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Australia's Leading Superyacht Training Provider

International qualifications.

Our IYT & MCA recognised courses qualify you to work on amazing Superyachts in the best destinations around the world. Work, travel and imagine yourself in the most beautiful locations on the planet.

Australian & NSW Government Subsidised Qualifications

Our AMSA recognised courses allow you to work in Australia's beautiful waterways and oceans aboard Superyachts and other vessels. The training covers the required operational and safety competencies to see you into your next exciting chapter or a career move.

Short Courses

Our various short courses give extra skills to those who are wanting to add to their development and employment opportunities. It's easy to build your knowledge in a convenient and affordable way.

LIVE LIFE TO THE MAX

The Superyacht Crew Academy is Australia’s leading training provider, we deliver both International and Australian qualifications for the Superyacht & Maritime industries.

Superyacht Crew Academy is a registered training organisation and industry leader, offering fully accredited courses to enable your qualifications to take you anywhere you want to go. Both International and Australian recognised competencies will place you into your dream of working on a Superyacht or in the Maritime industry across a range of roles and skills. Our courses are packaged with the required mandatory safety standards and you can add on extra skills.  We are here to help you and guide your course selection, so don’t wait, connect with us.

We also operate as Sydney Maritime Institute which is a division of the Superyacht Crew Academy to provide training courses for people wishing to work on Australian Commercial vessels.

Our Most Popular Courses

STCW 95+10 Training and Certification All yacht crew are required to have the International STCW 95 as amended by Manila Ammendments 2010 certificate (STCW 95+1...

Superyacht Deckhand Package

Superyacht Deckhand – Package Course MCA Internationally recognised training to become a superyacht deckhand. This IYT Deckhand Training Course is a quali...

Superyacht Interior Crew Package

Superyacht Interior Crew – Package Course Internationally recognised training to become a professional superyacht steward/ess. The Superyacht Crew Academy...

What Our Students Say

Great training, super friendly and helpful staff with a welcoming atmosphere. Best place to go to for super yacht training, if i ever need to do additional training in the future I wouldn’t go anywhere else.

Sarah Woodger – Stewardess

SCA was excellent from registration through to wrapping up 2 and a half weeks of hands-on courses. The breadth of experience the instructors shared with the classes throughout the STCW, Deckhand and Powerboat courses was honest and realistically portrayed the industry and what to expect as a newcomer. Very much worth the cost for the practical experience gained from ex crew members themselves. Thanks team!

Gerhard Meiring – Deckhand

I did the STCW95+10 with Superyacht Crew Academy. It was a great course, very thorough with the information, the practical days were very good, you will learn a lot from this course.

Michelle Maricic – Stewardess

i had a really great experience with the super yacht crew academy and would recommend it to anyone wanting to join the industry

Anastacia Buhagiar – Stewardess

“Thank you for all the help and support that you gave me when i was studying with you. it was amazing and I will no doubt be visiting again hopefully at the end of next year when I come to do my Yacht Master OffShore. The Boat has offered me an awesome opportunity to learn all there is to learn as well as an awesome salary, benefits, and program. Not to mention the crew are a happy bunch of people and we are like a large family…. I have learned that the crew makes the boat and that is the main thing, not the salary, benefits or program!”

Joshua McCouat – Deckhand

“I am so excited!!! I went for my first interview yesterday afternoon at an agency and got a call from them later on advising that they’d put me forward for a 2nd stewardess position and to expect a call from the captain. He rang this morning and we met at Starbucks and… they are flying me up on Friday! It’s happened so fast, but it felt right. The yacht is currently in Norfolk, Virginia and we will be heading out very soon to spend the season in New England. The captain was really laid back and very forthcoming. Apparently the yacht is privately owned by a wealthy guy (obviously) and isn’t chartered out very often. Mostly they do cocktail parties. He thinks we will be in the Mediterranean next year although he is waiting on confirmation from the owner. The pace on the yacht seems very relaxed. It will be a great place for me to learn as much as possible. I am so keen to get started. Thank you!”

