crew of a mega yacht

9 superyacht crew members share what it's really like working for a billionaire on board

• Superyachts are luxurious, but working on them isn't.
• Insider polled superyacht crew members to find out what it's really like working for a billionaire on board.
• They said their days are spent fulfilling requests and keeping the yacht in top shape — but it really all depends on the superyacht owner.
• Visit Insider's homepage for more stories .

While working on a superyacht sounds glamorous, in reality it can be anything but.

Insider polled superyacht crew members to get an inside look at life on board. When asked what working for a millionaire or billionaire is really like, they agreed on a few things, like long hours.

Many superyacht  crew members wake up before dawn to start their day, which typically involves a lot of cleaning and catering to the requests of owners and guests.

Read more: The super rich are hoarding cash — instead bartering yachts, $30 million mansions, and caviar to ride out the pandemic

But while some superyacht owners are demanding, others are less so — it really all depends on their personality. Some crew members said that owners and guests are more like regular people than you'd expect.

Here's what life on board looks like, according to nine superyacht crew members.

Note: Insider was able to verify each crew member's identity, but we refrained from publishing their full names to protect their privacy.

Working on a yacht can be lucrative.

Insider previously reported that deckhands earn an average of $3,083 to $3,574 a month, depending on the boat size. Captains reportedly get paid even more — they earn $7,750 to $19,961 a month on average.

Kate Lardy of the Sun Sentinel reported that a captain in Fort Lauderdale once spent a total of $14,255 on day workers, who are hired temporarily for onboard services, during a two-month period.

But it's also tiring and demanding.

One captain who works on a 120-foot boat alluded to tiring conditions. Working for a billionaire is "demanding," he said, with hours that begin very early — before 6 a.m. — and end very late.

Yacht crew members have to meet high expectations.

One electronic technical officer who works on a 223-foot yacht stressed the pressure of delivering top-notch service while remaining level-headed.

Working on a yacht involves "very, very long days with little rest and expectations to perform at the highest levels of service while not losing your cool under pressure," he said.

They have to work hard to keep yachts spotless.

Guests and owners can be messy and dirty — and it's up to the crew to make sure it doesn't look that way. A mate on a 92-foot yacht said he had to wake up before guests or other crew members to get the yacht's exterior ready for the day.

"They expect it to look like no one has touched it," he said. "So any rain or dew, water spots, bird crap, or salt spray has to be continuously cleaned, not to mention having to constantly wipe stainless [steel] and glass when guests move around the boat. They leave smudges and fingerprints everywhere.

"By the time I start at the top of the boat and move around drying the boat, washing windows, and prepping water toys, depending on where the guests are, it's time to clean behind them."

He said he then has to be available for whatever the day brings, whether guests want to take the tender out or play with water toys, the interior crew needs help with service, or any maintenance issues need to be addressed.

There's a lot of cleaning, smiling, and snacking.

Nic, a chief stewardess, shared her typical daily itinerary, which extends from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., with a one-hour break for a power nap.

There's constant snacking, as she doesn't always have time to sit and eat, she said. She's also "always thinking and planning ahead for the next meal or excursion," like what guests "need to take with them and what they need upon return," she said.

"Always thinking of ways to make the day special and 'perfect' (as much as possible)," she said.

She added: "Cleaning, cleaning, cleaning, and lots of smiling. Behind the scenes, a lot of running around and working at high speed, throwing stuff into drawers and sorting it out later when you have time, laughing, and keeping crew spirits high. Never-ending laundry."

Work is easier when the owners are away, which is often.

Billionaire owners actually don't spend a lot of time on their multimillion-dollar yachts. Neither do the guests who charter them.

"Owners or guests are typically not on the boat all that much, so most of the time the crew has the boat to themselves," said Michael, a former yacht captain who worked on yachts ranging from 130 to 170 feet.

"Work is pretty easy and consists of general maintenance and keeping the boat in perfect/ready state for when the owner does show up. If you have a good crew it can be very enjoyable. If you do not, it can be very stressful and miserable."

Everything depends on the owner's personality.

Some crew members get lucky working for generous yacht owners, while others get treated like the help.

"It's hard work and long days when they are on board," said Martin, the captain of a 155-foot yacht. "It really depends on the owner. Some have treated me like family, and some have treated me like a servant."

But sometimes it's not the owner who's difficult.

A chef on a 150-foot motor yacht also said that working for a billionaire could be unpredictable, as every boat and owner is different.

But it's not the owner of the yacht who's always difficult to work for.

"Bear in mind that the captain is every bit as much your boss as the owner is, and sometimes the captain is a bigger pain in the ass than the billionaire owner," she said.

Yacht owners are just your everyday people on vacation — with more money.

According to Mark, the captain of a 114-foot yacht, billionaire owners are just like normal vacationers. Kind of.

"They're just people holidaying, but with more money and toys to fill their days," he said.

They can be more down-to-earth than expected, but their spontaneity can be frustrating.

"It's really nice to find out that some of the wealthiest people you'll work for are actually more down-to-earth and normal like any person you'd meet on the street," a stewardess on a 112-foot sailing yacht said. "The saying is 'money screams, wealth whispers.'"

She added: "A typical day involves turning heads, beds, and laundry for guests and crew, which can be a lot if you're a department of one. Food and beverage service three times a day. A lot of plans and schedules change on the fly depending on the owners and their wants and whims, which can be a bit frustrating."

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Understanding Mega Yacht Crew Roles for Plain Sailing

Captain David Butler

Former Chief Officer George Papafaklis

How Many Crew Members are needed on a Mega Yacht?

There is no short answer to this question as the number of crew depends on many variables. Some smaller vessels may manage with a crew of five, while larger vessels may require a crew of 120 plus. The number of crew depends on the size of the vessel, but also on the services you would like onboard and whether you would like specialist mega yacht crew roles filled onboard. Generally speaking, the crew are segregated into three main departments: the deck department, the engineering department and the interior department.

What Are the Main Mega Yacht Crew Roles?

Deck department roles.

Captain: the authority onboard, responsible for navigation and passenger safety as well as crew management, budgeting, administration, voyage planning, ensuring regulations are abided by and for planning and arranging refit and maintenance projects. An experienced captain will offer the management skills needed for a harmonious crew as well as for masterfully navigating the waters. Meet Captain David Butler and Manolis Kilmataras

Staff Captain: as second in command beneath the Captain of vessels exceeding 70m+, the Staff Captain will head up the deck department and oversea maintenance, security, navigation and safety of the vessel. They will ensure that the Captain’s orders are carried out can assume command in an emergency.

Chief Officer: next in command, beneath the Captain or the Staff Captain depending on the size of the vessel, the chief officer assists with navigation, oversees docking, manages the deck crew, is watchkeeper and general assistant to the Captain. The Chief Officer can stand in for the Captain in their absence to keep the vessel safe and sailing smoothly. Meet former Chief Officer George Papafaklis

Second Officer: offering support to both the Captain and the Chief Officer, the Second Officer is often employed on larger vessels to offer further assistance alongside the Chief Officer.

Bosun: responsible for maintaining the exterior of the vessel by managing the deck crew and executing deck maintenance. Duties include ensuring windows are clean, washdowns and painting, caulking and basic repairs. They often captain tenders if required and will have good knowledge of any water toys on board and be on hand to assist guests with their use.

Deckhand: working under the management of the Bosun to maintain the exterior of the vessel through washdowns, polishing, line handling and repair projects. The deckhands should take pride in maintaining a welcoming vessel that is in tip-top condition.

AV/IT Officer: from the internet to satellite connectivity, the AV/IT Officer is responsible for maintaining a variety of media systems on board vital for navigation and guest entertainment. From day-to-day maintenance including regular back-ups to resolving issues to maintain fully operational systems, this mega yacht crew role is amongst one of the most specialist.

Electro Technical Officer (ETO): responsible for repairing and maintaining the electrical systems including High Voltage Systems. From the engine room to electronic navigation, these systems are vital for smooth sailing and require a highly trained professional to maintain safe standards.

A deckhand communicating with his team while getting ready to drop anchor

Engine Department Roles

Chief Engineer: as head of the Engine Department, the Chief Engineer oversees the mechanical and electrical systems, maintains systems and supervises repairs, and manages the engineering crew members. This position is one of the most vital amongst the mega yacht crew roles as the individual will require an outstanding knowledge of the vessel’s workings, from the engines and generators through to electronics and hydraulics, to offer a smooth and safe voyage.

Engineer: reporting to the Chief Engineer, Engineers carry out daily maintenance to ensure all mechanical and electronic systems are performing as expected. They may troubleshoot when issues arise and, under the supervision of the Chief Engineer, make repairs.

Chief Engineer Dionysios Kakolyris

An entrée being prepared by the yacht Chef

Interior Department Roles

Hotel Manager: as manager of the interior department, the Hotel Manager is responsible for training and overseeing the other interior crew members and is often the first point of contact for guests during voyages. An experienced Hotel Manager can anticipate guests’ needs to provide an unbeatable experience.

