stewardess duties yacht

What Do Yacht Stewardesses Do? (Daily Tasks Explained)

Are you considering working on a yacht or are you just curious as to what the crew actually do all day long?

What Do Yacht Stewardesses Do? Yacht stewardesses do a wide variety of practical tasks onboard the yacht such as:

• Housekeeping
• Waitressing
• Entertainment
• Crew support
• Maintaining the yacht
• Valet tasks and guest service
• Human resources

Here are more details on the tasks yacht stewards and stewardesses do on a daily basis onboard the yacht.

Table of Contents

1. Housekeeping

Stewards and stewardesses work to help the yacht run ship shape. They will work to keep common areas neat and clean. Laundry might also be part of their day to day tasks.

Detailing and cleaning windows might be some of the responsibilities that they will tackle.

Other housekeeping tasks include:

• cleaning bathrooms,
• making beds,
• washing linens

They’ll need to keep all interior storage areas neat and clean, and also to be able to keep track of inventory and restock as needed.

As guest use supplies, they will make a note of this and help to replenish any necessary materials.

Stewards and stewardesses will spend time polishing, dusting, straightening up and in general keeping house.

Every day they will go in guests’ cabins and clean their space as well as their personal belongings.

They will make sure that make-up containers look brand new, and scrub all the corners down, so the room is spotless and clean

2. Waitressing

Before and after eating, stewards and stewardesses will keep things organized. They’ll assist during meals and cleanup. As well as assisting in picking out what will be eaten, they will serve food to guests and organize the area after meals.

Behind the scenes, stewards and stewardesses work with the chef to create a meal plan that the guests will enjoy.

Stewards and stewardesses will help in selecting and purchasing cigars, teas, or wine, which may require expertise.

With occasional guest dinner parties, they will also assist in planning activities and the menu.

There are five different styles of service that a steward or stewardess will need to master. The first is the English service. This is where a server will transfer food to the diner’s plate.

The other types of service that they must excel in are buffet service and silver service.

3. Entertainment

With guests, they’ll keep high energy and be professional at all times

This role involves maintaining proper etiquette. Stewards and stewardesses may assist guests in planning daily activities both on and off the yacht, including destination experiences. Music, movies, games, barbecues and other entertainment options are all part of the gig.

Some stewards or stewardesses will help in teaching yoga classes or similar projects depending on their personal skills.

A steward or stewardess may have to carry three dishes at a time upstairs.

They’ll need to be expert waitresses, and know how to set tables. This requires knowing which fork goes where and specific settings.

As well as serving and selecting wine, stewards and stewardesses will need to be experts in bartending. This is a part of the job that some will find to be fun.

Drinking is the center of many social experiences onboard the ship. The steward or stewardess will need to be competent in beer knowledge and pairings as well as wines.

They will assist in choosing wines for guests, so expertise in drinks will be a big benefit to them in their career.

4. Crew Support

From writing manuals to safety tasks, yacht stewards and stewardesses work with the crew for better teamwork.

For ships with smaller crews, stewards and stewardesses will have more hands-on duties

They will help to create an informational management system which keeps things in order. All guest documents and information are also part of their responsibilities, including safety manuals.

Stewards and stewardesses will purchase the uniforms for the crew.

They will also make sure that the crew has everything that they need. This includes toiletries, drinks, snacks, and other necessities. They’re in charge of the crew common areas and maintaining these spaces.

5. Maintaining the Yacht

As well as serving guests, stewards and stewardess work to maintain the yacht.

They will be responsible for the crystal glassware, linens, artwork, marbles, fine woodwork, and any other valuables on the ship.

Stewards and stewardesses will work with anchoring, tender driving, assist within the galley or deck operations and mooring procedures. Overall, they’re in charge of cleanliness and creating solutions with guests as well as fellow crew members.

In case of emergencies, stewards and stewardesses have the essential job to maintain security and safety.

This will vary on the size and type of yacht as well as the crew. Much of the training involved to become a steward or a stewardess involves safety courses such as Red Cross certification.

6. Budgeting

One of their responsibilities is to account for interior spending and make budgets.

They’ll need to keep track of expenditures and work with their clients to create a financial schedule that will meet their needs.

This includes a food budget and working with chefs to achieve client’s goals. They’ll also make purchases and decorations according to the budget the client gives them and will decorate according to their requests.

The steward or stewardess will need to be able to assist guests in currency exchange. In many aspects to vessel operations, they will need to be on top of it. This includes accounting and being able to reconcile the accounts. All purchases on the yacht will need to be accounted for.

They will work as the purser.

On larger ships, the purser is a position that deals with finances, such as bookkeeping, accounting, and payroll. They will also make sure that the crew’s certifications are up to date and current.

They will also make sure to take care of delivery contracts and other financial fine points.

7. Valet Tasks and Guest Service

Packing and carrying luggage is part of the job description. They will assist guests in caring for specialty garments. With special purchases, a stewardess or steward will assist in shipping and handling.

Any special requests that guests have, the steward or stewardess will work to bring it to them. They are hands-on and personal with their assistance to guests and work to build relationships as well as to help them get their needs and requests met.

Stewards and stewardesses schedule their days around their guests.

When the guests are up, so are they. Their duty is to lead every service and be the go-to person on the yacht. They will be in charge of securing transportation during excursions.

The average day can be up to 13 hours, and they are actually on call 24/7.

8. Decorating

A stewardess or steward will be responsible for creating an ambiance and overall pulled together look on the yacht. For example, they will select flowers and create table settings to make the yacht look more beautiful.

Other decorations include selecting art and linens. Stewards and stewardesses who have an eye for interior design or decoration will be a fantastic asset for the yacht.

When setting tables, a steward or stewardess should be able to fold napkins artistically, in shapes like rabbits or flowers.

They will color coordinate meals with table settings to create an amazing experience

The chief steward or stewardess is in charge of hospitality on the ship. He or she will need to anticipate the needs of the guests. They’ll need to give instructions to the stewards and stewardesses to achieve their goals.

9. Human Resources

Human resources are one area that the chief steward or stewardess will need to focus on.

The leader is only as good as the team, and they will organize the team that is on the yacht. The chief stewardess is responsible for obtaining these people.

He or she will source the staff. They will also assist in maintaining discipline on the vessel. If crew members are slacking, they will need to fix the situation. The steward or stewardess is responsible for making sure the crew treats guests professionally and with respect.

They will work with the captain with any discipline issues and act with them to make sure that things are going smoothly. The chief steward will help to encourage their stewards and stewardesses and to help energy levels stay high.

10. Self Care

Stewards and stewardesses must take special care to give superior service to their crew and guests, and also maintain their personal appearance. This includes having modest jewelry and to keep on top of hair and makeup if they choose to wear it.

This list of ten duties expected of stewards and stewardesses gives a good overview of everything that it takes to work on a yacht. Whether it’s an entry level steward or stewardess, or a chief steward or stewardess, there are many responsibilities to giving five-star service.

They will work to create a fun and exciting environment and also organize the yacht to the best of their abilities.

From the kitchen to the cabin and everything in between, the steward or stewardess helps to bring all of the details of the ship together, from sunrise to after dinner.

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Yacht Stewardess – A Detailed Job Description (Book Excerpt)

December 24, 2012 By Julie Perry

“Julie from The Love Boat Ain’t Got Nothin’ on a Yacht Stew,” an excerpt from Chapter 4: Around the World with a Silver Tray — What Becoming a Yacht Stew Entails . This is a very detailed description of the duties performed by a superyacht steward/ess…

Julie From The Love Boat Ain’t Got Nothin’ on a Yacht Stew

To begin with, yacht stews are not like Julie from The Love Boat (being named Julie, you can only imagine how many times I heard that comparison), nor are they there to simply clean and serve. A yacht stew does perform those functions, but for a more appropriate comparison, think of the interior department’s role on one of these glamour vessels as equivalent to both managing and carrying out all of the tasks that go into running a five-star hotel—that floats.

Interior crew on superyachts wear many hats. Photo Credit Suki Finnerty of YachtingToday.TV

For example, first consider all of the various functions performed in the daily operation of a hotel, and who is responsible for them. There are employees to clean rooms; employees to do laundry; employees to give information and to arrange for transportation; employees to assist guests at any time of the day or night; employees to serve food and employees to prepare drinks in the restaurants, at the pool, and for room service.

Next, take that same hotel and toss it out in the middle of the ocean as though it were a cruise ship, cut off from the conveniences of being on land and having a lot of outside resources at your disposal. You must now add in employees to entertain; employees to perform in medical emergencies; employees to handle safety issues; and employees to coordinate activities, both onboard and ashore.

Now, condense all of the employees from these previous examples down to two to four individuals who share all of those tasks and perform them for 12 or fewer high-maintenance guests. On luxury yachts, the ratio of crew-to-guests is a lot smaller, and therefore there is a lot more one-on-one attention that must be paid. And, mind you, at the end of what would be considered a normal “shift,” you cannot very well escape the guests you are there to serve.

When offering the ultimate in personal service, hard work and long hours are par for the course. The crew is there to fulfill the guest’s every whim. And the yacht stews—from the chief on down to the most entry-level—are expected to pull off everything I just described, along with the occasional help of the chef(s), perhaps a purser, and/or the exterior crewmembers.

Just for fun, let’s consider what different functions this means a stew could, quite possibly, be asked to perform in a day…

As a Yacht Stew, You Might Be Expected to Be a:

Housekeeper (an umbrella role for a variety of different functions—among them Duster, Vacuumer, Smudge Remover, Silver Polisher, Toilet Cleaner, and Chambermaid, which is just a more formal way of saying Bedmaker); Bartender; Cocktail Server; Meal Server or Waitress/Waiter (who can handle anything from setting up buffets to providing silver service, who knows the difference between tea service and coffee service, who is familiar with most rules of etiquette, and who can balance plates up his or her arm on a rocking boat while running up and down tiny staircases); Table Setter and Decorator; Napkin Folder; Gourmet-Food Expert; Hors d’oeuvres Preparer; Prep Cook; Food Garnisher; Plate Runner; Wine Expert/Sommelier (who can decant wine in rough seas without spilling a drop); Barista; Provisioner/Purchaser (of beverages, toiletries, linens, decorations, décor items, games, and other amenities, sometimes even the glassware, crockery, cutlery, and other items used for serving meals); Dish Washer; Flower Arranger; In-Cabin Service Attendant; Shoe Polisher; D.J.; Concierge; Tour Director; Laundry Person; Wardrobe Manager; Expert Stain Remover; Clothing and Linens Ironer; Social Director; Event and Party Planner; Interior Decorator; Nanny; Public Relations Specialist; Personal Assistant/Shopper; Errand Runner; Stylist; Hotel Manager and Customer Service Representative; Porter or Bell Hop; Inventory Taker; Nurse; Accountant; Psychologist; Marriage Counselor; Butler; Negotiator; Diplomat; occasional Deckhand; Office Assistant; Crew “Parent”; and Fill-in Monopoly Player. Some stews even have their masseuse licenses and can offer massages to the guests (or reflexology, or yoga instruction, or manicures)… Heck, why not even come prepared with a set of tarot cards?

