All roles/Deck and Bridge/Junior Deckhand
Deck and Bridge
Junior Deckhand
A junior deckhand is the entry level member of the deck team, keeping the exterior spotless, handling lines and fenders, and helping run tenders and water toys so guests get a safe, polished yacht every day.
- Department
- Deck and Bridge
- Reports to
- Bosun / Boatswain
- Yacht size
- 45m to 150m+
- Contract
- Seasonal or permanent
- Starting pay
- €2,300 per month
What the job is
A junior deckhand is the newest member of the deck team, usually on a yacht of 45m or more where there are enough crew for a proper hierarchy. You wash down, polish stainless, scrub teak, help with lines and fenders when the yacht docks or anchors, and keep the tenders and water toys clean and ready. Most of the work is physical and repetitive. Done well, it keeps the exterior looking exactly as the owner expects every single morning.
On charter the job shifts towards guests. You launch and recover toys, help guests on and off the swim platform, set up the beach club and take a turn on anchor watch at night. You learn by shadowing the deckhands and the bosun: how to bring a tender alongside, how to flake a line, how to rig a passerelle. Captains hiring for this role look for attitude and fitness first, because the skills can be taught in a season.
Expect long days, especially in the Mediterranean summer and the Caribbean winter. Charter days can run to 14 hours or more, with lighter weeks between trips and during yard periods. You share a cabin, wear uniform and live by the yacht's rules on alcohol and shore leave. In return you get food, accommodation, flights, tips and a clear ladder. Most junior deckhands who stick at it move up to deckhand within one or two seasons.
What makes a good one
- Physical fitness and stamina
- Exterior cleaning and detailing
- Line handling and knots
- Confident swimmer
- Willingness to learn fast
A day in the life
- 06:30Morning wash down of the decks, superstructure and glass, then chamois everything dry before guests wake. Wipe down sunpads and lay out the cushions.
- 07:30Crew breakfast, then the bosun's briefing on the guest plan, tender runs and which toys go in the water.
- 08:30Open the beach club, launch the jet skis and Seabobs, and rig the swim ladder and inflatable slide.
- 10:00Help guests onto the toys and keep watch from the swim platform or the chase tender. Refuel and rinse kit between rides.
- 12:30Lunch in shifts. Afterwards, polish stainless on the foredeck and clean salt off windows the guests can see.
- 15:00Act as line handler on a tender shore run to the beach restaurant, carrying bags and helping guests step ashore.
- 17:30Recover and rinse all toys, flush engines, stow the slide and give the platform a full wash down.
- 19:30Crew dinner, then turn down the exterior: cover cushions, set deck lighting and tidy the tender garage.
- 22:00Two hour anchor watch, checking position, swing and weather, and doing rounds of the decks before handing over.
Pay by country
Monthly salary for a junior deckhand on a 45m to 80m yacht, with food, accommodation and flights included. Charter yachts usually add tips of 5 to 15% of the charter fee, shared among crew, which can add €1,000 to €3,000 per trip in a busy season.
- France and Monaco
- €2,300 – 2,800
- Spain
- €2,300 – 2,800
- Italy
- €2,300 – 2,800
- United Kingdom
- £2,000 – 2,450
- USA (Florida)
- US$2,500 – 3,100
- Caribbean
- US$2,500 – 3,100
- UAE
- AED 9,200 – 11,400
- Australia
- A$3,900 – 4,800
- New Zealand
- NZ$4,300 – 5,300
Required
- STCW Basic Safety Training
- ENG1 medical
- PDSD (Proficiency in Designated Security Duties)
Recommended
- RYA Powerboat Level 2
- RYA PWC
- Efficient Deck Hand (EDH)
- PADI Divemaster
Visas
- Schengen visa
- US B1/B2 (or C1/D)
- Australian MCV
Where it leads
Junior Deckhand jobs open now
Questions crew ask
Do I need yachting experience to get a junior deckhand job?
No. Most junior deckhands start with only STCW Basic Safety Training, an ENG1 and PDSD. Any time on boats, watersports work or trade skills like painting or carpentry will help your CV stand out.
What is the difference between a junior deckhand and a deckhand?
A junior deckhand is on their first season or two and works under close supervision. A deckhand is trusted to drive tenders, run toys and do varnish or paint work with less oversight, and is paid more.
How do I find my first job?
Most people base themselves in Antibes, Palma or Fort Lauderdale at the start of the season and look for daywork. Daywork builds references and contacts, and many permanent junior deckhand jobs are filled by dayworkers the crew already know.