Carlie – Stewardess

Such an incredible experience with the most amazing and helpful instructors. Would highly recommend Superyacht Crew Academy to help you start your journey in this industry!

Tayla McIntyre

“In my first interview I got offered a job! I really liked the chief stewardess so I am on a 43m private Superyacht for the season. I have been on the boat for two weeks and so far all is going well. I am looking forward to a good season and I will be home for Christmas. Two other people who did the course with me, Emily and Adam also got jobs very easily! Thank you again for all of your support and giving us a great head start!”

Ashtyn Leary – Stewardess

“Everything is going GREAT for me over here! We have travelled from Fort Lauderdale all the way along the East Coast up to Labrador, Canada over 4000 miles so far. My roster is split so I spend the first part of the day as a deckhand and the second part of the day as the second stewardess onboard a 154 foot SuperYacht. The owners are fantastic. I really enjoyed the interior crew course and feel so much more prepared for my stewardess role.”

Katie Ford – Stewardess and Deckhand

“I was totally impressed by the STCW training I received at the Superyacht Crew Academy. The instructors were excellent, the equipment top notch, and I truly feel confident that I would perform well in the case of an emergency aboard ship. Thank you Chris and Deb for being so helpful to me. As a foreign student coming to Australia for this training, your kindness was extra meaningful. I am now a Superyacht Agent in Noumea and spend a lot of time aboard superyachts. Even though I am not a member of the crews, my STCW training is right there in the back of my mind just in case there was an emergency; especially when refuelling, helping resupply the medical equipment or moving heavy equipment on and off the superyachts.”

Chloe Morin – Super yacht Agent Noumea Ocean Services

“I have been on a Superyacht for six months and I absolutely love it! The crew is great and the owners are wonderful. We left Florida two weeks ago and we are on a three month trip over to California! We made a stop in Cuba and the owners invited all of the crew to go on day trips with the guests to sight see! Now we are in the Cayman Islands. From here we head through the Panama Canal and then we go to Panama City, Papagallo Peninsula Costa Rica then Cabo San Lucas, before we end up to Southern California. This is such a great experience for me. I do stewardess work, cook for crew and guests, handle lines when docking and leaving as well as watch shifts while we’re underway. I just wanted to say thanks again for all the valuable training I received in my classes! Thank you!”

Jessica Benway – Stewardess

“You are by far the most professional and successful training facility that I have dealt with around the world. Keep up the amazing work!”

Nick Smith – Chief Officer M/Y Akula

“My experience with Superyacht Crew Academy was amazing. I had a fantastic time on the deck crew course and learnt a lot more than I expected.”

Tom Armstrong – Deckhand

“I just wanted to say thank you to the staff at Superyacht Crew Academy. I am currently working on a 43m M/Y Eclipse which is situated in Israel during the winter and the Mediterranean in the summer. I am heading into my third week here, now crossing to Genoa, Italy for the boat show. I am a 3rd stewardess and loving it. We are now in Kotor in Montenegro near Croatia and it is absolutely stunning. I am loving my job and have been lucky enough to rotate with duties and will be doing service this week, in a few hours actually. Thank you for all your help!”

Lauren A – Stewardess

” I thought I would give you a quick update on my adventures. I’ve just finished a cruise on an expedition vessel and am back in Antibes looking for a new position as a stewardess. Thank you for the casual work experience I did while completing my interior course. It’s definitely a lot better now that I have the right qualifications and some experience. I’m finding that there is so much more available to me.”

Natasha Harris – Stewardess

“The instructors were excellent, very professional and thorough. My training at Superyacht Crew Academy made my job as stewardess aboard the Tango possible and enjoyable. It really helps to have the inside story from experts before you begin. I’m happy to recommend the Superyacht Crew Academy to anyone interested in working in this industry.”

Haley – Stewardess M/Y Tango

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Superyacht Crew Academy Provides training and certification for people who wish to work on Superyachts anywhere in the world and within the Australian Maritime Industry. Legal Name: Club Sail Pty. Ltd. Trading as: Superyacht Crew Academy Registered Training Organisation no. 91462

Unit 25a/5 Ponderosa Parade, Warriewood, NSW 2102, Australia.

