yacht stewardess shoes

Top Tips for Yacht Stewards and Stewardesses with Isobel Odendaal

In the second part of our interview with Isobel Odendaal, the owner and director of Super Yachting South Africa talks us through her top tips for both green and established stews and stewardesses, from things not to say to your captain to everything she wishes she had known before joining the superyacht industry.

Read part one of our interview here . 

Your Facebook group Yacht Stewardess and Steward Tips currently stands at 14.5k members – what do you think is the secret to your success?

I think the key is to allow education and ideas without aggression or nastiness, and to create a supportive, welcoming environment where members can ask any questions without receiving judgment or retribution. We get so bombarded everywhere with unsolicited advertising, trolls and information, but I have always believed that you as a member have chosen to join our group, and it is our job as admins to provide a safe and enjoyable environment for each member without all the added ‘noise’ from advertising and judgmental Facebook warriors.

The Yacht Stewardess and Steward Tips group has just consistently grown since 2013, and I believe this is through monitoring it numerous times each day and only allowing content we deem of interest to the members and that they will not find on any of the other hundreds of yachting groups – it is hard work because trolls do pop up anywhere, but I think the success is also thanks to the members – we all provide a safe, nurturing culture of sharing, advice, tips, support, ideas and even humour – with the common goal to grow, educate ourselves and improve our service to our guests.

My initial intention of developing the group was to stop the secrecy that existed in the industry – like chief stews leaving the yacht without leaving handover notes, or not wanting to share your secrets and tips with anyone (what exactly does one benefit from this??) – and I believe Yacht Stewardess and Steward Tips has created an awareness of the common goal of growing and sharing information in yachting, especially in the interior department. So many other stew tips groups, blogs and Instagram accounts have been developed since I launched this group and it is wonderful to see how people are no longer trying to hog information, but rather share it with other individuals.

Do you face any particular challenges when running such a big group?

The biggest challenge would be to find the time to answer each question in detail – often other members answer questions in a timely, helpful, informative, encouraging and positive manner, which is wonderful, but I would often like to add some valuable information or advice. However doing so would probably be a full-time job, something I simply don’t always have time for!

We are also very focused on not allowing posts that can become too political, such as: “I don’t get along with my cabin mate,” etc. This can quickly escalate to arguments and disagreements, which is something we try to avoid at all costs.

It is also a challenge to sometimes keep some information ONLY for my school’s students, as there has to be a balance between providing useful advice and tips on a large forum, and in the end not discouraging new students to join our steward/ess training programme – we still need to entice them to join us for training!

What are some of the most commonly asked questions on the group?

Shoes shoes shoes and more shoes. I feel everyone’s pain – I know what 15 to 18 hours feel like on bad shoes! I have, in one of my articles for www.onboardonline.com, specifically covered foot treatments and relaxation whilst on charter because I know this is a common problem all steward/esses deal with on a regular basis. The other most common discussion is laundry issues and stain treatment, and my biggest challenge is educating members that you cannot simply use any treatment on any fabric, different fabrics have different stain treatment solutions. Our discussions are so diverse, it is difficult to pin it down – they vary from pregnancy whilst still on board as a stewardess, games for crew while on crossings, advice on different culture guests on board and charter itineraries to writing stew training manuals , how to care for flowers , compiling checklists, fitting out a new build, using lemon, baking soda and hydrogen peroxide instead of harsh chemicals, how to make a variety of cocktails and input from a mixologist, table setting ideas - the list goes on!

What’s the best piece of advice you have ever been given?

What not to ever say to a captain:

- “That’s not the way we did it on my old boat.”

- “When do we get a day off?”

- “I’ll do it later…”

- “But I just washed the boat…”

- “That’s not my job.”

- Anticipate guest needs.

- Learn how to keep your mouth shut with a smile on your face – through long hours – and keep a happy, positive attitude.

- Be flexible.

- Have an open mind and a willingness to learn, listen and help where needed.

- Attention to detail – the devil is in the details.

- Common sense is not so common anymore…

- Be compatible and tolerant with multi-cultures and multi-personality types.

- There are clear boundaries between guests and crew.

- Learn grace under pressure.

- Punctuality – how to set an alarm!!!

- It is ok, no essential, to ask questions when uncertain.

- Learn personal self-drive, initiative and anticipation.

- Don’t treat the yacht as your own!

- Learn the art of multi-tasking.

- Just to get on with the job – the “No, but…” answer gets annoying.

- No drinking with the guests.

- Self control – don’t party a lot while not taking your job seriously.

- Don’t get emotionally involved with anyone on board, neither guest, the captain, or the crew.

- Keep to your job/keep your head down/stay focused on the job/mind your own business/stay out of the drama and politics.

- Stay professional at all times.

- Be polite and courteous to your fellow crew members, and respectful of your superiors, as your reputation will follow you.

- Be prepared to work extremely hard around the clock/pull your weight.

- Don’t talk badly about people/gossip.

- Listen and learn – save your suggestions until have earned a right and respect to give your input.

- Take time out to smell the roses , take time in port and have fun.

- Develop a thick skin and don’t take things personally.

- Respect the chain of command.

- There is no such thing as complete privacy while working on boats.

- Know your place and don’t get too friendly – you are not a friend of the owner, you are an employee.

- Take pride in what you do.

- Talk to the person you’re having a problem with. Solve it like an adult, and don’t take it to the captain, or worse, the owner.

- Remember it is a small industry and what happened in Antigua, they will know in Antibes the next day.

- Stay positive.

- Work hard, play hard, be careful.

- Don’t chase the money - it is a hard job, so you must really want some aspect of the job. Just doing it for the money will never be satisfying.

- Always persevere.

- Be attentive to safety in ALL aspects of your job.

- Be careful what you say, and to whom you say it.

- Be honest.

- Be organized.

- Choose a great crew over higher pay.

- Clean up after yourself.

- Stretch or exercise every day .

- Don’t eat every time you see something delicious.

- Don’t get star struck over celebrities – everyone that comes on board is a VIP and should be treated as such.

- Don’t take shortcuts to gain success.

- Look out for yourself and your friends.

- Never let a hangover impede your job performance.

- Put away your cell phone during work hours.

- Say goodbye to your old life and hello to your new one.

- Sleep on break times when guests are on board, you need it! You can walk around port another time.

- Stay in touch with friends and family outside the crew – keeps you out of drama and maintains sanity.

Things I wish someone told me before joining the industry:

- Always read garment labels before laundering. DO NOT tumble dry if the label says so, and DRY CLEAN only means exactly that.

- Bleach can cause serious damage and should rather not be used. It ruins clothes, and eats marble, wood and the gold on plated fixtures .

- Check the laundry for objects inside pockets (like pens, lipstick, Chapstick, mobile phones and lighters).

- Don’t mix colours and whites – EVER!

- Don’t put bottles of wine or Champagne in the freezer for a quick chill – as you might forget about it and there will be a big mess to clean up.

- Agents/chandlers can take care of a lot of things.

- Always spray cleaning products on the cloth first, not the surface that you are cleaning.

- Blue coloured cleaner should not be used (in the laundry).

- Check the voltage of an appliance before plugging in (USA 110V and EUR 220 – 240 V).

- Bleach on a white carpet can make it PINK!

- Collect business cards – contacts are everything in this industry. Keep them sorted into different countries and different sections: florists, transports, provisioners, etc.

- Communicate every detail that you know – share your info as someone else may need to know.

- Don’t allow acidic foods or lemon juice, etc. to touch marble, the acid will etch it.

- Don’t leave soap (like liquid hand wash soap and soap bars) on marble, it will damage the marble.

- Don’t open the door (even after knocking) unless someone has invited you in.

- Don’t overload the washing machine (especially with big heavy towels) – it will break or leak.

- Don’t use Museum Gel or Magic Erasers in the interior – EVER!

- Carrying cleaning products in a caddy prevents drips (from bleach and blue Windex, etc.) on your white carpets!

- Don’t use heavy duty steel wool to take hard water marks off mirrors – it will scratch.

- Don’t use razor blades on plastic mirrors.

- Don’t use Scotch Pads on INOX galley surface.

- Don’t use Scotch Pads on Lexan Shower doors to clean off soap scum.

- Don’t use vinegar and water on marble, granite or onyx surfaces – it will damage the surface.

- Educate, then delegate.

- Put the “runners” back on the carpets as soon as the guests leave.

- Put drop towels or protective covers down at entrances throughout the boat that are used by crew – their feet are often wet when they come from outside or some don’t even take off their shoes.

- If you make a mistake, own up immediately, as someone may know a quick solution.

- Just use water and vinegar on wood surfaces, not Pledge or Mr Min, as all those other products attracts dust.

- Keep track of your $$$$$!

- Milk gets rid of ink marks on leather (don’t ever RUB HARD to try and remove a stain off a leather couch).

- NEVER leave an iron unattended!!!!!

- Scented sprays stain silk, brass and marble (does it make sense to spray an oily scented spray over clean surfaces that you just detailed?).

- Set the glasses for the table while at anchor at the last minute, bad wake can topple them.

- Stain removers on carpets can make the carpet attract more dirt.

- Make sure you always securely stow items inside cupboards (like vases, candle holders, wine). If not, they will roll around when the boat moves and break.

- Trust your instincts when interviewing for a job – if the captain seems disrespectful in the interview, he probably is always like that.

- Varnish work on interior is softer than exterior varnish, it nicks very easily.

- When ironing in a cabin, make sure to put down a towel or protective cover underneath, so if/when the iron falls over, you don’t ruin the carpet.

- Whink rust remover stains stainless steel.

- Always have everything ready – silver polished, napkins folded, etc. Plans are guaranteed to change!

- Fold napkins and sheets while ironing to save time later.

- Febreze/Downy Wrinkle Release spray for sheets on bed or tablecloth on table to “hand iron”.

- Set up breakfast items the night before (do not actually set table, but fill jam pots, pull cutlery, table cloth, etc.)

- Always carry something with you when you walk from one part of the boat to another, to save on trips.

- Always double check your work – leave and come back to see if you missed anything.

- Add Ginger Ale, or a capful bleach, or a teaspoon sugar, or a copper penny to the water in your flower arrangements to make them last longer.

- Be systematic – always do things in the same order, so you get in the “groove”.

- GooGone is a wonder product.

- Let your candles cool down on the table after use, this way you can carry them without making a mess from runny candle wax.

- DRIFT method – Do Right First Time – saves time not having to re-do it later.

- Flour sack cloths are the best cloths on earth.

- Dry stainless immediately to avoid water marks.

- Heat water to boiling temp in the microwave to loosen dried food.

- Keep cleaning supplies in a caddy/carrier so that you know when it is running out (instead of checking lots of storage places).

- Keep fridges stocked.

- Keep folded and ironed napkins on pants hangers after ironing them. This will avoid folding creases.

- Make lists – always have a pen and paper in your pocket.

- Place orders (flowers, etc.) on the phone while ironing.

- Put oranges in microwave for 30 seconds – this gives more juice when squeezing.

- Soak white napkins and white table cloths or white sheets and pillow cases in bucket of Napisan immediately after use – this keeps stains from setting.

- Squeegee showers or wipe with Chamois before cleaning to get rid of excess water (do not use guest towels for this!!).

- If you are out of time, use iron-on double sided tape or for a quick fix instead of sewing a hem.

- Vacuum walls, shelves, etc. with a brush fixture on the vacuum before dusting.

Oh, and life in real yachting IS NOTHING LIKE BELOW DECK !

Post your comment

You cannot post comments until you have logged in.

No one has commented on this page yet.

RSS feed for comments on this page | RSS feed for all comments

Search articles with keywords

Welcome to The Superyacht Shop

Here at the Superyacht Shop we offer a very personal service and our aim is to reduce the time and stress involved in out-fitting your crew.

We supply a full range of on and off charter uniforms and footwear by all the leading brands, embroidered, screen printed and co-ordinated to the colours of your yachts. We can supply anything from a small order of top up uniform to a full crew complement for a new build project.

