So we’ve covered lots of advice on various topics for new crew, but here’s an important one. Understand your role, and also the roles of others onboard. Embarking on a career in the luxury world of superyachts is an exciting journey, but one that demands a clear understanding of the responsibilities and expectations associated with various roles. Whether you're considering a position as a stewardess, deckhand, engineer, or chef, or you’ve already started on your chosen path, this brief guide will help you navigate the unique challenges and requirements that come with each role, and hopefully give you a better understanding and appreciation of what the other crew are up to in their departments.
Steward(ess)
Responsibilities:
- 1. Guest Services: As a stewy, your primary responsibility is ensuring the comfort and satisfaction of the yacht's guests. This involves delivering a high level of service, having incredible attention to detail, and a friendly and professional demeanour.
- 2. Interior Maintenance: Keeping the interior of the yacht in pristine condition is crucial. This includes cleaning, organizing, and managing inventories of supplies. Housekeeping skills are impeccable.
- 3. Event Coordination: Interior crew often play a key role in organizing and executing onboard events, parties, and special occasions such as theme nights, birthday parties, or anniversaries. Or just Mondays. Your guests are on holidays, so every day could be a party!
Expectations:
- 1. Professionalism: Maintain a high level of professionalism and discretion, respecting the privacy of the guests.
- 2. Adaptability: Be prepared to adapt to ever-changing schedules and guest preferences.
- 3. Culinary Skills: Basic culinary skills are often a plus, as stews will be involved in meal service.
Deckhand:
Responsibilities:
- 1. Exterior Maintenance: Deckhands are responsible for maintaining the exterior of the yacht, including cleaning, painting, varnishing, and general upkeep.
- 2. Water Sports: Assisting guests with water sports activities, operating tenders, and managing water toys are common tasks.
- 3. Navigation Support: Deckhands may be asked to assist with navigation duties. They’ll also participate in safety drills along with the entire crew, but might have more active roles.
Expectations:
- 1. Physical Fitness: The role demands physical strength and endurance for tasks like lifting heavy equipment and handling lines, stamina to keep up with guests (and often their kids) is usually required especially when it comes to watersports and supervision.
- 2. Team Collaboration: Deckhands work closely with other crew members, requiring effective communication and teamwork.
- 3. Safety Awareness: A strong commitment to safety protocols is crucial for the well-being of everyone onboard.
Engineer:
Responsibilities:
- 1. Mechanical Maintenance: Engineers are responsible for the yacht's mechanical systems, engines, and technical equipment.
- 2. Troubleshooting: Rapid problem-solving skills are essential for diagnosing and fixing technical issues that may arise.
- 3. Preventive Maintenance: Conduct routine maintenance to prevent potential breakdowns.
Expectations:
- 1. Technical Expertise: Possess a strong understanding of engineering principles and yacht systems.
- 2. Availability: Engineers may need to be on call 24/7, especially during long journeys.
- 3. Certifications: Often, relevant certifications and qualifications are required for engineering roles.
- 4. Macgyvers: Engineers have to fix everything that everyone else breaks, sometimes this may involve what we refer to as Macgyvering something. Duct tape and WD40 are the engineers’ friends.
Chef:
Responsibilities:
- 1. Culinary Excellence: Chefs onboard superyachts are expected to deliver gourmet meals, catering to diverse tastes and dietary preferences.
- 2. Provisioning: Manage inventory, plan menus, and ensure the availability of fresh, high-quality ingredients.
- 3. Cleanliness: Maintain a hygienic galley and adhere to food safety standards.
Expectations:
- 1. Creativity: Showcase culinary creativity while accommodating guest and crew preferences.
- 2. Time Management: Efficiently plan and execute meals within designated timeframes.
- 3. Adaptability: Be prepared to adjust menus based on guest feedback and dietary restrictions.
Ok so this is a very brief and general guide but hopefully gives you an initial understanding for who does what on board. By understanding the unique responsibilities and expectations associated with each role, new crew members can hopefully embark on their journey with confidence and contribute to the seamless operation of these vessels, and have a little empathy for other departments too.