Power Boat Level 2 and Yacht Master offshore will put you at a great advantage
• Entry-level yacht crew salaries start at $3000 and can go as high as $4000/$4500.

Responsibilities of a Deckhand

A Deckhand is an entry-level role on a yacht.

You need to spend a few years (or less) as a Deckhand in order to learn and gain experience so that you can step up in the ranks and obtain your licenses.

This role will be very hands-on in maintaining the exterior of the yacht. Duties will include cleaning, polishing, varnishing, sanding, caulking, and any other maintenance work required.

Chief Steward / Chief Stewardess Salary

• 30m-40m :$4500-$5500
• 40m-50m :$5000-$7000
• 50m-70m- $5500-$8000
• 70m+: $7500+

Responsibilities of a Chief Stewardess/Steward

• Years of experience needed: 3-5 years
• Minimum level of qualification: Depending on the size of the vessel you may need courses such as Food Hygiene and Safety, Silver Service, WSET, or a Purser course

The Chief Stewardess or Steward is responsible for all the interior operations of the yacht .

They are responsible for managing the interior team, and ensuring the interior of the yacht is maintained to the highest standards. Besides cleaning and laundry schedules , this also includes provisioning for crew and guests, budgeting, accounting, and training of junior crew.

Steward or Stewardess Yacht Salary

• Minimum level of qualification: Depending on the size of the vessel you may need courses such as Food Hygiene and Safety and Silver Service
• Salaries start at $3000 and go up to $6000

Responsibilities of a Steward or Stewardess

A Stewardess/Steward is an entry-level position working within the interior of the yacht.

There are rankings within the interior (2nd, 3rd, 4th Steward/Stewardesses). As you spend more time in the industry, you will be promoted to higher ranks, and with that will come a better salary and more responsibility.

This role covers a range of tasks, including but not limited to housekeeping, laundry, bartending, table scaping, floral arrangements, serving, and hosting guests.

Engineer Yacht Salary

• 20m-30m: $4000-$5000
• 30m-40m: $4500-$6500
• 40m-50m: $6000-$8000
• 50m-70m: $7500-$11000
• 70m+: $9000+

Requirements of an Engineer

• Years of experience needed: 2-4 years in an engineering role onboard as Deck/Engineer or relevant land-based experience
• Minimum level of qualification: AEC

The Engineer onboard is responsible for all mechanical functioning and maintenance of the vessel. This is a very technical role that can pay well as you gain experience and obtain your licensing.

Yacht Chef Salary

• 20m-30m: $4000 – $5000
• 40m-50m: $5500 – $75000
• 50m-70m: $6500-$9500

Requirements of a Yacht Chef

• Years of experience needed: 3-5 years depending on previous experience
• Minimum level of qualification: Food Hygiene and Safety Level 2

The Chef is responsible for feeding the crew 2 to 3 healthy and sustainable meals a day. They are of course required to prepare meals for guests when onboard to the highest of standards.

In their day-to-day tasks, they will be responsible for their own provisioning of the galley, maintaining stocks, cleanliness, and hygiene of the galley.

The salary of the Yacht Chef varies depending on qualifications and experience.

Yacht Crew Salaries for Private vs Charter Yachts

There are two types of super yachts that require crew: Private and Charter yachts. The salaries for yacht crew differ slightly between the two.

Private Yacht

A private boat is owned by a single person or family who uses the yacht for their own purposes. They don’t charter it out and you can expect to have the same guests onboard for the duration of your contract.

The benefit of these programs is that you get to know your guests well so you may find it easier to manage their wants and needs.

You may also benefit from traveling to off-the-beaten-track locations as I have!

For yacht crew working on these private boats, you will usually not receive charter tips.

Charter Yacht

A charter boat is one that gets chartered out by guests. This operates as a business and also means you will have different guests for every trip. 

If you work on a charter boat you can expect to receive charter tips at the end of each charter. These are usually 10%-20% of the charter fee!

Considering these tips can be anywhere from $2000-$5000 per week depending on the size of the yacht, charter boats offer great earning potential and can skyrocket your salary as a yachtie.

Hi, my name is Lisa, a Chief Stewardess in the yachting industry with 10 years of experience, as well as 8 years of hospitality experience prior to that. Being in the yachting industry has been a whirlwind of adventure, growth, challenges and some of the best experiences of my life, and I am excited to share my knowledge and experiences with all of you.

How to Write the Perfect Yacht CV [With Template]

A day in the life of a yacht stewardess.

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Yacht crew positions : Hierarchy, Missions & Salaries explained

Like any well-run hotel, restaurant, or other luxury service, a crewed yacht needs organized structure and good management. Whether you’re staffing your own luxury vessel or looking for an exciting career working and traveling the world, you need to know how this structure works, and what you can expect to pay or earn and do in the various roles on board.

Every yacht is a little different, and organization may reflect the style of the captain or the demands of the owner. But the same jobs need to be done on almost every boat. Organized with ranks, heads of each division report to the Captain. It’s not a military-style organization, but there are parallels with merchant marine grades and structures.

Smaller yachts need fewer crew, and staff may wear multiple hats that cross more traditional divisions and may combine some jobs with others. Large yachts have more distinct divisions or subdivisions, with more specialization to divide tasks and manage staffing. The core skills are the same, but finding staff with the right blends to do the jobs is key. Crew with broader skills are highly sought after.

As a yacht owner, you shouldn’t have to worry about day-to-day management decisions or organizing all this. That’s why you have a captain, and it’s better to leave staffing decisions entirely up to him or her. But it’s still important to know what it is people you’re hiring do, why they’re there, and how many you need. You don’t want too many crew, or to be short-handed. An understanding of what your yacht needs helps you talk to the captain to keep your yacht running how you want it.

For those looking to break into yacht crew work, consider your skills and strengths, and what jobs appeal to you. You’ll need training before you work, and you can direct your job path through the training you seek. Your goal is a suitable position on a well-run yacht, so make yourself the most attractive candidate possible.

Yacht Work Life

Working on a yacht is also living on the yacht. Crew must have a space to sleep, food, and all the basics that any employee needs. Large yachts have space reserved for crew, and owners looking for quality crew should provide good working and living conditions. Your crew takes care of you, and you should take care of them.

Depending on where a yacht operates or what flag she flies, a variety of labor laws or rules may be in effect. These requirements may be for work visas, contracts and written agreements, and compliance with merchant and ship crew treaties and laws. Be prepared to have work and non-disclosure agreements between yacht and crew, though a few yachts skip this.

Seasonal Jobs

Many yacht positions are seasonal. Year-round employment is more likely for senior crew like the captain and department heads, but not all yachts see year-round use. And some yachts may use different crew in different locales between seasonal moves.

Any job listing should give seasonal information, with geographic information, the length of the season, and the prospects for year-round positions and repeat employment.

Hours, Salaries, and Expectations

Yacht crew is a service job at its core, and every yacht owner is looking for service-oriented people who understand how to deliver a hotel-quality living and restaurant-quality fine dining. Work experience in luxury hotels and restaurants is a big plus for some jobs, and makes breaking into yacht work easier.

Yacht work can be very demanding, with periods of intense work when the owner and guests or a charter party is on board. Long days aren’t uncommon, but often balance with slack time when the boat is empty of passengers. There is always work to be done, but there’s usually a chance for time off.

Most salaries are monthly, since many positions are seasonal. Pay ranges are commensurate with experience, rank, and responsibility. Private vessels usually offer higher base pay, as charter crew can earn tips on top of their base salary. Because of the demands of the lifestyle, compensation is good and you have minimal living expenses on board.

Benefits and Time Off

Because so many jobs are seasonal and may occur in different countries and locations, benefits offered to yacht crew vary widely. But it is not uncommon for crew to be offered health and accident insurance and a flight to the vessel. Living on board, you’ll get food, rooming (usually shared), basic toiletries, uniforms, and laundry. Yachts with a longer view may offer additional training to long-term prospects.

Time off is usually linked to boat use, and may be sporadic in-season or when the boat has the owner and guests on board. There will always be some time off, but it may be between very intense work periods.

Most crew jobs have an employment contract that meets the Maritime Labour Convention 2006 (MLC). This should spell out the contract period and duration, as well as salary, leave and time off, probationary periods, repatriation policies, and any other crucial details to meet the minimum international standards of crew welfare.

This contract should also contain shipboard policies on confidentiality and non-disclosures, drug and alcohol use on board, personal hygiene expectations, interpersonal relationships, and dispute resolution. Job expectations and requirements can also be included, with specific language about roles, tasks, and cooperation between divisions.

Note that all crew agreements will explicitly prohibit drug use on board, most limit alcohol consumption and ban hard liquor on board, and many boats have policies prohibiting intimate personal crew relationships. Because the crew is living on board full time and in close quarters, rules to maintain decorum and crew harmony may be in writing.

Training & Certificates

Two key certifications are required for yacht crew. Employers look for the STCW (Standards of Training, Certification and Watch-keeping for Seafarers) and the ENG1 (Seafarer Medical Certificate). Insurers generally require crew to have these two certifications or the equivalent.