We also have a very popular bespoke service offering you personalised solutions from Staterooms to the Bridge with beautiful Italian leather Cabin Stationery Folders, Menus, Desk Blotters, Log Books and General Files. We can also offer interesting and varied gifts and giveaways for owners, guests, and launch parties.  If you can't see what you want on the website just tell us and we'll supply it for you.

After many years of experience of working on private and charter sailing and motor yachts. We understand the high standards that are required in the yachting industry and our reputation for excellence is founded on our ability to source and deliver exactly the right products quickly and efficiently anywhere in the world.

Get in touch with us now, or feel free to browse our clothing  and accessories catalog.

• Sweats & Rugby Shirts
• Formal Shoes
• Sports Shoes
• Shorts / Skorts
• Trousers & Leggings
• Skirts / Skorts
• Beautician/Masseuse/Housekeeping
• Board Shorts
• Foul Weather Gear
• Recycled & Sustainable
• Caps / Hats
• All we do is
• Asquith & Fox
• Bella + Canvas
• Birkenstock
• Brook Taverner
• Chatham Marine
• Craghoppers
• Cutter & Buck
• Équipement De Vie
• Helly Hansen
• Henri-Lloyd
• Ibex of England
• James Harvest
• James & Nicholson
• Marine Pool
• Native Spirit
• Simon Jersey
• Tommy Hilfiger
• Under Armour
• VMG Clothing
• Stationery & Leather Goods
• Wrapping and Tissue Paper
• Bath & Toiletries
• Water Bottles
• Testimonials

• Career Advice
• Salary Guide
• Digital Dockwalk

How to Get a Job as a Yacht Stewardess

Kate got her start in the yachting industry working as crew. She spent five years cruising the Bahamas, Caribbean, New England, and Central America, then segued that experience into a career in marine journalism, including stints as editor of  Dockwalk  and  ShowBoats International .

If you’re not afraid of hard work, have a knack for hospitality and service, and are a team player, then traveling the globe as superyacht stewardess could be in your future. Here is everything you need to know to land a job as a stewardess on a luxury yacht...

A yacht stewardess (or steward) is an entry-level position in yachting that provides a gateway to a career in hospitality at sea. A stewardess serves a vital role as part of the interior team and is responsible for the upkeep and presentation of the interior of a vessel.

One of the greatest appeals of working as interior crew on a superyacht (other than travel and tips ) is that the role of a stewardess doesn’t require extensive schooling or qualifications. While experience in the hospitality or customer service sector is advantageous, when starting out as a junior steward or stewardess, it is more about having a friendly disposition and being willing to learn and work hard.

“The ideal junior stewardess will have an eagerness to absorb information and learn the ropes properly, the ability to take direction and follow instructions, as well as the confidence to ask questions when clarification or additional instruction is needed,” says Sarah Bester with Northrop & Johnson Crew Services .

What is a Yacht Stewardess?

A steward or stewardess maintains the interior of a superyacht and provides five-star service to its owners and guests. On charter or owner trips, the interior team handles beverage and meal service, housekeeping, and laundry, all with the highest attention to detail. They have the most face time with guests so are responsible for relaying their wishes to the deck department, chef, and captain.

What Does a Yacht Stewardess do?

A junior member of an interior team on a yacht larger than 45 to 50 meters will typically start his or her career in the laundry room and/or in housekeeping rather than in service.

On smaller boats, the stewardess can be a department of one. “If you’re a solo stew you’ll be up early doing it all,” says Alene Keenan, a 30-year veteran of interior work who has literally written the book on yacht service, The Yacht Guru’s Bible. The day starts with opening duties: “setting up for breakfast, preparing breakfast, serving and clearing breakfast, laundry, cabin service, housekeeping duties, more laundry,” lists Keenan. This is followed by lunch service and more housekeeping and laundry, ongoing beverage service, setting up for afternoon activities, cocktails and hors d’oeuvres service, dinner service, cabin turndowns, finishing and returning laundry, and to close the day, pulling dishes, décor, and service items for the next day’s breakfast.

“If you have two or more interior crew, the duties are shared and probably rotated, and start times depend on hours of work and rest,” Keenan says.

• Top Tips For Working as a Stewardess

On larger yachts, the chief stew will provide his or her team with a checklist of duties to perform for each shift. “The routine will generally be the same,” says Chief Stewardess Tracey Bamforth . “You will be allocated a shift, shift duties, and shift expectations. You will wake up and dress in your on-charter uniform, making sure you are presentable, fresh, and on time. It’s important to remember that when the guests are on, your need to manage yourself to the best of your ability: speaking softly, working smartly, being very aware of your environment — for example, not leaving cleaning products out and about and keeping the yacht to its absolute best standard.”

Off-charter is when maintenance, deep cleaning, and inventorying are done in addition to daily laundry, crew mess, and bridge duties.

Who Does a Yacht Stewardess Report to?

This varies depending on the size of the yacht and crew. “Every yacht is unique and could have a different set-up; nothing is black or white,” says Lien Eggermont, senior yacht placement consultant for interior crew at Viking Crew .

Generally, when a stewardess works alone, they report to the captain. When there are two or more in the interior department, the junior would report to the chief stewardess, or with larger teams, they may even report to the second steward/ess. For the largest of superyachts, each interior division — housekeeping, laundry and service — will have their own head of department (HOD), so for example a housekeeping stewardess would report to the head of housekeeping.

What Qualifications Do I Need to Become a Yacht Stewardess?

All crew need STCW basic safety training , a five-day course, and an ENG1 medical certificate , and some yachts may also require certification in Food Safety & Hygiene, a one-day course.

On top of these necessities, there are numerous options for yacht-specific interior training, but many chief stews, like Robert, prefer to teach on the job. “Most of the skills you need in yachting, especially in the interior, you learn as you go,” she says.

The amount of knowledge you need going in may depend on when you’re hired. “Early in the season, the HOD will have time to train and teach everything from scratch. Mid-season they don’t have time to hold somebody’s hand — in the nicest possible way — and will need somebody who can hit the ground running,” Eggermont says.

Courses that introduce entry-level candidates to yacht interior work are offered in many countries around the world. “Bluewater hosts some fantastic courses; their Yacht Interior Service courses start at a zero-to-hero course and can really help with a newbie or green stewardess who wants to acclimate and understand the principles and products used on a vessel,” Bamforth says.

Bester points out that additional courses like silver service and WSET (Wine & Spirit Education Trust) can help a candidate stand out. “These courses are an additional investment and thus an indication that the candidate may be more career minded,” she says.

• Recommendations for Entry-Level Interior Crew

“Training has always been a privilege in my mind,” adds Bamforth. “Most newbies starting out will already be stretched from arriving from a new country, trying to find a new role, living in a crew house, and then to expect them to start off with a couple thousand dollars in courses under their belts is somewhat unfair. I believe in the ability to train and trial a newbie and give them the opportunity to show you they have the capacity to work, learn, live in a very close environment with others, repeat the systems they are learning, and, most importantly, have a good attitude!”

Maxine Robert, chief stewardess on 47-meter M/Y Loon , adds, “Having a positive attitude is everything as we live in such close quarters and work very closely with each other every day.”

What Experience Do I Need?

“Many programs will consider junior stew candidates who are green to yachting but come with strong land-based hospitality experience,” says Bester. Eggermont seconds this: “Waitressing in high-end restaurants or hotels, background in events, housekeeper in a hotel or, for example, a boutique B&B. But also candidates who have worked on board cruise ships or river cruises will be considered.”

Keenan points out a wide range of work experiences on land that translate to interior work at sea, listing: “restaurant/hotel work, flower arranging , event planning, retail sales, anything with customer service.”

Furthermore, Bamforth says she considers a potential new hire’s complete background, including things like whether they have finished university — “my thoughts would be that they have a ‘stick it out to the end’ attitude, and an ability to think on their own, which is always a plus,” — or if they played team sports at school — “shows an aptitude for playing nicely with people.” She says she has enjoyed working with hires from a wide variety of backgrounds, from advertising to having a family member who is a florist. “Nurses or medical-trained candidates I find to be extremely empathic and good with other crewmembers,” she says.

How Much Does a Yacht Stewardess Earn?

The entry-level starting salary can range from $2,500 to $3,500 per month, says Bester at Northrop & Johnson. “Charter programs will typically be on the lower end of the salary range due to the additional income crew receive through charter tips,” she says. Eggermont at Viking Crew says the average is €2,500 per month.

Dockwalk conducts an annual salary survey that polls both placement agencies and working yacht crew. According to its most recent 2020 Salary Survey , the low end of the range given by agencies — where most junior crew would start — is between $2,250 and $2,800 per month. Interior crew who aren’t working as the chief or solo self-reported that they made from $3,000 to $4,500 per month, with the bigger bucks being netted on bigger vessels.

The earning potential of interior crew grows alongside experience. At the top of their game, a chief steward/ess on a vessel longer than 70 meters earns $7,000 to $12,000 per month, says Dockwalk ’s wage guide.

“I’d say don’t be too picky as a junior crewmember,” Eggermont says. “If a 90-meter-plus (yacht) offers you a role at €2,000 with potentially an increase after probation or so, I’d say take it. Do a season, do your best so that you get a great reference. You need a foot in the door!”

Related articles:

• What are the Different Crew Roles on a Luxury Yacht?
• How to Get a Job as a Yacht Chef
• Everything You Need to Know About STCW Training
• What is the ENG1 Medical Certificate and Why Do I Need it?

More from Dockwalk

Most popular on dockwalk.

What Does a Yacht Stewardess Do?

Depending on the size of the yacht, there are between 1 and 5+ yacht stewardess. The duties and responsibilities as a yacht stewardess will vary with the size of the yacht and number of crew on the yacht. Your first job as a stewardess on a larger size yacht will consist of learning the basic duties of a stewardess. Crew Mess duties, detailing, cleaning windows, polishing is high on the agenda to keep the yacht in immaculate condition at all times.

Onboard a smaller yacht with a lower number of stewardess, responsibilities will increase to more hands-on duties such as; tender driving, anchoring, mooring procedures, assist within the galley or deck operations.

The workload varies depending on the yacht, season, itinerary, and whether you have guests onboard. The busiest times are usually pre-season, boat shows or guest arrivals and while guests are onboard. A yacht stewardess position on a superyacht requires energetic professionals and as you’ll constantly be on your feet. While guests are not on board its common to have a typical 8-5 schedule with weekends off if working fulltime, if there is a trip or event with guests, hours will be much longer, and work will be much more demanding.

What are the responsibilities of a Yacht Stewardess?

• Providing 5-star service to guests and ensuring guest satisfaction
• Providing excellent guest service, silver service and bartending skills when needed
• Maintaining laundry, housekeeping and wardrobe tasks for both guests and yacht crew
• Floral arrangements and decorations
• Excellent knowledge of fine dining, wines and cocktails
• Maintenance of guest-cabin care and detailed cleaning
• Assisting with inventory and restocking provisions
• Watchkeeping within the crew mess
• Stowage for sea
• Attention to detail
• To maintain a safe and secure environment

Yacht Stewardess Job Descriptions

In bigger superyachts, the purser serves in her own capacity as an administrative presence, employed to take care of recruitment and keep financial records. The cases where the purser is employed to act is mostly when the population of the members of the yacht crew is considerable. Otherwise, the office and its responsibilities are merged with that of the chief stewardess. The Purser is charged with keeping an eye on the book-keeping, workforce management, crew member accreditations and yacht crew member documentations, crew training, monitoring the inventory and making orders for necessities and requirements like foodstuff and wine stock, crew uniforms, required utensils and cleaning materials. They also manage the protocol duties and logistics of transporting guests between the yachts and scheduled locations as well as concluding contracts for deliveries.

Your adventure is waiting...

For course schedules and availability.

Skills required:  To be a purser, you must have garnered sufficient experience at least as a Chief Stewardess on smaller yachts. The administrative workload on this position demands a very meticulous level of management as well as a versatility in the skill of organization of paperwork for each division on the superyacht’s crew. Also, as the purser will be involved with the yacht owners and their guests a lot when planning for guest excursions and occasions. It is essential that the purser has strong communication skills and has efficient strategies and expertise for drafting in new yacht crew members as the requirement surfaces. 

