deckhand yacht jobs no experience

Deckhand Jobs

The latest deckhand jobs on yachts and superyachts around the world:.

View daily deckhand vacancy updates sourced from reputable yacht crew agencies. Use the keyword filter to refine your search.

Find the latest deckhand jobs on yachts and superyachts around the world:

Steward(ess)/Deckhand

We're looking for a stew/deckhand to join a busy 40 meter charter M/Y based in Australia.

This role is ideal for those who love to travel to different destinations in the Southern Hemisphere.

It will be a full time position. Can also be coupled with a chief officer or chef....

Job Details:

Job ID: #7055 Job Type: Full Time Start Location: Australia Start Date: 07 Apr 2024 Qualifications (Essential): STCW Basic Safety Training 95 (2010) Qualifications (Preferred): ENG1 (or equivalent Seafarer's Medical Certificate) Min Yachting Experience: 1-2 Years Gender Required: Female Smokers: No

Deckhand – 40m MY

Deckhand required 40m MY 8 crew 2 on deck Busy yacht - their season starts in France, then they will leave for Palma by May 1st for a 6 week owner trip. They then have charters booked for July & August in France and Italy. Finally, they will have another boss trip Sept/ October. Seasonal position - April until the end of October Ideally looking for someone with prior experience in yachting, or someone with a strong maritime/ water sports background. They do have a 5.2 tender so a PBL2 is essential plus previous tender driving experience. For cabin arrangements, only female candidates will be considered Salary - 2700 euros plus tips The yacht is currently in the SOF

The point of contact for this position is [email protected]

Deckhand / Dive instructor 100m+ Private Charter Motor Yacht

We are looking for a Deckhand/Dive for a 100m+ Private/Charter M/Y Working on a 3/1 rotation, with an immediate start. Must hold a Yachtmaster and Dive qualification.

Deckhand / Carpenter 110m+ Private Motor Yacht

We are looking for a Deckhand/Carpenter for a 100m+ M/Y Working a on 3/1 rotation with a start date of April. Due to the location of the vessel a B1/B2 visa would be recommended. The perfect candidate will come from a boat building background and be content in joinery and able to do interior touch ups. We are happy to accept candidates with minimal yacht experience with the right carpentry background.

Deckhand / Kite 110m+ Private Motor yacht

We are looking for a Deckhand/Watersports instructor who holds experience with kiting and is confident in teaching and maintaining the latest kite equipment. Additional watersports experience is preferred, ideally someone who can teach wakeboarding, e-foils, seabobs etc. Working on a 3/1 rotation with an April start date. Due to current location of the vessel a B1/B2 visa would be considered more beneficial and would make your profile stand out.

Watersports / Deckhand 130m+ motor yacht

We are looking for a Deckhand/Watersports instructor who has kite surfing and diving experience for a 100m+ Private M/Y. Kiting side would ideally be instructor level, however would consider a candidate who is confident handling a kite, who can jump, launch, land and role. The dive side would require a dive master, or I would consider someone who has enough dives completed to obtain this. Male candidates due to cabin arrangements. Working on a 2/1 rotation, with an immediate start.

Deckhand Position available for a Private/Charter 65 m M/Y

Seeking a Deckhand for a busy and healthy program Must have at least a season experience and ideally located in South Florida for interview

Start: Immediately Location: Florida/Bahamas-Mediterranean Summer Package: $2,800-$3,200, 38 Days Leave

Skills: Minimum 6 months experience as a Deckhand on 40m + M/Y or S/Y Excellent attention to detail with all exterior duties Confident with all line handling and docking procedures Tender driving experience preferred Charter experience a plus

Qualifications: STCW(Fully Updated)with PDSD Seafarer's Medical Certificate Efficient Deckhand preferred Yacht rating a plus Valid B1/B2 Visa Essential

Males only due to cabin arrangements NO VISIBLE TATTOOS/Non-Smokers

Point of contact Sharryn Matte [email protected]

Stew/Cook/Deck- Non liveaboard

Seeking an experienced, polished Sole Stewardess/Deck/Cook for a 28m M/Y. Vessel is based out of South Florida and does day trips- cocktail cruises Full Job Description Vessel stays in North Miami and is a non liveaboardposition.

Family used vessel for the most part with occasional business/client entertaining. Owners are lovely and very respectful.

