What Does a Bosun Do on a Superyacht?
- Authors
-
-
- Name
- Patrick Maflin
-
Superyachts are a symbol of luxury and sophistication, yet behind the scenes, it takes a highly skilled crew to maintain the vessel and ensure smooth sailing.
One of the most crucial roles onboard is that of the bosun (sometimes called a boatswain).
If you’re wondering what exactly a bosun does on a superyacht, this guide will explain their responsibilities, required skills, and how to pursue a career as one.
Chapters
- What is a Bosun?
- What Does a Bosun Do?
- Required Skills & Experience
- How to Become a Bosun
- How Much Do Bosuns Make
- Conclusion
What is a Bosun?
A bosun is a senior deckhand responsible for the maintenance, safety, and overall functioning of the yacht’s exterior.
Acting as the deck crew leader, the bosun supervises daily operations and ensures that all tasks related to the exterior of the yacht are carried out efficiently.
They work closely with the captain and first officer to manage the deckhands, plan work schedules, and oversee safety procedures.
In essence, the bosun ensures that the yacht’s exterior is immaculate, safe, and functioning, playing a critical role in both the yacht’s upkeep and its operational success.
What Does a Bosun Do?
A bosun’s responsibilities can vary depending on the size of the yacht and the crew, but their duties typically cover a wide range of maintenance and operational tasks.
Here’s a breakdown of what a bosun does:
Plan Daily Work Schedule
One of the key roles of a bosun is organising the daily work schedules for the deck crew.
This includes assigning maintenance tasks, ensuring that cleaning and upkeep duties are performed on time, and managing any other jobs that need to be done to keep the yacht in top condition.
Maintain Yacht Decks & Exterior
Bosuns are responsible for the maintenance of all exterior areas on the yacht.
This includes cleaning, painting, and polishing the yacht’s hull and superstructure.
They ensure the decks, rails, and furniture are kept in pristine condition, preserving the vessel’s aesthetic appeal and protecting it from wear and tear due to the harsh marine environment.
Maintain Windlass
The windlass is the equipment used to raise and lower the anchor, and it’s vital that it operates smoothly.
The bosun ensures that this machinery is in good working order, conducting regular inspections and arranging any necessary repairs to prevent failures during anchoring.
Regular Fire & Safety Checks
Safety is paramount on any vessel, and bosuns play a crucial role in ensuring that fire and safety equipment is always functional.
They perform routine inspections of life-saving appliances (LSA), fire extinguishers, emergency lighting, and more.
The bosun also ensures that fire drills and safety procedures are regularly practiced by the crew.
Oversee Mooring & Anchoring
Mooring and anchoring are essential parts of yacht operations, and the bosun takes charge during these processes.
They coordinate with the captain and first officer, directing the deck crew and ensuring the yacht is safely moored or anchored using the correct sailing knots in port.
Inventory & Supplies
A bosun is often responsible for maintaining an inventory of all deck-related equipment and supplies.
They manage stock levels of cleaning products, ropes, fenders, and other necessary items, ensuring that everything is available when needed.
Report to Captain & Senior Crew
Although the bosun supervises the deckhands, they also report directly to the captain or first officer.
They update senior crew on the condition of the yacht’s exterior, any maintenance issues, and the progress of daily tasks.
Communication between the bosun and senior crew is crucial to ensure the smooth running of operations.
Tender Driving
On many superyachts, the bosun may also be in charge of operating the yacht’s tender, a smaller boat used to transport guests and crew to shore or between vessels.
This task requires excellent boat-handling skills and knowledge of local navigation rules.
Assist Onboard Guests
Although the bosun’s primary role is deck management, they may also assist in guest-related duties.
This could include setting up for water sports, helping with luggage, or ensuring guests have everything they need while on deck.
Bridge Watches
During crossings or overnight cruises, the bosun often takes part in bridge watches, helping to maintain navigation and ensuring the yacht remains on course.
Their responsibility during these watches is to support the captain, remain vigilant for potential hazards, and monitor the yacht’s systems.
Water Sports
Superyacht guests often enjoy water sports such as jet skiing, paddle-boarding, and snorkelling.
The bosun frequently oversees these activities, ensuring safety procedures are in place and that the equipment is well-maintained and ready for use.
Required Skills & Experience
A bosun must possess a wide range of skills to effectively manage both their team and the yacht’s exterior operations. Key skills include:
Leadership
Bosuns need to lead the deckhands, provide training, and ensure tasks are completed to a high standard.
Maintenance Knowledge
A deep understanding of yacht maintenance, including cleaning, painting, and repairing, is essential.
Safety Awareness
Knowledge of maritime safety standards, firefighting, and emergency procedures is critical.
Navigation & Tender Driving
Bosuns often assist with navigation and drive tenders, so strong seamanship skills are required.
Guest Relations
Although not their primary responsibility, a bosun should be personable and able to assist guests when needed.
How to Become a Bosun
Becoming a bosun on a superyacht typically requires several years of experience as a deckhand, along with obtaining the necessary certifications.
Here’s how to get started:
Update Your CV
Ensure your CV highlights your experience in yacht maintenance, tender driving, and any leadership roles you’ve had.
Include relevant certifications and training courses.
Prepare for Interviews
Be ready to demonstrate your knowledge of deck management, safety procedures, and maintenance work during interviews.
Employers look for someone with experience and a proactive, hands-on approach.
Yachting Recruitment Agencies
Recruitment agencies specialising in yachting can help match you with job opportunities.
Registering with yachting agencies increases your chances of finding suitable roles.
Dockwalking
Dockwalking involves physically visiting marinas and yachts to introduce yourself.
The aims is to ask yacht owners about job opportunities in person, which is still a triedand tested method in the yachting industry.
Many people start their careers this way.
Skills & Experience
Continually improving your skills, whether it’s through additional certifications or hands-on experience, is key to advancing your career.
Many bosuns begin as deckhands and gradually take on more responsibilities.
ENG 1 Medical Certificate
The ENG 1 Medical examination is a mandatory medical certificate required to work on yachts.
It verifies that you are fit for the job and its physical demands.
STCW Basic Safety Training
The STCW (Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping) is essential training for any yacht crew member.
It covers basic safety procedures, firefighting, and survival techniques.
How Much Do Bosuns Make
A bosun’s salary can vary depending on the size of the yacht and their experience level.
On average, bosuns can expect to earn between €3,000 and €5,000 per month, with larger yachts offering higher salaries.
Some bosuns on superyachts even make as much as €6,000 per month, particularly if they have years of experience or specialised skills.
If a bosun spends more than 183 days at sea in a single calendar year, they could also benefit from HMRC’s Seafarers Earning Deduction, meaning they pay zero tax on their earnings.
Conclusion
A bosun plays a vital role in the smooth operation of a superyacht.
From overseeing deck maintenance to ensuring the safety of the crew and guests, the bosun’s responsibilities are vast and varied.
Whether managing the daily work schedule, driving tenders, or handling mooring operations, they are essential to the vessel’s success.
With the right skills and experience, the role of a bosun can be both challenging and highly rewarding, offering a unique and exciting career path in the yachting industry.
Disclaimer: Any advice in this publication is not intended or written by Marine Accounts to be used by a client or entity for the purpose of (i) avoiding penalties that may be imposed on any taxpayer or (ii) promoting, marketing or recommending to another party matters herein.
