How to become A Yacht Captain

Yacht Captains get to steer a stunningly sophisticated vessel through global waterways in timeless tandem with nature, the water and wind. They are paid a salary to excel at a fascinating and satisfying job - transporting clients to exclusive destinations in a safe and luxuriant manner.

• Captain
• Sea Captain
• Master

What do Yacht Captains do?

A Yacht Captain would typically need to:

• Navigate and operate the yacht safely, manage a cohesive and robust crew and ensure the comprehensive comfort of the owner/s and their guests
• Direct the safe course and speed of the yacht, based on specialised knowledge of local winds, weather, water depths, tides, currents and hazards
• Consult maps, charts, weather reports and navigation equipment to determine and safely direct the course and speed of the yacht
• Steer and operate the yacht using ship-to-shore radios, depth finders, radars, lights, buoys and lighthouses
• Serve as the yacht’s docking master upon arrival at a port/berth; dock or undock the craft with occasional manoeuvering through narrow spaces such as locks
• Stand watch on the yacht during specific times while the vessel is underway; read gauges to ensure optimal levels of hydraulic fluid, air pressure and oxygen 
• Conduct regular inspections to ensure efficient and safe operation of the yacht while adhering to relevant regulations
• Set, monitor and manage the budget and accounting on board the yacht; assume the role of host and entertain, when required
• Monitor the maintenance of the yacht and on-board equipment such as engines, winches, navigational systems, fire extinguishers and life preservers
• Maintain accurate and detailed records of daily activities, personnel reports, ship positions and movements, ports of call, weather/sea conditions, pollution control efforts and cargo/passenger status
• Direct or coordinate crew members/workers in the efficient loading and unloading of cargo, steering the yacht, operating engines or operating/maintaining/repairing equipment
• Use electronic sounding devices and follow contour lines on charts to calculate sightings of land; meet requirements of local and international costumes and inspections
• Arrange for the yacht to be fuelled and restocked with supplies; manage repairs, yard visits, surveys and refit projects
• Oversee the upkeep of the yacht - cleaning or maintaining the decks, superstructures or bridges; assign watches and living quarters to the crew
• Check for oil spills or other pollutants around ports, harbours and patrolling beaches
• Interview, hire, lead, appraise and dismiss crew members; conduct safety drills such as ‘man overboard’ or fire drills
• Be accountable for the ship’s security when responding to threats from terrorists, pirates, hijackers and stowaways
• Provide necessary assistance in maritime rescue operations; use whistles, flashing lights, flags and radios to signal passing vessels
• Report cargo damage or loss, improper piloting or the injury/death of a crew member to appropriate authorities
• Provide thorough documentation and accounts of the event in question and furnish any information required during the investigation

A Yacht Captain’s workplace is upon their yacht, which can vary in type and size depending on their certification. They may navigate the high seas, rivers or other waterways in between harbours, come rain or shine. The majority of their workday is spent on their feet and working in close quarters with other crew members. Their stay at their workplace may range from a daily outing into the waters to one spanning several weeks or months. 

Yacht Captains may put in 12 hours/days, seven days a week while on a voyage. Those working along the coast or inland waterways work for two-three weeks at a stretch and take a break from work for the same period after going ashore.

Finding a new job might seem challenging. Yacht Captains can boost their job search by asking their network for referrals, contacting employers directly, using job search platforms and leveraging social media. You can find vacancy listings in the classified sections of daily newspapers, employment journals and internet job portals. Sailing and yachting forums, local ports and marinas and boat shows afford access to new job openings. You can also own and operate a commercial yacht through a limited liability company.

Yacht Captains are generally employed by:

• Private Yachts
• Chartered Yachts
• Luxury Yachts
• Superyacht

Professional associations and organisations, such as The International Yacht Training, are crucial for Yacht Captain interested in pursuing professional development or connecting with like-minded professionals in their industry or occupation. Membership in one or more adds value to your resume while bolstering your credentials and qualifications.

• Rigorous training required for licensure
• Terms set by a competitive job market with more captains than jobs
• Ambition undermined by job security and solid longevity
• Extreme weather conditions and stressful work situations
• Confined workspaces
• Loneliness in the face of the extended time spent away from family and friends
• Budget, management, owner, weather and scheduling constraints

Work experience is vital to gaining a lucrative position as Yacht Captain. As a rule, academies use simulation devices to acclimate trainees to panel instruments and operational procedures. 

In addition, you will need to acquire at least three to five years of maritime experience and training as a Chief Officer or Mate in either the superyacht or merchant navy sectors. You will obtain licenses that reflect the gross tonnage (GT) of the vessels you served on as you work your way up the deck department hierarchy on vessels under 3,000 GT.

Employers may accept candidates with a high school diploma or associate degree, provided they begin working on ships at an early age and receive around seven years of on-the-job training. They work their way up through the third, second, and first mate ranks before attaining captain status.

Often, fresh graduates struggle because of a lack of experience. Look for any opportunity to work closely with an experienced Yacht Captain. If you cannot find a position to assist the captain, get an entry-level job and use that as a springboard. It is a fairly common way to gain valuable experience from being on board and observing more seasoned colleagues.

Read about the profession and interview/job shadow experts working in commercial yachting to prove your commitment to course providers and prospective employers. Approach the captain or first mate, explain your end goal and request an opportunity to learn from them.

Most Yacht Captains have a four-year bachelor’s degree in marine science or engineering from an accredited merchant academy. Prerequisites typically include clearing an entrance examination.

A small percentage makes do with only a high school diploma, a GED (General Education Development) or an associate degree, and an equal percentage that acquires a master’s degree in the fields mentioned above. 

