Job Description

EXPERIENCED CHIEF MATE REQUIRED FOR HIGH-STANDARD 43M PRIVATE/CHARTER MOTOR YACHT

Vessel: 43m Private Motor Yacht
Location: Mediterranean (currently in shipyard)
Contract: Permanent
Start Date: ASAP
Salary: €8,500 per month (DOE)
Leave: 60 days

We are looking for a highly capable, hands-on Chief Mate to take full responsibility for deck and safety operations on a 43m vessel that operates to strict 60m+ standards. This is a senior leadership role for someone confident managing a small deck team, coordinating all exterior operations, driving safety culture, and supporting the Captain in delivering a polished, professional program across demanding seasons.

The yacht is currently in the shipyard for the winter, so strong yard experience, contractor oversight, planning capability, and deep technical knowledge are essential. You must be able to step in immediately and take charge of day-to-day deck operations, managing timelines, maintenance cycles, safety tasks, and workflow without supervision.

The program is fast-paced, structured, and run by a high-calibre crew — many with 60–90m backgrounds. The culture onboard is calm, professional, fitness-focused, and drama-free. This is not a party environment; it’s a tight, respectful, capable team delivering big-boat standards on a 43m platform.

Although commercially compliant, the vessel has been private use only this season — this may change next year. Owners are formal, high-end, and expect quiet, polished, discreet service.

The Chief Mate reports directly to the Captain and oversees all deck and safety operations, including maintenance planning, crew management, navigational watches, yard coordination, toys/tenders, safety compliance, drills, and ensuring the deck team performs at a consistent 60m+ standard.

If you’re organised, confident, technically strong, and able to run an efficient, high-standard deck and safety program, this is an excellent opportunity for stability, strong Captain support, and the chance to operate at a large-yacht level.

Responsibilities

• Lead, train, and mentor the deck team daily (Bosun + Deckhand)

• Manage and oversee all exterior maintenance planning and execution

• Coordinate shipyard work, liaise with contractors, supervise work completion

• Maintain deck and safety inventories, stocks, and maintenance schedules

• Act as Safety Officer: maintain all safety gear, ensure compliance, run drills

• Stand navigational watches and assist the Captain with bridge operations

• Drive tenders; oversee tender operations, toys, and watersports activities

• Oversee all mooring, anchoring, and docking operations to big-boat standards

• Implement procedures, checklists, and safe-working systems across the deck

• Maintain a calm, organised, professional deck culture

Requirements

• 3+ years experience on 40–60m+ vessels, charter experience a bonus

• Previous Chief Mate/Chief Officer or experienced 2nd Officer stepping up

• Proven shipyard/yard period experience and contractor management

• Strong product, materials, and exterior maintenance knowledge

• Confident tender driver (large RIB experience preferred)

• Strong leadership, planning, and communication skills

• Excellent understanding of safety management, drills, and compliance

• Fluent English

• STCW and ENG1 up to date

• OOW 3000 (or CM3000 preferred)

• Clean criminal background check if requested

• Active, professional, no-drama attitude