The ENG1 isn’t a class. It’s a medical exam to ensure that the crew is physically fit to serve at sea and has no underlying conditions that may arise far from help. It’s best for prospective crew to secure the ENG1 before investing more time and money training.

STCW is a week-long class on the basics of onboard safety. This includes hands-on modules covering personal survival, fire safety, first aid and CPR, accident prevention, and security awareness. It needs to be refreshed every five years.

Shared, Hybrid, and Crossover Jobs

Larger vessels will have more defined duties and specific areas of responsibility. But smaller yachts may want the crew to have different roles in different situations. For example, a hybrid job description may read “3rd Engineer/Steward” and describe a role in engineering when the boat is empty but on inside crew when passengers are on board.

When hiring or seeking jobs be prepared to look for creative crossover skill sets to meet the needs of the vessel.

Extra Skills and Duties

Any extra skills outside the regular duties makes crew more attractive. From stewards who can teach yoga, give massages or play cocktail piano to deck crew who know how to water ski, SCUBA dive, or fish, anything that crew can bring to enhance the passenger experience adds value to the employee.

If you’re looking for a position, list the skills you’d be comfortable using. If a vessel owner is looking for something specific, spell it out and figure out how that special duty fits into the employee work day.

The Four Main Divisions

Most yacht crews break into four primary divisions which group related tasks and responsibilities together. While the grouping sounds like it’s by section of the boat, they’re really more functional. For example, stewards (Interior) will definitely serve meals, whether they’re in the main dining room or out on deck. Deckhands (deck) are going to be involved in painting, sanding, and varnish jobs anywhere on the boat.

The deck crew handles most of the exterior operations of the yacht, and runs it. Deck hands and crew keep the boat looking clean and shiny, and handling most vessel operations. This includes driving and operating the yacht, navigation, running all launches and ship’s craft, handling lines, and all maintenance and painting, washing, and shining.

2-Interior (or Inside)

Inside crew are primarily the stewards and housekeepers. Larger vessels will have a dedicated housekeeping staff separate from the stewards, but smaller vessels may not.

Stewards keep the interior clean, do all housekeeping, laundry, food and beverage service, cabin preparation, and anything else needed for the comfort of the passengers.

3-Engineering

Below decks, the engineering department ensures the safe and smooth running of all the ship’s machinery and electronics. Engineers are engine and systems specialists, and there will usually be a dedicated electronics expert. Most engineer jobs require professional training and certification.

Fine dining is a hallmark of the yachting experience, and a full-time galley crew prepares all meals for passengers and crew. The head chef plans the menus and provisions the boat, while junior chefs assist the head chef with meal preparation and keeping the galley spotless.

Yacht Job and Department Details

Departments are all organized in a hierarchy, with a department head reporting to the Captain. The clear chain of command makes for smooth operations, with all communications going up and down ranks. Junior staff will occasionally take instructions from other divisions as all crew is expected to help as needed. A captain or department head may organize staff differently, so reporting structures listed are guidelines only.

All salary ranges are monthly figures and are ranges based on yacht size and crew experience. Senior jobs on larger yachts have more responsibility than the same job title on yachts with smaller crews. Experienced crew are very desirable and can expect more pay for their positions.

Listed responsibilities are not exhaustive, and different yachts may allocate some jobs to different positions.

Read also: The yacht charter experience ladder

The Captain

The captain of the vessel is the overall decision maker for the yacht in all situations, including the safety of the vessel. The owner should leave the Captain responsible for operational decisions about hiring and staff and operating the ship. To become a captain requires years of experience and training, and a broad set of skills including yacht operations, personnel management, budgeting and finance. The captain works directly with the owner and owner’s representative, if the captain is not also acting as the representative.

On an organization chart, the Captain is usually placed in the deck division, but the Captain is always the senior-most crew on the yacht and all division heads report to the Captain.

Responsibilities include:

• Responsible for all navigation and running the yacht.
• Senior decision maker on all crew hiring.
• Manage repairs, refits, and yard work.
• Manage budgets and accounting. On larger yachts, this task ends more on the Purser, but the captain is always responsible.
• Ensure all paperwork, clearances, and legal requirements are completed.
• Primary contact with the owner or charter parties.

Reports to: The yacht owner

Salary Range: $6,000 to $22,000

The deckhands handle all the outside responsibilities of the ship, including cleaning and maintenance of the yacht and all the ship’s vessels and toys on board. Deck crew will have significant contact with passengers in this role, operating launches and delivering guests to and from shore and handling the toys.

All deck crew have watch responsibilities on passage, and daily responsibilities keeping the yacht pristine and clean. They will also do line handling and secure the yacht.

Deck department : Chief Mate/First Officer

The Chief Mate or First Officer is the second in command of the vessel, and left in charge when the Captain is not on board. The first mate has the requisite skills to stand in for the captain and run the yacht if needed and usually acts as the division head of the deck team.

The seamanship skills needed are similar to the Captain’s position.

• Primary safety officer for the yacht and all passengers and crew.
• Supervise and manage all operations on deck.
• Bridge watches on passage.
• Passage planning and navigation.

There may be additional mates on larger vessels, these 2nd, 3rd, etc. mates have similar responsibilities on rotation. But the first mate is senior and always second in command.

Reports to: Captain

Salary Range: $4,000 to $9,500 (First mate)

Second and more junior mates may earn $2,000 to $4,000

Deck department : Bosun

The Bosun is the senior deckhand and manages the junior hands on board. This will usually be the most experienced hand on board.

• Organizing all operations on deck.
• Coordinating the use, storing and launching of the ship’s boats, toys, and equipment.
• Managing the passerelle, watching passenger safety.
• Contact point for guest service on boats, toys, and trips to shore.

Reports to: First mate

Salary Range: $3,000 to $5,000

Deck department : Deckhands

Deckhands are constantly busy with maintenance, cleaning, polishing, and assisting guests as needed. They will assist other departments as needed or given special duties.

• Daily cleaning of the yacht’s exterior.
• Painting, varnishing, polishing.
• Line handling.
• Launching and operating dinghies and tenders.
• Repairs and carpentry.
• Helping guests as needed – everything from handling baggage and gear to embarking and disembarking.

Reports to: Bosun

Salary range: $1,300 to $3,000

Though every position on a yacht is service-oriented, the interior or inside crew provides the primary customer service. They will interact the most with the passengers daily, and they’re directly responsible for the quality of their experience on board.

Interior department : the Purser

The purser is the chief financial officer of the yacht and handles all the financial operations on board. Accounting, purchasing, payroll and hiring, and all money matters end up with the Purser. This is a senior staff position, and may be the interior department head. Smaller yachts may eliminate the purser’s job and add it to the captain’s and other senior staff duties.

Responsibilities Include:

• Accounting and bookkeeping for all financial transactions.
• Human resources and payroll.
• Handling logistics for all departments related to purchasing.
• Managing contracts.
• Event coordination, including off yacht bookings and payments.
• Primary administration of the boat’s business paperwork.
• Inventory and supply management.

Salary Range: $4,000 to $8,000

Interior department : The Chief Steward/ess

The chief steward or stewardess has primary responsibility for all service roles inside. Food and drink service, cabin preparation, and anything to do with helping the passengers be more comfortable and enjoy their stay. The chief steward will be inside crew with several years of experience.

The chief steward manages the interior staff, setting and enforcing vessel service standards. The chief steward ensures the crew delivers a five-star hospitality experience.

Chief Steward Responsibilities:

• Scheduling and training junior crew for meal and drink service and cabin preparation.
• Primary contact with guests for meals and drinks.
• Sommelier and wine service.
• Coordinate with the galley for meals and presentation.
• Decorate the interior, from flower arrangement to table settings.
• Arrange onshore activities and outings.

Reports to: Captain or Purser, depending on the yacht

Salary Range: $4,000 to $8,500

Stewards/Stewardesses

The stewards and stewardesses are the primary guest service staff. They will work closely with guests and passengers, and have daily contact with them as they meet most of their needs while on board.

Steward Responsibilities:

• Food and drink service.
• Room preparation and turndown service.
• Cleaning, polishing, housekeeping, and inside maintenance.
• Cabin detailing.
• Laundry, pressing, and folding.
• Help with outings, trips, debarkations.

Reports to: Chief Steward

Salary Range: $1,500 to $4,500

Housekeeping

Larger yachts may have a dedicated housekeeping and laundry staff. This will be part of the inside crew, under either the purser or the head steward. There may be a senior housekeeper, if there are more than one housekeeping crew on board.

Responsibilities are the cleaning and laundry portions of the steward’s job, and a laundry steward may spend most of her time inside the ship’s laundry.

An experienced Head of Housekeeping may earn from $4,500 to $7,000, while a Laundry Steward typically earns from $2,500 to $3,500.

Read also: CAN OWNING A YACHT TO CHARTER (REALLY) BE PROFITABLE?

