Key takeaways
- ✓The chief engineer is responsible for all technical systems on board, from main engines to the tenders, plus maintenance planning, spares and the engineering budget.
- ✓The certificate needed depends on the yacht’s tonnage and propulsion power: MCA yacht engineer certificates (Y4 to Y1) or full STCW engineer certificates.
- ✓Published 2026 figures put base pay at about €5,000–7,000 a month on 30–40 m yachts and €12,000–15,000 on 80–100 m yachts.
- ✓Rotation is common on larger yachts, and tips on charter yachts come on top of base salary.
- ✓Most chief engineers step up from second engineer after building sea time and the next certificate.
What a chief engineer does
- •Runs and maintains main engines, generators, hydraulics, watermakers, HVAC and electrical systems
- •Plans maintenance, keeps the planned-maintenance system and engine logs up to date
- •Orders spares and manages the engineering budget with the captain and management company
- •Leads the engineering team (second engineer, ETO, junior engineers) on larger yachts
- •Prepares the yacht for surveys, flag inspections and refits, and supervises contractors
- •On smaller yachts: often the only engineer, also helping on deck and with tenders and toys
Chief engineer salary by yacht length (2026)
| Yacht length | Monthly base pay |
|---|---|
| 30–40 m | €5,000–7,000 |
| 40–50 m | €6,500–8,000 |
| 50–60 m | €8,000–12,000 |
| 60–80 m | €11,000–12,000+ |
| 80–100 m | €12,000–15,000 |
| 100 m+ | €13,000–15,000+ |
Certificates
- •STCW Basic Safety Training and an ENG1 medical (all crew)
- •An engineering certificate of competence that matches the yacht’s tonnage and kW — on Red Ensign yachts usually the MCA yacht engineer route (Y4 to Y1)
- •The AEC (Approved Engine Course) is the usual first step for junior engineers
- •Larger yachts and commercial vessels may require full STCW engineer officer certificates
Requirements differ between flag states and between private and commercial yachts. Check the manning requirements for the specific yacht.
How to become a chief engineer
- •Start with the AEC and a junior or sole engineer job on a smaller yacht
- •Log sea time and workshop time carefully — both count towards engineer certificates
- •Move up to second engineer and take the next Y-certificate
- •Learn the systems of larger yachts: stabilisers, high-voltage, automation and AV/IT links
- •Use relief and delivery work to build experience between permanent jobs
Frequently asked questions
How much does a yacht chief engineer earn?+
Published 2026 figures range from about €5,000–7,000 a month on 30–40 m yachts to €12,000–15,000 or more on 80 m+ yachts, before tips and bonuses.
What qualifications does a yacht chief engineer need?+
STCW Basic Safety Training, an ENG1 medical and an engineering certificate of competence that matches the yacht’s tonnage and propulsion power, such as the MCA Y4–Y1 yacht engineer certificates.
What is the difference between a chief engineer and a second engineer?+
The chief engineer is responsible for the whole engineering department, budget and maintenance planning. The second engineer supports the chief and runs day-to-day work and watches.
Do yacht engineers work on rotation?+
Many chief engineers on larger yachts work rotation, for example two or three months on and the same off. Smaller yachts more often offer permanent positions with set leave.
Sources
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