Congratulations—you’ve landed your first job on a superyacht! Now it’s time to get to know the team and how everything runs smoothly on board. Here's a quick guide to the yacht crew hierarchy—who’s in charge, who reports to whom, and what each role entails.
Captain: The Leader of the Ship
- Role: Responsible for the entire vessel, including crew, guests, and overall operations.
- Reports to: The yacht owner.
The captain is the highest-ranking crew member, akin to a “sea-based CEO.” With four stripes on their epaulets, the captain oversees navigation, safety, regulatory compliance, and financial management. Every soul on board, from crew to guests, falls under their command. While smaller yachts may require the captain to be hands-on, larger vessels often have supporting officers for assistance.
First Officer: The Captain’s Right-Hand
- Role: Second in command and the captain’s primary assistant.
- Reports to: Captain.
Also called the chief officer or first mate, the first officer is pivotal to deck operations and bridge management. They oversee docking procedures, safety protocols, and deck crew management, ensuring the captain’s absence doesn’t disrupt operations.
Second Officer: A Rising Star
- Role: Supports the captain and first officer.
- Reports to: Captain and first officer.
Typically an experienced deckhand climbing the ranks, the second officer takes on navigation, watchkeeping, and deck maintenance duties. They may also specialize as a safety or medical officer.
Chief Engineer: Master of Systems
- Role: Oversees all mechanical and electrical systems on board.
- Reports to: Captain.
From engines to air conditioning, the chief engineer ensures the yacht’s technical operations run seamlessly. They manage and train their team, which may include second and third engineers on larger vessels.
Second/Third Engineer: Support for Smooth Operations
- Role: Assists the chief engineer with maintenance and repairs.
- Reports to: Chief engineer.
As yachts grow in size, the need for additional engineers arises. They handle day-to-day maintenance and troubleshooting under the chief engineer’s guidance.
Bosun: Deck Crew Leader
- Role: Manages the deck team and maintains the yacht’s exterior.
- Reports to: First officer.
The bosun supervises tasks like painting, cleaning, and line handling. They often drive tenders and oversee guest use of water toys, ensuring a seamless guest experience.
Deckhand: The Backbone of the Deck
- Role: Maintains the yacht’s exterior and assists with deck operations.
- Reports to: Bosun.
Deckhands are essential for daily washdowns, polishing, and supporting maintenance projects. They’re the hands-on crew ensuring the yacht’s pristine condition.
Chief Stewardess: Queen of the Interior
- Role: Leads the interior team and delivers luxury guest experiences.
- Reports to: Captain.
The chief stewardess manages interior detailing, food and beverage service, and guest activities. Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail are crucial for maintaining a seven-star standard.
Second/Third Stewardess: Interior Experts
- Role: Handles housekeeping, service, and guest care.
- Reports to: Chief stewardess.
These roles involve tasks like flower arranging, laundry, and bartending, ensuring guests feel pampered at every turn.
Purser: Administrative Powerhouse
- Role: Oversees accounting, crew HR, and logistics.
- Reports to: Captain.
Found on larger yachts, the purser manages budgets, port clearances, and travel itineraries. They serve as the first point of contact for shoreside suppliers and agents.
Chef: Culinary Maestro
- Role: Prepares meals and manages provisioning.
- Reports to: Captain.
Yacht chefs craft gourmet dishes, often accommodating diverse dietary needs with precision. Larger yachts may also employ a sous chef or crew chef to support meal preparation.
Sous Chef/Crew Chef: Supporting the Galley
- Role: Assists with provisioning and cooking.
- Reports to: Chef.
Sous chefs help execute guest and crew meals with the same high standards as the head chef. They are a supporting role.