Bridge Department

Yacht Captain Jobs in Fort Lauderdale

The captain holds ultimate responsibility for vessel safety, crew management, and guest experience. In Fort Lauderdale — the world's busiest private yacht hub — captains at every level of tonnage are consistently in demand. Whether you're holding a USCG 50-ton or an MCA Master 3,000 GT, here's what you need to know about the market.

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Salary & Compensation

Vessel Size / RoleAnnual SalaryNotes
24m–30m (under 200 GT)$90,000 – $130,000Yachtmaster Offshore or USCG 100-ton
30m–50m (200–500 GT)$120,000 – $175,000MCA OOW 500 GT or USCG 200-ton
50m–80m (500–3,000 GT)$175,000 – $250,000MCA Chief Mate 3,000 GT or USCG 1,600-ton
80m+ (3,000 GT+)$220,000 – $300,000+MCA Master 3,000 GT or USCG Unlimited

Active charter vessels add 10–20% above private rates. Charter tip income can add $15,000–$40,000+ annually on busy boats. Figures sourced from Dockwalk Salary Survey 2024–2025.

Required Certifications

STCW Basic SafetyAll seafarers; 5-year refresh
ENG1 MedicalMCA-approved doctor; 2-year validity
Yachtmaster Offshore / OceanRYA/MCA; vessels under 200 GT
MCA OOW 500 GTForeign-flag vessels 200–500 GT
MCA Master 3,000 GTVessels above 500 GT (foreign flag)
USCG Master's LicenseUSCG-flagged; tonnage-matched
GMDSS GOCRequired for offshore ocean passages
Advanced FirefightingSTCW A-VI/3; senior officers

Career Progression

  1. Deckhand / Ordinary SeamanSea time accumulation. STCW Basic. Learn anchor work, lines, and tender operation.
  2. Able Seaman (STCW AB)With 12 months sea time. Basic watchkeeping duties. RYA Day Skipper useful here.
  3. Mate / BosunYachtmaster Coastal or Offshore. Deck department lead. Running own watchkeeping schedule.
  4. First Officer / Chief MateOOW 500 GT. Acting command in port. 18–24 months on larger vessels.
  5. Captain (up to 500 GT)MCA Master 500 GT or Yachtmaster Ocean. Full command. Own crew hiring decisions.
  6. Captain (3,000 GT+)Master 3,000 GT. 80m+ superyachts. 10–15 years sea time typically required.

Why Fort Lauderdale

  • Largest concentration of superyachts in the Western Hemisphere (Oct–Apr)
  • Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS) — world's largest boat show, held annually in October
  • Rybovich, Bradford Marine, and Lauderdale Marine Center — premier refit yards requiring permanent on-board captains year-round
  • Transit hub between Caribbean, Bahamas, and US East Coast charter routes
  • Multiple MCA and USCG-approved training centres within 30 miles (Fort Lauderdale Maritime Academy, Chapman School)

Looking for this role? Or hiring for it?

We place crew across all six departments — permanent positions, daywork, and emergency 24-hour placements.

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Also see:

Yacht Chef JobsYacht Stewardess JobsYacht Engineer Jobs Placement fees Emergency hire