+61 2 9979 9669

[email protected]

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How To Become A Superyacht Captain With UKSA

Have you ever wondered what it takes to become a Superyacht Captain? To do so, it requires a combination of education, experience, and certifications across numerous years. In this article, we hear from Will Satterly, Head of Careers at UKSA , about how to become a Superyacht Captain.

Which Tasks Does A Superyacht Captain Carry Out?

As Captain, specialising in commanding and managing luxury yachts over 24 metres in length, you’ll be responsible for a crew and the safety of passengers. As well as this, you answer to the yacht’s owner about the decisions you make. Effective communication and leadership are crucial. Will elaborates:

“The Captain is responsible for the safety of the vessel and crew/passengers. Building an effective culture and maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and safety whist complying to all regulatory requirements. Managing expectations of owners and other stakeholders such as management companies, is another key part of being a successful captain.”

The smaller the yacht, the more hands-on the Captain must be. Yet they will have hold more administrative duties if the yacht is larger.

How Long Does It Take?

Naturally, depending on the candidate, this will vary. However, Will remarks that “6+ years is realistic to gain the necessary experience, sea time, and modules.”

The Qualifications & Traits You Need

As Captain, you will need:

• Great communication skills (to deal with owners, contractors, crew, and guests alike)
• Personnel management skills
• Excellent seafaring knowledge
• An understanding of accounting
• IT and administration skills

The UKSA pathway for MCA Deck Office certification outlines a series of steps you can take:

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Related articles, how to freelance as a yacht stew, crew, fancy a different job top tips for bolstering your employability, a crazy stewardess story with a ‘super’ ending, what are the pros & cons of working with your partner onboard.

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UKSA Superyacht Cadetship Course

From cadet to officer on superyachts.

Are you between 18-25 and looking for an exciting career on superyachts? The UKSA Superyacht Cadetship Course is a structured programme designed to train the future officers of the superyacht industry. The programme has been designed specifically in consultation with the RYA and MCA to meet their approved training standards and guidelines and UKSA are proud to be the only training provider to offer this type of programme.

A great alternative to university, the course begins on 10th September 2025.

About the Superyacht Cadetship Course

The Superyacht Cadetship is our flagship course and is a structured five-year programme designed to train the future officers of the superyacht industry following the career path to STCW II/1 Officer of the Watch (Yachts less than 3000GT).

The Superyacht Cadetship is delivered over five phases and combines the most relevant training, qualifications, and mentoring, which equips our graduates with a strong foundation of knowledge alongside offering a realistic understanding of what it takes to succeed in a career in the Superyacht industry. This structured programme progresses through the RYA Yachting scheme to MCA Deck Officer training leading to the MCA Officer of the Watch  (Yachts less than 3000gt) Certificate of Competence. This qualification enables you to work on an unrestricted world-wide basis as Captain of yachts up to 200gt, and Officer of the Watch of the very largest yachts up to 3000gt.

Cadets also have the opportunity to undertake a  Foundation Degree in Operational Yacht Science  during phase 1 and 3 of the Superyacht Cadetship, awarded by Plymouth University. This option provides additional career and training pathways into different sectors in the maritime industry.

Superyacht Cadetship course stages

Essential cadetship training – 22 weeks (academic study).

This phase is designed to train cadets in seamanship, watch keeping, maintenance and industry knowledge; providing the skills and qualifications necessary to obtain an entry level position of employment.

Qualification gained

• RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Offshore (sail)
• RYA Coastal Skipper / Yachtmaster Offshore Shore based
• MCA STCW Basic Safety Training
• MCA Proficiency in Designated Security Duties (STCW code Reg A-VI/6-2)
• RYA Marine Short-Range Radio
• RYA Powerboat Level 2
• RYA Advanced Powerboat
• RYA Personal Watercraft Proficiency
• MCA Approved Engine Course (AEC)
• Mental Health & Wellbeing Training for Seafarers [Accredited by the UK Chamber of Shipping]
• Superyacht Maintenance training
• Foundation Degree in Operational Yacht Science (Optional)

As part of Phase 1, you will also participate in a NextGen workshop focusing on emotional intelligence, self awareness and communication, a Williams Jet Tender session on the water, and interviews with the industries leading agencies.

