Lighthouse careers

Yacht deckhand jobs and salary guide

This post will assist you in determining what sorts of yacht deckhand jobs and salary your could be expecting your  for this kind of position. 

What you’ll learn from it: What to expect as salary for a yacht deckhand, the benefits and drawbacks of the job, alternatives if you’re thinking about becoming a yacht deckhand yourself. If that’s your case then read on!

A yacht deckhand job is ideal for cruising the globe, seeing the world’s most incredible sites, and earning money while doing it.

You’ll also discover details about yacht crew salaries and other factors as well.

What does the job entail?

A deckhand is an entry-level position aboard a luxury yacht.

It mainly consists of performing basic maintenance tasks in collaboration with the bosun and the deck officers. Deckhands are responsible for all deck tasks and operations, including assisting with docking and other functions.

The deck crew, which includes both deckhands and mates, is in charge of keeping the ship in good working order, aside from the engine and other systems that are maintained by onboard engineers.

You could also be expected to participate in a variety of water activities, such as diving, snorkeling, jet skis, kitesurfing, and anything else depending on the charter guests’ demands.

What qualifications do I need?

A sailing qualification is not required as a deckhand, but it will always be beneficial. Those with training are more likely to earn more money and get a greater salary.

To begin with, you’ll need a valid STCW basic safety training and an ENG1, which is the same as any other yacht crew. You won’t be able to work as a deckhand on a yacht unless you’ve got these two qualifications.

However, this is not all that’s required to be a successful candidate for yachting positions of this nature.

Aside from the ENG1/STCW basic safety training, you will also need experience working onboard similar vessels.

Additional qualifications, such as a tender driver’s license or a diving master certificate, might be critical in obtaining the job of your dreams.

CARPENTRY SKILLS CAN ALSO BE A GREAT HELP.

If you’re looking for a way to boost your skills, these are the qualifications you’ll need:

  • MCA Efficient Deckhand (EDH)
  • General GRP and carpentry repairs
  • VHF Radio
  • RYA Competent Crew
  • RYA Radar
  • MCA Proficiency in Designated Security Duties
  • RYA Powerboat Level 2
  • RYA Tender Operator
  • PWC Personal Watercraft Proficiency

What are the key responsibilities?

A deckhand is responsible for a variety of tasks on the boat, including but not limited to:

  • Keeping decks clean and tidy.
  • Maintain safety equipment, such as life jackets and harnesses.
  • Participate in emergencies, such as man overboard or medical emergency and so on.
  • You should also be aware of how to operate basic equipment such as ropes and winches.
  • Assist in the launch and recovery of water sports equipment.
  • Assist guests with embarking/disembarking the vessel as needed.
  • Other general deck duties as assigned by bosun or other yacht officers.

Most importantly, these duties can vary on board and your daily tasks may change all the time.

 

What Skills Does a Yacht deckhand Need to have?

It is very important to have the right kind of skills when applying for a yacht deckhand job.

It’s important to be physically fit, as the job can be demanding and includes long hours of work.

You must also be able to work well as part of a team, take direction and be willing to learn new tasks.

Patience and good communication skills are essential in this role, as you will often be dealing with guests.

Being able to work under pressure is another important skill, as things can often change quickly onboard a yacht.

Also, it is important to be an all-around person on board, so if you are called on to help with something outside of your specific role, be ready!

Finally, an interest in water sports will go a long way. These activities can vary greatly depending on what the guests demand and you might find yourself learning new skills regularly.

In addition, you should have a positive attitude and be ready for hard work, as a yacht deckhand job is not an easy one.

It’s also essential to be well-spoken and polite towards the guests at all times.

What type of personality do you need to have?

The most important personality trait for a yacht deckhand is that you must be able to work well under pressure. Most of the time, things happen spontaneously on a yacht and you need to be able to take on new tasks at a moment’s notice.

You should also have an easy-going personality as you will be working in close quarters with guests.

It is also important to be a team player and be able to work harmoniously with your yacht crew.

How do you move up the hierarchy?

To climb the chain, you must first become a lead deckhand and demonstrate your ability to command a team. Then you may progress to becoming a bosun before moving on to become an officer.

There are several ways to move up the ladder in the industry, but it mostly depends on your level of experience and willingness to learn along with some additional skills.

