Stories from passages, ports and shipyards — alongside practical knowledge for people who work on the water. From navigating oceans to keeping a yacht running, there is always another page to write.
Explore the Journal Crew ResourcesThe Journal will grow into a collection of real voyage stories, technical notes and practical reflections. These are the first three editorial series we plan to develop.
Passage planning, watches, weather, crew life and the moments that stay with you long after making landfall.
Stories in preparationThe refits, faults, fixes and engineering decisions that rarely make it into glossy yacht photography.
Technical articles in preparationThe places a working seafarer encounters, from familiar harbours to unexpected corners of the world.
Travel notes in preparationAn engineer’s view of sailing yachts: hands-on problem-solving, sensible maintenance, and keeping projects moving when the unexpected happens.
Machinery, propulsion, pumps and the essentials of reliable operation.
Power, batteries, monitoring and troubleshooting from a practical perspective.
Planning, purchasing, contractors, quality and keeping shipyard work on track.
Useful marine products, digital tools and small projects worth developing.
Keep the useful parts of the original site: crew roles, qualifications, salary illustrations and what working aboard can involve. Always verify current qualifications and requirements with the relevant authorities.
A super yacht typically operates with 4 main departments. Here's who does what on board.
Ultimate authority on board. Responsible for safety, navigation, legal compliance, and overall operation of the yacht.
Second in command. Oversees deck operations, navigation, safety drills, and maintenance schedules.
Responsible for navigation planning, passage plans, and often the yacht's safety equipment inventory.
Leads the deck crew in maintenance, washdowns, tender operations, and water toy preparation.
Entry-level deck role. Handles line handling, washdowns, polishing, tender driving, and guest assistance.
Senior deckhand stepping toward Bosun. Takes on more responsibility for project management and training.
Heads the interior team. Manages service standards, provisioning, budgets, and guest experience.
Supports the Chief Stew. Often oversees housekeeping, laundry, and service rotations.
Junior interior role. Focuses on detailing, laundry, and assisting with service.
Entry-level interior position. Learning all aspects of yacht interior service.
Responsible for all mechanical, electrical, and technical systems. Keeps the yacht running safely.
Supports the Chief Engineer with daily maintenance, repairs, and system monitoring.
Entry-level engineering role. Assists with engine room rounds, maintenance logs, and repairs.
Specialist in AV/IT systems, electronics, and communications on larger yachts.
Creates menus, manages provisioning, and leads the galley. Often a key factor in guest satisfaction.
Second in the galley. Prepares meals, manages prep, and covers for the Head Chef.
Cooks for the crew (separate from guest meals). Common on larger yachts.
Assists the galley with plating, cleaning, and provisioning — bridges interior and galley.
A starting point for understanding qualifications. Verify the latest requirements for your role, vessel and flag state.
A common requirement for seagoing crew on commercial yachts. Exact training depends on your duties, the vessel and flag-state rules.
Browse current courses and confirm approval for the individual modules you need.
Medical fitness certificate required for all seafarers. Issued by an MCA-approved doctor.
ENG1 examinations must be carried out by an MCA-approved doctor. Check the current register before booking.
Progressive qualifications for deck crew advancing through the ranks.
From tender driving to professional deck qualifications, confirm the pathway that fits your role.
Routes and requirements vary by vessel size, power, area and flag. Check current MCA guidance before booking training.
AEC and Small Vessel routes depend on your qualifications and sea service.
Professional qualifications that elevate interior service standards.
Hospitality courses develop skills; check whether any advertised GUEST units are accredited.
For chefs looking to work on yachts and advance their galley career.
Specialist chef courses build skills; the Ship’s Cook CoC has separate MCA requirements.
Provider links are starting points, not endorsements. Check the latest course approvals, entry requirements, fees and flag-state rules before booking. Updated November 2026.
Your step-by-step path from land to sea. Follow these steps to land your first yacht job.
Check the STCW training required for the vessel and role, and complete approved courses before joining when required. The syllabus and course duration can vary.
Book an ENG1 medical with an MCA-approved doctor. This confirms you're fit to work at sea. Some overseas medical certificates are recognised as equivalents.
Create a one-page CV tailored to yachting. Include a professional photo, relevant experience, certifications, and references. Keep it clean and concise.
Sign up with reputable yacht crew recruitment agencies. Upload your CV, certifications, and references. They'll match you with suitable positions.
Antibes, Palma and Fort Lauderdale are well-known centres. Check work permits, local employment rules and recruitment opportunities before travelling.
Where permitted, day work can build skills and contacts. Never assume it guarantees a permanent job; check the vessel’s insurance and employment arrangements.
Once working, continue training. Additional certs (PB2, PWC, advanced courses) open doors to promotions and higher salaries.
The Mariner’s Journal is being developed as a place for sea stories, yacht engineering and grounded advice about maritime work. Its perspective draws on yacht captaincy, hands-on engineering, project delivery, refits and ocean passages.
As the journal grows, original photographs, voyage entries and detailed technical articles will replace these introductory notes.
Explore the guide today and return as new voyage stories and practical engineering notes are added.
Back to the Journal