The qualifications required to work on a superyacht depend on your role and the size of the vessel. However, there is a core set of certificates that all crew, regardless of department, need before they can legally work on board.
Required for all crew (every department):
- STCW Basic Safety Training - the mandatory international safety qualification covering survival, fire fighting, first aid, and personal safety (typically a 4-5 day course)
- ENG1 Medical Certificate - a seafarer's medical examination confirming you are fit to work at sea, conducted by an MCA-approved Designated Medical Examiner
- Valid passport - you will be travelling internationally
Additional qualifications by department:
- Deck: RYA/MCA Yacht Master or Officer of the Watch (OOW) certificate for officer roles; Powerboat Level 2 or Tender Operator qualification for deckhands; RYA VHF/SRC radio licence
- Engineering: ENG1, STCW, plus relevant marine engineering certificates (Class 4–1 MCA Engineer Officer of the Watch for senior roles); ETO positions typically require electronics/IT qualifications
- Interior: STCW and ENG1 are the primary requirements; additional qualifications in food hygiene (Level 2 Award), wine (WSET), and interior-specific courses (e.g. Superyacht Stewardess courses) strengthen your CV significantly
- Galley: Professional culinary qualifications (NVQ, City & Guilds, or equivalent) plus Food Safety in Catering Level 2
Nice to have for any role:
- Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats (PSCRB) - required on larger vessels
- Advanced Fire Fighting - required for officer-level positions
- First Aid at Sea or Medical First Aid - highly valued across all departments
- Basic Safety Management (BSM) - recommended for senior crew
The exact certificates required can vary by flag state, vessel size, and employer. Yotspot's My Career section (within your profile) maps the specific qualification pathway for each career route.