That’s a lot of hats you must be prepared to wear, accompanied by a smile on your face, a bounce in your step, and a “Can Do!” attitude. (How appropriate that stew—as in the kind we eat—is a “combination of ingredients thrown together.”)

In fact, the entire crew, as a whole, is expected to be ready for anything and to handle all requests, no matter how demanding or off-the-wall. A popular crew reminder given by one of my former captains just before the guests arrived: “Remember, there are no problems, only solutions.”

© Suki Finnerty Yachting Today

Guests Onboard vs. No Guests Onboard

There is a big difference in a stew’s daily routine when there are guests on-board vs. when there are no guests on-board. With guests, the crew is in service mode. This is when the workload is toughest on the interior staff. The hours can be grueling, and a stewardess must be available at all times—from dawn until the wee hours of the morning (depending on when the guests retire). Members of the stew department must be organized and prepared to provide effortless service throughout the trip, no matter what mishaps occur behind the scenes. But remember, this is a team effort. (No stew is an island, unless he or she is working on a small yacht, under 100 feet!)

The daily responsibilities are much different when there are no guests on-board. Then, the job is more about maintaining the yacht and cleaning and preparing for the next group of guests. The hours during these guest-free periods will more closely resemble those of a regular land job: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with either a half-day on Saturday, or the entire weekend off. The exception to those work hours would be if the crew is pressed for time between trips. Heavily booked charter yachts are known for having only a two- or three-day turn-around between sets of guests, which requires longer days (hence, the big tips you get on charter boats). On the other hand, some private yachts and chartered vessels can go weeks or months with no guests.

Other scenarios with no guests on-board are when the yacht goes into the shipyard for repairs or undertakes a long journey to relocate, such as a transatlantic crossing. Then, the lion’s share of the work falls onto the exterior and engineering departments, giving the stews a bit of a break (and the deckhands a reason to complain).

The 2nd Edition is now available ! In the meantime, please feel free to download Chapter 1 here . Why wait to get started!?

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Yacht STEWARDESS Jobs

If you are looking for a career which will take you to some of the most beautiful and stunning locations in the world, then why not consider becoming a yacht steward or stewardess. An entry-level position, a yacht steward or stewardess is the excellent starting point for a fulfilling yacht career. What’s more, your salary may even be tax-free, depending on your nation of origin. A central part of the yacht’s interior crew, the primary job responsibilities includes ensuring the interior of the yacht is kept to highest of standard while offering premium guest service to the yacht owners and guests. Yacht steward and stewardess jobs are available on both privately owned yachts as well as charter yachts, which are rented out per day or week.

Yacht steward and stewardess jobs are widely seen as the entry-level route to a fulfilling career in yachting. From this role, one can work their up the ladder into more specialised management or interior positions, like head of interior, chief steward and head of service. Check out our entire yacht steward and stewardess job offering to start your new career today.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

A yacht steward or stewardess daily tasks cover general housekeeping, service duties and serving. This includes doing laundry for the guests and crew, preparing and serving drinks, meal service duties, polishing tableware, interior decorations and maintaining the bar. The exact day-to-day job description of a steward or stewardess varies per yacht, type and size of the yacht, as well as the itinerary and season.

A common working schedule for yacht stewards and stewardesses when guests are not aboard is 8 am to 5 pm, with two days off per week. Hours tend to increase when guests or owners on onboard, as yachts run 24 hours a day. 

YACHT STEWARDESS SALARIES

The average salary on charter and private yachts for steward and stewardess jobs starts at €2,400 a month. More senior roles, such as chief steward and chief stewardess, can earn more than €8,000 a month. When working on charter yachts, stewards can also expect to make solid tips. Still, it is easier for junior or novice stewards to gain valuable experience working on private yachts first, as the work pace tends to be slower. 

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How to become a yacht stewardess? The fundamentals of the job

The job of a stewardess on a yacht is growing more and more , just like the global demand for crew members. Although the stewardess position may seem the most accessible, it remains a passionate and demanding job.

Indeed, the job of stewardess on a boat is one of the most diversified and versatile in the maritime industry . In addition to the role of service and reception, a stewardess must ensure the safety of passengers on board alongside the captain/skipper; and be trained to react in case of emergency.

In this article, Capt’n Boat lists the prerequisites for the position of stewardess on a yacht, and the missions that are entrusted to her.

1. What is a stewardess on a boat?

A stewardess (or hostess) on a yacht is a person in charge of the reception and comfort of the passengers on board , whether it is a yacht, a sailboat, a cruise ship or any other type of boat.

The word comes from the Latin “hospes”, which means “host” or “guest”. Over time, the meaning of the word “hospes” has evolved to also include “person who welcomes guests”.

The term “hostess” is therefore used to refer to a person who takes care of the guests or passengers of a ship, ensuring their comfort and well-being during their stay.

The duties of the stewardess may vary depending on the type of boat and the company, and will be detailed later in the article.

2. What professional training to become a stewardess on a boat?

In order to be a stewardess, only one certificate is required: the Basic Safety Training Certificate (BST) .

Obtaining the BST consists of 4 courses:

• Individual Survival Techniques,
• Basic firefighting training,
• Personal Safety and Social Responsibility,
• Medical First Aid.

The BST is valid for 5 years. Without this training, you cannot work as a stewardess on a boat.

An ENG1 certificate is also required, delivered by a doctor approved by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA).

There is no “degree” as such to become a stewardess on a boat. However, it is recommended to have experience in customer service or in the hotel industry. For stewardess/cook, some shipowners may require a Food Hygiene and Safety Training .

Of course, the best training is experience! Improve your skills on the job, go to sea, do missions! It is with experience that you will improve!

3. Qualities and skills expected from a stewardess on a boat

As a stewardess on a boat, it is important to have the following qualities in order to best manage customer requests:

• Communication skills : Be able to communicate effectively with passengers and crew.
• Service skills : Have a helpful and friendly attitude towards passengers to respond to requests quickly and efficiently.
• Organizational skills : Be organized to plan daily tasks, including cleaning of cabins and common areas, food and beverage supplies, and work schedules.
• For stewardess/cook => Culinary skills : Be able to prepare simple and varied meals to suit guests’ tastes and dietary restrictions.
• Safety knowledge : Yacht stews must have a basic knowledge of onboard safety procedures and be able to provide instructions to passengers in case of emergency.
• Ability to work as a team : With crew members and other personnel on board.
• Patience and resilience : Stewardesses must be able to deal with challenges and difficult situations that may arise on board, while remaining calm and professional.

Proficiency in multiple foreign languages is a major asset for this type of position.

➡ On Capt’n Boat, we regularly have requests for English, Italian or Spanish speaking stewardesses for sailboat/catamaran cruises.

Sign up if you haven’t already and find stewardess assignments all over the world! 👇

Of course, there are other qualities and skills, so don’t hesitate to put them forward in your seaman CV . The more versatile and adaptable you are, the better your missions will be!

4. The missions of a yacht stew

The stewardess is an important member of the ship’s crew and her main role is to take care of the passengers . Indeed, she makes sure that she is available to answer the customers’ requests and ensure their comfort on board. This includes:

• The reception of the passengers,
• preparation of the cabins,
• serving meals and drinks,
• organizing activities for customers,
• maintaining the cleanliness of the boat,
• management of supplies and stocks,

She also ensures the safety on board, with the other members of the crew.

It is important to note that the role of stewardess can vary depending on the size and type of boat, as well as the type of clientele. In some cases, you may also be responsible for preparing meals as a stewardess/cook.

Most of these missions correspond to the job of hotel staff, but here on a floating hotel!

Furthermore, depending on the size of the boat, the stewardess may have to work with a crew. This difference will have an impact on the number of tasks and may place you as the manager of the team on board.

5. Salary of a yacht stewardess 

The average salary of a stewardess on a ship depends on many factors, such as experience, the size of the ship, the area of navigation, the type of clientele and the duration of the service at sea. In the West Indies, Spain and Greece, the remuneration of a stewardess is around 200€/day. In France, it is about 250€/day. (Indicative daily wage based on the market standards observed).

As an example, for a one week cruise from Corfu (Greece) on a Lagoon 42 catamaran, count ~ 1400 €.

For a stewardess/cook, this remuneration is higher. You are free to negotiate your salary according to your past experiences.

Working as a yacht stewardess is a rewarding work experience. Although there is no specific background required, experience in the hospitality industry can be a plus.

If you like customer relations, teamwork, and above all, have a liking for the sea: this job is for you! An affinity with the maritime world is obviously required: you will be housed on the boat, so you will certainly be subjected to the swell and potential bad weather!

Register on Capt’n Boat and find missions all over the world!

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• Begin a career on a Superyacht
• Career paths
• Become a Steward/ess on a Superyacht

Become a Steward or Stewardess on a Superyacht.

A perfect way to combine work and travel – and you’ll get to spend your time in the sunshine and in some of the most beautiful places in the world.

The Superyacht industry is constantly on the lookout for energetic, hardworking people, male or female, to provide guests and owners with the ultimate holiday experience.

Read on to discover answers to some of the most common questions we’re asked about being a Stewardess on a superyacht…

What qualifications do I need to work on a Superyacht?

• ENG1 medical required by all crew who work at sea. If you are thinking of becoming a Superyacht Steward/ess, then we recommend you complete the ENG1 medical before completing Step 2.
• STCW Basic Safety Training Course  is a set of compulsory qualifications required by all crew who work at sea. You will complete a Sea Survival course, First Aid, Fire Fighting (great fun), and topics on Health and Safety, and Security.
• Get some experience . If you have hospitality experience or you have worked as a Nanny, Beautician, Hairdresser or Air Steward/ess, to name a few, then this will look great on your CV.

How do I get a job on a yacht with no experience?

It’s true that you don’t have to have worked on a yacht to start your career as a Steward/ess (apart from the compulsory qualifications mentioned above!).

Like any new career, though, it is a good idea to get some training in the basics so you can hold your own onboard. All yachts run slightly differently so one size does not fit all. To increase your chances of finding a job the more experience you can get the better.

