Maritime Crew Roles & Career Pathways

Crew (Entry Level)

Qualification: RYA Competent Crew (recommended)

Entry-level position for beginners with little to no sailing experience. You assist with sail handling, line work, steering practice, and general duties under supervision. Over time, you become actively involved in all aspects of living and working on a yacht, learning basic seamanship, helming techniques, and the importance of teamwork onboard. Perfect for learning the fundamentals.

Key Skills: Sail Handling, Helm/Drive, General Crew, Novice/Learning

Watch Leader

Qualification: RYA Day Skipper (minimum)

Lead a watch team on passage, typically for 4-6 hour shifts. Responsible for navigation decisions, helm supervision, sail trim, and watchkeeping duties during your shift. You maintain the yacht's course, monitor weather conditions, keep lookout, and make tactical decisions while the skipper rests. Requires proven competence in coastal navigation and boat handling.

Key Skills: Watchkeeping, Navigation, Helm/Drive, Passage Planning

Skipper

Qualification: RYA Yachtmaster Offshore/Ocean

Overall command of the vessel with ultimate authority and responsibility for all onboard. You plan passages, make navigation decisions, manage crew watches, ensure safety compliance, handle weather routing, coordinate port entries, and maintain the yacht. The RYA Yachtmaster certificate is internationally respected, proving your experience and competence to skipper yachts on coastal passages (Coastal), passages up to 150 miles offshore (Offshore), or passages of any length worldwide (Ocean).

Key Skills: Navigation, Passage Planning, Weather Routing, Chart Work, VHF Radio

Deckhand

Qualification: STCW Basic Safety, ENG1 Medical

Entry-level professional position on superyachts and commercial vessels. Maintain and clean the yacht's exterior to pristine condition, perform daily washdowns and polishing, assist with mooring and anchoring operations, handle lines, drive tenders, support water sports activities, and carry out general deck maintenance. At the foundation of the professional crew hierarchy, deckhands gain hands-on experience in all aspects of exterior operations.

Key Skills: Mooring Operations, Tender Operations, Sail Handling, Rigging/Sail Repair

Bosun

Qualification: RYA Yachtmaster + STCW

Experienced former deckhand who leads the exterior crew team. Supervise and train deckhands, coordinate all deck maintenance projects, lead mooring and anchoring operations during close quarters manoeuvring, manage deck equipment inventories, perform repairs (painting, caulking, fiberglass work), organize tender and water sports activities for guests, and ensure the yacht's exterior remains in pristine condition. Reports to the First Officer.

Key Skills: Mooring Operations, Rigging/Sail Repair, Fiberglass Repair, Carpentry

Second Mate

Qualification: MCA Officer of the Watch (OOW)

Navigation officer responsible for standing bridge watches (typically 4-hour shifts), maintaining charts and electronic navigation systems (ECDIS), updating nautical publications, monitoring radar and AIS, managing radio communications (GMDSS), assisting the Chief Mate with passage planning, and acting as understudy to the First Officer. On larger yachts, may manage junior officers. Requires thorough understanding of bridge and navigation systems.

Key Skills: Watchkeeping, Navigation, Radar/ARPA, ECDIS, GMDSS

Chief Mate

Qualification: MCA Chief Mate (Yacht) < 3000GT

Second-in-command and right hand to the Captain. Oversee all deck operations and maintenance schedules, supervise the entire deck crew (officers, bosun, deckhands), plan and coordinate mooring and docking procedures, manage passage planning and weather routing, stand command watches, handle cargo and tender operations, ensure safety equipment compliance, and step in during the Captain's absence. Acts as head of department for all exterior crew.