Salary expectations:  There is considerable crossover between the duties of a Purser and a Chief Stewardess, but on larger yachts where both roles are filled, a Purser can expect to earn between  $6,000 to $12,000+ per month .

Chief Stewardess

This role is predominantly taken up by females, hence the feminization of the position. That is not to say that there are not many famous chief stewards in charge of management in the yachting industry. The interior department headed by the chief stewardess is established to provide hospitable service for the guests of the yacht owner and the owner himself. Also, the department takes up the duties related to creating and maintaining a snug interior on the yacht. These responsibilities are not limited to Crew and guest refectory handling, detailing, cleaning, preparing the cabin, floral decoration and arrangement, burnishing, laundry and more. The Chief stewardess in charge of the management of the interior department by planning and assigning tasks to be performed by all stewardesses. In smaller yachts, the chief stewardess reports directly to the captain and is also responsible for extra duties like the logistics and planning of guest-transporting between the yachts, crew training and scheduled locations or events. They are also in charge of currency conversion for new locations.

Skills required:  Attention to detail and exquisite taste is extremely desirable in chief stewardesses. The necessary skills will naturally develop after some time spent in service as a stewardess, and the ability to execute the role of a stewardess is measured by comparisons to first-class ratings; anything below a five-star rating for any service is deemed unsatisfactory. Experienced chief stewardesses are remarkably prudent, and they can divine in addition to excellently satisfying the wants and needs of the yacht owners and their guests aboard the yacht at all times.

Salary expectations:  Depending on experience and the size of the vessel, the current salary range for a Chief Stewardess is between  $4,500 to $9,000+ per month .

A Yacht Stewardess functions under the supervision of the chief stewardess and are tasked with making sure that the yacht interior is maintained at pristine condition while offering the best grade of hospitable service. Their responsibilities range from services like dishing food and serving drinks, filling out as baristas to domestic duties like setting the tables, preparing the cabin or doing the laundry. They are also charged with housekeeping duties which might be relegated to an entire department, which is overseen by a housekeeping head in much larger yachts. There could also be some different departments for each of the other duties like cleaning. Position Requirements: In short, while being animated and enthusiastic will earn you praises, it is more important to the perfection of the service that you able to work extremely hard with a smile on your face and pride in your ability. Also, having prior experience in delivering silver service, being a decent cocktail maker or barista will make your application a smoother process. More importantly, to be hired as a stewardess to work in a superyacht, you must have received some specific education and accreditation that qualifies you for the job. Some of the required certifications include:

Skills required:  As with an entry-level deckhand position, success in this role comes down to being prepared to work hard and keep a smile on your face. Previous experience of providing silver service or having skills as a barista or cocktail maker can boost your potential to secure a job, but the most important quality to possess remains a positive attitude and a sense of pride in achieving the highest standards in your work.

Salary expectations:  An entry-level stewardess can expect to earn between  $2,700 to $3,200 per month . On larger yachts, the stepping-stone position of the second stewardess can provide greater responsibility by sharing some of the chief stewardess’ duties and earnings increase to an average of between  $3,300 to $5,500 per month .

Yacht Stewardess Training and Qualifications:

Essential Certificates You Must Hold Before You Can Get a Stewardess Job on a Yacht are:

1. STCW Basic Training

2. ENG 1 (Seafarers Medical Certificate)

3. Passport and visas, if applicable

What does the STCW (95 + 10) Basic Safety Training course include?

• Personal Survival Techniques (STCW A-VI/1-1)
• Fire Fighting and Fire Prevention (STCW A-VI/1-2)
• Elementary First Aid (STCW A-VI/1-3)
• Personal Safety and Social Responsibility (STCW A-VI/1-4)
• Proficiency in Security Awareness (STCW A-VI/6-1)

How To Become a Yacht Stewardess With No Experience?

There is no need to question if it can be done, people get entry-level jobs as stewardesses on superyacht more often than you think. The thing they will agree on is that getting the job as a stewardess is as much about having the right certifications and skills to pull off your duties efficiently, as being able to maintain an enthusiastic outlook as you carry out your tasks.

You can start with a day job as a member of a small crew on a yacht or superyacht, depending on which you can get first. Although the work you will be assigned to might look mundane, the attitude you bring forward when working is what will set you apart for a more permanent role in the nearest future. That is not to say the right attitude is all you need if you really want to get this job; you have to consider mastering some skills like your bartending skills or your proficiency in providing silver service before considering an application.

Stewardesses are mostly tasked with either Crew and guest refectory handling, detailing, clean up, preparing the cabin, floral decoration and arrangement, burnishing, or laundry. Getting experience enough to bring your service level towards perfection is essential. A few courses or practices you can indulge in to gain experience or certification include:

Some courses/past experiences which will help you stand out from the other yacht stewardess and crucial to landing a yacht stewardess job are, but not limited to:

• Basically, anything hospitality/service related: hotel, cruise ships, cleaning, bars and restaurants
• Any spa/beauty experience: masseuse, personal training, yoga, manicure, pedicure, hair and make-up.
• Table service (e.g. silver service, napkin folding, etc)
• Childcare/Teaching: Nanny, Baby-sitting experience or teaching kids.
• Food Safety and Hygiene or cooking experience
• Floral Arrangements
• Bartending: sommelier, cocktail, mixologist, service experience
• Anything boat related: sailing, boat driving, diving, fishing, wakeboarding, kite surfing etc.

Starting a Career as a Yacht Stewardess

One thing many experienced crew members agree on that has surprised them about their yachting careers, is the sheer number of questions. You first ask yourself some questions before you begin your yachting career. You go ahead to find answers to more questions when you gain enough interest, and then you spend the rest of your life answering questions from your family members and friends every time you open your mouth to explain that you work on a vessel of luxury like a yacht. Or you reveal the experiences you’ve enjoyed and endured on your travels. Of course, you can expect the questions to be even more suffocating when a certain set of people get to know that you work aboard a ‘super-’ yacht. Ultimately, you should always be prepared for when they all ask, googly-eyed, for how to get in on the action. Can you blame them?

It is no hidden secret that yachts are synonymous with luxury nowadays. Coupled with its nature as a luxurious means of travel, the experience for the yacht crew is matched perfectly by the financial rewards sponsored by ultra-wealthy owners, the yachting industry gives people that lift into the world of the rich and powerful while offering work conditions that are a few inches short of heavenly. With the open and beautiful seas as your office, you start getting the gist of why getting to start a career in this glitzy occupation is extremely intimidating for most people.

Indeed, as a long-term career, breaking into the ranks can admittedly be a tough nut to crack. There are predictably many requirements, most of which are not on the work advert. Fortunately, a career as a yacht crew member always fulfils its promise to be worthwhile, with a lucrative, secure and perfect opportunity waiting for those who can successfully claim this profession choice. While getting a job aboard a superyacht is the lure, achieving your dreams depends on the amount of knowledge you have acquired on how to begin your journey, what type of jobs are available as a stewardess on the yacht and which of these job types fits your individual, in terms of your disposition, talent or aptitudes and capacity.

That is the sole purpose behind this little knowledge reservoir on starting a career as a stewardess on a superyacht. This way, you get a definitive idea on what will be required of you to stand a chance, as well as what you can do to improve your chances of getting a job as an attendant aboard a superyacht. All you should do now is to inject as much eagerness and resolve into your quest as you can muster, and the job will not be far from your grasp.

What differentiates a yacht and a cruise ship from a superyacht?

Simply put, a superyacht is a massive yacht, usually over 75 feet in length, driven either by motor or sail. Superyachts are predominantly owned by private investors, and they usually require that the superyachts are staffed by specialized crews. The yachts are mostly put to work for their owners, but often available to others via crewed charters. This means that while cruise ships are built to treat a large population of people, that could number in thousands or hundreds, superyachts are designed to offer a more intense experience to a remarkably less number of people, typically at most 12 people.

Over the years, yachts of different sizes have tread the seas in the yachting industry, from the average superyachts to magnificent giga-yachts that have lengths up to 320 feet. The building cost for each of these yachts exceeds hundreds of millions of dollars. Perhaps more astonishingly, the running costs for the maintenance and other necessities can be estimated to approach a tenth of the original building cost! Every year! It goes without saying that owning a superyacht is exclusive to the extremely wealthy and even to charter the vessel is a glory that those of the same status can enjoy.

With this much money spent on them by their owners, superyachts are always beautiful creatures. They are built with the most impressive methods, best materials and very grand designs. Superyachts are also stocked with enough variety, luxury and extravagance that sincerely borders on indulgence. However, the true value of these superyachts to these elites of society is not just in their beauty. Instead, they serve as a representation of their standing in society, and that is why they spend a heartbreaking sum regularly to keep the yachts up-to-date with recent technological advancements and inventions. It is for this reason that many documentaries have been made to give others an insight into the glamorous life of these top-of-the-food-chain individuals, through their yachts. More important for you to note is that there are more than 9,000 superyachts currently travelling the seas per recorded sales data, with a continually observed increase. This means more job opportunities for crew member positions.

What else do I need to do?

• Always present yourself in a professional manner
• Prepare a  Superyacht CV
• Dress well and yacht appropriate
• Maintaining a respectful, friendly attitude during courses and interviews can make a big impression on potential employers and valuable network contacts

Do you have an immaculate room or are you a little OCD when it comes to cleaning, organizing and cleanliness? Well if not it won’t be long before you are a neat freak. Yacht Stews and Interior crew are masters of all. Imagine labeling every single item in your cupboards or detailing a toaster (that’s right you probably never even heard of the term “detailing” before. It basically means clean something that an average person will think is already clean. It’s not a bad thing, in fact, it’s a skill that will pay off in both your personal and professional life.   If you have what it takes to be a yacht stewardess, stay open-minded, show your eagerness to learn and let your personality shine!

How Much Does a Yacht Stewardess Earn?

At entry-level, a Junior Yacht Stewardess could expect to earn between  $2,700 and $3,200 per month.  An experienced yacht stewardess could earn upwards of $4,000 per month depending on the size of the vessel and previous deckhand experience, training and certification. These numbers are based on an average, all yachts are different and sometimes pay more or less depending.

8 Steps to Getting a Stewardess Job:

Step 1:  Research – Understanding the position and requirements Step 2:   STCW Basic Training Step 3:   ENG1 Step 4:   Training and Qualifications Step 5:  Register with a SuperYacht Crew Agency Step 6:  Upload a quality CV Step 7:  Network Step 8:   Dock Walking  – Day Work

In a quick summary, getting a job as a stewardess on a yacht can be a challenge, however, if you have read this far, the first step of the search for a stewardess job is already complete.

The next step will be to book a Stewardess Course, and you are in the right place! We offer elite preparation and training to students who want to excel within the Superyacht industry and become fully certified. If you have any questions or are interested in our Superyacht Stewardess Career Course, get in touch with us by clicking here .

Article was written by Superyacht Crew Agency

How to Become a Yacht Stewardess / Steward: An Experienced Insiders Guide

If you’re wondering how to become a yacht stewardess / steward, you’ve found the perfect starting point.

I’ve personally reaped the rewards of 10 magnificent years in the industry, where I started out as a yacht stewardess and worked my way up to Chief Stewardess. This has motivated me to help people like you that are wondering how to become a yachtie .

My goal here is to equip you with the best resources and knowledge for how to become a stewardess on a yacht. Make sure you follow these steps to ensure you successfully land your first job.

Table of Contents

Yacht Steward / Yacht Stewardess Job Description

As a Yacht Stewardess or Steward, you are responsible for all the interior operations of the vessel. This will include tasks such as housekeeping, laundry and high-end food and beverage service.

Interior Tasks Include:

• 5 star food and beverage service
• Flower arranging
• Table scaping
• Laundry Care
• Interior housekeeping
• Updating interior inventories
• Accounting and budgeting
• Liaising with guests and co-ordinating activities

1. What Qualifications Do You Need to be a Yacht Stewardess or Steward?

In order to become a stewardess on a yacht, you will need to have an STCW Certification and pass an ENG1 medical.