The more experience you can offer the yacht, the better. So, if you don’t have any transferable skills,  then Flying Fish can help .

How do I find work on a Superyacht?

There are three ways crew find a job.

• Most crew travel to Antibes, France described as the hub of yachting in the Mediterranean.
• Online, we talk a bit more about “going online” below.
• Contacts. If you know somebody that is already working on a Superyacht then through their connections it is possible to find work.

Almost everybody that is looking for a job on a Superyacht travels to Antibes, France. On arrival, crew tend to stay in a crew house such as the  Crew Grapevine  used as a base to look for work.

If budget is a concern then crew join forces and rent an Airbnb between them. The advantage of a crew house like the Crew Grapevine is that the owners (ex-yachties) actively help you find a job.

The way you find a job on a Superyacht is quite unique. From your base in Antibes, you would travel to other ports in the local area, walk the dock and chat to the crew working onboard to see if there are any positions available.

Superyacht crew who have the evening off will go to the local bars to unwind. This is the perfect chance to get to know people that are working on Superyachts and to build connections in the industry.

Learn more about it here

Go online to look for work

All Superyacht recruitment agents post positions on their respective websites. Once qualified, new crew would register with the agency and complete their registration form. You would then get in touch with the agent to start searching for that dream job.

The recruitment agent’s job is to match the right candidate for the job being advertised. There are many recruitments agents out there, a quick Google search for “ Superyacht Recruitment Agents ” will bring up a list.

Facebook is another medium that yachts use to post jobs. To keep up to date is it worth joining a couple of the Superyacht Facebook groups. Yacht crew jobs and Palma yacht group are two examples.

Amelia, who trained with Flying Fish in 2020, gave some good advice:

“Sign up to a few good recruitment companies, make sure you interview with the recruiter first rather than using Facebook. Second, when you have your interview, make sure you ask questions about the yacht. This is because you are not only finding a job but a home and family too, so ask as many questions as possible to make sure it’s the right yacht for you.”

How long does it take to find work as a Steward/ess on a Superyacht?

Over the 12 years that we have been running  Steward and Stewardess courses, most find a job between one to four weeks. We have had customers that have found a job in a day and others that have taken six weeks to find that perfect job.

The time it takes to find a job is down to you. You will need to be proactive, up early, and make sure you are at the front of the queue. From our experience, people who work hard and explore every opportunity will find a job quickly.

Every Chief Stew that calls us for a reference asks the same questions – does the candidate have a  good attitude ? You need to be hard-working, happy to work long hours, and used to mucking in. Have a can-do attitude and a willingness to go that extra mile to help your fellow crew mates.

When’s the best time to look Steward/ess Superyacht work?

Traditionally Superyachts recruit for the Mediterranean season anytime between February to May. That being said, yachts recruit all year round. We have seen many graduates find work in July and August when the season is in full swing.

The next key recruitment period is between September and November as yachts prepare for the Caribbean season. Yachts will cross the Atlantic anytime between December and January to cruise the Caribbean or the US for the winter.

Superyacht crew who have had a busy Mediterranean season may decide to take the winter off, which leaves opportunities for new crew to enter the industry.

How much money does a Steward/ess typically make?

A Steward/ess starting out in the industry can expect to earn €2,000 to €3,500 per month – almost all crew paid in Euros. The salary can depend on many factors, the main one being the yacht’s “crew budget.”

The owner or management company will agree on a budget that the Captain uses to hire crew, which can lead to small variations in the amount yachts pay their crew.

Your salary can also depend on whether you work on a Charter or Private yacht. It is customary for charter guests to tip the crew, the tip is normally around 10% of the charter fee. Chartering a Superyacht can set you back anywhere from €250,000 to €1 million per week.

Tips are split evenly amongst the crew and on average, can be anything from €2,000 – €5,000 per charter.

Is my salary tax-free?

As a crew member (or Seafarer) working on a Superyacht, it is likely that you will be out of the Uk for a significant about of time. Spend more than half of the year abroad then you fall under a specific piece of legislation called the Seafarers Earning Deduction Scheme. As a basic principle, if you are out of the UK for more than 183 days then there is no income tax on income (including tips) from the yacht.

UK Seafarers are required to complete a self assessment tax return each year. Flying Fish are registered tax agents and offer a Seafarers tax service to the yachting industry. We work with hundreds of customers to insure that their Self Assessment tax returns are completed on time.

What is it like working on a Superyacht?

All Superyacht crew work, eat, and sleep onboard. The yacht will become your home, and all meals are provided while onboard. Your contract will specify your duties, salary, working hours, and holiday. The yacht will supply your uniform and provide further training if necessary.

Superyacht crew will be comfortable with being away from their friends and family for long periods of time. For your first job, expect to be away from home for an extended period, which may be six months or more.

There are various roles within the Interior department; Laundry, Service, and Housekeeping. Depending on the size of the yacht will depend on what your role is onboard. For example, large yachts will have a dedicated laundry team, while for a small yacht (35-40M), the Stewardess will do all three.

During a normal week, when there are no guests onboard, you are likely to work five days a week, with weekends off. The structure of your working week will differ from yacht to yacht, but there will be time off to explore and have some well-earned downtime.

What’s a typical working day like for a Steward/ess?

Your working day will typically start at 8:00 am and finish at 6:00 pm, usually six days a week. When on charter, or if the owners are onboard, your work hours will differ. Unsociable hours are common when guests are onboard.

What are the cabin arrangments ?

You will share a cabin with another Stewardess. The cabins are small but comfortable with an ensuite bathroom. There is access to the internet via that yacht’s Wi-Fi system, so you’ll be able to keep in touch with friends and family at home.

 Can I make a career in yachting?

Yes, and many have! Becoming a Superyacht Stewardess can be a career, and what an amazing career it can be. Every Stewardess starts out as a Junior Stew; then, as you gain time and experience onboard you can progress to 2nd Stew, then Chief Stew.

The chief Stew runs the entire interior team, manages the budget, and will be the first point of contact for the guests and owners – not an easy role.

Some yachts will employ  a Purser , which can be best described as the PA to the Superyacht.

Not only is there progression, but becoming a Superyacht Steward/ess offers the travel and adventure we all seek. You will meet some of the world’s rich and famous and make some friends for life.

So, how do I become a Steward/ess on a Superyacht?

This is where we come in. Flying Fish run a two-week Superyacht Steward/ess course that includes all the qualifications and skills you need to get started in the industry. Everything from the STCW Basic Safety Training to our specialised Interior programme, run by an ex-chief Stewardess.

The course is great fun; you will learn loads of new skills and meet like-minded people who, like you, are thinking about a different career path.

Superyacht Steward/Stewardess Course

Become a steward or stewardess on a superyacht.

Becoming a Superyacht Steward or Stewardess is the perfect way to combine work and travel.

The course is suitable for complete beginners or those with experience who are looking to work as a Steward or Stewardess on a Superyacht.

Want to find out more?

Contact our team at Flying Fish today for information on our Superyacht Steward/ess course, life as a Stewardess, qualification advice and much more!

Alternatively, click on our Superyacht Steward/ess course below and kick start your new career today!

The ultimate guide to working on Superyachts

How To Become A Yacht Stewardess & Have A Career Of Fun

Over the years I have worked in many jobs to keep my travels funded. But by far the best job has been when I worked as a stewardess on yachts. For the avid traveller, there is no better job. If you are sick of working a 9-5, you want to get paid (well) to travel the world and are ready to make incredible friendships, then read on to find out  how to become a yacht stewardess .

While there are  numerous benefits  to this job it can also be a lot of hard work. If you’re not completely sure what yachting is, this post will explain just that and give you 10 easy to follow steps to becoming a yacht stewardess.

This job will absolutely change your life and I’m excited to help you get started. I’ve been off yachts for a couple of years now and I miss it every day. I am still trying to devise a plan to get back on them sometime soon.

Disclaimer:   Some links in this article are affiliate links, which means that if you purchase through them, I receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. For more information on my disclaimer  click here .

• 1.1 MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES OF A STEWARDESS
• 1.2.1 HOW MUCH DOES A YACHT STEWARDESS MAKE
• 2 2. PACK UP YOUR BELONGINGS
• 3 3. QUIT YOUR JOB
• 4 4. ARRIVE AT A YACHTING HUB
• 5.1 WHAT DOES THE STCW 95 AND PDSD INVOLVE?
• 6 6. COMPLETE YOUR ENG1
• 7.1 HOW TO MAKE YOUR CV STAND OUT?
• 7.2 GET THAT CV OUT THERE
• 8 8. NAIL YOUR INTERVIEW
• 9 9. BECOME COMFORTABLE SHARING SMALL SPACES
• 10.1 HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO BECOME A YACHT STEWARDESS?
• 10.2 DO YOU WANT FURTHER STEP BY STEP INSTRUCTIONS TO BECOMING A SUPERYACHT STEWARDESS?

1. FIRSTLY, WHAT DOES A YACHT STEWARDESS DO?

“It’s like working on a cruise ship right?” I hear this time and time again – It’s nothing like working on a cruise ship. Cruise ships have 1000’s of crew and 1000’s of passengers. A superyacht although sometimes as big as a cruise ship only has a handful of guests and crew. Our job as a stewardess is to give impeccable, personalised service to our passengers.

Depending on the size of the yacht there are usually under 30 crew members. For example, a 50m yacht normally wouldn’t sleep more than 12 guests and only has 10-12 crew. It is essentially a floating 5-star hotel for the worlds richest people, celebrities and their guests. As a yacht stewardess, you need to predetermine everything the guests will require before you head out to sea and ensure they have the best time possible.

Because of the limited number of crew members, you’ll need to be filling multiple roles. When there are guests on board you could be working 14 hour days or longer. A yacht stewardess will be in charge of three main areas: housekeeping, service and laundry. You also need to look after the crew areas and set up and pack down for crew meals.

One thing I like to tell people about yachting is, “There is no job description”. You will need to be available 24 hours a day and ready for anything the guest requests. While this seems absolutely crazy the benefits make it all worthwhile. Read an  interview with yacht stewardess  Melissa Ryan on why she loves being a yachtie. When there are no guests on, regular working hours are 9-5 Monday to Friday with weekends off.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES OF A STEWARDESS

• Provide 5-star service ensuring complete satisfaction of guests
• Foresee any items, food and drinks they could want while out at sea
• Set up and provide bar service, knowledge of cocktails and wines
• Perform different styles of meal service depending on guests requirements. From silver service, synchronised to buffet and anything in between.
• Create daily table centrepieces
• Create and maintain floral arrangements
• Host cocktail parties and other events on board
• Provide housekeeping and laundry service for guests and crew
• Be available at all hours of the day and night
• Take turns at watchkeeping and staying on board
• Ensuring the supplies, wines and decor is properly inventoried
• Shopping for crew provisions including toiletries and staff mess foods.

