Superyacht crew roles, explained
Superyacht crew is split into four departments — deck, interior, galley and engineering — each with its own career ladder. Here's what every rank, from entry-level through to captain, actually involves.
Deck
Exterior maintenance, tenders, watersports and the officer/command ladder up to captain.
Deckhand
The entry point into the deck department, and for many crew, into yachting itself.
Read the guide →Bosun
The deck department's working supervisor — part mechanic, part team lead.
Read the guide →2nd/3rd Officer
Junior bridge officers building sea time toward chief officer and captain.
Read the guide →Chief Officer
Second-in-command on deck — runs the department day to day and stands in for the captain.
Read the guide →Captain
Ultimate responsibility for the yacht, the crew and everyone aboard.
Read the guide →Deckhand (Watersports)
A specialist deckhand running the toys, tenders and watersports programme for guests.
Read the guide →Carpenter
A skilled tradesperson looking after the yacht's woodwork and joinery.
Read the guide →Interior
Guest service, housekeeping and wellness — from junior stewardess to chief stewardess.
Junior Stewardess
The entry point into the interior department — guest service, cleaning and hospitality from day one.
Read the guide →2nd Stewardess
A season or two in, taking on more responsibility and specialist service skills.
Read the guide →Chief Stewardess
Runs the interior department and sets the standard for guest service on board.
Read the guide →Housekeeper
Focused purely on cleaning and presentation standards — found on the largest interior teams.
Read the guide →Head Housekeeper
Runs the housekeeping team on yachts large enough to have one.
Read the guide →Spa Manager
Runs the onboard spa and wellness programme — a specialist role on the largest charter yachts.
Read the guide →Galley
Cooking for guests and crew, from crew chef up to head chef.
Engineering
Electro-technical and AV/IT systems — standard on yachts from around 45m up.
2nd Engineer
Supports the chief engineer and builds toward a chief engineer ticket.
Read the guide →Chief Engineer
Runs the engine room — full responsibility for everything mechanical and technical on board.
Read the guide →ETO
Keeps every electronic system on board running — from navigation to Wi-Fi.
Read the guide →AV/IT Officer
Focused specifically on the audio-visual and IT systems that keep guests connected.
Read the guide →ETO/AVIT (Dual Role)
One person covering both electro-technical and AV/IT duties — standard on 60–90m yachts.
Read the guide →Not on a yacht yet?
Start with our step-by-step guide to landing your first job, then come back here once you know which department you're aiming for.