The STCW (Standards of Training and Certification of Watch keeping) is an internationally mandated course and a minimum requirement for anyone who wishes to work on a yacht.

Throughout the training, crew members will acquire the necessary skills to handle emergency situations and ensure the safety of all onboard. They will also learn safe working practices to ensure the safety of themselves and their fellow crew members.

In 2010 the STCW convention added a new module requirement to the basic safety training, so ensure that you do the additional Proficiency in Security Awareness (PSA) module which takes one extra day.

This STCW course is comprised of 4 modules, takes 5 days to complete, and is valid for 5 years. The modules include:

• Personal Survival Techniques (PST)
• Fire Fighting and prevention (FFP)
• Elementary First Aid (EFA)
• Personal Safety and Social Responsibility (PSSR)

If you aim to work on vessels of +50m in size you may also need to hold the PDSD (Proficiency in Designated Security duties) course. This is a one-day online course for anyone who may be involved in security duties such as being a watch keeper.

To work on a yacht, you must undergo a basic medical examination called an ENG1. This assessment is performed by a doctor certified by the Maritime Coastguard Agency (MCA) to ensure that you are healthy enough to work on a yacht.

A list of MCA-approved doctors can be found  here .

2. Recommended Courses if You want to Become a Yacht Stewardess / Steward

In order to become a Yacht Stewardess or Steward you do not necessarily need to hold any other courses or certifications. The courses you choose to do would be more so to boost your confidence and gain better insight into being a stewardess on a yacht.

Hood Hygiene and Safety Level 2

Although this course is not mandatory, I highly recommend you do it as most vessels require anyone handling food (Stews included) to hold this certification. There are a few variations of the course so just ensure that the one you do is MCA approved.

The purpose of this certification is to equip crew members with the skills to assume personal accountability for food safety. This involves understanding the importance of maintaining cleanliness and hygiene in both personal work areas and food preparation.

Introductory Yacht Steward/ Yacht Stewardess Training

These courses are generally held over 5 days, and include everything you need to know about how to get into yachting as a Stewardess or Steward, as well as what your job will entail.

You will learn all the basic elements of housekeeping, laundry, service, floristry, wine knowledge, and onboard living etiquette.

These courses are not essential, but extremely helpful in having you better understand what will be required of you if you want to become a Yacht Stew.

3. Create the Perfect Yacht CV

If you are wondering how become a Yacht Stewardess with no experience, you are going to need to make sure your Yacht CV stands out from the rest.

Besides a well-laid out resume, you also need to highlight why you are the best candidate for this specific job that you are applying for. Be sure to highlight ANY transferable skills you may have to offer the industry. This could be hospitality experience, floristry, baby-sitting, yoga, or maybe you are a masseuse.

4. Apply for your Visa if Necessary

To work as a stewardess on a Super Yacht, you will need to look into your personal situation and passport to identify which visa you need.

B1/B2 VISA – Needed to enter the United States and surrounding waters

Shengen Visa – Needed to enter Europe for the Mediterranean season

5. Locate Yourself in the Right Place at the Right Time

Once you are ready to head over to a yachting hub, you need to consider the time of year you are going. Ideally, you want to arrive a few weeks before the season starts. There are 2 seasons in yachting:

The United States and Caribbean Winter Season (November/December to March/April)

The biggest hub for yachting in America is Fort Lauderdale, and in the Caribbean, it is Antigua and St Maarten.

Please note that if you are not a green card holder or US citizen, I do not recommend flying into America and actively seeking work. This is illegal and could get you into trouble.

The Mediterranean Summer Season (April/May to September/October)

If you’re looking for the ideal spot in the Mediterranean, consider Antibes in the South of France. It’s a top yachting hub with plenty of crew houses and yacht agents. Plus, you’re within easy reach of other sought-after destinations like Monaco and Nice.

Palma, located on the island of Mallorca, is also a major hub for yachting. It boasts numerous marinas, agents, and crew housing facilities.

6. Day Working and Dock Walking for a Yacht Stewardess / Steward

“Daywork” is when you get hired on a day-to-day basis, earning cash and assisting boats as they need extra help onboard.

Daywork is a great way to get experience as a Yacht Stewardess or Steward. If you make a good impression on the Captain and Crew, this could lead to a permanent position onboard or a referral to another boat.

“ Dock Walking ” is when you walk the docks of marina’s handing out your CV in the hopes of being hired for day work.

7. Sign up with Yacht Crew Agencies

You will want to sign up with as many yacht crew agencies as possible. Here are some popular agencies you should sign up with to get started: Luxury Yacht Group, Blue Water Yachting, The Crew Network, Cotton Crews, Yot Spot, Northrop and Johnson, HR Crew and Burgess.

To stay updated on job postings, it’s important to check social media platforms like Facebook. Join various yachting Facebook groups such as Fort Lauderdale Yacht Crew, Palma Yacht Crew, and Antibes Yacht Crew. You want to keep checking these groups regularly to stay informed.

Yacht Steward / Yacht Stewardess Salary

As with everything in the industry, your salary is largely dependent on the size of the vessel, your experience in the industry, as well as your qualifications.

A starting salary for a Yacht Stewardess or Steward can range from $2500-$3500. From there you can expect to see annual salary increments as you spend more time in the industry.

If you want to set some goals, a Chief Stewardess’s salary can be upwards of $5000 – $9000. Possibly even more depending on the size of the vessel!

On top of these very attractive salaries , you may also have opportunities to earn more money in the form of charter tips and annual bonuses.

Roles and Responsibilities of a Yacht Stewardess or Steward

The housekeeping stew.

The role of a Housekeeping Stew is to clean and maintain all aspects of the interior of the vessel . Guest cabins and common areas need to be meticulously cleaned with a lot of care and attention to detail. They will also be cleaning crew areas such as the crew mess and bridge.

Cleaning the vessel is not as simple as it seems. You will be vacuuming, dusting, polishing, tooth-picking grooves, ear budding ledges, and working with delicate surfaces.

The Laundry Stew

The Laundry Stew is responsible for laundering, stain treating, ironing, and maintaining laundry for the entire vessel. This includes crew uniform, crew personal clothing, guest clothing, beach towels, bath towels, table linens, rags, and kitchen tea towels.

The job of a Laundry Stewardess is in fact a very meticulous one, as you will be dealing with a number of different fabrics and colors. A simple mistake could cost the boss a very expensive dress.

The Service Stew

The role of the Service Stewardess is to ensure that every want and need of the guests is met. As far as service goes, you will be serving 3 meals a day, afternoon canapes, sunset cocktails, and all the other beverages and snacks in between.

You may also be required to head over to the beach to do service if there is a beach set up, or go for a cruise on the tender to serve drinks and snacks. A fun part of the role is also of course the tablescaping, which is usually most Stewardesses’ favorite aspect of the job.

At-home Tasks for Your Personal Growth

There are a number of things you can do to boost your confidence as a Yacht Stewardess or Steward before joining the industry. I can assure you that personal skills and experience come preferred over certifications.

Take your time to do research, link up to the social media accounts of established stewardesses and get involved with any work or transferable skills that will boost your resume.

All of these tasks, to list a few, can be practiced at home and will impress your future employer.

• Napkin folding
• Table setting
• Cocktail making
• Making beds
• Toilet paper folds

Final Thoughts on Becoming a Yacht Stewardess / Steward

Some of you may find it easy to become a Yacht Stewardess or steward, and some of you may bump into some hurdles along the way.

Either way, my advice to you is to keep your head up and stay positive.

Work hard, put in extra effort wherever possible, keep smiling, and be a positive energy bubble in your work environment. Your efforts will pay off and soon you will be reveling in the world of Yachting. I hope to see you out there!

If you need any more advice I would be more than happy to assist you personally. Please pop me an email in the contact section.

Hi, my name is Lisa, a Chief Stewardess in the yachting industry with 10 years of experience, as well as 8 years of hospitality experience prior to that. Being in the yachting industry has been a whirlwind of adventure, growth, challenges and some of the best experiences of my life, and I am excited to share my knowledge and experiences with all of you.

7 Best Antibes Crew Houses: Where to stay for first-timers

Fort lauderdale crew houses: 21 of the best crew accommodations, 3 thoughts on “how to become a yacht stewardess / steward: an experienced insiders guide”.

Thank you for such helpful content!

Hi I’m interested in a position to be a Stewardess and to work in the bar or a restaurant on the boat . I would love to apply for a position in the mediterranean, I’m not sure where to start or if I have to do a course .

Hello Chelsea. When you are starting out in the Super Yachting Industry (not cruise ships) your role is more likely to include housekeeping and laundry. With more years of experience, your role will become more diverse and include bar tending and service. If you are looking to better understand the role of a Stewardess before joining the industry, then I have a great post on a Day in the Life of a Yacht Stewardess. If you are interested in joining the industry, then this article lists out everything you need to do to find your first job. Good Luck!

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Stewardess , All guides

Stewardess on a superyacht -10 steps to find your first job.

• July 13, 2021

How to become a Yacht Stewardess ?

Step 1 – Get Qualified Step 2 – Get the right skills and training Step 3 – Get the perfect Yachting CV Step 4 – Location – Plan your journey with your mentor Step 5 – Daywork and experience

Step 6 – Get the right Yachtie Network and Contacts

Step 7 – Get a Strong Superyacht Reference Step 8 – Start applying for our Superyacht jobs Step 9 – Ace your job interviews with your coach Step 10 – Get a job, bank account and sign contract Claim your Yachtie Careers Deckhand and Stewardess offer

Step 1 – Get Qualified as a Stewardess

Despite what you will hear…. To start working on a Superyacht there are only 3 Basic Documents required to make you qualified, and in order to start as a Stewardess you need:

• Passport (Valid 12 months)
• Basic Safety STCW Training
• Medical Certificate (Valid 6 months at least)

Step 2 – Get the right skills and stewardess training

To get an edge over other crew, some yachts require additional certificates to be held by a minimum amount of crew on board. This is called safe manning certification . If you are a Stewardess starting you should consider these:

• Food and Hygiene Level 2
• Crowd and Crisis Management

This is included in Yachtiecareers Stewardess Superyacht Course

Step 3 – Get the perfect Yachting CV

You will need to write a perfect Superyacht Stewardess CV. The sections of your CV should include:

• Contact Information
• Personal Information
• Skills and Qualifications
• Certificates
• Education & Languages

With Yachtiecareers we write the CV for you , in order to make you avoid make the mistakes of other crew and give you an edge over the competition to get your first job.

• We make sure your strengths are highlighted
• We work with graphic designers to make the lay-out appeal to Captains and recruiters
• We write it so that the overall message is selling your persona
• We structure the information correctly.
• We use industry expert writers for sentencing, paragraphing to make your CV stand out
• Most importantly you get a personal CV and can avoid using a CV-template looking like the other 20 CVs in the pile.

Step 4 – Location – Plan your journey with your Personal guide

Are you in Europe or in the US ?  Depending on your location, you can use our guides and knowledge to maximise your chances to get daywork in each city.

The best places to start Yachting, in order to succeed are the following:

• Fort Lauderdale
• US West Coast

To become a Yacht Stewardess those are location hubs for Superyachts, offering you most chances to secure a job, furthermore it will connect you with people in the Yachting Industry, in addition to the Yachtiecareers network.

• Antibes, France
• Barcelona, Spain
• Palme de Mallorca, Spain
• Split, Croatia
• Genoa, Italy

That is the top-list , recommended to find daywork with no experience by Yachtiecareers, moreover it will enable you to travel and see some of the most beautiful places in Europe.

Step 5 – Daywork and experience

The best way to find daywork is to speak with your Yachtiecareers Instructor and network in the location you are currently in. You need to be flexible and ready to work and step in at short notice.

When I was starting Yachting , I spent one day day working in Portofino in Italy , the next one in Monaco and 2 days later I was in Cannes in France.

Towards the end of the week I was doing a crossing on a 50m yacht from Antibes, France to Venice, Italy. 

You need to be flexible and ready to work and step in at short notice, in order to get the right opportunities.

