A superyacht work environment requires maximum dedication, attention, and passion. But is it worth it? You are dedicating a major chunk of your life which takes you away from your family and the warmth of home. But how’s the salary? In this article, we will discuss the Superyacht Crew Salaries for the South African crew members.
Why should I consider working on a Superyacht?
The Superyacht Industry consistently beckons people who are passionate, hardworking, quick-witted, and decisive. It is a rich industry that pays deserving people well. If you are from South Africa, working in the Superyacht Industry means there is a drastic increase in your income and you may consider planning an early retirement.
But that’s not all.
You might have heard how you can experience the world at virtually no cost while earning a hefty sum of money per month. Besides that, while your living space might be cramped, it is one of the most luxurious ones in the world.
But yes, money remains the ultimate motivation for many when you work in any industry. So, let’s talk about superyacht crew salaries for South African crew members without any further ado.
Disclaimer: Please note that the mentioned superyacht crew salaries for crew members from South Africa are monthly salaries and are for informative purposes only. These salaries may not reflect your actual superyacht salary.
Superyacht Crew Salaries for the South African Crew Members
As a South African, you will likely be working on a European-flagged vessel that may or may not attend the Caribbean season. Your salary will differ depending on the size of the yacht and the role you are in. Let’s see how superyacht crew salaries differ according to their roles for South African crew members.
Deckhands and Stewardesses
Deckhands are the primary workforce on a superyacht, maintaining the integrity of decks, hulls, and other miscellaneous places on the yacht.
Depending on your employer, contract, and size of the yacht, you may earn from €2000 to €3500, which is roughly R38,100 to R66,500. This is the entry-level salary and is considered an industry standard around the world.
Experienced Deckhands and Stewardesses
As you gain experience in your work field, your salary will get better.
While it may not look like a massive bump, senior/experienced deckhands and stewardesses can get within the range of €2800 to €4500 or even higher. This mainly depends on the scope of your work and the contract.
In South African Rands, this is roughly between R53,500 and R85,500.
Bosuns and Chief Stewardesses
While smaller vessels may not have these positions, larger vessels do. These two positions open new doors to earning leadership-level experience while earning a higher sum.
A bosun may earn about €3200 to €5000, depending on the role responsibilities, size of the vessel, and contract. In South African Rands, that would roughly translate between R61,000 and R95,500.
Similarly, a chief stewardess earns about €3000 to €7000. If you are working on bigger yachts with a much busier role, you may earn even more. In South African Rands, that would be between R57,500 and R134,000.
Additionally, a chef working on a superyacht earns almost as much as a chief stewardess.
Officers
Depending on the size of the ship and the crew, there may be multiple officer positions. However, the First Officer on a superyacht usually earns between €3000 to €7000 or even higher. It usually resides on the higher side, depending on your experience.
The First Officer is the captain’s point of contact when it comes to communicating with the crew. Furthermore, the First Officer assists the Captain with navigation and safety procedures. He or she is the Captain’s ‘First Mate’.
The salary of the First Officer would roughly translate between R57,500 and R134,000. You will likely be paid on the higher side of the salary spectrum.
Captain
Captain is the highest role on the superyacht. He is the main point of contact between the owner and the yacht crew. Furthermore, he is ultimately responsible for vessel navigation, overseeing the crew, and the superyacht’s safety. A Captain works with different elements of the superyacht crew to keep the operation smooth. You can imagine the amount of responsibility a Captain has to bear.
And it is reflected in their salaries. Depending on the size of the crew and vessel, a Captain may earn between €4000 and €16000. On bigger vessels, you may earn up to €25000 or €30000 even.
Besides, the captain also receives premium benefits from the management, such as paid leaves, bonuses and incentives, and much more.
In South African Rands, that would be between R76,500 to R300,000. Or on the higher side, you may earn up to R500,000 per month.
Conclusion
Superyacht is a rich industry that blesses fortune upon the right people. As a Superyacht Crew Member from South Africa, you will likely be earning in euros or US Dollars. If you have got what it takes, then fortune awaits you!
If you are interested in working in the industry and are a young, passionate worker with dreams, the superyacht industry beckons you. Contact Sail and Power SA today for more information about our Superyacht Crew courses.