Roles you will find on-board
Deck Department (Navigation, exterior, operations)
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Captain/Master- Overall incharge of vessel
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Chief Officer / Chief Mate - Manages deck crew, safety procedures, maintenance, and assists with navigation and operations.
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2nd Officer - Responsible for passage planning, charts, navigation equipment, and bridge watchkeeping.
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3rd Officer (on large yachts) - upports navigation and safety duties, often assisting with equipment checks and watchkeeping.
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Bosun (Boatswain) - Leads deckhands and organizes daily exterior work like cleaning, painting, and mooring.
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Lead Deckhand - Senior deckhand assisting the Bosun, often supervising junior crew.
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Deckhand - Carries out maintenance, cleaning, mooring operations, and assists with guest activities.
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Junior Deckhand - Entry-level role learning basic seamanship and supporting the deck team.
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Chase Boat Captain (if separate vessel) - Operates a secondary vessel used for guest transport or activities.
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Watersports Instructor (sometimes separate role) - Manages and supervises water-based activities like jet skiing or diving.
Engineering Department
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Chief Engineer - Responsible for all machinery, engines, electrical systems, and technical operations onboard.
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2nd Engineer - Assists the Chief Engineer and manages day-to-day engine room operations.
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3rd Engineer - Supports maintenance and monitoring of mechanical systems.
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4th Engineer/ Junior Engineer - Junior engineer assisting with basic technical tasks
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ETO (Electro-Technical Officer) - Handles electrical systems, electronics, IT, and AV equipment.
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AV/IT Officer (sometimes separate, sometimes under ETO) - Maintains onboard entertainment, internet, and communication systems.
Interior Department (Hospitality & service)
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Chief Stewardess / Chief Steward - Leads interior team, manages guest experience, service standards, and interior operations.
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2nd Stewardess - Second-in-command, often responsible for service or housekeeping management.
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3rd Stewardess - Supports both service and housekeeping duties.
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Junior Stewardess - Entry-level role assisting with cleaning, laundry, and service.
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Laundry Steward/ess - Handles all washing, ironing, and garment care onboard.
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Housekeeping Steward/ess - Maintains cleanliness of cabins and interior spaces
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Service Steward/ess - Focuses on guest service, including meals, drinks, and table setup.
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Purser (admin + finance, on large yachts) - Handles administration, accounts, crew logistics, and guest arrangements.
Galley (Culinary Team)
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Head Chef / Executive Chef - Responsible for all meals onboard, menu planning, and galley management.
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Sous Chef - Second chef assisting with food preparation and service.
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Crew Chef - Prepares meals specifically for crew.
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Pastry Chef (on large yachts) - Specializes in desserts and baked goods
Specialist / Additional Roles (Large yachts or high-end programs)
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Dive Instructor / Dive Master - Leads and supervises diving activities
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Spa Therapist / Masseuse - Provides wellness treatments like massages and facials.
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Personal Trainer - Leads fitness sessions for guests.
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Yoga Instructor - Provides guided yoga sessions onboard.
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Beautician / Hairdresser - Offers grooming and beauty services.
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Nanny / Childcare Specialist - Looks after children onboard.
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Nurse / Medic - Provides medical care and health support.
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Security Officer - Ensures safety and security of guests and vessel.
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Close Protection Officer (bodyguard) - Personal bodyguard for high-profile guests.
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Helicopter Pilot / Aviation Officer - Operates onboard helicopter (if carried).
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Submersible Pilot - Operates underwater exploration vehicles.
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Expedition Leader (for explorer yachts) - Guides activities in remote or adventure locations.
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Marine Biologist / Guide (expedition yachts) - Provides educational insight on marine environments.
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Photographer / Videographer - Captures guest experiences and trips