The different positions in the deck department are:

  • Junior Deckhand
  • Carpenter
  • Lead deckhand
  • Bosun
  • Mate
  • Security Officer
  • 2nd Officer
  • 3rd Officer
  • Chief Officer
  • Captain

You’ll need to collaborate with other crew members such as the master, engineering department, stewards (both female and male), chefs, yacht engineers, etc.

How much money can I make as a Yacht Deckhand?

A yacht crew salary depends on multiple factors, for instance, the size of the vessel, whether this is a private yacht or a motor yacht, the program and the itinerary, etc…

According to your education, experience, you can expect to earn between 2500€ and 3500€ per month to start with.

Crew salaries evolve quite fast as you gain more experience, longevity on the same vessel, and additional skills and qualifications you might gain along the way.

There is a huge gap between someone who has 6 months work experience/no qualification vs 6 years of work experience.

If you work on a charter yacht, You might also get charter tips, which will significantly boost your yearly earnings.

This is a nice wage, especially when you compare it to what others are earning in other industry’s entry positions. When you first start, this is the sort of money that only a few jobs in the world can provide. It’s not uncommon for a first-time deckhand to earn between 50,000 and 60,000 euros each year.

Salaries can vary depending on experience and qualifications, but it’s important to remember that these positions are in high demand.

If you are looking to start a career as a deckhand, it is important to be prepared for a long and challenging journey. However, with the right qualifications and skills, it can be an extremely rewarding career.

If you want to learn more about yacht crew salaries, go to our yacht salary guide for a breakdown of possible salaries, we’ve put together yacht crew salaries by position with various qualifications in a simple calculator.

What are the drawbacks?

Yachts pay for virtually all of your living expenses while onboard, but the crew wage will seldom contribute to your pension and medical insurance is only provided while you are employed, depending on the yacht and its flag state. Yacht jobs can be quite insecure at times, for instance, the yacht gets sold, and they replace the whole crew, and you lose the job.

To ensure that you’re completely prepared for when the time comes, it’s important to leave nothing to chance. Be prepared, invest when you can, and contribute to a pension, and medical on your own too.

What is the work schedule?

Working hours for a yacht deckhand vary depending on the type of vessel and its operation.

The shift duration could be anything from eight hours to 12 hours per day, depending on operational requirements. yacht crew salary

In most situations, you should be prepared to work on weekends and holidays. You must be flexible in the summer when the yachting season is at its peak.

However, in the winter months, it’s more like a 9-to-5 Monday through Friday job unless you’ve been assigned to be on the watch. The chief officer will usually draft a watch roaster a long time ahead.

Unless otherwise stated in your Seafarers Employment Agreement (SEA), most superyachts will provide health insurance. The majority of yachts will provide food, basic toiletries, uniforms, laundry, transportation, and other onboard expenses. Yacht crew schedules vary on each vessel however, four to six weeks paid holiday per year and five to six-day work week is standard unless the yacht is on charter or if you’re on a rotational schedule.

How can I get a job on a yacht as a deckhand?

The best approach to begin is by submitting your CV and cover letter to the crew placement businesses. Make sure you include all of your sailing and boat experience, as well as any certificates or training courses you’ve completed.

It’s critical to emphasize your personality characteristics, such as your ability to work under pressure and your pleasant demeanor.

Are there a lot of open deckhand positions on the market?

There is always demand for a good yacht deckhand, so the market is quite competitive. It’s important to have all the necessary certificates and training, as well as a great attitude and a willingness to work hard.

If you have all of that, then your chances of landing a job are very good.

Even if you’ve never worked on yachts before, you can still impress employers with your work ethic and people skills.

Again, this is why it’s so important to emphasize these traits when looking for jobs as a yacht crew member.

We have a lot of positions currently opened and actively looking to hire:

Should you work with a yacht recruitment agency?

Working with a recruitment agency can be beneficial, as it will increase your chances of finding the right yacht job. A good crew agent will be able to match you with the right employer, based on your skills, personality, and qualifications. A reputable crew agency, with vast industry knowledge, will also be able to assist you in building your career path.

It’s important to find a recruitment agency that truly understands yacht jobs, and will be able to help you in finding the right fit.

Make sure you find an agent who has a lot of experience in the yachting industry, as they will be better equipped to help you find a job that’s right for you.

To sum-up

Working as a yacht deckhand is a rewarding job that will give you plenty of opportunities to grow and excel. The yachting industry is not all about crew salaries, you will be able to build an amazing career, visit the most amazing places, and work with some of the best people.

So, if this career path appeals to join, then it’s time to start preparing yourself for the adventure ahead!