Unfortunately, it's the nature of the game. You work at sea, and you may very well get seasick. You may have to expect to have to work regardless. Luckily most of the time when underway you don't have the guests onboard and the crew rotates who is on duty. There are also several over-the-counter seasick medications you can take bearing in mind they can make you drowsy.

Yachts vary in all different sizes and the larger the yacht the more crew you can expect to find onboard! Smaller yachts (80ft-130ft) can have 3-7 crew. Larger yachts (130ft-180ft) will have on average about 7-15 crew. The larger vessels (200ft upwards) can have 15 - 25+ crew on board at one time.

The hours you work vary depending on each individual yacht. Depending on the program, owner/guest demands, location, and the total number of crew who will contribute to this. Certain flag-states require their Heads of Department to have the crew fill in HORs. Hours of Rest forms. When the owner/guests are off you can expect to work a general workday of 8 hours. When you have guests on you can work double that with intermitted breaks given to you at your Head of department discretion.

A private yacht is primarily used by the yacht owner and his/her guests. A charter yacht is privately owned but registered commercially. This means the owner can rent it out for charters by paying guests. Generally, the difference is the owners use their boats to do whatever they want whenever they want. Charter programs are more structured in terms of usage around the charter seasons and locations. You tend to get paid a higher base salary on a private yacht plus earn tips on charters.

Crew cabins are compact with usually shared accommodations. You will generally be sharing with at least one other crew member. Usually, same sex unless it's your partner. Most cabins have bunk beds for sleeping. Storage is very limited on board so keep this in mind when packing.

Your salary will depend on your experience, the size of the vessel, and if it is charter or private. This really varies from yacht to yacht.

The STCW Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping and the ENG1 Medical cert are required to get started regardless of your department. We do encourage crew to take a few courses in the department they wish to work in. If you wish to work on deck, then take the Powerboat Level 2 course so you can drive the tender. If you want to work on the interior, we suggest the Food Safety level 1 & 2 for service.

This depends on your nationality and the flag / cruising grounds of the yacht you are joining. The most common visa required is the B1/B2 visa for a foreign crew working on a yacht that plans to be in the USA at some point. The Schengen visa for a foreign crew working on a yacht that plans to be in Europe. Contact our friends at Grand Travel for more information https://www.grandtravel.co.za/services

This will all be depending on the vessel. Most programs will offer you a contract, some will offer an employment agreement. Make sure you read yours thoroughly.

More than likely yes. Most yachts have a zero policy onboard for drugs. Crew can and will be randomly tested onboard vessels. This seems to be more of a standard in the industry.

Vessels often travel the Mediterranean, Bahamas, or the US East Coast in the summer. In the winter yachts often cruise the Caribbean. Other cruising grounds are becoming increasingly popular such as SE Asia and the Middle East. If you are part of the lucky ones destinations like South America, the South Pacific, and even Antarctica could be on the list!

Luckily over in the US, we don't have a very slow season. There is a dip in the summer from May to August, but you can find work year-round. The best time to look for work is before the season starts, the US season starts Sept/Oct through to March/April and the Mediterranean is March through to Sept/Oct. Though those are the main seasons there are always vessels looking for crew regardless of the time of year. Boat Shows are also a great time to find work. A lot of vessels undergo yard periods and go through a large crew changeover during those periods.

All new crew in the industry are considered “Green”. Green Crew or “Greenie” means that the yacht is looking for or willing to hire someone with little to no experience and they are going to train you onboard the vessel. You might come across these terms on social media or from various yacht job posting pages or websites. Being Green in the industry has its advantages and disadvantages.

Meridian is here to help! Do your research first to see if this is the right career path for you. We are here to help guide you and can give you first-hand experience. You will need to take the STCW course as well as get an ENG1 Medical to gain employment as these are the minimum requirements. We have tons of jobs posted daily along with a daywork board to help you get your foot in the door! Check out our Crew Coach for more information!

Yes! A lot of the time employers request "green" or new crew with little to no experience. Don't give up there is always an opportunity for everyone!

There is no set answer to this as it varies with each individual. It could take you a day, week, month, or more! We recommend logging into Meridian and applying for jobs daily. Make sure that your profile is updated, and you are ready to be hired by having all your certifications uploaded and up to date. The more you are using the platform the more likely you will land a dream job!

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Absolutely. We have seen an increase in demand for American crew for little over 2 years now. Essentially when COVID started, and the boarders shut. A lot of programs have also remained dockside and not travelled as much which has also cause a trend to hire American crew that don't need to leave the US every 6 months.

