Yachtie Guide: yacht bosun salary & job description

Imagine getting paid to speed around in tenders, practice watersports and make sure a multi-million dollar luxury superyacht looks its best at all times. Well, welcome to the life of a yacht bosun.

A bosun is a relatively new term for the leader of the deck team – someone who knows exactly how to make the yacht sparkle while keeping the guests smiling. Find out what to expect from a bosun salary, what a bosun does on a yacht, the qualifications needed to become a bosun and our top tips for securing a role.

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What is a typical bosun salary?

A bosun salary generally ranges between $3,500-5,000 per month, starting at $3,500 for those with minimal experience. Factors that might lead to a higher bosun salary include watersport certification, such as those all-important diving or kitesurfing credentials, and engineering experience or qualifications.

The size of the yacht is also an influencing factor – working on superyachts over 70 meters can earn you up to $6,000 per month, but it may also mean a lot more work. Meanwhile, a lack of shipyard experience may mean you earn less than other bosuns working on similar sized vessels.

While there is no typical bosun salary, you can expect a significant pay rise from your previous job as an experienced deckhand (or lead deckhand on a larger yacht), reflecting your increased duties.

What is a bosun on a yacht and what do they do?

Yacht Bosun

Overseeing a team of deckhands, the bosun manages the exterior maintenance of the yacht while handling a number of additional tasks, such as bridge watches and security patrol. Bosun jobs bridge the gap between deckhand and officer, with a lot of hard graft to balance out all that fun! On yachts under 50 meters the bosun is sometimes known as the lead deckhand, whereas on bigger superyachts the role of the bosun is generally separate, heading up the lead deckhand and the rest of the ‘deckies’. This can make it confusing deciphering exactly what a bosun is on yacht… luckily, we have the answers!

Having usually spent at least 2-3 years as a deckhand, a bosun should be an exterior yacht maintenance connoisseur. You’ll need to know which cleaning product to use for what, how to get the teak looking spotless and how to repair anything on deck. Often, you’ll also have a specialized skill that sets you apart from the rest of the deckhands, such as advanced varnishing or rigging. Bosuns also need a very pleasant manner with guests, with plenty of experience driving guests in tenders. The yacht bosun is often the main point of contact for excursions and ideally would be qualified to lead some watersports activities.

The bosun’s exterior duties are extensive, including painting, stripping, varnishing, waxing, Awlgrip, cleaning engines, and maintaining the various water toys aboard. As such, being a yacht bosun requires someone who can manage a team effectively, delegating tasks as needed while remaining friendly with the crew. Bridge watches under passage and yacht security are other common – though less exciting – duties in this job.

What qualifications do you need to become a bosun?

Like the sound of #bosunlife? Here are the credentials you need to take on the role.

MCA STCW Basic Safety training
2-3 years as a deckhand and a strong understanding of yachting
Tender driving proficiency
Practical knowledge of water sports activities
Depending on the size of yacht, an RYA Yachtmaster Offshore or an STCW’95 OOW yachts certification may be required

While the following are not necessities, they will certainly make you stand out when looking for positions.

MCA Yacht Rating Certificate
RYA Power Boat level 2 or IYT Tender Driver Licence
GMDSS VHF/SRC Radio Operators Certificate

How to transition from deckhand to bosun

Now we’ve covered what a bosun is on a yacht you may well be thinking it’s your perfect job – a chance to spend your days in some of the world’s most incredible destinations, working onboard a vessel that is beyond your wildest dreams. So, how to get there?

Progression in yacht jobs generally comes from a willingness to work hard and prove your dedication to life at sea. Whether you’re in one of your first deckhand jobs or are just trying to get your foot in the door with daywork, rest assured it’s all about working your way up. While you prove yourself, training in as many watersports as possible is one way to make a Captain notice your yachting CV, as are any navigational or security qualifications.

Being a bosun will definitely involve a lot of hard work – from long hours to physically grueling duties – however it is also highly rewarding, offering the opportunity to manage your own team, take on more responsibility and earn that top-end bosun salary.

YACHT BOSUN