THE BENEFITS OF BEING A YACHT STEWARDESS

Ok! Where do I start? There’s  no more daily commute . Next time you’re stuck in peak hour traffic, think back to this. Roll out of bed after having arrived during the night to a new remote Caribbean island and be at work. Pretty great!

Next, you get to  live with all of your friends . You’ll  never get bored  on a yacht, that’s for sure. When you knock off work for the day grab your buddies and head off exploring that new island. If you’re in the Mediterranean (Med) visit the ancient Greek ruins or pop into a French cafe for a croissant. Maybe you’re in the South Pacific. I hope you like water sports. There’s plenty of time for that.

Working on a yacht will  look great on your CV . You learn invaluable new skills and gain life experience while you’re at it.

You make  great money . Yep, you read that right. Not only do you get to enjoy these amazing benefits, but you also get paid well to do it. Depending on where you are from this could even be tax-free. Most starting wages are upwards of 2500€/month plus in some cases tips.

It’s exciting!  You never know where you’ll be next month, you’re always meeting new people, you get days off in some of the world’s most incredible locations and you will witness the most  unreal sunrises and sunsets.

HOW MUCH DOES A YACHT STEWARDESS MAKE

Check out this table to see the current yacht stewardess salary. All wages are per month in Euros. These are the ranges taken from the  Annual Dockwalk Survey of 2019.

2. PACK UP YOUR BELONGINGS

Have you decided being a yacht stewardess is for you? Congratulations, then this post is for you! The first step is packing up your belongings. You’re moving on to a boat, so  pack as light as possible . Depending on where you go to get your first job (more on this in the next steps) you can pack accordingly.

in the Caribbean, it’s unlikely you’ll be needing heavy winter gear. A light jacket and pair of jeans will be sufficient. If you’re heading to the Med warmer clothes will be useful. Don’t take big bulky sports gear or you might be sharing a bed with them. If possible take a bag which can fold up as opposed to a hard suitcase. On some boats this is mandatory.

3. QUIT YOUR JOB

Yep,  do it ! *Cheers* “Yacht stewardess life come at me”.

Stop guessing what you need to do to get a superyacht job and use this checklist to beat the compettion

4. ARRIVE AT A YACHTING HUB

Now for the fun part. Where do you go to get a job as a yacht stewardess? Being a new crew member you want to maximise your chances of finding a job. How do you that? Yachting has two main seasons – Summer and Winter. At the end of each season, there is usually a lot of crew turnaround. During that time captains and owners need to do mass hiring twice a year. The Northern Hemisphere summer season sees most boats go to the Mediterranean or the North East of the USA. The winter season is predominantly in the Caribbean.

As mentioned above if possible you will want to arrive into the yachting hub at these peak seasons. For the winter Caribbean season, you need to be in  Fort Lauderdale , USA by October/November . For the summer Mediterranean season get to  Antibes, France or Palma De Mallorca in April/May .

There are crew houses designed especially for people like you. People who want to become a yacht stewardess, a deckhand, a chef and people who already are but looking for their next job. These crew houses understand the volatility of the industry and that you may be there for one week or two months.  Stay in a crew house  to alleviate paying bonds and monthly contracts plus meet cool people and unofficially start networking (more on that later).

5. FIND A TRAINING SCHOOL TO DO YOUR COURSES

Now you can’t just jump on a boat. There are a couple of basic safety training courses required before you are legally allowed to work as a yacht stewardess at sea. The first course is Standards of Training and Certification of Watchkeeping known as the  STCW 95  or STCW basic safety. You will also need to get your Proficiency in Designated Security Duties ( PDSD ). In the yachting hubs mentioned above, there are multiple training schools to choose from. One reputable company located in both Europe and the US is  Bluewater Yachting .

While you can do these courses around the world (potentially at home). I recommend doing them where you intend to find work. Yachting is all about networking and being in a class with 20 other students instantly connects you with other like-minded individuals. Some I might add could even be a chief stewardess doing her refresher and potentially looking to hire. Hint hint…

WHAT DOES THE STCW 95 AND PDSD INVOLVE?

The  STCW 95  is your basic minimum safety training required to work on a superyacht. There are four components which take five to six days to complete.

1. Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting (Basic Firefighting) 2. Personal Survival Techniques (PST) 3. Personal Safety and Social Responsibility (PSSR) 4. First Aid / CPR (Basic First Aid) 5. Proficiency in Security Awareness (PSA)

This entry-level course is open to anyone and costs around $900 USD or 1200€ to enrol. While this sounds expensive, you’ll be making your money back in no time. This course is a lot of fun. It’s very practical and the firefighting component gave me so much respect for our firefighters. It’s hot and hard work!

The  PDSD  course is for all seafarers who have designated duties under the ship’s security plan. In the superyacht industry, almost all crew members have designated duties – meaning you need to do this course too. 

This one day course costs $300 USD or 280€. You will learn about different security threats to yachts both in dock and at sea, how to recognise them, the use of proper security equipment and how to maintain your ships security plan.

6. COMPLETE YOUR ENG1

The ENG1 is your ships medical certificate. This is irreplaceable with other medicals no matter how thorough they are. You need to have a document stating you passed your ENG1 to join the yachting industry. There are only a few doctors around the world who conduct this examination so it’s wise to book ahead. Places like Fort Lauderdale can have one month waiting periods during peak season.

7. WRITE A YACHT STEWARDESS CV

Writing a yacht stewardess CV is a lot different from writing a CV for a regular job. Captains receive hundreds of applicants during peak hiring periods. With many of these people having zero experience onboard a yacht, you need to know how to make yours stand out.

HOW TO MAKE YOUR CV STAND OUT?

Start off by adding some colour, not just a heading here and there. I mean big bold blocks of colour. Put in shapes of block colours and overlay with your text. Change up the format.

Oh, another resume that  looks  the same… boring. Next. Oh wow! Whats this column on the left about?  It’s  describing the person and their skills. Hmmm, I’ll keep reading.

While maybe this isn’t exactly how a captain thinks it may as well be. Choose a colour scheme and make it look fun. Just make sure it’s still professional and you can read everything. Make sure you include a picture of yourself and a detailed about me section stating your availability and current location. Add some interests and hobbies, because remember you’re applying for a place in someone’s home as well as a job as a yacht stewardess.

Need help? –  I offer personalised services to help you write your CV.  Please get in touch for my rates.

GET THAT CV OUT THERE

Once you have a great CV outlining why you will be the best yacht stewardess you’ll need to get that CV out there. There are a few ways to do this. Firstly you can sign up for a  crew agency . These agencies take on the new and old crew and work with the yacht captains and owners to find the most suitable person for the role. This is a free service. Never sign up to an agent who is charging a fee.

Another way to get your resume seen is through  networking . Networking sounds daunting but really it’s just about being a nice, happy person and getting out socialising. Before the season starts basically everyone who has anything to do with yachts wants to throw a party to advertise their brand. In short as a wannabe yacht stewardess you get free entry into these lux parties, usually a bunch of free drinks to go with it and now you’re networking. Get out there talk to strangers and make connections. You never know who you’re talking to and if they need an additional crew member.

There are also numerous  online job boards . You can submit your resume directly to some of these or read advertisements from people looking for a yacht stewardess.

8. NAIL YOUR INTERVIEW

As a result of your CV being out there, you’ll be getting all these calls asking for you to come in for an interview. They want you to be one of their yacht stewardess’s! To begin with, you need to  dress the part . Make sure you’re hair is up and neat and you have light minimal makeup on. Wear a polo shirt with either a skirt, skort or shorts that is a respectable length in a navy, black or beige. Most interviews are conducted on the yacht in person, so I wore flip flops to all of mine. This is because once you reach the boat it is yacht etiquette to take your shoes off before boarding.

Tip  – I know a lot of chief stews who look at nails, therefore make sure your nails are well manicured.

A usual interview will start with a tour of the yacht. The person interviewing you will then make sure you understand everything there is to know about the role, the schedule of the boat and about the current crew and their daily habits. While not all interviews are super laid back, as a new crew member, they know you do not have experience on boats. What they want to know is if you will be able to gel with the current crew. Will you be someone they can share a small amount of living space with. Will you be someone who can learn new skills and pick up this new lifestyle. Most importantly, be yourself, be happy and have fun.

9. BECOME COMFORTABLE SHARING SMALL SPACES

If you want to work as a yacht stewardess, you need to learn to share a cabin with someone. Your cabin is most likely a quarter of the size of your current bedroom if not less and add to that it’s shared. Welcome to crew living! This is why you need to pack light. All of your belongings will need to fit in a wardrobe much smaller than what you are used to.

Things to remember when sharing a small space whether it’s your cabin or the crew mess (living area).  Be   respectful  of others belongings – if it doesn’t belong to you, don’t touch it.  Clean up after yourself . There’s nothing worse than living with someone who is a grot.  Be courteous . Your crewmates are working weird hours, don’t be the reason they can’t sleep.

10. ENJOY YOUR NEW LIFE AT SEA!

Finally and most importantly  enjoy your new life at sea ! Being a yacht stewardess is such a special career and there is nothing which compares to it. Savour the  unique experiences  which will present,  see the world  while getting paid, make  lifelong friends , learn  new skills  and enjoy being rocked to sleep by the rolling waves.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO BECOME A YACHT STEWARDESS?

Actually not long. The required courses and ENG1 can be done in a week. The longest part is the preparation of packing, heading to a yachting hub and then searching for a job. Most people I know found a job within a couple of weeks to 2 months. However, this will vary depending on the time of year you seek work.

DO YOU WANT FURTHER STEP BY STEP INSTRUCTIONS TO BECOMING A SUPERYACHT STEWARDESS?

Does this sound like something you would like to do ? If yes, then let me introduce you to my book Superyacht Crew. Over the past four years, Melissa Ryan and I have worked onboard yachts in various positions. While you can absolutely follow the steps listed above, but if you would like more detailed help entering the industry than this is  the book for you . Each year more people make the switch to working aboard superyachts. If you are serious about making this career yours then act now.

Superyacht Crew: How to Start Your Career in the Superyacht Industry  is full of information and secrets we learned from our combined years of yachting. This comprehensive guide has helped numerous friends and family members make this dream a reality. Now we want to help  you ! Get step by step instructions no matter where you are in your job search. Gain insider knowledge, use our  yacht stewardess CV examples  and find learn to ask the right questions in your interviews.