Cadetship Industry Phase – 12-18 months (paid employment)

Cadets will work at sea, following the guidance of the MCA Training Record Book, with regular communication to the UKSA and reports from the cadet’s Captain / Employer. Students will have help from the industry guidance team here at UKSA to fine their positions for the work phases, if they have not already secured work before graduating.

Efficient Deck Hand and year 2 of Foundation Degree (if applicable)

After your initial phase of training, the UKSA Careers and Sales teams will support you on a 1:1 basis to return and complete the OOW modules.

Qualifications gained

• Efficient Deck Hand (EDH) [must have 6 months onboard service]
• RYA Yachtmaster Ocean Shore based [Foundation Degree students only, or those planning to apply for Chief Mate <3000GT]

Cadetship Industry Phase – 12 to 18 months (paid employment)

During this phase the cadet will gain watch keeping experience, in line with the MCA Training Record Book; applying and honing the practical techniques and practices learnt in Phase 3. For those cadets on the Foundation Degree programme, this would be completed by the end of this Phase.

Cadetship Completion Training – 8 weeks (academic study)

This is the final stage of the Officer of the Watch (Yacht less then 3000gt) training. Building on training and experience gained over the period of the course, Cadets will study senior modules towards the final examination and qualification.

Qualification gained:

• Officer of the Watch (Yachts less then 3000gt) Certificate of Competence:
• Human Element Leadership and Management (Operational Level)
• Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats (Restricted)
• Electronic Display and Information Systems (ECDIS)
• GMDSS General Operators Certificate
• Navigation and Radar (OOW Yachts)
• General Ships Knowledge (OOW Yachts)
• Oral Preparation Officer of the Watch (Yachts less than 3000gt)

Dates and pricing

Lewis coppinger.

Second Officer on 50m yacht sailing from Greece to the Carribean

“I’ve gone from not really knowing what I wanted to do to being launched into a career which I love.”

read his story

Holly Barnard

Second Mate on SV Sea Dragon

“Every day is an adventure. Exploring unknown territories, meeting new wildlife neighbours, and being able to sail to areas only accessible by boat is pretty spectacular. I’ve always loved being on and in the ocean, so living and working on it is a dream come true.”

read her story

Course Pre-requisites

You must have the following pre-requisites to be considered for the Superyacht Cadetship:

• Applicants must be between 18 and 25 with a genuine interest in a long-term career within the superyacht industry.
• Excellent communication, oral and written skills, are essential, as is a good understanding of mathematics. Cadets should ideally have GCSEs (or equivalent) in English& Maths, passed with grades A-C.
• 48 points UCAS points are required if applying for the Foundation Degree alongside the Superyacht Cadetship (120 points under the old UCAS points system). If you are over the age of 21, and you do not have the required UCAS points, you could be assessed on any workplace learning / training you have done.

Cadets will also be required to pass an MCA ENG1 medical examination prior to the start of their training at UKSA. Certain factors that may prevent you from passing this include colour blindness, short-sightedness, diabetes, epilepsy, heart disease, uncontrolled high blood pressure, mental illness and alcoholism. If you are concerned about any of these conditions, please contact your Course Adviser.

Why Train With UKSA

When you train at UKSA you experience our world-class tuition and over 35 years of maritime industry insight.  Also included in your course fee :

• Freshly prepared breakfast, lunch and dinner provided each day
• Accommodation in our new  Sea.Change building *
• Purpose built training suites
• Career support both during and after your time at UKSA
• Networking on site throughout your time at UKSA
• Access to our fully equipped gym
• UKSA superyacht uniform provided (branded polo shirts)
• Discounted rate for one  year’s membership of Nautilus International

*  subject to availability, we reserve the right to provide alternative accommodation on site

attend an open day

How to Apply

You can get in touch with UKSA’s Careers Team by emailing [email protected] or calling +44 (0)1983 281626

To apply, you will need to send over the following:

• Completed UKSA Superyacht Cadetship Application form
• ENG1 medical ( or your booked appointment detail)
• 2 full written references (Character or Professional)

Please ask your course advisor for the application form and to start the process.