Food service requirements on any yacht are high. Whether it’s a privately owned vessel or a charter, the expectations are always for top tier food service, with a variety of meals planned for the requirements of every passenger. Chefs and cooks prepare all meals on board for passengers and crew, but sometimes other interior crew may help with prep work or cleanup.

Smaller yachts have smaller galley crews, but the largest vessels may have an executive chef and several sous chefs. All chef positions require formal culinary training and experience, but cook positions are often entry level. Promotion from cook to chef is unusual without additional training.

Galley department : the Head / Executive Chef

On larger yachts, an Executive Chef will run the entire galley with the help of sous chefs and cooks. With an Executive Chef, there’s an expectation that the food and menus will be on a level with Michelin star-rated restaurants.

The executive chef brings a thorough understanding of food preparation and presentation, and moves food preparation past creative up to artistic. Job responsibilities are similar to a chef, but the job demands and the required experience and education are much higher.

Salary range: $7,000 to $11,000

The chef has overall responsibility for all meals on the yacht, from provisioning in remote places to hygiene and good safety. If there’s only one chef, she’s the head of the galley crew. Finding the best provisions in far away locations and making the best of local food availability is a major part of the job.

• Planning a delicious and varied menu for passengers.
• Sourcing all food and arranging transport to the yacht.
• Maintaining and operating within the galley budget.
• Preparing passenger meals with professional presentation and style.
• Cleaning and maintaining galley and galley equipment.
• Deliver menus and meals on time, while running an organized and spotless galley.

Galley department : Sous Chef

The sous chefs assist the chef in all aspects of running the galley, and may have independent assignments to plan and guest and crew meals. While not primarily responsible for provisioning, the sous chef will help with food selection, menu preparation, and planning. A sous chef must have formal culinary training.

Reports to: Head chef

Salary Range: $3,500 – $6,000.

Galley department : The Cook

Cooks may be entry-level positions or experienced, but do not require formal gastronomy education. They will assist the chef and sous chefs, cooking meals and dishes for guests and crew, helping with provisioning, and keeping the galley neat.

• Assist with provisioning and buying high-quality food from local sources.
• Follow all food handling and safety guidelines.
• Assist the head chef as needed, taking direction and guidance.
• Prepare guest and crew meals as required.
• Staying on top of galley inventories and supplies.

Salary Range: $2,500 to $3,500

Engineering

The engineering department keeps the yacht and all its systems working. Whether it’s the engines, electronics, air conditioning, or the plumbing – it’s up to engineering to keep it running.

There is considerable overlap with commercial shipping in the engineering field, as many of the same skills apply. And there is a broader range of qualifications and grades based on the size and power of the vessel. Job ratings may be set by required experience based on tonnage of ship or power of engines, with corresponding levels of pay and responsibility.

Unlike commercial shipping, engineers may get involved in other aspects of running the yacht, like helping with docking and water sports with mechanical toys.

Engineering certifications, training, ratings, experience and licensing are critical to hiring competent engineers, and for engineering crew it’s an important facet of career advancement. This is important for Chief and 2nd Engineers, which are often broken out by MCA (U.K. Maritime and Coastguard Agency) rating or other international equivalent.

MCA ratings for engineers Commercial and Private Yachts over 24m are:

Y4: Less than 200 Gross Tons and less than 1,500 kW engine power Y3: Less than 500 GT and 3,000 kW Y2: Less than 3,000 GT and 3,000 kW Y1: Less than 3,000 GT and 9,000 kW

There is also an unlimited rating for merchant vessels larger than the Y1 category. For discussing salary and responsibilities, we will include all ratings in one position description, but pay scales with the size of the yacht and any required higher ratings.

Chief Engineer

The chief engineer manages all aspects of keeping the yacht and its systems running. The chief engineer manages all the engineering staff, and directs all maintenance, repairs, troubleshooting and upgrades. This is a management position, but requires extensive hands-on technical experience and knowledge. Chief engineers on large yachts hold an MCA Y1 or Y2, smaller boats will have a lower rated chief and a smaller staff. Check  Jooble.org  to find abroad marine engineer vacancies.

• Provisioning, shopping, and stocking.
• Preparing passenger and crew meals.
• Following instructions and cooking under the direction of others.
• Galley cleaning.
• Follow food safety and storage procedures.
• Food pre-preparation.

Salary Range: $6,000 to $15,000

2nd Engineer

The second engineer is also a highly skilled position requiring a rating or license and several years of experience. This senior level engineer also needs knowledge of how to troubleshoot and maintain all yacht systems.

• Maintain and manage all engineering operations.
• Hire, train and supervise all engineers.
• Project manage all upgrades and retrofits, including managing budgets, contracts, and suppliers.
• Coordinate maintenance schedule for the entire yacht around the usage and seasonal schedules.
• Maintain costs and accounting for engineering operations.
• Design and handle all safety operations.
• Set and maintain standards for operations and cleanliness in the engine room.

Reports to: Chief engineer

Salary Range: $5,500 – $10,000

OOW (Officer of the Watch) Engineer

The OOW is a junior engineering position, but still licensed. There are two categories of OOW – MEOL (Marine Engine Operator License) and the more junior AEC (Assistant Engine Course). The overall responsibilities are similar, working to support the senior engineers and handle independent assignments. The AEC rating is entry level for licensed crew, but has training and certification.

• Support the chief in all projects.
• Maintain a clean, safe engine room.
• Perform all maintenance, troubleshooting and repair tasks as needed.
• Support motorized water sports.
• Occasionally assist with other vessel operations, like line handling.

Reports to: Chief Engineer

Salary Range, MEOL: $4,500 to $6,000 Salary Range, AEC: $2,500 to $3,500

Electronics/Technology Officer (ETO)

The ETO takes responsibility for all audio-visual and information technology on board. Ensuring passengers have access to the internet, movies, television, and music is a primary responsibility. This position carries a fair amount of passenger interaction, and an ETO needs good troubleshooting skills to go with customer service skills.

• Ensure all audio/visual and entertainment systems are always available for passengers.
• Assist passengers with personal technology and ship systems as needed.
• Conduct regular maintenance and upgrades of the network, information, and A/V systems around passenger schedules.
• Assist other engineers as needed, especially with electronic systems.
• Contribute as needed with other departments for boat and passenger operations.

Salary Range: $4,000 to $9,000

Junior Engineer

This is a lower or entry level position for someone with engineering skills but without formal licensing or certification. The junior engineer will help with safety and cleanliness, and assist in any engineering tasks as needed. The ability to solve problems and fix things opens this spot for anyone capable and willing to do the job.

• Help with cleaning, maintenance, and safety functions.
• Help anywhere needed on the yacht.
• Assist senior engineers as needed, taking direction and following instructions exactly.
• Constantly develop skills.

Read also: IS BUYING A BOAT A BAD IDEA?

Whether you are a yacht owner or considering entering this dynamic industry with an established and reliable crew, it is essential to have an understanding of the yacht’s hierarchical structure, mission priorities, and salary expectations. By doing your research on the complexity of yachting before hiring your team, you can confidently select the right group of experienced and qualified professionals for your needs. Staying up-to-date on top industry trends and knowing the capabilities of each type of yacht crew position will enable you to make sound decisions that support a safe and cost-effective journey. With quality personnel at your helm, you can cruise unhindered in luxury and explore new destinations with peace of mind.

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Yacht crew salary guide

A Chief Stew is the Head of the Interior department and a whose role is to lead the delivery of top-tier hospitality on board a yacht.

A Chief Steward or Stewardess is the Head of the Interior Department onboard a yacht. Reporting directly to the Captain, the Chief Stew is responsible for the interior management of the vessel and for providing superior hospitality service to owners and guests onboard, which often requires anticipating their needs and desires. To achieve this, a Chief Stew manages a team of yacht Stews .

What does a Chief Stew do? | Chief Stew Job Description

As the Head of the interior, a Chief Stew is not only responsible for the maintenance of the interior and the whole team that comes with it, but they are also the first point of contact for the guests onboard. Subsequently, a Chief Stew is responsible for making their luxury yachting experience unforgettable.

The responsibilities of a Chief Stew include:

Ensuring the everyday smooth operation of the boat’s interior department

Management of a team of yacht Stews

Interior crew hiring, training and management

Interior department budget management and accounting

Provisioning and inventory management

Crew uniform purchasing

Ensuring guest satisfaction by providing constant impeccable service

Organising guest activities and parties

Executing flawless meal service for the guests

Flower and table decorations

Collaborating with the Head Chef regarding meal service for the guests

Maintaining, and caring for valuable interior items and surfaces, such as artwork, silks, china, crystal, linens, fine woodwork, and marble

Creating, implementing, and maintaining standard practice procedure manuals

Collaboration with shipyard contractors

Soft and hard skills required to be a Chief Stew

The Chief Stew onboard a yacht is extremely skilled in five-star hospitality, various service styles and interior maintenance, in addition to possessing extensive wine knowledge. They are responsible for guest satisfaction onboard and must have the ability to anticipate yacht owners’ and guests’ needs and exceed their expectations. 

