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What is the salary of a Captain on a superyacht? 4 May 2021

What should you be paying your Captain?

What salary can I expect as a Captain on a superyacht?

These are questions we often get asked at Quay Crew headquarters.

In this blog, the superyacht Captain salaries are revealed in our exclusive Captain recruitment survey by Quay Crew.

Captain Recruitment Specialist, Tim Clarke , reveals some very interesting findings…

The subject of what a Captain should be paid often comes up in conversation, normally with Captains, but recently I was working with the yacht owner on a large new build project and had to recruit everyone from the Captain down. I was asked “What should I pay my Captain?”. I had to advise on salary levels for the Captain position and this made me realise that there isn’t a lot of accurate information out there in the public domain.

So how much should a Captain on a superyacht get paid?

Recently I did a salary survey of Captains which went into significant detail regarding yacht size, program, leave, pay reviews, bonuses, flights and additional perks. 186 Captains responded so we had an excellent spread of data to work with. The full report is actually 41 pages long so this is just a brief summary of the most pertinent information.

Have a Captain recruitment requirement coming up or just want to see all the additional info? To receive a copy in your inbox, email  [email protected]

The breakdown of qualifications across the 186 respondents was as follows:

26% Master Unlimited

68% Master 3000gt

6% Master 500gt

Private or Charter?

58% of Captains surveyed said they work on a purely private yacht. 34% on yachts which are a mix of owner use and charter so run commercially. Only 8% work on yachts which are purely commercial / charter programs.

Monthly salary averages for Captains on a superyacht

Average monthly salary for Captains with full rotation:

Under 39m n/a

40m to 49m €12.4k approx.

50m to 59m €11.4k approx.

60m to 69m €13.3k approx.

70m to 79m €14.5k approx.

80m to 89m €16.2k approx.

90m to 99m €18.4k approx.

Over 100m €19.3k approx.

Average monthly salary for Captains who are full time:

Under 39m €10.2k Euros approx.

40m to 49m €11.9k Euros approx.

50m to 59m €15.3k Euros approx.

60m to 69m €16k Euros approx.

70m to 79m €19.2k Euros approx.

80m to 89m €22k Euros approx.

90m to 99m €25k euros approx.

Over 100m €14.5k Euros approx.

Additional Captain salary facts…

When you compare rotational and full time salaries on yachts over 60m, the full time positions average over 2k a month more. Some yachts’ Captain packages are hugely removed from the norm. For example, one 60m to 69m is found to be paying over 25k to a full rotation Captain. No yacht that responded under 39m offers rotation. 36 Captains are earning over 20k a month, the vast majority of which are on purely private yachts.

Captain Rotation

23% of Captains on yachts 40m-49m have a full rotation. This takes a big jump to 53% of yachts 50m -59m. Full rotation peaks at 83% on yachts over 100m.

The average is 63% of Captains on yachts above 50m have full rotation so 92 out of the 147 who worked on yachts from 50m to 100m up.

Captain Recruitment for Superyachts

If you are looking to recruit a Captain for your yacht and want to make sure you are accessing the best talent in the market, then give me a call on +44 7760 202610. Recently I have recruited a variety of Captains for various yachts including a 100m plus new build, a very prestigious 90m, a 60m plus new build just launched and lots more between 50m and 70m. Alternatively if you just want a chat about the Captain market and your current Captain’s compensation package, then just get in touch via phone or via my direct email .

If you are a Captain reading this then here are a couple of links to other blogs I have written which may interest you.

How to secure your dream Captain job on a superyacht

How many Captains are there?

About the author

How much does length of service matter in Superyacht Recruitment?

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Yacht Crew Salaries: Complete Guide to What Yacht Crew Earn

It’s no secret that the impressive yacht crew salaries attract most people into the exclusive yachting world.

Junior deckhands or stewardesses can earn starting salaries of $3000 per month. With a few years of experience and some courses to back you up, this amount moves up towards $4000-$4500 per month!

In order to compile this superyacht crew salary guideline, I have taken 10 of the top yachting platforms and used all of their data, combined with my personal experience, to reach an average salary expectation for each position.

Table of Contents

How Much do you Make Working on a Yacht?

Yacht Captain Salary

• 20m-30m: $4000-$7500
• 30m-40m: $5500-$9500
• 40m-50m: $8000-$15000
• 50m-70m: $13000-$19000
• 70m+: $16500+

Requirements of a Yacht Captain

• Years of experience needed: 3-5 years of experience as Chief Officer/Mate and more than 5 years of experience as a Captain for larger yachts
• Minimum level of Qualification: 200ton licence which allows you to drive vessels below 200tons

The Captain has the highest level of responsibility onboard the yacht and hence they earn the most out of all the yacht crew salaries.

Captains are accountable for the overall safety of the yacht, crew members and guests.

They also handle daily operations of the yacht, guests, and owner liaison. They deal with management companies, port control, budgets, human resources, and many more tasks and logistics that make the job demanding and stressful.

On top of this, Captains are required to hold high levels of certifications depending on the size of the yacht they are driving.

Yacht Captain salaries can sky rocket with higher levels of qualifications.

If you are looking to become a Yacht Captain one day I recommend looking into the courses required so you can get started with licenses and sea time. It takes time to get there, but when you do it will be worth it.

Chief Officer Yacht Salary

• 30m-40m: $4000-$6000
• 40m-50m: $4500-$7500
• 50m-70m: $5500-$9000
• 70m+: $8000+

Requirements of a Chief Officer

• Years of experience needed: 3-5 Years
• Minimum level of qualification: Officer of the Watch

The Chief Officer is second in command to the Captain and is responsible for carrying out the Captain’s standing orders.

On smaller yachts, the Chief Officer is referred to as the Mate.

The Chief Officer is responsible for carrying out the safety duties onboard and assisting in the bridge with paperwork and navigational planning.

The Chief Officer is also responsible for leading and managing their deck team, ensuring crew are following their duties as well as managing the water sports and guest activities.

The salary of a Chief Officer depends heavily on the license held.

Bosun Yacht Salary

• Years of experience needed: 2-3 years
• Minimum level of qualification: Yacht Master Offshore
• A yacht Bosun salary can vary between $4000 and $6000.

Responsibilities of a Bosun

The Bosun is essentially the Lead Deckhand onboard. A lead deckhand salary on a larger vessel will be similar to that of a bosun salary on a smaller vessel.

This is an opportunity to step up from being a deckhand and gain some experience in a leadership role. This position is in place for larger yachts so that when the Officer is busy with bridge duties, someone is in charge on deck.

Yacht Deckhand Salary

Years of experience needed: 0

• Minimum level of qualification: None needed, however Power Boat Level 2 and Yacht Master offshore will put you at a great advantage
• Entry-level yacht crew salaries start at $3000 and can go as high as $4000/$4500.

Responsibilities of a Deckhand

A Deckhand is an entry-level role on a yacht.

You need to spend a few years (or less) as a Deckhand in order to learn and gain experience so that you can step up in the ranks and obtain your licenses.

This role will be very hands-on in maintaining the exterior of the yacht. Duties will include cleaning, polishing, varnishing, sanding, caulking, and any other maintenance work required.

Chief Steward / Chief Stewardess Salary

• 30m-40m :$4500-$5500
• 40m-50m :$5000-$7000
• 50m-70m- $5500-$8000
• 70m+: $7500+

Responsibilities of a Chief Stewardess/Steward

• Years of experience needed: 3-5 years
• Minimum level of qualification: Depending on the size of the vessel you may need courses such as Food Hygiene and Safety, Silver Service, WSET, or a Purser course

The Chief Stewardess or Steward is responsible for all the interior operations of the yacht .

They are responsible for managing the interior team, and ensuring the interior of the yacht is maintained to the highest standards. Besides cleaning and laundry schedules , this also includes provisioning for crew and guests, budgeting, accounting, and training of junior crew.