The next step is to book a cadet selection at UKSA.

• 12 th – 13 th December 2024
• 30 th – 31 st January 2024
• 18 th – 19 th February 2025
• 6 th – 7 th March 2025
• 27 th – 28 th March 2025

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#SeaChangeStories

What drew me to the Cadetship was the hands-on experience you get to build up on the water, and the sea miles you gain over the duration of the course. It allows you to be thrown into situations that you wouldn’t usually be in. Tory Armstrong -Superyacht Cadetship/Master Yacht

Need help finding the right course for you?

Speak to an advisor on +44 (0)1983 203038 or email us

SUPERYACHT CAREER GUIDE

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Start or Enhance your Professional Superyacht Education

Everything you need to know about starting or enhancing your career in the superyacht industry, setting you up to be ahead of your peers and on the fast track to a successful career in the industry.

With over 10,000 yachts currently in operation, the industry is growing rapidly each year and promises adventure, travel, financial rewards and many career opportunities.

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About the Superyacht Career Guide

• An easily digestible guide on the various career pathways and which qualifications and certifications are required.
• A directory of prefiltered training partners to help you get started, or to advance in your career.
• A simple to understand guide on how to enhance your career and potential earnings through continued development.

How it Works

The Deck department is responsible for the safe navigation of the vessel, loading & discharging of equipment, vessel stability and the safe operation and maintenance of the hull and deck equipment.

Use the Overview tool to find out what skills and characteristics you require to rise through the ranks of the Deck department. Or click the DECK button below to go directly to the career path, presenting the ways and opportunities to develop your career and enhance your earning potential within the industry.

The Engineering department is responsible for the safe operation, maintenance & repair of all mechanical, electrical, hydraulic and pneumatic systems & appendages found on board a superyacht.

Use the Overview tool to find out what skills and characteristics you require to rise through the ranks of the Engineering department. Or click the ENGINEERING button below to go directly to the career path, presenting the ways and opportunities to develop your career and enhance your earning potential within the industry.

The Interior departments are collectively responsible for the cleaning & maintenance of the interior and interior equipment and for delivering the highest standard of service and food to the owner and/or guests. Common departments found on most vessels are Galley (kitchen), Laundry, Housekeeping and Guest Services.

Use the Overview tool to find out what skills and characteristics you require to rise through the ranks of the Interior Department. Or click the INTERIOR button below to go directly to the career path, presenting the ways and opportunities to develop your career and enhance your earning potential within the industry.

Superyacht Career Guide Departments

Overview of Superyacht Ranks in Your Chosen Career Path

Select your preferred department below to browse the various positions available and the skills and characteristics best suited to each position.

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As superyachts get larger in length and more complex to operate, the demand for highly qualified crew is increasing year on year. Visit the Career Paths to continue your professional development and enhance your earning potential.

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Recreational courses, superyacht courses, dive boat courses, commercial courses, choose your location.

There is an IYT school on six continents. Begin training in the Mediterranean and finish in the Caribbean. Wherever you choose to be! IYT’s unique modular approach to yacht training has allowed the successful establishment of global partner schools offering a broad range of recreational and professional courses.

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Super Yacht. Super Training. Super Experience.

High quality on-board training for officers and crew.

Seafarers.Q brings a Quantum leap in On board Superyacht training to the professional yachting industry. Offering bespoke courses in practical training to yacht crews wherever they are based.

Over ten years ago Ben Benson, a senior lecturer at Warsash Superyacht Academy made the following statement:

“There is a serious lack of mentoring in safety, seamanship and the operation of tenders for new, or relatively inexperienced deck crew”

Seafarers.Q instructors create courses which cover all that is required to bridge the gap between current standards of mandatory MCA training and the reality of the higher levels of practical skills and knowledge required by superyacht officers and crew.

