How to Hire Yacht Crew (2026)
Updated 2026. A practical hiring guide for owners, captains and management.
Where to find yacht crew
There are three main routes. Crew job boards and platforms let you post a role and search profiles directly — the fastest and cheapest option, and free on ZipYacht. Crew agencies shortlist candidates for you but charge employers a placement fee. Word of mouth within the dock and crew networks still fills many senior seats. Most owners and captains hiring directly start with a job board and only turn to an agency for hard-to-fill senior roles.
What to look for
Certification is the baseline. Nearly all crew need STCW basic safety training and a valid ENG1 medical (or equivalent). Deck officers hold licenses such as RYA Yachtmaster or OOW; engineers hold engineering tickets (AEC, MEOL, Y-tickets); interior crew are judged on experience, references and specialist skills such as service, mixology and cabin work. Always verify certificates and call at least two references.
The hiring process, step by step
| Step | What to do |
|---|---|
| 1. Define the role | Position, salary, rotation, start date, itinerary, private vs charter. |
| 2. Advertise | Post the job and/or search crew profiles on a platform like ZipYacht. |
| 3. Screen | Check CVs, certificates, visas and references; build a shortlist. |
| 4. Interview & trial | Video or in-person interview, then a paid day-work trial where possible. |
| 5. Contract | Agree an MLC-compliant Seafarer Employment Agreement. |
What it costs to hire
Crew agencies charge employers a placement fee — often a percentage of the annual salary or a flat fee per hire. Hiring directly through a job board avoids that: on ZipYacht, posting jobs and searching verified crew is free for employers, with no tiers and no placement fee.
Hire your crew free on ZipYacht
Post a role, search verified crew profiles and message candidates directly — free for employers, forever. No agency in the middle, no placement fee.
Frequently asked questions
How do I hire yacht crew?
Define the role and package, post the job or search crew profiles, screen CVs, references and certificates, interview and run a day-work trial, then agree an MLC-compliant contract. On ZipYacht you can post jobs and search verified crew for free.
Where can I find yacht crew to hire?
Through crew job boards and platforms (ZipYacht is free for employers), crew agencies (which charge a placement fee), and industry word of mouth. Job boards are the fastest and cheapest route for owners and captains hiring directly.
What qualifications should yacht crew have?
Most positions require STCW basic safety training and a valid ENG1 (or equivalent) medical. Deck officers need licenses such as Yachtmaster or OOW, engineers need engineering certificates, and interior crew are judged on experience and references.
How much does it cost to hire yacht crew?
Crew agencies typically charge employers a placement fee — often a percentage of salary or a flat fee. Posting jobs and searching crew directly on ZipYacht is free for employers.
Trying to avoid a database subscription? Employer job-board fees run £995 to £5,995 by yacht length. How to staff a yacht without paying a subscription covers the two routes round them and lists thirteen South Florida crew agencies.