Salary & Compensation
| Vessel Size / Role | Annual Salary | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Junior Deckhand (entry) | $42,000 – $50,000 | STCW Basic; first season |
| Deckhand (1–2 yrs) | $50,000 – $58,000 | Tender operation; STCW AB in progress |
| Senior Deckhand / Lead Deckhand | $56,000 – $66,000 | AB certified; tenders + toys |
| Bosun | $66,000 – $84,000 | Deck department lead; project oversight |
Day-work rates for experienced deckhands run $250–$350/day. Charter tip income varies widely — $4,000–$12,000/year on active boats. Dive certification and PADI Divemaster add $4,000–$8,000 to annual package on vessels with dive programmes. Figures sourced from Dockwalk Salary Survey 2024–2025.
Required Certifications
STCW Basic SafetyNon-negotiable; all crew
ENG1 MedicalMCA-approved doctor; 2-year validity
RYA Powerboat Level 2Tender operation; most boats require this
STCW Able Seafarer (AB)With 12 months verified sea time
PWC LicenceRequired in Florida for jet ski operation
PADI Open Water / DivemasterStrong differentiator on dive-equipped yachts
Water Ski / Wakeboard InstructorUseful on toy-heavy charter yachts
Career Progression
- Junior DeckhandLine handling, anchor work, deck wash-down, tender assist. STCW Basic is the only pre-requirement. Most deckhands start here without experience.
- DeckhandTender driving (RYA PB2), water toy setup, exterior maintenance. 6–12 months. STCW AB sea time accumulation.
- Lead Deckhand / Senior DeckhandTraining and scheduling junior crew. Dive programme lead if certified. Running tender operations independently.
- BosunDeck department lead. Paint and varnish project management. Yard periods, survey prep. Reports to captain or first officer.
- First Officer / MateOOW 500 GT or equivalent. Watchkeeping at sea. Bridge team officer. Typical progression from bosun with study.
Why Fort Lauderdale
- Hundreds of yachts in dock from October through April — highest density of deckhand positions on the US East Coast
- Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS) each October is the unofficial start of hiring season — many first jobs come from dock walking at the show
- Multiple STCW training centres within 30 minutes: Chapman School of Seamanship (Stuart), Marine Industries Association (Dania Beach)
- Vibrant daywork culture — deckhands can earn $250–$350/day between permanent contracts through CrewPort's daywork network
- Access to RYA Powerboat Level 2 instruction locally (several schools operate from Port Everglades)
Looking for this role? Or hiring for it?
We place crew across all six departments — permanent positions, daywork, and emergency 24-hour placements.
Apply as Crew → Submit a Placement Request