Fleet managers.

A well trained, enthusiastic and confident crew adds immeasurably to your customer’s yachting experience, encouraging repeat business and high-end referrals. Finding dedicated mariners can be a challenge but the team at Seafarers.Q has the solution.

Working together with both new crew and more experienced officers, our bespoke, on-board training will elevate your teams to the highest levels of practical skill and knowledge, instilling them with the confidence and professionalism that today’s Superyacht industry demands.

Whether you are a Captain, Yacht Manager or Owner, call us today for preliminary discussions on how we can tailor a crew training package to best meet the needs of your particular yacht and team.

W e l c o m e  t o  S Y T A

Superyacht Training Academy

CHOOSE YOUR SUPERYACHT CAREER

Our comprehensive programmes for Superyacht Deckhand, Stewardess and Chef are world-class training programmes that equip Superyacht personnel to performing at their optimum. Our career packages focus on the primary qualifications needed to assure success in obtaining the best jobs and maintaining them as a chosen career path.

Advanced Deckhand Career Course

Deck/Sail Career Course

Stewardess Career Course

Advanced Stewardess Career Course

Stew/Masseuse Career Course

Deck/Stew Career Course

Chef/Stew Career Course

Superyacht Chef Career Course

A career aboard a Superyacht is unlike any other

Your passport to the world’s most luxurious superyachts.

The Superyacht Training Academy, Cape Town, is an elite maritime Institute providing Internationally recognised training for professional yacht crew. We pride ourselves in releasing crew into the Superyacht Industry who are confident, competent, and responsible.

View our Single-Skill Courses

Our courses can be tailored to suit your individual requirements or added to any career programme to bolster your chances of securing lucrative employment contracts worldwide.

Virtual Tour

Click below and explore our facilities.

The Superyacht Training Academy is a bespoke training facility that provides every aspect of training for you to obtain an illustrious career aboard a Superyacht. The Academy boasts state-of-the-art equipment, lecture rooms, electronic training equipment, and on-board training.

Our Academy enlists professional trainers and industry experts who provide top-class training and first-hand experience of life on board Superyachts. We challenge you to be the best you can be, so that you can reap the rewards of having the most comprehensive and professional training worldwide. Take a tour of our training venues below:

31 South Arm Road

Superyacht Training Facility

3 West Quay Rd.

• An All-in-One facility for all your career training
• Crew accommodation during training
• Networking with experienced crew
• Career guidance programmes
• Superyacht culinary training
• Food safety training level 2 & 3
• Internships following your training programmes
• Career guidance booklet for green crew
• Advanced skills training programmes

Are you ready to begin your Superyacht Career?

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MPT IS THE MOST COMPLETE FULL SERVICE PRIVATE MARITIME SCHOOL IN THE COUNTRY

Over the years, we have had the privilege of training thousands of commercial mariners , yachting professionals and enthusiasts. This has enabled us to develop programs that are success oriented , with unbeatable pass rates, as well as cost and time efficient.

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Ready to start your career .

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How to Get a Job as a Yacht Captain

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 .

The role of a captain is cut out for those with a deep love of the sea and who don't shy away from responsibility. If you’re an experienced first mate or a bosun itching to take the helm, here’s everything you will need to become a yacht captain...

The most common path to a yacht’s wheelhouse is by rising through the ranks in the yachting industry, starting on deck and building sea time, gaining boat handling and geographical experience, and accruing licenses. But even after the golden ticket is earned — that 500GT or 3,000GT Master license — you’ll find there is more to getting the job than the piece of paper. Most rising crew will get the ticket before they are ready to assume the responsibility. Here is what crew agents and yacht owners have to say about what it takes to be a superyacht captain...

What is a Yacht Captain?

Simply put, a captain runs the vessel, in some ways like a CEO runs a business. He or she shoulders all the responsibility on board and reports directly to the owner or their representative. “The successful captains are all excellent leaders, able to set a common goal for their crew, and ensure motivation despite arduous seasons and long hours,” says Deborah Blazy, who, as general manager of Lighthouse Careers in Valbonne, France (near Antibes), specializes in placing captains. “Important character traits are to remain calm at all times but also to have the right sprinkle of charisma to keep crew morale and standards high.”