• Network in your Location
• Use Yachtiecareers Partner Daywork App to find daywork with one click
• Let your Instructor find daywork for you
• Have your phone ready at all times
• Have your CV and business cards ready 
• Use your crew house contacts
• Join relevant Facebook groups (this is not always a good idea)

We can assist you finding daywork, just text your Instructor on WhatsApp.

Step 7 – Get a Strong Superyacht Reference

Just like any other profession, network is everything. When you complete our training we are confident in your abilities and are happy to provide you with a reference.

If I am looking for a Stewardess on board and I get a recommendation from a friend or someone I know, because I will choose your CV over 10 other CVs with stronger experience. That is just reality.

So build references and network using YachtieCareers, your Instructors, people you meet in Yachting hubs and ask during your Daywork.

Step 8 – Start applying for our Superyacht jobs

The way to find Superyacht jobs as a Stewardess with no experience can be hard. By all means you can register, on regular crew agencies, crew databases and apply for jobs daily.

However you will be competing with thousands of other crew, the chances that I will even read your CV are very slim.  And if I do get your CV it will be in a pile with 20 other CVs. At this point it is very important your CV has the perfect lay-out and structure.

At Yachtiecareers  we have created a Superyacht recruitment platform where we focus only on junior crew.   In addition to that the yachts we work with only contact us with junior crew requests and with the help of your personal Instructor you can get connected to people in the industry making it easier to land that first job. 

Other ways is to network and daywork. Do nor apply for hundreds (100) of online jobs without having the perfect CV and experience, it will just be a waste of time, moreover you should spend your time more wisely.

Step 9 – Ace your job interviews with your coach

At this point, you are very close to securing your first job, since you have completed the right training and used our step by step guide to secure your first job interview, because the CV they have received has displayed your key strengths.

Before the interview, your Chief Stewardess Instructor will prepare you for the questions you might face before starting, remember that 90% of the questions will be about your CV, so know your own CV inside out before the interview to explain your past experiences.

As long as you appear willing to start the job, humble and showing a happy attitude it will get you on board if you follow the interview guide from your Instructor, as result you will secure your first Superyacht job.

Step 10 – Get a stewardess job, bank account and sign your contract

Great, because you followed our guide it has led to you securing your first Superyacht  Stewardess job.

Now the fun starts. It is time to pack, to sign your contract and to get a Bank account. 

We will go through your contract with you, moreover we will make sure it is either MLC compliant or giving you the basic rights as yacht crew. If you have got the interview by using the Yachtiecareers network, the Yacht will be compliant.

• We help you with your Bank Account, to get the right currency and setting it up online
• Make sure to bring your Medical Certificate, Passport and STCW certificates originals.
• Get your flight tickets
• Sign the contract
• Pack your personal belonging, you might be away a long time, therefor there is limited space on board, so you have to get it all in to one suitcase !

Yacht Deckhand Premium STCW

Yacht Stewardess Premium STCW

Yacht Stewardess Full STCW

Superyacht Deckhand Full STCW

STCW Training in Holland- A Comprehensive Guide

Top 10 best places to find a Yacht job in the Med 2024?

Top 10 Benefits of STCW Course Netherlands

Yacht Stewardess Training in Amsterdam

Yacht Crew Courses for Holland: Food Hygiene Level 2

Yacht Deckhand Training in United States: Upgrade Your Career at Sea

Best Yacht Deckhand Training in Florida: Advance your Sea Career

Superyacht crew training europe.

2024 Dates full.   Book Final  4 spot for October date with payment plan “paylater50”

Get free yacht cv and yacht job offers

• Shipping & Returns

• Your shopping cart is empty!
•   
• --> Sale » -->
• Yachting Jackets »
• Yachting Trousers »
• Yachting Jacket & Trouser Packages »
• Yachting Drysuits »
• Yachting Gilets »
• Sports / Keelboat Clothing »
• Yachting Shorts »
• Yachting Base & Mid Layers »
• Yachting Tops / Polos »
• Yachting Lifejackets & Accessories »
• Yachting Boots »
• Yachting Gloves »
• Yachting Shoes »
• Yachting Socks »
• Dinghy Wetsuits »
• Dinghy Drysuits »
• Dinghy Rash Guards »
• Dinghy Spray Tops »
• Dinghy Thermal Layers »
• Dinghy Technical Clothing »
• Dinghy Buoyancy Aids »
• Dinghy Hiking Clothing »
• Dinghy Harnesses »
• Dinghy Helmets »
• Dinghy Impact Clothing »
• Dinghy Shorts »
• Dinghy Trousers »
• Dinghy Gloves »
• Dinghy Socks »
• Dinghy Boots »
• Kids Sailing Wetsuits »
• Kids Sailing Drysuits »
• Kids Buoyancy Aids »
• Kids Sailing Spraytops »
• Kids Rash Guards »
• Kids Lifejackets »
• Kids Sailing Jackets »
• Kids Sailing Trousers »
• Kids Hiking Shorts »
• Kids Sailing Boots »
• Kids Sailing Gloves »
• Kids Sailing Helmets »
• Kids Sailing Socks »
• Kids Sailing Thermals »
• Kids Trapeze Harnesses »
• RIB / Powerboat Clothing » -->
• Sailing Knee Guards »
• Sailing Sunglasses »
• Sailing Tools »
• Towels & Changing Mats »
• Sailing Caps Hats and Visors »
• Cleaning & Proofing Products »
• Sailing Watches »
• Sailing Bags »
• Zhik Stickers »
• Cleats & Accessories »
• Blocks & Ratchet Blocks »
• Hull & Deck Fittings »
• Fixings & Fasteners »
• Mast & Spars Fittings »
• Rudder & Tiller Fittings »
• Optimist Spars & Accessories »
• Optimist Foils & Accessories »
• Optimist Mainsheets & Fittings »
• Optimist Hull Fittings »
• Optimist Airbags / Buoyancy Bags »
• Optimist Flags & Burgees »
• Optimist Hiking Straps »
• Optimist Trolleys & Accessories »
• Optimist Accessories »
• Centre Board Slot Gasket »
• Marine Tapes »
• Sail Parts & Maintenance »
• Burgees & Flags »
• Coaching & Racing »
• Compasses & TackTicks »
• Praddles & Paddles »
• Rig Tension Gauges »
• Starting Horns »
• Boat Covers »
• Dinghy Ropes / Sheets »
• Rope Cutting & Splicing Tools »
• Shock Cord »
• Rope Fittings & Spares »
• Laser / ILCA Dinghy Covers »
• Laser® ILCA Hiking Straps »
• Laser® ILCA Replica Blocks & Lines »
• Laser® ILCA Replica Hull & Deck Fittings »
• Laser® ILCA Replica Sails »
• Laser® ILCA Replica Spars & Fittings »
• Laser® ILCA Replica Tiller & Rudder Fittings »
• Laser® ILCA Wind Indicators »
• 29er Dinghy Parts » -->
• Air Horns »
• Anchors & Anchoring »
• Navigation Lights »
• Sailing Instruments »
• Yacht Fittings »
• Yacht Furlers »
• Mounts & Holders for Rods & Gadgets »
• Miscellaneous Items »
• Mens Summer Wetsuits »
• Mens Winter Wetsuits »
• Mens Shorty Wetsuits »
• Mens Long John Wetsuits »
• Mens Wetsuit Shorts & Trousers »
• Mens Wetsuit Tops »
• 2mm Wetsuits »
• 3mm Mens Wetsuits »
• 4mm Mens Wetsuits »
• 5mm Mens Wetsuits »
• 6mm Mens Wetsuits »
• Womens Summer Wetsuits »
• Womens Winter Wetsuits »
• 2mm Womens Wetsuits »
• Womens Long Jane Wetsuits »
• Womens Wetsuit Jackets & Tops »
• Womens Wetsuit Trousers »
• 3mm Womens Wetsuits »
• 4mm Womens Wetsuits »
• 5mm Ladies Wetsuits »
• Womens Shorty Wetsuits »
• Kids Summer Wetsuits »
• Kids Winter Wetsuits »
• Kids Shorty Wetsuits »
• Gul Wetsuits »
• Alder Wetsuits »
• Dakine Wetsuits »
• Helly Hansen Wetsuits »
• Magic Marine Wetsuits »
• Musto Wetsuits »
• Mystic Wetsuits »
• Neil Pryde Wetsuits »
• Rip Curl Wetsuits »
• Typhoon Wetsuits »
• Zhik Wetsuits »
• Kitesurf Wetsuits »
• Sailing Wetsuits »
• Surf Wetsuits »
• Triathalon Wetsuits »
• Wetsuit Boots »
• Wetsuit Shoes »
• Wetsuit Socks »
• Neoprene Hoodies & Sweats »
• Ponchos / Changing Robes Mats & Towels »
• Wetsuit Bags & Packs »
• Wetsuit Cleaner & Repair »
• Wetsuit Dryers »
• Wetsuit Gloves »
• Wetsuit Hoods & Hats »
• Wetsuit Shorts & Trousers »
• Quick Dry Clothing »
• Mens Rash Guards / Vests »
• Womens Rash Guards / Vests »
• Kids Rash Guards / Vests »
• Thermal Rash Guards »
• Childrens Sun Suits »
• Mens Rash Pants & Shorts »
• Womens Rash Pants & Shorts »
• Sailing Drysuits »
• Womens Drysuits »
• Kids Drysuits »
• Kayaking Drysuits »
• Kitesurfing Drysuits »
• Crewsaver Drysuits »
• Gill Drysuits »
• Gul Drysuits »
• Musto Drysuits »
• Neil Pryde Drysuits »
• Palm Drysuits »
• Typhoon Drysuits »
• Zhik Drysuits »
• Drysuit Repair & Care »
• Drysuit Socks »
• Drysuit Undersuits »
• Towable Ropes & Handles »
• Towables Pumps »
• Towable Accessories »
• Kitesurf Harnesses »
• Kitesurf Accessories »
• Kitesurf Wetsuits / Drysuits »
• Kitesurf Clothing »
• Kitesurf Impact Vests »
• Kitesurf Boots and Shoes »
• Kitesurf Gloves »
• Kitesurf Hoods Hats & Beanies »
• Wakeboards »
• Wakeboard Boots / Bindings »
• Wakeboard Helmets »
• Wakeboard Impact Vests »
• Wakeboard Ropes Lines »
• Wakeboard Boat Ballast »
• Wakeboard Spares »
• Wakeboard Bags »
• Wakeskates & Surfers »
• FADS & Multi Purpose Boards »
• Kneeboards »
• SUP Paddles »
• SUP Wetsuits »
• SUP Shoes »
• SUP Technical Clothing »
• SUP Accessories »
• Waterski Boots / Bindings »
• Waterski Bags »
• Waterski Gloves »
• Waterski Ropes & Handles »
• Waterski Spares & Accessories »
• Waterski Vests »
• Foil Wings »
• Wing Foil Impact Vests »
• Wingfoil Helmets »
• Foil Wing Boards »
• Foil Wing Foils »
• Foil Front Wings »
• Foil Wing Rear Wings »
• Foil Masts »
• Foil Wing Harnesses »
• Foil Wing Foil Bags and Covers »
• Foil Wing Leashes »
• Foil Wing Pumps »
• Wing Foil Board Footstraps »
• Foil Parts & Accessories »
• Bodyboard Bags »
• Bodyboard Leashes & Tethers »
• Body Boarding Flippers & Fins »
• Surfboards »
• Surfboard Leashes »
• Surfboard Fins & Accessories »
• Surfboard Traction Pads »
• Surfboard Wax & Wax Combs »
• Surfboard Transport »
• Surfboard Repair Products »
• Surf Ponchos & Towels »
• Surf Travel Bags & Packs »
• Surfboard Locks & Key Safes »
• Surfing Books »
• Surf Accessories »
• Surf Sunscreen »
• Windsurf Harnesses »
• Windsurf Accessories »
• Dive BCDs »
• Dive Boots, Gloves & Hoods »
• Dive Computers »
• Dive Consoles »
• Dive Drysuits & Undersuits »
• Dive Regulators & Octopus »
• Diving Bags »
• Diving Watches »
• Diving Wetsuits »
• Flippers & Fins »
• Mask & Snorkel Sets »
• Diving Accessories »
• Mens Jackets »
• Mens Fleeces »
• Mens Polo Shirts »
• Mens T Shirts »
• Mens Shorts »
• Mens Board Shorts »
• Mens Hoodies & Sweaters »
• Mens Shirts & Rugby Shirts »
• Mens Trousers »
• Womens Jackets »
• Womens Fleeces / Hoodies »
• Womens Polo Shirts »
• Womens T Shirts »
• Womens Shorts »
• Womens Board Shorts »
• Womens Bikinis »
• Womens Pants and Leggings »
• Womens Skirts & Dresses »
• Head Bands »
• Waterproof Hats »
• Balaclavas »
• Neck Gaitors »
• Cap & Hat Retainers »
• Floating Sunglasses »
• Mens Sunglasses »
• Womens Sunglasses »
• Kids Sunglasses »
• Sunglasses Retainers »
• Waterproof Dry Bags »
• Waterproof Phone & Accessory Cases »
• Backpacks »
• Laptop Bags & Sleeves »
• Water Bottles & Drinks Packs »
• Waterproof Map & Chart Cases »
• Mens Watersports Watches »
• Womens Watersports Watches »
• Sailing Timers »
• Equestrian Timers »
• Car & Van Seat Covers »
• Ratchet Straps & Tie Downs »
• Roof Rack Pads »
• Roof Rack Straps »
• GPS Locators & Flares »
• Man Over Board »
• Marine Tools & Knves »
• Action Cameras »
• GoPro Camera Accessories »
• Speakers Boom Boxes and Headphones »
• Waterproof Camera Pouches »
• Waterproof MP3 Players & Earphones »
• Phone & Tablet Cases & Mount Systems »
• Cleaning & Reproofing »
• Repair Kits »
• Repair Tapes & Glues »
• Footwear » -->
• Gift Vouchers » -->
• Canoe & Kayak Cags »
• Canoe & Kayak Buoyancy Aids »
• Canoe & Kayak Drysuits »
• Canoe & Kayak Wetsuits »
• Canoe & Kayak Base Layers »
• Canoe & Kayak Footwear »
• Canoe & Kayak Gloves »
• Canoe & Kayak Helmets »
• Canoe & Kayak Trousers & Shorts »
• Palm Lifestyle Clothing »
• Kayak Accessories »
• Kayak Fishing Equipment »
• Kayak Spray Decks »
• Canoe & Kayak Buoyancy Bags »
• Kayak & Canoe Transport Accessories »
• Kayak Compasses »
• Rescue Lines & Beacons »
• Canoe & Kayak Backpacks & Drybags »
• Camping Accessories »
• Cutlery Flasks & Water Bottles »
• First Aid Kits »
• Luggage & Back Packs »
• Mosquito & Insect Repellants »
• Mosquito Nets & Guards »
• Sleeping Bags »
• Sun Creams & Lotions »
• Survival Equipment »
• Torches & Light Sticks »
• Travel Locks »
• Beach Shoes »
• Beach Towels »
• Bodyboards »
• Changing Robes & Mats »
• Inflatables »
• Locks & Key Safes »
• Sun Screens / Sun Tan Lotions »
• Sun Suits »
• Compressport Triathlon Accessories »
• Smart Watches »
• Swimming Accessories »
• Swimming Caps »
• Swimming Goggles »
• Swimming Wetsuits »
• Ski Boots »
• Snow Goggles »
• Snow Helmets »
• Ski Poles »
• Ski & Boot Bags »
• Ski Accessories »
• Ski & Snowboard Jackets »
• Pants | Salopettes »
• Snow Thermals & Base Layers »
• Snow Gloves & Mitts »
• Snow Socks »
• Bags Backpacks & Luggage »
• Ski & Snowboard Tuning & Tools »
• Sunglasses »
• Ski & Snowboard Locks »
• Snowboard Equipment »
• Body Armour »
• Yachting Clothing
• Yachting Jackets
• Yachting Trousers
• Yachting Jacket & Trouser Packages
• Yachting Drysuits
• Yachting Gilets
• Sports / Keelboat Clothing
• Yachting Shorts
• Yachting Base & Mid Layers
• Yachting Tops / Polos
• Yachting Lifejackets & Accessories
• Yachting Boots
• Yachting Gloves

