Competent, reliable and affordable: hiring the perfect skipper for your yacht
While for many boat owners being at the helm in person and caring for all the aspects of the yacht, the boat trips and maintenance is a matter of course, some would like to delegate these tasks to a professionally hired skipper. In this article, we'll journey through the multifaceted role of a boat skipper and list their responsibilities from navigation to guest relations. Our guide is meant to make you confident to find the right candidate who has all the crucial skills to care for your yacht, your guests and ultimately, for you as the yacht owner.
When do you need a professional skipper for your motor yacht?
The reasons why boat owners hire skippers and crews are various. Obviously, there is a certain boat size from where professionals should take over the helm. Managing the sheer power of the boat´s engines or traversing the enormous boat lengths to secure the mooring lines are just two of the examples. Which size? It depends from the owner and people aboard, the owner´s age or potential physical conditions of the owner may play a role here.
Boat skippers commonly start to work on motor yachts as big as 50 feet – upwards. Yachts with a size of 70 feet or more may need additional crew, an aspect we´ll delve into later in this article.
Budgetary limitations and a possible part-time utilisation of the yacht may also come into play.
Having a professional yacht skipper can as well be a choice of representative concerns: if your motor yacht is used as a company asset, having a professional captain carries a certain weight helping to intensify the impression made on your guests and business partners.
When having your boat rented away for charter guests, providing a skipper should be on your list. Offering a luxury motor yacht for charter will procure higher rates to be collected from the charter guests and also enhance the quality of the vacation the vessel promises.
What is the role of a yacht skipper?
We all have a more or less settled image of a ship´s captain. If we are sailors ourselves or not, those idealistic notions are often a mix of facts and some colorful hearsay. Let´s dive a bit deeper into the hard fact of skippering a yacht: what does a boat skipper do? So, no matter if you really want to hire a skipper for your yacht or you take the helm in your own hands, the following list is a must-know for anyone commanding a vessel.
Skipper’s domains on a yacht:
Navigation: the skipper is the primary navigator. Thus responsible for charting the course (route planning), considering factors like weather (weather routing), tides and potential hazards.
Safety: a skipper knows the maritime laws and regulations of the areas his ship is sailing in. He is responsible that boat, crew and guests are compliant with these rules. A skipper may conduct regular safety drills and is responsible for crew and passenger safety at all times.
Maintenance oversight: while your boat may be too small to hire a proper chief engineer, the skipper will handle technical aspects of the yacht. A good skipper can oversee the yacht's overall maintenance, ensuring the boat is always in top condition.
Emergency handling: in unforeseen situations, the skipper is the decision-maker, whether it's a medical emergency or a mechanical failure. He should therefore both have the skills and the authority to enforce effective and quick conduct in an emergency.
Guest relations: if wanted by the owners, a skipper interacts with the ship´s guests. He has the charm and representative aura to also work as an asset for the yacht´s external projection. The skipper addresses guest´s concerns and ensures their voyage is made an unforgettable memory.
Crew management: if a crew is needed for yacht operations, a skipper will select, hire, train and manage the crew. He is responsible for an optimal performance and the coordination among the various departments onboard.
Countries like Malta, Bermuda, and the Bahamas allow skippers to officiate weddings on board, turning maritime journeys into romantic celebrations.
Becoming a good skipper: which skills to look for
When you start evaluating potential skippers for your boat, as in every job, there are certain skills any applicant should bring to the table. While its easy to list the obvious attributes, like having a lot of active sea hours, competence and proficiency in navigation and a commanding presence, some others demand a deeper look.
Because apart from those undoubtedly crucial traits, there are other essential yet overlooked competencies. How can you assess the applicant´s adaptability in unforeseen scenarios? Or the skipper´s capacity to foster crew cohesion? What about their finesse in guest relations?
To simplify this, we've categorised a skill-set of six distinct areas so that you can assess potential candidates more carefully:
1. A good skipper is a skilled navigator
The navigational prowess sits atop the list of sought-after attributes. A good skipper should be able to master the modern navigational tools your motor yacht is equipped with. An acute understanding of marine charts is compulsory. Same as an intuitive grasp and deep understanding of the weather at sea. That is because a skipper always ensures the vessel moving with safety, purpose and precision.