~ Must be good with younger children (owners have 4 grandchildren that are under the age of 10). ~ Strong eye for detail and the ability to keep the vessel in guest ready condition at all times. ~ Bartending skills and wine service. ~ Ability to assist with lines/fenders and help Captain with washdowns

B1/B2 visa or US Citizen (preferred). STCW, ENG1 Nonsmokers only, minimal visible tattoos that are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Fully vaccinated. Start~ As soon as possible Salary~ DOE

Point of contact is Christine Hodgson. Email your interest directly to [email protected]

Experienced Deckhand- private 54m- 3/1 rotation

Seeking a personable, well presented experienced Deckhand for a private 54m, FF vessel.

Vessel is looking for someone with at least 6 months to a year on the same vessel. Ideally they would like a yacht master for safe manning but this is not mandatory.

3/1 Rotation

Vessel is currently in the shipyard in Savannah and will be heading up to New England for the summer months. Vessel will cruise between Maine and New York.

This is a quieter program that does not really involve much in terms of watersports or a lot of travel.

Lovely US owners, fantastic crew. Stable position on a well run vessel.

B1/B2 in hand, STCW, ENG1, Yacht Master, PBL2

Start: ASAP Salary: $3750pm

Point or contact is [email protected]

TEAM Deckhand & Stewardess – 52m Private

TEAM ONLY POSITIONS

Looking to fill the below positions for a beautiful,52 m, FF vessel. The Interior position is to start ASAP, preferably onboard in Caribbean by the 22nd of March.

Great crew and owners. Caribbean/MED

Deckhand - (To start May 1st or thereabouts) 1 - 2 seasons experience preferred, but also willing to train green crew who have some daywork experience and a great attitude. Strongly prefer someone who has boating experience, even if it is not in the yachting industry. Experience commercial fishing or sailing dinghies or really anything boating related. Fishing / diving / tender driving skills would be a HUGE plus.

Stewardess / Galley Assistant It is a split role with about 70% of the time in the interior and 30% in the galley. Could be a great fit for a stewardess who has an interest in cooking and would like to get some experience in the galley and learn from two amazing rotational head chefs. When on Interior the role includes almost exclusively housekeeping, laundry and crew mess duties and we would like someone experienced in theses areas and happy with this rotation.

B1/B2 in hand (Schengen if applicable) , ENG1, STCW

Salary~ At the higher end of industry standards- DOE Start ~ Immediate for the Stewardess, Early May for the Deckhand Full medical, MLC contract with 38 days leave, 1 R/T flight per year

Point of contact is [email protected]

DC2046 – DECKHAND REQUIRED FOR 50M+ PRIVATE MOTOR YACHT

Start date: POSITION FILLED Itinerary: Middle East Mediterranean We are looking for an experienced deckhand with at least 1 years experience to work in a team of four exterior crew. The vessel runs with a crew of 12 and will spend the summer and next winter in the Med. . Great tender driving skills and experience is a plus. REQUIREMENTS STCW95 ENG1 Deck rating certification is preferred PACKAGE Salary:3,000 per month increased to 3,250 per month following 3 month trial period. Leave:50 days per annum. Flights:2 x economy per annum. Medical insurance

A 68m dual season Motor Yacht, currently in France is looking for a Deckhand.

This is a great opportunity for an experienced Deckhand to join a Motor Yacht with a busy charter program.

The package includes, a salary between 2800-3500 euro DOE, 42 days leave per year with fli...

Job ID: #7049 Job Type: Full Time Start Location: France Start Date: Immediate Start Qualifications (Essential): STCW Basic Safety Training 95 (2010), ENG1 (or equivalent Seafarer's Medical Certificate), Yacht Rating Qualifications (Preferred): Yacht Master Offshore Languages: English Min Yachting Experience: 1-2 Years Gender Required: Any Smokers: No

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How to Get a Job as a Yacht Deckhand

Are you new to the superyachting industry? Find out all you need to know about how to find a deckhand job on a yacht or superyacht.

Deckhand Training Courses To Help Find a Job

Educate yourself about essential deckhand training and connect with the best training providers worldwide to help you find that dream deckhand job

What does a job as a yacht deckhand entail?

A deckhand is the lowest-ranked crew member in the deck department.

Washing the yacht, cleaning windows, polishing stainless steel, and scrubbing decks are all part of the deckhand job.

During guest trips, time will be spent on lookout duties, tender driving, running watersports activities, while ensuring normal vessel operations are conducted in a safe and professional manner.