Yachting Shoes

• Yachting Socks
• Dinghy Clothing
• Kids Sailing Clothing
• RIB / Powerboat Clothing
• Sailing Accessories
• Board Sports
• Scuba & Snorkel
• Clothing & Accessories
• Beach & Outdoors

We offer a wide range off yachting shoes from classic leather deck shoes to state of the art yachting trainers. All specifically designed to provide ultimate non marking grip whilst on board your yacht, dinghy or motor boat in both wet and dry conditions. From traditional laser cut soles to modern water dispersing ultra grippy compounds to choose from. A range of our yachting shoes are also non-absorbent meaning they are quick-drying due to the construction of absorbent removable insoles. If you are looking for lightweight, cushioned and supportive shoes then we have a variety of excellent designs and styles for you.

Gill Mawgan Sailing Trainers - Black/Grey - 936

Gill Mawgan Sailing Trainers - Black/Grey - 938

Gill Mawgan Sailing Trainers - Navy - 938

Gill Race Trainer - Graphite - RS44

Gill Race Trainer - Grey - RS44

Gill Sovona Sailing/Watersports Trainers - Black 939

Gill Sovona Sailing/Watersports Trainers - Navy 939

Gul Aqua Grip Water Shoes - Black

Lizard Crew Deck Shoes - Black

Lizard Womens Sunrise Sailing Shoes - Mint

Musto Harbour Moccasin - Dark Brown

Information

• Useful Guides
• Size Charts
• Shipping & Returns
• Privacy Notice
• Conditions of Use
• New products
• Top sellers
• Manufacturers

Your Account

• Create an Account
• Order History

Stay Connected

• CoastWaterSports 6a Seymours Yard Millwey Rise Ind Estate Axminster Devon EX13 5tQ United Kingdom
• 0044 1297 533633 Mon-Fri 7am-12pm EST
• [email protected]

• Brokerage New Construction How to Buy How to Sell
• Yacht Fleet Yacht Catalog Charter Marketing Destination Guides
• Financial Services Payroll & Accounting Payroll Service Process Logistical Support Admin Services Crew Admin
• Job Descriptions Crew FAQ
• About Sitemap

• Yacht Department Directory
• Interior Department
• Steward/ess

About the Steward/ess

The stewardess onboard a superyacht is a hard worker with a positive, can-do attitude that takes instruction well and has an impeccable attention to detail. No detail is overlooked by a successful yacht stewardess (i.e. towel folds, perfectly ironed pillow cases). A friendly, professional character with guests is essential as is discretion and maintenance of guest privacy. This candidate will have one year of experience on a yacht or very strong experience on shore.

Job Responsibilities

• Setting stewardess schedules for guest service and cleaning
• Interior cleaning and maintenance
• Interior inventory
• Interior accounting
• Liaison with guests and service - meals and bartending
• Liaison with galley for meal services
• Orchestrating guest activities
• Boat stowage for sea
• Assisting with lines and fenders on deck
• Assisting captain with ships paperwork

Required Skills

• Ability to delegate
• Good communications, organization and diplomacy
• Vast knowledge of wines, service and housekeeping
• Knowledge of restaurants and activities in cruising areas
• Familiar with ISM and ISPS protocols
• Knowledge of flower and table decorations
• Attention to detail
• Financial management

Salary Modifiers

• Experience in five-star establishments (i.e. Michelin star restaurant, fine hotel)
• Wine certification
• Tender driving certification
• Limited computer skills

Position Statistics

Career path, chief stewardess, head of housekeeping, second stewardess, laundry stewardess, junior stewardess.

• Search for:
• 04 13 33 39 28
• DRESS SHIRTS
• DRESS SHIRT
• SKIRTS / SKORTS
• SWIM SHORTS
• HATS & CAPS
• Logo design
• Best Yacht Uniform Suppliers
• Sailing Uniform
• How to choose Yacht Clothes
• What to wear on a yacht
• Yacht Dress
• Captain Uniform
• Yacht Stewardess Uniform
• custom yacht crew shirts
• 5 Tips For Keeping Superyacht Crew Uniforms in Best Condition ​
• Yachting uniform
• Yacht crew uniforms
• The Ultimate Guide to Yacht Wear for Men

No products in the cart.

Elevate Your Yacht crew uniforms with Marina Yacht Wear

Why yacht crew uniforms matter.

Performance Meets Style: Quick-Dry  Yacht Uniforms

From day to day: the versatility of yacht crew uniforms.

Striking the Balance: Aesthetic and Functionality

Personalization for uniqueness, selecting the ideal yacht crew uniforms.

Username or email address  *

Password  *

Remember me Log in

Lost your password?

The global authority in superyachting

• NEWSLETTERS
• Yachts Home
• The Superyacht Directory
• Yacht Reports
• Brokerage News
• The largest yachts in the world
• The Register
• Yacht Advice
• Yacht Design
• 12m to 24m yachts
• Monaco Yacht Show
• Builder Directory
• Designer Directory
• Interior Design Directory
• Naval Architect Directory
• Yachts for sale home
• Motor yachts
• Sailing yachts
• Explorer yachts
• Classic yachts
• Sale Broker Directory
• Charter Home
• Yachts for Charter
• Charter Destinations
• Charter Broker Directory
• Destinations Home
• Mediterranean
• South Pacific
• Rest of the World
• Boat Life Home
• Owners' Experiences
• Conservation and Philanthropy
• Interiors Suppliers
• Owners' Club
• Captains' Club
• BOAT Showcase
• Boat Presents
• Events Home
• World Superyacht Awards
• Superyacht Design Festival
• Design and Innovation Awards
• Young Designer of the Year Award
• Artistry and Craft Awards
• Explorer Yachts Summit
• Ocean Talks
• The Ocean Awards
• BOAT Connect
• Between the bays
• Golf Invitational
• BOATPro Home
• Superyacht Insight
• Global Order Book
• Premium Content
• Product Features
• Testimonials
• Pricing Plan
• Tenders & Equipment

Superyacht charter etiquette: A guide to on board dos and don’ts

Will this season be your first time chartering a superyacht , or being invited on board? We've broken down some of the unspoken rules of on-board etiquette for those new to the superyacht  charter scene. From why to take your shoes off to tipping the crew , we've outlined some essential dos and don'ts to make your experience as enjoyable as possible.

Superyacht "dos"

Do respect the crew

Treat them as you would valued employees. The crew have an extremely busy job; each one is there entirely to make sure your holiday exceeds expectations. As Saul Varndell-Baxter of Ocean Independence , who was a crew member for six years, elaborates: "I can attest that having a polite, happy guest made me work that extra bit harder to make their charter perfect". Equally, the crew can be great fun too.

Do listen to safety briefings

Safety is the prime responsibility for the captain and crew, and they take it very seriously. You will have a safety briefing about life jackets and life rafts, so ensure you digest the information given. It is a requirement of both insurance and maritime laws.

Do treat the yacht as you would your own home

A simple rule to follow. The crew want you to feel at home and equally the boat owner will appreciate care taken with his property.

Do keep the crew informed

One of the pleasures of a charter yacht is the ability to entertain in grand style, but plan it in advance. Don’t return to the yacht from an evening of partying ashore with a half-dozen friends-in-tow and expect the chef to prepare a late-night meal for everyone. If you want to invite extra guests aboard for cocktails or a meal, be sure to clear it with the captain first so there will be no embarrassing shortage of food or drink and the chef will be prepared for the event. Eva Hiebert of Dension Yachting adds that, as well as any changes of plans, crew should also be alerted as soon as possible if any accidental spillages or breakages occur during the trip.

Do ask about pets

Ocean Independence's Amanda Thibaut notes that "if you wish to travel with your pet, please ensure that you have advised your charter broker so that they can find you a pet-friendly yacht". If you're a guest, make sure you've had a discussion with the superyacht owner or head of the charter party prior to boarding. Many yachts are perfect for bringing pets on board , but make sure you check if they have a suitable setup for your furry friends.