Chief Steward/Stewardess: in the absence of a Hotel Manager on smaller vessels, a Chief Steward/Stewardess will manage the interior department.

Yacht Chef: responsible for planning, preparing and delivering meals on board that are suitable for any dietary preferences or requirements and are in line with budgets. An experienced chef with seasonal knowledge and familiarity with cooking different cuisines can heighten the experience for guests on board, making each meal and event for all of the senses.

Head of Service: ensures that the highest level of service is provided across the functions of the vessel throughout the journey, to inject luxury into every detail. They will have impeccable organisation skills and a keen eye for detail. They can provide input on meal direction and service, accompanying drinks, and execute arrangements for onboard events and parties.

Head of Housekeeping: responsible for maintaining the highest standard for the interior, setting cleaning schedules, ensuring provisions are stocked and available to the Stewards/Stewardesses and completing all cleaning duties to ensure the vessel is a welcoming environment for guests throughout the voyage.

Steward/Stewardess: vital amongst mega yacht crew roles, responsible for providing luxury service to guests whilst maintaining the yacht’s interior cleanliness. They will tidy and clean the vessel, including laundry services, while also providing daily services to guests including drink preparations, turn-down services, preparing cabins, meal service and fulfilling any further general care requirements required by guests.

Specialist Crew: specialist mega yacht crew roles from spa managers and therapists, personal trainers, hairdressers and medical professionals can be hired in accordance with the guests’ needs.

Having an experienced crew will not only ensure your mega yacht is maintained in pristine condition and top performance, but filling these mega yacht crew roles with the correct members will transform your yacht into a home. Contact us or find out more about our crew recruitment services .

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• The Superyacht crew hierarchy explained

When you first start looking for Superyacht crew jobs, you’ll most likely be considering becoming a Deckhand or Stewardess.

These are two of the most popular entry point roles into a Superyacht career, and – as we never tire of saying here at Flying Fish – promise an abundance of benefits and incredible experiences!

Of course, these are not the only Superyacht crew jobs on offer, and if you are about to or have completed your Deckhand or Stewardess training, you may be wondering what other kinds of crew members you’ll be working with.

What’s just as important to know however is the hierarchy of those crew members; not only so that you know who to report to in different situations, but so that, if you want to progress your career beyond the Deckhand or Stewardess role, you’ll have an idea of the best path to take!

To help you out, we’ve outlined the hierarchy of a Superyacht crew for you below…

Depending on the size of the Superyacht, the hierarchy of a Superyacht crew goes something like this:

Working under the owner of the Superyacht or the owner’s representatives, the Captain of a Superyacht is responsible for the safe and smooth running of the ship – so he or she is who you will ultimately need to answer to!

The duties of the Captain go beyond navigation and the sailing of the vessel to managing admin, health and safety, ensuring compliance with maritime regulations, financial reporting and much more.

If you’re looking to become a Superyacht Captain yourself, you’ll need to have worked your way up from the majority of the other roles in this blog, as well as undertake a number of other qualifications and be able to demonstrate a variety of knowledge and skills, including seafaring, admin, IT, health and safety, and even accounting.

2. Officer of the Watch (OOW)

The OOW is second in command to the Captain and is responsible for the day-to-day running of the deck, as well as taking care of navigation and running watches when on passage.

They’ll also have a significant hand in the maintenance of the Superyacht, as well as being in charge of the deck equipment inventory.

If this is a role you’d like to progress to, there are several different paths you can take, all of which we’ve shared in our blog “ Becoming an Officer of the Watch (OOW) ”.

This is one of the lesser-known roles on a Superyacht (as their duties will usually fall to the Captain on smaller vessels), but is nevertheless important!

In brief, the Purser works under the captain, taking charge of financial matters on the Superyacht (e.g., accounting, purchasing food, drink and cleaning supplies etc.), as well as taking care of HR and recruitment.

In fact, they may well be one of the first people you meet when you begin applying for Superyacht crew jobs!

In order to become one, you’ll need to have sound knowledge and experience of the Superyacht industry, and have a range of financial and IT skills and qualifications under your belt on top of your STCW certificate and ENG1 Medical certificate.

4. Chief Engineer

A Superyacht is a vast and complex vehicle – so, as well as Deckhands taking care of its exterior, it also needs someone to manage it’s mechanical functioning – and that’s where the Chief Engineer comes in!

In a nutshell, the Chief Engineer (and the 2nd Engineer who works under him/her) are responsible for ensuring that every aspect of the Superyacht’s mechanics runs without a hitch.

If Chief or 2nd Engineer is a role you’d like to pursue, starting off with Deckhand training is a good choice, as it will provide you with a good introduction to Diesel Engine Maintenance and general maintenance and repairs.

5. Head Chef

A Superyacht holiday wouldn’t be complete without delicious meals for guests to enjoy. Every Superyacht therefore has an appointed Head Chef to take on the role of providing these to the highest possible standard throughout the day.

To become a Head Chef on board a Superyacht, you’ll need to have completed all the necessary culinary qualifications to become a chef and have comprehensive experience of working as a Head or Sous Chef in a hotel or restaurant. You’ll then also need to have your STCW Basic Safety Training certification on top!

Working as a Crew Chef (working under the Head Chef and making meals for all the members of the Superyacht crew) is a great entry point into this role.

“Bosun” is another term for “Senior Deckhand.” Their role is to take charge of daily cleaning and maintenance tasks, as well as drive the yachts tenders and (if on a larger boat requiring more crew) look after the Deckhands working under them.

After a few seasons of experience and proven hard work and dedication as a Deckhand, you’ll be in a great position to apply for a Bosun job!

7. Chief Stewardess

The Chief Stewardess is in charge of the Superyacht’s interior, including laundry and service. It is their duty to ensure that guests on board have a five-star experience around the clock! Like the Bosun, the Chief Stewardess will also be in charge of looking after a team of Stewardesses, depending on the size of the boat.

Again, as with a Deckhand, after a few seasons working as a committed and stand-out Stewardess, the Chief Stewardess role will be within easy reach.

8. Deckhand

The role of the Deckhand is to maintain and clean the exterior of the yacht to ensure that it is in perfect condition at all times.

The Deckhand is also involved in other deck operations , mooring, anchoring and sometimes security.

This, along with the Stewardess, is at the bottom of the Superyacht hierarchy, and is best pursued after the completion of a Superyacht Deckhand course .

9. Stewardess

As a Stewardess, you’ll be assisting the Chief Stewardess to ensure that guests on board the Superyacht enjoy only the best possible experience.

This involves working on the interior of the yacht, including service, cabin preparation and providing guests and owners with whatever they need.

Although you can work as a Stewardess without any prior experience (same as a Deckhand), it’s always a good idea to undertake a Superyacht Stewardess course first and gain a number of other skills to give you the upper hand when applying for roles!

How much money do these crew members earn?

Once again, depending on the size of the Superyacht, salaries can vary in these different roles. You can find out more about this in our Superyacht salary guide.

In sum, the hierarchy of Superyacht crew jobs is straightforward – but offers a wealth of exciting career possibilities to the most dedicated of seafarers!

If you can see yourself taking up an office on the ocean and climbing the Superyacht career ladder, be sure to take a look at our Superyacht training courses at Flying Fish.

After just two weeks of Deckhand or Stewardess training, you’ll have everything you need under your belt to impress yacht crew agencies (such as YPI Crew and Insignia Crew ) and take that very first step into a truly rewarding and memorable career!

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Mega Yacht Crewing Jobs

CruiseJobFinder also specializes in helping people find great yacht crew jobs on privately owned sailboats and luxury yachts. This can range from a 50-foot sailboat sailing through the Mediterranean to a mega yacht, owned by one of the world's richest individuals, which is sailing all over the globe. These types of jobs are a great alternative to working on a cruise ship and offer a truly unique experience.

Working Aboard a Luxury Yacht: An Overview

Imagine your days full of work where you will meet people from all over the world, travel to exotic destinations, eat gourmet meals with a private chef and feel the breeze of the ocean air right in your office. Seems a little far fetched right?

Charter yachts take guests on a single or multi-day trip for a fee. Some of these yachts may be commercially owned by a large corporation while others are owned by private individuals who commonly act as captain.

What about mega yachts such as those owned by Saudi princes and the billionaires of the world like Paul Allen, the Microsoft co-founder, and famous golfer Tiger Woods? Mega Yachts, luxury yachts and superyachts are all yachts that are 78 feet or more. These vessels can cost from one million U.S. dollars or more.

Finally, smaller yachts are much more affordable than they once were and more captains are buying their own yacht and pushing off anchor to explore the world on their own terms.

No matter the size of the vessel a crew is necessary.

Start your search for your Dream Job Today!

Unlike the busy cruise lines, working on private yachts offers an opportunity to work with a small amount of guests and co workers. The intimate setting paints a pretty picture enabling crew members to bond closely with their fellow crew members, employers and guests that make take passage upon the yacht they work for.

Yachting etiquette must be portrayed and a sense of adventure is a must!

