Finding superyacht roles in Key West
Entry rules for foreign crew, where yachts berth in Old Town and pay figures. Jobs in the area are listed above.
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Entry and work rules
Crewman classification
22 CFR 41.41 says a person is classifiable as a nonimmigrant crewman if the person has permission to enter some foreign country after a temporary landing in the United States. A person employed on a vessel in a capacity not required for normal operation and service is not classified as a crewman. Check the rules for your passport.
Key West is a customs port of entry
19 CFR 101.3 lists Key West as a customs port of entry in Florida. NOAA Coast Pilot 4 also states that Key West is a customs port of entry.
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 Key West.
Where yachts berth in Old Town
Marinas named by the operators and by NOAA Coast Pilot 4.
Key West Bight
Key West Bight Marina is a city marina at 201 William Street. Charter boats and yachts use Key West Bight (NOAA Coast Pilot 4).
Caroline Street
Conch Harbor Marina is at 951 Caroline Street.
Stock Island
The Perry Marina is at 7005 Shrimp Rd. Charter boats and yachts also use Stock Island (NOAA Coast Pilot 4).
Sources. Checked 8 November 2026.
- NOAA NCEI, 1991 to 2020 monthly normals, Key West International Airport
- US National Hurricane Center, climatology
- NOAA Coast Pilot 4, chapter 11
- NOAA Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, regulations
- 15 CFR 922.163, sanctuary-wide prohibited activities
- 15 CFR 922.164, additional activity regulations by sanctuary area
- 22 CFR 41.41, crewmen
- 19 CFR 101.3, customs ports of entry
- City of Key West, Key West Bight Marina
- Integra Marinas, The Perry Marina
- Dockwalk, The Perry Marina Key West (sponsored), 2 November 2023
- Conch Harbor Marina, slips
- Monroe County, airports
- Key West Holiday Fest, Harbor Walk of Lights
- UKSA annual superyacht salary guide 2025
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