We facilitate the software service for Crew Agencies and employers looking to fill their jobs. They source their crew from us, and you have access to all their jobs too. You log into your profile, go to your dashboard and you can apply for jobs right from there. You can also click the jobs icon at the top and search that way. You can also apply from your phone with "Meri" our Chatbot. Once you apply for the job, your application will go directly to the agency or employer looking to fill that role. We do not put you forward for roles, you put yourself forward.

You will need the following qualifications to secure a yacht captain role: STCW, ENG1, and one of many various licenses, including Yachtmaster, Master 200gt, 500gt, or 3000gt license, which is based on the size of the vessel.

The salary of a yacht captain varies based on factors like experience and yacht size. However, salaries typically range from $6,000 to $20,000 per month.

To qualify for the captain's license, you usually need several years of experience in other yacht positions like First Mate or Officer, plus logged sea time. However, if you are just getting started with limited seat time, think about earning your OUPV (Six Pack) captain's license, where you can take up to six paying passengers, up to 100 miles offshore, on a vessel up to 100 GRT.

All yachts and superyachts, whether private, charter, or sailing, need a professional captain.

Yes, you can become a captain without military or naval experience. Most yacht captains do not have military or naval experience. While these experiences are an advantage, they’re not required.

You can find yacht captain vacancies on credible job platforms like Meridian.

Captain contracts vary depending on the yacht. They can be seasonal (ranging from 3 to 7 months in length), permanent, or even permanent with a rotational schedule with another captain.

It depends on the job platform or recruiter's requirements, but you must generally upload your updated CV, licenses, qualifications, work history, references, and a valid medical certificate.

It often includes crew leadership, guest management, yacht management, voyage planning, and ensuring the vessel's safety.

Yes, there is a difference. Charter captains manage guest changeovers and charters, typically ranging from eight to twelve charters per year. Private captains serve only the yacht owner and their guests.

To land a career as a yacht chef, you will need solid cooking experience. Many yacht chefs come from fine dining or luxury restaurant backgrounds. While formal culinary training helps, hands-on experience is key. You also need basic certifications, such as the STCW and Food Hygiene Level 2, two typical courses you will need to get onboard a yacht.

Yacht chef jobs can be seasonal and year-round, depending on the type of yacht. Charter yacht chef jobs are often seasonal, with more openings during peak seasons such as summer in the Mediterranean or winter in the Caribbean. Other yachts operate year-round and may offer full-time, rotational, or permanent positions.

A private yacht chef works for an individual or family, preparing meals for the owners and guests. On the other hand, a charter yacht chef caters to groups of paying guests who book the yacht for vacations. Charter yacht chef jobs can be more demanding because you're always accommodating new clients and their tastes, but they can also include great tips.

The salary of a yacht chef varies widely depending on yacht size, type, and the chef's experience. Charter yacht chefs earn a bit more, especially during high-demand seasons. It's not unusual for experienced yacht chefs to make anywhere from $4,000 to $8,000 per month or more.

Various chef roles are available on yachts, including head chef, sous chef, crew chef (feeding the crew), and pastry chef. Depending on the yacht, you might also find roles for specialized chefs, like sushi or personal chefs for high-profile guests.

Yes, STCW training is required for almost all yacht chef jobs. It covers essential safety and emergency procedures, ensuring you're prepared in case of an emergency.

The main difference lies in the lifestyle and demands. Motor yachts are faster, larger, and frequently accommodate more guests, giving chefs more space and resources. Sailing yachts are smaller and may require more flexibility, as the facilities can be more compact.

Absolutely. If you have restaurant or hotel chef experience, you're well-equipped for yacht chef recruitment. However, you must adapt to a small, close-knit environment and learn some unique maritime regulations and procedures.

Showcase your culinary skills, experience, and passion for the yachting lifestyle. Highlight any special skills, such as knowledge of dietary restrictions, high-end cooking techniques, or multilingual abilities. Longevity on previous yachts will also set you apart from others applying for the same role.

Yes, rotational chef positions are common on larger yachts, primarily for charter yachts. These positions allow chefs to work for a few weeks, followed by time off, providing an outstanding balance between work and personal life.

The STCW is a basic safety course. It teaches you what to do in an emergency at sea, including fire, flooding, and medical response — all real possible emergencies. Every deckhand, from green to experienced, must have it. Simply put, you can't step on board without it. Showing up without STCW is like flying without a boarding pass.