Want to get a taste for the yacht crewing life? These pages preview some of what you'll learn more about in our Members Section:

• What it's like to live and work on a yacht
• Crew departments on yachts
• Types of positions on mega yachts
• Superyacht captain jobs
• Chef jobs on yachts
• Steward and stewardess jobs on yachts
• Yacht engineer jobs
• Yacht mate jobs
• ...and Lots More

Learn more about yacht crewing jobs in our Members Section .

The Inside Scoop On Crewing Positions

CruiseJobFinder gives you the information you need to learn the ropes. As a Member you'll have access to all kinds of great information, including:

• Overview - A step-by-step job search strategy and advice for using CruiseJobFinder.
• Yacht Jobs: A Day in the Life - Working on a private yacht can peacefully sweep you away into another mentality that you may have never known could exist outside of the 9-5 confines. Work on a private yacht can be long hours and busy but the work is different than a long busy day at the office. Do you wear a uniform? What are the sleeping arrangements like?
• Yacht Crewing Options - The three primary options are crewing for a captain, on a luxury yacht, or charter yacht.
• Yacht Job Descriptions - Nearly a dozen different jobs described, from Captain and Mate to Chef and Steward.
• Safety Guidance for Yacht Crew Job Seekers - To be certain there is far more dangerous work than that which can be found on a yacht. Nevertheless, we tell you some things to watch out for.
• Health and Hygiene at Sea - There's no room for a 'slob' on a luxury yacht, that's for sure. Learn what's expected in terms of etiquette, health, and hygiene. Plus, seasickness remedies and health insurance recommendations.
• Sea Skills and Training - Whether your ambition is to become captain or steward on a yacht, licensing in some area of nautical life is bound to be a part of your job plans. Find out what your options are.
• Yacht Crew Resume Tips - At some point you're going to find yourself face to face with someone who's hiring for a yacht job. What kinds of questions will they ask? What is s/he looking for on your resume? We've got some thoughts on this topic and share those thoughts in our yacht jobs resume tips section.
• Working on Yachts: Marketing Your Skills - It will be important to identify which type of yacht you wish to work for before developing your applicant presentation package. A charter boat company may seek people with completely different skillsets than the hiring manager for a 100-foot luxury yacht preparing for a round-the-world voyage. Learn how to properly market your skillset for the type of job your're seeking.
• Seasonal Sailing Locations Worldwide - If you are actively going to go out and look for work the best time to plant yourself in a yachting community is in the spring and fall. Utlilize our worldwide calendar and yachting locations table to target your job search.

Check out your potential worldwide sailing options right now!

Luxury yachts, charter yachts, and captain-owned yachts are all types of yachts that exist in this industry. Each one of them offers an amazingly different pace of life away from office life or for that matter any other sea work available.

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Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Mega-Yachts (and Their Owners)

Question number one: do they need more friends.

Yacht-setters, i.e. the maritime equivalent to jet-setters, circle the globe on mega yachts, the price tags of which can easily equal the yearly-budgets for a small nation. But don’t think it’s easy being rich — these gazillionairs have their yachting woes . The Biggie: when their mega yacht breaks down in a foreign port.

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I asked Sean Blue, Head of Global Watercraft for AIG Private Client Group (which represents the owners of more that 300 80-foot-plus super yachts worldwide), to tell me about mega yachts and their owners .

Who are the owners of super yachts? I can’t divulge our clients, but I can share that mega yacht owners include CEOs of Fortune 500 companies, captains of industry, entertainers, engineers, inventors, rulers, owners of manufacturing companies, billionaires, and generally people who are leaders in their fields. Mega yachts are generally defined as yachts greater than 100 feet or longer, all the way up to the current largest yacht in the world — AZZAM, which is 180.6 meters long (594 feet).

Tell me about the distances these yachts can navigate. This depends on the specifications of the yacht and what it was designed for . Some are not designed to travel long distances and instead are built for speed, or for local cruising, or with maybe enough range to make a trans-Atlantic crossing safely. But others are built with an incredible amount of range in mind and can travel some 8,000 nautical miles without refueling, while others are designed to explore arctic regions, or both. Circumnavigations are not uncommon and large yachts regularly make ocean transits — whether cruising from the Mediterranean to the Caribbean, or en route to Fiji across the Pacific. The only real limitations are time and money. And for most mega yacht owners, it’s just time.

Are these really ships — how do you differentiate a yacht from a ship? Some of them really are ships and are built that way, but the difference lies in how they are used. A yacht is a vessel built for the pleasure of her owner. The best yachts are built to commercial ship standards in terms of seaworthiness, safety, and technology; often times even a higher standard.

How about the price tag for these yachts? $1,000,000 a meter is the rule of thumb, but this can vary depending on the design, builder, systems, interiors and a great many other things. The largest yacht currently in the world, AZZAM, is reported to have cost over $700M to build. In addition to the yachts themselves are the interior décors and furnishings, wine collections, fine art collections, and its “toys” and tenders (support vessels).

What happens when a yacht breaks down on the other side of the globe? Mega yachts are managed and run by highly trained professionals from the captains and crews to the yacht managers that are often hired to manage all the aspects of owning and running a yacht. Not unlike the world of aviation, maintenance is ongoing, so an all-out breakdown on the water whereby you have a dead ship is a relatively rare occurrence. Fire aboard a yacht is actually a little more common, which is the primary source of large losses on yachts that AIG has seen, and something to which we pay a lot of attention by providing shipboard fire training for crews and local firefighters in seaside communities. Whether it’s a breakdown or a fire, after the initial response to save lives and property, the yacht may call for assistance from a neighboring ship or vessel and in some cases call a towing or salvage company for assistance to get the yacht back to the nearest safest port to evaluate damage and decide on next steps. That is usually when specialty insurers are called to facilitate the logistics and repairs.

What if it just needs work? Most of the work performed on a super yacht is performed by its crew. If there is need beyond that, specialists can be flown in from all around the world. Larger yachts are like big commercial buildings with air conditioning systems, watermakers, plumbing, electrical, hydraulics, refrigeration, and virtually any mechanical system you can imagine. If expertise is not available locally, you get the experts to come to you.   

Where do they go for repairs? The best local place they can find that can address the yacht’s specific need. There are numerous facilities around the world that can accommodate and repair mega yachts, but as you get farther from the Western world, these facilities may not specialize or deal with yachts everyday and may be more directed toward commercial work and a more industrial level of care and finish quality. Often in these situations, repairs are made for the safety and seaworthiness of the yacht and cosmetics are handled at a later date at a facility specializing in the high level of yacht fitting and finish.

Does work need to be done on dry land? Some works can be accomplished while the yacht is in the water , even if it involves work to the bottom or propulsion or stabilizer equipment and that may sometimes be a safer and less expensive route if it’s feasible, but some maintenance and repair does require a haul out on land or dry dock.

How much does a typical yacht weigh? There really is not a typical yacht, and the weight can vary greatly. Yachts are generally measured in gross tonnage, which is a volumetric measurement.  A yacht at the smaller end of the Mega Yacht segment, such as a 112-foot Westport, displaces 275,000 pounds and carries a gross tonnage of 207 gross tonnes. AZZAM, the largest yacht in the world, which is  590 feet long and was built by Lurssen in Germany, is reported to be over 13,000 gross tonnes.  

Are there places in the U.S. that repair yachts? The U.S. is blessed with many great facilities around the country and on every coast that are capable of repairing and refitting yachts and mega yachts.   Some are boat and ship yards that are also involved in building yachts, while some are mixed between private and commercial work, and others cater exclusively to the mega yacht community. South Florida is certainly an area of concentration for these facilities, but not the only region where one can find them.

Are there cranes capable of lifting these heavy yachts? Travel lifts can accommodate some pretty large yachts, but at a certain size, a dry-dock might be necessary and in these cases, this can certainly limit your options on where your yacht can be hauled and repaired.

An aside: Marine Group Boat Works in San Diego caters to mega yacht owners. Its six-story traveling crane is capable of lifting 665-tons. Each tire (there are 16) stands a foot taller than a grown man.  The crane is said to be the strongest mobile crane in the U.S. It made record books when the 626 ton mega-yacht Ronin (previously owned by billionaire Larry Ellison – now owned by Venezuelan banker Victor Vargas ), became the largest private yacht ever to be lifted by a moving crane.

• SEE ALSO : From the Old West to Alien Landscapes: Where to See the Best Art in Denver

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The Full List of Yacht Crew & Staff

Published on November 22, 2016

Working on board a super yacht is a fascinating career.  Life at sea, whilst demanding can be an extremely lucrative and exciting career path. But do you know the full list of yacht crew and staff? And what it takes to work on a yacht?

Whilst it is more suited to the younger generations, the process and types of crew involved with running these magnificent vessels is impressive.

Of course, the types of staff required for each vessel vary depending on the size of yacht and the type of yacht.  In the super yacht world, it is likely that a large number of the below crew will be involved for each yacht. Wow, the staff required to operate a yacht... Share on X

Here is an overview of the crew involved in building, maintaining, and running these floating mansions: 

As captain it is you are responsible for the crew, guests and vessel. Every crew member and even visiting guests fall under your command and you have the final say on all yacht decisions.  Alongside your qualifications , expect to be paid a high salary in return for your professional service.

