Climbing the Superyacht Career Ladder From Deckhand to Captain

Climbing the Superyacht Career Ladder: From Deckhand to Captain

by For Crew

In the luxury yacht industry, moving up from deckhand to captain is a rewarding path that comes with its share of challenges and growth. The superyacht sector offers unique opportunities for crew members who are committed to developing their skills, gaining experience, and earning the right certifications. However, climbing the ranks takes dedication and ongoing professional development.

This blog will outline the steps for building a career from deckhand to captain, focusing on the skills, qualifications, and training required at each stage. We’ll also cover how tools like CrewPass can support you along the way.

Starting Out as a Deckhand: Laying the Foundation

The first step in your superyacht career typically begins with the role of a deckhand. As a deckhand, you’ll be responsible for the maintenance and cleanliness of the yacht’s exterior, assisting with docking, operating tenders, and helping guests enjoy their time on board. Although it’s often considered an entry-level position, it is crucial to establish strong foundations in skills and work ethic.

Skills and Training Needed:

  • STCW Basic Safety Training: This is the mandatory minimum safety certification for any superyacht crew member. It covers fire prevention, personal survival techniques, and first aid. Learn more about STCW training here.
  • ENG1 Medical Certificate: Ensuring you are fit to work at sea, this certificate is required before working on any vessel.
  • Hands-On Experience: Deckhands need practical knowledge of yachting, from knot-tying to tender driving. Gaining this experience will make you more attractive to employers.

Starting out, many deckhands learn on the job. While gaining experience, it’s vital to build a strong reputation. Platforms like CrewPass can help you verify your credentials early in your career, making it easier to secure jobs with reputable employers. As CrewPass ensures you have verified credentials, it offers a head start, giving captains and agencies confidence in your reliability and security clearance.

 Advancing to Bosun: Taking On More Responsibility

After gaining a few years of experience as a deckhand, the next step in yacht crew career advancement is typically the position of bosun or lead deckhand. The bosun oversees the deck team, ensuring daily tasks are completed efficiently and safely. This role involves more responsibility, leadership, and the ability to manage a team effectively.

Key Skills and Certifications:

  • RYA Powerboat Level 2: This qualification allows you to drive tenders and small boats, a critical skill for deck officers. Get details on RYA certifications.
  • Leadership Skills: Bosuns are expected to manage deckhands and communicate effectively with other departments on the yacht.
  • Professional Development Courses: There are numerous courses available that can prepare you for leadership roles, such as crew management and advanced seamanship training.

At this stage, having your experience and credentials verified through a trusted service like CrewPass further improves your career prospects. Verified credentials ensure that captains and management teams can trust your qualifications, making you a desirable candidate for career advancement.

Becoming a First Officer: Preparing for the Bridge

The leap from bosun to first officer is a significant one. As the first officer (or chief mate), you’ll be the captain’s right-hand person, responsible for the overall management of the yacht, navigation, and ensuring that safety procedures are followed. This role bridges the gap between deck operations and the bridge, requiring a combination of leadership, technical knowledge, and certifications.

Required Certifications:

  • Officer of the Watch (OOW): This is a crucial certificate for first officers. It enables you to manage the bridge and navigate the vessel when the captain is not on watch. Find more on OOW certification.
  • Advanced Navigation and Seamanship Skills: As a first officer, you’ll need to be highly competent in chart work, weather interpretation, and passage planning.
  • ISM and ISPS Codes: Understanding international safety management (ISM) and international ship and port facility security (ISPS) codes are essential for yacht operations at this level.

Successful first officers are organised, adaptable, and have strong problem-solving skills. Many senior crew members have shared inspiring stories of their career journey, where each promotion came after a combination of hard work, continued training, and having verifiable qualifications. CrewPass can play a pivotal role in ensuring that you have all your qualifications and career milestones verified, which can help distinguish you from other candidates.

Achieving the Rank of Captain: Leading from the Front

Becoming a captain is the ultimate goal for many superyacht crew members. As the person in charge, a captain is responsible for every aspect of the yacht, from managing crew and handling guest relations to navigating through the most challenging waters. This position requires a wealth of experience, advanced qualifications, and the ability to make critical decisions.

