Chief Engineer
Superyacht Engineering · €4,000 – €14,500 a month
A Chief Engineer on a superyacht typically earns €4,000 to €14,500 a month, depending on the size of the yacht. Training for this step includes Chief Engineer Small Vessel – less than 500GT and 3,000kW and Chief Engineer Small Vessel – less than 3,000GT and 9,000kW, on top of the basics such as an ENG1 medical and Basic Safety Training.
The Chief Engineer will be the expert in preventative maintenance and troubleshooting and will have the ability to manage and supervise engine repairs, re-hauls and general upkeep in the Engine Room. This role typically requires five years of experience and a Chief Engineer Small Vessel.
| Yacht length | Monthly salary (EUR) | Monthly salary (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| 20 - 40 m (70 - 130 ft) | €4 000 – €7 100 | $4 700 – $8 500 |
| 40 - 50 m (130 - 165 ft) | €5 400 – €9 100 | $6 400 – $10 900 |
| 50 - 60 m (165 - 200 ft) | €7 100 – €10 700 | $8 500 – $12 800 |
| 60 - 70 m (200 - 230 ft) | €7 500 – €13 000 | $9 100 – $15 700 |
| 70 - 80 m (230 - 265 ft) | €7 700 – €13 100 | $ 9 100 – $ 15 800 |
| 80 - 90 m (265 - 295 ft) | €7 500 – €14 000 | $ 9 300 – $16 900 |
| 90 - 100 m (295 - 330 ft) | €8 500 – €14 000 | $10 300 – $16 900 |
| 100 m+ (330 Ft +) | €8 800 – €14 500 | $10 600 – $17 500 |
Typical monthly ranges. Pay varies with experience, the yacht's programme and whether it's private or charter.
These are the courses and certificates on the Engineering career path up to this role, in the order most crew take them.
To qualify for the issue of this Certificate of Competency, you must meet the following requirements: Have completed 24 months’ seagoing service, which must include: 12 months as a Small Vessel Second Engineer of Small Vessel Chief Engineer while holding the applicable Certificate of Competency. 6 months of this service must be complete on vessels of at least 750kW; and, 6 months of this service must be complete on vessels of at least 350kW. Successfully complete the approved modules and pass the corresponding written examinations for; Auxiliary Equipment Part 2; Chief Engineer Statutory and Operational Requirements; and, Applied Marine Engineering; Complete either: MCA-approved modules and pass the corresponding written examinations for General Engineering Science I & II; OR, The Diploma in Maritime Studies: Small Vessel and the Diploma in Maritime Studies: Small Vessel Chief Engineer. Hold the applicable ancillary and safety course certificates. Pass the MCA oral examination for Chief Engineer Officer, less than 9,000 kW, less than 3,000 GT, unlimited area, STCW Reg III/3 (Syllabus available online, go to www.gov.uk and search “Small Vessel Oral Examination Syllabus”). NOTE: The 24 months’ seagoing service required for the SV Chief Engineer Certificate of Competency does not include any workshop time.