Begin a career on a Superyacht

Having a career on Superyachts is a dream job!

You get to travel the world on a beautiful yacht, meet some fantastic people… and the salary isn’t bad, either! The question that remains, however, is how to get a job on a Superyacht in the first instance to launch your career on the ocean.

Read on to find the answer, as well as information on what a Superyacht is, what a career in the industry can offer you, the kind of salary you can expect, when to look for work, and how you can launch your career by completing our Superyacht Deckhand course or Superyacht Stewardess course!

Here’s everything you need to know before launching your Superyacht career:

1. What is a Superyacht?

A Superyacht is the name given to a private or commercially operated luxury yacht over 24 meters in length. A Superyacht can be a sailing or motor yacht, they range in size and shape, with the largest yacht today, Azzam which is 180 meters long.

All these Superyachts require an army of qualified crew, including Deckhands and Stewardesses.

2. What can the industry offer you?

Working in the Superyacht industry offers the travel and adventure that no other job can offer you. There is no such thing as a 9 – 5 on a Superyacht; there’s always lots going on, and most of your time will be spent in the sunshine.

Almost all large yachts are based in the sunnier places on the globe, typically yachts head to the Med for the summer before heading to the Caribbean of the US for the winter. This means your office will always be on the move!

3. What salary can you expect?

The average Superyacht salary for a new Deckhand or Stewardess ranges from €2,000 to €3,500 per month. The Salary depends on the type and size of the yacht. If you are a UK resident, then the salary can be tax-free!

On top of that are the tips. If you end up on a charter yacht, then you can easily double your salary during the charter season. Working on a Superyacht can be hard work with long hours but rewarding – and, for many, the start of a career!

4. When should you start looking for work?

Understanding the Superyacht season is a big component in how to get a job on a Superyacht!

The Superyacht season kicks off in the Mediterranean anytime between February and May. However, as the Superyacht industry grows, with bigger and bigger yachts, the demand for new crew increases.

There are more yachts on order that are over 100m in length than ever before, all requiring qualified crew.

The employment window has changed from the traditional February to April window. We now see crew land their dream job in the middle of summer.

Most members crew start out with day work, helping busy crews prepare their boat for the owner. Others land a job through a crew agent, dock walking, social media or a contact within the industry.

5. What is the role of a Superyacht Deckhand?

As a Deckhand, your responsibility is to maintain the exterior of the yacht, its tenders, jet skis and any other toys onboard. You will be interacting with guests and owners to make sure their time onboard is beyond expectations.

Flying Fish have developed a course that gives you everything you need to get started. If you fancy a career as a Deckhand, then look at our Superyacht Deckhand Course.

6. How about a Stewardess?

The role of a Stewardess can be varied; however, your main duty will be the meticulous cleaning of the interior of the yacht. A Stewardess will serve food and drinks to guests, looking after their every need. You will rub shoulders with the rich and famous and travel the world.

The Stewardess Course teaches you all you need to become a Stewardess from silver service to making cocktails. If this is what you are looking for, then see our Superyacht Stewardess Course.

7. How do I start my career on a superyacht?

To work on a Superyacht, all crew must complete STCW Basic Safety Training course, mandatory qualifications required by all seafarers. All seafarers are required to hold an ENG 1 medical to prove that you are fit to go to sea.

You can find out more about mandatory and desirable certifications in our dedicated qualifications blog.

8. How do I find my dream job?

Flying Fish deliver regular recruitment days in Antibes, France for all graduates of our Superyacht Deckhand and Stewardess courses. This day is exclusively for Flying Fish customers, and is included within the package.

The day is designed to complement our courses, delivered by our industry expert who lives in France, and provides the additional knowledge you need to start looking for that dream job. If you’d like to learn more about how to get a job on a Superyacht, read our dedicated blog.

Ready to kickstart your Superyacht career?

Check out the courses we have available below and get in touch to secure your spot on our next course now!

Train to become a Deckhand

2 weeks from £3,000

Superyacht Deckhand Course

This 2-week course provides the essential qualifications needed to enter the Superyacht industry as a Deckhand, including STCW Basic Safety Training.

Train to become a Stewardess

2 weeks from £3,000

Superyacht Stewardess Course

This course gives you everything you need to start looking for work as a Steward or Stewardess. A great option if you are new to the Superyacht industry.

STCW Basic Training: The Minimum Requirement

1 Week from £820

STCW Basic Safety Training Course

STCW Basic Safety Training is the minimum requirement for anyone wishing to work on a commercial vessel.

Learn more and book now