Steward or Stewardess Yacht Salary

• Minimum level of qualification: Depending on the size of the vessel you may need courses such as Food Hygiene and Safety and Silver Service
• Salaries start at $3000 and go up to $6000

Responsibilities of a Steward or Stewardess

A Stewardess/Steward is an entry-level position working within the interior of the yacht.

There are rankings within the interior (2nd, 3rd, 4th Steward/Stewardesses). As you spend more time in the industry, you will be promoted to higher ranks, and with that will come a better salary and more responsibility.

This role covers a range of tasks, including but not limited to housekeeping, laundry, bartending, table scaping, floral arrangements, serving, and hosting guests.

Engineer Yacht Salary

• 20m-30m: $4000-$5000
• 30m-40m: $4500-$6500
• 40m-50m: $6000-$8000
• 50m-70m: $7500-$11000
• 70m+: $9000+

Requirements of an Engineer

• Years of experience needed: 2-4 years in an engineering role onboard as Deck/Engineer or relevant land-based experience
• Minimum level of qualification: AEC

The Engineer onboard is responsible for all mechanical functioning and maintenance of the vessel. This is a very technical role that can pay well as you gain experience and obtain your licensing.

Yacht Chef Salary

• 20m-30m: $4000 – $5000
• 40m-50m: $5500 – $75000
• 50m-70m: $6500-$9500

Requirements of a Yacht Chef

• Years of experience needed: 3-5 years depending on previous experience
• Minimum level of qualification: Food Hygiene and Safety Level 2

The Chef is responsible for feeding the crew 2 to 3 healthy and sustainable meals a day. They are of course required to prepare meals for guests when onboard to the highest of standards.

In their day-to-day tasks, they will be responsible for their own provisioning of the galley, maintaining stocks, cleanliness, and hygiene of the galley.

The salary of the Yacht Chef varies depending on qualifications and experience.

Yacht Crew Salaries for Private vs Charter Yachts

There are two types of super yachts that require crew: Private and Charter yachts. The salaries for yacht crew differ slightly between the two.

Private Yacht

A private boat is owned by a single person or family who uses the yacht for their own purposes. They don’t charter it out and you can expect to have the same guests onboard for the duration of your contract.

The benefit of these programs is that you get to know your guests well so you may find it easier to manage their wants and needs.

You may also benefit from traveling to off-the-beaten-track locations as I have!

For yacht crew working on these private boats, you will usually not receive charter tips.

Charter Yacht

A charter boat is one that gets chartered out by guests. This operates as a business and also means you will have different guests for every trip. 

If you work on a charter boat you can expect to receive charter tips at the end of each charter. These are usually 10%-20% of the charter fee!

Considering these tips can be anywhere from $2000-$5000 per week depending on the size of the yacht, charter boats offer great earning potential and can skyrocket your salary as a yachtie.

Hi, my name is Lisa, a Chief Stewardess in the yachting industry with 10 years of experience, as well as 8 years of hospitality experience prior to that. Being in the yachting industry has been a whirlwind of adventure, growth, challenges and some of the best experiences of my life, and I am excited to share my knowledge and experiences with all of you.

How to Write the Perfect Yacht CV [With Template]

A day in the life of a yacht stewardess.

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How Much Does a Yacht Captain Earn?

Lauren Beck is the former editor of Dockwalk and was with the publication from 2006 to 2023. At 13, she left South Africa aboard a 34-foot sailing boat with her family and ended up in St. Maarten for six years. Before college, she worked as crew for a year, and then cut her journalistic teeth at Better Homes and Gardens and Ladies’ Home Journal online. She loves traveling, reading, tennis, and rooting for the Boston Red Sox.

Whether you are a captain on the lookout for new opportunities or a deckhand working your way up the career ladder, the Dockwalk Salary Survey is a helpful tool for knowing where you stand on pay. With the 2021 results now in, we find out how much yacht captains are earning around the world…

The Dockwalk Salary Survey

Our annual survey usually attracts the most responses from captains, and this year was no different with a total of 476 responses. Out of those, 336 shared their salary information. The average length of time those 476 captains have worked as captains was 14 years, with an average of 19 years spent in the industry. Most of the respondents — 89.3 percent to be precise — work on motor yachts and the vast majority — 76 percent — were based on private yachts.

It used to be that captains could count on approximately $1,000 per foot per year. But in reality, it's not so straightforward. As larger boats grow increasingly more complex, the requirements for a captain are generally much higher in terms of experience and licenses, and so captains on bigger vessels will naturally yield higher salaries. 

But, as they say, size isn’t everything and the same applies when it comes to compensation. Other factors such as time in the industry, whether the boat is chartered, and if the position is rotational, are also considered. Longevity, for example, is another important factor that is likely to determine pay; some experienced captains on relatively small vessels can earn excellent money. Plus, captains are often entitled to added extras such as bonuses, health insurance, travel expenses, paid vacation, training and certification, uniform, and tips.

Yachts Between 60ft and 99ft

According to data from the 2021 Salary Survey, captains working on vessels between 60- and 99-feet were earning an average of $8,002.01 per month, with a range of $3,105 to $20,000 per month. The average monthly tips earned by captains on yachts available for charter in this range was $1,374.

Yachts Between 100ft and 139ft

Captains working aboard vessels from 100- to 139-feet may expect to earn an average of $10,108.18 per month, with a range of $$1,725 to $20,000 per month, according to Salary Survey data. The average monthly tips earned by captains on yachts available for charter in this range was $1,612. 

Yachts Between 140ft and 179ft

Numbers from this year's salary survey reported that captains on yachts 140- to 179-feet could expect to earn an average of $14,166.31 per month, with a range of $5,750 to $34,500 per month. The average monthly tips earned by captains on charter yachts in this range was $2,988.

Yachts Between 180ft and 239ft

Captains on yachts in the 180- to 239-foot size category may expect to earn $16,147.26 on average per month, with a range of $9,200 to $23,250 per month. The average monthly tips earned by captains on charter yachts within this range was $3,653.

Yachts Between 240ft and 279ft

Captains working in the 240- to 279-foot size category might expect to receive an average of $15,473.58, with a range of $7,475 to $20,125 per month. The average monthly tips earned by captains on charter yachts in this range was $1,718.

Yachts Above 280ft

In our largest size category, captains on vessels 280 feet and larger could expect to earn an average of $20,540.91 per month, with a range of $9,200 to $32,000 per month. As there are not as many large vessels of this size, these jobs are usually reserved for highly skilled and experienced captains — and their pay reflects that. The average monthly tips earned by captains on charter yachts in this range was $5,600.

Captains on Rotation

Within our survey, out of all 476 captains who responded, 20.59 percent were on rotation. Rotation schedules ran the gamut from 1:1 to 4:4, and various other arrangements. Of those captains on rotation, 70 said that they were paid monthly, regardless of their rotation schedule, while 12 said they were paid for the months they worked.

Freelance Captains

Out of all the captains who responded, 58 (or 12.61 percent) were freelance when they took the survey. When we asked them to include their rates, some provided their data while others preferred not to.

According to our survey, hourly, daily, and monthly freelance rates were provided. Just one hourly rate was provided — $38 per hour. Day rates ranged from $350 to $1,680. One captain included a monthly rate of $14,560, while another specified $8,960 per month plus tax. Others included holiday day rates of $800; hourly charter rates of $75 to $100, or holiday charter rates of $100 to $150 per hour, plus gratuity.

The Female Perspective

Out of all 336 captain’s responses on vessels ranging from 10 to 150 meters, just three female respondents shared their salary figures. It shouldn’t be a surprise as female captains are a minority but are growing in number. Out of those who responded, none were freelance or on rotation.

The female captain who earns the most has been a captain for three years and has been in the industry for nine. She works on a 148-foot private motor yacht and takes home $14,000 each month.

The second female captain has held the position for 10 years and has been in the industry for 19. She works on a 17-meter private sailing yacht and takes home $3,360 each month.

The third female captain has held the position for 20 years and has been in the industry for 24. She works on a 24-meter private motor yacht and takes home $5,600 each month.

