Do you dream of working in one of the most luxurious and exclusive industries in the world — the yacht industry — and earning a salary that can reach hundreds of millions of rupiah per month? If so, now is the time to understand the career pathway to becoming a highly paid Yacht Specialist.
This is not a job for just anyone. A Yacht Specialist is expected to possess exceptionally high levels of professionalism, discipline, and skills. From fine dining etiquette to emergency handling, from technical maintenance to guest hospitality — you must be well-rounded and fully trained.
To help you navigate this exciting path, Jiva Yacht Management (JYM) — Indonesia’s leading yacht training and management company — presents the 5 key career routes to becoming a top Yacht Specialist.
1. Start with a Hospitality School Background
One of the most common requirements for working onboard a luxury yacht is having a strong hospitality background. Many yacht owners and charter companies specifically request candidates who have worked in 4- or 5-star hotels. Why? Because luxury service is the core of the yacht experience.
Therefore, if you are still young (around 18 years old), we recommend enrolling in a hospitality school as your first step. This education will provide you with the fundamental knowledge and soft skills in areas like customer service, F&B service, front office operations, and housekeeping, all of which are essential onboard a yacht.
2. Get a Certified Spa or Massage Therapy License
Wellness services are increasingly in demand on private yachts. Guests often seek massages, beauty treatments, and personal care while at sea. If you want to specialize in this area, you should obtain a licensed therapy certification from recognized bodies such as BNSP (National Professional Certification Board) or attend short courses at certified health or medical institutions.
Yacht owners don’t just look for any therapist — they want someone certified, trustworthy, and able to perform under the highest standards of hygiene and privacy.
3. Learn Culinary Arts and Become a Yacht Chef
Another excellent path is to become a chef on board. Yacht chefs are among the highest-paid professionals in the crew because they are responsible for crafting world-class meals in a very limited kitchen space, while also adapting to guests’ specific diets and preferences.
To become a yacht chef, we suggest attending a culinary institute and gaining experience in international cuisine, fine dining plating, and food safety protocols. If you already have a background in cooking, consider taking a specialized course for yacht chefs that teaches you how to manage storage, work in rough seas, and prepare gourmet meals for VIP guests.
4. Take STCW Safety Training
No matter what your specialty is — steward, chef, engineer, or therapist — all yacht crew members must complete the STCW Basic Safety Training, a mandatory international certification. This includes training in:
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Fire prevention and firefighting
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Personal survival techniques
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First aid and CPR
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Personal safety and social responsibilities
This training ensures that all crew members are prepared for emergencies at sea. Without this certification, you cannot work legally on any international yacht.
5. Master Yacht Etiquette and Communication Skills
Luxury yacht guests include royalty, billionaires, Hollywood stars, and political elites. Yacht crew members must be able to maintain professionalism, discretion, and high-level communication at all times. That’s why mastering yacht etiquette, English fluency, and intercultural communication is vital.
Yacht crew members must know how to greet guests, serve champagne, arrange fine dining tables, and even plan special onboard events — all with elegance and confidentiality.
Start Your Journey at Jiva Yacht Management
All of the five competencies above are taught comprehensively in our courses at Jiva Yacht Management. We are Indonesia’s premier yacht crew training institution, with graduates who now work in Dubai, Monaco, the Caribbean, and the Mediterranean, serving the world’s most exclusive clientele.
At JYM, you will receive world-class training, career guidance, STCW certification, and job placement support. Whether you dream of becoming a chief stewardess, massage therapist, private chef, or yacht butler, JYM is the place to start.
Graduating from JYM opens doors to a global career with a potential income of over IDR 100 million per month. Yes — hundreds of millions are not just a dream in this industry; they’re a real possibility for those who are disciplined, skilled, and passionate.
Ready to Set Sail Toward Your Future?
Take the first step toward your high-paying, adventurous career at sea. Enroll at Jiva Yacht Management today and let us help you turn your potential into a profession that sails the world. Visit our website or contact our admissions team to learn more. Spots are limited — apply now and change your future!