Deckhand Job Duties

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Superyacht Training

How to Work on a Superyacht, with no Experience

Working in the superyacht industry looks like the dream job, right? But, how do you get started with no work experience? With over 12 years in the industry, interviewing and hiring countless candidates across various positions, we know first hand what information you require to get your first real crew job on a superyacht. In this post we highlight some of the features of our “Beginners Guide to Yachting” Ebook which explains all you need to know from how to get your CV yacht perfect, typical daily stewardess or deckhand duties, how to find day wo rk, and more.

What kinds of entry level positions could I apply for? 

The two most common entry level positions on yachts are stewardess and deckhand jobs. These are both junior ranks whose primary concern is to keep the guests happy and ensure the interior and exterior are kept immaculately clean.

What previous experience is useful when looking for a job on a yacht?

While working on a yacht is certainly different to any land-based career, there are a few land-based jobs that would have equipped you with skills useful on a vessel.  Jobs that may be useful include: 

• Hospitality-related jobs
• Waiting tables in a high-end restaurant 
• Child care or au pairing 
• Carpentry 
• Sports or diving instructor 

If you have already completed some form or degree or diploma in engineering or mechanics, this is also considered a huge plus. 

Are there specific qualifications I need? 

Yes. You will need an STCW 10 certificate to understand basic safety protocols, as well as an ENG1 Medical Certificate to prove that your health is in good enough shape to join a vessel. Get Onboard Superyacht Academy offers complete STCW and ENG1 training in Cape Town, South Africa. These are the only compulsory documents needed, but if you are interested in a specific role, we offer specialised courses to equip you for these. 

How do I get my first job on a yacht?

Once you are qualified, follow these steps: 

• Construct a CV. Be sure to include all relevant information and documents, as well as a friendly, yet professional photo of yourself. Download our free template for a starting point. 
• Pick a location to start. Antibes in France, Palma de Mallorca in Spain, and Fort Lauderdale in Florida are great places to start out as a newbie. 
• Find some day work. This is work outside of a formal contract, which may involve helping out for a day to several weeks. Day work is an excellent opportunity to network, build contacts in the industry, and get a foot in on your journey to securing a more permanent job. 

How much money do you make working on a yacht?

The standard entry level salary for a junior stewardess or deckhand ranges between €2,000 – €2,500 or $2,300 – $2,800 per month. This amount is generally tax free, although the onus is on each crew member to check with their home county about tax obligations. Certain countries are tax exempt, provided you spend more than six months out of the county.

Check out our salary guidelines for more information. Still have questions? Get in touch with us , we’d love to help you navigate the seas of yachting!

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RYA/MCA Online

1. what are the basic requirements you need to be eligible to work in the yachting industry, 2. what is the stcw and why do i need it, 3. what is the eng1 medical certificate, 4. what land based experience will help me find a super yacht job, 5. what are the different departments onboard, 6. what crew training is required for me to work as a junior deckhand.

• Yachtmaster/Coastal Skipper Theory
• Yachtmaster/Coastal Practical
• Specialist Super Yacht Training Course (Deck Hand Training Course)
• RYA Power Boat Level II
• RYA Personal Watercraft Course
• RYA Competent Crew Certificate
• RYA Day Skipper Theory and Practical Certificates
• VHF Radio Operator’s License

7. What crew training is required for me to work as a junior stewardess?

• Stewardess Course
• Proficiency in Designated Security Duties (PDSD)
• MCA Food Safety Level 2
• RYA Powerboat Level 2

8. How do I book my training courses?

9. how do i get my first job on a yacht, 10. are these courses worth it, or am i just wasting my money, 11. will i get hired for my first job from south africa, 12. what is daywork, 13. what are the best locations to get a yacht job, 14. how much can a motor yacht stewardess or deckhand earn, 15. what are the negatives of working on a yacht, 16. what are the positives of working on a yacht, 17. is working on a super yacht for everyone, 18. what is the minimum age to work on a yacht, 19. is accommodation provided when i am completing my yacht training in cape town.