While people may look askance at talk of money and pay, it’s an important discussion to have when you’re looking to find a new job or to see how your compensation stacks up to the industry norm. In 2021, our data is surveyed from both crew and yacht agents for their salaries or their recent placement figures. In total, we had 1,060 respondents share their salary figures, plus figures from 10 crew agencies.

• How to Get a Job as a Yacht Captain
• Epaulets Explained: Everything You Need to Know About the Crew Ranking System
• The Top Crew Jobs This Month

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By Conor Feasey 12 Jan 2024

Captain salaries on the rise

Quay crew’s most detailed salary report to date reveals a rise in captains’ wages following a slight decline in recent years, amongst other findings….

After a slight decline in recent years, Captain salaries are back on the rise according to findings in Quay Crew ’s Captain Salary Report 2023 . The detailed report also highlights how the growth of the industry is affecting Captaincy appointments, an increase in competition for placements, and a need for a more structured pay rise structure to foster longevity.

Around 300 Captains responded to the survey across a range of yacht sizes from sub-30 metres to 100 metres plus. In addition to average pay and leave, pay rise and bonus activity, the 21-page report also compares Captain and Chief Officer experience, ticket level, longevity onboard, and comparisons to Quay Crew’s 2020 and 2022 survey findings.

“In our most detailed salary report to date, we have gained an insight into the real-time compensation Captains receive, broken down by yacht size and with several other comparables too,” says Simon Ladbrooke, Captain Consultant at Quay Crew. “A key takeaway this year is that, despite a slight decline in salaries between 2020 and 2022, the average monthly pay is now higher across all size brackets, representing a median 6.75% increase.”

The exact figures, as per the survey findings, illustrate an average monthly salary of €16,243, with €17,105 and €15,518 accounting for the salary of private and charter Captains respectively. In the 100-metre-plus segment, salaries stand at around €20,000 for both private and charter, a €3,500 jump from the 90-99 metre category. At the other end of the scale, wages range between €14,251 to €12,399, which is around €3,000 more than on board sub-39 metre yachts

Time for time rotation has also grown in popularity on all-sized yachts, with the exception of yachts under 39 metres, which are all full-time at present. Full rotation is also increasing and becoming more prevalent on sub-50 metres yachts, with an 11% decline overall in Captains with less than 59 days leave.

In terms of raises, Two-fifths of Captains receive an annual pay rise, although this is not part of their contract. A further 38% receive a 13th-month bonus, but random and unpredictable bonuses appear to be more commonplace across all segments.

Around 70% of Captains have a Master 3000 ticket but are operating on much smaller yachts. “We are increasingly seeing Captains with their Master 3000 taking time out to get their Marshall Islands Unlimited ticket,” adds Ladbrooke. “The most common reason for this is likely to be able to remain with their current employer who is going bigger.”

The survey data reveals the rapid growth of the superyacht sector as one of its primary observations. The average age at which individuals attain Captaincy for the first time has also increased to 32.5 years old and Chief Officers now accumulate more years of experience, indicating a prolonged transition.

“By gathering Chief Officer experience as well as longevity on their current yacht, we can surmise that onboard promotion is on the rise. The average age that someone becomes Captain is now older and the number of years of experience as Chief Officer is higher, suggesting the transition is also taking longer,” says Ladbrooke. This delay is likely influenced by heightened competition in the industry and increased difficulty in making the initial advancement.

Despite these challenges, nearly three-quarters (72%) of respondents claim it took them less than six months to secure their first Captain role, which is possibly attributed to onboard promotions and the substantial Chief Officer experience showcased in the survey. “We were very surprised at this statistic as it doesn’t match at all with our experience. Often, Chief Officers are looking for several years before they finally get their opportunity. It’s something we definitely want to explore further in another survey,” says Ladbrooke.

Additionally, more than half of respondents now receive business or first-class flights, dependent on flight duration, indicating a notable increase in this aspect. Flight allowance improves with yacht size, with 49% of Captains receiving Business Class flights as part of their package.

Looking at the overall average salary, Ladbrooke determines that they appear to be reasonable, though a smaller gap between private and private/charter incomes is anticipated. Being a charter Captain is acknowledged as very demanding, with the added complexity of handling various responsibilities, and fostering creativity and adaptability, all while maintaining crew motivation, despite the benefit of tips.

While positive, the frequency of pay raises and bonuses could benefit from a less arbitrary and discretionary approach to enhance Captain longevity. Exactly half of the Captains who responded have more than 10 years’ experience in the role and 32% were Chief Officers for three to five years prior. A third have been Captains on their current yacht for more than three years.

“The key takeaway for us is that, despite many of the respondents being experienced Captains, longevity does need to improve,” says Ladbrooke. “I’d expect at least three years on 60 metres plus yachts, while slightly less is acceptable on 40-59 metre boats as they are usually stepping stones to larger yachts.”

Ladbrooke adds that whilst every size bracket has great things going for it, more often than not, there is some kind of trade-off required. “This is not always a bad thing, and the fact that the market is moving in the right direction in almost every area, from leave and salary to bonuses and retention, sets a good precedent for the future of the sector.”

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Quay Crew Releases 2023 Captains Salary Survey

Quay Crew has announced the release of its latest and largest HoD salary survey to date. Almost 300 captains responded across a range of yacht sizes from under 30 meters to over 100 meters.

In addition to average pay and leave, pay rises and bonus activities, the report also compares the experience of being a captain and a chief officer, ticket levels and longevity on board. It also compares the results to previous survey findings in 2020 and 2022.  

“ In our most detailed salary report to date, we have gained an insight into the real-time compensation captains receive, broken down by yacht size and with several other comparables too,” said Simon Ladbrooke, Captain Consultant at Quay Crew .

“A key takeaway this year is that, despite a slight decline in salaries between 2020 and 2022, the average monthly pay is now higher across all size brackets, representing a median 6.75% increase.

“Time for time rotation has also grown in popularity on all sized yachts, with the exception of yachts  under 39m which are all full time at the moment.

“By gathering chief officer experience as well as longevity on their current yacht, we can surmise that onboard promotion is on the rise. The average age that someone becomes captain is now older and the number of years of experience as chief officer is higher, suggesting the transition is also taking longer.

“This is undoubtedly down to there being more competition amongst candidates and it being more difficult to make that initial step up.

“However, almost three quarters say it took them less than six months to get their first captain role. Along with the extensive chief officer experience demonstrated in this survey, this could be largely down to onboard promotion.

Having said that, we were very surprised at this statistic as it doesn’t match at all with our experience. Often, chief officers are looking for several years before they finally get their opportunity. It’s something we definitely want to explore further in another survey.”

Top-level statistics include:   

Every yacht bracket has seen a salary rise since 2020 and 2022.

Full rotation is increasing and becoming more prevalent on sub-50m yachts, with an 11% decline overall in captains having under 59 days of leave.

40% of captains receive an annual pay rise, although this is not part of their contract.

38% receive a 13th-month bonus, but random and unpredictable bonuses are more common.

70% of captains have Master 3000.

50% of the captains who responded have over 10 years’ experience in the role and 32% were chief officers for three to years prior.

A third of captains have been on their current yacht for over three years.

Flight allowance improves with yacht size, with 49% of captains receiving business class flights as part of their package.

The average age at which respondents first became captain is 32.5 years old. 

The full report contains a comprehensive analysis of salaries and leave in each yacht size bracket and also compares full-time and rotational role. It also explores any correlation between experience and the type of ticket held. 

To obtain access to this salary report or QuayCrew’s previous reports for chief officers, chief stews or chief engineers please get in touch via [email protected] .

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How Much Do Yacht Captains Make? (Numbers & Examples)

Do you love boating? The wind and the water? The smell of sunscreen and sea salt? The feel of a powerful machine beneath your hands?

If boating is your passion, you might be wondering how you can do it for a living. Well, you might be in luck.

How Much Do A Yacht Captain Make?

The captain of a yacht typically makes between $60,000 and $150,000, depending on the size of the yacht and his/her experience. On top of that, charter yacht captains will typically earn 10-15% of the price of the charter from tipping.

