Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Yacht Technician

🎯 Role Definition

As a Yacht Technician you will be the onboard technical specialist responsible for the operation, maintenance and repair of propulsion plant, auxiliary machinery, electrical systems, plumbing and accommodation systems. You will perform preventive maintenance, diagnose faults, implement corrective actions during sea trials and charters, liaise with suppliers and shipyards, and maintain up-to-date technical records so the vessel remains safe, reliable and compliant with owner and flag state requirements. This role requires hands-on mechanical and electrical capabilities, strong documentation habits, and professional communication with captains, engineers and owners.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Marine Mechanic or Diesel Technician with experience on small craft
Marine Electrician or Boat Builder from a boatyard or ship repair business
Yacht Crew with technical maintenance responsibilities (Deckhand/Engineer trainee)

Advancement To:

Chief Engineer / Head Engineer (on larger yachts)
Port/Technical Manager or Fleet Engineer (shore-based)
Marine Surveyor or Vessel Systems Specialist
Project Manager for refits and technical upgrades

Lateral Moves:

Systems Technician (electronics, navigation, communications)
Marine Electrician or Composite Technician (specialist roles)
Onshore Service Technician for OEMs (generators, HVAC, engines)

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Perform scheduled preventive maintenance and servicing on main propulsion systems (diesel engines, gearboxes, shaftlines), including oil/filter changes, coolant system servicing, valve adjustments, alignment checks and performance optimization to keep engines within manufacturer tolerances and to avoid downtime.
Diagnose and repair electrical faults across 230V/110V AC systems and 12V/24V DC circuits, including switchboards, inverters, battery banks, alternators and distribution panels; perform insulation, continuity and polarity checks with DMMs and document corrective actions.
Commission, troubleshoot and maintain generators, alternators and power management systems, validate load sharing and automatic transfer switch operation, and coordinate with OEM service engineers for warranty and complex repairs.
Inspect, maintain and repair HVAC systems (air conditioning, chillers, compressors), including refrigerant system leak detection, compressor service, filter replacement and control system calibration to ensure guest comfort.
Service and repair plumbing systems: high-pressure freshwater pumps, pressure vessels, watermakers/desalination units, grey/black water systems, macerators and sanitary piping; ensure compliance with environmental discharge and marina plumbing requirements.
Carry out structural and composite repairs to hull, superstructure and interior components using fiberglass, carbon, epoxy and gelcoat techniques; prepare surfaces, laminate, cure and finish repairs to owner/shipyard standards.
Maintain and repair steering and hydraulic systems including pumps, cylinders, hoses and fluid filtration; perform regular leak checks, system bleeding and pressure tests to maintain safe maneuvering.
Test, repair and calibrate navigation, radar, autopilot, AIS, VHF, GPS and bridge electronics in coordination with electronics specialists; ensure all instrument systems are fully functional prior to voyages and charters.
Oversee fuel systems maintenance: filters, separators, tanks, transfer pumps and level sensors; perform fuel polishing, contamination checks, and coordinate transfer/cleaning operations to prevent engine failure.
Implement and document routine inspection routines using maintenance management systems (paper or CMMS), update technical logs, inventory critical spare parts, and prepare technical reports for the captain and owner following faults, near-misses or upgrades.
Lead or support sea trials and dock trials for commissioning, refits and repairs, monitoring engine parameters, vibration, temperature and shaft alignment to confirm systems operate within specification.
Conduct safety-critical maintenance: firefighting systems (fixed CO2, FM200, foam), bilge pumps, level switches, life-saving and emergency systems per flag and class regulations and ensure all systems are inspected and certified.
Provide on-call technical support during charters and across watches, respond to emergency breakdowns, execute temporary repairs and coordinate with external service providers or the yard for permanent fixes.
Manage and maintain refrigeration systems for galley, beverage and cold stores, including compressor service, thermostats, door seals and defrost systems to protect provisions and guest service levels.
Maintain and service deck machinery: windlasses, capstans, cranes, davits and tender engines; perform lubrication, hydraulic checks, cable and chain inspection and preventive maintenance to guarantee safe operations.
Supervise and mentor junior technicians, contractors and yard teams during maintenance periods or refit projects, ensuring safe work practices, adherence to technical plans and quality control inspections.
Maintain compliance documentation, certificates, parts records and logbooks to support regulatory inspections, port state control and flag state audits, ensuring the vessel’s technical status is auditable at all times.
Coordinate procurement of spare parts, consumables and technical services; prepare purchase lists, verify technical specifications and liaise with supply agents to minimize vessel downtime and support budgeting.
Implement corrosion-control measures including anode replacement, coating inspections, cathodic protection checks and regular hull/tank inspections to extend equipment life and reduce long-term maintenance costs.
Execute software updates and configure diagnostic tools for engines, generators and electronic controllers; use OEM diagnostic software to read fault codes, reset alarms and download event logs for remote troubleshooting.
Carry out rigging and tender support tasks when required: inspect lifting slings, wire ropes, deck fittings, and tender engine tune-ups to ensure safe guest transport and deck operations.
Maintain precise inventory management of technical spares and consumables, rotate stock per FIFO, and reconcile usage against maintenance records to prevent critical part shortages during operations.

