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August 2025 Issued by JLS Yacht Training Institute

If you’ve ever dreamed of working at sea, maybe on a luxury yacht or a commercial ship, you’ve probably come across all kinds of training options and qualifications. It’s exciting, but also a bit overwhelming. One moment you’re reading about yacht crew certification, and the next, you’re looking at terms like “STCW”, “Deck Officer Licence”, or “Merchant Navy Training”. It’s enough to make anyone pause and wonder: what’s the actual difference between all these maritime licences? And more importantly, which one do I need?

Let’s break it down in plain, simple terms so you can start your journey at sea with confidence.

Not All Maritime Licences Are the Same

The confusion usually starts with this: people think all maritime jobs require the same kind of licence. That’s not true.

Working on a luxury yacht is different from working on a cargo ship, cruise liner, fishing vessel, or oil tanker. Each of these roles falls under a different branch of the maritime industry. That means the type of licence or certificate you need depends entirely on where and how you want to work at sea.

If your goal is to work on private yachts, superyachts, or charter vessels, then yacht crew certification is what you need to focus on. If you’re looking at commercial shipping or government-regulated vessels, then you’ll likely need a different type of maritime licence altogether from a valid maritime training academy.

And that brings us to the big question: what’s the actual difference?

What Is Yacht Crew Certification?

Let’s start with the basics.

Yacht crew certification is a qualification specifically designed for people who want to work on yachts, usually private or chartered vessels, ranging in size from 24 metres to over 100 metres. These aren’t commercial ships, but they still require trained, certified crew for safety, service, and operations.

When you complete your yacht crew certification, you’re trained in areas like:

  • Basic safety and emergency procedures

  • Onboard duties as a deckhand or steward/stewardess

  • Guest service (especially important on luxury yachts)

  • Navigation and handling (if you’re training to become an officer)

Many new crew members start their journey with an STCW Basic Safety Training course, which is often a prerequisite. But the certification path doesn’t stop there. Depending on your role, you might also go through more advanced professional yacht crew training to specialise in areas like engineering, navigation, or hospitality.

What Are Other Maritime Licences?

Now let’s talk about the other side of the sea: commercial maritime licences.

These are qualifications for jobs on ships that fall under international regulations, including:

  • Cargo ships

  • Tankers

  • Cruise liners

  • Ferries

  • Government or military vessels

To work in these roles, you usually go through maritime academies and earn qualifications like:

  • Officer of the Watch (OOW)

  • Master Mariner Licence

  • Engineer Officer Certificates

  • Ratings certificates for Able Seafarers or Deckhands

These licences take longer to earn and involve more in-depth academic and technical training. They are also recognised under international conventions like the STCW Code and managed by maritime authorities in each country.

So, if you’re planning a long-term career in commercial shipping or want to rise to the rank of captain on a commercial vessel, this is the route you’d take.

Key Differences: Yacht Crew Certification vs. Other Maritime Licences

  • Type of Vessel

    • Yacht Crew Certification: For private and chartered yachts, including superyachts

    • Other Maritime Licences: For commercial vessels like cargo ships, ferries, tankers, and cruise liners

  • Training Duration

    • Yacht: Training can be completed in a few weeks or months, depending on your role

    • Commercial: It often takes longer,  to reach officer or captain-level positions

  • Focus of Training

    • Yacht: Emphasises safety, onboard hospitality, guest service, and basic deck duties

    • Commercial: Covers advanced navigation, cargo handling, marine engineering, and watchkeeping

  • Career Progression

    • Yacht: Grow from deckhand or steward to officer or yacht captain in the private sector

    • Commercial: Climb structured ranks in the merchant navy (e.g. Officer of the Watch, Master Mariner)

  • Work Environment

    • Yacht: Smaller crews, more personal relationships, guest-facing service

    • Commercial: Larger ships, more formal crew hierarchy, little to no guest interaction

  • Lifestyle & Pay

    • Yacht: Unique lifestyle, access to luxurious destinations, tips from guests

    • Commercial: Consistent salaries, structured contracts, often longer sea-time commitments

Which One Is Right for You?

Here’s the honest answer: it depends on what kind of life you want at sea.

If you’re drawn to the idea of working on beautiful yachts, travelling to exotic destinations, and offering high-end service to private guests, then yacht crew certification is your gateway. It’s quicker to get started, and you’ll be part of a tight-knit crew living and working together in a more informal, guest-focused environment.

On the other hand, if you’re in it for the long haul, looking for job security, steady pay, and structured promotion through ranks, maybe even one day commanding a large vessel, then a commercial maritime licence may be a better fit.

Can You Switch Paths Later?

Yes, but with conditions.

If you start with yacht crew certification and later want to move into the commercial shipping world, you’ll need to upgrade your qualifications. Some of your experience may count toward future licences, but you’ll still need to meet the requirements set by maritime authorities.

Similarly, if you start in commercial shipping and want to move into the yachting world, you may need to learn soft skills like luxury service, etiquette, or charter operations.

The good news? Your sea experience, no matter where you earn it, is always valuable.

Final Thoughts: Know Before You Go

So, if your heart is set on the yachting lifestyle, start with the right professional yacht crew training and take that first step toward a career full of sea breeze, teamwork, and unforgettable ports of call. When choosing between yacht crew certification and other maritime licences, think about your lifestyle goals as much as your career ones. Do you want to serve cocktails at sea under a Mediterranean sunset or navigate a 100,000-ton cargo vessel through the Panama Canal?

There’s no “better” path, just the one that’s right for you.

What matters most is that you choose a reputable training provider. Look for institutions that offer internationally recognised certificates and hands-on learning. Whether you’re going for luxury yacht service or merchant ship navigation, the foundation you build with the right training will shape your journey ahead.

Because at the end of the day, the ocean is wide, but your direction should be clear.