Your first superyacht job, explained properly.
A plain-English guide to becoming superyacht crew — what deckhands, bosuns, stewardesses and chefs actually do, which certificates you need first, and how to find work once you've got them.
Which crew role fits you?
Each role guide covers what the job is really like day to day, the certificates and experience you need to get hired, and typical pay. These four are the most common entry points — browse all 20 roles, including officers, engineering and senior interior positions.
Deck
Deckhand
The entry point into the deck department, and for many crew, into yachting itself.
Read the guide →Deck
Bosun
The deck department's working supervisor — part mechanic, part team lead.
Read the guide →Interior
Chief Stewardess
Runs the interior department and sets the standard for guest service on board.
Read the guide →Galley
Sous Chef
Second-in-command in the galley, and the natural path toward a head chef position.
Read the guide →How much does superyacht crew earn?
Typical monthly base pay by rank, from junior deckhand to captain — plus what's covered beyond salary.
| Junior Deckhand | €2,300 – €3,500 |
| Bosun | €3,500 – €6,000 |
| Chief Stewardess / Purser | €4,500 – €8,000+ |
| Captain | €9,000 – €20,000+ |
Ready to book your STCW or ENG1?
This guide explains what you need and why. When you're ready to actually compare and book training, head to our sister site, SuperyachtCourses.com — it lists deck, interior, galley and engineering courses from training schools worldwide, with pricing, duration and start dates side by side.
More guides
The rest of what a new crew member usually needs to figure out first.
Superyacht Crew
The complete guide — departments, qualifications and pay in one place.
Career Path
A visual map of every rank, and exactly where each ladder stops.
Salary Guide 2026
Typical pay by rank, from junior deckhand to captain.
Crew Agents
How crew agents work, and a starting list of established ones.
Work for Summer
Just want one season? No career commitment required.
Career Change to Yachting
Switching into yachting from a land-based career.
Get a Superyacht Job
The full path from zero experience to your first contract.
About This Guide
Who we are and why we've run this since 2012.