How to Become Yacht Crew (2026): The Complete Starter Guide
Updated 2026. A practical starter guide for new yacht crew.
What the job actually is
Yacht crew keep luxury and charter yachts running and guests looked after. There are four departments: deck (driving tenders, watersports, exterior upkeep), interior (service, housekeeping, guest care), galley (chefs) and engineering (systems and maintenance). Newcomers almost always start as a green deckhand or junior stewardess — entry roles that need the right certificates and attitude, not experience.
Step by step: how to start
| Step | What to do |
|---|---|
| 1. Certificates | Complete STCW Basic Safety Training (~5 days) and pass an ENG1 seafarer medical. |
| 2. Build your CV | One page: photo, certificates, availability, any hospitality, watersports or trade skills. |
| 3. Get to a hub | Season the docks in Antibes, Palma de Mallorca or Fort Lauderdale where crew are hired. |
| 4. Find work | Dockwalk, network, and apply on crew platforms — free on ZipYacht. |
| 5. Say yes to daywork | Take temporary daywork to build references and land your first full-time role. |
What you need to qualify
The baseline for almost every role is STCW Basic Safety Training and a valid ENG1 medical (or equivalent). STCW typically costs around $1,000–$1,500 and takes about five days; the ENG1 is around $100–$150. Deck officers and engineers need further licenses down the line, but green crew can start on STCW and ENG1 alone.
What you’ll earn
Entry-level deckhands and stewardesses earn roughly $3,000–$5,000 a month, rising quickly with experience and yacht size — and because food and accommodation are covered, most of it is savings. Charter crew also share tips. See the full breakdown in our yacht crew salary guide.
Find your first yacht job free on ZipYacht
Once you have your certificates and CV, ZipYacht is the free way in: build a crew profile and apply directly to jobs posted by captains, owners and management companies. 100% free for crew, no tiers, no placement fees.
Frequently asked questions
How do I become yacht crew with no experience?
Get STCW Basic Safety Training and an ENG1 medical, build a one-page yacht CV, then find entry-level “green” deck or interior roles by dockwalking in yachting hubs and applying on crew platforms. No degree is required.
What qualifications do I need to work on a yacht?
The baseline is STCW Basic Safety Training and a valid ENG1 (or equivalent) seafarer medical. Deck officers and engineers need additional licenses, but green crew can start with just STCW and ENG1.
How much does it cost to get started?
STCW Basic Safety Training typically costs around $1,000–$1,500 and takes about five days; the ENG1 medical is around $100–$150. After that, entry-level roles require no further spend.
How do I find my first yacht job?
Dockwalk in hubs like Antibes, Palma and Fort Lauderdale, network, and apply on crew platforms. ZipYacht is free for crew — build a profile and apply to jobs directly with no fees.