My favourite part of the book is the  detailed reference guide . We know the best crew houses, crew agencies and training schools. We either used them personally or have friends who did. Don’t waste time finding misleading information online, use our tried and tested companies to start your career. Do you want to know which doctors do the ENG1? We have listed where you can find qualified ENG 1 doctors around the world.

Make sure you join our facebook group for new yachties and ask us any questions you have.

Click to buy superyacht crew: How to start your career in the superyacht industry today

My name is Erin, the lady behind Curiously Erin. After more than 10 years of travelling and working abroad, I wanted to create a platform where I could share my stories and travels. My goal is to help you live the life you desire and inspire you to travel more.

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A Day in the Life of a Yacht Stewardess

So you want to become a Yacht Stewardess or Steward, but what exactly does that entail?

The age-old question is always, “What do you do when there are no guests onboard? Your life looks like a permanent vacation”

Well the simple answer is that there is always something for us to do onboard. The best way for me to explain this is to outline life onboard for a Yacht Stewardess or Steward, looking at normal working days, guest onboard trips, and all working lists and tasks that keep our weeks busy.

A “Stew” is an abbreviated term for a Yacht Stewardess or Steward

Working Hours of a Yacht Stewardess or Steward

Firstly, you should not expect normal work weeks, work hours, and weekends. Yachts try their best to ensure the crew is getting a good amount of rest, especially if they are MLC compliant , but it’s not always easy. Depending on your trips and the movement of the yacht, you need to be ready to work 16-hour days when you have guests onboard, be on your feet all day, and not have a normal Saturday to Sunday weekend.

The best way to break down your working schedule is to differentiate between on-charter (you have guests onboard), and off-charter (no guests onboard).

On-Charter Work Schedule

I am going to lay out a schedule for a 50m/164ft vessel with 3 stewardesses. Our guests would rise at 6:30 am which is pretty early, but luckily everyone was in bed by 11pm. Here we plan to get 8 hours of rest at night and a 2-hour break in the day.

However please take note, I have worked on yachts where guests were up at 10 am and partied until sunrise. Each yacht will be different so you need to be flexible and start identifying with your preferred choice of beverage for those late-night essential caffeine fixes.

A Basic Interior On-Charter Rota

The morning stewardess  – 3 rd stew.

• Start @ 5 am
• Take a 2-hour break after breakfast is cleaned up
• Finish @ 21:00

The Chief Stewardess

• Start @ 6:30 am (Guest dependent)
• Take a 2-hour break when guest lunch has been served depending on the afternoon guest activities
• Finish when the guests have had dinner and the stew pantry is in good shape

The Late Stewardess (2 nd stew)

• Start 8 hours after they went to bed
• Take a 2-hour break when the Chief Stew returns from her break
• Finish when the guests have gone to bed and the night duties are complete (to be discussed in detail later)

Role Overview and Responsibilities of a Yacht Stewardess or Steward

The morning stewardess or steward.

As a Junior Yacht Stewardess, you will probably start with the breakfast service role after gaining experience working with the Chief Stew and undergoing service training.

At 5:00 am you need to be on deck (this time varies and is guest dependent). To ensure you have a calm morning and a pleasant experience for guests, it’s important to wake up early enough to have the breakfast buffet fully set and a lovely table arranged before they wake up.

You should have a checklist of everything that needs to go out in the morning such as the coffee station, infused water, jams, butter, condiments, milk, yoghurts serving utensils, and anything the chef needs to serve up the buffet. The list will be long and detailed so use it to avoid forgetting anything.

While you wait for guests to rise, you can dust and check for anything the late Stew may have missed the night before (they will have left you notes).

As guests wake up, you will serve breakfast with the assistance of the Chief Stewardess.

In addition, you will be required to step down into cabins and assist the 2 nd stew with cabin turn-ups. Get ready to get your daily step count complete in 2 hours, you’re about to get very busy!

Once you have fully cleaned up breakfast, washed and packed away all dishes, cleared the table setting, and tidied your service areas, you will take a 2 hour break.

When you return from your break you will jump into laundry and housekeeping for the rest of the day and listen out for your radio in case you are needed to assist with service again.

Head straight to the laundry room and start flipping, folding, sorting, and ironing. If you have 12 crew and 12 guests onboard, that is 24 people worth of uniform changes, outfits, bathing suits, swim towels, bath towels, tea towels… you get the point. The list goes on, and so does the laundry, forever. It is really important to stay on top of laundry all day, whilst maintaining the highest level of care. Follow your laundry guide!

Throughout the day you can pop into guest cabins and day heads, making sure these stay clean and neat.

In the evenings you will complete turn downs with the assistance of the 2 nd Stew.

What is Turning Down a Cabin?

• Wiping down the shower and making sure there are no water marks anywhere
• Restocking toiletries and amenities
• Cleaning the toilet and folding the toilet paper
• Wiping the vanity
• Neatening the guests personal toiletries
• Clear used towels and put out fresh ones
• Fold all the guest clothes and neaten personal belongings
• Take the guest laundry bags out to the laundry room
• Remove the throw pillows and the day cover from the bed
• Fold back the top of the bed neatly
• Leave a little chocolate and a motivational quote on the pillow
• Don’t forget to put up the blackout shades, and dim the lights.

When you step out of the room it needs to be clean and ready for the guests to slide into bed after dinner.

HEY, don’t forget that the laundry room needs to keep turning in between all of this!

Before you go to bed I recommend getting yourself ready for the following morning. Use your checklists:

• Pull your breakfast set up
• Set the coffee machine for the following morning
• Check your milks, cereals, and butters are ready
• Squeeze fresh orange juice if needed.

The mornings are extremely busy and there is nothing worse than being unprepared when guests wake up, so you need to be ready early enough to get straight into making cappuccinos and taking breakfast orders when the guests rise.

Once you head to bed, try not to take out your phone and lose an hour of sleep to an Instagram rabbit hole. You need all the sleep you can get.

My suggestion is that you take some time to have a good shower, relax, and be mindful. I always do a little stretch while listening to some music, replying to family messages, and taking some deep relaxing breaths before bed. I find this makes a huge difference to my days and the pending lower back ache of a Yacht Stewardess.

The Late Stewardess or Steward

The late Stew spent the night serving cocktails and entertaining the guests while being coaxed into singing karaoke, sober, and mixing up the next round of margaritas.

So, in the morning I have them start the day with some peace and quiet in housekeeping and laundry.

At this point, the early Stew and Chief Stew are serving breakfast so you just need to get going with laundry and morning duties such as cleaning the bridge and crew mess.

When you hear the radio call for an open cabin you will step in and do the turn up. This is the same process as the turndown, except you are making the bed, turning on the lights, opening the shades, cleaning up the cabin, and having it ready for the day.

You will step into a service role for the rest of the day once the breakfast service is complete. You will be working with the Chief Stew, helping with lunch and dinner table settings and service. Throughout the day, you’ll do top-to-bottom checks of the boat, and mainly just keep an eye on the guests and ensure they are all happy and have anything and everything they need.

The Late Stew will stay up until the guests have all gone to bed, everything from dinner and cocktail service has been cleaned and packed away, and all the night duties have been complete.

The Night Duties of a Yacht Stewardess

• Restocking fridges
• Restocking snack bowls
• Wiping down the bars
• Dusting and wiping common areas
• Low-noise vacuuming common areas if possible
• Checking ashtrays
• Cleaning day-heads
• Emptying bins
• Shutting down ipads and putting them on charge
• Do a final check on flipping laundry
• Leave a note for the morning stew. The note should include detailed information on what time the guests went to bed and anything important they should know for the next day

The Chief Stewardess or Steward

The Chief Stew is the Maître d’ of the vessel. They will lead service, as well as supervise their team throughout the day to ensure all duties are completed and guests are content.

Furthermore, to ensure a smooth day it is important for them to maintain open communication with the Captain, Deck Team and Chef regarding meal schedules and daily plans.

As a good host, it’s important to anticipate and prepare for any requests that guests may have during their stay. This includes arranging beachside meals, organising tender trips, and providing refreshments, food, towels, and other items that guests may require.

Additionally, as the Chief Stew it’s essential to be proactive in meeting the guests’ needs, so being well-prepared and organised is crucial to ensure smooth workflow between all departments.

A Day On Charter From The Perspective Of A Chief Stewardess

• Join the 3rd Stew at breakfast service, help with set up and serving guests as they rise
• Get ready for the daily guest activities, check cooler boxes are packed for the beach and tender
• Check snack bags are packed for the beach and tender as well as sun screen, towels and music
• Assist with packing away breakfast once everyone has eaten, clearing the buffet, table setting and cleaning all the dishes
• All the guests want to head to the beach for the day
• The deck team has already gone to the beach to set up umbrellas and chairs
• Facilitate the organisation to ensure everything goes to the beach that the guests or crew may need
• Send one of the stewardesses to assist with cocktail service on the beach
• All the guests are off which is a great time to clean up properly
• At this point the 3rd Stew goes on break and the 2nd Stew is at the beach
• Do a top to bottom of the boat, neaten cushions, check for empty glasses or dirty ashtrays
• Wipe counters and do a quick vacuum of the main salon if necessary
• Pop into guest cabins and check if anyone showered again after breakfast or made a major mess
• Oh, you just received a radio call and the guests want mimosas on the beach, and someone forgot their sunglasses so please go hunt down the pair of brown Ray Bans in Jim’s cabin
• Get the cooler of cold champagne, OJ and glasses ready and radio for the deck crew to take that over to the beach
• We planned for a 1:30pm lunch with the guests
• Keep checking in with the chef and the stew on the beach to make sure we stay on time as best as possible
• Set the lunch table to the fun theme you had planned for the day
• Grab yourself a quick bite to eat before the guests return
• Flip laundry when possible

• As the guests arrive back onboard for lunch, offer them cold face towels
• Keep communicating with the chef regarding lunch time and if it looks like the guests will be at the table on time
• Serve lunch with the assistance of the 2nd stew who came back from the beach with the guests (she rushed down to shower and freshen up before she is back to assist)
• The guests had a nice long boozy lunch and now they are either off to do water activities or nap
• After lunch the Chief stew will take a break and leave the 2nd and 3rd stew to handle things
• You’re back from your break and its time to start planning for the evening
• It’s Laura’s Masquerade themed birthday party so you start pulling out all the decor you had pre-planned and having it on stand by for the most opportune time to decorate the main deck when the guests aren’t around
• Jump into service and let the 2nd stew take her break
• The guests are scattered, you have 3 in the hot tub on the sundeck, 4 off on jet ski’s and e-foils and 4 lying out on the bridge deck sun tanning and drinking Aperol Spritz’s
• The 3rd stew is up to her ears in laundry so you’re out with guests, doing regular checks on the levels, whilst keeping cocktails topped up and towels folded
• Most of the guests have gone to their cabins to shower and get ready for the evening
• You’re hustling with the help of both stew’s to set the dinner table and decorate for the birthday party, as well as preparing for Canapés at sunset, and you still have 3 guests in the hot tub drinking Mai Tai’s
• The guests start emerging from their cabins ready for the evening
• You’re serving Canapés and cocktails as they come outside
• At the same time you are communicating with the chef about dinner time, and letting the Stewardess’s know when cabins are free for turn downs
• You carry out a 3 Course meal dinner service
• This slowly leads into after dinner cocktails and a dance party on the sun deck
• You keep up with service while cleaning and clearing all the dishes
• At this point, as long as dinner is cleared up and all is under control, you will go to bed for the night
• Sweet dreams, see you in 8 hours

Off-Charter Work Schedule for a Yacht Stewardess or Steward

When we refer to the off-charter work schedule, this is anytime that you do not have guests onboard. You may have one week to prepare for your next trip, or you may have 1 month. Additionally, you could also be going into a yard period for 3 months, or the boat could be traveling to a new destination. Taking these factors into account will effect the work you get done, and how fast you have to do it.

