Bosun salary by vessel size
| Vessel size | Monthly base (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Under 30m | $3,800 – $4,800 | Sometimes combined with senior deckhand duties |
| 30m – 50m | $4,500 – $5,500 | Typical mid-range superyacht programme |
| 50m – 70m | $5,000 – $6,200 | Leading a team of 3–5 deck crew |
| 70m+ | $5,500 – $7,000+ | Large deck departments, complex operations |
On charter yachts, tip income adds meaningfully on top of base. The bosun typically receives a larger share of the crew tip pool than junior deckhands — often 1.5–2 units in a captain-allocated split — which can add $500–$1,500 per charter week on a busy programme.
What the bosun actually does
The bosun is the senior deck crew member responsible for the day-to-day running of the exterior. They report directly to the chief officer (or captain on smaller vessels) and manage the deck team below them. In practice this means:
- Planning and supervising the daily cleaning and maintenance schedule for the vessel's exterior — topsides, decks, brightwork, glass
- Overseeing all line handling during docking, anchoring, and tender operations
- Maintaining and rigging water toys, tenders, and deck equipment
- Carrying out and supervising maintenance work — varnishing, painting, rope and rigging checks
- Managing the deck stores: ordering supplies, tracking inventory, ensuring nothing runs out mid-charter
- Acting as a trusted lead when the chief officer is occupied with navigation or watch duties
- Mentoring junior deckhands and setting the standard for work quality and professionalism
On larger yachts the bosun may have a dedicated assistant (sometimes titled "senior deckhand") and is responsible for that person's performance. The administrative and management component of the role is a genuine step up from pure hands-on deck work.
Qualifications that get you a bosun role — and higher pay
There is no single certificate called "bosun." It's a position earned through demonstrated competence, sea time, and trust from the captain. That said, specific qualifications make a strong bosun CV:
- STCW BST — mandatory baseline; every bosun has this
- ENG1 medical — required for commercial yachts
- RYA Powerboat Level 2 — essential; tender handling is a major bosun responsibility
- PADI Divemaster or higher — expected on charter yachts with a dive programme; adds $300–500/mo to base on the right vessels
- Water sports instructor certifications (jetski, wake, kitesurfing) — premium on charter yachts with toy programmes
- RYA Day Skipper or Coastal Skipper — demonstrates navigational knowledge; positions you as officer material
- STCW Proficiency in Survival Craft (PSC) — required for many senior positions on commercially coded vessels
- Rigger training or rope splicing — niche but valued on sail yachts and larger motor vessels
How long does it take to become a bosun?
Most deckhands who are actively working toward career progression reach bosun level in 2–4 seasons. The range is wide because it depends heavily on vessel size (smaller boats offer faster progression but less pay), how aggressively you accumulate qualifications, and whether the right vacancy appears at the right time.
The fastest route is to work on larger vessels where the deck team is big enough for a dedicated bosun position, stack the most commercially relevant qualifications (particularly Divemaster and water sports certs on charter yachts), and be visible and professional to captains and chief officers who might recommend you.
Bosun vs senior deckhand: what's the difference?
Some vessels use "senior deckhand" and "bosun" interchangeably; others have both. Where both titles exist, the distinction is management responsibility. A senior deckhand is simply an experienced deckhand who gets a small pay premium. A bosun is formally responsible for the deck team's output, the maintenance schedule, and the stores — even if the team is small. The pay difference reflects that accountability.