Description
Command and oversee operations of private and charter yachts, ensuring safe navigation, regulatory compliance, crew leadership, vessel maintenance, and exceptional guest service. Requires an appropriate U.S. Coast Guard captain's license.
- • Plan and direct yacht routes, speeds, and fuel strategy using local weather, tides, depths, and traffic.
- • Enforce safe operations and risk management for guests, crew, and vessel.
- • Act as docking master during arrivals, departures, and Mediterranean moorings.
- • Use charts, ECDIS, radar, AIS, and forecasts to plan and direct movements.
- • Hand-steer and operate the yacht and tenders using navigation aids and visual references.
- • Operate VHF/DSC and satellite communications with ports, marinas, and emergency services.
- • Dock and undock in marinas and anchorages, including tight quarters and adverse conditions.
- • Stand bridge watches and set watch schedules under way and at anchor.
- • Communicate maneuvers to nearby vessels using sound signals, lights, and radio.
- • Verify depths and under-keel clearance using sounders and manual checks as needed.
- • Oversee maintenance of engines, generators, navigation systems, firefighting, and lifesaving equipment.
- • Direct crew during mooring, anchoring, line handling, passerelle operations, and tender launches.
- • Liaise with harbormasters, pilots, agents, and customs for clearances and local rules.
- • Maintain logbooks for movements, crew, maintenance, drills, fuel, waste, and guest itineraries.
- • Supervise loading of provisions, luggage, toys, fuel, and spares to protect finish and trim.
- • Cross-check GPS positions with radar and visual fixes and validate charts and routes.
- • Train on new yacht systems, bridge technology, and safety procedures and simulators.
- • Lead deck, engineering, and interior teams to deliver safe operations and premium guest service.
- • Arrange bunkering, provisioning, repairs, yard periods, and contractor services.
- • Oversee deck and interior standards, detailing, cleanliness, and exterior/interior maintenance.
- • Manage purchasing, budgeting, and inventory for spares, stores, and consumables.
- • Supervise tender, personal watercraft (PWCs), and water-toy operations; tow or recover tenders when needed.
- • Enforce environmental compliance, including no-discharge zones, waste handling, and spill response.
- • Assign watches, duties, and crew accommodations according to safe manning requirements.
- • Recruit, hire, train, schedule, and evaluate crew; uphold HR policies and confidentiality.
- • Conduct and document safety drills, including man overboard, fire, abandon ship, and emergency steering.
- • Inspect hull, machinery, safety gear, and navigation systems for readiness and compliance.
- • Monitor engine, hydraulic, electrical, and tank systems via gauges and control panels.
- • Ensure regulatory compliance and file required reports with USCG, flag state, and local authorities.
- • Render assistance and coordinate with search and rescue authorities when required.
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This site includes information from O*NET by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. Career Clutch has modified some of this information for student readability. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
Last reviewed: Jan 2026
