All roles/Shoreside/Yacht Compliance Manager
Shoreside
Yacht Compliance Manager
The Yacht Compliance Manager keeps a managed fleet legal, certified and inspection ready, so yachts can sail, charter and clear port state control without detentions or lost bookings.
- Department
- Shoreside
- Reports to
- Fleet Manager
- Yacht size
- Shore based
- Contract
- Permanent, shore based
- Starting pay
- €60,000 a year
What the job is
You work for a yacht management company and keep a fleet of yachts compliant with the rules that let them operate. That means the ISM Code for safety management, the ISPS Code for security, MLC 2006 for crew welfare and MARPOL for pollution. You also track flag requirements from registries such as the Cayman Islands, Marshall Islands and Malta, plus the Red Ensign Group Yacht Code and class society rules. If a yacht cannot show the right paperwork, it cannot charter.
Most days are a mix of documents and people. You keep each yacht's Safety Management System current, track survey and certificate expiry dates, check that crew hold valid tickets and ENG1 medicals, and apply for manning dispensations when a crew change goes wrong. You run internal audits on board, prepare captains for flag and port state inspections, and investigate incidents and near misses. When a yacht is detained or flagged for a deficiency, you lead the fix.
Most people in this role have been at sea, usually as a chief officer, captain or chief engineer, and some come from flag administrations or class societies. You need to read regulations closely and explain them simply to a busy captain in the middle of a season. Expect regular travel to yachts in the Mediterranean, the Caribbean and shipyards, often at short notice. The job suits someone organised and calm, who can say no to an owner's team when the rules require it.
What makes a good one
- Working knowledge of ISM, ISPS and MLC
- Auditing and report writing
- Flag and class liaison
- Calm judgement under pressure
- Clear communication with captains
A day in the life
- 08:00Check the overnight inbox. A 62m yacht in Palma has reported a fire pump failure and the captain needs advice on notifying flag.
- 08:45Call the captain, agree temporary measures and draft the notification to the Cayman registry with the technical team.
- 09:30Review the certificate tracker for the fleet. Two crew STCW refreshers and one load line survey fall due within 60 days, so you email the captains with deadlines.
- 10:30Drive to Port Hercule for an internal ISM audit on a 55m motor yacht. Start with the captain and chief officer on the bridge, reviewing logbooks and drill records.
- 12:30Walk the yacht with the bosun, checking fire doors, liferaft servicing labels and the garbage management plan against MARPOL requirements.
- 14:00Close out the audit with the captain. Agree three non conformities, one on rest hour records and two on outdated procedures, with dates for each fix.
- 15:30Back in the office, write the audit report and log the findings in the fleet compliance software.
- 16:30Join a call with the DPA and a flag surveyor to plan the annual inspection of a yacht arriving from Antigua next month.
- 18:00Update the SMS amendment for new lithium battery rules on water toys and send it to all captains for review.
Pay by country
Annual salary for a permanent shoreside role at a yacht management company. Bonuses are sometimes paid on fleet audit results. No charter tips. Travel costs are covered by the employer.
- France and Monaco
- €60,000 – 90,000
- Spain
- €45,000 – 70,000
- Italy
- €45,000 – 68,000
- United Kingdom
- £50,000 – 75,000
- USA (Florida)
- US$80,000 – 120,000
- Caribbean
- US$60,000 – 90,000
- UAE
- AED 300,000 – 450,000
- Australia
- A$100,000 – 140,000
- New Zealand
- NZ$90,000 – 125,000
Required
- MCA Chief Mate or Master (Yacht) 3000gt, or Y2 or Y1 engineering ticket, or equivalent industry background
- ISM Internal Auditor course
- Company Security Officer course
- Right to work in the office location
Recommended
- Designated Person Ashore course
- ISO 9001 Lead Auditor
- NEBOSH General Certificate
- IOSH Managing Safely
- Ship Security Officer
- MLC 2006 inspection training
Visas
- Right to work in the country of the office (EU, UK, US, UAE, Australia or New Zealand)
- Schengen for travel to yachts in the Mediterranean
- US B1/B2 for audits in Florida and US waters
Where it leads
Yacht Compliance Manager jobs open now
Questions crew ask
Do I need to have worked at sea to become a Yacht Compliance Manager?
Almost always. Most employers want senior sea time as a chief officer, captain or chief engineer, because you audit crews and need their respect. A smaller number come from flag administrations, class societies or commercial shipping compliance.
How much travel is involved?
Expect to spend a quarter to a third of your time away, visiting yachts for audits, attending flag inspections and supporting yachts in shipyards. Travel peaks before and during the Mediterranean and Caribbean seasons.
Can I move straight from captain into this role?
Yes, it is a common move for captains who want a shore life. Taking an ISM Internal Auditor and Company Security Officer course before you apply makes the switch much easier.