Essential Qualifications:

  • Master 200/500/3000 (Yachts): Depending on the size of the yacht, you will need the relevant Master certification, which allows you to command vessels up to a certain tonnage. Check out Master Yacht training here.
  • Extensive Leadership and Management Skills: Captains must not only navigate the vessel but also manage the crew, liaise with owners, and ensure that all operations run smoothly.
  • Financial and Administrative Management: The captain often manages budgets, maintenance schedules, and regulatory compliance. These skills are essential for successfully running a yacht.

Inspiring stories from captains reveal that reaching this position requires resilience, mentorship, and the continual pursuit of excellence. With CrewPass verifying your career credentials at each stage of your journey, it adds an extra layer of credibility that yacht owners and agencies look for in senior crew members. Verified crew members often stand out in the recruitment process, especially when trust, experience, and professionalism are paramount.

Support Your Career with Verified Credentials

The path from deckhand to captain in the superyacht industry is both challenging and rewarding. To set yourself apart in this competitive field, it’s essential to have your skills and qualifications verified.

For Crew Members: Signing up for CrewPass allows you to get your credentials verified, making you a more attractive candidate to employers, and increasing your chances of securing the best opportunities.

For Agencies and Employers: Use the CrewPass Agency Dashboard to order checks on your crew, improving security on board and enhancing your yacht’s reputation.

Start your journey towards a successful superyacht career progression today!

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Top 5 Reasons Superyachts Need Background Screening for Crew Members

by For CrewFor Vessels

Superyachts are all about luxury and exclusivity, and maintaining those high standards means having the right crew. Whether it’s a deckhand or superyacht captain, each crew member plays a key role in keeping things running smoothly. But finding the right people isn’t just about skills—it’s about trust. That’s where background screening comes in.

Here are the top five reasons why superyachts should make background checks a priority for better security and crew career progression.

1. Protect the Safety and Privacy of Owners and Guests

The clientele aboard superyachts often include high-net-worth individuals and celebrities who expect complete privacy and protection. The crew has direct access to their personal lives and assets, making background screening an essential safeguard. By ensuring that each crew member has undergone comprehensive checks, superyacht captains and employers can prevent potential security risks. One mistake in hiring could lead to reputational damage. Screening can prevent the hiring of individuals with criminal records or unethical behaviours that might compromise privacy.

For more insights, read about the importance of security on superyachts to understand how background checks contribute to maintaining safety on board.

2. Ensure Integrity and Trust Among Crew Members

A harmonious working environment on a yacht requires complete trust between crew members. Background screening helps create a team of professionals who are not only skilled but also trustworthy. Verifying crew members’ qualifications, credentials, and past experiences through reliable platforms like CrewPass ensures their legitimacy.

For aspiring crew members looking to advance from deckhand to superyacht captain, verified credentials are crucial in building a solid reputation within the industry. Crew with verified backgrounds not only increase their chances of promotion but also enhance overall team morale. To explore the dynamics of teamwork aboard yachts, learn how to foster teamwork on superyachts.

3. Enhance Superyacht Career Progression Opportunities

Career progression in the yachting industry is heavily reliant on experience, reputation, and trust. Many crew members aim to rise from junior roles, such as deckhands, to more senior positions like superyacht captains. However, without verified credentials, it becomes difficult to make such significant leaps. Platforms like CrewPass not only help crew members demonstrate their credibility but also reassure employers, including superyacht management companies, that their team is composed of thoroughly vetted individuals.

If you’re looking to take your career further, read these tips on superyacht career advancement and understand how background checks can support your professional growth.

4. Prevent Fraudulent Qualifications and Misrepresentation

In a competitive industry like yachting, some individuals may be tempted to falsify qualifications to appear more experienced than they are. For employers, including superyacht management companies, hiring someone without the proper skills can lead to costly mistakes on board and affect the safety of operations. By conducting background checks, superyacht captains and employers can verify the legitimacy of any certification or qualifications a crew member claims to hold. To stay informed about the risks of fraudulent qualifications, discover how to identify fake yacht crew qualifications and protect your yacht from unqualified hires.