Here’s everything you need to know about how much a yacht captain makes.

Table of Contents

How Much Money Do Yacht Captains Make?

One of the major determining factors of salary for yacht captains is the type of license you possess, the type of yacht you work on, and your level of experience.

Yacht captains often get paid a base salary. It will typically be in the size of $60,000 to $150,000.

In addition to a base salary, they can also get:

• health insurance
• flight expenses
• paid vacation
• training reimbursement

If your position requires you reside on the vessel you are also likely to be supplied with food and sundries.

Tips are often earned on yachts that are available to be chartered.

Here’s our guide to how much you should expect to earn from tipping as a crew member on a yacht .

Different Ranges of Salaries for Yacht Captains

• If you are a captain that is operating boats that range from 60 to 100 feet, the salary range would be between $48,000 and $100,000 per year.
• A captain who operates vessels between 100 and 130 feet, can earn a salary between $90,000 and $140,000 per year.
• A captain who would operate a vessel that can range between 130 to over 160 feet, could earn anywhere between $120,000 and $180,000.
• If the vessel that you operate falls between 160 to 190 feet, your salary could be between $150,000 to $210,000.
• If you operate a vessel that is 190 feet or more you could make over $200,000 per year.

Variations to these averages can depend on factors such as owner/guest use, the qualifications that are required with the position, and the itinerary of the vessel.

How Do I Become A Yacht Captain?

After looking at the earning potential, you are probably ready to sign up! However, you cannot just get on a yacht and become the captain.

To become a yacht captain, you first need to obtain a license. There are a few different levels of Captain’s licenses and you should attend the class that will give you the highest leveled license that you can qualify for.

There are two main license types that you can get. These are the “Six-Pack Captain’s License” or the “Master License”.

The Six-Pack Captain’s License would allow you to captain a boat with up to 6 paying passengers plus crew. The vessel can only weigh 100 gross tons or less.

This license is generally used for vessels that engage in charter fishing, scuba diving, or tour cruises.

This course includes topics such as the navigational rules, navigation aids and chart plotting, electronic navigation, characteristics of weather systems, and lifesaving equipment and safety.

To qualify to get this license you need at least 360 days of documented experience in the operation of vessels with 90 of those days being within 3 years of getting the license. You also have to complete the test that is given.

Any experience that was gained before the age of 16 cannot be used.

The Master License would allow you to captain a boat with more than 6 paying passengers.

Any vessel that is authorized to carry more than 6 paying passengers requires a Master license. Boats that require this type of license can include ferry boats, harbor tour boats, whale watching vessels, and water taxis.

For the Master License, the topics include everything listed for the Six-Pack license but also includes basic seamanship skills, tides and currents, marine radio operation, pollution prevention, vessel handling skills, and emergency procedures.

Requirements for a Master License depending on which type of Master License you get.

These include:

• Master Inland: 360 days underway experience since age 16. 90 of those days must be within 3 years of getting the license. Completion of course and test.
• Master Inland/OUPV: 360 days underway experience since age 16. 90 of those days must be within 3 years of getting the license. 90 days must be outside the boundary lines. Completion of the course and test.
• Master Inland/Mate N.C.: 360 days underway experience since age 16. 90 of those days must be within 3 years of getting the license. 180 days must be outside the boundary lines. Completion of the course and test.
• Master Near Coastal: 720 days underway experience since age 16. 90 of those days must be within 3 years of getting the license. 360 days must be outside the boundary lines. Completion of the course and test.

Other Requirements Include:

• A Transportation Workers Identification Credential (TWIC Card).
• You must be 19 years or older.
• Pass a physical examination.
• Pass a drug test.
• CPR/First Aid Training.

In addition to your license, you can also add endorsements.

These endorsements include a towing endorsement that would allow you to assist vessels in need for a fee, or sail or auxiliary sail endorsement which would allow you to operate a sailing or auxiliary sail vessel.

These endorsements are not required but may help you find a wider variety of jobs.

You also need a captain’s license if you are choosing to be a fishing guide. A fishing guide is the captain of a fishing vessel that holds paying passengers.

What is the Work Schedule Like for a Yacht Captain?

A six-figure salary can come with hard work and high levels of responsibility. 

While a yacht owner might only utilize their vessel between 6-8 weeks a year, you will most likely work all year. 

Your average year could consist of between 6-8 weeks of work with the owner, 10-12 additional weeks of work if the vessel is chartered, and another 8-10 weeks spend moving the yacht between ports.

The job duties of a yacht captain can include:

• The ultimate safety of the passengers, crew, environment, and vessel.
• Following the instructions of the yacht’s owner.
• Crew hiring and dismissal as well as general personnel management.
• Training and coaching the rest of the crew.
• Legal and regulatory compliance.
• Navigation including plotting a safe course, following the plotted course, docking and departing.
• Management of the ship’s maintenance and upgrades.
• Management of the vessel’s finances, porting options, and other accounting.
• Negotiating for goods and services for the vessel.

There are personality traits better fitted to this job than others.

The ideal personality traits of a captain include:

• A calm personality especially in an emergency situation.
• Superior leadership, communication, and management skills.
• Diplomacy skills.
• Organized and methodical behaviors.
• Knowledge of other languages and cultural sensitivity.

In addition to these personality traits you should also have the following skills:

• Boat handling and navigation skills that can come from acquiring a license.
• International Safety Management (ISM) and International Ship and Port Security (ISPS) knowledge.
• Maintenance and engineering/troubleshooting experience.
• Financial management skills.
• The proper licensing.

The captain of a yacht is more than just a manager of people and assets. They are the manager of an experience. It is the captain’s job to run the vessel according to owner preferences to ensure the best experience.

The ultimate goal of the captain and the crew should be the happiness and experience of the owner and his guests.

Once the owner of the vessel describes what type of yacht he wants to own and how, when and where they would like to use the vessel, the rest of the management is often clearly defined.

It is up to the captain to maintain these standards and stay within the boundaries set forth by the owner. After all, without an owner of the vessel, the captain would not have a job.

The captain should also concern himself with the safety of all the passengers, other vessels, the environment they are in, and the vessel itself.

How Much Money Does It Cost to Run A Yacht?

For an average mega yacht that operates with 12 crew members, your expenses for the operation could be anywhere between 4 and 10 million dollars.

This budget is based on where your yacht is moored, whether your yacht is available for charter, and where the travel destinations are.

Making these decisions can be the responsibility of a management company or can fall to the captain of the vessel.

These decisions include all aspects of the budget, what charters to take, where to station the vessel between charters, when to service the boat, and where to get it serviced when you do.

If you are intending to own a yacht and run it, in addition to the crew and the above expenses you will also be looking at spending money on food, drinks, and other amenities that are needed while on your voyage.

Overall, Yacht owning is an expensive hobby. One of the biggest expenses is the pay and benefits for the crew. 

If you work on a yacht you should have no trouble turning your passion into a prosperous career with high earning potential.

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Yacht Crew Positions and Salaries

The organisational structure onboard a superyacht follows a strong hierarchy based upon a military model. Exact job duties and lines of authority are set and strictly adhered to. This hierarchy is followed on the vast majority of yachts; however, responsibilities of the crew on smaller yachts are often merged.

There are four departments on yachts with clear organisational structure:

• Deck (including Bridge) – Safety, passage delivery, maintenance of the yacht's exterior, guest outdoor activities
• Engineering – Safety and smooth operational running of the yacht
• Interior – Housekeeping, guest wellbeing, activities, accounting
• Galley – Food preparation, stock control, hygiene, galley maintenance

The top of the hierarchy on each yacht is the Captain , who reports to the yacht owner either directly, or through a representative or a yacht management company.

Salaries vary and depend on the yacht size, use, type and location, as well as the experience and qualification of the crew member. We included typical salaries of crew based on the data available from reputable industry sources, as well as our research of over 60,000 crew registered with us.