Do follow the “bare foot” rule

Stiletto heels that can dent the teak decks and black soles that leave scuffmarks are a no-no. Many yachts have a “bare feet” rule that shoes stay outside the cabin, and others ask that no shoes be worn on deck too. In each case, the crew will provide a basket either at the end of the gangway or outside the salon door for you to deposit shoes. If shoes are allowed on deck, keep in mind that they should be soft-soled “boat shoes”.

Do allow time for housekeeping

Give the crew a chance to make up the beds, do the laundry and perhaps service the various systems while you spend time onshore exploring or shopping. If there's no chance of getting off the yacht, do try to leave the crew time to do their job while you sunbathe and swim.

Do pre-assign cabins

"The main charterer should decide cabin allocation for all guests in advance", says Fraser's Pierrik Devic. "This avoids tension upon arrival".

Do bring suitable luggage

Storage is always a big issue, so hard-sided luggage is discouraged in favour of soft luggage that can be collapsed for stowing. Steamer trunks might be the “in thing” on ocean liners, but not on yachts, so try to pack light.

Do be prepared to tip

Confused about how to tip on a superyacht ? Kim Vickery of Westport explains that "crew gratuity is customary, as in any hospitality industry. It should be regarded as a gift for a job well done and is based on the satisfaction level of the entire experience". As a rule of thumb, brokers advise tipping between five and 20 per cent of the charter rate.

Superyacht "don'ts"

Don’t expect the crew to be your childcare

While many yachts encourage charter clients to bring children of all ages and often stock a wide variety of water toys, games and videos just for youngsters, the crew members are not babysitters. If you bring small children, plan to care for them yourself or bring a nanny, who can often be accommodated in a spare cabin.

Don’t do anything illegal

The tolerance level aboard yachts for illegal or illicit activities is absolutely zero. The penalty for any such behaviour is the yacht itself being seized and the license lost, therefore the captain and crew will turn you in to the authorities. In most countries, the penalty is jail for such behaviour too. "If any charter guest harasses anyone in the crew or does something illegal, they are off. Period", clarifies the owner of 60 metre charter superyacht  Dream .

Don’t take matters into your own hands

The correct way to deal with any problems is via the captain, as they are the only one with the authority to put it right. Do not take matters into your own hands and lecture a crew member yourself. That is what the captain is there for.

Don’t disrespect boundaries

Always honour the “upstairs/downstairs” concept, and don’t ever invade the private crew areas without a specific invitation. Aboard many yachts, the galley (kitchen) is a sacred area that you should leave to the chef unless invited. Most yachts have mini-refrigerators in the guest areas and a word to a crew member will ensure they are stocked and replenished with your favourite drinks and snacks throughout your stay.

Don't violate the smoking policy

Smoking on most yachts is prohibited inside the cabin, but there may be specific areas on deck set aside for smokers. If you or some of your party are smokers, make sure that is clear to your charter broker from the outset. If smoking is permitted on deck, a thoughtful guest will enjoy their dessert cigar on the stern or downwind side of the yacht where the smoke blows away.

Don’t expect the crew to come on your sightseeing junkets

On American yachts, there is often more informality between crew and clients, while on European yachts, the crews are almost invisible and trained to keep their distance except when providing services. Either way, remember that the crew have more than enough work to keep them busy, so don’t expect them to join you on your sightseeing junkets, although they stand ready to ferry you to and from the shore. You can invite the captain to join you ashore for a meal, but don’t be offended if he declines. He may have projects he needs to accomplish in your absence (a charter yacht creates mountains of paperwork), or he may simply prefer to keep a slight distance from his clients.

For more charter advice , get the latest issue of BOAT International sent straight to your door.

More stories

Most recent, from our partners, sponsored listings.

What Do Yacht Stewardesses Do? (Daily Tasks Explained)

Are you considering working on a yacht or are you just curious as to what the crew actually do all day long?

What Do Yacht Stewardesses Do? Yacht stewardesses do a wide variety of practical tasks onboard the yacht such as:

• Housekeeping
• Waitressing
• Entertainment
• Crew support
• Maintaining the yacht
• Valet tasks and guest service
• Human resources

Here are more details on the tasks yacht stewards and stewardesses do on a daily basis onboard the yacht.

Table of Contents

1. Housekeeping

Stewards and stewardesses work to help the yacht run ship shape. They will work to keep common areas neat and clean. Laundry might also be part of their day to day tasks.

Detailing and cleaning windows might be some of the responsibilities that they will tackle.

Other housekeeping tasks include:

• cleaning bathrooms,
• making beds,
• washing linens

They’ll need to keep all interior storage areas neat and clean, and also to be able to keep track of inventory and restock as needed.

As guest use supplies, they will make a note of this and help to replenish any necessary materials.

Stewards and stewardesses will spend time polishing, dusting, straightening up and in general keeping house.

Every day they will go in guests’ cabins and clean their space as well as their personal belongings.

They will make sure that make-up containers look brand new, and scrub all the corners down, so the room is spotless and clean

2. Waitressing

Before and after eating, stewards and stewardesses will keep things organized. They’ll assist during meals and cleanup. As well as assisting in picking out what will be eaten, they will serve food to guests and organize the area after meals.

Behind the scenes, stewards and stewardesses work with the chef to create a meal plan that the guests will enjoy.

Stewards and stewardesses will help in selecting and purchasing cigars, teas, or wine, which may require expertise.

With occasional guest dinner parties, they will also assist in planning activities and the menu.

There are five different styles of service that a steward or stewardess will need to master. The first is the English service. This is where a server will transfer food to the diner’s plate.

The other types of service that they must excel in are buffet service and silver service.

3. Entertainment

With guests, they’ll keep high energy and be professional at all times

This role involves maintaining proper etiquette. Stewards and stewardesses may assist guests in planning daily activities both on and off the yacht, including destination experiences. Music, movies, games, barbecues and other entertainment options are all part of the gig.

Some stewards or stewardesses will help in teaching yoga classes or similar projects depending on their personal skills.

A steward or stewardess may have to carry three dishes at a time upstairs.

They’ll need to be expert waitresses, and know how to set tables. This requires knowing which fork goes where and specific settings.

As well as serving and selecting wine, stewards and stewardesses will need to be experts in bartending. This is a part of the job that some will find to be fun.

Drinking is the center of many social experiences onboard the ship. The steward or stewardess will need to be competent in beer knowledge and pairings as well as wines.

They will assist in choosing wines for guests, so expertise in drinks will be a big benefit to them in their career.

4. Crew Support

From writing manuals to safety tasks, yacht stewards and stewardesses work with the crew for better teamwork.

For ships with smaller crews, stewards and stewardesses will have more hands-on duties

They will help to create an informational management system which keeps things in order. All guest documents and information are also part of their responsibilities, including safety manuals.

Stewards and stewardesses will purchase the uniforms for the crew.

They will also make sure that the crew has everything that they need. This includes toiletries, drinks, snacks, and other necessities. They’re in charge of the crew common areas and maintaining these spaces.

5. Maintaining the Yacht

As well as serving guests, stewards and stewardess work to maintain the yacht.

They will be responsible for the crystal glassware, linens, artwork, marbles, fine woodwork, and any other valuables on the ship.

Stewards and stewardesses will work with anchoring, tender driving, assist within the galley or deck operations and mooring procedures. Overall, they’re in charge of cleanliness and creating solutions with guests as well as fellow crew members.

In case of emergencies, stewards and stewardesses have the essential job to maintain security and safety.

This will vary on the size and type of yacht as well as the crew. Much of the training involved to become a steward or a stewardess involves safety courses such as Red Cross certification.

6. Budgeting

One of their responsibilities is to account for interior spending and make budgets.

They’ll need to keep track of expenditures and work with their clients to create a financial schedule that will meet their needs.

This includes a food budget and working with chefs to achieve client’s goals. They’ll also make purchases and decorations according to the budget the client gives them and will decorate according to their requests.

The steward or stewardess will need to be able to assist guests in currency exchange. In many aspects to vessel operations, they will need to be on top of it. This includes accounting and being able to reconcile the accounts. All purchases on the yacht will need to be accounted for.

They will work as the purser.

On larger ships, the purser is a position that deals with finances, such as bookkeeping, accounting, and payroll. They will also make sure that the crew’s certifications are up to date and current.

They will also make sure to take care of delivery contracts and other financial fine points.

7. Valet Tasks and Guest Service

Packing and carrying luggage is part of the job description. They will assist guests in caring for specialty garments. With special purchases, a stewardess or steward will assist in shipping and handling.

Any special requests that guests have, the steward or stewardess will work to bring it to them. They are hands-on and personal with their assistance to guests and work to build relationships as well as to help them get their needs and requests met.

Stewards and stewardesses schedule their days around their guests.

When the guests are up, so are they. Their duty is to lead every service and be the go-to person on the yacht. They will be in charge of securing transportation during excursions.

The average day can be up to 13 hours, and they are actually on call 24/7.

8. Decorating

A stewardess or steward will be responsible for creating an ambiance and overall pulled together look on the yacht. For example, they will select flowers and create table settings to make the yacht look more beautiful.

Other decorations include selecting art and linens. Stewards and stewardesses who have an eye for interior design or decoration will be a fantastic asset for the yacht.

When setting tables, a steward or stewardess should be able to fold napkins artistically, in shapes like rabbits or flowers.

They will color coordinate meals with table settings to create an amazing experience

The chief steward or stewardess is in charge of hospitality on the ship. He or she will need to anticipate the needs of the guests. They’ll need to give instructions to the stewards and stewardesses to achieve their goals.

9. Human Resources

Human resources are one area that the chief steward or stewardess will need to focus on.

The leader is only as good as the team, and they will organize the team that is on the yacht. The chief stewardess is responsible for obtaining these people.

He or she will source the staff. They will also assist in maintaining discipline on the vessel. If crew members are slacking, they will need to fix the situation. The steward or stewardess is responsible for making sure the crew treats guests professionally and with respect.

They will work with the captain with any discipline issues and act with them to make sure that things are going smoothly. The chief steward will help to encourage their stewards and stewardesses and to help energy levels stay high.

10. Self Care

Stewards and stewardesses must take special care to give superior service to their crew and guests, and also maintain their personal appearance. This includes having modest jewelry and to keep on top of hair and makeup if they choose to wear it.

This list of ten duties expected of stewards and stewardesses gives a good overview of everything that it takes to work on a yacht. Whether it’s an entry level steward or stewardess, or a chief steward or stewardess, there are many responsibilities to giving five-star service.

They will work to create a fun and exciting environment and also organize the yacht to the best of their abilities.

From the kitchen to the cabin and everything in between, the steward or stewardess helps to bring all of the details of the ship together, from sunrise to after dinner.

Click to share...

Thrive in your Yachting Career with The Yacht Stew Academy

TYS Academy is proud to be an IAMI GUEST accredited school as well as an endorsed training academy through the Institute of Hospitality. We’re not just another academy; we’re your fellow yachties, your mentors, and your biggest supporters.

Don’t sacrifice your earning whilst learning.

The Yacht Stew Academy offers accredited online training so you can develop the right skills at the right time. With 6 month access from sign-up date, you can work around your schedule, whether that be while on watch, during an afternoon on charter break, or on a day off. TYS Academy has been built to work around YOU!

Why train with The Yacht Stew Academy

personalised support

From day one, you’re not just a student—you’re part of our TYSA family. Expect personalized attention, tailored advice, and unwavering support as you navigate your stewardess journey.

Flexibility to Fit Your Scheule

We understand that life at sea isn’t a regular 9-to-5 routine. That’s why our online courses are available whenever, wherever. Study at your own pace, on your own time, and take control of your learning journey.

Expertise from Ex-Chief Stews

Our entire team are all ex-Chief Stews, so we understand the unique challenges and triumphs of life onboard. We’ve been there, done that, and now we’re here to guide you through it all.

Free Junior Stewardess Starter Kit

You’re excited and ready to begin your yachting career, but at the same time, you’re thinking “What on earth will I actually be doing on a day-to-day basis? And HOW do I do it properly?”.

