What Do They Call The Help On A Yacht?

Mastery of nautical language and boating terms is crucial for a yachting career, as it not only proves competence but also cements one’s reputation among seasoned sailors. Chef Nina Wilson decodes 18 common phrases yacht crew may use on the job, such as Pan Pan, Pay out, and Bosun Lead Deckhand.

Pan Pan is used when there is no immediate danger to life or the vessel’s safety. Pay out refers to let go. If you are new to the yachting world, it is essential to familiarize yourself with these terms to impress friends and ensure your safety.

To call for help on a boat, use a combination of VHF and visual signals. Pete McDonald provides an article detailing various methods for signaling for help from your boat or while in the water.

Bosuns are experienced Deckhands with additional responsibilities, such as assisting with procurement, ensuring all items are shipped to the vessel, and assisting other departments as needed or given special duties. They also have responsibilities like daily cleaning of the yacht’s exterior. Kedges are small anchors that can be thrown overboard to change the direction of the yacht (pivot point) or help anchor the yacht further in bad weather.

Understanding yacht crew positions helps you know who to report to and aids in career progression. Deckhands are responsible for various tasks on board a ship or boat, including maintenance and cleanliness of the yacht. They assist with docking, anchoring, and exterior maintenance, including cleaning, waxing, and varnishing.

A yacht captain is a highly experienced and professional skipper, with experience managing luxury superyachts.


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Yacht crew positions
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What is a captain’s second in command called?

Chief mateThe chief mate is the head of the deck department and second-in-command. The Chief mate’s primary responsibilities are the vessel’s cargo operations, its stability, supervising the deck crew and directing bridge operations. Additional duties include maintenance of the ship’s hull, cargo gears, accommodations, lifesaving appliances and firefighting appliances. The chief mate also trains the crew and cadets on board.

Second mateThe second mate is qualified to stand watch, direct the bridge team and navigating the ship. The Second mate’s primary duty is navigational, which includes updating charts and publications, keeping them current, making passage plans, and all aspects of ship navigation. The Second mate’s other duties may include directing line handlers, cargo watches, directing anchor detail and training and instructing crew members.

Third mateThe Third officer is a qualified to stand watch, direct the bridge team, and maneuver the vessel keeping it safe and on track. The Third mate’s primary duty is matters of safety, inspecting gear lockers, lifeboats, and all equipment onboard ensuring that it is safe and operational. Other duties include directing line handlers, cargo watches, directing anchor details.

Yacht crew ranks stripes
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Do you need staff for a yacht?

The answer depends both on the size of your yacht and the service level you’re aiming for. More passengers on board usually means more stewards, deckhands, and cooks. A bigger yacht needs more of everything, including engineers and bridge crew. A higher level of service adds more stewards, deckhands and cooks.There’s no hard and fast rule, but your crew may easily consume from a quarter to half or more of your operating budget.There are a few rules that hold true in staffing, however.

Read also: RENT TO OWN YACHTS: SHOULD YOU DO IT? BOAT LEASING EXPLAINED.

Keeping a good crew is the best way to make sure you don’t have to waste a lot of time and money hiring new crew! And if you’re happy with your crew, you don’t want change and upheaval.

Yacht stewardess salary
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What is an officer on a yacht?

Below the captain are the officers, who are responsible for the day-to-day operations of the yacht. The chief officer is responsible for the deck department, and is responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of the yacht. The first officer is responsible for navigation and the safety of the yacht, and is also responsible for the crew’s training and development. The second officer is responsible for the navigation and the deck department.

The interior crew includes the chief steward/ess, the steward/ess, and the chef. The chief steward/ess is responsible for the overall operation of the interior, including the guest’s comfort and satisfaction. The steward/ess is responsible for the cleanliness and upkeep of the interior, and for serving meals and drinks to the guests. The chef is responsible for the preparation and serving of meals, and for the overall food service on the yacht.

