All roles/Dual roles/Deckhand / Steward
Dual roles
Deckhand / Steward
You split your time between the deck and the interior on a smaller yacht, washing down and driving the tender in the morning, then serving lunch and turning cabins, so a lean crew can run a full guest programme.
- Department
- Dual roles
- Reports to
- Yacht Captain
- Yacht size
- 24m to 45m
- Contract
- Seasonal or permanent
- Starting pay
- €2,700 per month
What the job is
A Deckhand / Steward covers two departments on yachts too small to carry a full deck team and a full interior. Typical boats run four to seven crew, often a captain, a chef, a stewardess and you. On the deck side you wash down, polish stainless, handle lines and fenders, launch the tender and set up the water toys. On the interior side you help with service, housekeeping, laundry and keeping the guest areas spotless.
The split changes with the day. At anchor with guests aboard, you might spend the morning driving the tender and running the jet skis, then change into a clean uniform to serve lunch on the aft deck. In port or during a quiet week, you lean towards deck maintenance: varnish touch ups, teak cleaning, small repairs. You take direction from the captain on deck and usually from the chief stewardess or the sole stewardess inside.
Captains hire for this role because it gives them flexibility without another bunk. They want someone who is safe on deck, tidy inside and calm in front of guests. It suits people who like variety and do not mind switching between salt water and silver polish several times a day. It is also one of the best ways into yachting, because you learn how both departments work before choosing one.
What makes a good one
- Confident tender driving
- Silver service and table setting
- Line handling and fendering
- Cabin housekeeping and laundry
- Switching tasks without fuss
A day in the life
- 06:30Wash down the exterior with the captain or mate, chamois the windows and dry the teak before guests wake.
- 07:45Change into interior uniform, help lay breakfast on the aft deck and serve coffee and juices.
- 09:30Back on deck to launch the tender and jet skis, set up the swim platform and brief guests on the toys.
- 11:00Drive the tender for a beach run, then return to help the stewardess turn cabins and restock heads.
- 13:00Serve lunch alongside the stewardess, clear plates and reset the table for the afternoon.
- 15:00Run watersports, watch swimmers from the tender and keep the platform tidy and safe.
- 17:30Recover and rinse the toys, stow the tender and do a quick wipe down of exterior stainless and glass.
- 19:30Help set up sundowners and dinner service, then do turndown in the guest cabins.
- 22:30Final deck walk, check lines or anchor alarm, lock away toys and hand over to the night watch.
Pay by country
Monthly salary, paid in EUR or USD on most yachts, with food and accommodation on board. Charter tips of 10 to 15% of the charter fee are usually shared equally among crew.
- France and Monaco
- €2,700 – 3,500
- Spain
- €2,600 – 3,400
- Italy
- €2,600 – 3,400
- United Kingdom
- £2,300 – 3,000
- USA (Florida)
- US$3,000 – 3,900
- Caribbean
- US$3,000 – 3,900
- UAE
- AED 11,000 – 14,500
- Australia
- A$4,500 – 6,000
- New Zealand
- NZ$5,000 – 6,500
Required
- STCW Basic Safety Training
- ENG1 medical
- PDSD (Proficiency in Designated Security Duties)
- RYA Powerboat Level 2
Recommended
- Food Safety Level 2
- PYA GUEST Introduction to Yacht Interiors
- RYA PWC
- Efficient Deck Hand (EDH)
- WSET Level 2 Award in Wines
Visas
- Schengen
- US B1/B2 (or C1/D)
- Australian MCV
Where it leads
Deckhand / Steward jobs open now
Questions crew ask
Is this a good first job in yachting?
Yes. Small yachts often hire green crew into this role because they need willing hands in both departments, and you learn far more than you would on a large boat in one narrow job.
Will I spend more time on deck or inside?
It depends on the boat and the captain, but most positions are weighted towards deck with interior help at meal times and turndown. Ask at interview so you know the split before you sign.
Can I move into a single department later?
Easily. Most people move on to Deckhand or Steward / Stewardess on a larger yacht after a season or two, using the experience and tickets gained here.