Deck department

Launch your yachting career with expert
guidance and clear progression

The deck department
blueprint

For over 30 years, Bluewater has been a trusted name in yacht crew recruitment, placing skilled professionals on the world’s most prestigious yachts. Whether you’re beginning your yachting journey or looking to take the next step in your career, our dedicated recruiters provide expert guidance to match you with the perfect opportunity.

Hierarchy & Career
Progression

Deckhand
Bosun
Second officer
Chief officer
Captain

Deckhand

Entry-level role, assisting with
maintenance and guest services

Main duties:
  • Cleaning and maintaining the yacht’s exterior
  • Assisting with docking, mooring, and anchoring operations
  • Handling tenders and water sports equipment
  • Performing varnishing, sanding, painting, and general maintenance
  • Assisting guests with water sports activities
Skills required:
  • Strong work ethic & physical fitness
  • Ability to follow instructions
  • Tender driving & basic maintenance skills
  • Enthusiastic & team-oriented attitude
Recommended certificates
  • STCW Basic Safety Training
  • ENG1 Seafarer Medical Certificate
  • Power Boat Level 2H

Bosun

Supervises deckhands &
manages deck operations

Main duties:
  • Leading and training Deckhands
  • Overseeing yacht maintenance, including teak work and varnishing
  • Organising and storing tenders, jet skis, and water toys
  • Managing inventory of cleaning and deck supplies
  • Assisting with docking, mooring, and anchoring
Skills required:
  • Leadership & ability to delegate tasks
  • Strong maintenance & repair skills
  • Excellent tender driving abilities
  • Confidence in water sports and guest interaction
Recommended certificates
  • STCW Basic Safety Training
  • ENG1 Seafarer Medical Certificate
  • RYA Yachtmaster offshore

Second officer

Supports the chief officer &
manages deck operations

Main duties:
  • Passage planning & navigation
  • Keeping navigational charts and equipment updated
  • Monitoring radio communications & GMDSS log books
  • Overseeing deck crew & maintenance tasks
  • Leading safety training & drills
Skills required:
  • Strong navigation & passage planning skills
  • Excellent knowledge of charts, tides & maritime weather
  • Leadership & deck management skills
  • Strong communication & problem-solving ability
Recommended certificates
  • STCW Basic Safety Training
  • ENG1 Seafarer Medical Certificate
  • Officer of the Watch (OOW) <3000 CoC

Chief officer

Manages the deck department
& ensures safety compliance

Main duties:
  • Supervising all deck crew & maintaining discipline
  • Ensuring compliance with maritime regulations (ISM, SOLAS, MARPOL)
  • Overseeing yacht maintenance & shipyard periods
  • Setting watch-keeping schedules & conducting safety drills
  • Managing tenders, water toys, and docking operations
  • Assisting the Captain with administrative and operational duties
Skills required:
  • Excellent leadership & crew management
  • Strong understanding of safety protocols & compliance
  • Navigation, watchkeeping & passage planning expertise
  • Advanced deck maintenance & equipment management
Recommended certificates
  • STCW Basic Safety Training
  • ENG1 Seafarer Medical Certificate
  • Chief Mate (CM) Endorsement

Captain

The highest-ranking officer, responsible
for overall yacht operations

Main duties:
  • Safe navigation and operation of the yacht
  • Compliance with maritime laws and regulations (ISM, MARPOL, SOLAS)
  • Managing budgets, refits, and operational costs
  • Overseeing crew hiring, training, and discipline
  • Hosting and entertaining guests as required
  • Voyage planning and safe passage across international waters
Skills required:
  • Excellent leadership, management & diplomacy skills
  • Advanced yacht handling and navigation expertise
  • Financial and budget management
  • Strong knowledge of international maritime laws
Recommended certificates
  • STCW Basic Safety Training
  • ENG1 Seafarer Medical Certificate
  • Master 200, Master 500, Master 3000, or Unlimited CoC

Deck department career
progression guide

Recruiting top-tier yacht crew is time-consuming and complex. Let our expert team take care of the hard work for you. We specialisze in sourcing the most qualified candidates for each onboard department, ensuring that every crew member we place is the perfect fit for your yacht. With years decades of industry experience and an extensive network, we go beyond CVs, getting to know candidates personally to ensure they align with your specific needs. And with our risk-free guarantee, you only pay once we find the right fit for your team—backed by our 90-day warranty on all permanent placements.

