Working on a yacht is a unique experience, combining the thrill of the open waters with the responsibility of navigating the yacht and ensuring the safety of the passengers and crew.

Navigation and deck staff play a vital role in the smooth operation of a yacht, with a range of duties and responsibilities that are both challenging and rewarding. From using the latest navigational technology to controlling the yacht's anchors and lines, navigators and deck staff must be highly skilled and experienced in the maritime industry.

​They must possess a thorough knowledge of the rules and regulations of the sea and be able to manage the crew and passengers on board. With the help of the captain and crew, navigation and deck staff ensure that the yacht is safely operated and maintained, providing an unforgettable experience for all onboard.

Roles and responsibilities of navigation and deck staff

The role of the navigation staff is to ensure that the yacht is safely and efficiently operated.

Navigators must be highly skilled at reading weather and sea conditions, and use this information to determine the best course of action for the yacht. They must also have a thorough understanding of the rules and regulations used to manage the safety of the yacht while at sea. The navigator is responsible for the following:

• Keeping track of the yacht’s location at all times using GPS, instruments, and charts. They must also maintain a detailed log of all navigational information such as speed and course.
• Using satellite technology to monitor the weather and water conditions around the yacht.
• Maintaining an accurate record of the yacht’s fuel, water levels, and the engine hours.
• Monitoring the progress of the yacht using navigation software. They must also enter all navigational data into the yacht’s computer systems.

Yacht captain

The captain of the yacht is responsible for the safety of the passengers and crew, and ensuring that the yacht is operated efficiently and safely.

Captains are responsible for overseeing all aspects of the yacht operation and also for hiring and training deck staff. They must also have a thorough understanding of the rules and regulations governing the maritime industry and be able to interpret maritime law. The captain is responsible for the following:

- Supervising navigation and deck staff.
- Managing the crew and hiring new members as necessary.
- Monitoring weather conditions and water conditions to determine the best course of action for the yacht.
- Managing and maintaining the yacht’s engines, fuel, water and equipment.
​- Entering all navigational data into the yacht’s computer systems.

Yacht captain

Yacht officers

The officers are also in charge of navigation and the application of safety rules at sea. Depending on the type and tonnage of the vessel, there may be several officers on board. We then move on to 1st, 2nd and 3rd officers. The first officer is also called chief mate. 
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The First officer is the captain's right-hand man and is responsible for supervising deck activities. He or she must be able to make quick decisions in an emergency and ensure that everyone on board the ship is safe. The First Officer must also be able to work closely with the deck crew to ensure the smooth operation of the vessel.

Yacht officer

Deckhand on Yacht

The deckhand is responsible for managing the deck of the yacht, including the navigation equipment, deck equipment and lines.

They must be able to operate the navigation equipment such as the autopilot, wind instruments and GPS.

​Deckhands are responsible for setting and managing the yacht’s anchors and lines and ensuring that the deck is clear and safe for the passengers and crew. The deckhand is responsible for the following:
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• Managing and operating the navigation equipment, including the autopilot and wind instruments.
• Managing and operating the deck equipment, including winches, anchors and deck lines.
• Maintaining an effective watch and ensuring that the deck is clear at all times.
• Reporting all changes in weather conditions and water conditions to the captain and navigating the yacht accordingly.

Deckhand

With the responsibility of navigating the yacht and ensuring the safety of the passengers and crew. Navigation and deck staff play a vital role in the smooth operation of a yacht, with a range of duties and responsibilities that are both challenging and rewarding.

​With the help of the captain and crew, navigation and deck staff ensure that the yacht is safely operated and maintained, providing an unforgettable experience for all onboard.

Morgan & Mallet Yacht Crew is a recruitment agency specialised in the placement of yacht crews: navigation personnel (captain/officers/mates), engineering, cruising (hostess/steward/), galley and related positions.