Key Skills: Passage Planning, Weather Routing, Mooring Operations, Docking/Berthing

Captain

Qualification: MCA Master (Yacht) < 3000GT

Master of the vessel with ultimate authority and responsibility for every soul onboard. Holds command over all vessel operations from bridge to engine room to interior, makes final navigation and operational decisions, ensures regulatory compliance and safety standards, manages the entire crew across all departments, coordinates with port authorities and maritime officials, handles emergency situations, maintains vessel certification and documentation, and bears legal responsibility for the vessel. Like a sea-based CEO, the Captain oversees everything from day-to-day operations to strategic planning.

Key Skills: Navigation, Weather Routing, Emergency Procedures, Security/ISPS

Engineer

Qualification: MCA Engineer Officer, marine trade qualifications

Ensure the safe and smooth running of all the vessel's machinery, electronics, and mechanical systems. Maintain and repair main engines, auxiliary generators, electrical distribution systems, plumbing and sanitation systems, hydraulic equipment, refrigeration and HVAC systems, watermakers, and all onboard electronics. Perform preventative maintenance schedules, troubleshoot system failures, source and install replacement parts, and keep detailed maintenance logs. On larger vessels, the engineering department may include Chief Engineer, Second Engineer, and junior engineers with specific system specializations.

Key Skills: Diesel Mechanics, Electrical Systems, Generator Maintenance, Hydraulics, Plumbing Systems, Refrigeration/HVAC, Watermaker Operations

Steward/Stewardess

Qualification: STCW Basic Safety, hospitality experience

Provide exceptional service to guests inside the yacht, maintaining five-star hotel standards at sea. Responsibilities include housekeeping duties (cleaning cabins, making beds, laundry service), interior detailing and presentation, table service and bartending, cabin preparation and turndown service, event planning and coordination, and anticipating guest needs. Must maintain immaculate presentation standards, work discreetly, and deliver personalized service. Often the first point of contact for guests.

Key Skills: Laundry/Housekeeping, Interior Detailing, Fine Dining Service, Event Planning

Chef/Cook

Qualification: Culinary qualifications, STCW Ship's Cook (commercial)

Plan menus, provision the yacht, and prepare all meals for crew and guests in the galley. On superyachts, deliver restaurant-quality fine dining experiences with multiple courses, accommodate dietary restrictions and preferences, and create impressive culinary presentations. Manage all galley operations, maintain food safety standards, order and store provisions efficiently, work within tight galley spaces, and adapt to sea conditions. Head Chefs lead galley teams, while junior chefs and cooks assist with meal preparation. All positions require formal culinary training and experience.

Key Skills: Galley/Cook, Provisioning, Fine Dining Service, Wine Service

Quartermaster

Qualification: Logistics experience, STCW

Manage all vessel stores, inventory systems, and provisioning logistics. Track and order supplies for extended passages, maintain inventory databases, coordinate deliveries and transfers in different ports, manage storage spaces efficiently, handle customs documentation for provisions, and ensure adequate stock levels for crew and guest needs. Plan ahead for remote cruising areas where resupply is difficult. Often combined with other interior roles on smaller vessels, but a dedicated position on larger yachts with complex logistics.

Key Skills: Provisioning, Event Planning

Deck Roles

Core sailing and navigation competencies needed for Crew, Watch Leader, Skipper, and deck officer positions.

• Helm/Drive
• Sail Handling
• Navigation
• Watchkeeping
• Mooring Operations
• Passage Planning
• Weather Routing
• Chart Work

Technical Roles

Engineering and systems expertise for maintaining vessel machinery and equipment.

• Diesel Mechanics
• Electrical Systems
• Generator Maintenance
• Hydraulics
• Plumbing Systems
• Refrigeration/HVAC
• Radar/ARPA
• ECDIS

Interior Roles

Hospitality and service skills for superyacht stewards, chefs, and guest-facing positions.

• Fine Dining Service
• Galley/Cook
• Laundry/Housekeeping
• Interior Detailing
• Wine Service
• Provisioning
• Event Planning

Safety & Emergency

Critical safety competencies required across all roles, especially for offshore and commercial work.

