Chief Steward/ess or Interior Manager
Recommended Time In Role
As the most senior position within the interior, a Chief Steward/ess can and should stay in their role as long as the work is rewarding. As and when the time comes to look for a new challenge, a Chief Steward/ess will have many valuable skills that would be well placed both in the Purser role and in many on-shore positions.
Mandatory Qualifications
To be eligible to be a Chief Steward/ess, all candidates must have STCW Basic Safety Training A-VI/I.
Food Safety in Catering Level 2 is also needed if serving or handling food.
Recommended Qualifications
The strongest candidates will also have completed the GUEST Advanced Yacht Hospitality Management Program (leading to Yacht Chief Stew. CoC). Relevant courses include Yacht Interior Administrations, Destination, Event & Interior Management, Human Resources & Crew Wellbeing, Accounting, Bookkeeping & Budgeting, and Level III Supervision of Food Safety. A full driver’s license is expected.
Recommended Experience
The amount of experience needed is dependent on the size of the yacht. On smaller vessels, reaching Chief Steward/ess may be possible within three years. On larger yachts with bigger teams, this could take four to five years to achieve the position of Chief Steward/ess.
Character Attributes
- Self-motivated
- Confident
- Flexible
- Positive / can-do attitude
- Self-aware
- Strong work ethic / hard-working
- Honest & trustworthy
- Ability to delegate
- Collaborative
- Personable – service with smile
- Self-regulated – including personal and social media presence
- Good communication skills
- Good listener
- Takes direction
- Ability to mentor, support, train, and develop others
- Resilient / ability to work well under pressure
- Collaborative & loyal
- Good time keeping
- Discreet
- Well presented
- Takes initiative
- Organised
- Tolerant