Strong verbal and written communication skills are essential to success in this position, as well as team management and fiscal administration. This role typically requires at least three years of experience in the superyacht industry.

The skills of a successful yacht Chief Stew include:

Superb organisational skills

Strong leadership and management skills

Ability to assign duties and delegate crew on projects

Excellent communication skills and interpersonal skills

Ability to assume a confident yet discreet manner with guests

Excellent knowledge of all types of service and housekeeping including laundry

Wine, cigar, barista and cocktail-making knowledge

Plant care skills

Extensive etiquette knowledge

Table decorating skills

Flower arrangement skills 

Excellent knowledge of products used to maintain the interior

Knowledge of activities and restaurants in popular yachting areas

Passion for creating unforgettable experiences for the guests

Attention to detail

Problem-solving skills

Budget management skills

Ability to stay calm under pressure

Mandatory certificates needed to work on board a yacht 

All crew members regardless of position and seniority need to have a valid STCW Basic Safety Training certificate, along with a recognised Seafarers medical certificate, the most popular being the ENG1 which is issued by an MCA (Maritime and Coastguard Agency) professional medic. 

Without these two certificates, it is not possible for crew to work on board a yacht and a Recruiter will not be able to assist you in finding work onboard a yacht. For more information about mandatory certificates please visit our Mandatory Certificates Guide .

Are you ready to secure a Chief Stew position onboard a yacht?

Become a member of YPI CREW and connect with our recruiters so they can guide you through your job search. 

Each of our recruiters is specialised in crew placement for a particular department and they will do their best to get you an interview on board a yacht. They will also advise you on how to best present your experience and skills and prepare for a yacht job interview.

YPI CREW TEAM

Ypi crew recruiters in charge of chief stew recruitment.

Louise Overend

Team Leader - Interior Recruitment Specialist

Annabelle Huvelin

Interior Recruitment Specialist

Let’s get started. Call us on +33 (0)4 92 90 46 10 or email us.

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Yacht Crew Jobs and Salary Info

Here is a guide to the types of jobs found on board yachts for both the Exterior and Interior departments. Get information on job descriptions, skills and experience required to be hired, as well as the expected salary for the position. From entry level yacht jobs (ie. deckhand or steward) to a career path in the yachting industry, understand how each crew member contributes to the efficient operation of a yacht.

Yacht Crew:  Deck Department

Other Titles:  Master; Second Master; Second Captain

Job Description:  The Captain is responsible for the safety of the passengers, crew and the vessel. The Captain oversees the navigation of the vessel, legal and regulatory compliance, budgeting and accounting, vessel maintenance, training, hiring and disciplinary action. The Captain must also achieve the owner’s objectives and answer to the yacht owner for all decisions that are made. Depending on the size of the yacht and number of crew will determine how much the Captain delegates versus the tasks completed by the Captain. Some large yachts may have a Second Captain as second in command.

Experience and Skills Required:  The Captain must have a wealth of maritime experience and training including excellent engineering knowledge and knowledge of all safety and environmental regulations. Typically a Captain has worked through the other officer ranks on a superyacht. A Captain on a vessel larger than 3,000 GRT, needs the STCW Master Unlimited licence along with all its necessary courses. Additional skills required include management and accounting skills.

Average Salary:  $4,000 to $8,000 per month (Captain of a vessel 60 to 100 feet.)  $7,000 to $15,000 per month (Captain of a vessel 100 to 160 feet.)  $12,000+ per month (Captain of a vessel 160 feet and up.)

First Officer

Other Job Titles:  Chief Officer, Chief Mate

Job Description:  The First Officer assists the Captain with navigational planning, administrative duties, crew discipline and safety. The First Officer is responsible for the vessel’s navigation and sets the navigational watch schedule. The 1st Officer manages the Bosun and deckhands, overseeing the maintenance of deck equipment and inventory. The 1st Officer also supervises the water sports equipment (aka: toys). The 1st officer may also be the designated security, safety, or medical officer.

Experience and Skills Required:  The First Officer must have qualifications and licences that conform to International Maritime Organization (IMO) and STCW. The standard requirement is Chief Mate (Yacht) 3,000 gt A-II/2 or higher with previous Officer of the Watch experience. Applicants of smaller yachts may have certificates such as RYA Yachtmaster Offshore or Yachtmaster Ocean. Additional certification such as Dive Master or Fishing Specialist, are also an asset.

Average Salary:  $5,000 to $8,000 per month (120 feet to 180 feet.)  $7,000 to $12,000+ per month (180+ feet)

2nd Officer

Other Titles:  Officer of the Watch

Job Description:  Yachts larger than 140 feet employ a Second Officer in addition to the First Officer. The 2nd Officer understudies the 1st Officer. He is a navigational watch keeper and assists the First Officer with administrative and safety duties. The 2nd Officer leads the deckhands in deck maintenance duties. The 2nd Officer may also be designated security, safety, or medical officer duties.

Experience and Skills Required:  The Second Officer must have qualifications and licences that conform to International Maritime Organization (IMO) and STCW. The standard requirement is Officer of the Watch (Yacht) 3,000 gt A-II/1 or higher. Previous yacht experience is preferred. Additional certification such as Dive Master or Fishing Specialist, are also an asset.

Average Salary:  $5,000 to $6,000 per month (140 feet to 180 feet.)  $5,500 to $8,000+ per month (180+ feet.)

Other Titles:  Lead Deckhand, Senior Deckhand

Job Description:  Under the direction of the First Officer, the Bosun supervises the deckhands in the deck cleanliness and maintenance of the vessel. The Bosun develops, executes and assists in planned maintenance and repair of the exterior of the vessel. This includes painting, varnishing, repairing, caulking, and fibreglass repair. The Bosun monitors the condition of the ship’s fire and safety equipment and is responsible for maintenance of the toys and tenders. The Bosun is a watchkeeper, security officer, and tender driver when needed.

Experience and Skills Required:  The Bosun should be in possession of the Yachtmaster Offshore (or higher) or the OOW certification which includes GMDSS. The Bosun should have knowledge of maintenance products and knowledge of all equipment onboard. The Bosun should have knowledge of the water sports equipment and some engineering knowledge. Minimum three years experience as a yacht deckhand is required. Additional certification is an advantage.

Average Salary:  $3,000 to $4,500 per month (100 feet to 180 feet.)  $4,000+ per month (180+ feet)

Other Titles:  Junior Deckhand

Job Description:  This entry level position is expected to undertake a variety of tasks. These include cleaning, polishing, waxing, painting, varnishing, sanding, fibreglass repair, carpentry, line handling, exterior maintenance, driving tenders (if qualified), setting up toys, diving (if qualified), helping clean cabins, helping prep meals, helping serve meals, and helping clean engines. On smaller vessels, there may be one deckhand versus larger yachts may have five or more deckhands supervised by a Bosun.

Experience and Skills Required:  Although no previous yachting experience is required, general seafaring skills are expected. Deckhands should have basic knowledge in navigation, boat handling, engines and radio equipment. Additional skills such as painting, woodworking, fibreglass experience are an asset. Additional certifications such as diving qualifications and fishing skills, Tender Driving Licence, and the Radio Operators Certificate (ROC) are also beneficial.

Average Salary:  $2,000 to $4,000 per month (60 feet to 120 feet.)  $2,500 to $3,500 per month (120 feet to 180 feet.)  $2,500 to $4,000+ per month (180+ feet)

Yacht Crew:  Engine Department

Chief engineer.

Job Description:  The Chief Engineer is responsible for the safe operation of engine room operations. The Chief is also responsible for the maintenance of the vessel’s engines, generators, hydraulics, outboard engines, electrical systems, plumbing, HVAC systems including refrigeration and air conditioning, fuel polishing, water makers, computers, entertainment systems and other interior equipment. The Chief Engineer plans and executes the vessel’s preventative maintenance. On a small yacht he may be the only engineer onboard, while larger yachts he may supervise a team of engineers to perform the maintenance.

Experience and Skills Required:  The Chief Engineer must have extensive maritime experience and training including knowledge of all safety and environmental regulations. Depending on the size of yacht will determine the minimum qualifications required. At the very least, Chief Engineer Certificate of Competency (Y4) A-III/3 is limited to vessels less than 200gt and less than 1,500kw in size. The highest qualification for a Chief Engineer is the Chief Engineer Unlimited A-III/2.

Average Salary:  $5,000 to $10,000 per month (120 feet to 180 feet.)  $7,500 to $15,000+ per month (180+ feet)

2nd Engineer (Licensed)

Other Title:  Junior Engineer Licensed, Second Unlimited, OOW Engineer (AEC)

Job Description:  The 2nd Engineer assists the Chief Engineer in the safe operation of the engine room. The 2nd Engineer performs maintenance on the vessel’s engines, generators, hydraulics, electrical systems, plumbing, HVAC systems including refrigeration and air conditioning, fuel polishing, outboard engines, water makers, computers, and entertainment systems.

