As the holiday season has come to its conclusion, many yacht crew members - both seasoned veterans and newcomers to the industry - are turning their attention to looking for work either now or for the Mediterranean season. It’s the time when job hunting intensifies, but unfortunately, it’s also when the darker side of the industry comes into play. While many are looking for legitimate work, there are also unscrupulous individuals out there looking to separate you from your hard-earned money through scams.
Scams are on the rise, with fake emails, social media posts, and even entire fraudulent companies popping up everywhere. The good news is, with years of experience in the industry, we know how to spot the warning signs - and we’re here to help you do the same.
Here are some of the scams we've seen recently:
1. Recruitment Companies Asking for Money
The most common scam we see involves recruitment companies, vessels, or individuals requesting money in some form. Whether it’s an “application processing fee,” money for a work visa in an obscure country, or even asking for cash to cover your flight or uniform costs, these scams are all about one thing: getting your money. No legitimate recruiter or yacht will ever ask for upfront payments like this.
2. Platforms Charging to Sign Up as a Candidate
Be cautious if a platform asks you to pay just to be considered for a job. This is a huge red flag. Legitimate agencies and job boards make money by placing crew members in positions, this is always paid for by the vessel not by charging you for the privilege of applying.
3. Recycled or Fake Job Listings
Some scammers will repost job listings from legitimate agencies or even create completely fake ones just to get your personal information. Don’t fall for it - always verify job listings through trusted channels.
4. Accommodation Scams
While this has been less common in recent weeks but may increase toward the start of the Mediterranean season, we’ve seen scams where “cheaper” accommodation options are advertised in yachting groups. These may seem like a good deal, but they often turn out to be non-existent or unauthorised sublets, leaving you stranded and out of pocket.
5. Jobs Without Direct Contact
If a recruitment agency, vessel or management company is only communicating with you through anonymous online messaging platforms and emails or doesn't offer any direct human interaction (like phone calls or video interviews), it’s a red flag especially if you are offered a position very quickly. Legitimate agencies and recruiters value personal communication and transparency.
While we’ve covered some of the most common scams, it’s important to remember that scammers are always finding new ways to deceive crew members. There are countless other tactics they use to try and trick you. The key is to stay vigilant, trust your instincts, and be cautious throughout your job search
Always double-check details, question anything that seems too good to be true, and remember that legitimate companies or yachts won’t ask you for money upfront. If something feels off, it’s better to walk away than risk falling into a scam.
A Suspicious Interview: A Real-Life Example
A young woman who got in touch with CrewPass shared her unsettling experience with a potential job scam.
After applying through Yotspot, she was contacted for an interview that quickly turned bizarre. The interviewer, with his camera off, asked her to braid her hair while answering questions and repeatedly change into “complicated” outfits for timed responses. He promised to contact her references but followed up with vague communication instead. Attempts to verify his identity revealed no online presence, raising serious suspicions.
This incident highlights how those starting out in the yachting industry, unfamiliar with professional norms, can be particularly vulnerable to scams. Recognising red flags, such as irrelevant personal requests, lack of professionalism, and unverifiable credentials, is essential. Always validate opportunities through trusted platforms, insist on professional conduct, and trust your instincts if something feels off.
How to Protect Yourself During Your Job Search
1. Trust Your Instincts
If something feels off, it probably is. We know the job hunt can be exhausting and frustrating, but scammers prey on this desperation. If you feel uncomfortable at any point in the recruitment process, walk away.
2. Use MLC-Certified Agencies
Always go with MLC (Maritime Labour Convention)-approved agencies like Venture Yacht Crew. These agencies have been vetted, ensuring they follow industry regulations and safeguarding your rights as a seafarer. The best part? It costs you nothing. One major MLC rule is that candidates don’t pay. If you’re unsure about an agency, ask to check their certification.
3. Watch Out for Suspicious Job Listings
If a boat is advertising directly for the crew, that’s fine. However, make sure the email address is from an official vessel account, not a random l email address. Also, be wary if the interview doesn’t seem to match up with the vessel's actual location - it could be a scammer posing as the yacht.
4. Never Pay for Recruitment
This should be the biggest warning sign for any crew member: Never, ever pay for recruitment services. It’s not just a red flag, it’s against MLC rules. If someone asks you for money to get a job, it's time to walk away.
5. Stick to Legitimate Platforms
If an agency operates solely through Facebook or other social media, that’s a red flag. A legitimate company will have a professional website, a solid reputation, and MLC certification. If you’re unsure about a company, ask around. Check reviews, talk to people who’ve worked with them, and report any suspicious behaviour to the platform that posted it.
6. Be Careful with Accommodation
When booking accommodation, always go through trusted, reputable companies. While they may be a bit more expensive, they offer the protection and legal backing that can save you from potential headaches down the line. When you’re in between jobs, the last thing you want is to deal with an accommodation nightmare. This article provides useful information on crew accommodation options in Antibes.
The Bottom Line
We don’t like posting this type of blog, but it’s vital to help protect the community. If you know anyone looking for work, share this with them. If you’re in a group that operates in the yachting community, helped by reporting any suspicious posts or companies you come across. Social media and job boards can be fantastic resources, but they also carry risks. It’s up to all of us to look out for each other, hold platforms accountable, and make sure scammers don’t have a chance to exploit our fellow crew members.
If you encounter any suspicious job posts or have concerns, CrewPass or Venture can help. Both are dedicated to supporting crew and maintaining safety within the industry. Feel free to get in touch with info@ventureyachtcrew.com or info@crewpass.co.uk to ask questions or seek advice. Stay safe out there, and don’t let the scammers win!