2. Yacht mechanical proficiency
Beyond charting courses, it is crucial that your skipper possesses a deep knowledge of the yacht's intricate mechanics. It's often said that a captain knows their boat like the back of their hand – especially in the bowels below deck. When underway, a perfectly smooth trip with your yacht ploughing through a deep blue sea, it's easy to forget that there is a complex machinery working diligently below the surface. Yet, if a sudden engine hiccup occurs mid-voyage or a crucial system malfunctions, the skipper's mechanical aptitude becomes paramount.
A seasoned skipper should be able to troubleshoot common mechanical issues. This starts with identifying the telltale signs of failing machinery or parts and also incorporates repairs, even if these are just an ingenious workarounds and interim fixes, making for a safe landing in the nearest port.
Your search for a skipper may be driven by acquiring candidates with experience on exactly the very same type of yacht that you own. While this is a good idea if your boat is a mass produced series production yacht, but it will also narrow down your choice on fewer candidates. Allow your potential skipper to grow into the delicate details of your motor boat.
3. A skipper must be a leader
Technical expertise and navigational skills are the very tools of any yacht skipper. Hard facts you may check with ease. A bit more challenging is the quest for a yacht´s captain who displays robust yet exemplary leadership. Given the close confines of a yacht and the constant interplay of varied tasks, securing a skipper who can handle these “soft skills”, is paramount for your search. Prioritise according to this list:
Decision making: as a captain of the ship, this is the prime character of any skipper on any vessel. Given the unpredictability of the seas, a skipper's decision-making prowess in high-pressure scenarios becomes absolutely vital. He should exhibit the capacity to swiftly evaluate situations, weigh potential outcomes and act decisively. In this, a good skipper will always prioritise the safety of all people on board, of the yacht itself and her surroundings.
Delegation & trust: in contrast to the above mentioned, a skipper knows exactly he can't do it all by himself. An effective one recognises the strengths and capabilities of his crew. The art of delegation, entrusting tasks where they'll be best executed while ensuring everyone feels empowered should be an integral part of any skipper´s skillset.
· Crew cohesion: if you plan to hire not just a yacht skipper but also a crew, seek a skipper who understands the significance of a united team. The ideal candidate should foster a true team spirit on your yacht, ensuring members feel valued and motivated to collaborate seamlessly. Albeit being perceivable only after a certain time, the skipper´s touch should be evident in how harmoniously the crew works towards shared objectives.
Conflict resolution: boats are like social reaction chambers. With diverse personalities in close quarters, disagreements are inevitable. Be aware that conflicts will occur also on your yacht. But don´t panic. A competent skipper will have a keen sense for emerging disharmonies, will address conflicts swiftly and mediate differences. All of this will at best happen without your knowledge and problems be solved below deck. The outcome should always be a harmonious environment for you, your family and guests aboard.
4. Finding a skipper with medical and safety expertise
While most matters of planning a luxurious yacht cruise are fun, there are certain dire scenarios we often choose to keep at the periphery of our thoughts. But as any serene voyage can swiftly transform into a challenge, it's the skipper's wisdom and expertise that will determine the outcome. For the peace of mind of both you as the yacht´s owner as well as for your guests (and in case something happens), you should make sure that the hands guiding the yacht are well-equipped to tackle emergencies.
These are the pivotal skills every skipper should master:
Swift medical response: a skipper should be trained to provide immediate first aid in case of injuries, from cuts and burns to more severe injuries. A multitude of trainings and courses provide the necessary skills set. A professional skipper should be trained and licensed under SOLAS-rules (Safety of Life at Sea) and offer an official certificate as proof.
Man overboard procedures: understanding and initiating swift action when a person falls overboard is vital to increase the chances of a successful rescue. MOB code of conduct should be the baked into the capabilities of any skipper.
Fire safety protocols: did you know that onboard fires are the number one cause for total losses of yachts? Having a skipper how is well-versed in managing fire hazard, fire prevention and of course fire extinction is paramount. This goes for fires in the living areas of the yacht as well as for engine-fires down below. Managing the maintenance of extinguishers, manual and automatic fire suppression systems is also a skill your skipper should master.
Distress signalling: in case of emergency, a skipper should be trained and safe in applying proper distress calls. This ranges from the VHF radio and DSC digital distress signals to EPIRP and other electronic means of emergency calls, to the mastery in using distress rockets, flares and other visual devices to signal for help.
Abandon ship procedures: in the worst and extreme scenarios where the boat must be abandoned, the skipper should know all evacuation procedures. He is responsible for a safe conduct of the ship´s evacuation, the proper inflation and transfer to the life boats of the yacht and above all, that everyone is accounted for.