• First Aid/Medical
• Fire Fighting
• Man Overboard Recovery
• Life Raft Operations
• Damage Control
• Emergency Procedures
• VHF Radio
• GMDSS

RYA Certifications

Royal Yachting Association qualifications for recreational sailing, bareboat charter, and coastal commercial work. Internationally recognized and widely respected worldwide. Each level requires specific sea time and demonstrated competence.

• Competent Crew (entry level)
• Day Skipper (coastal, 100 miles)
• Coastal Skipper (advanced coastal)
• Yachtmaster Coastal (inshore)
• Yachtmaster Offshore (2500+ miles)
• Yachtmaster Ocean (ocean passages)

MCA Certificates

Maritime and Coastguard Agency professional Certificates of Competency for paid commercial work on superyachts and commercial vessels. Internationally recognized under STCW conventions. Requires extensive sea time, approved training, and passing oral examinations.

• Officer of the Watch (entry officer level)
• Chief Mate < 3000GT (12 months as OOW)
• Master < 500GT / < 3000GT (command)
• Engineer Officer (various levels)
• ENG1 Medical Certificate (mandatory)

STCW Standards

Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers. International maritime safety training adopted by 164 countries worldwide, setting minimum competency standards for all professional crew. Certificates must be renewed every 5 years with refresher training.

• Basic Safety Training (5 modules, 5 days)
• Security Awareness (anti-piracy)
• Ship's Cook Certificate
• Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats
• Medical First Aid / Medical Care

Can I skip roles and go straight to Skipper?

Technically yes if you have the qualification, but most skippers gain experience at each level first. Crew experience makes you a better Watch Leader. Watch Leader experience makes you a safer Skipper. Shortcuts risk safety and competence gaps.

How long does progression take?

Highly variable depending on sailing frequency and opportunities. A dedicated sailor might progress from Crew to Day Skipper in one season with 20 to 30 days sea time. Yachtmaster Offshore typically requires 2 to 3 years of active sailing to accumulate 2500+ miles, multiple night passages, and varied conditions. Professional officer qualifications (MCA OOW to Master) require 3 to 5 years minimum to meet sea time requirements, complete mandatory training courses, and gain sufficient command experience. Many professional mariners continue advancing throughout their careers.

Do I need different roles for different boats?

Your role depends on the passage, not the boat. You might be Crew on an offshore delivery but Skipper on your club's day boat. Larger vessels have more structured hierarchies; smaller boats have flexible roles.

What's the difference between amateur and professional?

Amateur (recreational) roles suit weekend sailing, club racing, deliveries, and bareboat charter, typically using RYA or equivalent national qualifications. Professional (commercial) roles involve paid employment on superyachts over 24 metres, cargo vessels, or charter operations, requiring MCA Certificates of Competency (or equivalent national authority), STCW safety certifications, ENG1 medical fitness certificates, and compliance with stricter safety and manning regulations. Professional crew face higher qualification standards, ongoing training requirements, and legal responsibilities.

How do I prove my role on passages?

Log every passage in your maritime CV with your role clearly stated. Get endorsements from skippers confirming your position and performance. Crew the Boat's logbook system tracks this automatically, building your verifiable career history.

Can I hold multiple roles?

You hold one role per passage. Your CV shows career progression across different roles over time. Professional seafarers often hold multiple qualifications (e.g., Yachtmaster + Engineer) but sail in one role per trip.

Where can I learn more about specific qualifications?

Check our guides on RYA Qualification Verification, Charter Skipper Credentials, and Superyacht Crew CV for practical advice. The RYA website (rya.org.uk) and MCA website (gov.uk/mca) provide official UK qualification requirements, which are internationally recognized. Training schools worldwide offer RYA and STCW courses with detailed information. Your national maritime authority may offer equivalent certifications recognized under international conventions.

Every passage you log builds your maritime CV. Track your roles, document your sea time, earn endorsements from skippers, and showcase your progression from beginner Crew to command positions. Your documented experience becomes your professional credential.

Create Free Account