Deck Positions

The primary duty of the Captain is the overall safe manning and operation of the yacht. Yacht Captain is responsible for the vessel, yacht crew, owner and guests, including personnel management, shipyard/project management, legal and regulatory compliance, accounting, achieving owners' objectives, and answers to the owner regarding all decisions.

First Mate / Chief Officer

The First Mate or Chief Officer is the right hand of the Captain. Takes command of the yacht from Captain when required. Shares Captain's responsibilities as required.

Bosun / Lead Deckhand

Bosuns are usually experienced Deckhands with additional responsibilities. They are in charge of Deckhands onboard the yacht and often spend a lot of time with guests during outdoor activities. The Bosun is normally the main tender driver.

Responsible for the maintenance of the exterior of the yacht and keeping it in pristine condition at all times. Deckhands also assist in maintaining, cleaning and operating yacht's tenders.

Engineering Positions

Chief engineer.

Responsible for the Engineering Department and for all technical aspects of the boat and its equipment. The Chief Engineer's duties include overseeing all mechanical and electrical operations, ensuring all planned maintenance takes place and liaising with subcontractors.

Second / Third Engineer

The Second and Third Engineers report directly to the Chief Engineer. They assist in maintaining all mechanical and electrical operations of the yacht.

ETO / AV/IT Officer

Electro-Technical Officer (ETO) and AV/IT Officer are in charge of daily maintenance of all electronic, computer, audio/visual and communications equipment and their efficient operation. This includes the radio, radar, telephones, satellite communications, navigation systems, computers, Internet connection, interior equipment (TVs, sound systems), etc.

Electrician

The Electrician is responsible for maintenance of all electrical circuits onboard the vessel, circuit breakers, switches, lighting, batteries, etc.

This is an administrative position on large yachts. The Purser is responsible for all operations in the interior department, including inventory, purchasing, provisioning, accounting, organising guest activities, and assisting the Captain with the yachts paperwork.

Chief Steward(ess)

Duties are similar to those of other Steward(ess)es onboard the boat, but on a more senior level, including managing the interior department and training. Small yachts with less crew do not have a Purser. The Chief Steward(ess) is in charge of all the responsibilities normally carried out by the Purser on large yachts.

Steward(ess)

Steward's or Stewardess's main responsibility is to maintain the interior of the yacht and provide the highest standard of care to the owner and guests. They serve food and drinks, prepare guest activities, pack and unpack luggage and are on call for anything that the guests want anytime day or night. On some yachts, they help the deck crew moor the yacht.

The Head/Executive Chef onboard a luxury superyacht is a culinary trained professional responsible for the overall management of the galley department on larger yachts, including guest and crew meals, provisioning, food safety, maintaining strict hygiene standards and financial/budgetary administration.

Assists the Head Chef in all aspects of galley duties. The Sous Chef may be required to independently provide crew meals or guest meals at the direction of the Head Chef.

Crew Chef / Cook

Large yachts employ a separate crew and guest chef. The Crew chef provides meals for the crew.

Other Positions

Many yachts, especially the large ones, have several additional positions. These are often combined with primary roles, e.g. Stewardess / Masseuse or Deckhand / Dive Instructor . The most common are:

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Yacht Captains’ Salaries: How Much Do They Make?

Are you curious about the earning potential of yacht captains ? If so, you’ve come to the right place! Yacht captains have diverse salaries that depend on various factors, including yacht size, experience, training, and qualifications. Let’s dive into the details and find out just how much these skilled professionals make.

When it comes to superyacht captains, their salaries can range from $48,000 to $300,000 per annum. Senior Master captains on larger vessels can expect even higher salaries, ranging from $140,000 to $300,000 annually. Captains of yachts ranging from 100 ft to 170 ft earn between $85,000 and $170,000, while Junior Captains on smaller yachts of 60 ft to 100 ft earn salaries of $48,000 to $98,000.

It’s important to note that besides their base salaries, yacht captains can also enjoy additional perks, bonuses, tips from charter guests, and tax deductions for seafarers. These extras can significantly supplement their overall compensation.

Key Takeaways:

• The salary of a yacht captain depends on yacht size, experience, training, and qualifications.
• Superyacht captains can earn anywhere from $48,000 to $300,000 per year.
• Senior Master captains on larger vessels can expect salaries between $140,000 and $300,000 annually.
• Yacht captains can also receive perks, bonuses, tips, and tax deductions, boosting their overall income.
• Experience and working on larger yachts can increase earning potential.

Responsibilities of Yacht Captains

Yacht captains play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth operation of a yacht. They have a wide range of responsibilities that encompass various aspects of yacht management. Let’s delve into the key responsibilities of yacht captains:

1. Ensuring Passenger Safety

One of the primary responsibilities of a yacht captain is to prioritize the safety and well-being of all passengers on board. This includes implementing and enforcing safety protocols, conducting safety drills, and maintaining a secure environment throughout the journey. By ensuring compliance with international maritime regulations and safety standards, yacht captains guarantee a peaceful and worry-free experience for passengers.

2. Meeting Owner Objectives

As the captain of a yacht, it is essential to align with the owner’s objectives and preferences. Captains work closely with yacht owners to understand their vision and goals, ensuring that every aspect of the yacht experience reflects their desires. This includes managing itineraries, organizing events, and providing personalized services to meet the owner’s expectations.

3. Hiring and Managing Crew Members

Yacht captains have the responsibility of building and managing a competent and efficient crew. This involves hiring qualified individuals, conducting crew training and evaluations, and fostering a positive working environment on board. By assembling a skilled team and maintaining harmonious relationships, captains ensure smooth operations and exceptional service delivery.

4. Overseeing Vessel Maintenance and Repairs

Vessel maintenance is a critical aspect of a yacht captain’s responsibilities. Captains supervise regular maintenance tasks, including engine inspections, equipment checks, and routine repairs. They collaborate with the yacht’s engineering department and other onboard personnel to ensure that the yacht is in optimal condition for every voyage.

5. Handling Accounting and Financial Record Keeping

Yacht captains are involved in financial management and accounting processes. They oversee budgets, track expenses, and maintain accurate financial records. By ensuring financial transparency and accountability, captains play a pivotal role in supporting the yacht’s operations and providing accurate financial information to owners.

6. Navigating the Yacht

Navigation is a core competency for every yacht captain. They are responsible for plotting routes, ensuring safe passage through waterways, and maintaining up-to-date navigational charts. Captains utilize their expertise in assessing weather conditions, avoiding hazards, and making informed decisions that prioritize the safety and efficiency of the yacht’s voyage.

Overall, yacht captains carry significant responsibilities that encompass passenger safety , owner objectives , crew management, vessel maintenance , accounting , and navigation. Their expertise and dedication contribute to a memorable and smooth yachting experience for all onboard.

Now, let’s explore the average monthly salaries of yacht captains in the next section.

Average Yacht Captain Monthly Salaries

The salary of a yacht captain can vary based on the size of the yacht. Captains of yachts between 60 ft and 90 ft typically earn an average of $7,500 per month, while captains of yachts between 90 ft and 139 ft can earn around $10,000 per month. For larger yachts between 140 ft and 179 ft, the average monthly salary is approximately $14,000. Captains of yachts between 180 ft and 239 ft can expect a monthly salary of around $15,000, while salaries for captains of yachts above 280 ft can reach up to $32,000 per month.

If we compare the average yacht captain salaries based on yacht size, we can observe the following:

As the table shows, there is a clear correlation between yacht size and captain salaries. Larger yachts generally offer higher salaries, reflecting the greater responsibilities and complexities involved in managing bigger vessels.

It’s important to note that these figures represent average monthly salaries and may vary depending on additional factors such as experience, qualifications, and the specific terms of employment.

If we consider the average yacht captain salaries based on yacht size, it becomes evident that yacht captains can earn a substantial income depending on the size of the vessel they are in charge of.

Yacht Captains on Rotation

Did you know that approximately 20% of yacht captains work on a rotational schedule? This means that they alternate periods of work and time off, allowing for a better work-life balance.

