A yacht is a sizable investment and to maintain not only its value but to ensure it remains seaworthy, a well trained crew is an essential part of yacht ownership.
Yachts above 24m (66ft) will require a captain and crew for safe and legal and legal operation within both local and international waters.
There are recognised guidelines and advice as to the number of crew required on any size of yacht. The guides are there to ensure adherence to maritime regulations as well as providing a healthy working environment that can lead to crew longevity, and ultimately a pleasant atmosphere on board your yacht.
In addition, yacht designers plan for the right amount of crew by building crew quarters, often including a crew mess and even a crew galley where size permits.
Below, we have set out a guide for crew numbers for a given yacht length. These are reliable parameters, with the difference in crew numbers dependent on how the yacht is used. For instance, if the yacht is to be used lightly, for weekend or inshore cruising, the number might be the lower. For yachts used for charter, the number may be higher, as personal service is a huge part of the charter experience.
For larger yachts, a crew rotation system may be employed, with two or more people filling a single role. This most commonly applies to captains, engineers, and chefs with each person working a three or six-month shift."
Crew Numbers by LOA (length overall)
Yacht Size (m) | Crew Number |
24-30 | 3-5 |
30-40 | 6-10 |
40-50 | 8-12 |
60-70 | 15-20 |
80-100 | 25-35 |
100+ | 30+ |
Yacht Crew Roles and Salaries
Captain
The person in charge of the yacht is responsible for the safe running of the vessel whether in port or at sea. The captain will usually take the helm, although on larger yachts the first officer may also do so.
Chief Steward/Stewardess
Stewards, stewardesses, or stews as they are more usually known are charged with ensuring the accommodation and living areas are properly presented and maintained. They are the client-facing crew and will provide service for dining and entertaining.
First Officer
The right-hand of the captain, deputizing and taking on the more straightforward duties, the first officer will be found on larger yachts with bigger crews and will normally be the person in charge in the captain's absence.
Chief Engineer
Maintaining the engines and other mechanical ancillary equipment. On larger yachts there may be several engineers, on smaller yachts, the captain may undertake this role.
Purser
Running a large yacht is akin to running a business, with paperwork, salaries, bills, and suppliers to deal with. The purser handles such matters.
Chef
Often the center of onboard life, the chef takes care of all culinary matters, creates specialist menus for guests, looks after provisioning, and runs the galley. Many superyacht chefs are highly qualified and Michelin-rated.
Deckhand
Depending on the size of the yacht, multiple deckhands will take care of the yacht’s exterior, cleaning, maintaining, running the tenders, acting as lookouts, and working as a team to ensure smooth safe berthing.
Yacht Crew Annual Salaries in US Dollars
Role | 25m Yacht | 30m Yacht | 40m Yacht | 60m Yacht | 80m Yacht |
Captain | 60k-80k | 80k-120k | 120k-180k | 180k-200k | 200k+ |
First Officer | - | - | 70k-80k | 70k-90k | 80k+ |
Chief Stew | - | - | 50k-70k | 70k-85k | 80k+ |
Chief Engineer | - | 45k-60k | 60k-80k | 90k-120k | 100k+ |
Chef | - | 60k-70k | 60k-80k | 80k-100k | 100k+ |
Deckhand | 30k | 35k-40k | 35k-50k | 35k-60k | 50k+ |
Purser | - | - | - | 65k-80k | 80k+ |
Yacht Crew Case Studies
A 30m yacht will require
Captain
Steward/stewardess
Engineer
Deckhand x 2
Annual salary approximately $250k
For a 50m yacht consider the following crew
Captain
Chief engineer
Engineer
Chef
Chief steward/stewardess
Steward/stewardess
Deckhand x 3
Annual salary approximately $650k
80m Yacht
- Captain, first office and second officer
- Chief Engineer with another three engineers
- Chief Steward/stewardess with a team of five
- Chef, with sous chef and two galley assistants
- Purser
- Bosun and team of six or more deckhands
Annual Salary $1.5m