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Engine

Chief Engineer Jobs on Yachts

Chief engineer jobs on yachts: MCA yacht engineer or STCW III/2-III/3 CoCs, high-speed engines, generators, tenders and hotel systems, refit work and how to apply.

Vessel typeYacht
LocationWorldwide
ContractRotational or permanent, set by the owner or management company
JoiningUpcoming vacancies
CompanyCrewing agencies and shipowners we work with
SalarySet by the employer for each vacancy

Role overview

Open recruitment for crewing agencies and shipowners we work with. This page is not a single vacancy: apply to be considered for Chief Engineer posts on yachts when they open.

A yacht chief engineer looks after everything technical on board: main engines (often high-speed diesels), generators, stabilisers, watermakers, air conditioning, sewage treatment, the electrical and AV/IT systems, and the tenders and water toys. On smaller yachts the chief may be the only engineer, so a broad range of practical skills matters more than on a large merchant ship. During yard periods the chief engineer plans the refit specification and supervises contractors.

Certificates for Chief Engineer posts on yachts

  • A yacht engineer Certificate of Competency, for example the UK MCA yacht engineer certificates, or a full STCW Reg. III/2 or III/3 CoC
  • Advanced fire fighting (STCW Reg. VI/3), medical first aid (VI/4), survival craft (VI/2)
  • A seafarer medical certificate; many yacht employers ask for the UK ENG1
  • Maker courses for the main engines and generators fitted are an advantage

Watches, trade and contract

Engineers on yachts work long hours when guests are on board and keep the yacht ready for short-notice departures. Watch systems on passage depend on the yacht size and crew. The engineer’s CoC must cover the yacht’s gross tonnage and propulsion power, and be accepted or endorsed by the flag. Tenders, jet skis and other water toys are often maintained by the engineers too, so small engine experience is useful.

Contract length: rotational or permanent, set by the owner or management company, set by the employer for each vacancy.

What employers ask for

  • Engineer experience on yachts of a similar size and power
  • Knowledge of the engine makers fitted and of hotel systems (air conditioning, watermakers, sewage plants)
  • Refit and yard supervision experience
  • References from previous captains or management companies

How to apply

  1. Create a free seafarer account and confirm your email address.
  2. Fill in your CV with your sea service on yachts, your CoC and the certificates listed above, and upload copies.
  3. Apply to this post and make your profile visible to verified employers, so crewing agencies and shipowners can find you when a vacancy opens.

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