Stewardess - Job description

A steward or stewardess is in charge of the interior of the yacht and is similar to a 'house'keeper or hostess.

On larger yachts you will have a chief Steward / ess who may have as many as four or five stews under his or her command. The stews job is to make sure that the interior of the boat is kept pristine and the decor kept fresh with fresh flowers and linen etc. She is also frequently in charge of arranging the supply of drinks to the vessel for both crew and guests.

He or she does not have to qualified although there are a number of professions that are very advantageous to those wanting to work as steward/esses.

Good Stewardess Training should offer the following:
STCW 95 Basic Training; RYA / MCA Personal Survival Techniques, MCA Personal Safety and Social Responsibility, MCA Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting, MCA Elementary First Aid. Personal presentation, professional etiquette and protocol, Table management, placement and settings, Styles of service, courses and order of service, buffets, Yacht steward/butler style, Bar tending and wine appreciation, including product knowledge of wines and ports and cigars, Understand the standards required for catering on yachts, Learn how to menu plan and provision for long passages, Develop your knowledge of essential food hygiene and gain a recognised professional catering, Learn how to make a wide selection of seafood dishes, Other useful skills - bread making, carving joints, jointing a chicken, barbeque techniques, galley equipment, Practical sessions making canapés and salads and simple mouth-watering desserts, Menu planning and provisioning, including stowage, packing hazards, international regulations and dietary requirements, Introduction to nautical terminology and essential safety procedures.