Yes. It proves you're fit to work at sea. Picture this: you're miles from land, and something unexpected happens. The ENG1 is a quick check-up from a certified doctor, proving you can handle those unimaginable situations. You can't join a yacht without one. Even if you're applying for entry-level deckhand yacht jobs, ENG1 is necessary.

It depends on the yacht and your experience. On average, new deckhands earn around $3,400 - $4000 monthly, or 3,000 to 3,500 euros a month. Charter yacht deckhand roles may pay more, including tips or additional duties. Bigger yachts typically mean better pay. Some even get sizable bonuses during the charter season, Christmas, or at the end of the year. Your savings can grow quickly, especially since you have limited expenses.

Yes. Private families own some yachts, while guests rent from others. As a deckhand, you could work on both. Private yachts offer routine and consistency. Charter yachts are less predictable. One day, it's a billionaire's birthday. Next, you're taking a celebrity scuba diving, spearfishing, or sightseeing on the yacht's tender. Both are fun in different ways. Meridian posts both types of jobs.

Let's keep it real. Deckhands have a tough job with lots of cleaning, lifting, and line handling. You'll scrub decks, move fenders, and tie lines in rough seas. It's easy to do on sunny days, but sometimes it rains sideways. If you're fit and enjoy being outdoors, it's a rewarding experience. It beats sitting behind a desk all day.

Absolutely. We've seen amazing female deckhands rise through the ranks. Skills matter more than gender. Can you handle a line? Drive a tender? Keep things organized? If the answer is yes, you're ready. One woman started as a deckhand on yachts in the Mediterranean and now trains new crews. Start where you are right now. The sea doesn't care if you're male or female.

Anything hands-on can help. You're already ahead if you've worked in construction, landscaping, or even cleaned pools. Employers love people who know tools, paintbrushes, and ropes. Even better, you can get a boating license or gain some experience with water sports. Some Deckhands are dive instructors, drone pilots, DJs, personal trainers, or masseuses. Bring or obtain new skills to solidify your career as a deckhand.

Yes. Every captain starts somewhere, and most begin as deckhands. Work hard, show up early, and keep learning. Over time, you can rise through the ranks to become a bosun, first mate, and even captain. We've seen it happen time and again. One deckhand cleaned teak for two years, but now, he's running a 50-meter yacht. Your journey starts right here at Meridian.

Most deckhands are in their twenties or thirties, but we've seen folks start later. Some people over 30 leave their cushy office jobs for ocean views. It's about health, energy, and attitude. If you work hard, stay active, and love the sea, age won't be able to stop you. Don't forget you need to have your STCW and ENG1.

Yes. Every year, yacht deckhand jobs in the Mediterranean open up from April to October. Think about traveling to France, Italy, Spain, and Greece. It's a busy time, no matter what the destination may be. Yachts are looking for a crew to join in the short term. If you're looking for quick entry into the industry, start here. These roles often lead to long-term contracts if you do well.

Many people start on a yacht without any experience. All you need is a great attitude and a willingness to learn and work hard. If you've worked in hotels, restaurants, or anything service-related, that's a great head start.

It depends on the size of the yacht, your experience, and whether it's a private charter yacht or not. New stewardesses can earn between $3,000 to $4.500 per month. More experienced individuals earn even more, especially with tips on charter yachts. Chief stewardesses on larger vessels can make $5,000 to $9,000 monthly.

Charter yachts have guests coming and going, so it's busy and stressful, but the tips can be excellent. Private yachts usually have one owner, can be quiet with only a few trips each year, and generally offer a slower pace than charter. Both have their perks. It depends on what lifestyle you're looking for.

Yes. Many yachts hire junior stewardesses, called greenies or green stews, who are just starting in the field. These roles are a great way to learn and grow in the industry. You won't be expected to know everything from day one. However, you will be expected to work long hours, be a team player, and wear a smile.

During trips, you could work from early morning until late at night. On quieter days, hours can be lighter. It's not your usual 9-to-5, but it comes with travel, adventure, and a tight-knit team.

Yes, you can. A background in hospitality helps, but it's not the only way in. What matters most is your attitude, work ethic, and ability to work with people. Some of the best stewardesses started in totally different industries.

Being organized, paying attention to details, staying calm under pressure, and having good people skills are essential. You'll also need to be a team player, flexible, and ready to take on different tasks.

Yes, it is. STCW is a basic safety course that all crew members must take. You can't legally work on most yachts without it. A few private yachts may hire without it, but that is not the norm due to safety and insurance requirements for the yacht. STCW is a week-long course that includes fire safety and first aid.

