Yacht Crew Jobs in Fort Lauderdale

The Yachting Capital of the World

Fort Lauderdale, Florida is home to more yachts than any city on Earth. With over 50,000 registered vessels and 300 miles of inland waterways, it's the undisputed capital of the global yachting industry. The annual Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS) is the world's largest in-water boat show.

The area hosts numerous marinas, shipyards, and maritime businesses along the 17th Street Causeway corridor and Marina Mile. For yacht crew, Fort Lauderdale offers unparalleled job opportunities, world-class training facilities, and a vibrant crew community.

Types of Jobs Available

• Day Work – Boat shows, deliveries, maintenance ($150-250/day)
• Deckhand Positions – Entry to senior roles ($3,000-4,500/month)
• Steward/Stewardess – Interior positions ($3,000-5,000/month)
• Chef/Cook – All levels needed ($4,000-10,000/month)
• Engineering – Strong demand ($4,000-12,000/month)
• Officer Positions – Captain, Mate roles ($6,000-25,000/month)

Fort Lauderdale Quick Facts

Fall (Oct-Nov)

FLIBS boat show. Peak hiring. Yachts arriving from Med for Caribbean season.

Winter (Dec-Mar)

Caribbean charter season. Many yachts based in FLL between trips. Strong demand.

Spring (Apr-May)

Atlantic crossing prep. Yachts heading to Med. Delivery crew needed.

Summer (Jun-Sep)

Hurricane season. Slower period. Refit work available. Good time for training.

Marina Mile

State Road 84 corridor. Dozens of marinas, shipyards, and yacht services. The heart of the industry.

17th Street Causeway

Bahia Mar, Pier 66, and Lauderdale Marine Center. Major superyacht facilities and crew agencies.

Dania Beach

Home to major shipyards including Derecktor and Lauderdale Marine Center. Refit hub.

B1/B2 Visa

Most foreign crew work on B1/B2 visas on foreign-flagged vessels. You cannot work on US-flagged yachts without proper work authorization.

USCG Documentation

For US-flagged vessels, you'll need USCG credentials including TWIC card, MMC, and drug testing compliance.

Higher Salaries

US-based yachts often pay 10-20% more than European equivalents. Tips culture means additional income on charter yachts.

Training Centers

MPT, MITAGS, and numerous schools offer STCW, USCG, and MCA courses. Fort Lauderdale is a training hub.