Hire Yacht Crew in 2025
We make the following placements on superyachts
Superyachts are like floating cities and need a small army of staff to keep them running.
Yacht Captain
The yacht captain takes the lead role for the day-to-day operation of the yacht and all of its crew. The captain is the highest authority on the vessel and encompasses all things to do with the running of the yacht. The yacht captain, ultimately, is responsible for the safe manning and operation of the boat to keep in working in pristine condition for the owner.
Steward & Stewardess
The steward and stewardess attend to the yacht owner and the guests. These positions are also responsible for the upkeep of the interior of the yacht (interior department).
Chief Steward & Chief Stewardess
The Chief Steward and Chief Stewardess positions would be the head of the department and in charge of the subordinate steward/ess positions and deck operations, so this department ensures cabin preparation for the principal and guests.
Deckhand
The deckhand is responsible for the exterior of the yacht. The deckhand also operates the vessel's "toys" (jet ski, wave runner, submersibles, etc.) These positions are not necessarily associated with all things mechanical and electrical, but there are many hybrid positions now as part of the deck crew.
Chef & Sous Chef
The chef and sous chef are responsible for all things related to the kitchen and provisions. Larger mega-yachts may have a Head Chef and assistant chefs. This position also entails the design of menus and is certainly responsible for food safety as well as purchasing and provisioning. Some superyacht chefs even have Michelin awards.
1st Mate or First Officer
The First Mate or First Officer is like an "Assistant Captain" and shares responsibilities for running the yacht. The 1st Mate may take command of the vessel when required.
2nd Mate or Second Officer
The Second Mate or Second Officer positions have the same or similar duties as a Deckhand but also assist the First Mate. No two super-yachts are run identically, but it depends on the size of the ship and the management style of the captain.
Chief Officer
On larger mega-yachts, a chief officer would oversee other officers.
Chief Engineer
The Chief Engineer maintains and repairs all things mechanical and electrical while onboard. This position also oversees heating and plumbing systems, so anything related to the engineering department would be covered in this category.
Purser
The Purser is in charge of the accounting and money. Since superyachts, essentially, are like small cities, the purser could be managing millions of dollars. A superyacht costs about 20% of the purchase price to keep it running each year. So, if the yacht costs $300,000,000 to build, then it will cost another $60,000,000 a year to keep it running, and that's where the purser comes in.
Special Assistants
Other positions could include private yoga or fitness instructors, massage therapists, private tutors, nannies, bodyguards, nutritionists, and even helicopter pilots. The special assistants are in charge of guest activities on a larger superyacht, handling tenders and toys.
While these assistants are not in charge of anything related to maintenance, they work hand-in-hand with engineering, the purser, customer service, the stewardess, and an experienced deckhand. The larger superyachts even have smaller yachts that follow behind (a second superyacht often holds the "toys" and the extra crew).
To work on the larger yachts, crew members need experience with entry-level positions first.
While these assistants are not in charge of anything related to maintenance, they work hand-in-hand with engineering, the purser, customer service, the stewardess, and an experienced deckhand. The larger superyachts even have smaller yachts that follow behind (a second superyacht often holds the "toys" and the extra crew).
To work on the larger yachts, crew members need experience with entry-level positions first.
How many crew members are on a yacht?
Life on a billionaire's superyacht
What are the positions on a boat, and how many crew members are there? It's a great question. Unfortunately, there is no definitive answer. It largely depends on the following:
Some celebrities, for example, are reclusive and want privacy; therefore, fewer deckhands will be onboard. On the other hand, some high-profile billionaires want to "show off" and have 5-star service for their guests, so they "stack deep" on service.
- The size of the superyacht
- the season
- how many guests are on board
- and the level of service the VIP owner wants
Some celebrities, for example, are reclusive and want privacy; therefore, fewer deckhands will be onboard. On the other hand, some high-profile billionaires want to "show off" and have 5-star service for their guests, so they "stack deep" on service.
Superyacht staffing
To learn more about life on the high seas while on a superyacht, there are plenty of blogs online, and you can find a mentor to learn about the business of working with UHNW families and celebrities. Knowledge of superyacht operations is essential for personal assistants who work for billionaires and UHNW families, and the PA is often the go-between for the owners and the yacht staff.
Salaries for these positions vary greatly depending on the billionaire owner, the size of the superyacht, how many years of experience, flexibility to be gone for extended periods of time onboard, experience working with engineers, bosun, purser, service training, and whether or not one will be on call 24/7.
Salaries for these positions vary greatly depending on the billionaire owner, the size of the superyacht, how many years of experience, flexibility to be gone for extended periods of time onboard, experience working with engineers, bosun, purser, service training, and whether or not one will be on call 24/7.
If you're a Chief of Staff for a hedge fund manager or an ultra-high net worth individual in New York, Florida, the UK, Singapore, the UAE, Saudi Arabia or Monaco, then chances are you also have responsibilities with the management of a superyacht.
If you have recently landed a new Estate Manager or Executive Personal Assistant job and your boss has a large yacht, then these are the staffing titles you should be familiar with.
If you have recently landed a new Estate Manager or Executive Personal Assistant job and your boss has a large yacht, then these are the staffing titles you should be familiar with.