Deckhands are an important part of the exterior crew on a superyacht. They maintain the yacht’s exterior, including cleaning and polishing the hull and deck. They handle lines and operate deck equipment during docking and undocking. They are also responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of tenders and water toys. Deckhands play a key role in the safety and security of the yacht and guests and assist them with activities such as water sports. To be a successful deckhand, strong work ethic, willingness to learn, physical fitness and ability to adapt to changing circumstances are essential..

Yacht crew hierarchy Below Deck
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What are the staff on a yacht called?

Understanding the Yacht Crew RankingsCaptain. At the top of the hierarchy sits the captain, also known as the master. … First Officer. The first officer, also referred to as the chief officer, is second in command after the captain. … Second Officer. … Chief Engineer. … Deckhand. … Steward/Stewardess. … Chef. … Chief Steward/Stewardess.

When it comes to the world of luxury yachts and superyachts, a well-organised and efficient crew is essential for the smooth operation and enjoyment of these magnificent vessels. Each crew member plays a vital role in ensuring that the yacht and its guests are well taken care of. To maintain order and clarify responsibilities, the yachting industry has established a hierarchical structure that outlines the ranks and positions within the crew.

Yachting Hierarchy. The yachting industry employs a range of professionals, each with their own set of skills and responsibilities. From the captain who commands the vessel to the deckhands who ensure its cleanliness, every crew member has a specific role to fulfil. Let’s take a closer look at the various ranks within the yachting hierarchy:

Captain. At the top of the hierarchy sits the captain, also known as the master. The captain is responsible for the overall operation of the yacht, including navigation, safety, and compliance with maritime regulations. Captains have extensive knowledge and experience in sailing, and their decisions hold the utmost authority on board. The captain oversees the entire crew, manages guest interactions, and ensures that the yacht operates smoothly.

How to get into yachting as a stewardess
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What is a servant on a ship called?

BOATSWAIN’S MATE OF THE WATCHOfficially established in 1794, boatswain’s mate (phonetically pronounced as bosun) is the oldest rate in the Navy and has a rich history of honored traditions. They are considered the leaders and backbone of every ship’s crew. The origins of the term boatswain can be traced to the Saxon word swein, meaning “boy” or “servant,” and the late Old English word bat, meaning “boat.” In the days of sail, the boatswain was in charge of the ship’s anchors, cordage, colors, deck crew, and the ship’s boats. Today, the boatswains mate of the watch (BMOW) has specific duties. An enlisted assistant to the OOD, the BMOW ensures that all members of the underway watch are posted, alert, and are in the proper watch standing uniform. The BMOW helps carry out the ship’s routine and ensures that the watch functions efficiently. A BMOW must be a qualified helmsman. He or she may supervise the on-watch helmsman if senior to the quartermaster of the watch (QMOW).

QUARTERMASTER OF THE WATCHThe quartermaster of the watch (QMOW) assists the OOD in navigational matters and maintains the ship’s daily written record, also known as the deck log. In Connell and Mack’s Naval Ceremonies, Customs, and Traditions, they note, “the quartermaster originally had nothing to do with the bridge or steering of a ship, but was assigned to the specific duty of looking after troop quarters. In later years, these men were retained aboard after troops debarked and were assigned to other duties.” Today, those additional duties include reporting and recording weather changes and executing required ship’s navigational lighting changes when standing watch.

CONNING OFFICERThe word conn was first used in the English language in the early 1600s and referred to controlling or directing the steering of a ship. Thus, the conning officer is responsible for giving the helmsman instructions on direction and thrust of the ship’s engines. Changes in course and speed of a ship can also be ordered by the OOD, but the helmsman can only respond to the conning officer’s orders. This keeps the helmsman from being confused by multiple sets of orders.

What is the assistant on a boat called?

A sailor’s assistant is often referred to as a “deckhand.” Deckhands are responsible for assisting with various tasks on board a ship or boat, including but not limited to, handling ropes, operating equipment, performing maintenance and repairs, and assisting in navigation.

