WHAT DO CAPTAINS AND OWNERS REALLY LOOK FOR IN A YACHT CHIEF ENGINEER?

Behind every smoothly operating yacht is a Chief Engineer who rarely gets the spotlight but whose role is absolutely critical. After reading the excellent article recently published by Quay Group, we were inspired to dive deeper into the same question, this time through the lens of our Crew Pages community.

Our platform brings together seafarers, recruiters, and maritime professionals from all over the world, many of whom have worked their way up to senior engineering roles. What we’ve learned from them is that while technical skills are the backbone of any engineering position, they are no longer the only thing Captains and Owners are paying attention to. In fact, the modern Chief Engineer is expected to bring far more to the engine room than mechanical expertise.

Engineering Mastery… and Then Some

Yes, technical proficiency is essential, but today’s yachts are floating marvels of technology and luxury, often with complex hybrid systems, advanced AV/IT setups, and eco-conscious energy management. Owners are not just seeking someone who can keep the engines running, they want someone who can understand and optimize entire onboard systems with foresight, strategy, and efficiency.

Our network of recruiters and senior engineers agree: familiarity with the latest systems is great, but what’s even more valuable is a curious mind that never stops learning. In fact, some of the most in-demand Chief Engineers on Crew Pages are those who’ve taken initiative to stay ahead of trends in green tech, cyber safety, or automation.

The Captain-Engineer Alliance

One topic we hear repeatedly in interviews and crew testimonials is the critical nature of the relationship between the Captain and the Chief Engineer. This partnership sets the tone for operations, especially under pressure. The Captain needs someone who can communicate clearly, advise confidently, and deliver consistently without ego or unnecessary friction.

That mutual trust often begins with transparency, being honest about what’s working, what’s not, and what could go wrong. And while not every Captain understands the technical details of the engine room, every good Chief Engineer should be able to translate them into actionable language.

Leadership Below Deck

We often forget that the engine room is its own ecosystem. Owners and Captains aren’t just hiring one person, they’re trusting that person to lead a team. That’s why more and more job ads on Crew Pages are emphasizing leadership, conflict resolution, and mentoring as part of the Chief Engineer’s profile.

Managing mixed-nationality teams, training juniors, enforcing safety and maintenance protocols, all while keeping morale high in tight quarters, is not for the faint of heart. Many of our Chief Engineer members compare the job to that of a COO: always planning ahead, optimizing performance, and adapting to new challenges.

Professionalism and Discretion

As mentioned in the Quay Group piece, discretion remains a major requirement. But it goes even further: today’s luxury yacht clientele is increasingly diverse, and Owners expect their crew to be not only discreet but culturally aware, respectful, and emotionally intelligent. The Chief Engineer might not always be front-of-house, but they’re still an ambassador of the vessel.

At Crew Pages, we’re seeing growing interest in soft skills training for engineers, especially for those transitioning from commercial shipping or cruise ships into the private yachting sector.

Budgeting, Reporting & Long-Term Thinking

One area that often gets overlooked is the financial side of engineering. Yet more and more Captains and Owners want their Chief Engineers to be involved in budgeting, procurement, and cost management. They want to know how many running hours a part has left before it fails, not just how to fix it afterward.

Some Chief Engineers even take the initiative to create detailed reporting systems, flag upcoming expenses, and offer proactive solutions for cost-saving without compromising quality. In a high-stakes environment, that kind of foresight is gold.

The best Chief Engineers we’ve encountered on Crew Pages are the ones who combine deep expertise with humility, leadership with collaboration, and technical know-how with a genuine passion for yachting.

If you’re an aspiring or seasoned yacht engineer looking to grow your career, Crew Pages offers a wealth of tools, training, and job opportunities. And if you’re a recruiter or Captain looking for your next Chief Engineer, our candidate pool reflects the qualities Owners are prioritizing today, and in the future.

Read the original article that inspired this piece, published by Quay Group, here.