What Does a Yacht Captain do?

Driving the boat is just a small part of a captain’s job — many say the easiest part. Captains also hire and manage all other crew on board, plan and execute voyages around the owner’s and charter guests’ expectations, organize repairs and maintenance, control costs, and adhere to all international, flag, and port state regulations — all while providing personable, first-class service, and maintaining the highest levels of safety.

So the role requires a captain to be much more than a navigator; he or she is also part project manager, accountant, mechanic, human resources manager, concierge, and, most of all, chief problem solver. As Blazy puts it, they should have knowledge of the perfect anchorage, but also “have a direct dial to the most prestigious restaurants and be able to book the prime tables last minute.”

On smaller vessels, the captain will pitch in to assist in all roles on board, from changing the oil to washing the dishes. On larger yachts it is much more of an administrative position.

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What Qualifications Do I Need to Become a Yacht Captain?

The captain must hold a license that is commensurate with the gross tonnage of the vessel and approved by the flag state. In addition, the yacht’s insurance company needs to be comfortable with the candidate’s experience and license and approve the hire. This is understandable when you consider that the underwriter is the biggest financial stakeholder in the vessel — on the hook for the cost of repairs or settlement if the captain makes a mistake.

Here are the licenses you will need to hold to become a yacht captain:

Vessels < 200GT

• RYA Yachtmaster Offshore (with Commercial Endorsement)
• or RYA Ocean Certificate of Competence (with Commercial Endorsement)
• or IYT Master of Yachts < 200T
• or MCA STCW Master (Yachts) < 200GT
• or USCG Operator Uninspected Passenger Vessel License (OUPV/Six-Pack) < 100GT (U.S. Green Card holders can apply)
• or USCG Master Inland/Near Coastal < 100GT (U.S. citizens only)
• or USCG Master 200 Ton Oceans (U.S. citizens only)

Vessels < 500GT

• MCA STCW Master (Yachts) < 500GT Certificate of Competence
• or USCG Master 500 Oceans or Near Coastal (U.S. citizens only)

Vessels < 3000GT

• MCA STCW Master (Yachts) < 3000GT Certificate of Competence
• or MCA Merchant Navy STCW Master < 3000GT
• or USCG Master 1600GT (U.S. citizens only)
• or USCG Master 3000GT (U.S. citizens only)

Vessels > 3000GT

• MCA STCW Master (Unlimited)
• or USCG Master Unlimited Oceans or Near Coastal (U.S. citizens only)
• or Marshall Islands Master of Yachts Unlimited

When it comes to the USCG licensing, Capt. Ted Morley, chief operations officer of Maritime Professional Training (MPT) , notes that it’s “important to make the distinction regarding charter vessels, ocean routes versus coastal, and the number of passengers on board. The waters get murky when you talk about some of the other requirements — such as PSCRB for yachts with lifeboats, DP for vessels that are equipped, ECDIS, ARPA, and a host of other specialty requirements that many Flag and Port states will require of masters on vessels in particular service, areas, or equipment.”  

What Experience Do I Need?

“I think a lot of mates with about five years of demanding sea experience and good work habits have the ability to be great captains,” says one owner, who has three large yachts.

The most important experience is time on yachts, as opposed to other types of vessels. “We have very little luck with a captain looking to join a yacht with zero yachting experience,” says Ian Pelham, director of Preferred Crew, a crew agency in Fort Lauderdale.

The yachting industry is quirky and far removed from the predictability of the commercial world. Pelham gives the example of a cruise ship, as he once ran a fleet personnel department for a cruise line: “A captain on a cruise ship has a number of perks, including a cabin steward who cleans the personal space of the captain, there will be mess stewards who will serve and clean up the crew areas for the officers. Generally there is solid rotation — you know exactly when you are to join and when you heading on vacation. When on vacation you do not get calls from the owner asking where you put the ‘good’ whisky when the cousins were aboard. On a yacht, even the big ones, the captain has to be ready to step in at any level, including cleaning up, to make sure the owner has a great time. Most commercial captains just have not had that kind of experience.”