For the most part, when you are off-charter the days are a bit more normalised. You can expect to work 8-hour days, have weekends off, and the Chief Stew will come up with a list of duties for you to complete each day. There is a basic list of daily duties, weekly duties and monthly checks to follow.

Daily Duties

• Crew mess cleaning, restocking, setting up for meals, and clearing up afterwards
• Laundry – all crew laundry, uniform, personal items, and linens
• Cleaning the bridge
• Cleaning the Captain’s cabin

Weekly Duties

• Deep cleaning all guest cabins and maintaining the cleanliness
• Cleaning common areas
• Flushing all the taps, toilets, and showers to keep water moving through drains
• Deep cleaning of the Laundry room and Crew mess
• Updating provisions lists for crew food and toiletries
• Weekly shopping to keep crew food and snacks stocked up

Monthly Duties

• Detailing and polishing stainless in guest areas
• Polishing all silver cutlery and silver accessories such as wine buckets and decorative bowls
• Updating uniform inventories and organising
• Checking all onboard AV/IT operations
• Descaling coffee machines and kettles
• Cleaning ice machines
• Reorganising storage spaces and updating inventories where necessary (uniform, alcohol, toiletries etc)
• Organising the decorations cupboard, placemats, and napkins
• Interior accounting and budgeting (Chief Stew)
• Communication with guests and planning for upcoming trips
• Preparing table decor schedules and activities for upcoming trips
• Detailing the Captain’s cabin

So There You Have It….

A small idea into what we get up to on a Super Yacht.

The thing about becoming a Yacht Stewardess or Steward is that no matter what your age, gender, previous job experience, nationality, educational degree, or aspirations, you will have to start at the bottom in order to work your way to the top.

I know a lot of crew who choose to join yachting in their late 20s and 30s, and this can be tough when you go from being a hot-shot aspiring corporate guru to a glorified housekeeper, nanny, and laundry extraordinaire.

However, with that being said, you get through the grind because your job is taking you around the world and you are earning more money than you could have dreamed of. And most importantly, with luck, you’re doing it with a group of like-minded adventure seekers, having fun and enjoying the ride.

The life of a Yachtie is very “work-hard play-hard”. So, if it appeals to you, check out my post on How to become a Yachtie and hopefully one day we bump into each other on a last minute provision run, or maybe even on a tropical beach in the Bahamas!

Hi, my name is Lisa, a Chief Stewardess in the yachting industry with 10 years of experience, as well as 8 years of hospitality experience prior to that. Being in the yachting industry has been a whirlwind of adventure, growth, challenges and some of the best experiences of my life, and I am excited to share my knowledge and experiences with all of you.

Yacht Crew Salaries: Complete Guide to What Yacht Crew Earn

Laundry care on a super yacht.

How to Become a Superyacht Steward(ess)

All you need to know about starting a career a steward(ess) on a yacht

Steps to Get a Job as a Yacht Steward/Stewardess:

• Understand the role of a Steward/Stewardess onboard a yacht
• Complete Steward/Stewardess training courses
• Obtain an ENG1 or ENG1 Equivalent Medical Certificate
• Select the correct time to travel and look for work
• Obtain visas & documentation
• Create a superyacht CV
• Apply for jobs
• Gain additional/transferable skills
• Keep up to date with the latest Steward/Stewardess jobs
• Mentally prepare yourself

1.Understand the Role & Duties of a Yacht Steward/Stewardess

The structure of the interior department varies depending on the size of the yacht. The duties of a steward or stewardess change accordingly.

Small yachts require diverse interior staff who can help with service, laundry, food preparations and at times help on with deck operations. Large yachts have a more segmented approach with roles focused on specific areas of service or housekeeping.

It is advisable to understand what the position entails so that you have realistic expectations of the job at hand.

2.Yacht Steward/Stewardess Training Courses

All superyacht crew need to hold both mandatory and department specific qualifications. All interior crew need to hold an STCW Basic Training Certification , including Proficiency in Security Awareness or Proficiency in Designated Security Duties , a Food and Hygiene Level 2 Certificate as well as other courses depending on your desired role and vessel type.

Although training courses are not cheap, it is important to invest in yourself and your employability. At the end of the day, it comes down to your budget and career goals.

Find Out More About Steward / Stewardess Training Courses

3.Complete The Essential Requirements For All Crew

Now that you have a good understanding of what being a stewardess is about and you have completed the necessary training, it is time to take action. All crew need to hold an ENG1 medical certificate which will certify you as fit to work at sea. Visas are required in order to travel to super yachting locations to attend interviews. You need to register with crew agents and ensure that you are applying for jobs wherever possible. Building a positive reputation together with a strong network of individuals involved in the industry is key.

Complete The Steps To Start Working On A Superyacht.

4. Gain Additional Steward/Stewardess Skills:

In addition to the above mentioned steps, there are many other transferrable skills that will benefit your chances of being employed as a successful stew. These include, but are not limited to the following:

• Table Service or Silver Service
• Bartending/Cocktail Mixing
• Flower Arranging
• Table Setting
• Boat Driving Experience
• Childcare & Teaching

5. Apply For Steward/Stewardess Jobs

In order to find the right job as a Steward/Stewardess, it is essential to stay up to date with the latest yacht and superyacht positions.

You can do this on My Crew Kit's easy to use job aggregator board! Make sure to sign up so that you can save all of the jobs you are interested in, in your account.

View Available Stewardess Jobs

Yacht Steward/Stewardess Career Assistance

In order to become a successful yacht steward or stewardess you should be an energetic, enthusiastic and presentable individual who possesses a strong work ethic with a passion for hospitality.

Becoming a stew onboard the superyachts is not for the faint hearted as the job requires a lot of hard work. With hard work comes great benefits such as travelling the world, days off in spectacular destinations, a thriving social life, great holidays and good pay.

If you have any questions, it is best to speak to a superyacht Steward/Stewardess training expert.

Get In Touch With An Expert

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Yacht Stewardess Resume Example & Writing Guide

Use this Yacht Stewardess resume example and guide to improve your career and write a powerful resume that will separate you from the competition.

A yacht stewardess is a highly specialized member of the crew who provides service to passengers and crew members aboard luxury yachts. As a stewardess, you’ll coordinate with other members of the crew to ensure that every need is met. You’ll set up tables with linens and plates, stock the bar with drinks, prepare food in the galley, and much more.

While it’s true that yacht stewardesses are usually only needed on board for short periods of time, they play an important role in the overall experience of a boat’s passengers. And although they might work in a small space with a small crew, there’s still plenty of opportunity for growth within the industry.

Here are some tips and an example resume to help you write a standout yacht stewardess resume that will get you noticed by recruiters.

Hardworking and personable yacht stewardess with more than five years of experience in the hospitality industry. Demonstrates a passion for service and a dedication to guest satisfaction. Skilled in providing high-quality service in a fast-paced environment while maintaining a positive attitude.

• Assisted the Captain and Chief Stewardess with yacht maintenance, cleaning, and organization
• Maintained a clean and organized crew quarters for up to 6 people on board
• Prepared meals for guests and crew members using recipes from 5-star restaurants around the world
• Served food to guests at meal times in an efficient manner while maintaining proper etiquette standards
• Communicated effectively with other staff regarding daily tasks, schedules, etc
• Assisted with the loading and unloading of supplies, equipment, food and luggage from yacht for trips to different ports
• Cleaned interior and exterior surfaces of yacht using appropriate cleaning agents and tools as needed
• Maintained inventory list of all items on board including food, drinks, cooking utensils and other supplies
• Prepared breakfast, lunch and dinner menus based on preferences of guests onboard (i.e., allergies)
• Served meals to guests in a timely manner while maintaining professional demeanor at all times
• Kept all areas of the hotel clean and presentable for guests.
• Changed linens and cleaned bathrooms in guest rooms.
• Swept and mopped floors, dusted furniture, and vacuumed carpets.

Industry Knowledge: Yacht Navigation, Cleaning, Safety, Customer Service Technical Skills: Microsoft Office Suite, Typing, Resume Writing, MS Office Programs Soft Skills: Customer Service, Attention to Detail, Communication, Teamwork, Problem Solving, Leadership

How to Write a Yacht Stewardess Resume

Here’s how to write a resume of your own.

Write Compelling Bullet Points

Bullet points are the most important part of your resume because they’re the first thing recruiters will see. And they have to be compelling enough to make them want to read the rest of your resume.

So rather than just listing your responsibilities, you can use bullet points to describe specific examples of how you contributed to the company or helped clients. For example, rather than saying you “provided hospitality services to guests,” you could say you “provided hospitality services to guests at luxury yacht party, serving 200+ guests dinner and drinks while maintaining cleanliness of yacht and ensuring all guests were happy at end of evening.”

The second bullet point paints a much clearer picture of what the job entails and provides specific numbers to demonstrate your level of responsibility.

Identify and Include Relevant Keywords

When you apply for a job as a yacht stewardess, your resume is likely to be scanned by an applicant tracking system (ATS) for certain keywords. If your resume doesn’t include enough of the right terms, your application might not make it past the initial screening process.

