UHNW Mega-Yacht Management
Yacht staffing basics
If you're a Chief of Staff for a hedge fund manager or an ultra-high net worth individual in New York or South Florida, then chances are you may also have responsibilities with the management of a super-yacht. If you have recently landed a new Estate Manager or Executive Personal Assistant job and your boss has a large yacht, then here are some of the staffing titles you should be familiar with:
Yacht Crew Positions & Titles (not exhaustive)
Captain: Takes the lead roll for the day-to-day operation of the yacht and all of its crew. The captain is the highest authority on the vessel.
Steward & Stewardess: Attends to the yacht owner and the guests. These positions are also responsible for the upkeep of the vessel's interior.
Deckhand: Is responsible for the exterior of the yacht. The deckhand also operates the vessel's "toys" (jet ski, wave runner, submersibles, etc.)
Chef: Is responsible for all things related to the kitchen and provisions. Larger mega-yachts may have a Head Chef and assistant chefs. This position is also entails the design of menus.
1st Mate / 1st 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 / 2nd Officer: This position has the same or similar duties as Deckhand, but also assists 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.
Engineer: Maintains and repairs all things mechanical and electrical while on-board. This position also overseas heating and plumbing systems.
Special Assistants: Other positions could include private yoga or fitness instructors, massage therapists, nannies, bodyguards, and even helicopter pilots.
Steward & Stewardess: Attends to the yacht owner and the guests. These positions are also responsible for the upkeep of the vessel's interior.
Deckhand: Is responsible for the exterior of the yacht. The deckhand also operates the vessel's "toys" (jet ski, wave runner, submersibles, etc.)
Chef: Is responsible for all things related to the kitchen and provisions. Larger mega-yachts may have a Head Chef and assistant chefs. This position is also entails the design of menus.
1st Mate / 1st 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 / 2nd Officer: This position has the same or similar duties as Deckhand, but also assists 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.
Engineer: Maintains and repairs all things mechanical and electrical while on-board. This position also overseas heating and plumbing systems.
Special Assistants: Other positions could include private yoga or fitness instructors, massage therapists, nannies, bodyguards, and even helicopter pilots.
To learn more about life on the high seas while on superyachts, see our SPOTLIGHT interview from a 25-year veteran in the business working with UHNW families and celebrities.