Yacht captains on rotation typically receive a monthly salary regardless of their rotation schedule. In fact, the salaries for rotational captains may be slightly higher than those of full-time captains. This reflects the value placed on their flexibility and ability to maintain the smooth operation of the yacht.

A recent survey found that around 50% of rotational captains work on yachts ranging from 165 ft to 190 ft. This suggests that rotational arrangements are more common in this particular size range, possibly due to the need for specialized expertise and management.

Being a rotational yacht captain offers a unique lifestyle and allows for breaks and time spent with family while still pursuing a fulfilling career. It provides an alternative to the traditional full-time captain position, providing benefits for both the captain and the yacht owner.

Yacht captains have the opportunity to command impressive salaries, particularly as they gain experience and oversee larger yachts. However, the role of a yacht captain also entails significant responsibilities and necessary qualifications. Aspiring yacht captains must possess a strong navigation background, excellent people management and communication skills, as well as the ability to handle the financial and administrative aspects of yacht operations. Becoming a yacht captain typically requires several years of experience and a deep commitment to the maritime industry.

With the earning potential of yacht captains and the allure of a luxurious lifestyle at sea, many individuals are drawn to pursue a career in this industry. However, it is important to recognize that success as a yacht captain is not solely determined by an attractive salary. The journey towards becoming a yacht captain involves dedication, continual learning, and demonstrating a high level of professionalism.

For those who are passionate about sailing and possess the necessary skills, becoming a yacht captain can be a rewarding career choice. The role offers opportunities to travel the world, work in beautiful locations, and lead a team of professionals. While the financial rewards can be significant, it is also crucial to remember the importance of personal growth, professionalism, and dedication to ensure a successful and fulfilling career as a yacht captain.

How much do yacht captains make?

Yacht captain salaries can vary depending on yacht size, experience, and qualifications. The salary of a superyacht captain can range from $48,000 to $300,000 per annum.

What are the responsibilities of a yacht captain?

Yacht captains have a wide range of responsibilities, including ensuring passenger safety , meeting owner objectives , hiring and managing crew members, overseeing vessel maintenance and repairs, handling accounting and financial record keeping, and navigating the yacht.

What are the average monthly salaries of yacht captains?

The average monthly salary of yacht captains can vary depending on the size of the yacht. Captains of yachts between 60 ft and 90 ft typically earn around $7,500 per month, while captains of yachts between 90 ft and 139 ft can earn approximately $10,000 per month.

Do yacht captains work on a rotational schedule?

Yes, approximately 20% of yacht captains work on a rotational schedule. Rotational captains typically receive a monthly salary regardless of the rotation schedule, and their salaries may be slightly higher than those of full-time captains.

How much can rotational yacht captains earn?

The salaries of rotational yacht captains can vary, but they generally have the potential to earn higher salaries, especially as they gain experience and work on larger yachts. The survey found that around 50% of rotational captains work on yachts ranging from 165 ft to 190 ft.

What does it take to become a yacht captain?

Becoming a yacht captain requires certifications, qualifications, several years of experience in the maritime industry, and strong personal attributes. Yacht captains need to have a solid track record of navigation, excellent people management and communication skills, and the ability to handle the financial and administrative aspects of yacht operations.

Source Links

• https://marineaccounts.com/how-much-does-yacht-captain-make?trk=organization_guest_main-feed-card_feed-article-content
• https://www.crewfinders.com/yachtcrewsalaries.shtml
• https://www.cottoncrews.com/yacht-captain-salary-job-description/

Nicholas Finn

I've been the captain of a fishing boat for over 20 years, and I created Pirateering to share my knowledge of and interest in seafaring.

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How much does a yacht captain make.

Working onboard a superyacht as a Captain sounds both enthralling and inspiring.

Whilst the job may appeal to many, not everyone is suited to such a highly qualified and demanding role.

That said, if you do have the necessary qualifications, skills and experience on your resume, you might be interested to learn more about the typical salaries yacht captains make.

And this is exactly what we’ll be uncovering in the chapters below.

Senior Master

Junior captain, passenger safety, owner objectives, hiring & firing crew, manage personnel, vessel maintenance, 60ft - 90ft yacht, 90ft - 139ft yacht, 140ft - 179ft yacht, 180ft - 239ft yacht.

• 240ft - 279ft

Above 280ft Yacht

Yacht captains on rotation, how much should a superyacht captain get paid.

The salary that’s paid to a superyacht captain depends on various factors.

For example, yacht size, experience, training and qualifications all have a part to play.

Moreover, it’s important to consider other aspects related to the salary, such as perks, bonuses, and annual leave.

Often health insurance, paid vacation and flight expenses are paid by the employer.

It’s also worth noting that the captain will be residing on board, and hence all food and sundries will be catered for as well.

There are also tips to be earned from charter guests.

So most of your income should start to rack up, making it a great career move for anyone wanting to save up for a future investment or a rainy day.

And if circumstances are right, you may even qualify for the seafarers earnings deduction , meaning you pay zero tax on income earned.

Of course, you must meet certain criteria to qualify for completely tax free income.

This is dependent on the length of time spent at sea outside UK waters.

To ensure you correctly qualify, the most fail safe way is to take an online residency test .

This will give you the most definitive answer on whether you can claim the SED.

If you're in any doubt however, always seek the advice of a specialist tax accountant who can help.

A Senior Master captain is usually employed onboard large vessels, which are generally in the range of 170ft and 200 ft long or more.

The salary range that such a captain can expect tends to vary between $140,000 and $300,000 per annum.

In the case of a captain working on a vessel of a size ranging between 100 ft and 170 ft in length, the salary ranges between $85,000 and $170,000 per annum.

The final figure tends to depend on his or her years of experience and qualifications.

A Junior Captain is often employed on relatively smaller yachts, typically ranging between 60 ft and 100 ft long.

As the title implies, a junior captain is just starting out on their career.

So the salary will be at an entry level range since their years of experience in this case will be somewhat limited.

Salaries for Junior Captains are typically between $48,000 and $98,000 per annum.

Responsibilities

A yacht captain will have numerous responsibilities, including:

This is the top responsibility for any captain.

Since the captain will be navigating the vessel, he is responsible for the lives of all those aboard the ship.

The captain will also be held accountable for the yacht itself, as well as for the environment.

The captain will need to have a solid understanding of the mechanics of the vessel, including electronics, as well as regulatory requirements that will need to be abided by.

The owner of the yacht will have specific objectives as well as certain expectations.

The yacht captain will need to be aware of such goals and work to fulfil them.

Whilst the owner may simply require the captain to provide smooth navigation and a luxurious service, certain owners will have far higher expectations.

These owners will regularly use the vessel along with their family, as well as entertain guests onboard.

Needless to say, the more people are aboard, the bigger the expectations will be.

The charter periods for the yacht will also need to be factored in.

Throughout any hiring or dismissal of crew members, the captain needs to ensure that confidentiality is maintained, and the vessel remains as safe as possible.

The yacht captain will be responsible for acquiring the most suitable employees for the program.

This is not a straightforward process as he will need to identify individuals with suitable experience, certification and personal attributes to become a part of the crew.

The Maritime Labor Convention (MLC) also stipulates strict rules for the contracting, dismissal and managing of crew members.

So the captain will need to be conversant with these to ensure adherence.

Onboard a yacht there’ll typically be between 12 and 40 crew members, depending on the vessel’s size.

So managing a large team is not that straightforward.

There’ll also be a dayworker and seasonal hires as well.

The captain will need to set a positive work ethic, ensuring that crew members are doing their jobs properly.

They should seek to achieve good inter-crew communications starting with the stewardess , so that yacht operations run as smoothly as possible.

It’s important to note that this is easier said than done, especially when considering that crew members will be working as well as living together 24/7.

So maintaining good team relations and staff moral is even more challenging.

The captain should oversee routine maintenance of the vessel.

Any upgrades or repairs will need to be seen to as well.

Time considerations for any maintenance as well as costs implications will also need to be overseen and managed by the captain.

The captain should also have a good knowledge of the register and flag requirements, as these are key to defining the project, as well as obtaining quotes.