Blazy adds, “[A commercial captain’s] experience is often best suited to the Passenger Code vessels over 3,000GT, where the duties and working conditions in terms of rotation are often similar. There is, however, a huge learning curve in terms of standards and customer expectations.” She recommends these captains gain experience on yachts before assuming the top role. “For the more junior candidates who are happy to start again from the lower ranks on board the yachts there is a big advantage; often they are bringing great transferable skills and relatively high tickets for the deck teams, and so are able to climb the ranks rapidly. Those with the ability to be flexible in terms of outlook and approach will always do well,” she says.

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What Do Owners Want?

“Owners are generally looking for someone who will give them the ultimate holiday experience while making them feel safe on board,” Blazy says.

When it comes to specifics though, each owner will want a captain that precisely fits with their vessel size and itinerary. “Different programs call for different personalities,” Pelham says. “I have seen captains who are extroverts, introverts, confrontational, compromising, joyful, serious, etc., who have each been very successful in their individual programs. I also believe that this is part of what makes a captain a fantastic fit for one program and a complete miss on another.”

Despite being some of the wealthiest people on the planet, most yacht owners care deeply about the costs, so financial accountability is a big part of being a successful captain.

“It’s a big responsibility for the captain to take care of the owner’s large asset. Good common sense is required,” says one large-yacht owner. “Fuel costs and dockage fees need constant awareness. Transiting the yacht at 12 knots instead of 22 knots from Nassau to Lauderdale protects the owner’s assets. Of course there are some owners who just don’t care about costs, but a majority do!”

This owner also expects his captain to spend time in the yard with the yacht, not consider it vacation time, in order to keep track of the yard’s billable hours, and to have some good mechanical knowledge so they can “withstand the salesmen/ consultants suggestions about replacing everything on your yacht.”

• M/Y Florentia: On Board with Capt. Andrea Franci

How Much Does a Captain Earn?

With the stress of responsibility comes monetary reward. A captain can earn an excellent salary, with longevity and vessel size generally having the biggest influence on just how excellent that salary is. But just as the yachting industry is unique, so is each boat and what it pays.

“(There is) no such thing as average, or industry standard,” maintains Pelham. “My team has placed a captain on a 35-meter paying more than $20,000 per month, day one, and on a 100-meter paying about $8,000 per month, day one. I know of captains earning around $4,000 per month and I know of at least one couple earning $30,000. The pay of the captain is completely dependent on what the owner and the captain both believe it is worth.”

Dockwalk’s Salary Survey does give some good guidelines though. In its most recent 2021 survey, crew agencies provided a range of salaries, from the low end on vessels below 80 feet: $5,000 to $10,000 per month; to the largest vessels over 280 feet: $23,000 to $28,000 per month. Numerous captains working on yachts from 60 to 179 feet also shared their salaries and the average from their responses in each vessel size category fell right in the middle of the range given by the agencies.

What is the Best Way to Land that First Position?

“Finding your first captain role is no easy task. There is always the stigma attached that you have not done it before and so are you capable?” Blazy says.

Pelham seconds this: “Our clients love to see that the captain has already done what they want them to do next. If the yacht is 50 meters, they want to see 50 meters on the CV. If they are planning a circumnavigation, they want to see a circumnavigation in their history,” he says.

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Of course, that isn’t good news for anyone looking for his or her first captain role. Pelham recommends emphasizing the experience on your resume that matches where you want to be. “Think about what you did as a mate on your previous yachts. Then pick those things that you will be doing as a captain on your next yacht, and highlight those aspects,” he says.

Blazy says the most common path on the bigger yachts is when the chief officer grows into the junior captain role, “moving forward steadily in terms of drive time and responsibility, covering for the senior captain while he is away. There is a mix of confidence and humility that is at play, and the timing will depend on the individual person and the owner’s expectations.”

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