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Crew Salary Guide

Overview

The yachting industry was perceived to be recession proof, but as we know this was not the case. Although the industry suffered later and to a lesser degree than some industries there was still an impact on professional yacht crew.

During 2010 and 2011 salaries remained steady and it is still clear that there is a shortage of good quality crew. Hiring of good crew is still very competitive and to entice good crew to move has resulted in salaries remaining stable during difficult economic time.

Rotational jobs are still in short supply, as private yachts are still slow to encourage commercially ticketed crew to move into the yachting industry by offering what is seen to be normal in the commercial sector. The latter part of 2011 saw a partial return to the 2008 recession problems, but as we saw, recovery on recruitment is relatively quick compared to other parts of the industry. 'Without crew the boat can't leave' stands true and, as we saw in 2009, recruitment was one of the first to see a partial return to past results.

An increasing number of yacht owners, managers and captains now recognise that salary alone does not necessarily guarantee the retention of good crew. Qualified professionals as well as career minded crew who are working their way up the ladder need, and very often have, a life outside of yachting. For this reason sensible leave arrangements are equally as important as the salary. Only a few years ago some of the most experienced professionals in the yachting industry had to make a stark choice: family or yachting. There was little opportunity to be able to do both. With today’s climate, an increasing number of yachts are operating leave rotations in order to secure these professionals and others are simply offering more leave. They recognise that the crew of today are on a career path working their way up the ladder, gaining experience and qualifications on the way and understand the need to look after their crew by offering sensible secure terms.

What is happening with yachts that pay in US Dollars?

Good Question. When the Euro was introduced in 2002 many yachts based in Europe switched from US Dollars to Euros. At that time the exchange rate was almost one for one so it was logical to simply switch the currencies and leave the salary amounts the same. However now that the US Dollar is consistently about 30% weaker than the Euro was in 2002, owners paying in US Dollars have found it increasingly more difficult to hire crew without offering Euro comparable salaries.

The following analysis taken from our database shows how the US Dollar has lost its dominance as a salary indicator for yachts that operate outside of the USA.

Other Considerations

When reviewing salaries, several other factors need to be taken into consideration:
 » Service record and qualifications.
 » Location and cruising programme for the yacht.
 » Annual paid leave. This varies between 4 and 8 weeks per year. More than 8 weeks when crew work a
    rotation.
 » Seasonal and temporary contracts do not normally include paid leave. An end of season bonus is quite
    common and is often agreed in advance as an incentive.
 » Job Sharing: Some larger yachts work a rotation, similar to the Merchant Navy, where the time off can
    total 3 to 6 months per year.
 » Travel expenses.
 » Crew Medical Insurance. If medical insurance is included it is very important that the hired crew are
    shown a copy of the schedule of cover. Some yachts only have a minimum level of cover for their crew.
    Our advice to crew is, if in doubt take out your own cover.
 » Incentives for service and performance.
 » Charter incentives.
 » Compensation for special ancillary skills that are a requirement for a yacht. i.e. carpenters,
    masseurs/masseuses, secretaries, computer experts, electronics engineers, paramedics, doctors, nurses,
    nannies, etc.
 » Motor and sailing yachts in the 15 to 25 metre range, are often crewed by a Captain/Hostess couple and
    the salary negotiated jointly. For couples that are hired on yachts over 25 metres the salaries are
    normally negotiated individually.

Table of Salaries

Last Revision: January 2013

The above figures are a guideline only and may vary according to qualification and experience.
If any person finds these figures to be misleading in any way, we would very much appreciate their comments.