Yacht deck officer
progression route

Candidate must

Be 18 years of age or over
Hold a valid ENG1 or equivalent
Hold STCW Basif Safety training and updates

Master
200 GT
COASTAL
/
UNLIMITED
Hold an OOW Less than 3000 GT COC
24 months on board service as per MSN 1858
whilst holding an OOW 3000GT
Proficiency in Advanced Fire Fighting
Proficiency in Medical First Aid
Proficiency in Medical Care at Sea
HELM Management
Master Stability
Master Seamanship
Master Celestial Navigation *5
Master Business & Law
Master Navigation, Radar & ARPA
Oral Exam
OOW
CoC
Hold an OOW Less than 3000 GT COC
24 months on board service as per MSN 1858
whilst holding an OOW 3000GT
Proficiency in Advanced Fire Fighting
Proficiency in Medical First Aid
Proficiency in Medical Care at Sea
HELM Management
Master Stability
Master Seamanship
Master Celestial Navigation *5
Master Business & Law
Master Navigation, Radar & ARPA
Oral Exam
Chief Mate
ENDORSEMENT *3
Hold an OOW Less than 3000 GT COC
24 months on board service as per MSN 1858
whilst holding an OOW 3000GT
Proficiency in Advanced Fire Fighting
Proficiency in Medical First Aid
Proficiency in Medical Care at Sea
HELM Management
Master Stability
Master Seamanship
Master Celestial Navigation *5
Master Business & Law
Master Navigation, Radar & ARPA
Oral Exam
Master
CoC*4
Hold an OOW Less than 3000 GT COC
24 months on board service as per MSN 1858
whilst holding an OOW 3000GT
Proficiency in Advanced Fire Fighting
Proficiency in Medical First Aid
Proficiency in Medical Care at Sea
HELM Management
Master Stability
Master Seamanship
Master Celestial Navigation *5
Master Business & Law
Master Navigation, Radar & ARPA
Oral Exam
Master
Hold an OOW Less than 3000 GT COC
24 months on board service as per MSN 1858
whilst holding an OOW 3000GT
Proficiency in Advanced Fire Fighting
Proficiency in Medical First Aid
Proficiency in Medical Care at Sea
HELM Management
Master Stability
Master Seamanship
Master Celestial Navigation *5
Master Business & Law
Master Navigation, Radar & ARPA
Oral Exam
Crafting
your cv

When completing your online profile with us, it is important to select only the positions for which you are genuinely qualified to work onboard. Choosing roles that align with your skills and experience will increase your chances of attracting the right employers. While it may be tempting to select multiple positions, we recommend limiting your choices to no more than three or four. Listing too many roles can create confusion for potential employers and may impact the accuracy of our search results, making it harder for you to stand out for the positions that best match your qualifications

Sample CV
Keep it simple
Your CV should be no more than two sides of A4, including your photograph (in colour, face on, without sunglasses).
Easy access
Your CV should be in a PDF format to ensure it can be opened easily by all employers.
Keep it current
List all recent contact information, references and work history.
Be personal
Including a personal statement, along with a clear objective can help distinguish you from other candidates and helps prospective employers grasp your long-term goals.
The error of your ways
Don't give employers an excuse to dismiss your CV, review and spell check it!

Is a career in the deck
department right for you?

The yacht deck department offers an exciting career path for those who love the ocean, enjoy physical work, and have strong leadership potential. From starting as a Deckhand to becoming a Captain, there are clear steps for career progression. If you’re ready to secure a job on a yacht, submit your CV and certificates to yacht recruiters who specialize in placing crew members. They can guide you through job interviews and help you find the right yacht position.

Start your journey with us?

Whether you're building a top-tier crew or seeking your next role, our expert recruiters are here to connect talent with opportunity. Reach out today!