Don’t worry! We’ve got you covered!

For a limited time, enroll in our Junior Stewardess Housekeeping or Junior Stew Service courses and get your exclusive Junior Stew Starter Kit for free!

Free Starter Kit Includes:

Crew Agent Signup Tracker, Dockwalking Planner, Job Application Tracker, Packing Checklist, Cocktail Recipe Cards, Coffee Cheat Sheet, Sample Interview Questions with awesome answer tips, and much more to kickstart your yachting career!

Click either of the courses below to check them out!

Junior Stewardess Housekeeping:

Starting your yachting career can feel overwhelming. Our Housekeeping course helps you feel confident and prepared. Learn how to keep a superyacht spotless, master laundry techniques, and the common mistakes to avoid.

Junior Stew Service:

Service can be nerve-wracking for new stews. This course breaks down everything you need to know to feel confident. From setting the perfect table, what all the different cutlery is for, to serving wine and making cocktails, we’ve got you covered.

At TYSA, we’re dedicated to empowering yacht stewardesses and stewards to excel in their careers through comprehensive training, exclusive events, and a supportive community.

Whether you’re new to the industry or a seasoned professional, tysa offers a range of courses and resources tailored to your needs..

TYSA Courses

Explore our diverse range of courses designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in the fast-paced and exciting world of yachting. From Junior Crew training to Chief Stew and Interior Management skill development, TYSA provides comprehensive education curated by industry experts, who are all ex yacht crew and have all been in your position.

GUEST Courses

As part of our commitment to excellence, TYSA collaborates with GUEST (Guidelines for Unified Excellence in Service Training) to offer internationally recognized certification programs. Elevate your Stewardess skills and expand your career opportunities with our GUEST courses.

TYSA Membership

Unlock exclusive benefits and resources by joining the TYSA membership community. Gain access to premium content, networking opportunities, and member-only events designed to foster professional growth and camaraderie within the yacht stewardess/ steward community.

Exclusive Events

Join us for exclusive events tailored to enriching your career and connecting with fellow yacht professionals. From crew meet-ups, to brunches, wine tastings and more! TYSA events provide invaluable opportunities to learn, grow, and build lasting relationships.

At TYSA, we believe in the power of community. Join our supportive network of yacht stewardesses and stewards from around the world who share your passion for yachting. Connect with like-minded yachties, share insights, and celebrate your wins together.

Kind Words from TYSA Students

Here’s what some of our wonderful students had to say…, emily rickard, iami guest: destination, events & interior management student.

“I LOVED doing the “IAMI Guest: Destination, Events & Interior Management” course, The fact the course covered so much will be so useful throughout my career, and I’ll definitely be delving back into it more than once. I definitely feel more informed, and more confident! 

I felt so supported throughout the duration of this course with the 1-1 calls and I never once felt like I couldn’t reach out for support or help if I needed it. I loved being able to watch videos as well as read text and complete quizzes, it’s a really multi-faceted course. 

The assignments were also so fun and I really enjoyed doing them. Overall the whole experience was amazing, so much so I’ve just purchased two more courses! Highly recommend!”

Georgia Orme, Advanced Interior Management & Head of Service Student

Thank you TYS for the Zoom call today; it’s such an enjoyable part of the course. I got full clarification on feedback, could ask questions and gain more insight into leading a department successfully. I would highly recommend the course to anyone who needs that extra push and confidence boost before stepping up or starting a new role.

I also love how the course is always available to you upon completion, so you can also go back for reference if needed. Plus, the TYA team are lovely and thorough in their work; I can trust that I am learning from the best (albeit virtually!).

Lucie Mostyn, Foundations of Mixology Student

“I greatly enjoyed the course, I found it full of useful and new information. I loved the mixture of reading, download and video material, it made for an easy and interesting study. Having the quizzes at the end of each module pushed me to remember the information I was writing down and is an effective way to raise my study level.

I would recommend this course to anyone wanting to feel confident starting out behind the bar learning some key skills, and methods and setting you up well to grow as a mixologist!”

Alexia, Junior Stew Housekeeping Student

“I signed up for the Junior Stew Housekeeping course in order to further my existing housekeeping knowledge to Superyacht standard prior to commencing my first season as a stew and have found it nothing short of amazing so far.

The video modules, PDF printouts of products and methods, and information are very thorough and I’m learning lots. Can’t wait to put it to use.

Thanks for creating the course and I look forward to completing it! 👏🏽🙌🏽”

Find the Perfect Course for You

Whether you’re a Senior, Experienced or Junior Stew, we’ve got a course for you.

Click on a category below to see what’s available.

If you’d like to chat with our training team about which course would be ideal for you, just drop us an email at  [email protected]  and we’re always happy to help!

Hear from more Happy TYSA Students…

Join the tysa community & come to our exclusive events.

Here at The Yacht Stew Academy, we LOVE bringing Stews together, both online and at our in-person events, whether it’s through exclusive Wine Tasting Masterclasses, Stew Brunches, our yearly Yacht Stew Soireé, Tablescape Competitions or our Happy Hour Pool Parties!

There is something for everyone and we’d LOVE for you to join us! Here are some photos from some of the events we’ve hosted.

Create the Career You Want with Flexible Online Learning

Remote Courses:

Study whenever and wherever, without sacrificing job opportunities.

Learn Through Projects:

Enjoy learning new skills with interactive assignments directly from the suppliers you will work with. These projects focus on real-life situations and tasks.

Transferrable Skills:

Our courses will equip you to excel both during and after your time within the Yachting Industry.

Small Class Sizes:

You’re a part of the Yacht Stew community and can talk directly to your trainer and fellow students.

Ready to take a course?

Email us at [email protected]

and our training team will help you decide where to start.

No thanks, just take me to the courses!

Everything you need to step into new roles with confidence.

With the yachting industry rapidly growing and evolving, flexible training is becoming essential.

As long-time yachting professionals, we understand what it’s like to build a career in luxury hospitality. And we know how lonely it can feel when you’re building your career on your own.

TYS Team has more than 20 years of experience working within all aspects of the Interior on Private & Charter yachts from 35m to 100m.

That’s why we’ve created a fully-accredited, flexible, remote-learning program for yachting professionals of all levels.

Whether you are a junior stewardess or the chief stew, our courses will help you build your dream career.

And best of all, our community will be there to support you and cheer you on every step of the way.

The Yacht Stew Team

What to Expect at TYS Academy

Inclusivity

Regardless of your background, you are welcome to study and grow your professional goals with us. We strongly believe in community over competition. And to us, community means everyone is welcome

Approachability

Our goal is to give you the tools and training to become the ultimate service professional. So it goes without saying that every question is welcome at TYS Academy. As one of our Captains used to say in terms of safety, “there’s no such thing as a stupid question.” And the same is true for your education and professional growth.

The world is vast and the human race is diverse. We believe yachting should be a reflection of exactly that. We wish to see the yachting community reflect the world we travel, and to accept, train and support a rich and diverse community.

From toilet paper folds to extravagant table settings to decadent cocktails. There are so many avenues to express your unique creativity. We’ve taken this same innate concept and applied it to how we’ve built TYS Academy. We approach every step of our course program with out-of-the-box thinking. We are passionate about delivering highly informative, yet fun and digestible courses.

Professionalism

We believe in bringing a level of professionalism, warmth, and humility in training. That together aims to not only uphold the high level of standards that already exist in the industry but to push them further.

When you train with TYS Academy you will be benefiting from this. You will walk into your position with the finesse and knowledge that ensures your expertise is clear.

We can help you grow your career no matter where you call Home

Partners & Accreditations

Proud Members of:

Bespoke learning in 3 easy steps

FIND THE COURSES THAT FULFILL YOUR NEEDS.

Not sure where to start? We offer a free 15-minute Zoom consultation to suggest which courses might suit you best, in which order, and (best of all) why we recommend that progression.

LEARN AND CONNECT REMOTELY.

All TYS Academy courses are offered remotely, with a thriving community and engaging instructors. You’ll never just “sit and read.” Our courses include resource based projects, with real assessments and targeted feedback on your work.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT TAILORED TO YOU.

With the knowledge and skills acquired through TYS Academy training, you’ll build a long, successful career in yachting. You’ll also get an accredited certificate to add to your CV.

Got a question? Check out our frequently asked questions.

Are your courses accredited.

Yes, all TYS Academy courses are accredited through various awarding bodies within the UK and the Maritime Industry. We have also partnered with Industry professionals to ensure the course content is relevant and up-to-date with the ever changing demands of the industry.

What do I need to complete a TYS Academy course?

You simply need internet and access to a tablet (iPad) or laptop and motivation to reach your career goals!

How is the content taught?

We believe that Online content should be interactive and fun, similar to what you would expect from a classroom setting. Therefore, all modules include a variety of presentations, voiceovers, videos, images and downloadable templates. Several of our courses also include interactive assessments which will be reviewed by your instructor.

Can I study at my own pace?

Yes! We have designed these courses to ensure that you can manage your own time which is why you will have access for the course for 6 months from the start up date. If you are unable to complete the course during this time, please reach out to [email protected] to discuss your options.

Do I get a certificate?

Absolutely! We want you to be able to put your hard work and effort on your CV and showcase what a fabulous asset you are to an Interior Team.

Are the courses updated regularly?

Yes, the courses are reviewed on a biannual basis. These updates are based on changes within the industry, insight provided by student feedback forms and direct communication with Shipyards, Captains, Owners Representatives and Owners.

Do you provide onboard training?

At TYS Academy, we believe in creating bespoke packages that fit the needs of yourself and the vessel. Please email [email protected] to discuss onboard training options.

Chat with a member of The Yacht Stew Academy team!

RECRUITMENT AGENT

After 8 adventurous years of working on yachts, Taryn decided to return to life on land. She currently lives on the coast of sunny South Africa. Fresh off the yachts and having worked in high-end resorts and hotels, Taryn has a broad knowledge of what the industry needs and is well-qualified to find the perfect match for both crew and the yacht. Taryn’s friendly, kind demeanour and passion for the industry ensure to provide excellent and professional communication with clients and crew at all times. When Taryn is not working you can find her on the beach, participating in any form of outdoor activity or sharing a bottle of wine with family and friends.

Ciara joins our team with 5 years of experience in the industry and is based in Bristol, UK. She brings her people skills and passion for luxury customer service into recruitment whilst maintaining a calm and kind nature for both crew and clients. When not working, Ciara continues studying music history and classical music performance and enjoys walks in the countryside with her husband and sausage dog.

Mandy has 8 years of experience in the industry and brings her A-game from the South of France. She brings a unique and energizing perspective with 5 years of land-based recruitment experience in London and is sure to make anyone feel welcome with her kind-hearted nature. When she’s not working, she can be found spending time with her husband and daughter, enjoying the beauty of France.

Eloise brings 3 years of experience in the industry to our team. Currently living in South Africa, Eloise was the first member of the TYSR team and has since built lasting relationships with clients and crew. Eloise splits her time between South Africa and TYS HQ in the UK. She is incredibly caring and ensures all crew and clients get the best possible support, with high standard of customer service. When not working, Eloise spends time with friends and family enjoying wine farms and safaris in sunny South Africa.

Gemma Hulbert

FOUNDER AND CEO

Gemma founded The Yacht Stew in 2016 and has over a decade of experience in the industry. When she founded TYS she wanted to create a community for people in the industry and create an incredible support network that was both informative and nurturing. She brings her keen eye for detail, and her incredibly compassionate perspective to anything she does, and is sure to get anyone inspired. In her spare time Gemma loves to be with family and friends, or out exploring and traveling with her husband.

Get inspired! Pop your email in to get our cocktail recipe cards!

Download and print off our recipe cards and take them with you to all of your boats, so next time a guest asks for a cocktail and says “Surprise me”, you’ll have some delicious go-to recipes. By signing up, you’ll also get our weekly “Happy Hour” email with a different cocktail recipe each week, helpful stew tips and the latest exciting updates from The Yacht Stew.

Thank you for subscribing! Please check your email for a confirmation link!