One way to make sure your resume makes it past the ATS and into the hands of a recruiter is to include relevant keywords throughout all sections of your resume. Here are some of the most commonly used yacht stewardess keywords:

• Yacht Crewing
• Time Management
• Customer Service
• Social Media
• Communication
• Multitasking
• Organization Skills
• Adobe Photoshop
• Hotel Management
• Event Planning
• Public Speaking
• Microsoft Access
• Crew Management
• Safety Management Systems
• Restaurant Management
• RYA Yachtmaster
• MYA Yachtmaster

Showcase Your Technical Skills

As a Yacht Stewardess, you will be responsible for the interior of the vessel and the care of the guests. You will need to be proficient in the use of cleaning supplies and equipment, as well as have a strong knowledge of cleaning techniques. Additionally, you will need to be able to use technology to communicate with other members of the crew, as well as to research information about the vessel and the guests.

Some of the programs and systems that Yacht Stewardesses are typically expected to be proficient in include: vessel management software, cleaning supplies and equipment, and guest information resources.

Survey Engineer Resume Example & Writing Guide

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• Yacht Department Directory
• Interior Department
• Solo Steward/ess

About the Solo Steward/ess

The solo stewardess is very personable, flexible and excels in various aspects of yacht operations including service, interior maintenance, laundry and provisioning. No job is too big or too small and this individual needs to be able to assist the captain and other crew members as well as work independently to self-manage interior projects. Some financial and administrative skills are useful.

Job Responsibilities

• Guest service - meals and bartending
• Cabin service and detailing
• Polishing - glassware, flatware, silverware
• Refrigerated drinks restocking
• Laundry - guest and crew
• Boat stowage for sea
• Assisting with lines and fenders on deck

Required Skills

• Service skills
• Self-motivated
• Teamwork and multitasking

Salary Modifiers

• Galley experience
• Secondary skill (i.e. nurse, masseuse)
• Tender driving certification or deck skills
• Limited computer skills

Position Statistics

Career path, chief stewardess, head of housekeeping, second stewardess, laundry stewardess, junior stewardess.

All guides , Deckhand , Stewardess , Yacht Jobs

How to become a yachtie.

• November 1, 2023

“Ahoy there, future yachties! Are you ready to embark on an exciting and luxurious career on the high seas?” If the idea of working on a yacht, traveling to exotic locations, and catering to the needs of the rich and famous sounds like a dream come true, then you’re in the right place. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the ins and outs of the yachting industry, from the essential skills and certifications needed to make a splash, to tips on building a strong resume and making valuable connections in the yachting world. We’ll also discuss the various career paths available, from starting out as a deckhand to eventually taking the helm as a captain. Finally, we’ll delve into the yachtie lifestyle, and how to strike the perfect balance between work and play while living and working on the world’s most luxurious vessels. So grab your deck shoes and let’s set sail on this exciting journey to becoming a yachtie!

1. Discovering the Yachting Industry: Opportunities and Requirements

The yachting industry offers a wide range of career opportunities for those who are passionate about the sea and luxury vessels. From deckhands and engineers to chefs and stewardesses, there is a position for every skill set and interest. To begin your journey in this exciting field, it is essential to understand the requirements and qualifications needed for each role. This will help you determine which path is best suited for your skills and aspirations.

Before diving into the world of yachting, it is crucial to familiarize yourself with the certifications and training necessary for your desired position. For example, aspiring deckhands should obtain their STCW (Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping) certification, while engineers may need to complete an MCA (Maritime and Coastguard Agency) approved course. Additionally, it is essential to have a valid passport, a seafarer’s medical certificate, and potentially a visa, depending on the country you plan to work in.

Once you have acquired the necessary qualifications, it is time to start networking and job hunting . Many yachties find their first job through word-of-mouth or by connecting with others in the industry. Attending boat shows, yachting events, and joining online forums can help you make valuable connections and learn about job openings. Furthermore, registering with a reputable yacht crew agency can increase your chances of finding the perfect position. Remember to create a professional CV and be prepared for interviews, as competition in the yachting industry can be fierce.

2. Essential Skills and Certifications for Aspiring Yachties

Entering the world of yachting requires a unique set of skills and qualifications, which are essential for ensuring a successful career. Obtaining the necessary certifications is a crucial step in becoming a yachtie, as these credentials demonstrate your competence and commitment to the industry. Some of the most important certifications include the STCW (Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping) Basic Safety Training, which covers essential safety and survival skills, and the ENG1 Medical Certificate, which confirms your fitness to work at sea.

Aside from certifications, aspiring yachties should also focus on developing their soft skills and practical abilities . Excellent communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills are highly valued in the yachting industry, as crew members must work closely together to ensure smooth operations and guest satisfaction. Additionally, proficiency in various tasks such as cooking, cleaning, and maintenance is crucial, as yachties are often expected to perform a wide range of duties on board. By honing these skills and obtaining the necessary certifications, you will be well on your way to a rewarding career as a yachtie.

3. Building a Strong Resume: Tips for Landing Your First Yacht Job

As a newcomer to the yachting industry, it’s essential to create a compelling resume that showcases your skills, experience, and passion for the job. Start by highlighting any relevant experience you may have, such as working in hospitality, customer service, or a related field. If you have any certifications or licenses, be sure to include them as well. When crafting your resume, consider the following tips:

• Keep it concise: Aim for a one-page resume that’s easy to read and understand.
• Use a professional format: Choose a clean, modern design that highlights your most relevant information.
• Include a personal statement: Write a brief introduction that explains your interest in the yachting industry and what makes you a great candidate for the job.

Networking is a crucial aspect of landing your first yacht job, so attend industry events and connect with professionals in the field. This can help you learn about job opportunities, gain valuable insights, and make a lasting impression on potential employers. Additionally, consider joining online forums and social media groups dedicated to yachting to expand your network and stay informed about the latest industry news.

Finally, be persistent and proactive in your job search. Apply to multiple positions, even if they’re not your ideal role, as this can help you gain experience and make connections within the industry. Don’t be discouraged by rejection – it’s a natural part of the job search process. Instead, use it as an opportunity to learn and improve your resume and interview skills. With determination and a strong resume, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a successful yachtie.

4. Networking in the Yachting World: Making Connections that Matter

Establishing a strong network is crucial for success in the yachting industry. Building relationships with fellow yachties, captains, and industry professionals can open doors to new opportunities and help you advance in your career. Attend industry events, such as boat shows and yacht crew meetups, to meet like-minded individuals and expand your network. Don’t be afraid to introduce yourself and engage in conversations, as this can lead to valuable connections and potential job offers.

Utilizing social media platforms is another effective way to network in the yachting world. Join Facebook groups, follow industry influencers on Instagram, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn to stay informed about the latest news and job openings. Be active in these online communities by sharing your experiences, asking questions, and offering advice. This will not only help you learn from others but also showcase your expertise and passion for the industry.

Finally, consider creating a checklist to track your networking efforts and ensure you’re making the most of every opportunity. This can include goals such as attending a certain number of events per month, connecting with a specific number of professionals online, or following up with contacts you’ve made. By setting measurable objectives and regularly reviewing your progress, you’ll be well on your way to building a powerful network in the yachting world.

5. Climbing the Yachtie Career Ladder: From Deckhand to Captain

Embarking on a career in the yachting industry can be both rewarding and challenging. One of the key aspects to success is understanding the various roles on a yacht and how to progress from one position to another. Starting as a deckhand , you will gain valuable experience and skills that will serve as the foundation for your future growth in the industry. As you continue to learn and develop your abilities, you will have the opportunity to advance to higher positions, such as mate, engineer, or even captain.

One of the most important factors in climbing the yachtie career ladder is gaining relevant qualifications and certifications . For example, obtaining your STCW (Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping) certificate is essential for working on any yacht. Additionally, pursuing specialized training in areas such as navigation, engineering, or hospitality can significantly increase your chances of securing a higher position on a yacht. It is also crucial to network within the industry, as many job opportunities are found through personal connections and recommendations.

Lastly, developing a strong work ethic and demonstrating professionalism at all times will set you apart from other crew members. This includes being punctual, maintaining a positive attitude, and taking pride in your work. As you continue to excel in your role and gain the trust of your captain and fellow crew members, you will be well on your way to climbing the yachtie career ladder and achieving your ultimate goal of becoming a captain.

6. Living the Yachtie Lifestyle: Balancing Work and Play on the High Seas

Embracing the yachtie lifestyle requires a delicate balance between hard work and enjoying the perks of the job. While the days can be long and demanding, the rewards are often worth the effort. To maintain this equilibrium, it’s essential to develop a routine that allows you to excel in your duties while still finding time for relaxation and personal growth. A checklist can be a helpful tool to ensure you’re staying on track with your responsibilities and making the most of your downtime.

One of the key aspects of living the yachtie lifestyle is learning how to adapt to the unique challenges of working on a yacht. This includes mastering the art of multitasking, being prepared for unexpected situations, and maintaining a positive attitude even when the going gets tough. By staying organized and focused, you’ll be able to enjoy the incredible experiences that come with working on a luxury yacht, such as exploring exotic destinations, meeting new people, and indulging in world-class cuisine. Remember, the key to success in this industry is finding the right balance between work and play, so make sure to take advantage of the opportunities that come your way.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. what are the different roles available on a yacht, 2. how long does it take to become a qualified yachtie, 3. can i work on a yacht without prior experience in the industry, 4. what is the salary range for yacht crew members, 5. what are the typical working hours and conditions for yacht crew members.

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A new mom died after giving birth at a Boston hospital. Was corporate greed to blame?

By Michael Kaplan, Jon LaPook, Sheena Samu

Updated on: February 28, 2024 / 10:36 AM EST / CBS News

Nabil Haque said he can still remember the moment his wife Sungida Rashid first held their baby daughter in her arms after giving birth at Boston's St. Elizabeth's Medical Center last October.

"It was a beautiful moment," Haque told CBS News chief medical correspondent Dr. Jon LaPook, in his first television interview. "I wasn't expecting it to be this blissful."

The bliss was short-lived. In the hours after delivery, Rashid experienced a cascade of complications at a hospital that was unexpectedly ill-prepared for her urgent need, and was transferred to another hospital, where she died. Her death has triggered a fresh wave of public scrutiny into the mounting patient risks and health care compromises that have surfaced under hospitals owned by private equity-backed companies.

"They've taken money away from these hospitals that provide needed care and they're using that money to line their own pockets." Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey told CBS News. "I'm disgusted. It's selfish. It's greed."

