Yacht Crew
Yacht crew is the professional team that runs a superyacht, typically organised across three departments: deck, engineering and interior. Crew complement scales with yacht size, from seven or eight on a 40m motor yacht to 25 or more on a 100m-plus flagship, all working under the STCW and MLC 2006 framework.
What is yacht crew on a superyacht?
Yacht crew is the term for the full onboard professional team that operates, navigates, maintains and services a superyacht. On almost every yacht above approximately 30 metres the crew is organised into three departments under the captain.
The deck department runs the bridge, navigation, anchoring, tender operations and the exterior. Led by the chief officer or first mate, with a bosun heading the working deck team and deckhands at entry level; larger yachts add second and third officers for the watch rotation.
The engineering department runs the engine room, generators, hydraulics, watermakers, HVAC, fuel and electrical systems. Led by the chief engineer, with a second engineer, an ETO on yachts with complex AV/IT, and engineering ratings on larger flagships.
The interior department runs guest service, housekeeping, laundry, floral, provisioning and the chef-led galley. Led by the chief stewardess (or a purser on 50m-plus yachts), with second and junior stewardesses and the head chef.
The entire crew operates under the STCW Convention and MLC 2006. Senior crew also work rotational contracts (2:2 or 3:3) on yachts above 50 metres.
Why it matters for yacht owners
Yacht crew is the line item that most directly determines how a yacht operates day to day. Crew salaries, training, travel, insurance and rotation cover typically account for 30-40% of a superyacht's total annual operating budget.
Beyond cost, crew is the largest determinant of guest experience, asset condition and resale narrative. A stable, well-trained crew under a strong captain lifts paintwork, extends service life of every onboard system and produces strong charter feedback. A weak or high-turnover crew quietly burns through capex and erodes resale value.
Key facts
- A 40m motor yacht typically carries 7-8 crew, a 60m carries 12-15, an 80m carries 18-22, a 100m+ flagship carries 25 or more.
- Crew is organised across three departments (deck, engineering and interior), each led by a department head under the captain.
- All commercial yacht crew operate under the STCW Convention and MLC 2006.
- MLC 2006 sets a minimum of 10 hours' rest in any 24-hour period and 77 hours in any seven-day period.
- Crew costs typically represent 30-40% of a superyacht's total annual operating budget.
- Rotational contracts (2:2 or 3:3) are standard for senior crew on 50m+ yachts and carry a pay premium.
- Captain salaries typically range €10,000 to €25,000+ per month depending on yacht size and programme.
- Yacht crew are typically recruited through specialist crew agencies and yacht management firms.
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View moreFAQ
How many crew does a superyacht need?
A 40m motor yacht typically carries 7-8 crew, a 60m carries 12-15, an 80m carries 18-22 and a 100m+ flagship carries 25 or more. Charter yachts and yachts with helicopters typically run at the upper end.
What are the three departments of yacht crew?
Deck (chief officer, bosun, deckhands), engineering (chief engineer, second engineer, ETO, ratings), and interior (purser on larger yachts, chief stewardess, second and junior stewardesses, head chef and sous chef).
What is MLC 2006 and how does it apply to yacht crew?
MLC 2006 is the Maritime Labour Convention setting minimum working and living standards for seafarers worldwide. For yacht crew it covers seafarer employment agreements, minimum rest hours (10 in 24, 77 in 7 days), accommodation, medical care, repatriation, wages and complaint procedures.
How much does a superyacht crew cost to run?
Total crew cost, including salaries, rotation cover, training, travel, insurance and recruitment, typically accounts for 30-40% of a superyacht's annual operating budget, alongside fuel, dockage and maintenance.
The Superyacht Partners
For any owner, the choice of who will be personally in charge of your relationship with Superyacht Partners, is just as important as the company and the team as a whole. With extensive experience in managing, operating, and building superyachts, our team excels in all aspects of yacht brokerage. We offer comprehensive legal, commercial, and operational expertise, ensuring every angle of the sale, purchase, and operation is meticulously evaluated.
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