Experience and Skills Required:  Depending on the qualifications will determine the engineer’s average salary. An Engineer with only the Assistant Engineer Unlimited A-III/1 (AEC) certificate makes less than an Engineer with a Chief Y3 Licence. In general, an engineer must possess expert knowledge of mechanical, electrical, electronic and other on board equipment.

Average Salary:  Junior Engineer (Licensed with AEC) $3,000 to $4,500+ per month.  2nd Engineer (Chief Y2 to Y3) $6,000 to $8,000/m (160 feet to 190 feet.)  2nd Engineer (Chief Y2 to Y3) $7,000 to $9,000+ per month (190+ feet)

Junior Engineer (Unlicensed)

Other Title:  Engine Crew; OOW Engineer

Job Description:  As directed by the licensed 2nd Engineer, the unlicensed Junior Engineer performs tasks such as cleaning, painting and maintenance of the technical spaces, bilges and equipment. Other duties may include maintenance on the vessel’s engines, generators, hydraulics, electrical systems, plumbing, HVAC systems including refrigeration and air conditioning, fuel polishing, outboard engines, water makers, computers, and entertainment systems. Team player duties include line handling and water sports equipment.

Experience and Skills Required:  An unlicensed Junior Engineer needs only the Yacht Rating Certificate. Alternatively, an OOW Engineer needs the Marine Engine Operator License (MEOL) to be qualified as an officer of the watch. A Junior Engineer or OOW Engineer needs knowledge of general systems on board (diesel, refrigeration, air conditioning, plumbing, electronics and outboards). Additional certification is an asset.

Average Salary:  $3,000 to $4,500+ per month (160 feet to 300 feet)

Electronic Technical Officer (ETO)

Other Job Titles:  Electronic Engineer; Electrical Engineer, Audio Visual and IT Engineer

Job Description:   Electronic Technical Officers and Electricians are employed on larger yachts (160+ feet). The ETO reports to the Chief Engineer and is responsible for the maintenance of all electronics, computers, internet, televisions, entertainment systems, satellites, radios and communications equipment for efficient operation.

Experience and Skills Required:  An ETO or electrician may have experience as an engineer on a yacht with a specialty in electrical and electronics. The STCW Engineering certification may be a requirement depending on the yacht. Land based experience in electrical, electronics, or IT server maintenance may also be acceptable.

Average Salary:  $3,000 to $8,000+ per month (Depending on Experience and Qualifications)

Yacht Crew:  Interior Department

Other Title:  Interior Manager

Job Description:  On yachts larger than 160 feet, a Purser is employed as the person responsible for the overall operations and guest relations of the interior department including housekeeping, bartending, table setting and silver service. The Purser oversees all interior purchasing, provisioning, human resources, and the accounting for the entire yacht. The Purser works with the Chef on menus and wine pairing. The Purser acts as a concierge for the guests with their knowledge of restaurants and activities in the yacht’s cruising area.

Experience and Skills Required:  Requirements for a Purser include all the PYA GUEST Level 3 courses such as the Interior Yacht Management program. Typically, the Purser has previous yacht experience as a Chief Stewardess.

Average Salary:  $6,000 to $9,000 per month (160 feet to 250+feet)

Chief Steward

Other Job Titles:  Head of Housekeeping

Job Description:  The Chief Steward is responsible for the overall cleanliness of the interior of the vessel. Duties include setting the schedules for guest service and cleaning, and supervising stewards in their duties. The Chief Steward organizes with Chef for guest meal service. The Chief Steward is also responsible for inventory and interior accounting. On smaller vessels the Chief Steward is in charge of interior operations, whereas larger vessels the Chief Steward reports to the Purser.

Experience and Skills Required:  Requirements for a Chief Steward include all the PYA GUEST Level 3 courses such as the Interior Yacht Management program. Typically, the Chief Steward has extensive experience as a Steward. Other skills required are the ability to delegate, attention to detail and excellent communication skills.

Average Salary:  $3,000 to $6,500 per month (100 feet to 140 feet.)  $5,000 to $9,000 per month (140 feet to 200+ feet)

Job Description:  Typically on yachts over 140 feet, a Butler is employed to make sure the guests are having all their needs met. The Butler is responsible for providing impeccable service to guests. The Butler may assist with party planning.

Experience and Skills Required:  Previous experience as a butler is preferred as is yacht experience. Additional certification in the PYA GUEST courses is beneficial.

Average Salary:  $5,000 to $8,000 per month (140 feet to 250+ feet)

Other Job Titles:  2nd Steward; Junior Steward; Laundry Steward; Solo Stew

Job Description:  The Steward or Stewardess is responsible for cabin preparation, detailing interior, bartending, Silver Service (food and drink service) and laundry. More specifically this means cleaning and polishing bathrooms (heads) and bedrooms, bed-making, ironing and folding linens, table-setting, polishing cutlery, and flower arranging. As an entry level position, duties may also include deckhand tasks.

Experience and Skills Required:  As an entry level position, there are no mandatory certificates needed (apart from the Basic STCW 95 course). Although, the more experience and training that a candidate has, the better chances of getting hired. Food and beverage experience and hotel experience are an asset. Any or all of the PYA G.U.E.S.T. introductory level courses are beneficial. Additional skills such as massage or beautician will also increase hiring opportunities.

Average Salary:  $2,500 to $4,000 per month DOE (100 feet to 160 feet.)  $2,500 to $5,500 per month DOE (160+ feet)

Other Titles:  Executive Chef

Job Description:  The Chef is responsible for all food prepared on the vessel. The Chef plans meals for an entire itinerary and prepares them with a high degree of presentation. The Chef is responsible for provisioning, ordering, purchasing (negotiating with worldwide suppliers) and storing food items. The Chef may work solo or alongside a Sous Chef, depending on the size of the vessel. The Chef must maintain immaculate cleanliness and hygiene in the galley and a Chef must be well organized. Smaller vessels may expect the Chef to participate in other duties, too.

Experience and Skills Required:  Although smaller vessels may hire non-culinary trained persons for a position as a Chef, only culinary trained Chefs with years of experience can expect to land a Chef’s job on a megayacht. A Chef should have experience in worldwide provisioning and budgeting skills and should have nutritional and dietary knowledge. Previous yachting experience as a Sous Chef is preferred.

Average Salary:  $4,500 to $8,000 per month (100 feet to 160 feet)  $6,000 to $12,000 per month (160+ feet)

Other Title:  Second Chef; Crew Chef; Stew-Chef; Stew-Cook; Cook

Job Description:  On vessels larger than 140 feet, a Sous Chef is employed to assist the Chef with meal preparation and cooking for the crew. On smaller yachts a ‘Stew-Chef’ encompasses both the cooking and Steward’s duties.

Experience and Skills Required:  Experience in a hotel or restaurant or previous yachting experience is preferred. Knowledge of food safety, storage, and nutrition is required. Although not mandatory, a Sous Chef should have a recognized qualification such as Level 3 Diploma in Professional Cookery.

Average Salary:  $4,000 to $6,000+ per month (140+ feet)  $3,000 to $5,000 per month (60 feet to 160 feet)

Related Articles:

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Yacht Crew Training

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All guides , Stewardess

How much do you get paid to be a stewardess on a yacht.

• July 19, 2021

You might have watched the crew on below deck and now you want to know, what is the salary for yacht crew ?

As a Stewardess your salary can range depending, on the size of the Yacht, wether it is private or charter and the Yacht travel plans. You can expect these salaries when you get into a new Stewardess Position.

You can see a full comprehensive Salary guidelines list here

This will also depend on factors such as if you choose to work on Sailing yachts or motor yachts, moreover you can select large yachts or small yachts, and decide between charter or private yachts. Together we will select your yacht type in the Kick-start Stewardess Package. 

The yacht salary guidelines above can increase depending on your leave and salary package…..

Once you spend a few years in the industry and get additional training in your department you can progress into a leadership position on board.

As a Yacht Stewardess this will l ead to the Chief Stewardess position, the Salary for a Chief Stewardess can range up to 10 000/ USD per month on the largest Yachts including bonuses and tips.

• Chief Stewardess (Interior) up to 10 000 USD/month with 7-10 years yacht industry experience
• Captain (Deck ) Up to 25 000 USD /month on the largest Yachts with +10 years yacht industry experience
• Chief Engineer (Engine) Up to 15000-20000 USD/ Month on the largest Superyachts owned by billionaires such Mark Zuckerberg and Roman Abramovich.

What is the Stewardess Yacht Salary without any experience ?

When you are starting to work as a Yacht Stewardess you can expect a salary between 2300-3000€/ month and you will have at least 38 days paid leave per year. 

A few things to think about:

• On larger Yachts you will have less free time , but longer and better holiday packages
• Work 3 months / Holiday 1 month
• Work 5 months / Holiday 1 month
• On Charter yachts you can earn a lot of tips but will have a lower salary and not as good holiday package.
• Salaries are not taxed, and you are responsible for your tax in your home country, if any.

How much do you earn in tips on board Superyachts as crew ?