Captain/Engineer – A multi-faceted role, this combines the skills of captain with Engineer.  A highly sought-after type of crew, they will straddle the skills for both captaining the boat and ensuring engineering issues are dealt with whilst at sea.

1st Officer – Sometimes known as Chief Officer or Chief Mate is second in command to the Captain and manages all the deck crew including the Bosun, Deckhand and any second or third officers.  You would be required to undertake bridge duty and thus have a good range of qualifications and skills.

2nd Officer – Is the second-ranking position to the 1st Officer.  You would require a good level of qualifications   and skills to achieve this position.  A 2nd Officer may also be designated in additional areas such as security, medical, or safety, depending on background and specific skills.

3rd Officer – Is the third-ranking position to the 2nd Officer.  Qualifications and skills as per the other officer roles are required.

Chase Boat Captain – A chase boat  is a vessel which does not live on the main yacht and often has their own crew. These can be towed, driven separately, or berthed in a convenient location.

Chase boats are becoming very popular due to restrictions in tender garage space.  As the name would suggest this role refers to the captain who is in charge of the chase boat and subsequent crew.

O.O.W (Officer On Watch) – This is a deck officer in charge of keeping watch on the ships bridge and overseeing navigation whilst on duty.  The OOW ensures the ship complies with all COLREGS and safety protocols.  This position requires additional qualifications in order to help perform the said duties.

Bosun  – Sometimes referred to as the Leading Hand or Senior Deckhand, the Bosun is an experienced deckhand most likely able to take on additional and extra responsibilities.  They tend to be the main tender driver and take additional responsibilities in security.  Like a deckhand, less qualifications are required, but flexibility and the ability to take direction and blend into the team environment is very important.

Lead Deckhand – As the name suggests, the Lead Deckhand will be in charge of the other deckhands.  Generally, only found onboard yachts where more than one deckhand is required, this is a position of responsibility. Ultimately the buck stops with the lead deckhand, so it takes a strong personality and adaptive approach to get the job done regardless of the day or hour!

Security Officer – Super yachts are valuable and expensive items, so a dedicated security officer is commonplace.  Spending 60 million on a superyacht is considered to be a mid-level purchase in the superyacht world!

Security officers are often employed to take control of all aspects of security, from when the yacht is moored in the bay (and the crew depart for downtime) through to being moored on land.  This position is suited to close protection and military background candidates with specific qualifications in security.

Commercial  Shipping Master – This is a phrase referring to a Captain of a commercial shipping vessel.  They are in essence the captain of the boat (see captain) but will typically be in charge of commercial operations rather than private or chartered yachts and super yachts.

Professional Race Crew – These are unique and exceptional individuals, with a strong background in shipping.  Race crew members require a high level of qualification and ability to focus whilst leading the crew and vessel to compete in international competitions.

Purser – Is in charge of the interior and financial matters in accordance to the ship.  Normally found on large yachts and superyachts, the Chief Steward will report to the purser.  Due to the amount of admin required a strong background of accounts and bookkeeping is required.

Chief Steward/ess – Will be the most experienced member of the Steward team.  They will often be in charge of recruiting and training less senior members of the team.  The chief steward should have the ability to think ahead, plan for every possibility and focus on the finishing touches and detail required for the very highest standard of service. Yachting qualifications and a proven history of working onboard large yachts are required for this position.

2nd Steward/ess – Second in command to the Chief Steward, the 2nd steward is in charge of all duties as requested by their superior.  The 2nd steward ensures interiors, housekeeping, laundry and the presentation of the vessel is spotless.  Their duties may include anything from childcare (if required) to pet care.  They work closely with the crew to ensure that the guest and clients experience onboard is perfect.

Steward/ess – A role found onboard every yacht or superyacht, the steward is in charge of client experience.  From housekeeping through to food and drink service, the steward helps with all aspects of running the yacht.  Stewardesses are expected to work long hours and have a good, positive and flexible attitude.

Stew/Deck – This is a combined role between a Steward and Deck crew member.  This role straddles both the interior and exterior of the yacht and is a popular choice when needing additional staff on board.

Solo Steward/ess – Typically found on much smaller vessels, the solo steward will be the only steward on board.

Head Chef – Is perhaps one of the most important roles on board. The right chef is the key to a successful crew and perfect guest experience.

A head chef must have a wide range of culinary experiences, and be able to take part in the service for the guests if required, including Silver Service , Buffet Service and Fish filleting at the table.

Sous Chef   /2nd Chef – The assistant to the head chef, the sous chef will help the Head Chef with all cooking duties and also cook for the crew of the yacht.  Often this role is combined with a steward position, but on the larger vessels this may be a self-contained role (see Cook/Stew).

Cook/Stew – This role combines cooking with steward duties.  Assisting the head chef, and then performing standard Steward duties (see Steward).

Cook – This position is suited to an individual who is less experienced as a chef but enjoys cooking.  This would be a candidate who is happy to cook for the crew and guests (if required),and will be often used during off duty hours (for example if the chef is sleeping).  Generally, not an individual role (unless the yacht is very big), this is a good skill for any of the main crew to have on their CV.

Head of Housekeeping – Often this role is found in the larger vessels or commercial cruises, this person would be in charge of housekeeping and be a specialist in this subject.  They would oversee the duties and work closely with the Chief Stew.

Laundry Personnel – This may be a crew member with additional skills in laundry, or on the bigger vessels this may be a dedicated role.  This role is typically found more in commercial shipping where the cruise ships require a huge amount of laundry each day at sea.

Beauty/Spa therapist – This is a role-specific with skills in line with beauty and holistic treatments.  Superyachts will generally have an area for pampering and your role on the vessel is to satisfy the client’s needs.  You would need to have traditional therapist qualifications , along with your yachting qualifications.  It is often common to combine the role of 1st Officer/2nd Officer with a combination role.

Masseuse – Involved in the beauty/spa area onboard, the masseuse role is to relax and treat the guests at their leisure.  From sports massage through to Swedish and reflexology, a range of massage techniques is preferred.  Again, this role can be combined with the Beauty/Spa therapist (depending on the size of the yacht) and can also be combined with main crew duties.

Fitness Trainer – Roles specific for personal trainers or fitness coaches, these team members would work with the guests in the dedicated gym areas helping with fitness goals whilst at sea.  These might be specific training programmes or general conditions.  Again, this role might be a combined role with other crew duties.

Nurse – An important role, particularly if the yacht doesn’t have facilities for helicopter landing.  Qualifications must be in line with medical guidelines, and the nurse or Doctor should have ability to cope with a wide range of illness and ailments.  Up to date First Aid and yachting qualifications will also be expected.  Again, this role can be combined with the main crew duties.

Engineering

Chief Engineer – This member of the team is required to oversee and ensure that the electrical and engineering of the yacht is operating without issues.  They should be flexible and willing to help fix not only important problems, but even be willing to help fix a broken toilet!

At sea the right part might not be immediately accessible, so an engineer should be able to troubleshoot and think outside the box.

2nd Engineer – Second in command to the Engineer, the 2nd engineer assists and helps with all duties around the maintenance of the vessel.

3rd Engineer – Third in command to the Engineer.

ETO (Electrician Technical Officer) – Normally employed on larger vessels where the support is required.  They report to the Chief Engineer.

Electrical Engineer – Again this role is similar to the ETO.  Reporting to the Chief Engineer and holding qualifications in Electrical maintenance.

Pilot – For the larger vessels, commercial and cruise yachts, access to the vessel is often by air (helicopter or seaplane).  The larger vessels may well have their own aviation permanently stationed on the yacht, and in turn a pilot is required to fly the appropriate aircrafts.

Shore Based

Admin – As the title suggests this team will manage the administration, HR and paperwork of the yacht.  Working closely with the purser onboard and with the owner of the vessel, ensuring that the specific operation of the yacht is always managed correctly.

Admin will be closely linked to the Captain, Purser and Chief Steward on the yacht and will involve a whole host of specialised skills from graphic designers through the tech, online support teams.

PA – This role is suited to a highly organised and efficient team member.  Working closely with the admin team and the crew onboard the yacht.

Villa Staff – As the name would suggest, this would encompass a wide range of shore-based staff to work within the villa’s typically frequented by the yacht.  This could range from a Butler through to Nanny, Housekeeper, Chauffeurs etc.

Contract Workers

Alongside the main crew of the yacht, there are contract workers who are brought in for yacht maintenance. As and when this might be required.  These roles are self-explanatory. And they all work to ensure that the yacht is maintained. Any repairs are done efficiently when the yacht is in port or moored for the day.

Roles include: Day Worker, Varnisher, Painter, Spray Painter, Carpenter. Shipwright, Metal Fabricator, Welder, Rigger, Laminator, Electrician. Electrician Expert, Sail Maker, Project Manager. Customer Service Staff and Catering Staff.

