A yacht captain is in charge of the operation of a large sailing vessel, such as a yacht. This person is hired by the boat’s owner or a management company that represents the boat’s owner. The yacht captain is in charge of all aspects of the vessel’s operation and maintenance, including crew management and ship piloting. This allows the owner to relax and enjoy his time on the yacht, as well as come and go as needed. Depending on experience and available positions, a yacht captain may work on a private yacht or a charter vessel.
Yacht captains should have a strong passion for the sea, as they will be spending a lot of time onboard. To reach the rank of yacht captain, many people work their way up from deck hand or maintenance positions. This enables the applicant to accrue the required hours of experience to obtain state and federal licenses in a variety of countries. Some gain experience by working in commercial shipping, while others only work on pleasure boats. Military service, such as with the United States (US) Coast Guard or Navy, can also help a yacht captain gain experience.
People who work on boats in the United States and many other developed countries must obtain licenses from their local state or county. This entails keeping a written record of the hours spent on board a vessel. The candidate may be required to pass a written test in some areas after submitting the log with an application. Before reaching the level of yacht captain, most regions require applicants to work their way through several levels of license.
A yacht captain is trained to operate a specific size and type of vessel. Many people will start on smaller boats and work their way up to yachts and super yachts. Promotions from deck hand to management positions, such as chief mate or engineer, are also possible.
Yacht captains must be capable of handling a variety of tasks. Interacting with the owner and his guests, as well as working with the crew to provide excellent service, are all part of this job. It also necessitates overseeing all employees, often with the help of other officers. The yacht captain also serves as the vessel’s pilot and oversees all maintenance to ensure that the boat is always ready to sail. In order to assist engineering personnel with repairs or emergencies, he should also have a basic understanding of mechanical principles.
Those interested in a career at sea should expect to live on a yacht for months, if not a year. Whether or not the ship is in use, most yacht captains are paid all year. The captain must still manage the boat and handle painting and repairs when not at sea. Yacht captains can expect a high salary in exchange for all of their responsibilities, as well as the possibility of significant tips or charter vessels.