Contracts vary. Some are seasonal, lasting a few months. Others are permanent and go year-round. Make sure to ask about the length before you take any job.

Part-time jobs are rare. Most roles need a full-time crew, especially during the busy season. But day work or short-term gigs do come up, especially if a yacht is getting ready for a trip or a boat show, is in a yard for maintenance, or is up for sale.

A Chief Officer is in charge of the entire deck team and ensures the yacht runs smoothly. The First Officer role is similar but handles more specific responsibilities, like navigation and crew management.

Experience, yacht size, and location determine the salary of a yacht mate. However, the average salary of a yacht mate is between $3,000 and $15,000 per month.

The OOW (Officer of the Watch) certification is foundational. It shows that you have the skills to handle yacht officer duties safely. A yacht mate must have this certification for advancement and potential growth opportunities.

Focus on gaining experience and getting relevant certifications if you want to make the switch from deckhand to yacht mate. Start by learning navigation, safety protocols, and managing the deck crew. The more skills you pick up, the easier the transition.

Yes, a valid medical certificate is a necessity and a prerequisite to keep everyone safe. Yacht jobs of all kinds demand that personnel be in good health. This is especially important when you’re out at sea.

You must understand basic navigation, chart plotting, and watch keeping. Being able to read weather patterns is essential. You’ll need to make quick decisions based on these factors while out at sea.

Yes, women can apply for Yacht Mate or even Yacht Officer roles. The maritime industry is open to talent of any gender.

Courses like STCW (Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping) and Yacht Master certifications are great. These will give you an edge when applying for superyacht officer jobs.

The Chief Officer on a superyacht has a lot on their plate, from overseeing the deck crew, managing the yacht’s maintenance, and ensuring safety protocols are followed.

Safety drills should be a priority. Yacht mates must handle emergencies calmly and efficiently. Knowing what to do in an emergency could save lives.

The basic requirement is STCW. Without it, you won't find a job at sea. From there, you need an engineering ticket. Depending on the size of the yacht, this could mean AEC, MEOL, or even a Y1. Bigger yachts mean bigger qualifications. Start small, learn quickly, and scale up as your career takes off.

It depends on the yacht's size and your rank. Junior roles start around $3,000 - $5,000 a month. Chief engineer jobs on bigger yachts can top $10,000 or more a month. Plus, most roles come with perks and benefits. Think free accommodations, meals, travel, and sometimes a handsome bonus at the end of the season.

MEOL stands for Marine Engine Operator License. It's a stepping stone to get you onto small yachts where you can learn as you go. Think of it like a learner's permit before the real license. It allows you to work as an engineer on yachts under 750kW. Start here and then go for higher tickets after gaining hands-on experience.

Yes, easily. You already have basic knowledge if you've worked with engines or machines on land. You'll need the proper sea safety certificates. Consider the experience of David, a car mechanic who switched to yachts. Within a couple of months of applying to several engineering jobs, he was hired as a full-time yacht engineer and loved his new role on the open ocean.

Yachts are packed with electronics, from lighting systems to navigation panels. If something fails at sea, you fix it. Knowing your way around wires and circuits allows you to stand out. Many captains prefer engineers who can handle both mechanical and electrical issues.

It's a hands-on job. Think of everything you need to know how to do with tasks ranging from oil changes to fixing water makers. One day, you're checking the engine raw water strainers. Next, you're unclogging aircon filters. Proactive engineers constantly check, clean, and fix things before problems show up. A yacht runs smoothly when its engineer stays one step ahead of problems.

Most yachts run on diesel engines, but you'll also find generators, jet drives, and sometimes hybrid systems. Familiarity with brands like Caterpillar, MAN, or MTU helps. Many engineers keep manuals handy. Real-life aboard any yacht is part preparation and tools, part trial and error.

Charter yachts mean more guests, more movement, and more work. You'll fix things between guest trips, sometimes staying overnight. Private yachts offer stability with fewer surprises and more routine. Some engineers prefer the faster pace of charter, while others like the quiet of private work. Which lifestyle do you prefer?

It's non-negotiable. STCW proves you know safety basics like firefighting, first aid, and survival at sea. You can't even step aboard most yachts without it. It's the first thing recruiters look for on your CV.

It helps, but it isn't a requirement. Many engineers start from other fields. You have a shot if you've worked with engines, machines, or electronics. What matters most is the willingness to learn and work hard. Yacht engineer vacancies often list marine experience, but passion and persistence take you far.