Secondary Functions

Assist the captain and chief engineer in planning refits, upgrades and technical budgets by providing detailed technical assessments, time estimates and parts lists.
Support cross-departmental projects such as AV/IT installations, interior system upgrades and energy-efficiency retrofits by providing mechanical and electrical expertise.
Train crew in basic system operation, emergency shutdowns, and first-line troubleshooting to increase technical resilience and reduce reliance on external contractors.
Participate in risk assessments and toolbox talks for onboard and yard-based maintenance activities; enforce safe working practices and PPE usage.
Coordinate technical inspections and surveys with classification societies, flag state inspectors and insurance surveyors, providing technical records and facilitating onboard walk-throughs.
Assist with inventorying and storing hazardous materials and chemicals according to MSDS and maritime regulations, and support waste management procedures for oily water and hazardous wastes.
Document lessons learned after repairs or incidents and propose procedural improvements to reduce recurrence and improve vessel reliability.
Support guest-facing teams by explaining system limitations, planning around maintenance windows and minimizing disruption during guest stays or charters.
Work with shore-based vendors to schedule and manage remote maintenance visits, warranty work and specialized repairs that exceed the onboard team’s scope.
Contribute to energy management initiatives: monitor fuel consumption, optimize generator run-hours, and recommend upgrades (e.g., battery banks, shore-power systems) to reduce operational costs and emissions.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Advanced diesel engine maintenance and troubleshooting (inboard marine diesels, common rail systems, turbochargers) with experience on major brands such as MTU, Caterpillar, MAN, Volvo Penta or Scania.
Marine electrical systems expertise: AC and DC distribution, inverters, shore power integration, battery management, switchboards, and fault isolation.
Generator and power plant management: commissioning, load testing, fault diagnosis, and interfacing with power management systems and ATS units.
HVAC and refrigeration servicing: compressors, chillers, thermostatic controls, refrigerant leak detection and safe handling (knowledge of refrigerant regulations).
Watermakers/desalination system maintenance, membrane servicing, pressure vessel work and freshwater system hygiene protocols.
Fiberglass, composite and gelcoat repair techniques, including wet layup, vacuum bagging, sanding and fairing to match interior/exterior finishes.
Hydraulics and steering systems: pumps, valves, hoses, cylinder service and system bleeding procedures.
Electronic and navigation systems troubleshooting: NMEA 0183/2000, radar, AIS, autopilot calibration and instrument integration.
Proficient use of diagnostic software and tools (OEM engine diagnostic tools, multimeter, clamp meter, thermal camera, vibration meter).
Welding and metalwork skills (MIG/TIG, stainless steel and aluminum fabrication) for pipework, brackets and structure repairs.
Familiarity with regulatory and safety standards: STCW, SOLAS basics applicable to small yachts, MARPOL, flag state requirements and port documentation.
Competence with CMMS or maintenance log systems, inventory control and technical reporting.

Soft Skills

Strong problem-solving and analytical thinking to diagnose complex multi-disciplinary faults under time pressure.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills for clear reporting to captain, owner, crew and external contractors.
High attention to detail and quality orientation when performing repairs, testing and documentation.
Good time management and prioritization for balancing preventive tasks, emergent repairs and refit deadlines.
Team player mentality with leadership capability when supervising contractors, shipyard crews and junior technicians.
Discretion and professional conduct while working in owner and guest spaces; ability to maintain confidentiality.
Adaptability and resilience to work extended hours during refits, charters and emergency call-outs.
Customer service focus with a calm, guest‑oriented approach during technical interruptions affecting owner or charter experience.
Safety-first mindset, promoting safe work practices, hazard awareness and compliance with onboard safety procedures.
Initiative and continuous learning attitude to stay current with new marine technologies and OEM practices.

Certifications (preferred/required):

STCW Basic Safety Training and valid ENG1 or equivalent medical certification.
Relevant marine engineering or technical certification (e.g., NVQ Level 3/4, Marine Engineering diploma).
ABYC or MCA/Flag-specific endorsements, refrigeration handling certificates (F-Gas/Type II) and electrical safety training are advantageous.
Manufacturer-specific training for engines, generators, HVAC or electronics where available.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High school diploma or equivalent with vocational training in marine mechanics, electrical, mechanical or related trades.

Preferred Education:

Diploma or certificate in Marine Engineering, Marine Electrics, Mechanical Engineering or a recognized apprenticeship (NVQ/City & Guilds) in marine/industrial trades.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Marine Engineering
Mechanical Engineering (focus on internal combustion engines)
Electrical Engineering / Marine Electrics
Naval Architecture or Boat Building technology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

3 — 7 years of hands-on experience working on motor yachts, commercial vessels or in marine maintenance/boatyard settings.

Preferred:

5+ years onboard medium-to-large motor yachts (30m+) or equivalent shipyard/refit experience with documented responsibility for propulsion, electrical and accommodation systems, including time spent conducting sea trials and managing technical projects.