On private yachts you can expect bonuses if you remain on board for several years, such as an annual bonus to keep the crew on board longer and create longevity. If you choose to work on Charter Yachts, you can instead work hard and long hours, but get awarded with very large tips.Tips for Superyacht crew are as follows:

• Divided equally among Deckhands, Stewardesses and the rest of the crew
• Independent of rank on board
• Usually range between 10-20% off the charter price
• Based on a weekly charter price for the Yacht size

Example of Superyacht tips for a Junior stewardess

• Superyacht size 5o meter
• Crew On board – 13 
•  1 week charter – 30 000€
• After a very good job by the crew they will leave 15% tips
• This equals more than 2000€ Tips per crew member

You could earn an additional 2000€ on a charter yacht per week. If you do 8 weeks of charter in a year, which is normal for a Chart yachts you will earn an additional 15 000€ tips to your Yacht salary.

Remember that this is very hard work and long hours, but so worth it ! To start working as a Superyacht Stewardess the best way is to start with Yachtiecareers. 

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Clients Interior Superyacht Industry Insights

Chief Stew salary survey 2023 2 October 2023

chief stew chief stew salary chief stewardess crew salary survey superyacht salaries

In an ongoing research campaign to uncover salary and package information of superyacht Heads of Department, Quay Crew has carried out another survey among Chief Stews.

Collecting over 100 detailed responses from 40m to 100m+ yachts, the analysis contains detailed comparisons between yacht size and usage, with specific reference to rotational vs full time roles and associated pay.  

The key findings are:

• The current average salary across all yacht sizes for a Chief Stew is €7,237.
• More than two-fifths of Chief Stews are on time time-for-time rotation, with a further 13% on some form of rotation.
• Although 45% of those surveyed receive an annual pay rise, less than half of them do as part of their contract.
• Over a third do not get a pay rise or haven’t yet had one on their current yacht and are not sure if they will.
• One in five Chief Stews do not get a bonus, while a third receive a 13th-month bonus.
• Over half (54%) get annual pay rises, but only 16% are contractual, while 30% are inconsistent and unpredictable. 
• The most common pay rise amount when given is between 2.1 and 5% of their previous salary (46%).
• Time-for-time rotation often comes with a salary sacrifice, which is not aligned with current Chief Stew expectations.

Caroline Clarke-Jack, Director at Quay Crew, commented:

“The findings in this survey give an indicative overview of Chief Stew salaries and packages, and definitely reflect the roles we work on, with the exception of a few unicorns we get every now and then which is most likely due to those Chief Stews being onboard for some time.

“Overall, salaries are where would expect them to be and there’s definitely been a shift in the last year with yachts giving similar leave packages to Chief Stews as other HODs. Rotation is certainly more common now.”

Caroline continued:

“What does make for interesting reading, however, is the salary expectations of Chief Stews looking for rotation versus the reality.

“A lot of candidates we speak to for Interior HOD roles think €8,000 per month with time for time rotation is a good place to start and we always advise this is high. And the findings support this.

“In fact, this survey demonstrates that by seeking time for time rotation, you sacrifice a slightly higher salary compared to those with 3:1 / 2:1 / 4:2 rotation.

“For Chief Stews wanting to move into the rotational market, I would advise they make rotation the non-negotiable element and review everything else on a case-by-case basis. Bear in mind, if you have been with your previous owners for five years in a full-time role, you will likely have to take a pay cut in return for rotation.”

We are currently working on Captain and Chief Engineer. If you want to take part or be able to access these reports, please sign up to our new client portal here.

About the author

Caroline Clarke

Chief officer salary survey 2023, how to recruit your rotational counterpart – chief engineer, keep up to date sign up to the quay crew newsletter.

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About the Steward/ess

The stewardess onboard a superyacht is a hard worker with a positive, can-do attitude that takes instruction well and has an impeccable attention to detail. No detail is overlooked by a successful yacht stewardess (i.e. towel folds, perfectly ironed pillow cases). A friendly, professional character with guests is essential as is discretion and maintenance of guest privacy. This candidate will have one year of experience on a yacht or very strong experience on shore.

Job Responsibilities

• Setting stewardess schedules for guest service and cleaning
• Interior cleaning and maintenance
• Interior inventory
• Interior accounting
• Liaison with guests and service - meals and bartending
• Liaison with galley for meal services
• Orchestrating guest activities
• Boat stowage for sea
• Assisting with lines and fenders on deck
• Assisting captain with ships paperwork

Required Skills

• Ability to delegate
• Good communications, organization and diplomacy
• Vast knowledge of wines, service and housekeeping
• Knowledge of restaurants and activities in cruising areas
• Familiar with ISM and ISPS protocols
• Knowledge of flower and table decorations
• Attention to detail
• Financial management

Salary Modifiers

• Experience in five-star establishments (i.e. Michelin star restaurant, fine hotel)
• Wine certification
• Tender driving certification
• Limited computer skills

Position Statistics

Career path, chief stewardess, head of housekeeping, second stewardess, laundry stewardess, junior stewardess.

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Yacht STEWARDESS Jobs

If you are looking for a career which will take you to some of the most beautiful and stunning locations in the world, then why not consider becoming a yacht steward or stewardess. An entry-level position, a yacht steward or stewardess is the excellent starting point for a fulfilling yacht career. What’s more, your salary may even be tax-free, depending on your nation of origin. A central part of the yacht’s interior crew, the primary job responsibilities includes ensuring the interior of the yacht is kept to highest of standard while offering premium guest service to the yacht owners and guests. Yacht steward and stewardess jobs are available on both privately owned yachts as well as charter yachts, which are rented out per day or week.

Yacht steward and stewardess jobs are widely seen as the entry-level route to a fulfilling career in yachting. From this role, one can work their up the ladder into more specialised management or interior positions, like head of interior, chief steward and head of service. Check out our entire yacht steward and stewardess job offering to start your new career today.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

A yacht steward or stewardess daily tasks cover general housekeeping, service duties and serving. This includes doing laundry for the guests and crew, preparing and serving drinks, meal service duties, polishing tableware, interior decorations and maintaining the bar. The exact day-to-day job description of a steward or stewardess varies per yacht, type and size of the yacht, as well as the itinerary and season.

A common working schedule for yacht stewards and stewardesses when guests are not aboard is 8 am to 5 pm, with two days off per week. Hours tend to increase when guests or owners on onboard, as yachts run 24 hours a day. 

YACHT STEWARDESS SALARIES

The average salary on charter and private yachts for steward and stewardess jobs starts at €2,400 a month. More senior roles, such as chief steward and chief stewardess, can earn more than €8,000 a month. When working on charter yachts, stewards can also expect to make solid tips. Still, it is easier for junior or novice stewards to gain valuable experience working on private yachts first, as the work pace tends to be slower. 

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How much does a yacht stewardess make.

If you always dreamt of a career which allowed you to travel around the world, then you may wish to consider applying to get a job on a yacht as a stewardess

While this is an entry level position, it offers the opportunity of starting off a rewarding yacht career.

Here’s all you need to know about the various responsibilities and how much you could make.

Yacht Stewardess like to play Final Fantasy. Are you a fan of Final Fantasy? Do you enjoy gaming? If so, then marine stewardesses the same type of person. One study found that yacht stewardesses are more likely to be gamers than the general population. Whether they're role-playing or playing video games for fun, these ladies like to have some fun in their free time. Gaming is a popular pastime among women and it's no wonder that many stewardesses love it too! Many yacht stewards have a love for video games, and many of them are big fans of the Final Fantasy series. So when their employers offer to send them on a trip to Japan to play the game's latest installment in person, they jump at the chance. Especially after watching the ffxvi trailer . "It was an unforgettable experience," says one stewardess who went on the trip. "The sights and sounds of the game--the music, the graphics--it was all so amazing." Other stewards say that playing Final Fantasy is a great way to wind down after a long day on board.

Sailors on yachts like to play in online casinos because they can enjoy the games without having to leave the comfort of their own vessel. Additionally, online casinos offer a variety of games that appeal to sailors, including slots, poker, and blackjack. Many sailors find online casinos to be a convenient way to gamble while on their yacht. They can log in whenever they want and play for as long as they want without having to worry about dress codes or other restrictions that might be in place at land-based casinos. So if you're a sailor looking for a fun way to pass the time while on your yacht, why not give an Zodiac Casino Rewards a try? You just might find yourself enjoying it more than you thought you would. Sailors can access online casinos from anywhere in the world with an internet connection. This means that they can play while they are sailing around the globe. Online casinos offer a convenient way for sailors to gamble while they are at sea.

Chapters If you have always dreamed of a career that will allow you to travel the world, then you can get a job as a stewardess on a yacht, where you will have enough time to play online casinos and even visit Ireland. Although this is an entry-level position, it offers the opportunity to start a successful yachting career, with plenty of time to relax in the online casino, which is in line with the style of such work. Here's everything you need to know about the various responsibilities and how much you can earn at online casino ireland with real money as a flight attendant on a yacht .

