Working on a boat is challenging, exciting and rewarding. The size of the yacht determines the positions available. To look for these opportunities check via www.montclairchef.com. Staff on smaller yachts may have hybrid roles, where they wear multiple hats in order to cover more responsibilities.
Deckhands are responsible for maintaining the exterior of a vessel. Deckhands may also assist with line handling, water sports and tender driving. The galley chef is responsible for the meals served to guests and crew. This includes menu planning for all types of preferences, sourcing provisions from remote places, and maintaining strict hygiene standards.
First Mate Or Chief Officer
The First officer is the right hand to the Captain. They share the same responsibilities as the Captain, including navigation, bridge duties and the management of deck departments. They may also be designated as the security, safety or medical officer on board. Larger yachts might employ a second officer who takes on additional administrative roles and can act as a temporary replacement for the Captain during docking and debarkation.
This role is for senior deckhands working their way up the ladder to become captains. You can expect to be paid a very good salary in this role as well as having many benefits including free travel and accommodation, food onboard and a flight home at the end of your contract.
This is the role for those who have the qualifications and the experience to be captains. It requires a huge amount of hard work, passion and strategy to get to this level. If you are willing to put the effort in, this is a great opportunity.
Stewards or Stewardesses are in charge of the interior of the vessel and provide five-star hospitality for guests. They’ll schedule and train junior crew members for service roles within the vessel, set and enforce service standards, as well as being the primary contact person for any guest requests.
On larger boats, there are several Steward/Stewardess that share the responsibilities. The Chief Steward/Stewardess is responsible for the interior crew, the yacht’s presentation, and cabin cleaning. This is a very well-paid role and offers some of the best long-term prospects onboard as it’s the highest paying position onboard.
The engineers are responsible for maintaining the electrical and engine systems aboard. It’s an extremely hands-on job that requires a high level technical knowledge and skills, as well as lots of practical experience.
Those in this position usually have engineering certifications and qualifications from the commercial world. For example, an MCA (Maritime and Coastguard Agency rating). These people will have a good understanding of how to run a super yacht, and can take direction from the Captain.
Bosun
Bosuns on yachts are the top deck crew members and require a lot of leadership and management. Bosuns are responsible for a wide range of tasks, from cleaning to maintenance and driving guest tenders. They also supervise junior deckhands. This position can be very demanding and physically grueling but it is also highly rewarding and offers the chance to manage a team of your own. It is common for a captain to get a share of tips from guests aboard the ship. This can boost the salary of a bosun.
The bosun, the senior member of the deck department is ultimately responsible to the exterior of the yacht. This is a very active role, and the bosun may be involved in any project that requires carpentry or painting. A bosun is responsible for leading the deck department and delegating daily tasks to deckhands. They must also ensure that the work is completed to an excellent standard. The bosun must also assist the chief stewardess to ensure that all tools and supplies are available.
A good boatman will be a connoisseur of products and have a thorough knowledge of exterior yacht repair and maintenance (including which cleaning products are best to use, how teak can look pristine, and specialized skills including advanced varnishing). A positive attitude, a good work ethic, and a willingness for learning are also essential. Bosuns spend a lot time with guests so good customer service and communication skills are essential.
Engineer
A yacht is an enormous, complex machine that needs a mechanic of the same caliber to keep it running smoothly. The Engineer is responsible for the upkeep and repair of the engine room and all things mechanical onboard, from plumbing to refrigeration hydraulics. They must be able to understand the technical aspects of the yacht so they can identify problems and fix them efficiently.
The only role aboard a superyacht which requires a formal qualification in engineering is that of the Engineer. To begin your journey, you will need to complete Deckhand training. Then, you can work your way up the crew ranks. If you want to become an Engineer, you should consider working on a smaller boat where you can gain experience.
Interior staff spend extra time and effort to make sure everything is in order before guests arrive. One electronic technician on a 223 foot yacht said that he had to get up early to make sure his yacht looked great. They also have to juggle their laundry with that of guests and crew.
Some people don’t want the manual work that is a large part of yacht crew jobs. However, there are other options. The yacht world is a professional one, so it’s important to look your best on deck or in the galley. You can take a variety of courses to gain an edge. These include mixology classes and photography courses. However, they are most useful for those who want to move into management positions.
ETO
It’s not as easy to find a job on a super yacht as it is to find people who want one, but the role as ETO (Electro-Technical Officer) can be rewarding and challenging. This position requires working with the latest audio-visual, IT, electrical, and bridge navigation systems.
You may also have to manage the budget and oversee the technical equipment of the yacht. You’ll need to be able to troubleshoot problems quickly and efficiently in remote locations. You’ll also need a lot experience on marine vessels. You may even need to attend training courses. An ETO may also need to be a certified scuba diver.
Some smaller luxury yachts will have both an ETO and an electrician onboard. In this case, you will report to the Chief Engineer. You may also have a more active role as an electrician. To work as an ETO on a larger ship, you’ll need both the Merchant Navy “ETO” certificate and advanced marine engineering qualification.
It’s not necessary to have sailed before in order to work on a super yacht but any experience will help your CV. Register with a crew agency to attend interview sessions and meet the captains. When meeting potential employers, make sure you are well-presented, clean, and groomed. They will want to know that you can meet the high standards they expect aboard their yachts.
