What does a Deckhand do? (Yacht Crew Roles Explained)
Explore what every yacht crew team member does on board to elevate your holiday and ensure a seamless sailing experience.
Updated April 24, 2025
A crewed yacht charter is the ultimate luxury getaway, made seamless by the dedicated teamwork ensuring smooth sailing. Much like any workplace, every crew member has a job to do to enhance your experience. The bigger the boat, the more crew necessary!
The yacht crew plays an essential role in maintaining the boat, providing exceptional service, and ensuring the safety and comfort of guests on board. From the captain leading the yacht to the deckhands handling maintenance and the stewards delivering top-tier hospitality, each crew member contributes to your unforgettable sailing experience.
Understanding the unique roles and responsibilities onboard reveals what it takes to create an exceptional vacation and whether you are more suited to a crewed or skippered yacht charter.
In this article we explain the following yacht crew charter roles:
- Captain
- Chief Officer
- Second Officer
- Head Chef
- Sous Chef/Crew Chef
- Purser
- Chief Steward(ess)
- Steward(ess)
- Engineer
- Bosun/Lead Deckhand
- Deckhand
- Additional Services
While not every crew member is available on every charter and sometimes the responsibilities may be shared, this is a general overview of each of their roles.
Yacht Charter Crew Hierarchy
Who's in charge on the Yacht Charter?
Captain
The Captain is the leader and commander of the yacht charter, responsible for managing and directing the crew as the highest authority on board.
They assist in planning the route for your sailing holiday, offering suggestions based on your preferences.
Constantly monitoring weather conditions, the Captain ensures safe passage to each destination while enforcing safety protocols, maintaining equipment, and adhering to maritime laws and regulations.
Additionally, they communicate with the owners and guests, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience for everyone on board.
Chief Officer
The Chief Officer supports the captain in navigating the yacht charter, managing deck operations, and assisting with decision-making, serving as the second in command.
They oversee the deckhands, ensuring that all maintenance, cleaning, and operational tasks are completed.
Additionally, they're responsible for conducting drills on deck, enforcing safety protocols, and maintaining the yacht’s exterior, tenders, and equipment.
Second Officer
The Second Officer works closely with the Chief Officer and the Captain, sharing navigational duties, monitoring the weather, and ensuring safe passage.
They assist the Chief Officer in managing the deck crew, maintenance and general upkeep of the yacht. They update and maintain the navigational charts, logs, and documents on deck and help with launching and recovering tenders, jet skis, and other watertoys/recreational equipment for guests.
The role of the Second Officer is usually only found on larger crewed yachts over 50m.
Purser
The Purser oversees budgets, crew payroll, expense tracking, and onboard financial records while also managing crew administration, including contracts, visas, certifications, and scheduling.
They coordinate guest and owner travel arrangements, itineraries, and special requests, ensuring a seamless experience. They handle inventory and provisioning, overseeing ordering, stocking, and record-keeping for food, beverages, and other supplies.
The role of the purser is usually only found on larger Superyachts; on the smaller yachts the responsibilities would be divided between the crew onboard.
Chief Steward(ess)
The Chief Steward(ess) oversees a team of Steward(esses), ensuring high standards of service, cleanliness, and guest satisfaction.
They manage all aspects of hospitality, from dining and drinks to housekeeping and special requests, ensuring impeccable service.
They maintain stock levels of cleaning supplies, linens, tableware, and guest amenities while working closely with the galley, deck, and bridge crew.
Steward(ess)
The Steward(ess) provides top-tier service, handling dining, bartending, and fulfilling guest requests while maintaining cleanliness in guest cabins, common areas, and laundry.
They set up table arrangements and professionally serve meals and beverages, ensuring a refined dining experience. They manage inventory levels of toiletries, linens, and other interior supplies.
They also assist with events and theme nights, helping to organise and execute special occasions.
On a skippered yacht, they may also be referred to as the host(ess).
Head Chef
The Head Chef manages galley operations, designing menus and planning meals tailored to guests preferences and dietary needs.
They ensure the kitchen remains clean, organised, and efficient while overseeing the ordering and management of provisions, sourcing fresh ingredients from local stores and markets.
Additionally, they supervise the Sous Chef and other kitchen staff, with the team size varying depending on the yacht.
Sous Chef/Crew Chef
The Sous Chef supports the Head Chef by assisting with meal preparation, cooking, and plating, serving as the second in charge in galley operations.
They handle prep work, side dishes, and assist with executing the main course while also helping to source, organise, and manage ingredients and stock levels.
In the Head Chef’s absence, they take charge to ensure seamless meal service.
Engineer
The Engineer on the yacht ensures the proper functioning of generators, engines, and mechanical systems while overseeing power management, water systems, and HVAC to maintain onboard comfort.
They conduct regular equipment inspections to prevent breakdowns and ensure safety.
They manage inventory, keeping stock of essential tools, spare parts, and technical supplies.
Bosun/Lead Deckhand
A Bosun manages and supervises the deckhands, ensuring all exterior tasks are completed to maintain the yacht’s pristine condition, including cleaning and upkeep of the teak, paintwork, and metalwork.
They organise and operate jet skis, tenders, and other water toys for guest activities while also overseeing mooring operations, line handling, and anchor procedures.
They also train and mentor the deck crew, providing guidance on safety procedures, seamanship, and professional development.
Deckhand
Deckhands are responsible for washing, polishing, and maintaining the yacht's decks, metalwork, and paintwork to keep it in top condition.
They assist with docking, line handling, and anchor operations, as well as launching, driving, and retrieving tenders, jet skis, and other water toys.
Additionally, they participate in safety drills, maintain safety equipment, and help ensure a secure environment for all guests on board.
Additional Services
Specialist service workers can be added to a yacht, ranging from masseuses and personal trainers to yoga instructors, babysitters, DJs, and many other roles, allowing for a fully customised experience.
Some crew members may already be trained in multiple areas, and these services might be included in the charter.
If not, guests can speak with their broker to arrange additional services tailored to their needs.
Need some help?
If you are unsure about charter or boat selection, contact us at HELM to help you decide.
We only choose boats that are in excellent condition, and we are here to help you every step of the way and to make sure the whole process is as easy as possible.