Key takeaways
- ✓The first officer is second in command, leads the deck crew (second officer, bosun, deckhands) and is responsible for safety, deck operations and maintenance.
- ✓Most first and second officers on superyachts hold the MCA OOW (Yachts) <3000GT or Chief Mate (Yachts) <3000GT CoC; small yachts may accept Yachtmaster Offshore/Master 200GT.
- ✓Typical pay: around €4,500–6,000 a month on 45–50 m yachts and €7,000+ on 70 m+ yachts; recruiters quote ranges from about €3,500 to €14,000.
- ✓Passage planning, bridge watches, tender and guest operations and the safety management system are core duties.
- ✓Most mates come up through deckhand → bosun → second officer while building watchkeeping sea service.
Main responsibilities
- •Second in command: takes over when the captain is off watch, ashore or on leave
- •Leads, trains and rosters the deck team; handles crew issues on deck
- •Passage planning, bridge watchkeeping and keeping charts and publications up to date
- •Safety: drills, life-saving and fire-fighting equipment, ISM/SMS paperwork, risk assessments
- •Deck operations: mooring and anchoring, tender and toy operations, guest launches and water sports
- •Exterior maintenance and planning yard work with the captain and engineers
- •Security (often the ship security officer) and port/immigration paperwork
Certificates
On yachts over 24 m that follow the large-yacht rules, deck officers need an officer CoC such as OOW (Yachts) <3000GT or Chief Mate (Yachts) <3000GT. On smaller yachts the mate may sail on Yachtmaster Offshore or Master (Code Vessels) <200GT. Expect employers to ask for:
- •STCW Basic Safety Training with in-date refreshers, plus Proficiency in Designated Security Duties or Ship Security Officer
- •Advanced Fire Fighting, Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats, and Medical First Aid
- •GMDSS GOC, ECDIS and Radar/ARPA where the yacht requires them
- •ENG1 medical and a tender/PWC qualification for guest operations
Salary by yacht size
| Yacht size | Typical monthly salary (first officer) |
|---|---|
| 30–40 m | €3,500–5,000 |
| 45–50 m | €4,500–6,000 |
| 50–70 m | €6,000–7,500 |
| 70 m+ | €7,000–10,000+ |
How to step up to first officer
- •Work as deckhand and bosun to learn deck operations, then as second officer to build watchkeeping time
- •Complete the OOW (Yachts) <3000GT modules and oral exam — plan courses in your time off
- •Take short deliveries and relief jobs to add sea miles and watchkeeping days between seasons
- •Ask for leadership responsibility early: running drills, training new crew, planning a passage
- •Keep references from captains — they matter more than anything else when you apply for a mate position
Questions to ask before you accept
- •Programme: private or charter, and how many guest days a year?
- •Rotation and leave, and who covers your duties when you are off?
- •Is the yacht planning a yard period, and will you lead it on deck?
- •Will the owner fund your next CoC (Chief Mate or Master)?
Frequently asked questions
Is a first officer the same as a chief mate?+
Yes. First officer, chief officer and chief mate are names for the same role: second in command on the yacht and head of the deck department.
What certificate does a yacht first officer need?+
On larger yachts usually the MCA OOW (Yachts) <3000GT or Chief Mate (Yachts) <3000GT, plus STCW and security certificates. Smaller yachts may accept Yachtmaster Offshore or Master (Code Vessels) <200GT.
How much does a yacht first officer earn?+
Published guides show roughly €4,500–6,000 a month on 45–50 m yachts and €7,000 or more on 70 m+ yachts, with a wider range of about €3,500–14,000 depending on size, programme and experience.
How long does it take to become a first officer?+
Often four to eight years from deckhand, depending on how quickly you build watchkeeping service and pass the OOW and Chief Mate exams.
Sources
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