All roles/Deck and Bridge/First Officer
Deck and Bridge
First Officer
The First Officer stands bridge watches, runs navigation and safety equipment, and leads deck operations under the Chief Officer, keeping a large yacht safe, legal and ready for guests.
- Department
- Deck and Bridge
- Reports to
- Chief Officer / First Mate
- Yacht size
- 60m to 150m+
- Contract
- Permanent or rotation
- Starting pay
- €5,500 per month
What the job is
On yachts large enough to carry a full officer team, the First Officer sits directly below the Chief Officer. You hold a watchkeeping ticket, usually the MCA Officer of the Watch (Yacht) 3000gt, and you stand bridge watches at sea and at anchor. You plan passages, correct charts and publications, keep the ECDIS updated and make sure every watch is handed over cleanly. When the Chief Officer is ashore or off watch, you are the senior deck officer the crew turn to.
Away from the bridge you own specific systems. On most yachts that means the safety equipment: life rafts, fire extinguishers, immersion suits, EEBDs and the planned maintenance records that go with them. You often run drills, keep the ISM paperwork in order and prepare for flag and class surveys. Many First Officers also act as Ship Security Officer, manage the tender fleet or oversee the deck stores and spares inventory.
You also lead people. You work closely with the Bosun on the daily job list, supervise mooring and anchoring stations, and train junior deck crew on tenders, lines and watchkeeping. On charter you may drive the main tender, run beach setups or plan guest trips ashore. The role is the step where you stop being one of the deck team and start being trained to run it, with a clear route to Chief Officer.
What makes a good one
- Bridge watchkeeping and passage planning
- Safety equipment and ISM management
- Leading and training deck crew
- Confident tender and boat handling
- Clear radio and handover communication
A day in the life
- 04:00Take the 04:00 to 08:00 bridge watch on passage from Palma to Ibiza. Monitor radar, AIS and traffic, log positions and check engine room alarms with the duty engineer.
- 08:00Hand over to the Second Officer with a full brief on traffic, weather and course. Grab breakfast in the crew mess.
- 09:00Lead the anchoring station off Cala d'Hort with the Bosun, then confirm the anchor is holding and set the anchor watch alarm.
- 10:00Meet the Chief Officer to agree the day's guest programme and deck jobs. Brief the deck team on tender runs, water toys and the afternoon beach setup.
- 11:30Drive the main tender for a guest run to a beach club, then return to support deckhands launching jet skis and the seabob.
- 14:00Carry out the monthly life raft and fire equipment checks, update the planned maintenance system and file the records for the next flag inspection.
- 16:00Update the passage plan for tomorrow's move to Formentera, check the forecast and correct charts and publications.
- 18:30Run a short man overboard drill with the off-duty deck crew while guests are ashore, then debrief on timings and roles.
- 20:00Take the evening anchor watch, keep an eye on the tender coming back from dinner ashore, and hand over to the night watch at midnight.
Pay by country
Monthly salary for a First Officer on a 60m to 100m yacht in 2026. Larger yachts and rotation roles pay more. Charter yachts add tips, often 10 to 15 percent of the charter fee shared among crew.
- France and Monaco
- €5,500 – 7,500
- Spain
- €5,500 – 7,500
- Italy
- €5,500 – 7,500
- United Kingdom
- £4,700 – 6,400
- USA (Florida)
- US$6,000 – 8,200
- Caribbean
- US$6,000 – 8,200
- UAE
- AED 22,000 – 30,000
- Australia
- A$9,500 – 13,000
- New Zealand
- NZ$10,500 – 14,000
Required
- STCW Basic Safety Training
- ENG1 medical
- MCA Officer of the Watch (Yacht) 3000gt
- GMDSS GOC
- ECDIS
- HELM (Operational)
- Advanced Fire Fighting
- Proficiency in Survival Craft
- Medical First Aid
- PDSD (Proficiency in Designated Security Duties)
Recommended
- Ship Security Officer
- Medical Care
- RYA Powerboat Level 2
- HELM (Management)
- RYA Yachtmaster Ocean
- Chief Mate (Yacht) 3000gt
Visas
- Schengen
- US C1/D
- US B1/B2
- Australian MCV
Where it leads
First Officer jobs open now
Questions crew ask
What is the difference between a First Officer and a Chief Officer?
The Chief Officer is the head of the deck department and second in command. The First Officer sits one step below, standing watches and running systems such as safety equipment, and steps up when the Chief Officer is away.
Do I need my Chief Mate ticket to be a First Officer?
No. Most yachts ask for the MCA Officer of the Watch (Yacht) 3000gt. Working towards Chief Mate in this role is common and makes you a strong candidate for promotion.
How long does it take to move up to Chief Officer?
Usually two to four years, depending on sea time, completing your Chief Mate modules and the size of yachts you have worked on. A good reference from your Captain matters as much as the ticket.