Yacht Crew Training and Certificates by Role

Every crew member on a commercial yacht needs STCW Basic Safety Training and a valid medical certificate, usually the UK ENG1. On top of that, the certificates you need depend on the yacht’s flag state, its size and use, and your role. Always check with the yacht or agent what is required before you pay for a course.

For everyone: the starting point

• STCW Basic Safety Training. The safety training required for crew working on yachts. It covers personal survival techniques, fire prevention and firefighting, elementary first aid, and personal safety and social responsibilities. The certificate has to be kept in date, so check the current revalidation rules with your training provider.
• ENG1 medical certificate. A medical examination carried out by an approved doctor to show you are fit to work at sea. Most crew on UK-flagged yachts need one.
• Passport and visas. Not training, but just as important. See yachting visas and right to work.

Many people complete STCW and the ENG1 first, then add the role-specific courses below.

Deck crew

Deckhand. Yachts commonly ask for, as a minimum:

• STCW certificate
• ENG1 or Seafarers Medical certificate
• RYA Powerboat Level 2
• A personal watercraft (PWC) licence

Many training providers offer a VHF radio certificate alongside these in a package for new crew.

Officers and Captains. The route is through officer certificates of competency, building sea time as you go. Examples include Officer of the Watch, Chief Mate (Yachts under 3,000 GT) and Master, and for smaller yachts the RYA Yachtmaster certificates. The right one depends on the yacht’s size and flag. Read more on First Mate and officer, Bosun and the Captain.

Engineering crew

Engineers generally come in through a technical background and add yacht-specific training. The MCA Approved Engine Course (AEC 1 and AEC 2) is a common step for those moving from shore-based engineering to yachts, alongside STCW and the ENG1. ETOs are asked for knowledge and experience of electrical and electronic systems on large yachts, alongside STCW. Read more on Engineer and ETO, and ask a training provider which certificates suit the size of yacht you want to work on.

Interior crew

For Stewards and Stewardesses, yachts commonly ask for:

• STCW certificate
• ENG1 or Seafarers Medical certificate
• Food hygiene and safety Level 2 certificate
• Proficiency in Designated Security Duties (PDSD)

If you are new to the industry, Seas The Day offers an introduction to superyachts and yachting life (IAMI GUEST, Unit 23), which is recommended alongside your STCW. See training courses. Pursers are typically chosen for their experience, but some training providers offer Purser and interior management courses. Check what a course covers and who recognises it before enrolling. Read more on Steward and Stewardess.

Galley crew

For Chefs, a food safety certificate such as Food Hygiene Level II or III is required for professional Chefs, and a ship’s cook certificate is required for commercially registered (chartering) yachts, while private yachts may require it depending on their flag. Under MLC 2006, anyone working as a ship’s cook must be trained and qualified for the position, so these certificates matter.

Axtell Food Safety, one of our partners, offers MCA-recognised, accredited food safety courses for Chefs and yacht crew, including Level 2, Level 3 and Level 4 courses on Zoom and a Level 2 refresher. See our training partners and the Chef guide.

Before you pay for a course

• Ask the yacht or agent what they require. Requirements vary with flag state and yacht size.
• Do STCW and ENG1 first. Every other course builds on them.
• Check the course is recognised by the MCA or the relevant flag state for the certificate you need.
• Keep every certificate in date. An expired certificate can stop you joining a yacht. Crewdentials can keep your qualifications in one place, and you can submit your documents when you register.

Where to start

New to yachting? Read how to get a job in the superyacht industry and yacht jobs with no experience, then register your CV so we can see your qualifications. Looking for crew with specific certificates? Speak to Cara.