How Polo & Tweed Can Help

Did you find this full list of yacht crew & staff helpful? And would you like to work on a yacht? Get in touch with us! Polo & Tweed regularly source and place the finest yacht crew around the world.  If you are interested in registering with us or are looking to recruit your new crew members, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.

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With Bluewater's expertise in crew training and yacht crew recruitment, finding your ideal yacht crew vacancy is simple. We offer yacht management services to a variety of exclusive superyachts. Our team excels in sourcing top-notch yacht crew positions, spanning from 25-meter private yachts in the Bahamas to 50-metre charter yachts in the Mediterranean to luxurious 100+ metre superyachts navigating the globe extensively.

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Alongside sourcing the latest yacht crew jobs worldwide, Bluewater offers a range of specialised yacht crew training courses. Whether you're new to the superyacht industry seeking entry-level qualifications, an experienced deckhand or engineer aiming to advance your career, or a dedicated crew member looking to enhance your resume with certifications like HELM (Human Element Leadership and Management), Yachtmaster, or OOW (Officer of the Watch), explore our comprehensive yacht crew training options.

Working on a Luxury Yacht

Working as a crew member on a superyacht is undeniably one of the most rewarding yet demanding professions, calling for hard work, dedication, and professional training. The opportunities within the yachting industry are vast, and at Bluewater, we are committed to helping every crew member discover their ideal yacht crew position. Our recruitment division focuses on finding the perfect yacht for crew members and provides unparalleled professional support. Our recruitment experts guide crew members through every step of their yachting career journey, ensuring they receive the best possible assistance.

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Ocean-Crews

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Ocean-Crews is a premier recruitment agency specializing in the dynamic world of yacht crew placement. With a rich heritage in the yachting industry and a keen understanding of the unique demands it entails, we are your trusted partner in assembling exceptional crews for luxury yachts worldwide.

Our mission at Ocean-Crews is to connect highly skilled and passionate crew members with yacht owners and operators in need of top-tier talent. Whether you are seeking a seasoned captain, a proficient chef, an attentive stewardess, or any other vital role aboard your yacht, we have an extensive network and a rigorous vetting process to ensure that only the most qualified candidates are presented.

We pride ourselves on our personalized and attentive approach, tailoring our services to meet the specific needs of both our clients and candidates. At Ocean-Crews, we understand that each yacht is unique, and so are the individuals who make up its crew. That’s why we go the extra nautical mile to match the perfect candidates with the right vessels, creating harmonious and successful partnerships that endure.

Whether you’re a yacht owner in search of exceptional crew members or a dedicated professional looking for your next exciting adventure at sea, Ocean-Crews is your compass to success in the yachting world. Join us on this voyage, and let us help you navigate the waters of opportunity.

To embark on your journey with Ocean-Crews and unlock a world of yachting opportunities, simply reach out to us by sending an email to Samantha at [email protected] . To ensure we can match you with the ideal yacht job, please attach your CV or provide comprehensive details about your qualifications, experience, and the specific yacht job you are seeking. Samantha and our dedicated team of yachting experts will swiftly guide you through the registration process, helping you set sail toward your next adventure on the open seas. If you would like to register to browse and apply for jobs on this website then register

Meet Samantha

At the age of 17, Samantha embarked on her journey in the yachting industry, amassing over a decade of invaluable experience both at sea and on land. With determination and dedication, she ascended to the role of Chief Stewardess, leaving her mark in both the Caribbean and Mediterranean regions. Her time in Dubai saw her excel as a Charter Broker and Crew Trainer, where she consistently aided crew members in discovering their ideal positions aboard yachts.

Today, Samantha is at the helm of Ocean-Crews, where her deep insights into the unique needs of both crew members and employers seeking exceptional crew members shine through.

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I had the pleasure of working with Sam during her time at sea and also now as a crew agent and I can attest to her exceptional skills, dedication, and effectiveness in the field of recruitment.

It was an absolute pleasure dealing with Sam , very attentive, understood our crew needs and connected us with high quality candidates. Highly recommend her to fellow Captains. Certainly made the hiring process a pleasure. Captain Matthew Mackay MV Shadow

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How Much Does a Yacht Captain Make?

Captains of luxury yachts command a base salary well into six figures. Dependent on the length of the vessel, tenure of experience, and level of licensing yacht captain salaries range from $48,000 to over $300,000.

As the length of yachts increases, the complexity of the position of captain escalates. Although the job of yacht captain is often portrayed as one of luxury and leisure, it is a career choice of vast responsibility. While the exact details of a job description vary from program to program, the captain is the CEO of a small corporation. He/she reports to the Chairman of the Board - the yacht owner.

The Luxury Yacht Group webpage presents salary guidelines. Variation within the ranges reflect license level, experience and longevity of the captain 1 .

Additional parts of the salary package include bonuses, health insurance, flight expenses, paid vacation, training and certification cost reimbursement, and uniforms. Because the position requires residency aboard the vessel 24/7 all food and sundries are routinely supplied to crew. If the yacht is available for charter, the captain will also earn tips from charter guests. The industry is unique and each vessel in it has individual programs.

An average mega yacht with 12 crew has operating expenses between four and ten million dollars. The budget is based on where the yacht is moored, whether it is available for charter, and its travel destinations. On some yachts, a management company or a part of the owner’s business network handles accounting and makes financial decisions. On other yachts, the captain manages all aspects of the budget, chooses what charters to take and where to station the boat between charters, when and where to have yard work, and all personnel decisions.

A basic list of captain job responsibilities includes:

• Ultimate safety for passengers, crew, environment & vessel
• Achieving owner’s objectives?
• Crew hiring and dismissal?
• Personnel management?
• Shipyard/project management?
• Legal and regulatory compliance?
• Navigation?

Ultimate safety

The Captain holds the life of all aboard in his hands. He is also held accountable for the yacht itself and the environment. He must understand the mechanics of the boat, all electronic tools aboard, international regulatory requirements, and rules of the flag state.

Achieving owner’s objectives

Owner objectives are broad ranging. The captain is the mouthpiece for the interests of the owner. He holds the responsibility to reach outcomes which benefit the owner. The owner may simply require the captain to provide luxury service when he (she) is aboard. Some owners regularly use the vessel with family and guests, others may be aboard only occasionally. Charter periods for the vessel also factor into the objectives of the owner.

Crew hiring and dismissal

The requirements of the Marine Labor Convention (MLC) for contracting, dismissing, and managing are explicit and require strict adherence. Throughout any hiring or dismissal, the safety of the vessel and owner as well as issues of confidentiality must be assured by the captain. Identifying the best employees for the program involve a balance of certification, experience and personality.

Personnel management

Managing between 12 and 40 regular crew members aboard a mega/superyacht, day workers and seasonal hires is routine. From dive master, to stewardess, chef, and ETO, the captain must have a working knowledge of the positions and set expectations for performance. In a multi-cultural environment (both guests and crew), the example the captain sets for work ethic, responsibility, and communication optimizes yacht operations. The challenge is complicated by the close quarters of crew accommodations and the group working/living together 24/7.

Shipyard/project management

The Captain oversees issues of time and costs for routine maintenance and vessel upgrades. Knowledge of register and flag requirements are tools the captain uses to define the project, obtain quotes, and supervise the work.

Legal and regulatory

The maritime industry is dynamic. In addition to the flag state and regulatory requirements mentioned above, the captain must remain current with all Maritime Guidance Notices (MGN), Maritime Information Notes (MIN), amendments to all international marine safety codes, and product notices. A knowledge of the global differences in regulations, enforcement agencies and regional mores is critical.

Each vessel has a different business model. At a minimum, the captain is responsible for budget oversight and financial record keeping. If the owner engages a management company, the captain is the interface between the yacht and that organization.

The classic definition of a captain’s job is that of a navigator. Safely plotting a course, following the course, docking and departing from berths are all fundamental vessel handling skills. A seasoned captain has personal familiarity of cruising geographies. Despite the importance and skills required, a small percentage of a captain’s time is dedicated to task.

How does that list of responsibilities distill into the profile of a captain? It takes decades of training, hours logged, certification, and experience to reach the level of performance required to captain a mega/super yacht. In addition to each of those quantifiable requirements, elements of character and temperament differentiate captains.

• Calm and charismatic personality?
• Superior leadership, communication, management and diplomacy skills?
• Excellent boat handling and navigational skills?
• Excellent ISM and ISPS knowledge and practices?
• Excellent maintenance, engineering and technical / troubleshooting experience?
• Ability to remain calm and give directions in an emergency situation?
• Organized and methodical?
• Financial management, business acumen, management skills?
• Languages and cultural sensitivity
• Extensive maritime licensing

Leadership of the crew involves training, coaching and refereeing. When a captain steps into the position of leadership on a large vessel, it is understood that he has ten years (minimum) of increasing responsibility. Training and education were used during that decade to resolve situations without damage to vessel, harm of the environment, or human injury.

As manager and protector of the owner’s investment, the captain negotiates for goods and services. When issues arise, it is the captain who develops options and makes recommendations. Using the comparison to a traditional business, the CEO (captain) and the President of the Board (owner) interface on strategic decisions.