Junior Deckhand

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• 5 positions

The leaders in superyacht recruitment

• Job ID #2260885
• 62m (203ft) Motor Yacht
• Starting 15th Apr 2024
• Posted 21st Mar 2024
• Job ID #2253283
• 45m (148ft) Motor Yacht
• Starting 18th Mar 2024
• Posted 13th Mar 2024

• Job ID #2252290
• 43m (141ft) Motor Yacht
• Starting 20th Mar 2024
• United States
• Job ID #2224575
• Starting 20th Feb 2024

Junior Deckhand Position Filled

• Job ID #2255017
• 44m (144ft) Motor Yacht
• EUR (€)2,500.00 Per Month
• Posted 15th Mar 2024

The Junior Deckhand skills should be the same as a Deckhand all be it with less on board experience.

The most important of skills is a can do attitude with a willingness to learn. A sense of humour can also be an advantage.

Salary range

EUR 1800 to EUR 2500 Per Month

Qualifications, training and skills required

• No previous experience necessary
• From age 16+ although as an agency the minimum age we place is 18+
• Basic STCW safety training, including PSA
• Powerboat Level II
• ENG1 Medical Fitness Certificate
• Professional Appearance
• Good Attitude

Extra desired training

• Personal Watercraft
• Personal Watercraft Instructor
• Day skipper
• Yacht Rating
• Water sports

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Junior Deckhand

About the junior deckhand.

A junior deckhand is an entry level position that requires little to no experience on board luxury yachts, however, some experience with boats or watersports expertise is extremely valuable. What this crew member lacks in experience, they can make up for with a can-do attitude and being a strong team player. In this position, it is necessary to work closely with the senior deck officer, be a quick learner, and able to follow instructions thoroughly in a detailed manner.

Job Responsibilities

• Cleanliness of the yacht wash downs, stainless polishing, waxing
• Assisting bosun and mate in maintenance projects; sanding and taping up for varnishing or painting, caulking, filling
• Continued learning of yacht maintenance, operations and systems; line handling, tender driving, navigation, safety, water sports

Required Skills

• Hard work ethic
• Positive attitude
• Ability to learn on the job
• Ability to take direction
• Professional appearance

Salary Modifiers

• Sports certification (i.e. dive certificate, kite surfing instructor)
• Extensive fishing knowledge
• Tender/small boat driving experience
• Carpentry skills

Position Statistics

Career path, senior master, junior captain, first officer / chief mate, officer of the watch.

Essential Guides

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What are the two main yachting seasons?

Big yacht crew hubs you should know about

Is yachting the right choice for me?

Yacht crew salary guide

A Yacht Deckhand is an entry-level position for those looking to work as a part of the Deck crew team onboard a yacht.

Deckhands are an integral part of the yacht crew in the day-to-day running of the yacht. They are responsible for the daily maintenance of the yacht, involving hands-on tasks to ensure it remains in immaculate condition for all guests at all levels of the yacht. 

Depending on the size of the yacht, there may either be only one Deckhand onboard or a team of Deckhands, all working to clean and polish the exterior to maintain the highest of standards. Deckhands are generally supervised by either a Lead Deckhand, Bosun, or a Chief Officer, depending on the size and structure of the yacht.

What does a Deckhand do? | Deckhand Job Description

A Deckhand’s main responsibility is to execute any task their senior gives them, in a timely and precise manner. These tasks predominantly comprise of maintaining the exterior of the yacht. 

Daily tasks vary and can include wash-downs, polishing, varnishing, teak cleaning, sanding, painting, and general maintenance. They may also be asked to drive or assist with the yacht’s tenders.

The responsibilities of a Deckhand include:

Regular wash-downs of the yacht

Deck scrubbing

Stainless polishing

Cleaning of deck lockers and bilges

Performing general maintenance duties such as sanding, painting, varnishing, etc.

Assisting with docking operations and anchoring

Assisting guests as required during water sports

Driving state-of-the-art yacht tenders

Soft and hard skills required to be a Deckhand

As an entry-level position, a yacht Deckhand job does not necessarily require any previous yachting experience, but it does require patience and a positive mental attitude. 

The competition for Deckhand positions is often very fierce so having any extra skills can really make a difference. Tender driving skills, carpentry, water sports, videography and mechanical knowledge can all help one get ahead of the competition so it's strongly advised to point them out on the CV.

On a personal level, a yacht Deckhand should be sociable and show a fondness for working as part of a team. They are often sporty, athletic people who enjoy being outdoors and are ready for new challenges and adventures.