What is a yacht stewardess, what does a yacht stewardess do, chief stewardess, 2nd & 3rd stewardess, deckhand/stewardess, cook/stewardess, yacht stewardess key responsibilities, yacht program & length, qualifications, yacht stewardess salary ranges, how to get a job as a yacht stewardess.

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The advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) technology has had a significant impact on many industries, including the casino industry. One unexpected result of this technology is that yacht stewardesses are now able to earn money in the casino thanks to AI, read more here . Yacht stewardesses are responsible for ensuring that guests on yachts have an enjoyable and comfortable experience. They often work long hours and must be skilled at multitasking and problem-solving. However, thanks to AI technology, they now have a new way to earn money while on the job. AI-powered casino games are now available that allow players to participate in games without being physically present. This means that yacht stewardesses can play casino games while they are working, without disrupting their other duties. They can play games like slots, blackjack, and roulette, and potentially win big payouts.

 As a yacht stewardess you would be working as part of the yacht’s interior department.

Consequently your main responsibilities will revolve around making sure that the yacht’s interior is well maintained.

Your goal should always be to ensure that the highest standards of guest service are provided.

You may find job opportunities of yacht stewardesses on privately owned super-yachts, or on charter yachts that are often rented to important people.

The day-to-day duties of a yacht stewardess will depend greatly on the yacht’s size and type.

The season and the itinerary will also play a role.

For example, if you’re working on a very large yacht, you will be taking care of specific duties.

Whereas on a smaller yacht, you are more likely to be hands-on and involved in most of the galley or deck operations.

General housekeeping and serving duties will be the day-to-day responsibilities of a yacht stewardess.

This includes preparing cocktails and drinks, and maintaining the drinks stock at the bar, and taking care of the meal serving.

You would also need to take care of the tableware and table decorations so that they look in tip top shape.

Other duties include crew provisioning, guest and crew laundry and uniform stocks.

We will delve a bit deeper in what other responsibilities of a yacht stewardess involve further below.

Yacht Stewardess Positions

There are different positions, with the most basic being a stewardess who specifically acts as a cook or a deckhand.

Then move slightly up the ladder by being a junior stewardess, and over time a 2nd and 3rd stewardess.

Until finally reaching the top position of chief stewardess.

Inevitably the roles are similar, but the duties vary.

The chief stewardess will be carrying out duties under the direction and authority of the yacht captain .

As a chief stewardess, you will be responsible for the interior of the yacht.

You will also ensure a superior quality hospitality service is provided all along, both to the yacht owner and to any guests.

Higher responsibility also entails more managerial duties as well as paperwork.

This includes event management, scheduling, guest activity planning, liaison with the galley and financial management.

Being a good multitasker and delegator is essential for this role.

2nd and 3rd stews carry out various duties under the direction of the chief stew and the captain.

They will be responsible for the maintenance of the interior of the yacht, as well as assist in the hospitality service.

Duties include guest care and valet services, and guest-cabin care.

The 2nd and 3rd stews will also need to take care of the laundry, ironing and any other wardrobe tasks.

Exterior crew support may need to be provided.

Assistance in inventory management, including provisioning, and taking care of checklists will often be deemed necessary.

2nd and 3rd stews may also be required to assist in the planning of dinners and other activities.

While these roles are at a lower level than those of a chief stew, it is still necessary that one has the necessary qualifications as well as possess the skills that ensure the best possible accommodation of the yacht’s owners and guests.

The stewardess will need to be responsible for all basic tasks of interior maintenance of the yacht as well as guest service.

A stewardess may be working solo, or combine the role with another position, depending on the particular job description and yacht.

Junior Stewardess

A junior stewardess will often be focusing more on tasks such as meal service and bartending, cabin detailing, laundry and valet services.

This is a dual position, whereby one will act both as a deckhand and a stewardess.

This is quite normal on smaller and mid-sized vessels as there will typically be fewer crew members required.

Besides, there will be less room for them on the yacht.

Similar to the previous post, in this case one will be required to assume a dual role.

In this case the roles are those of a cook as well as a stewardess.

As mentioned earlier, the main responsibility is to ensure that the interior department is running smoothly.

There are various things involved in this, such as housekeeping services, food and beverage service, laundry, wardrobe management and entertaining.

Valet services may also be required from time-to-time.

This includes personal services to the guests, such as packing and unpacking luggage, caring for their personal items and taking care of any daily activity arrangements.

A yacht stewardess will also need to ensure that valuable items inside the yacht are well taken care of, or safeguarded.

This includes china, crystal, artworks, linens etc.

A chief stewardess will need to take care of the financial planning of the interior department, and so some accounting and budgeting knowledge is preferred.

Another role revolves around inventories, as it is important to ensure there are well maintained inventory supplies, while making sure that provisioning is taken care of accordingly.

From time to time it will be necessary to see to the selection and purchasing of certain items such as cigars, fine wines and specialty teas.

It is very important that a yacht stewardess sees to the proper organisation of storage areas in the yacht, as these will need to be well maintained and arranged.

As a yacht stewardess you will need to take care of the planning and management of destination experiences.

Besides these important day-to-day duties, you will also need to be responsible for the direction of any lower ranked stews.

As well as guiding them, you will also need to ensure that they are properly motivated and trained as necessary.

Rotational duties will need to be assigned, so human resource management and planning is another role of a chief stewardess.

Yacht Stewardess Salary Factors

The salary of a yacht stewardess depends on various factors.

The amount of experience that one has, and the training and qualifications that one possesses have an impact on salary.

Another determining factor is the size and type of yacht one works on.

Whether it’s a charter or private superyacht, or a power or sail yacht, affects the salary ranges.

For instance, a chief stewardess will typically have a salary in the range of $3,000 and $5,250 per month on a smaller yacht (between 80 and 140 feet), while one working on a larger yacht of over 140 feet could have a salary of over $7,000 a month.

As a general rule the base salary of an entry level stewardess starts at around $26,000 per year.

However it could also be around $35,000 annually, depending on the factors mentioned earlier.

Apart from the base salary, there are also various other additional benefits that could be added to the salary package.

These could include bonuses, tips, insurances, training costs and flight expenses.

Also, since as a yacht stewardess you would be living on board the yacht, there will also be the provision of meals and accommodation on board, as well as uniforms, linens and other sundries.

The yacht program refers to how the particular yacht is used by the owner.

There are yacht owners who reserve the yacht solely for their personal use, while others also decide to charter it, or lease it to others.

In the former case, the time abroad will vary depending on the occasional vacation period of the owner.

It could be a circumnavigation or only an annual departure.

Whether the yacht is a power or sail will also have an impact on the staffing requirements.

Sail yachts are generally termed as casual programs, and often there will be shared positions.

The vessel length is another determining factor.

On board a smaller vessel, the positions of the cook and deckhand for instance, will be taken care of by a steward.

On the other hand, on a superyacht there will generally be a fully staffed interior.

As with any other job, the more experience one has, the better the chances of getting a higher level position.

A junior position on a large yacht is considered to be a great first job to acquire experience.

You will be able to gather a lot of experience and direction from those who will be at a higher rank, and this will accelerate your learning curve.

Often after just a year in an entry level position, a stew may be able to reach the level of performance that is deemed necessary to move into a 2nd stew job.

Generally after around five years, and subject to professional performance, one can also manage to become a chief stew.

There are various qualifications which are considered as a must to work as a yacht stewardess.

The STCW Basic Safety Training certification has become a mandatory qualification if you work as a chief stewardess.

You will need to follow various courses in order to improve your chances of getting a job as a yacht stewardess.

There are accredited programmes which are designed to not only offer key skills and training, but also inspire and support the person who is aspiring to embark on such a career.

There is the new PYA Interior Crew G.U.E.S.T. certification which, while not being compulsory anymore, is still considered as an asset.

You may also find other equivalent introductory training classes that focus on interior crew training.

It is also recommended that you have the ENG1 Seafarer Medical Certificate , or an equivalent to it.

An Advanced or Medical First Aid certificate or some form of certification in medical training is highly recommended.

A yacht stewardess will also require certain specialised qualifications such as in areas of food handling, bartending, wine presentation and serving, silver service and table and flower decorating.

As noted earlier, a yacht stewardess’ salary ranges vary considerably depending on the individual’s experience and qualifications, as well as on the type and size of yacht.

A cook, deckhand and junior stewardess will generally start at a base salary of between $1,750 and $3,000 per month.

A stewardess, on the other hand, can expect to make anything in between $3,000 and $4,750 per month.

A 2nd stewardess can expect a similar salary, but with the possibility of earning even up to $5,250.

A chief stewardess can make between $6,000 and $8,000 monthly.

Higher salaries can be expected the bigger the yacht one is working on is.

The best way to try to get a job as a stewardess would be to register with a crew recruitment agency.

In this way you can increase your chances of being notified of yacht recruitment opportunities.

You can also look up yacht stewardess job opportunities online or alternatively, go dock walking.

