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Yacht Captain Jobs (Master, Yacht)

Yacht captain jobs: Master (Yacht) CoCs, Large Yacht Code and ISM for commercial yachts, guest and owner operations, seasons and how to apply with one CV.

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 Master posts on yachts when they open.

A yacht captain commands a private or charter yacht and manages both the vessel and the owner’s or guests’ programme: itinerary, crew, budget and the yacht’s refit periods. Many yachts follow two seasons, the Mediterranean in summer and the Caribbean in winter, with crossings between them. On commercial (charter) yachts the captain must also run the yacht to the Large Yacht Code or the Red Ensign Group Yacht Code, and above 500 GT the ISM and ISPS Codes apply.

Certificates for Master posts on yachts

  • Master (Yacht) Certificate of Competency, for example the UK MCA Master (Yacht) <500 GT or <3000 GT, or a full STCW II/2 Master CoC
  • Ship Security Officer (STCW Reg. VI/5) on yachts where ISPS applies
  • Medical care on board (STCW Reg. VI/4), advanced fire fighting (VI/3), survival craft (VI/2)
  • A seafarer medical certificate; many yacht employers ask for the UK ENG1

Watches, trade and contract

Yacht captains do not keep fixed watches in port but are responsible around the clock when guests are on board. Passages are often planned at short notice around the owner’s wishes and weather. Common flags for large yachts include the Cayman Islands, Marshall Islands and Malta, and the captain’s CoC must be accepted or endorsed by the yacht’s flag.

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

What employers ask for

  • Command or chief officer time on yachts of a similar size
  • Experience of the yacht’s cruising areas and of refit management
  • Discretion and references from previous owners or management companies
  • Budget, crew management and guest service experience

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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