The International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) sets global qualification standards for personnel on seafaring ships. The training classes comprise personal survival techniques, fire prevention/fire fighting, elementary first aid, personal safety & social responsibility and competence in security awareness.

Voluntary certification that gives you an in-depth knowledge of personnel management, public relations, inventory control, budgeting & accounting, emergency management and valid environmental regulations will prove to your advantage.

In addition, you will also need to obtain a certification proving that you are medically fit for marine duty. Certification in first aid and CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) is also mandatory to obtain the license. Furthermore, certification in Microsoft Office Suite and Autodesk Revit will help you perform your job in an exemplary manner. 

Certification from an objective and reputed organisation can help you stand out in a competitive job market, carry a significant salary premium of up to 18 per cent, increase your chances of advancement, and allow you to become an independent consultant.

Successful certification programs protect public welfare by incorporating a Code of Ethics.

Most locations require Yacht Captains to obtain a bonafide Coast Guard license. The range begins with a 200-ton license and stretches across a broad spectrum ending with a Master Unlimited. 

The prerequisites may vary based on the tonnage of the vessel and the area of functioning. Insurance companies may have more stipulations than maritime law. Evidence of your experience at sea, training on water and any relevant courses previously completed such as STCW may also be necessary.

You will probably need to undergo a physical exam, drug test and background check and provide three character references. An employment background check can include but is not limited to a person’s work history, education, credit history, motor vehicle reports (MVRs), criminal record, medical history, use of social media, and drug screening.

Performance, experience, and the acquisition of professional qualifications drive the career progression of Yacht Captains. Most aim for the ‘top of the tree’ Superyacht Captain’ position. However, experienced captains are always in demand, and you could progress to working on larger research or owner only yachts.

A whole range of careers awaits Yacht Captains with significant experience and a good track record. You may continue to work with yachts in a yacht management or service company or a superyacht yard or repair/refit company. Those so inclined may also take up training and education as a Lecturer or Instructor in the maritime institutes.

A position as Marine/Technical Superintendent or Harbour Master in the merchant or port industries is viable. Your experience is also likely to stand you in good stead for jobs in surveying such as Yacht Surveyor or Marine Insurance Assessor/Investigator.

The excellent management and customer service skills, as well as the aptitude for problem-solving and operational management that make you a much sought-after Yacht Captain, will serve you just as well, should you consider moving to a different industry.

Candidates with the desirable personality, license and experience will have the best job prospects. 

You will need at least five years of work experience as a Yacht Captain before you can be considered for larger yachts. Hard work and dedication pay off. Continue to build on your leadership, team building, interpersonal and customer service skills while enhancing your proven track record in building relationships of trust and respect with owners, clients, crew, management, shipyards and suppliers. 

Continuing professional development (CPD) allows you to upskill continually, regardless of your age, job, or level of knowledge. It will also enable the regular renewal of desirable certifications and licenses. 

Keep learning even after you have achieved the requisite qualifications and secured a lucrative job. Learn to operate the latest in technology through instruction, simulators or models. Invest time in passing challenging modules and the oral content of the Master’s exam.

Stay abreast of new developments in navigation and safe sailing, especially if you are keen on working or travelling in international waters. You will have to be aware of and be ready for every eventuality, whether it's unpredictable waters or customs restrictions. Stay alert and curious to ensure the complete safety of all the people relying on you, sometimes in the middle of nowhere.

Range of Responsibilities

The smaller the yacht, the more hands-on must a Yacht Captain be. Larger yachts will require the Captain to undertake more administrative tasks. Regardless of the size of the vessel, you must have a thorough grounding in safety codes and the safety training of the crew. You should be comfortable with issuing standing orders and managing the budget. 

What It Takes to Become an Excellent Captain

Give yourself the time to learn the job properly and the courage to ask for help or advice whenever necessary—prioritising your duties and delegating tasks whenever appropriate will prevent feeling overwhelmed and give your subordinates an excellent opportunity to prove their worth. 

Appreciate your crew, who are your most valuable asset. Getting to know them, speaking to them regularly personally, and helping out with menial jobs will go a long way in establishing constructive relationships.

Seek a mentor who can help you navigate your professional career’s challenging ins and outs, which can get lonely at times. Experienced mentors who have ‘been there, done that’ will help prepare you for a future filled with tremendous responsibility and tough decisions.

You can use the concept of a rotational crew to work around the challenge of being away from family for an extended period if you are willing to sacrifice your salary. 

Potential Pros & Cons of Freelancing vs Full-Time Employment

Freelancing Yacht Captains have more flexible work schedules and locations. They have full ownership of the business and can select their projects and clients. However, they experience inconsistent work and cash flow, which means more responsibility, effort and risk.

On the other hand, a full-time Yacht Captain has company-sponsored health benefits, insurance, and retirement plans. They have job security with a fixed, reliable source of income and guidance from their bosses. Yet, they may experience boredom due to a lack of flexibility, ownership, and variety.

When deciding between freelancing or being a full-time employee, consider the pros and cons to see what works best for you.

Yachts can give you access to small islands with exotic species, an incredible landscape and authentic villages usually off-limits to tourists on flights or cruises.

Yacht Captains have the privilege of working with a diverse group of like-minded people, knitting the crew together and assuring the satisfaction of an owner or guest while sailing the high seas and experiencing the world from one of the most beautiful vantage points. 

“Career progression is a marathon, not a sprint. Consider a job offer carefully and see if it fits into your long-term plans before accepting it. The number one factor requested by most Yacht owners is longevity from applicants.