5. Your skipper should know the law: maritime legal acumen
Depending on the region where your yacht is based, longer voyages often means delving into international waters. This fact means the multiple jurisdictions will be crossed along the way. The seafaring world is complex, woven with various laws and regulations that differ from one region to another. It's paramount to have a skipper knowledgeable about international maritime conventions, ensuring proper and complete documentation. All official papers of the yacht, her crew and the guests must always be current and in order.
For some countries navigating their customs authorities and immigration processes seamlessly is one of the most important issues as most of the problems potentially occur in these departments. Understanding ecological conservation laws specific to marine territories are of growing importance. It goes without saying that adhering to the regulations of different ports are vital facets of a skipper's responsibility as well.
6. When hospitality meets seamanship
For many yacht owners, the serene tranquility of a secluded yacht cruise is a welcome counterpart to their otherwise stressful business life ashore. But for others, welcoming guests, friends or family aboard their boats is the culmination of hospitality. That said, a skipper's ability to engage guests, understand their preferences and make their stay most comfortable and enjoyable is a true enhancement of the luxury of the yacht.
Apart from the clear articulation of safety protocols and being at the helm, adeptly gauging guest comfort levels and maintaining a cheerful demeanour are nuances which significantly influence the overall mood aboard. Your skipper should be a master in these skills too.
Fun Fact: wedding ceremonies aboard a ship
While this is mostly connected with cruise ship captains, countries like Malta, Bermuda and the Bahamas indeed allow skippers to officiate weddings on board. Even on your yacht, you could thus turn a maritime journey into an unforgettable romantic celebration.
Where to find a yacht skipper?
Having delved into the various skills sets and delivering some serious points for the job description of your future yacht skipper, let´s discuss the sources to collect applications from.
The good news is you're never short of options. Here's where you might strike gold on your quest for a boat captain:
Source | Description | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
Yacht Crew Agencies | Professional crew recruitment agencies are well-versed in the maritime industry and have a roster of qualified skippers. | Vetted candidates. Industry expertise. | Agency fees. Limited pool. |
Online Platforms | Dedicated websites and apps for yacht owners to post vacancies or browse skipper profiles. Often have reviews and ratings. | User reviews. Wide reach. | Varying reliability. Information overload. |
Maritime Schools & Training Institutes | Liaise with schools for graduates who are well-trained in modern navigational methods. | Fresh talent. Modern training. | Less experience. Narrow specialisations. |
Word of Mouth | Personal recommendations from other boat owners, crew members, or maritime professionals. | Direct referrals. Trusted sources. | Biased views. Limited range. |
Yacht Clubs and Marinas | Hubs of networking within the yachting community. Members might know skippers familiar with local waters and regulations. | Local expertise. Networking opportunities. | Limited to region. May lack specialisation |
Boat skipper salary: how expensive is a professional boat captain?
Navigating the skipper market for the first time can often raise eyebrows, especially when it comes to salary expectations. As mentioned above, crew recruitment agencies can provide some transparency in this matter. Be aware that their insights often come with a fee or percentage markup. You can also embark on the adventure of hiring a skipper solo, but this might necessitate honing your negotiation skills. In any case, to reach an agreement, those a skipper-contract should be satisfying for both the owner and the skipper.
Variable factors that can tip this negotiation balance include qualifications, especially those endorsed by the Royal Yachting Association (RYA). Equally vital are the total sea hours logged by the applicant and the variety of experiences garnered over time.
Then there's your vessel: as we have stated at the beginning of this guide, the size and type of your yacht can significantly impact pay. Also, employment nature, be it seasonal, full-time, or contract-based, further complicates the compensation landscape, as well as the region where your yacht is active. Living costs in the Eastern part of the Mediterranean are much lower than compared to the Cote d´Azur, to name just one variable. Regional pay differences are often underestimated.
Lastly, consider factors like additional job responsibilities an overarching economic and industry trends, as each of these can nudge the remuneration scales.
Hands down: how much does a skipper earn in the UK? On average, an entry-level skipper might anticipate an annual compensation ranging from £25,000 to £30,000. In contrast, seasoned professionals steering luxury vessels could see salaries surging well beyond £50,000.