The captain will be supervising any maintenance or upgrading works to ensure that it is being carried out as planned.

Surprisingly to some, the captain will also be responsible for the budgeting and financial record keeping.

These duties are basic accounting duties however, and in the case of some vessels, a different business model may be used, thus resulting in additional accounting duties for the captain.

This is the most common role of any captain.

While it’s the primary responsibility that comes to mind, there are various other responsibilities that a captain needs to handle, as previously covered above.

When it comes to navigating, the captain will be responsible for plotting a safe course, and to follow it.

He will also be taking care of the docking and departing from berths.

Average Yacht Captain Monthly Salaries

As mentioned earlier, the size of the yacht impacts on the salary of the captain.

Captains who work on vessels that are in this range typically earn an average of $7,500 per month.

However, they could earn more if they have more years of experience.

Their salary could go as high as $20,000 per month.

Captains working onboard vessels ranging up to 139 feet can expect to earn an average salary starting from $10,000 per month, with the prospect of nearing $20,000 per month depending on experience.

An average monthly salary of $14,000 can be expected for captains working on yachts of this size.

However, the salary could easily exceed $34,000 per month for some more experienced or highly qualified captains.

A captain working onboard such a yacht can expect a monthly salary of around $15,000, with the prospect of going up to around $24,000 per month.

240ft - 279ft Yacht

A captain’s monthly salary onboard a yacht between 240ft and 279ft is very similar to that of a yacht between 180ft and 239ft according to some surveys.

Indeed, a salary of $16,000 is the average, while there are some captains who earn around $20,000 per month.

As the yacht is considerably larger than most, there’s far more responsibilities involved.

An average monthly salary of $20,000 is to be expected.

However, there are some captains who can earn as much as $32,000 per month.

That said, there are relatively fewer vessels of this size.

So jobs of this nature are very few and far between.

Hence, such jobs are typically reserved for only the very highest skilled and experienced captains.

According to a survey conducted by Dockwalk , around a fifth of captains work on rotation.

With such an arrangement, the captain will generally be paid on a monthly basis regardless of the rotation schedule.

If you compare rotational and full time salaries, there is generally a slightly higher salary for the latter.

Around 50% of captains who work on a rotational basis are employed on yachts of sizes in the range of 165ft to 190ft.

While the salary attributable to the role of a yacht captain may appear very appealing, it’s important to note that there are numerous important responsibilities and requirements involved in the role.

The captain will require certifications, qualifications and professional training as a bare minimum.

These will also need to be coupled up with key personal attributes such as good leadership skills, a diplomatic, charismatic and calm personality, good organisational skills and exceptional communication skills.

The captain is ultimately the person who will be entrusted with the management and safeguarding of the entire vessel, as well as taking care of the crew.

Hence, the salary will reflect such important duties as well as the captain’s extensive maritime experience.

If you want to know more about a career as a yacht captain and how you can earn a tax free income, reach out to one of our team.

Simply get in touch with us or share your opinion in the comments section below.

Disclaimer: Any advice in this publication is not intended or written by Marine Accounts to be used by a client or entity for the purpose of (i) avoiding penalties that may be imposed on any taxpayer or (ii) promoting, marketing or recommending to another party matters herein.

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How Much to Tip a Fishing Guide: Learn the proper tipping etiquette

Table of Contents

Last Updated on June 19, 2024 by Boatsetter Team

When you go on a guided fishing trip there’s an advertised price, but there are other costs of a fishing charter and one that shouldn’t be overlooked is tipping the captain and/or mate. Just what an appropriate tip is will change with the situation, too, because some guides work alone, others work with a mate, and you may want to tip more or less depending on the level of service.

It’s important to differentiate between charters and guides at this point, because although there’s no set definition for either, most charter boats have mates who often work for tips and tips alone. Some larger charters that take out more people than the standard “six pack” crew of six may even have multiple mates. But captains who work alone and take out smaller parties, on the other hand, are usually referred to as guides.

Tipping a small boat fishing guide

As a general rule of thumb, the standard tipping etiquette you’d use in a restaurant applies to fishing guides. Anything under 15 percent of the cost of the trip would be thought of as a penalty for a poor experience, 20 percent would be for meeting expectations, and 25 percent would be a bonus.

Remember that if you rent a fishing boat with a captain, as far as tipping goes that still counts as hiring a guide or booking a charter. Although the terminology and the booking process may be a bit different, they’ll still be working to make sure you have a great day on the water and catch as many fish as possible.

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Tipping on charters

On charter boats working with a mate, the mate is usually (though not always) working just for the tip. The same rates apply, except that instead of handing the tip to the captain you’d give it to the mate or mates. When there are multiple mates it’s okay to hand the tip to one of them, as tips are generally pooled and split, but if you want to tip a specific mate extra because they worked particularly hard or were especially pleasant, be sure to tell them that and tip them separately from the rest of the crew.

The same goes for captains who do an especially good job; tip the mates separately, and then approach the captain. Also, know that in some cases the captain will still share their tips with the mate(s) or ask you to pass it on to them, but either way they’ll still appreciate the gesture.

When you’re planning a group charter where the cost of the trip will be shared, be sure to give everyone a heads-up about tipping ahead of time. People who don’t regularly fish on charter boats may not realize that tipping is expected, and many people don’t carry much cash these days in case they’re caught unaware.

Tipping guides and charters for the experience

It’s always important to remember that a guide or captain, no matter how good he or she may be at their job, can’t control the weather or whether the fish will bite. Either factor can contribute to having a disappointing trip, but that isn’t necessarily a reflection of how the person is doing their job. More important is attitude, how hard he or she works to try to make the trip a success, and honesty.

Did the captain and/or mate greet you with a smile, and stay positive no matter what? Did they race around the boat all day keeping the baits fresh and the lines set, even if the fish weren’t biting? If they’re a pleasure to be around and they give it their all, you can’t blame them for rough seas or slow fishing.

The very best captains may even give you a heads-up if the fishing is particularly slow or it will be uncomfortably windy and rough, and may suggest rescheduling. When this happens, remember that they’ve willingly given up their income for that day to help ensure your experience is a positive one — and when you do eventually go, you should bear that in mind when it’s time to tip them.

The bottom line ? Tipping fishing guides and charter boat crew isn’t any different from tipping in other venues. If someone has done their best and you’ve had fun, tip them accordingly.

About us

Boatsetter  is the leading online marketplace for boat rentals and on-water experiences. Download the Boatsetter app ( App Store  |  Google Play ) and follow us on  Instagram .

With over three decades of experience in marine journalism, Lenny Rudow has contributed to dozens of boating and fishing publications and websites ranging from BoatU.S. Magazine to BDOutdoors.com. Rudow is currently the Angler in Chief at Rudow’s FishTalk , he is a past president of Boating Writers International (BWI), a graduate of the Westlawn School of Yacht Design, and has won numerous BWI and OWAA writing awards.

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Newport Yacht Charters

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Our Newport Yacht Charters concentrates in and around the Newport Harbor area with a two hour tour. Longer tours include the east passage of Narragansett Bay with sites like Hammersmith Farm, Clingstone, and Conanicut Island. Custom cruises are great too for bridal parties or sailing races. …

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Newport Yacht Charters provides a personal , professional charter service . The captain , Charlie Jenison is friendly and wants to ensure each passenger on his charters has special experience touring Newport Harbor . He is extremely safety conscious and his boat is in great shape . Many charters boats I have been on are old and not that clean . Charlie gives a safety briefing and let us know where life jackets and other safety items were stored on the boat . He also told me that he has been very active in the US Coast Guard Auxiliary. I would highly recommend Newport Yacht Charters and will plan to go out with Captain Charlie the next time my friends and I are in Newport .

Jun 26, 2023

David, thank you for the kind words. I try to provide a cruise experience that I would like.

