Second Career for Yacht Captains: Options Afloat and Ashore

A yacht Captain can plan a second career in two directions: a different kind of command afloat, or a role ashore that uses the same skills. Most Captains look at this when family life, rotation, or the wish for a less isolated routine starts to matter more than the next yacht.

This guide sets out the usual options, what carries over from command, and what to check before moving.

What carries over from command

• Responsibility for safety and compliance. Running a yacht to flag state, class and safety requirements is the basis of most roles ashore in yacht operations and management.
• Managing people. Leading a crew of mixed nationalities, ranks and ages, and handling the difficult conversations.
• Budgets and suppliers. Planning the running costs of a yacht, working with yards, agents and contractors.
• Dealing with owners and guests. Discretion, judgement and communication with people who expect a lot.

Options afloat

• A different programme. A smaller yacht, a private rather than charter yacht, or a yacht with a quieter cruising programme can change the pace without leaving command.
• Rotation or relief posts. Some owners and management companies use rotating or relief Captains, which gives set time off and keeps you in command.
• Delivery work. Moving yachts between seasons or between owners suits Captains who want shorter, project-based periods.

Options ashore

• Yacht management. Management companies employ people with command experience in operations, technical and crew-support roles. Under the ISM Code a company appoints a Designated Person Ashore (DPA), and Captains are a natural fit for compliance and safety-management work.
• New-build and refit projects. Owners and yards use experienced Captains as owner’s representatives or project managers during a build or a major refit.
• Surveying and consultancy. Experienced Captains can move into surveying, auditing or consultancy, usually with further qualifications.
• Training and instruction. Approved training providers look for instructors who have worked at sea and can teach it.
• Crew recruitment. Knowing what a yacht needs and what makes a crew member work out is the core of placing crew. Cara Lees moved ashore into recruitment herself: read her story.
• Brokerage and charter. Sales and charter brokerage use the same industry relationships, though they are commercial roles and a different way of working.

How to plan the move

• Decide what you want to change. Time at home, less responsibility, a different location, or a different kind of work. The answer points to different roles.
• Check which qualifications the role asks for. Requirements differ by role and by employer, so ask what is required before taking a course.
• Keep your documents current. Certificates, medical and references should be in date while you decide. See training and certificates by role.
• Talk to people in the role. Most shore-based roles are filled through personal contacts, so conversations with managers, owners’ representatives and recruiters are worth having early.
• Plan the transition. A role ashore can mean a different working pattern and income pattern from yacht life. Work that out before leaving a command.

Thinking about your next role as a Captain?

If you are a Captain looking at your next position, get in touch or register with us. To see how owners and managers describe the role, read the Captain.