Yacht crew salary
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What do you call someone who works on a yacht?

Job roles for new Yachties. Yachties new to the industry (also known as ‘Green’ Yachties) will traditionally apply for entry levels roles, which are Yacht Deckhands or Yacht Stewardesses.

These are both very different jobs, so you need to be sure which one you want to do and start training for that career path.

Yacht Stewardess (Stew). A Stewardess, or Steward, looks after the interior of the yacht. This means anything that happens inside the boat, you will be responsible for it.

Think of any job in the hospitality industry and then combine it into one role on a yacht, that is what you will be doing.

What crew do you need on a yacht?

The biggest yachts may have a staff of 60 to 80 people. The biggest yachts will have a deck crew, which includes the captain, officers, deckhands and other positions; the interior crew (butlers, stewardesses and other service-oriented staff); engineers; and a chef and galley crew, Mr. Connor explained.

What is a Purser on a yacht
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What is a lead steward on a yacht?

Chief Steward(ess). Duties are similar to those of other Steward(ess)es onboard the boat, but on a more senior level, including managing the interior department and training. Small yachts with less crew do not have a Purser. The Chief Steward(ess) is in charge of all the responsibilities normally carried out by the Purser on large yachts.

Steward(ess). Steward’s or Stewardess’s main responsibility is to maintain the interior of the yacht and provide the highest standard of care to the owner and guests. They serve food and drinks, prepare guest activities, pack and unpack luggage and are on call for anything that the guests want anytime day or night. On some yachts, they help the deck crew moor the yacht.

Galley. Head Chef. The Head/Executive Chef onboard a luxury superyacht is a culinary trained professional responsible for the overall management of the galley department on larger yachts, including guest and crew meals, provisioning, food safety, maintaining strict hygiene standards and financial/budgetary administration.

Chief Officer yacht salary
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What is the chain of command on a yacht?

Chief Officer/Mate is the right-hand man of the captain and responsible for the exterior along with the deckhands.

Chief Stewardess is responsible for the interior, and the stewardesses will usually rotate through service, housekeeping, and laundry.

Chef will often work alone and cook for both guests and crew.

How to work on a yacht like Below Deck
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What is a boat captains helper called?

Mates are the captain’s “right hand.” They manage and train the deck crew, inspect and maintain inventory of equipment and order needed repairs. They stand watch, oversee ship operations and navigation when the captain is not on duty.

Command or supervise operations of ships and water vessels, such as tugboats and ferryboats. Required to hold license issued by U.S. Coast Guard.

  • Direct courses and speeds of ships, based on specialized knowledge of local winds, weather, water depths, tides, currents, and hazards.
  • Prevent ships under navigational control from engaging in unsafe operations.
  • Serve as a vessel’s docking master upon arrival at a port or at a berth.

Transportation. movement of people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road;

Work on a yacht no experience
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Is bosun higher than Chief Steward?

Hierarchies are pretty well defined on Below Deck. There’s the bosun, who leads the deck team, the chief stew, who runs things in the interior, and the captain, who oversees them all.

Then there’s the chef, who is technically his or her own boss in the galley, only reporting to the captain. However, given how closely the chef and chief stew work together to feed the charter guests, the crew members often clash over who’s in charge when it comes to service.

So, who really has the higher rank? We finally have the answer, thanks to the Below Deck Season 7 After Show, above. “A lot of chefs come into a yacht, and they think that they’re above the chief stew,” Captain Lee Rosbach explained, to which Kate Chastain replied that she believes the positions are “lateral.”


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What Do They Call The Help On A Yacht
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Debbie Green

I am a school teacher who was bitten by the travel bug many decades ago. My husband Billy has come along for the ride and now shares my dream to travel the world with our three children.The kids Pollyanna, 13, Cooper, 12 and Tommy 9 are in love with plane trips (thank goodness) and discovering new places, experiences and of course Disneyland.

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