Yacht Crew Positions and Ranks Explained

A yacht’s crew is organised into four departments: deck, engineering, interior and galley. Each department has a head who reports to the Captain, and the Captain reports to the owner or the yacht’s management company. The number of crew in each department, and the job titles used, depend on the size and type of yacht.

On a smaller yacht one person may cover several roles. On a larger yacht each role may be a team of several people.

The Captain

The Captain is responsible for the overall operation of the yacht, including navigation, safety and the crew. Read how the role works and what it takes in the Captain, or how we recruit for it: hire a yacht Captain.

Deck department

The deck department looks after the safe navigation and operation of the yacht, the care of its exterior, and the guests’ time on the water.

Chief Officer or First Mate. The Captain’s second in command, running the deck department day to day. On smaller yachts the Chief Officer is often called the First Mate; larger yachts may have a First Officer and a Chief Officer. See First Mate and officer or hire a Chief Officer.
Second and Third Officer. Junior bridge officers who take their share of keeping watch and support the Chief Officer. See hire a Second or Third Officer.
Bosun. The senior member of the deck crew below the officers. The Bosun (also spelled boatswain) leads the Deckhands in the practical work of the deck, such as keeping the exterior in order and getting tenders and equipment ready. See Bosun or hire a yacht Bosun.
Deckhand. The usual way into the deck department. Deckhands clean and maintain the exterior, handle lines and look after the tenders. See Deckhand or hire a yacht Deckhand.

Bosun or 1st Mate: What Is the Difference?

Both are senior Deck Department positions, but their responsibilities differ.

The 1st Mate/Chief Officer typically holds an appropriate Officer-level Certificate of Competency and works closely with the Captain in overseeing navigation, safety, crew management and the yacht’s overall operations.

The Bosun is primarily responsible for supervising the Deck Crew, coordinating daily maintenance, overseeing deck operations and ensuring work is carried out safely and efficiently. However, a Bosun who holds a valid Officer of the Watch (OOW) qualification may also undertake navigational bridge watches, provided they are appropriately certified and authorised for the vessel.

On larger yachts, 2nd Officers and 3rd Officers may also form part of the bridge team, undertaking navigational watches and additional operational and safety responsibilities.

The precise hierarchy and division of duties depend on the yacht’s size, manning structure and operational requirements.

Engineering department

The engineering department keeps the yacht’s systems running safely.

Chief Engineer. Head of the department, responsible for the engines, generators and the yacht’s mechanical and electrical systems. See hire a Chief Engineer.
Engineer. Works under the Chief Engineer on maintenance and repairs. See Engineer or hire a yacht Engineer.
ETO (electro-technical officer). Looks after the yacht’s electrical and electronic systems. See ETO or hire an ETO.
AV/IT Officer. On yachts with complex audio-visual, network and IT systems, a specialist keeps them working. See hire an AV/IT Officer.

Interior department

The interior department looks after the guests’ comfort and the inside of the yacht.

Chief Steward or Chief Stewardess. Head of the interior, leading the team and responsible for the standard of service and housekeeping. See hire a Chief Steward or Stewardess.
Second and Third Stewardess. On larger interior teams the Stewards and Stewardesses are ranked beneath the chief, so you will hear “2nd stew” and “3rd stew” used for the next two places in the team.
Steward or Stewardess. Looks after the guest areas and cabins and serves guests. The word “stew” is short for Steward or Stewardess. See Steward and Stewardess or hire a Steward or Stewardess.
Purser. On larger yachts the Purser often handles the yacht’s administration and paperwork alongside the interior team. See hire a yacht Purser.

Galley department

The galley is where the food is prepared.

Head Chef. Leads the galley and plans and prepares the menus for guests and, on some yachts, the crew. See Chef or hire a yacht Chef.
Sous Chef or Crew Cook. Supports the Head Chef. On some yachts a Crew Chef or cook prepares the crew’s meals.

Which department is for you?

If you are new to yachting, the most common starting points are Deckhand, Stewardess or Steward, and junior positions in the galley or engine room. Read yacht jobs with no experience and how to get a job in the superyacht industry, then register your CV or look at the current yacht jobs.

Looking for crew?

If you are an owner, Captain or management company, see how we recruit for each role on our hire crew page, or speak to Cara.