The mega yacht captain is more than just an asset manager. The captain implements owner preferences in order to assure him the best yachting experience. Once an owner has determined the style of yacht he wants to own - how, when, where they want to use vessel - costs of operating and budget generalities are defined. The ultimate goal of captain and crew is the happiness of the owner(s) and their guests. Crew is the primary factor in the owner/guest experience and in a successful program. The captain fully understands and manages the limitations of vessel and crew.

As vessels increased in length, machinery and electronics increased in complexity. In parallel with those changes, regulatory agencies and flag states requirements escalated. The requirements of International Safety Management Code (ISM) and International Ship and Port Security Code (ISPS) reflect the challenges of operating a mega yacht. The captain holds responsibility for implementing all requirements aboard and remaining current with the changes made to respond to new issues within the industry.

During the last decade, the number of superyacht hulls nearly doubled. Based on the 2010 Global Order Book, the superyacht industry managed to grow even during the financial crisis of 2008. The Knight Frank Wealth Report (2016) for the decade concluded that the wealth required to maintain a yacht appears impervious to economic cycles. It does project a slight worldwide slowing of the number of ultra-high-networth individuals during the upcoming decade.

How does that economic data translate into job opportunity for yacht captains who have followed the established career path? How resilient is the opportunity during periods like the global downturn experienced in 2008?

Marcy Laturno, Director of Crew Placement & Charter Specialist at Luxury Yacht Group answered:

A long-term mega yacht captain added:

Securing a position as captain aboard mega and super yachts is competitive. Although new builds are released every year, each year there are additional individuals who have established professional credentialing and adequate experience aboard. Professional captains seek positions where they can assemble a stable crew, build longevity and establish a relationship with the yacht owner.

The position of mega/super yacht captain commands a salary which reflects the level of responsibility and the years of personal and professional development. A relatively small number of positions creates a competitive job market where longevity and experience are rewarded.

• Luxury Yacht Group website

Engineering License Changes

The MCA has restructured the engineering certifications. The MEOL course has been done away with, and the AEC course made mandatory and more thorough. Luxury Yacht Group explains all these changes, what engineers progressing through the ranks can do now, and how Y ticket holders can convert their licenses over to the structure.

14 Mar 2018

A Day in the Life Series – Chief Stewardess

For a yacht to run smoothly, it requires many working parts, and the interior department is a large component of this. The chief stewardess oversees this department and makes sure all the stewardesses onboard know what their tasks and responsibilities are. The interior department is largely in charge of the guest services whilst they are onboard, and responsible for interior maintenance of the yacht when they are not.

18 Dec 2017

A Day in the Life Of Series - Entry Stewardess

Joining the yachting industry is an exciting and daunting undertaking. In this two part interview we speak with Melanie about why she decided to join the superyacht industry, what her hopes and goals are, and what she has learnt so far as an entry level stewardess.

29 Nov 2017

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hat4349 Senior Member

The admiral and I just finished drooling on Yachtworld and she asked a question I can't answer. How large a crew would this yacht need: http://www.**************/core/list...rrency=USD&access=Public&listing_id=1359&url= Somedays I think she'd like a crew for this boat, especially when we scrub it down.

Capt J Senior Member

It depends on your usage the and level of service you're expecting. But typically a yacht like that would run a Captain, Mate, Deckhand, Engineer, and a stewardess.......also possibly adding a second stewardess and a chef depending on the owners wants/needs.......Some might even run without a dedicated engineer and run a mate/engineer instead......

K1W1 Senior Member

Hi, Capt J's estimations are about right. I would personally be wary of anything with 16V 71 or 92 Driving it. I helped a guy with a Broward running 92's a couple of summers ago, he needed cylinder kits and couldn't get them in the US in less that 2 weeks. Got a couple in Scotland and rest out of NZ for him in 5 days.

Thanks K1W1 but we are sticking with our current boat, only dreaming on Yachtworld at times. Me mostly and the admiral asked about what the crew would consist of, unless I win one of the lottery pools not going to happen. I doubt it would then because I am to much of a control freak to have someone else in charge of my boat.

NYCAP123 Senior Member

I've seen several yachts in the 100' to 130' range operating with 2 full-time crew and the rest brought on board with the owners. Those 2 are over-worked though. Really depends if the boat is a cruiser or a condo.

master1717 Guest

Question...probably silly but here goes. In the market for a 85' Azimut or 88' Feretti. What qualifications do I need to drive this boat? I.E. to comfortably drive it from port to port in the Med. Or is it necessary to have the boat captained by someone experienced? Additionally, is a crew always necessary?

master1717 said: Question...probably silly but here goes. In the market for a 85' Azimut or 88' Feretti. What qualifications do I need to drive this boat? I.E. to comfortably drive it from port to port in the Med. Or is it necessary to have the boat captained by someone experienced? Additionally, is a crew always necessary? Click to expand...

Yes that is my general concern among many others. Thank you for your response. Regarding ports of call--will a harbor master typically board the boat and handle docking and what not? Or will the captain be responsible for docking? Any idea if docking in the med is as crazy as the driving around Italy?

AMG YF Moderator

master1717 said: Regarding ports of call--will a harbor master typically board the boat and handle docking and what not? Or will the captain be responsible for docking? Any idea if docking in the med is as crazy as the driving around Italy? Click to expand...

That is my general feeling as well. Reason I ask is that we have a friend who is an unlicensed "captain." Nice guy, seems like he knows what he's doing, but I"m not entirely sure I trust him docking the boat. Which is why I ask about a harbormaster docking the boat. Any idea?

master1717 said: That is my general feeling as well. Reason I ask is that we have a friend who is an unlicensed "captain." Nice guy, seems like he knows what he's doing, but I"m not entirely sure I trust him docking the boat. Which is why I ask about a harbormaster docking the boat. Any idea? Click to expand...

Thanks for all of your help One more question--Ferretti, Azimut, or Sunseeker. I'm partial to Italian made yachts but this could be silly...

master1717 said: Thanks for all of your help One more question--Ferretti, Azimut, or Sunseeker. I'm partial to Italian made yachts but this could be silly... Click to expand...

aeronautic1 Member

aeronautic1 said: The definitive answer to your question is, what ever the insurance underwriter requires. Click to expand...

sagharborskip Senior Member

Typical... An owner ready to buy a boat not aware he needs crew and a dealer/broker ready to sell a boat to an owner not requiring the owner to present his captain... My bread and butter business is providing captain, mate, deckhand, and stew services to 12 regular clients with boats up to and including 65' and I can tell you that except for the "dockominium" set (those that rarely take their boats off the dock/used almost exclusively as summer only/weekend only/waterfront apartments), any owner with a boat over 50' who doesn't have a full time, regular captain is asking for trouble. Your boat is an extremely costly asset to maintain where money is just the start. Having someone other than yourself with a vested interest in how the boat is taken care of, how it looks, how it performs is indispensable for maintaining the boat both for your enjoyment and its value later down the road. Having worked on MANY Azimuts, trust me, you are going to need a full timer to keep up with it. Not to mention that having someone capable that you trust and like is going to make life so much easier when the wind's blowing and you're "not up to making that trip" and have to get back to wherever it is you make your money. Sorry to be blunt, but BEFORE you buy your boat, you'd be best advised to do a thorough search for a captain and hire him. I just this weekend helped an owner of a 62' Azimut for an overnight trip to Newport who doesn't have a regular captain and keeps using "day captains" b/c "I can handle the boat myself". Sure, but who's going to wash it?

NYCAP123 said: Insurance companies will have minimum standards and they have been getting better in recent years, but you can always shop around for one with more relaxed standards. Master1717 is in the right place for the right answers. Do not go to anyone for advice who has a financial interest in your decision. I've known many salespeople who basically say: 'You can drive a car then you can drive a boat. Where's the check? Thank you. Bye.' Then they find out about wind, current, steering with gears, turning from the stern and delayed reactions. Bottom line; 85' is an expensive place to get an education. Click to expand...

NYCAP123 said: No license or crew required. Do you really think you can handle everything that could go wrong on an 85' yacht while maintaining control of the vessel and can you handle the deck and helm at the same time when you're between a couple of other multi-million dollar toys with current and wind kicking? If you have less than 5 years of serious boat handling experience it wouldn't be wise to run without a good captain by your side and a good deckhand if you do have that experience. Running a yacht is a lot more than steering it from here to there. How are your docking skills? Are you proficient with the electronics? How about the mechanical systems? Click to expand...

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“Below Deck” — The Netflix Binge Cruisers Will Love

Doug Parker

• October 20, 2020

Netflix is known for introducing binge-worthy content to the platform.

And the latest has to be “Below Deck” — a reality series that came to Netflix in the form of two seasons in August 2020.

But the show itself was filmed way back in 2013 and has a total of 7 seasons and 105 episodes.

So why are people raving about the show? 

It’s a glimpse into a luxury escape — and the drama onboard

Below Deck follows the lives of crew members who live and work onboard a mega-yacht.