The hospital where Rashid gave birth, St. Elizabeth's, is one of dozens of hospitals across the U.S. acquired in the past 15 years by a company called Steward Health Care. With hundreds of millions of dollars in backing from private equity giant Cerberus , Steward started buying up Massachusetts hospitals in 2010 and now owns 33 hospitals across 8 states. 

The Dallas-based health care company has been one focus of a year-and-a-half-long CBS News investigation revealing how private equity investors have siphoned hundreds of millions of dollars from community hospitals with devastating public health consequences . Last April, CBS News found Steward redirected money away from hospital operations by selling off the real estate of San Antonio's Texas Vista Medical Center before closing the facility altogether.

A spokesperson for Steward told CBS News company executives always put patients first and said they "deny that any other considerations were placed ahead of that guiding principle." In an earlier statement, the spokesperson said Steward "has actively and meaningfully invested" in its hospital system since its formation, including in Massachusetts, where it took over hospitals that were "failing" and "about to close."

"Steward's investment has taken the form of facility upgrades, equipment, technology, and other meaningful improvements," the spokesperson wrote. 

Yet records reviewed by CBS News showed Steward hospitals around the country with a trail of unpaid bills, at times risking a shortage of potentially life-saving supplies. That appears to be what happened at St. Elizabeth's last October, where medical staff says a device that could have stopped the bleeding in Rashid's liver was repossessed by the manufacturer weeks earlier. 

After giving birth, Rashid experienced bleeding from her uterus, followed by pain around the back of her rib cage. Doctors sent her for an emergency CT scan and then rushed her to the emergency room where, Haque said, they found bleeding in her liver. Hours later, Rashid died during surgery at a second hospital, a tragedy first reported by the Boston Globe,  

Rashid's death is now the subject of a state investigation. Haque says doctors told him they wanted to use a device called an embolization coil to stop the bleeding from his wife's liver. He said when St. Elizabeth's didn't have the coil, she was transferred to the second hospital. 

"An hour later, she had another cardiac arrest," Haque said. "They couldn't revive her. It was shocking. I said, 'Well, what exactly happened?'"

In a complaint filed to Massachusetts' health department obtained by CBS News, health care workers at St. Elizabeth's said the manufacturer had come to "retrieve any coils at the hospital" weeks before because Steward hadn't paid its bills. According to a lawsuit filed last October by the manufacturer, Steward owed about $2.5 million in unpaid bills.  

Steward declined to comment on Rashid's death, citing privacy concerns. The incident has touched off a wave of recriminations in Massachusetts, where Steward owns nine hospitals, including St. Elizabeth's. Healey called her death "outrageous," and her administration is looking at whether her death was preventable. 

"It underscores what has been happening out here with Steward," said Healey. " If you are about cutting corners in furtherance of making money, people are going to get hurt. That's wrong. That needs to change."

Concern about hospitals closing

In December, Steward informed health officials in Massachusetts that it would be closing New England Sinai in Stoughton, another of its hospitals in the state. The announcement has set off statewide fears about the company's financial situation and whether it would be shuttering more hospitals. 

"It's a catastrophic situation in our state," said emergency room nurse Kathy Reardon, an official with the Massachusetts Nurses Association, a union that represents health care workers at Steward's hospitals in the state.

Reardon said Steward's hospitals typically serve low-income communities and patients without a primary care doctor who end up using the emergency room for their health needs. 

"If any of these hospitals were to close, it would be an astronomically tragic situation for all the citizens of Massachusetts," she said. 

In February, a Steward executive sent a message informing staff the company had secured financing "to help stabilize" hospital operations, and, in a statement, a company spokesperson told CBS News it has no plans to close any additional hospitals.

Healey said Steward's failures have prompted her to install monitors — staff from the state's health department — inside each of Steward's hospitals to try to ensure patient safety. She said she believes Steward should no longer be operating in Massachusetts.  "They've taken too much from too many," Healey said "The sooner Steward is out of our state, the better."

Financial questions — and a $40 million yacht 

In a statement to CBS News, a Steward spokesperson said that the company had invested about $2 billion in the hospitals it has acquired, including propping up the employee pension fund for employees at its Massachusetts hospitals, which was underfunded by hundreds of millions of dollars when Steward acquired them.

The company has blamed its current financial woes on the pandemic and low reimbursement rates from Medicare and Medicaid services. 

In a lengthy interview with CBS News, Healey called Steward's justification "hogwash." Instead, she accused Steward executives of driving the company deep into debt while enriching themselves — all at the public's expense. 

"The game was, come to Massachusettts, make some investments and then begin to suck out as much as you can in terms of profits," she said. 

Cerberus, the private equity firm, shed its stake in Steward by January 2021, after making an $800 million profit in a decade, according to a report from Bloomberg . Financial records show Steward has also sold off more than $1 billion of its hospitals' land and buildings since 2016 to Medical Properties Trust, which has made a business of buying up hospital real estate from private equity investors. 

Last year, CBS News reported on Prospect Medical , another private equity-backed chain, whose owners sold off the real estate of a group of suburban Pennsylvania hospitals to cover the debt they incurred when they paid themselves hundreds of millions of dollars out of the company's coffers. 

The financial moves, though legal, ultimately spelled doom for the century-old Delaware County Memorial Hospital, which was forced to shut its doors after Pennsylvania's health department deemed the facility inadequately staffed.

Angela Neopolitano, who worked at Delaware County Memorial for 41 years, says, before the closure, the hospital was dismantled piece by piece, leading to longer waits in the emergency room and forcing staff to transfer more patients to other hospitals.

"They kept on cutting services," Neopolitano said. "Things wouldn't get fixed. Our elevator in  the back of the emergency room had been broken for over a year. When they closed the ICU, that was the knife in my heart." 

A filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission from 2021 shows Steward's owners also paid themselves millions in dividends. Around the same time, Steward CEO Ralph de la Torre acquired a 190-foot yacht estimated to be worth $40 million. 

In an email to CBS News, Steward confirmed de la Torre owned the yacht. Reports about the vessel have been particularly galling to health care workers on the front lines of Steward's hospitals. 

Respiratory therapist Jessica Carrasco worked at Texas Vista Medical Center, Steward's San Antonio hospital, for eight years. She said, before the company shut the hospital down last May, there was a shortage of tubing for respiratory masks.

"Coordinators were having to phone a friend to let us borrow, you know, a cup of sugar," Carrasco said. 

At Steward's Massachusetts hospitals, CBS News found at least 16 vendors weren't paid on time, including a dialysis company that provided life-saving services. Reardon said the supply shortages were unlike anything she's experienced in her 35 years of nursing.

"It's unacceptable to us," she said. "They pick and choose who to pay and what supplies to get." 

A family's loss: "It's just still surreal"

Sungida Rashid and Nabil Haque had come to Boston earlier in 2023 for Haque's postdoctoral program. Haque told us his wife's smile and sense of humor could light up a room. 

"The laugh was, you know, contagious, and you could hear it from a different apartment, but that's something I really liked about her," Haque said. "It's just still surreal, she's not here." 

Haque said he was angry when he first learned from a Globe reporter that the hospital's embolization coil had been repossessed. Now, he says he is trying to focus on the small milestones in his daughter's life instead of wondering whether his wife would still be here if the couple didn't deliver at a Steward hospital.

"I'm looking forward to her starting to walk and eat solid food, and I'm not planning anything about myself," said Haque, who spoke with CBS News from his parents' home in Bangladesh. "A lot of my plans are now buried with Sungida." 

Michael Kaplan is an award-winning reporter and producer for the CBS News investigative unit. He specializes in securing scoops and crafting long-form television investigations. His work has appeared on "60 Minutes," CNN, and in the New York Times.

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Senators demand answers from Steward Health Care and its CEO

Warren and markey want details of the company’s financial wrangling.

With state and federal regulators scrambling to get a handle on the crisis at Steward Health Care and its struggling Massachusetts hospitals, the for-profit company received another demand for information on Thursday.

Seeking to unravel more than a decade of financial maneuvers that left some of the hospitals in a precarious state , Senators Elizabeth Warren and Edward Markey sent a six-page letter to Steward with two dozen queries. The letter requested everything from the total compensation of chief executive Ralph de la Torre and other top executives to notes from meetings approving the 2016 transaction to sell the company’s Massachusetts real estate to an Alabama trust.

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The letter also repeated unanswered questions from a Feb. 9 letter from the lawmakers, including seeking a list of each hospital’s assets and liabilities and the terms of the company’s leases and loans. Now based in Dallas, Steward operates nine hospitals in Massachusetts and more than 30 nationwide.

“You owe Congress, state officials, and the public answers for the record of failure and greed that has culminated in the current Steward Health Care crisis,” the senators wrote. The answers could reveal whether Steward has violated securities laws and whether its executives have violated their fiduciary duties, the senators said.

Piled under with obligations from the real estate deal and various other financial transactions, Steward’s Massachusetts hospitals have not been paying bills for rent, services, and critical medical equipment , stirring fears that some of the facilities might have to close. Last month, the company said it had obtained $150 million cash infusion and was looking at options to sell its physician network and other assets with help from advisory firm Alix Partners.

In a statement to the Globe, Steward said it was reviewing the requests in the senators’ letter. The company said it has already provided “voluminous data” to the state attorney general and health and human services department, including detailed hospital level financial information.

“We are committed to our patients, our employees, and communities,” Steward said in the statement. “We have no plans to close hospitals and are working with state officials on transition plans that we believe will be in the best interests of the Commonwealth.”

Steward last month appointed Dr. Octavio Diaz, the company’s chief medical officer, as president of its North region overseeing Massachusetts. He replaced Dr. Michael Callum, executive vice president of physician services, who shifted to oversee facilities in the Midwest and South.

The company turned over some information to the state, including audited financial records through 2021, after Governor Maura Healey last month criticized Steward for failing to be “forthcoming, truthful or responsive.”

The senators letter also sought information about the transaction that paid off private equity firm Cerberus Capital Management, which created Steward by acquiring Catholic hospital system Caritas Christi Health Care in 2010. Cerberus sold the last of its stake in 2020 to a group of Steward doctors. Steward ultimately borrowed $335 million from its landlord, Medical Properties Trust, in January 2021 to finance the transaction

The senators said they had also asked Cerberus for information about Steward’s various transactions. But the private equity firm largely refused to answer, the senators said in their latest letter, responding that questions would be “more appropriately addressed to Steward and MPT.”

Warren and Markey are hardly the only ones looking for answers. In addition to requests from the Healey administration, the Securities and Exchange Commission is also demanding that Steward’s landlord, Medical Properties, disclose the hospital operator’s financial results to the public.

Aaron Pressman can be reached at [email protected] . Follow him @ampressman .