THE CAPTAIN

Commander of the vessel

The Captain is responsible for the overall operation and management of the yacht, including navigation, safety, and crew management.

How to Become a Yacht Captain

What qualifications and experience are required to become a yacht Captain?

The qualification required depends on the yacht’s size and gross tonnage, its flag state, operating area and whether it is used privately or commercially.

Captains of smaller yachts may hold a commercially endorsed RYA Yachtmaster Offshore or Yachtmaster Ocean or an internationally recognised equivalent. Larger yachts require an appropriate Master Certificate of Competency, such as Master (Yachts under 500 GT) or Master (Yachts under 3,000 GT).

Candidates will also need relevant sea time and practical yacht experience, along with a valid ENG1 medical certificate, STCW safety training and any additional certificates or endorsements required by the yacht’s flag state.

Where the Captain fits on board

The Captain leads the whole yacht and works with the head of each department: the Chief Officer on deck, the Chief Engineer, the Chief Stewardess or Purser in the interior and the Chef in the galley. See how we recruit for each of them: Chief Officer, Chief Engineer, Chief Stewardess, Purser and Chef.

The route to the role

Many Captains have worked up through the deck department, building sea time and certificates at each step. The earlier steps are covered on our Deckhand, Bosun and First Mate and officer pages.

Paperwork that goes with the job

Certificates are only part of it. Visas, discharge books and flag-state paperwork depend on the yacht and where it cruises: see yachting visas and right to work. For what the role typically pays, see the yacht crew salary guide 2026.

Hiring a Captain?

Owners and management companies can read about hiring a yacht Captain, or speak to Cara.