Having detailed the desired qualities in a skipper, your subsequent challenge lies in determining whether your prospective candidates truly embody these attributes. This often involves a more or less exhaustive vetting process that should be painstakingly tailored to reveal their technical skills, credentials, and interpersonal capabilities. We are sure that with determination and skilful selection you will finally get to identify the best skipper for your yacht!
Employment test: the skipper's vetting process
If you have collected a number of applications, how to tackle the selection process to find the perfect fit the captain´s chair of your yacht? Below is a comprehensive step-by-step guide to facilitate your recruitment journey:
1. Preliminary resume screening:
Purpose: filter out candidates who don't meet the basic requirements.
Review the CV for relevant qualifications, certifications, and work history.
Obtain a recent medical certificate. Put a special emphasis on drug and alcohol abuse.
Check for the duration of their experience and the types of vessels they've managed. Skipping employments in short periods of time may be an indicator.
2. Background check:
Purpose: ensure the authenticity of their credentials and verify their background.
This can include criminal record checks, verification of certifications, and identity checks.
3. Reference checks:
Purpose: gain insight into the skipper's past performance and behaviour.
Reach out to previous employers or colleagues listed on the resume. If the applicant won´t disclose any of those contacts, it is an indicator.
Ask about their strengths, areas of improvement and overall reliability.
4. Initial phone or video interview:
Purpose: assess communication skills and gauge first impressions.
Discuss their motivation for applying and their career aspirations.
Briefly touch upon scenarios to understand their decision-making process.
5. Technical assessment:
Purpose: evaluate their knowledge of navigation, machinery, and emergency protocols.
This could be a written test, a simulation, or a practical demonstration.
Assess their understanding of maritime laws and regulations.
6. Face-to-face interview:
Purpose: dive deeper into their experiences and assess cultural fit.
Discuss challenging situations they've faced and their responses.
Understand their approach to leadership, team management, and guest relations.
7. Practical assessment on the vessel:
Purpose: observe their hands-on skills and compatibility with the yacht.
Let them take the helm and navigate for a short duration.
Evaluate their familiarity with the machinery and equipment onboard.
8. Psychological & behavioral assessment:
Purpose: understand their temperament, especially in high-pressure scenarios.
This can be done through standardised tests or situational judgement tests.
Helps in understanding their coping mechanisms and resilience.
9. Contract Negotiations:
Purpose: finalise terms of employment and set clear expectations.
Discuss remuneration, leaves, working hours, and other terms of employment.
Ensure both parties are in agreement with the conditions set forth.
10. Onboarding & Orientation:
Purpose: familiarise the skipper with the yacht's protocols, crew, and specifics.
This could be a few days where they shadow the outgoing skipper or undergo formal training sessions.
Introduce them to the crew, tour the vessel, and ensure they're comfortable in their new role.
How to hire a complete crew for your yacht
For some it does not stop with finding a boat captain. As the boat grows bigger or your needs for more service, it may become necessary to hire further staff that will form the crew. On a motor yacht, the configurations of such a crew often reflect the owner's specific needs and desires. Some opt for a comprehensive setup, bringing roles such as the Chief Steward or Stewardess for tailored guest experiences. Some yachts sport a full setup of crewmembers. Owners choose to hire a dedicated Chef manning the galley of their yacht to produce gourmet onboard dining. On larger yachts, a Purser for administrative oversight aboard may be needed.
Conversely, other owners might prefer a more streamlined team, focusing on only the essentials like a Chief Engineer for technical needs and a Deckhand for general upkeep.
Regardless of how expansive or minimalistic the setup for your yacht will be, central to all these configurations is the skipper. He should be part of the selection and decision making process of the team as he will be in charge of the crew, responsible for each of their performances.
You may use the above listed step-by-step guide managing the hiring process. You may want to delegate the bulk of the administrative work to your skipper.
Finding a perfect skipper for your motor yacht: the bottom line
Embarking on the quest for a boat skipper is an expedition in its own right. Dive deep into research, weighing both safety and interpersonal synergy. It's paramount that the chosen individual not only wields technical prowess but also harmonises with your envisioned sea journey. Your local dealer should be the first to talk to about your project. As he remains a beacon of knowledge, you can not only harness this expansive network. He will help to configure your new yacht to cater the needs of a crewed motor yacht. As you further navigate the intricacies of your yacht crew recruitment journey, you may want to forge connections with fellow mariners either through forums, yacht clubs, or simply those you meet dockside at marinas. Their shared experiences and insights can be invaluable.