How to Become a Yacht Purser

Pursers run yacht administration, accounts, HR and compliance, freeing the captain and crew to run the vessel.

Steps to become a yacht purser

1. Come from a senior interior or admin background
2. Learn yacht accounts, ISM/ISPS and HR
3. Join a large yacht as purser
4. Grow into fleet or head-of-department roles

Certificates you need

• STCW basic training
• ENG1 medical
• Purser / yacht admin courses
• Accounting and HR background

How long does it take?

Usually after several years in yachting. Purser roles exist on large yachts 50m and up.

What does a yacht purser earn?

Entry pay is about $5,000 to $6,500 a month, rising to $7,000 to $11,000 with experience. See the full yacht purser salary guide.

Start your yacht purser career

Once you have your tickets, get in front of hiring captains and managers. Create a free crew profile, then browse yacht purser jobs and apply directly with no agency fees.

FAQ

What qualifications does a yacht purser need?

At a minimum, STCW basic safety training and an ENG1 seafarer medical, plus the role-specific tickets listed above.

Do you need experience to start?

Many people enter as green crew. The fastest route is getting your certificates, building a strong CV, and dockwalking or daywalking in a hub port. Sign up free to get started.