Finding superyacht roles in Halifax
Training, entry rules and pay figures for yacht crew in Halifax.
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Training, entry and work rules
STCW Basic Safety in Dartmouth
Survival Systems Training, 40 Mount Hope Avenue, Dartmouth, runs STCW 6.1 Basic Safety, approved by Transport Canada. The course is six days, typically Sunday to Friday, for ages 16 and over. A valid medical certificate is required before the course starts. The refresher is 16 hours and needs a Basic Safety certificate valid within 5 years. Phone 1.902.465.3888.
Reporting to the CBSA
The Canada Border Services Agency says only the operator may leave a boat to place the reporting call, and everyone else stays onboard until the CBSA authorizes entry. Foreign nationals must carry proper identification and a valid visa if necessary. Check the rules for your passport.
Foreign vessels and work permits
Transport Canada says there are immigration requirements for the crew of all foreign vessels performing coasting trade in Canada. Even where no coasting trade licence is needed, a work permit can still be mandatory. Check the rules for your passport.
Pay by role and yacht size
| Role | 45 to 50 m | 70 m and over |
|---|---|---|
| Captain | EUR 9,000 to 12,000 | EUR 15,000+ |
| First Officer | EUR 4,500 to 6,000 | EUR 7,000+ |
| 2nd Mate / Bosun | EUR 3,200 to 4,000 | EUR 5,000+ |
| Deckhand | EUR 2,800 to 3,500 | EUR 3,000+ |
| Chief Engineer | EUR 7,000 to 9,500 | EUR 8,500+ |
| Chef | EUR 5,500 to 6,500 | EUR 8,000+ |
| Chief Steward(ess) / Purser | EUR 2,800 to 4,000 | EUR 3,000+ |
| Steward(ess) | EUR 2,200 to 2,500 | EUR 2,200 to 2,500 |
UKSA salary guide 2025, in EUR. The guide does not state the pay period and is not specific to Halifax.
Sources. Checked 8 November 2026.
- Build Nova Scotia: Halifax waterfront marina
- Build Nova Scotia: Halifax berthing pass
- Build Nova Scotia: marina rules, April 2026
- Halifax Boaters Guide, April 2021
- Dockwalk Superports: Halifax Marina
- General Pilotage Regulations (SOR/2000-132)
- Atlantic Pilotage Authority: FAQ
- CBSA: private boats
- CBSA: foreign recreational boaters
- Transport Canada: coasting trade guidance library
- Survival Systems Training: STCW Basic Safety
- Survival Systems Training: STCW Basic Safety refresher
- Survival Systems Training: contact
- Halifax International Boat Show
- Halifax Stanfield: airport facts
- Environment and Climate Change Canada: climate normals, Shearwater A
- US National Hurricane Center: climatology
- UKSA annual superyacht salary guide 2025
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