Season one follows the likes of Captain Lee Rosback, First Officer Aleks Taldykin, Chief Stewardess Adriene Gang, Second Engineer C.J. LeBeau, Chef Ben Robinson and Deckhand David Bradberry in their everyday working and personal lives onboard the 164-foot Honor .

The first release of the series averaged 1.4 million total viewers per episode.

All of the crew that is hired to be part of the show are licensed and certified, which involves a two-week course.

Captain Lee says: “ Each of the crew members has to have an STCW, which is a standard set by the maritime industry for watch-keeping and just being on board—it’s basic first aid, firefighting. It’s a two-week course and a certification they have to have before they’re allowed to work on yachts.”

The crew is filmed 24 hours a day , seven days a week working on the boat while being filmed by both hidden cameras and a crew. 

But what makes the show so addictive? 

For reality TV lovers, Below Deck is one of those shows with a brand that is instantly bingeable. This is because of the on-screen romances, drama, and professional and personal turmoils that are captured on screen.

Noah Samton, the senior vice president of the production for Bravo says that the yachting industry “attracts the kind of people that are good for TV. First of all, they’re a lot of young, attractive people. A lot of people that are sort of escaping their lives for some reason or have this adventurous streak in them. We’re really good at finding the people who are going to wear it on their sleeves.” 

And as with other reality TV shows, the cameras capture it all, sharing every aspect of their lives onboard.

The only place that they aren’t filmed is in the bathroom, but only one crew member can be in one at any given time.

Members have tried to get away with their personal antics being held in places without a camera — in one instance, a laundry room — but the crew quickly clocks on.

It’s this close look into their lives, combined with the personalities and the exotic locations, that make Below Deck so exciting to watch.

How is the show really filmed? Here are some of the secrets

When the show was first released there were some questions from fans about how ‘real’ the working lives were of those on screen. But the cast actually work as real-life stewards, sometimes up to 16+ hours a day, and sleep on tiny bunks.

T he charter company actually pays each cast member a base salary; the cast is also paid an appearance fee by the production company. And they’re allowed to take tips by guests. All their food is provided by the boat’s chef, as would be in the case if they were regular employees. 

The cast is not allowed to speak to, or interact with, the production team and cameraman in order to keep in line with the show’s guidelines. 

Captain Lee is actually in charge of the boat, including when and where they can sail and anything that needs to be considered in terms of the weather. He can also fire anyone at any time. Production is not allowed to have any influence on this.

The boat costs upwards of $300,000 per week to hire — which is why all filming is done during the six-week period. 

All cast members get three days off per season during the six weeks of filming on the boat. They can stay in a hotel room on those days, but they’re not allowed to communicate with each other. 

There are also advantages for the guests on the boat, as they are given a fifty percent discount on their journey — although they pay their own money to rent the boat and for their tips.

What’s the future for Below Deck?

So far, Netflix has releases only two series of the show, but we can expect more. For the ones that can’t get the show’s pristine sceneries out of their mind, sites like borrowaboat.com have boats and yachts for every taste available to rent, perfect to recreate the sailing lifestyle.

While there are only two series so far released by Netflix, we can expect more. And the new Below Deck season eight will likely premiere sometime in the fall of 2020.

With eight seasons now, it’s likely that there could be more in the future and that audiences will be able to continue to enjoy the drama-filled lives of those who work below deck and onboard the ship.

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The yacht-spotter's guide to the F1 Monaco Grand Prix

Every year, Monaco’s Grand Prix pulls in some of the fleet’s finest superyachts for a weekend of adrenaline-fuelled F1 action and A-lister events in the heart of the principality. Yachts moored stern to the circuit have a premium vantage point over the cars tearing around the track, while superyachts at anchor can enjoy all the Formula One buzz with the added benefit of privacy and seclusion. 

BOAT takes a closer look at the superyachts spotted near the event...

Renaissance

Length : 111.9m Builder : Freire

Renaissance is the largest private yacht built in Spain and one of the world's most expensive charter yachts . Which is quite the feat for Freire, a commercial shipyard that has built only one private yacht in the past. With 7,200GT to play with, her list of amenities include a sushi bar, a dedicated hair and beauty salon, a ballet bar with a mirror for stretching and two cinemas – one indoor, one outdoor. The owner's deck is described as "palatial" and comes with its own a media room, a lounge with bar and dining and a private terrace with a Jacuzzi for six.

Length : 52.1m Builder : Sanlorenzo

Spotted pulling into port with a Bugatti on the aft, Seven Sins is the perfect yacht for soaking up the Formula One action. She is part of Sanlorenzo's hugely successful 52Steel series, with features including a glass-bottomed pool on the aft that floods the beach club below with light. Her palatial interior design offers plenty of space for kicking back and watching the races in a more relaxed setting and her sharp Officina Italiana Design exterior is sure to attract attention in Monaco harbour. 

Length : 90m Builder : Benetti

Lionheart was launched in 2016 as the shipyard's largest build to date, though she was surpassed by the 107-metre Mar (ex Lana ) four years later. She was the third yacht to be ordered from Benetti by the same owner, Sir Philip Green. While her curvy exterior and private balconies will be visible to those visiting Port Hercule this weekend, interiors have always been shrouded in secrecy. It is known that  Stefano Natucci  collaborated with Benetti on the exterior design and Green & Mingarelli Design  is responsible for the interior design.

Fountainhead

Length : 87.8m   Builder : Feadship

Created with family use in mind, Fountainhead features a recreation room and library that can be converted into cabins to supplement the six existing guest cabins and owner's suite. She was designed by De Voogt Naval Architects and Sinot Yacht Design , though "a signature blend of art, antiques and aesthetics" by Belgian artist Axel Vervoordt are also displayed throughout.  Leisure highlights include a fully-equipped gym with health club, a contra-flow swimming pool and a tender garage that houses wave runners, kayaks, surfboard and diving equipment, among others. The superyacht is named after the famous novel by Ayn Rand.

Coral Ocean

Length : 72.6m Builder : Lürssen

A World Superyacht Award winner, Coral Ocean earned the judges' commendation following a sensitive, multi-million refit that converted the heritage vessel into a successful charter platform. All deck spaces were upgraded, including a reimagined sundeck that now houses a glass-sided spa pool, sunbathing and observation deck and a central deckhouse with a television lounge, dining area and bar. Coral Ocean was one of the largest launches of 1994 and her secrecy for the first two decades of her life solidified her as an icon for the German shipyard. She is owned by Australian garbage waste disposal giant Ian Malouf. 

Length : 72m   Builder : Lürssen

Delivered in 2006, Titania  (ex Apoise ) was put up for auction by her owner in 2010 and was snapped up for €33.75 million – roughly half the estimated value – by Phones4U tycoon John Caudwell. He then went on to refit, lengthen and rename the superyacht, which he discusses in an exclusive interview with BOAT International . Designed by Espen Øino and Francois Zuretti , the Lürssen was the star yacht in season six of The Crown and is a popular charter yacht. No wonder, as she sports a beach club that can be converted into a nightclub, an onboard masseuse and beautician and an impressive array of watersports – including a waterpark and a 12.7-metre slide.

Length : 70m Builder : Royal Denship

Force Blue first hit the water in 2002 as the 63.3-metre Big Roi , a trawler-style expedition yacht that has since been refitted to varying degrees. The most recent work was done at Lusben in 2022 and involved a seven-metre stern extension to allow for a large, wrap-around swim platform. The main deck was extended in the process as well. Design highlights include a black-tiled spa (with heated massage table), a cinema, a barbecue and dining area that turns into a disco and a dining room that doubles as a conference space. An elevator serves all decks.

Length : 67.5m Builder : Icon Yachts

The flagship of the Dutch shipyard, Loon (ex Icon ) is now anchored in Port Hercule where she is likely to cause another social media sensation . She was delivered in 2010 to a design by RWD , with clean, contemporary interiors by Studio Linse . A raised main deck pool is one of her many highlights with two panels of glass that filter natural light into the beach club below. A bar, gym, massage room and sauna are also found at this level. Loon was sold to a new owner in April 2023, after which she joined the charter fleet with IYC .

Length : 66m   Builder : Oceanco

AHS has undergone numerous name changes (she was sold and renamed mostly recently in January ) but started life as Dilbar in 2005. A successful charter yacht, she can be easily distinguished in port by her classic canoe stern. An interior by the late Alberto Pinto provides accommodation across eight cabins, including a full-beam owner's suite with its own lounge and adjoining private office. Other highlights include an outdoor cinema, a beamy sundeck with 19,000-litre pool and a helipad that transforms into a sun lounge.

Length : 49.9m Builder : Zepter

The Croatian yard's first superyacht offering, JoyMe is usually berthed in Cap d’Ail but has been sighted in Monaco for the past two Grands Prix. She’s one of the most recognisable yachts at the event, with her custom red and white exterior and unusual eye motif – said to be the eyes of the commissioning owner’s daughter. Leisure highlights include a Pop Art-inspired interior by  Marijana Radovic , a sundeck with a 3.5-metre Jacuzzi and a lower deck arranged with a gym, Finnish sauna and Hammam spa with sea views. Accommodation is across five cabins, including the "VIP deck" owner's cabin which has a walk-in bathroom, lounge and private sunbathing platform on the bow.

