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Work as a ship captain and chief mate

Worked as a captain and chief mate aboard vessels

Home Staff International offers vacancies for yacht captains and assistant captains working with affluent and international families. Our clients are looking for responsible, experienced, and professional specialists who can ensure the safe operation of the vessel, maintain technical oversight, and provide comfort and security for passengers on board. Responsibilities may include route planning, organizing docking and marina arrangements, liaising with port authorities and service providers, and keeping the vessel in impeccable condition. We help you find employers who value your maritime experience, professionalism, and service-oriented approach, and we support you throughout every stage of employment — from the first interview to signing the contract.

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Work as a ship captain and chief mate

Looking for a reliable job as a ship captain or chief mate? Our agency offers carefully selected vacancies for experienced maritime professionals who ensure the safe and professional operation of vessels, precise route management, and strict adherence to navigation standards. We help you find a shipping company that values your experience, qualifications, and sense of responsibility, and we support you at every stage of employment — from the first interview to signing the contract.

International job vacancies for ship captain and assistant captain

Most of our vacancies are related to positions as a ship captain and chief officer. We work with international companies whose crews regularly go on voyages, operate in different countries, and value professionalism, discipline, and responsibility. We carefully take into account your preferences regarding vessel type, schedule, and working conditions, and offer only those positions where your experience, qualifications, and personal qualities are truly in demand.

Questionnaires, interviews, and preparation for the position of ship captain and first officer are conducted free of charge for candidates. In some cases, a small fee may be charged, but only after you receive a confirmed job offer and sign a contract with the family.

Work as a ship captain and assistant captain is carried out in various countries across Europe (Austria, England, Belgium, Germany, Spain, Italy, Monaco, France, Montenegro, Switzerland), as well as in the United Arab Emirates (Dubai, Abu Dhabi), the USA, Turkey, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Russia, and Ukraine.

What are the working conditions for a ship captain and a first officer?

Working conditions depend on the specific family and the type of employment, but most employers offer:

Competitive salary with timely payment.

Official employment (where applicable) or a written contract.

Work schedules such as 5/2, 7/7, 30/30, daily shifts, or part-time positions

Live-in options (separate room and meals provided) as well as live-out positions

Travel reimbursement and additional bonuses by agreement.

What is the salary of a ship captain and a first officer?

The salary of a ship captain and a chief mate depends on experience, a record of accident-free navigation, the type of vessel, routes, and the level of responsibility on board. Specialists with extensive sea time, strong navigational skills, and experience on international or challenging voyages typically receive higher pay.

The level of compensation is also influenced by the type of employment: when working as part of a crew with accommodation and meals provided on board, the base salary may be slightly lower, whereas contract work or high-complexity voyages usually offer higher remuneration.

Additional factors that significantly affect income include night watches, long transits, operations in difficult weather conditions, as well as responsibilities for crew management, vessel safety, and knowledge of international maritime regulations and standards.

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Average cost of employment for a ship captain and a chief mate:

Below are very approximate salaries. Our specialists will provide you with a personalized salary consultation.

Hourly

20-50

euro per hour

With accommodation in a family

2500-12000

Euro and above

Without homestay

3000-17000

Euro and above

Requirements and preferences for a ship captain and chief mate

If you are planning to work at sea, for example as a ship captain or a chief mate, it is important to consider the qualification and certification requirements of the country and the specific shipowner. Employment typically requires a valid maritime diploma confirming your rank and level of competence, as well as the necessary STCW certificates that allow you to perform duties on board.

In some cases, before starting a contract, a personal meeting with the shipowner or crewing agency may be required, especially for international employment. After a successful selection process, the employer arranges the contract and the necessary permits for working on the vessel.

Similar requirements apply in other countries: having the appropriate maritime documents and certifications is a mandatory condition for starting work as a captain or chief mate. Our specialists will help you understand the requirements and find suitable job opportunities in the maritime industry.

Age and health status that allow safe work as a ship captain or assistant captain, maintaining concentration for long periods and responding quickly in complex maritime conditions.
Valid license and confirmed experience working as a ship captain or assistant captain, including safe vessel operation and a proven record of accident-free practice.
Excellent knowledge of routes and navigation, with the ability to plan fast and safe routes taking traffic and roadworks into account, as well as experience working as a ship captain and first officer.
References from previous employers, confirming reliability, punctuality and respectful attitude towards clients.
Clean criminal record and readiness to undergo background and document checks required for work in a private family.
Work as a ship captain and assistant captain: having valid medical certificates and good eyesight, compliance with safety regulations, and a responsible attitude toward the technical condition of the vessel.

What you need to get a job:

Fill out the application form

We receive new job openings from clients every day, and they usually close very quickly — within 3–5 days. To ensure your profile can be immediately presented to an employer, the application must be completed in advance. This speeds up the process and increases your chances of being invited to an interview without delay.
Apply for vacancies

We publish current job offers in our iOS and Android applications and also send personalized offers to specialists via WhatsApp. You should follow the updates and respond promptly to the vacancies that interest you. The faster you react, the higher the chance that your application will be reviewed first.
Wait for an interview with the employer

If your profile attracts the client’s interest, we arrange an online interview. The agency’s manager participates to help both sides discuss details: salary, schedule, accommodation, and responsibilities. It is important to ask questions and clarify conditions. Once both sides agree, we prepare you to start working.
Starting the job

After a successful interview, the start date is agreed upon, and if necessary, tickets are purchased for your relocation. A contract is signed, and you begin performing your duties. Our manager stays in touch to make sure your adaptation in the new family goes smoothly. Payment begins from your very first working day.

Are you ready to find a job as a ship captain and assistant captain?

Fill out the application form — it will serve as your professional resume for employers. Please indicate your experience, skills, preferred work schedule, working conditions, and any other preferences. After you submit the form, our specialists will review your profile and contact you to offer vacancies that best match your experience and expectations.

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Worked as a captain and chief mate aboard vessels - 01

We offer two simple ways to find up-to-date job openings in domestic service:

Through the Homestaff app – download, search, and apply for vacancies right from your smartphone.

Via the Telegram channel – subscribe and receive fresh offers in a convenient format.

Homestaff App

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Worked as a captain and chief mate aboard vessels

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