What is a Yacht Crew?
Yacht Crew Job Description
Yacht and sail boat crews are teams of highly trained and experienced professionals providing an on board care and hospitality service. They are expected to work together towards a common goal of providing the best bespoke service for their client, their client's family, guests and associates.
Every crew member plays a key role in providing a premium on board service. Generally, a strict hierarchy ensures that each individual is able to perform his or her tasks to the necessary level of excellence, to meet or even exceed their client's high expectations.
On board crews are divided into two teams: one team dedicated to cabin service, and the second team focused on vessel maintenance and navigation. Mega-yachts and super-yachts may necessitate larger crews of up to 20 people.
Every crew member plays a key role in providing a premium on board service. Generally, a strict hierarchy ensures that each individual is able to perform his or her tasks to the necessary level of excellence, to meet or even exceed their client's high expectations.
On board crews are divided into two teams: one team dedicated to cabin service, and the second team focused on vessel maintenance and navigation. Mega-yachts and super-yachts may necessitate larger crews of up to 20 people.
What are the roles and responsibilities of Yacht or Sail Boat Crew ?
The yacht or sail boat captain
The captain is responsible for operating the vessel and maintaining security. This includes managing the crew, equipment and materials, relations with the employer, their family and guests. This role is at the top of the hierarchy with every crew member ultimately answerable to the captain.
The yacht or sail boat engineer
The engineer is responsible for technical maintenance and operations of the vessel. He or she reports directly to the captain and manages the engineering team (electricians, IT specialists, technical assistants etc.).
The yacht or sail boat first officer / chief mate
Mega-yachts, super-yachts and larger sail boats may necessitate a second in command to the captain, or even a third (a second officer). These act as direct subordinates, many of the captain's responsibilities may be delegated to them and they are responsible for ensuring that his or her orders are carried out.
The yacht or sail boat head steward / stewardess
The head steward(ess) is responsible for managing and overseeing cabin crew operations on board, inclusive of stewards, cleaning and kitchen staff. They are expected to handle all client requests relating to care and hospitality services, to organise calendars, meetings and cabin crew recruitment.
The yacht or sail boat chef
Every private yacht or sail boat owner and its cabin crew take great pride in the available on board cuisine. The chef is a crucial member of the cabin crew and contributes to creating a luxurious, five-star service and relaxing atmosphere. They are responsible for sourcing supplies and regulating stocks, ensuring that only the freshest, best quality produce is used and is available at all times. On board chefs are also generally required to cook for the engineering and cabin crew.
The yacht or sail boat sous-chef
On larger vessels, a sous-chef is often employed to works alongside the head chef, who is often Michelin-starred. They are required to assist with cooking and cleaning duties within the kitchen.
The yacht or sail boat skipper / sailor
The skipper or sailor is responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of the exterior of the yacht and assist the captain in its operation. During dockings, the skipper helps guide the captain, secures the vessel and ensures it is sufficiently protected from potential damages. Larger vessels may require up to eight skippers.
What accommodation should be expected for a Yacht / Sail Boat crew ?
When at sea, accommodation must be provided aboard the vessel. On land, the crew is generally expected to arrange private accommodation. Crew members may sometimes be requested to stay on board in the absence of the employer to ensure the vessel is secure and well maintained.
All our yacht and sail boat crews are required to:
Morgan & Mallet International places and recruits private yacht and sail boat crews for temporary, seasonal, or permanent contracts. Our recruitment consultants are always available to answer your questions.
All our yacht and sail boat crews are required to:
- Hold clean criminal records in both their country of employment and country of origin
- Present all certificates and qualifications from training centres and/or schools they attended
- Successfully pass two interview stages
- Provide at least three positive references from previous employers
- Complete professional dossiers containing: CV, cover letter, proof of identity (photocopy or scan), proof of address, proof of the right to work in the country of employment (if applicable), driving license and pay slips from previous professional placements. Candidates should be aware that other documentation may also be required.
Morgan & Mallet International places and recruits private yacht and sail boat crews for temporary, seasonal, or permanent contracts. Our recruitment consultants are always available to answer your questions.