The skills of a successful yacht Deckhand include:

Ability to take direction

Good work ethic

Physical fitness and strength

Positive attitude

Ability to learn on the job

Good eye for detail

Varnishing skills

Painting skills

Tender driving skills

Knowledge of water sports

Mandatory certificates needed to work on board a yacht 

All crew members regardless of position and seniority need to have a valid STCW Basic Safety Training certificate, along with a recognised Seafarers medical certificate, the most popular being the ENG1 which is issued by an MCA (Maritime and Coastguard Agency) professional medic. 

Without these two certificates, it is not possible for crew to work on board a yacht and a Recruiter will not be able to assist you in finding work onboard a yacht. For more information about mandatory certificates please visit our Mandatory Certificates Guide .

Are you ready to secure a Deckhand position on board a yacht?

Become a member of YPI CREW and connect with our recruiters so they can guide you through your job search. 

Each of our recruiters is specialised in crew placement for a particular department and they will do their best to get you an interview on board a yacht. They will also advise you on how to best present your experience and skills and prepare for a yacht job interview.

YPI CREW TEAM

Ypi crew recruiters in charge of deckhand recruitment.

Fiona Murray

Head of Bosun and Deckhand Department

Alexandra O’Connell

Bosun and Deckhand Recruitment Specialist

Let’s get started. Call us on +33 (0)4 92 90 46 10 or email us.

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Become a Superyacht Deckhand

• Begin a career on a Superyacht
• Career paths

A Deckhand is an entry-level position, and the role can vary from yacht to yacht. However, the first responsibility for a Deckhand is the meticulous cleaning and maintenance of the exterior of the yacht, which must be kept in pristine condition at all times.

More than that, though, working as a Superyacht Deckhand is an exciting and rewarding career kick-starter that will see you travel across the globe, make amazing new friends and gain a plethora of new skills and experiences!

If you want to become a Deckhand then click the button below and start your new career today.

However, if you’re still not sure then continue reading to find out more about working as a Deckhand on a Superyacht.

How much does a Deckhand make on a Superyacht?

A Deckhand’s salary ranges between €2,000 to €3,500 a month, though the average is €2,500. Almost all Superyachts pay is in Euros. The salary can depend on many factors, the main one being the yacht’s “crew” budget.

The owner or management company will agree on a budget that the captain uses to hire crew. Each yacht will have a different budget, which can lead to small variations in the amount yachts pay their crew.

Your total salary can also depend on whether you work on a charter or private yacht. On a charter yacht, it is customary for charter guests to tip the crew, the tip is normally around 10% of the charter fee. Chartering a Superyacht can set you back anywhere from €250,000 to €1 million per week.

Tips are split evenly between the crew and on average your tip can be anything from €2,000 – €5,000 for a week’s charter. Tips are paid on top of your monthly salary. Our  guide on Superyacht salaries  will explain more. Remember, you live onboard the yacht so there are very few living expenses.

What qualifications do I need to be a Deckhand?

here are three areas to consider when it comes to qualifications and experience. The first two are mandatory, the third depends on you, what work experience you have or job you have been doing to date.

• ENG 1 medical  required by all crew who work at sea. If you are thinking of becoming a Superyacht Deckhand we recommend you complete the ENG1 medical before completing Step 2.
• STCW Basic Safety Training  is a set of compulsory safety qualifications required by all crew in case there is an emergency onboard. STCW is a six-day course comprising; sea survival, first aid, fire fighting (great fun), and health, safety, and security.
• Get some experience  we will explain more below but you don’t have to come from a yachting background to work on a Superyacht.However, it does help if you know the basics. Yachts want to see that you have a good work ethic, like the outdoors, and can get on with people.If you have a background in; hospitality, Engineering, Carpentry, Electrician, Water sports instructor, Divemaster, to name a few, then this will look great on your CV.

It is true that for any new job, the more experience and skills you can offer the better. So, if you are new to yachting and want to get qualified before heading off, we can help you get started.

How do I become a Deckhand with no experience?

You don’t need to be a  Yachtmaster  or have worked on a yacht to become a Deckhand on a Superyacht. Most Superyacht crews don’t come from a boating background. Once onboard, the yacht’s crew will show you the ropes and what is expected.

However, any experience in water sports, diving, or on boats will help. Don’t worry if you haven’t worked in a practical role or been on boats.

Apart from the compulsory qualifications mentioned above, what is common among all crew is the desire to work outdoors in the sunshine.

