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Essential Yacht Crew Roles 2023
Today’s discerning yacht charter guests and owners have come to expect exceptional experiences at sea, no matter the size of the vessel. While some smaller yachts operate with just a captain, others may boast an excess of 30 crew members.
Yacht crews are an essential part of a yacht charter or ownership, ensuring charter guests come back repeatedly and offer the owner the utmost comfort while onboard. From cooking, cleaning, mechanics and logistics to trained massage therapists, qualified divemasters, and experienced sommeliers, take a look at some of the most in-demand yacht crew roles for 2023.
Find your next yacht crew role for 2023
Captain
The captain is the most senior yacht crew jobs and the highest ranking, carrying four stripes on their epaulettes. Not only is the captain responsible for the operation and navigation of the yacht, but every guest, Owner and crew member onboard comes under their command. The yacht captain spends most of their time navigating the wheelhouse; however, they also spend a significant amount of time dealing with the financial management, hiring, appraising, and dismissal of the crew. Those seeking to become a captain as their next yacht crew role for 2023 should hold extensive maritime experience, training, and nautical knowledge, as well as a solid grasp of administration duties and accounting.
Deckhand
A deckhand’s job on a luxury yacht is an exciting and rewarding experience. Deckhands are responsible for keeping the yacht’s exterior in perfect condition, including washing down the entire vessel, painting, varnishing and waxing. A deckhand’s job also involves the maintenance and operation of the boat, including docking, anchoring, and navigational watches. In addition to the exterior maintenance of the yacht, deckhands often interact with and assist the guests onboard. They must have good communication skills, a friendly yet professional demeanour, and a sunny disposition. Deckhands must also be able to learn new skills quickly and have an excellent eye for detail.
Engineer
A yacht engineer’s job involves the maintenance and management of the mechanical and electrical systems of a yacht, ensuring the vessel is always up to an exceptional standard. This includes taking charge of the engines, propulsion, ancillaries, and interior systems, as well as managing inventory and completing paperwork. Engineers must also be prepared to take care of any technical repairs and help with deck activities, such as anchoring and getting underway. A yacht engineer’s job typically requires training in either mechanical, diesel or electrical engineering and must also possess strong project management skills and knowledge of different software. It is also necessary to have the Approved Engine Course (AEC) certification in order to fufil the requirements for this role.
Chief Stewardess
The chief stewardess is the head of the interior team and the first point of contact for guest or owner requests. Reporting to the captain, the yacht crew’s job involves the maintenance and presentation of the interior, as well as the management of the stewardesses. The chief stewardess must possess an exceptional eye for detail and be able to deliver impeccable services for their guests. They must be able to anticipate possible requests, delegate interior duties to the fellow stewardesses, as well as organise guest activities, themed parties and ashore events.
Chef
The chef plays one of the most yacht crew jobs aboard a luxury yacht, responsible for preparing and delivering meals to the highest possible standard. The yacht chef must boast extensive experience working in high-end restaurants, hotels or as a private household chef, with in-depth knowledge of local and seasonable produce, food and wine pairings. To obtain the yacht crew job for 2023, recruiters will assess whether you can execute meals with precision and creative presentation, as well as adapt to any dietary requirement with ease.
Sommeliers
A trained sommelier is central to a superyacht’s food and beverage team, working closely with the yacht Chef. Sommeliers boast exceptional knowledge of wines and will advise guests on what to drink, when to drink it, and what wines to buy. They will also come with global contacts to ensure the superyacht’s wine cellar is filled with some of the world’s finest vintages that pair beautifully with your exquisitely prepared meals.
Wellness Providers
With the rise of the health and wellness trend, many yacht owners and charterers of a luxury yacht seek to keep up with their fitness regimen while at sea, making personal trainers a highly sought-after yacht crew job for 2023. Personal trainers with additional skills, such as boxing, yoga, Pilates, meditation, and nutrition, can ensure guests and owners enjoy turnkey holistic experiences.
Working with a yacht crew agency is a great way to find the perfect crew for your yacht. A good recruiter will be knowledgeable about the yachting industry, have an extensive network of contacts to help you find the right people for the job, and be able to conduct background checks and vet potential hires, ensuring that you have the most qualified and experienced crew onboard. Contact a reputable yacht crew agency to find your next superyacht crew.