Yacht Nurse

The core job is clinical. You hold the ship's medical chest, keep the drug log, check expiry dates and make sure the defibrillator, oxygen and trauma kit are ready. You run sick bay for the crew: cuts from the deck, burns from the galley, back strain, infections, seasickness, the odd dental problem. You also link the yacht to its telemedical provider, so when something is beyond you, you are the one describing it clearly to a doctor on the phone.

With guests aboard the work changes. Some owners bring complex health needs and want you on hand for them. You may manage their prescriptions, travel vaccinations and pre-trip medical history, and stand by during diving, jet skis and tender runs. On a quiet crossing or in the yard you train the crew in first aid and CPR, run medical drills, audit the medical stores and keep hygiene standards up in the galley and crew mess.

Who gets hired: registered nurses with three or more years in emergency, intensive care or pre-hospital work, ideally with a valid licence from the UK, Australia, South Africa, New Zealand or the US. Owners and captains like calm people who can work alone. On smaller yachts the post is often a dual Steward / Nurse role, where you work in the interior and pick up medical duties as needed. Dedicated nurse posts usually appear on 80m+ yachts.

Progression is less of a ladder than on deck or interior. Nurses build a reputation with one or two owners and hold the post for years. Some move into Medical Officer roles on the largest yachts, often with paramedic or advanced practice training. Others move ashore into crew health, safety management or teaching STCW medical courses. Keeping your home registration current matters, because it is your licence to practise and your way back to land work.