What all Superyachts look for is a  good attitude , a desire to work hard, and to be part of a team. If you have a good, positive attitude, then you can go far. Flying Fish can provide all the qualifications and skills you need to get going; all we ask is for you to provide bring a good work ethic and a positive attitude.

What does a Deckhand actually do?

Well, that’s hard to explain in just one article! All crew work, eat and sleep onboard, the yacht will become your home, the crew your family.

The yacht will look after you, the chef cooks all your meals while onboard. Your contract will specify your duties, salary, working hours, and holiday entitlement. The yacht will supply your uniform and provide further training if necessary.

The role of a Deckhand will vary from yacht to yacht, depending on the size, how many crew, whether it is private or charter, the owner, Captain, and many other factors. However, the deck team’s main role is the cleaning and maintenance of the exterior of the yacht and its toys.

You will be tasked with washing the yacht, cleaning the windows, scrubbing the teak decks, and polishing the stainless. When the guests are onboard you may drive the tenders, and jet-skis, help with water sports activities, and even time in the bridge on lookout duties.

What is a typical working day like as a Deckhand?

Your working day will typically start at 8:00am and finish at 6:00pm, usually six days a week. When on charter, or if the owners are onboard, your work hours will differ. Unsociable hours are common when guests are on board.

Do I live on board?

You will share a cabin with another Deckhand. The cabins are small but comfortable, with an ensuite bathroom. There is access to the internet via that yacht’s Wifi system, so you can keep in touch with friends and family at home.

How do I find work on a Superyacht?

There are three ways crew can find a job:

• Most crew travel to Antibes, France, described as the hub of yachting in the Mediterranean. The Med season runs from March through to October.
• Online, we talk a bit more about “going online” below.
• Contacts. If you know somebody already working on a Superyacht, then it is possible to find work through their connections.

Almost everybody that is looking for a job on a Superyacht travels to Antibes, France. On arrival, crew tend to stay in a crew house, such as the  Crew Grapevine  used as a base to look for work.

If budget is a concern, then crew join forces and rent an Airbnb between them. The advantage of a crew house like the Crew Grapevine is that the owners (ex-yachties) actively help you find a job.

The way you find a job on a Superyacht is quite unique. From your base in Antibes, you would travel to other ports in the local area, walk the dock and chat with the crew working onboard to see if any positions are available.

Superyacht crew who have the evening off will go to the local bars to unwind. This is the perfect chance to get to know people working on Superyachts and build connections in the industry.

Go online to look for a work

All Superyacht recruitment agents post positions on their respective websites. Once qualified, new, or “green crew”, as they are known, would register with the agency and complete their registration form. You would then get in touch with the agent to start searching for that dream job.

The recruitment agent’s job is to match the right candidate for the job being advertised. There are many recruitments agents out there, we work closely with  YPI  a Superyacht recruitment agency based in the South of France.

A quick Google search for “ Superyacht Recruitment Agents ” will bring up a list.

Yotspot  is a very popular website that matches yachts with quality crew.

Facebook  is another medium that yachts use to post jobs. To keep up to date, is it worth joining a couple of the Superyacht Facebook groups. Yacht crew jobs and Palma yacht group are two examples.

How long does it take to find work on a Superyacht?

Over the 12 years we have been running our Superyacht Deckhand programme, most customers find a job between one and four weeks. We have had customers that have found a job in a day and others that have taken six weeks to find that perfect job.

The time it takes to find a job is down to you. You will need to be proactive, up early, and make sure you are at the front of the queue. From our experience, people who work hard and explore every opportunity will find a job quickly.

Every Captain or Officer that calls us for a reference asks the same question – does the candidate have a good attitude? You need to be hard-working, happy to work long hours, and used to mucking in. Have a can-do attitude and a willingness to go the extra mile to help your fellow crewmates.

When is the best time to look for work on a Superyacht?

Traditionally Superyachts recruit for the Mediterranean season  any time between February to May.  That being said, yachts recruit all year round. We have seen many graduates find work in July and August when the season is in full swing.

The next key recruitment period is between September and November as yachts prepare for the Caribbean season. Yachts will cross the Atlantic anytime between December and January to cruise the Caribbean or the US for the winter.

Superyacht crew who have had a busy Mediterranean season may decide to take the winter off, which leaves opportunities for new crew to enter the industry.

Can I make yachting a career?