Length : 45.2m Builder : Royal Hakvoort

The most recent delivery on the list, Milele is one of this year's World Superyacht Award winners . According to the judges, she stood out thanks to her "incredible build quality” and surprising spaces on board. Most notable of these is the innovative foredeck garage, which stores a submarine and crane, and has a full entertainment suite with a large television screen built into its hatch. She was designed inside and out by Omega Architects with an efficient hull design by Van Oossanen Naval Architects .

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Mlb announcers’ olivia dunne jokes get a little awkward.

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The Detroit Tigers’ announcing crew got a little carried away when talking about Olivia Dunne ahead of her boyfriend Paul Skenes’ start on Wednesday. 

Bally Sports Detroit ran a graphic comparing the social media followings of what they called “Gen Z’s New Power Couple” before Game 1 of a doubleheader against the Pirates, and things got awkward when broadcaster Johnny Kane looked down at his phone mid-segment. 

“What’s going on there man? Are you looking up Livvy Dunne?” Bally’s in-game reporter Trevor Thompson asked. 

“She just gained one more follower,” Carlos Pena, an analyst for the network, said with a laugh. 

“… You’re gonna follow her on all the socials, Johnny?” Thompson continued. “She’s a pretty good gymnast, a national champion gymnast at LSU.”

Tigers broadcast bringing you the hard-hitting analysis pic.twitter.com/sTHWZRtlgl — Jomboy Media (@JomboyMedia) May 29, 2024

They didn’t stop there. 

“Are you interviewing Livvy in the stands today?” Kane asked Thompson. 

“If I see her I’m going to try to track her down. See if she’ll come on to Bally Sports with us. Why not right?” Thompson said with a smile. 

It’s the second time in a week Dunne has been the star of a local baseball broadcast. 

Last week, a young Pirates fan named Cooper gave the social media star a shoutout after SportsNet Pittsburgh’s Hannah Mears asked him what he liked about Skenes. 

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Olivia Dunne (@livvydunne)

“His mustache and Livvy Dunne!” Cooper said, prompting laughter from Mears.

Dunne has been every bit the star that Skenes is during the flamethrowing right-hander’s first big league season – so much so, that even MLB is leaning into the couple’s popularity .

“I always say, it’s way harder to be the person in the stands watching because I’m not in control,” Dunne said in a clip on MLB’s TikTok account. “I can’t control — I don’t know how to throw a 100-mile (per hour) fastball, but it’s hard to have no control. Especially with gymnastics when you’re just watching. But I know he’s got this and I just have a lot of confidence in him.”

Skenes made his fourth career MLB start on Wednesday afternoon. He’s posted a 2.25 ERA with 21 strikeouts over 16 innings since debuting in mid-May .

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Hollywood Contraction: How Fewer Jobs & The Threat Of Another Strike Is Pushing BTL Workers To The Brink

By Lynette Rice

Lynette Rice

Senior TV Writer

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Editor’s note:  This is the latest installment in the Deadline series  Hollywood  Contraction , which examines the job losses caused by ongoing, industrywide cost-cutting.

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But no matter how many times Local 399’s Lindsay Dougherty dropped an f-bomb or the crowd shouted “many crafts, one fight,” there was no mention of the real elephant in the room, er, parking lot — namely, how many (or few) crew members are actually working these days because of accelerated contraction in Hollywood.

On stage, it was all talk about “this is how solidarity looks” and how the studios are “white-collar crime syndicates.” But away from the featured speakers and the sounds of Public Enemy’s “Fight the Power” blasting from the loudspeakers, local reps privately lamented about how their members were bombarding their offices with desperate calls about the lack of employment. The wave of series cancellations, coupled with the serious belt-tightening and a virtually non-existent pilot season , has led to fewer and fewer below-the-line jobs for below-the-line workers.

RELATED: 2024 TV Development: Selling Frenzy Amid Contraction, Compressed Pilot Season

“We were expecting, especially with the resolution of the strikes, production to be rampant out here. And unfortunately that hasn’t happened,” says Corey Moore, business agent for IATSE Local 80, which represents motion picture grips, crafts service, first aid employees and warehouse workers. “We think a lot of it has to do with productions leaving town, trying to find some tax incentives elsewhere. But a lot of it has to do with our upcoming negotiations. Productions might be hesitant to start if there’s any threat of a stoppage. It is starting to pick up [but] not quite as quick as we would like.”

“I get calls almost daily from people looking for work,” Coates continues. “Since the work slowdown has continued, even after the [the strikes], we have worked diligently to figure out a way for our members who are falling out of their healthcare coverage to cover COBRA costs so that they can stay within some sort of plan until we get Hollywood back on its feet. There are people still in need.”

Take Joseph McDonough, a 35-year-old second assistant cameraman who only worked 47 days total in 2023. “And that was with me fully networking, routinely hitting everybody up that I know, contacting producers that I know. You just couldn’t find work,” he tells Deadline. “And when you reached out to people who were senior to you, who had been in the industry longer, who you knew were better connected and they were saying they weren’t working, that was just a first for me. I’ve never reached out to all my colleagues and heard all of them say, with maybe only one exception, that they weren’t working simultaneously. In 2023, it felt like the industry ceased to exist. Then the strikes began. And so that, of course, slowed things down further for some people. But for me, I didn’t really notice a difference. It just continued to be what felt like a zero year.”

“They don’t start a lot of new productions in say, December. So it was quiet,” continues McDonough. “Then we shifted our hopes to the new year. And what’s really been surprising is that we haven’t really seen any return to normalcy or even something like halfway normal so far this year.”

Deadline also checked in with a longtime member of Local 399 who hasn’t booked a regular gig since last June. These days, the veteran driver feels lucky to pick up “a couple of days here, a couple days there” and thinks a lot about leaving the industry, if it wasn’t for the great pay and benefits afforded by union work (when it’s available, that is).

“I was at my storage unit today,” says the veteran Teamster, who declined to give his name for fear of reprisal. “I needed something to do, so I started reorganizing my storage unit. I hear some guys around the corner talking about, ‘Well, I may have to go out to Montana for all those Yellowstone offshoots.’ So I walk around the corner. It was a guy who was a rigging grip on NCIS: LA. He had 14 years on that show. He was 64 years old. They were already greenlit for Season 15 until the writers/actor strike. So they just said, ‘Forget it, we’re done.’ And they ended the show. He hasn’t been able to find work since.”

The tough talk at Sunday’s rally only exacerbated fears that another strike could make an already dreadful situation dire. Away from the microphone, Dougherty acknowledges to Deadline how “everyone has noticed the contraction” but tempers it by saying “it’s not exclusive to Los Angeles or Hollywood. It’s nationwide, worldwide.” She went on to say it was “definitely expected because of the amount of streaming that was being produced back in 2021 and 2022. There’s too much and obviously that bubble was going to burst.”

“You’re going to shut down WHAT? There IS nothing to shut down,” wrote a self-described IATSE 871 member on Deadline’s board. “We have been shut down for a year. Unemployment has long run out, last bit of savings is about to run out, insurance is about to run out. … If there are months of strikes, no one will work until 2025. How many can afford that, unless you quit the business? Way to send our jobs overseas. Bravo!!”

“The timing of this all is just unfortunate, to say the least,” wrote a poster on Reddit. “Even if the studios cave and give pay increases, better health and pension contributions, etc, the studios will continue to send work abroad and LA/US work will continue to dry up and the studios will be off the hook. I hope both sides are willing to make concessions; otherwise we’re just helping and encouraging the big guys’ shift production to other places. It’s all such a shitty situation. If agreements are reached and production rebounds in LA I’ll consider that a miracle.”

“I think people don’t realize how much streaming inflated the industry,” added another Reddit poster, echoing Dougherty. “There were more productions than ever and now that studios aren’t seeing the returns they are being more conservative with what they produce. So now all of those people who were working are having a hard time finding work. Unfortunately, this is going to weed out a lot of people. If you’re not in good with a dept head or team then you may have trouble … now’s probably the time to be honest with yourself if you’re really wanting to wait or grind to find a job.”

With no prospects on the horizon, McDonough may already be at that point. Having just wrapped “day-playing on a reality show,” McDonough doesn’t have anything else lined up but hopes March will be a “very telling month” when it comes to opportunities for him and his fellow BTL workers.

“I’ve considered going to medical school, to be honest. It’s a really serious thing to think about at 35,” he tells Deadline. “There are plenty of people who will say, ‘You can absolutely go to medical school at 35. There’s no discrimination. You’re perfectly capable of becoming a doctor and having a long career still.’ But it’s such a huge commitment and when you already have bottomed out your savings, the idea of taking on student loans like that … it’s hard for me to think that I would forever put away creative endeavors. I’ve worked in entertainment my whole life. I still want to make films.”

Katie Campione contributed to this report.

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