Where has the Money gone, they say.
When you’re first lured into the superyacht industry, it can feel like stepping into a new world of ultimate luxury—well, on some vessels, that is. People watch the TV series “Below Deck” and are stunned by the amount of money the crew can make, but they forget that the show is about drama. It’s meant to entertain.
They overlook all the hard work that goes on behind the scenes and that it isn’t all as it seems.
I can tell you, it’s not as it appears. Yes, there is an element of truth, but let’s not lose sight of the shenanigans that happen behind the scenes, orchestrated by the producers.
First, a disclaimer:
I’ve been in this industry since 1986, and I come from an era where hard work was the norm, and you just got on with it. Recently, I’ve noticed a lot of complaints on Facebook yachtie forums about low salaries and working 18 days in a row with no break.
If you don’t like it, get out! Go work in the cruise ship industry, where you’ll work every day until your contract is up, which can be six months straight. Or, if you manage to get on a vessel with a great charter reputation, you could be working 12 weeks back-to-back.
Some people think that those accepting low-paying jobs are traitors and shouldn’t take those salaries. It’s easy for them to judge, but they have no idea what that person’s circumstances are.
Salaries used to Be…
Heck, I started on £50 a month on a 75m yacht in the Med back in ’86. The deck crew were making £20, and 95% of them were South African. Admittedly, they didn’t care much because they knew the salaries were terrible, so why bother? They were only there for a good time, not as career-minded individuals.
The pay for different crew roles in the superyacht industry has evolved significantly since the 1980s. Here are some key changes:
Yacht Crew salaries have changed.
- Entry-Level Positions: Back in the ’80s, entry-level positions like deckhands or stewardesses often started around £20-£50 per month. Today, entry-level salaries typically range from €2,500 to €3,500 per month (approximately $2,700 to $3,800), depending on the yacht’s size and location.
- Experienced Crew: As crew members gain experience, their salaries have increased. A first officer or chief stewardess can now earn anywhere from €4,500 to €8,000 monthly (about $4,900 to $8,700), whereas in the past, these roles might have paid significantly less.
- Captains and Senior Roles: Captains and senior positions have seen some of the most substantial pay increases. A captain on a large yacht can earn between €10,000 and €20,000 per month (around $10,900 to $21,800) today, compared to much lower figures in the past.
- Specialized Roles: Crew with specialized skills, such as chefs or engineers, also command higher salaries due to increased demand for expertise. Chefs, for instance, can earn between €5,000 and €12,000 per month (approximately $5,400 to $13,100), depending on their qualifications and the yacht’s profile.
- Influence of Market Trends: The overall increase in salaries can be attributed to the growing demand for luxury experiences and the need for highly skilled professionals in the industry.
Benefits and Packages.
While pay has generally improved, some crew still face challenges regarding long hours and demanding schedules, which can affect job satisfaction. Overall, though, the financial landscape for yacht crew has become more favorable over the years.
In the superyacht industry, benefits packages can vary widely depending on the yacht, the owner, and the specific crew role. However, some typical benefits offered alongside salaries include:
- Accommodation: Crew members usually receive shared accommodation on board, which helps reduce living expenses.
- Food and Meals: Most yachts provide meals for the crew during their working periods, often prepared by onboard chefs.
- Health Insurance: Many yachts offer health insurance or contribute towards medical coverage, which is essential given the physical demands of the job.
- Paid Leave: Crew members typically receive paid leave, often calculated as a certain number of days off for every month worked. This can vary significantly between different yachts.
- Travel Allowances: Some yachts offer travel allowances or cover travel expenses for crew members when traveling to and from the yacht.
- Training and Development: Many employers invest in training programs for their crew, covering costs for courses that enhance skills and certifications, such as STCW safety training or specialized culinary classes.
- End-of-Contract Bonuses: It’s common for crew members to receive a bonus at the end of a successful contract, especially on charter yachts, where performance is highly valued.
- Crew Activities: Some yachts organize crew outings or recreational activities, which can help build team cohesion and provide a break from work.
These benefits can vary widely based on the yacht’s size, the owner’s preferences, and the crew’s roles, but they play a significant role in attracting and retaining talent in the industry.
Conclusion
So, now you have a better understanding, at least somewhat; in this industry there is a lot to learn. Yachting it is not for everyone and for those that have the adventurous side and can hack the pace it can be a very rewarding career that gives you a lot more than you would gain in a 9-5 job on land.