Yes! Thousands of crew who start out as a Deckhand climb the career ladder, first qualifying as a Lead Deckhand, then onto Officer and finally Captain. Okay, that sounds simple, but many have achieved their dream of becoming a Captain of a large Superyacht.

Running a yacht is not easy and requires a lot of qualifications, time at sea, excellent communication and management skills, and a deep understanding of the yachting industry.

Below is the career pathway from Deckhand to Master (Captain). The good news is there is a structured pathway, so you know what skills and sea time are required.

How do I become a Superyacht Deckhand?

This is where we come in. Flying Fish runs a two-week Superyacht Deckhand course that includes all the qualifications and skills you need to get started in the industry. Everything from the STCW Basic Safety Training to a bespoke programme to teach you all you need to know to get started.

The course is great fun, you will learn loads of new skills and meet like-minded people who, like you, are thinking about a different career path.

Superyacht Deckhand Course

If you want to travel the world on a Superyacht, earn an enviable salary and make some incredible friends for life, becoming a Deckhand is the way to go!

The course is suitable for complete beginners or those with experience who are looking to work as a Deckhand on a commercial yacht.

The ultimate guide to working on Superyachts

Yacht Crew Job Board

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

126 yacht crew jobs available now.

Yacht Crew Training

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

Working on a Luxury Yacht

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

Manage Your Yacht Career

Whether you're seeking a yacht crew position as a deckhand, engineer, onboard masseuse, stewardess, chef, chief stewardess, purser, first officer, or captain, take control of your yacht career. Create a profile and join one of the world's largest yachting communities for free.

126 JOBS FOUND

• Seasonal-could become permanent
• Qualifications: STCW, ENG1
• Experience: Can be green if good cooking skills
• Salary: €2500-3000 DOE
• Experience: Similar
• Salary: €3000
• Qualifications: AEC minimum
• Salary: €3500-4000 DOE
• Experience: 1 year +
• Salary: tbd
• Temporary until end of May
• Qualifications: YachtMaster minimum
• Experience: Large sailing yachts and jet tenders
• Salary: DOE
• Seasonal until October
• Qualifications: YM offshore minimum

• Experience: 1-2 seasons
• Salary: €2700-3000 DOE
• Seasonal (possibly permanent)
• Qualifications: Master 200 / OOW 500
• Experience: as Mate/Chief Officer on larger boat
• Salary: 4500 euros
• Qualifications: STCW, ENG 1, ideally AEC1
• Experience: similar

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Yacht Deckhand Jobs

If efficiency, organisation and the safe handling of a superyacht are all things that sound appealing to you, then perhaps you should consider a career as a yacht deckhand. An entry-level position on a yacht, this role can be seen as the first step to a long and fulfilling career working onboard yachts. Yacht deckhands are important crew members, as the role covers a broad range of tasks – from cleaning and maintaining the exterior of the yacht, to driving tenders and supervising guests during watersport activities and excursions on land. Depending on the size of a yacht, there are usually between one and ten deckhands, so being an abled team player, sociable and a hard worker are all a must!

Yacht deckhands roles are very rewarding and the perfect stepping-stone for a stable career in yachting. Once you have completed the STCW’95 Basic crew training, you can begin looking for a job as a yacht deckhand. Browse through our full deckhand job offerings for more information.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

As a deckhand, a lot of the daily duties and tasks include maintaining and overseeing the yacht’s exterior, washing and polishing it, learning more about yacht maintenance, safety operations and systems-line handling. Deckhands also assist the deck officer with any maintenance projects, such as sanding, caulking and varnishing. It is also up to the deckhands to accompany and supervise guests during watersports and water activities, drive tenders and assist with any additional tasks.

YACHT DECKHAND SALARIES

Deckhand salaries can vary slightly, depending on the size and type of yacht. Data shows that deckhands on a motor yacht earn between €2,000 and €3,000 a month, depending on the size and their experience. Deckhands working on sailing yachts may earn a bit less, between €1,800 and €2,900 a month.

Senior deckhand on a 35m Yacht

Junior deckhand on a 40m yacht

Deckhand on a 50m Superyacht

Female bosun on a private and charter yacht

Bosun on private 50m yacht

Lead Deckhand on a 50m private yacht

Junior Deckhand on 50m private yacht

Deckhand/Engineer

Deckhand/Stewardess on 35m motor yacht

Deckhand/steward.

Female Deckhand on 60m private Motor Yacht