If you are an energetic and service oriented person, who loves visiting new places, then you should seriously consider a stewardess job.

While it could prove to be quite demanding, and you will need to be on your feet for several hours, it is a very interesting and rewarding job.

The key to succeed at such a job is to be willing to give a high quality service with a smile, pay attention to details, be adaptable, as well as willing to exceed expectations.

Needless to say, good communication skills and people skills are essential.

If you have questions about a career in yachting, we would like to hear from you.

Simply get in touch with us today or let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.

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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• Begin a career on a Superyacht
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• Become a Steward/ess on a Superyacht

Become a Steward or Stewardess on a Superyacht.

A perfect way to combine work and travel – and you’ll get to spend your time in the sunshine and in some of the most beautiful places in the world.

The Superyacht industry is constantly on the lookout for energetic, hardworking people, male or female, to provide guests and owners with the ultimate holiday experience.

Read on to discover answers to some of the most common questions we’re asked about being a Stewardess on a superyacht…

What qualifications do I need to work on a Superyacht?

• ENG1 medical required by all crew who work at sea. If you are thinking of becoming a Superyacht Steward/ess, then we recommend you complete the ENG1 medical before completing Step 2.
• STCW Basic Safety Training Course  is a set of compulsory qualifications required by all crew who work at sea. You will complete a Sea Survival course, First Aid, Fire Fighting (great fun), and topics on Health and Safety, and Security.
• Get some experience . If you have hospitality experience or you have worked as a Nanny, Beautician, Hairdresser or Air Steward/ess, to name a few, then this will look great on your CV.

How do I get a job on a yacht with no experience?

It’s true that you don’t have to have worked on a yacht to start your career as a Steward/ess (apart from the compulsory qualifications mentioned above!).

Like any new career, though, it is a good idea to get some training in the basics so you can hold your own onboard. All yachts run slightly differently so one size does not fit all. To increase your chances of finding a job the more experience you can get the better.

The more experience you can offer the yacht, the better. So, if you don’t have any transferable skills,  then Flying Fish can help .

How do I find work on a Superyacht?

There are three ways crew find a job.

• Most crew travel to Antibes, France described as the hub of yachting in the Mediterranean.
• Online, we talk a bit more about “going online” below.
• Contacts. If you know somebody that is already working on a Superyacht then through their connections it is possible to find work.

Almost everybody that is looking for a job on a Superyacht travels to Antibes, France. On arrival, crew tend to stay in a crew house such as the  Crew Grapevine  used as a base to look for work.

If budget is a concern then crew join forces and rent an Airbnb between them. The advantage of a crew house like the Crew Grapevine is that the owners (ex-yachties) actively help you find a job.

The way you find a job on a Superyacht is quite unique. From your base in Antibes, you would travel to other ports in the local area, walk the dock and chat to the crew working onboard to see if there are any positions available.

Superyacht crew who have the evening off will go to the local bars to unwind. This is the perfect chance to get to know people that are working on Superyachts and to build connections in the industry.

Learn more about it here

Go online to look for work

All Superyacht recruitment agents post positions on their respective websites. Once qualified, new crew would register with the agency and complete their registration form. You would then get in touch with the agent to start searching for that dream job.

The recruitment agent’s job is to match the right candidate for the job being advertised. There are many recruitments agents out there, a quick Google search for “ Superyacht Recruitment Agents ” will bring up a list.

Facebook is another medium that yachts use to post jobs. To keep up to date is it worth joining a couple of the Superyacht Facebook groups. Yacht crew jobs and Palma yacht group are two examples.

Amelia, who trained with Flying Fish in 2020, gave some good advice:

“Sign up to a few good recruitment companies, make sure you interview with the recruiter first rather than using Facebook. Second, when you have your interview, make sure you ask questions about the yacht. This is because you are not only finding a job but a home and family too, so ask as many questions as possible to make sure it’s the right yacht for you.”

How long does it take to find work as a Steward/ess on a Superyacht?

Over the 12 years that we have been running  Steward and Stewardess courses, most find a job between one to four weeks. We have had customers that have found a job in a day and others that have taken six weeks to find that perfect job.

The time it takes to find a job is down to you. You will need to be proactive, up early, and make sure you are at the front of the queue. From our experience, people who work hard and explore every opportunity will find a job quickly.

Every Chief Stew that calls us for a reference asks the same questions – does the candidate have a  good attitude ? You need to be hard-working, happy to work long hours, and used to mucking in. Have a can-do attitude and a willingness to go that extra mile to help your fellow crew mates.

When’s the best time to look Steward/ess Superyacht work?

Traditionally Superyachts recruit for the Mediterranean season anytime between February to May. That being said, yachts recruit all year round. We have seen many graduates find work in July and August when the season is in full swing.

The next key recruitment period is between September and November as yachts prepare for the Caribbean season. Yachts will cross the Atlantic anytime between December and January to cruise the Caribbean or the US for the winter.

Superyacht crew who have had a busy Mediterranean season may decide to take the winter off, which leaves opportunities for new crew to enter the industry.

How much money does a Steward/ess typically make?

A Steward/ess starting out in the industry can expect to earn €2,000 to €3,500 per month – almost all crew paid in Euros. The salary can depend on many factors, the main one being the yacht’s “crew budget.”

The owner or management company will agree on a budget that the Captain uses to hire crew, which can lead to small variations in the amount yachts pay their crew.

Your salary can also depend on whether you work on a Charter or Private yacht. It is customary for charter guests to tip the crew, the tip is normally around 10% of the charter fee. Chartering a Superyacht can set you back anywhere from €250,000 to €1 million per week.

Tips are split evenly amongst the crew and on average, can be anything from €2,000 – €5,000 per charter.

Is my salary tax-free?

As a crew member (or Seafarer) working on a Superyacht, it is likely that you will be out of the Uk for a significant about of time. Spend more than half of the year abroad then you fall under a specific piece of legislation called the Seafarers Earning Deduction Scheme. As a basic principle, if you are out of the UK for more than 183 days then there is no income tax on income (including tips) from the yacht.

UK Seafarers are required to complete a self assessment tax return each year. Flying Fish are registered tax agents and offer a Seafarers tax service to the yachting industry. We work with hundreds of customers to insure that their Self Assessment tax returns are completed on time.

What is it like working on a Superyacht?

All Superyacht crew work, eat, and sleep onboard. The yacht will become your home, and all meals are provided while onboard. Your contract will specify your duties, salary, working hours, and holiday. The yacht will supply your uniform and provide further training if necessary.

Superyacht crew will be comfortable with being away from their friends and family for long periods of time. For your first job, expect to be away from home for an extended period, which may be six months or more.

There are various roles within the Interior department; Laundry, Service, and Housekeeping. Depending on the size of the yacht will depend on what your role is onboard. For example, large yachts will have a dedicated laundry team, while for a small yacht (35-40M), the Stewardess will do all three.

During a normal week, when there are no guests onboard, you are likely to work five days a week, with weekends off. The structure of your working week will differ from yacht to yacht, but there will be time off to explore and have some well-earned downtime.

What’s a typical working day like for a Steward/ess?

Your working day will typically start at 8:00 am and finish at 6:00 pm, usually six days a week. When on charter, or if the owners are onboard, your work hours will differ. Unsociable hours are common when guests are onboard.

What are the cabin arrangments ?

You will share a cabin with another Stewardess. The cabins are small but comfortable with an ensuite bathroom. There is access to the internet via that yacht’s Wi-Fi system, so you’ll be able to keep in touch with friends and family at home.

 Can I make a career in yachting?

Yes, and many have! Becoming a Superyacht Stewardess can be a career, and what an amazing career it can be. Every Stewardess starts out as a Junior Stew; then, as you gain time and experience onboard you can progress to 2nd Stew, then Chief Stew.

The chief Stew runs the entire interior team, manages the budget, and will be the first point of contact for the guests and owners – not an easy role.

Some yachts will employ  a Purser , which can be best described as the PA to the Superyacht.

Not only is there progression, but becoming a Superyacht Steward/ess offers the travel and adventure we all seek. You will meet some of the world’s rich and famous and make some friends for life.

So, how do I become a Steward/ess on a Superyacht?

This is where we come in. Flying Fish run a two-week Superyacht Steward/ess course that includes all the qualifications and skills you need to get started in the industry. Everything from the STCW Basic Safety Training to our specialised Interior programme, run by an ex-chief Stewardess.

The course is great fun; you will learn loads of new skills and meet like-minded people who, like you, are thinking about a different career path.

Superyacht Steward/Stewardess Course

Become a steward or stewardess on a superyacht.

Becoming a Superyacht Steward or Stewardess is the perfect way to combine work and travel.

The course is suitable for complete beginners or those with experience who are looking to work as a Steward or Stewardess on a Superyacht.

Want to find out more?

Contact our team at Flying Fish today for information on our Superyacht Steward/ess course, life as a Stewardess, qualification advice and much more!

Alternatively, click on our Superyacht Steward/ess course below and kick start your new career today!

The ultimate guide to working on Superyachts