One of the biggest decisions aspiring yacht crew face is choosing between the deck department and the interior department. Both offer rewarding careers with excellent pay and travel opportunities, but they require different skills and personalities. This guide will help you determine which path is right for you.
Deck Department Overview
The deck department is responsible for the exterior of the yacht, navigation, and water activities. Deck crew work outdoors in various weather conditions and handle physically demanding tasks.
Deckhand Responsibilities
- Washing, waxing, and polishing the yacht's exterior
- Handling lines and fenders during docking and anchoring
- Driving tenders and operating water toys (jet skis, seabobs, etc.)
- Assisting with navigation watches (typically 4 hours on, 8 hours off)
- Maintaining deck equipment and machinery
- Assisting with anchor operations
- General exterior cleaning and maintenance
Deck Department Career Path
- Deckhand (Junior): $3,000 - $3,500/month - Entry-level, learning basic skills
- Deckhand (Senior): $3,500 - $4,500/month - Experienced, takes more responsibility
- Lead Deckhand: $4,000 - $5,500/month - Supervises other deckhands
- Bosun: $4,500 - $6,500/month - Manages deck department operations
- Second Officer: $5,000 - $7,000/month - Navigation officer duties
- Chief Officer: $6,000 - $9,000/month - Second in command
- Captain: $8,000 - $15,000+/month - Ultimate vessel responsibility
Interior Department Overview
The interior department focuses on guest services, housekeeping, and creating a luxurious experience for charter guests and owners. Interior crew work primarily indoors and need strong attention to detail and hospitality skills.
Stewardess Responsibilities
- Housekeeping - cleaning and maintaining all interior spaces
- Laundry - washing, ironing, and organizing linens and guest clothing
- Table service - setting formal tables, serving meals, clearing dishes
- Bartending - preparing drinks and maintaining bar inventory
- Flower arranging and interior decoration
- Guest assistance - anticipating and fulfilling guest needs
- Inventory management of interior supplies
Interior Department Career Path
- Stewardess (Junior): $3,000 - $3,500/month - Entry-level, learning service standards
- Stewardess: $3,500 - $4,000/month - Experienced, handles guest service
- Second Stewardess: $3,800 - $5,000/month - Supervises junior stewardesses
- Chief Stewardess: $4,500 - $7,500/month - Manages entire interior department
Salary Comparison Table
Both departments offer competitive salaries. Here's how they compare at entry level:
- Entry-level Deckhand: $3,000 - $3,500/month + tips ($500-$2,000/month)
- Entry-level Stewardess: $3,000 - $3,500/month + tips ($500-$2,000/month)
Tips are shared equally among all crew members regardless of department, so both departments benefit equally from charter tips.
Which Role Fits Your Personality?
Choose Deck Department if you:
- Enjoy physical work and being outdoors
- Don't mind getting dirty and sweating
- Have mechanical aptitude and enjoy technical tasks
- Prefer working independently or in small teams
- Want a clear career path to captain
- Enjoy water sports and driving tenders
Choose Interior Department if you:
- Excel at customer service and guest interaction
- Have high attention to detail and perfectionism
- Enjoy creating beautiful environments and experiences
- Prefer working in climate-controlled indoor spaces
- Want to develop hospitality and service skills
- Enjoy organizing, cleaning, and creating order
Can You Switch Departments?
Yes! While less common, it is possible to switch departments, especially early in your career. Some crew members start as deckhands and later transition to interior, or vice versa. Your STCW certification works for both departments, but you'll need to learn department-specific skills.
Dual Role Positions
Some yachts offer combined positions, such as Deck/Stewardess, where you work in both departments. These positions are common on smaller yachts (under 40 meters) where crew numbers are limited. Dual-role crew typically earn slightly higher base salaries ($3,500 - $4,500/month).
Making Your Decision
Still unsure which department to choose? Consider these questions:
- Do you prefer working outside or inside?
- Are you more technically minded or service oriented?
- Do you enjoy physical labor or detailed cleaning?
- What are your long-term career goals?
Many crew members find their ideal department by trying one and seeing how they feel. The yachting industry is flexible, and you can always switch departments if you discover a better fit.