Captain Charles picked us up with a beautiful boat. My family had a great time, even the little kids. We toured the harbor with all the big yachts. He took us to a place we're we got off the boat and got an ice cream. What a treat! We saw the house on the rocks and then two lighthouses. Two short hours latter we were back. We have already booked our next trip with Newport yacht charters!​

Charlie was a great captain. Beautiful boat! Charlie is very knowledgeable of the area and my wife and I would highly recommend his harbor cruise.

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Who is return charter guest Gigi Fernandez on Below Deck Med?

Below Deck Med has a familiar face stepping on the Mustique yacht for the second charter.

As Monsters and Critics previously reported, Olympic Gold medalist Gigi Fernandez and friends are the new guests ready to have some fun.

While this is Gigi’s first time on Below Deck Med, she did appear on Below Deck Season 10 while Captain Sandy Yawn temporarily replaced Captain Lee Rosbach.

It turns out that Captain Sandy and Gigi became good friends after the tennis pro’s stint on Below Deck.

They are such close pals that Gigi’s doing another charter with Captain Sandy.

That means it’s time for a little refresher on Gigi.

Who is charter guest Gigi Fernandez on Below Deck Med?

Gigi is a former professional tennis player from Puerto Rico who played singles and doubles in the sport she loved. Before retiring at age 33, Gigi won two Olympic Gold medals that she showed to Captain Sandy on Below Deck.

After she stopped playing tennis professionally, Gigi kept her love of the sport through coaching and giving back. Gigi has coached former tennis players like Rennae Stubbs, Lisa Raymond, and Samantha Stosur.

It’s not just professionals that Gigi has lent her skill and talent to, either. Gigi also coached at the University of South Florida.

While she excelled in the tennis field, Gigi also hit the jackpot in her personal life. She’s a mom to twins Madison Jane and Karson Xavier with her long-time partner, former pro golfer Jane Geddes.

More Below Deck News

The charter with Gigi and friends will be entertaining, that’s for sure.

Below Deck Med spoilers reveal a little chaos when Deckhand Nathan Gallagher and guest Laura get lost at sea. A toga competition with Captain Sandy as a judge also happens.

In other Below Deck Med news, Aesha Scott has revealed what really happened with the provisions on the first charter, which has led fans to call out editing.

Speaking of setting the record straight, Captain Lee did just that after he was accused of slamming Captain Sandy over her scolding Ellie Dubaich for waking Chef Jono in the middle of the night.

Captain Sandy stood her ground on that topic even as Below Deck Med fans were coming for her hypocrisy and flip-flopping ways.

Gigi Fernandez returns to the Below Deck franchise with her first appearance on Below Deck Med. Don’t miss the craziness, fun, and chaos her group brings to the Mustique yacht.

Below Deck Med airs Mondays at 9/8c on Bravo. Seasons 1-9 are streaming on Peacock.

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Three Primary Factors Combine to Determine the Salary of a Yacht Stewardess

The primary factors that determine both the salary and the benefit package scale for the position of stewardess or steward on a yacht are:

• The Yacht Program and Length

Experience and Credentialing

Functions and responsibilities.

Salaries for stewardess or steward positions aboard yachts range from $24,000 to $108,000 annually. In addition to base salary, there are additional benefits which may be added to the salary package. Dependent on the position, those benefits may include insurances, bonuses, tips, flight expenses, paid vacation, and training costs. Because the positions of stewardess/steward position require living aboard the yacht, additional items are included - uniforms, linens, meals, and sundries.

The salary range chart below is derived from the Luxury Yacht Group database of crew placement. Base salary is cited using the industry standard of a monthly reference. Although the majority of persons working in the positions discussed are female, the responsibilities, salary and benefits would apply to both stewards and stewardesses and will be referenced as “stew” for the remainder of the article.

Yacht Program and Length

How the yacht is used by the owner is the basis for defining the yacht program. Some owners reserve the boat for personal use, other chose to charter (lease to others) the vessel. Amongst the owners who maintain the boat for personal use, time aboard varies from an occasional vacation period to regular use. Personal use can also be defined within the extremes of a circumnavigation or an annual departure from the dock to enjoy a fireworks display. Each program will require different levels of crew count.

Whether the yacht is power or sail also impacts the staffing requirement of the program. Sail yachts are frequently labelled “casual” programs. In terms of staffing that may mean shared positions like a stew/deckhand to accommodate the physical demands of sailing. Some owners also choose to de-emphasize the silver service component of a stewardess position due to the physical challenges of a heeling vessel.

Vessel length not only determines the level of staffing, it also defines accommodation for crew. Aboard smaller vessels, positions of cook/stew or deckhand/stew are frequent adaptations to cover service requirements. On super yachts, a fully staffed interior could exceed a dozen. On every vessel, a stew must be willing and able to assist with lines and fenders on deck.

Basic STCW and an ENG 1 seafarer medical certificate are requirements for any rookie stew to work on a charter yacht. As interior experience is accumulated, additional credentialing is required to move into positions with higher salary or managerial duties. Most stews are expected to serve meals and assist as necessary in the galley. Certification in food handling – which teaches storage, allergies and safety – is a good credential to enhance a resume

A junior position on a large vessel is an excellent first job to get experience. Direction from individuals with established skills and proficiency can accelerate the learning curve of a rookie. Promotion within the industry is prefaced on the detailed knowledge of interior care, fabric cleaning and maintenance. After at least a year in an entry level position, a stew may reach the level of performance required to move into a 2nd stew job and continue learning the ropes.

Five plus years of training and experience (actual time with guests aboard) would be the minimum period to establish the professional standards of a chief stew. During that period a stew should add to their knowledge of wines, cruising geography, and silver service.

A yachting veteran (10 plus years) is able to provide distinctive guest service in every encounter. Certifications in first aid and emergency response are assets to a stew. Regulatory knowledge of ISM (International Safety Management Code) and ISPS (International Ship and Port Security Code) protocols is important. The codes are complex and the consequences of violation are severe.

Proficiency at each level is determined through references. Testimonials about performance by owners, captains and managers are the basis for assessing experience.

The stew is responsible for all basic tasks of interior maintenance and guest service. The person might be acting in a solo capacity, combining the role with another position, or managing a staff. Basic requirements for any level of stew are the ability to work hard as part of a team, excellent service skills, and discretion.

An entry level or junior stew will be assigned tasks like laundry, cabin detailing, valet services, beverage restocking, inventories, polishing, meal service and bartending. As the stew is promoted managerial and accounting tasks will outweigh the hands-on tasks of maintaining the interior.

Hospitality standards are set by the chief stew who will schedule, manage and train the interior team. Once the stew has reached the level of chief, the career requires more event management skills - sourcing, décor, guest activity planning - and liaison with the galley. On some vessels, all financial management and paperwork related to the interior is done by the chief stew who reports to the captain. Multitasking and the ability to delegate are essential to success.

At all levels, understanding cultural differences in communication and being able to manage through stressful circumstances (with a smile) are key to attaining the superior service expected of a yacht stew.

The position of stew is fundamental to the guest experience. The stewardess who demonstrates skill, experience and credentialing that match the yacht program can command an annual salary and benefit package over $100,000.

• Luxury Yacht Group website
• Salary Guidelines

Engineering License Changes

The MCA has restructured the engineering certifications. The MEOL course has been done away with, and the AEC course made mandatory and more thorough. Luxury Yacht Group explains all these changes, what engineers progressing through the ranks can do now, and how Y ticket holders can convert their licenses over to the structure.

14 Mar 2018

A Day in the Life Series – Chief Stewardess

For a yacht to run smoothly, it requires many working parts, and the interior department is a large component of this. The chief stewardess oversees this department and makes sure all the stewardesses onboard know what their tasks and responsibilities are. The interior department is largely in charge of the guest services whilst they are onboard, and responsible for interior maintenance of the yacht when they are not.

18 Dec 2017

A Day in the Life Of Series - Entry Stewardess

Joining the yachting industry is an exciting and daunting undertaking. In this two part interview we speak with Melanie about why she decided to join the superyacht industry, what her hopes and goals are, and what she has learnt so far as an entry level stewardess.

29 Nov 2017