5. Boost Your Yacht’s Reputation in the Industry

A well-vetted crew is an asset to a yacht’s reputation. Superyacht owners and charter guests prefer yachts known for their professional and trustworthy teams. With verified crew members, you’re not only protecting the yacht but also enhancing its appeal to potential clients. By using a reliable screening service like CrewPass, superyacht captains and superyacht management companies can ensure their crew meet the highest standards.

To understand the impact of reputation on the yachting business, read about the role of reputation in the superyacht industry.

How Can You Contribute to a Safer Future?

In an industry where privacy, safety, and professionalism are non-negotiable, thorough background screening is no longer a luxury – it’s a necessity. Whether you’re a crew member looking to advance from deckhand to captain or an employer seeking the best talent, ensuring verified credentials is essential for maintaining trust and security aboard.

For Crew: Take the first step towards securing your yacht crew career advancement by signing up with CrewPass.

For Employers: Protect your yacht and its reputation by conducting background checks through the CrewPass agency dashboard to ensure a safe and successful superyacht experience.

Ace Your First Superyacht Interview Tips for Landing the Job

Ace Your First Superyacht Interview: Tips for Landing the Job

by For Crew

Are you about to step into the world of superyacht crew jobs and feeling the pressure of nailing your first interview? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. The superyacht industry is competitive, but with the right preparation, you can stand out and land your dream job on board. Whether you’re aiming to be a deckhand, stewardess, or part of the engineering team, we’ve got you covered with these superyacht interview tips.

Let’s dive into what you need to know to make a lasting impression and secure your first yacht crew job.

1. Research and Understand the Superyacht Industry

The superyacht world is unique, and stepping into an interview without understanding its culture and demands is a common mistake. Before your interview, take some time to really understand what the role requires and how the superyacht industry operates. This will show that you’re serious about joining the crew and ready to integrate into life at sea.

  • Know Your Role: Make sure you’re clear on what’s expected of the position you’re applying for, be it a deckhand, stewardess, chef, or engineer. Every role has its specific responsibilities, and understanding them will help you match your skills with what the captain or management is looking for.
  • Industry Insight: Keep yourself updated with superyacht news and trends by following industry websites like SuperYacht Times and The Superyacht Group. Knowledge about the latest developments and issues in the industry could give you an edge in your interview.

Why It’s Important

Superyacht captains value crew members who understand what life on board entails. Demonstrating that you’ve researched the industry and the specific yacht you’re applying to shows you’re invested in the job, not just looking for a quick gig.

2. Nail Your Yacht Crew Job Interview Preparation

Preparing thoroughly for your yacht crew job interview is crucial. Many interviews in the yachting industry focus on personality and interpersonal skills just as much as qualifications. Here’s how you can set yourself up for success:

  • Review Your CV: Be sure to go over your CV and be ready to talk about every experience, skill, and certification you’ve listed. If this is your first job in yachting, highlight any transferable skills from previous roles, such as working under pressure, customer service, or technical expertise.
  • Scenario-Based Questions: Superyacht interviews often include situational questions. Be prepared to answer questions about how you’d handle demanding guests, high-pressure situations, or working as part of a close-knit team. Practice with a friend or mentor to boost your confidence.

Tip: Think about your answers ahead of time and try to use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to provide clear, structured responses. For more interview advice, visit Dockwalk’s crew career resources.

Presentation Matters

Presentation is key. Dress professionally, even for virtual interviews, as it sets the right tone and shows that you take the interview seriously. Your first impression could be what lands you the job.

3. Stand Out with CrewPass Verified Credentials

One of the best ways to boost your chances of securing a yacht crew job is by having verified credentials. Yacht captains and agencies are more likely to hire candidates who have undergone professional background checks and certification verifications. This is where CrewPass can give you a significant advantage.

  • CrewPass Verification: By getting your credentials verified through CrewPass, you can show that you are a trustworthy and fully certified candidate. This verification process is widely trusted within the superyacht industry and can make your application stand out.

Many captains and management companies are now requiring crew to have pre-verified backgrounds before they even consider them for interviews. So, make sure you arrive with everything in order.

Get CrewPass verified today to boost your chances of landing your first superyacht job and prove that you’re a professional, prepared candidate.

4. Showcase Your Teamwork and Adaptability

Life on a superyacht means working closely with other crew members in a high-pressure, often luxurious environment. Your interviewers will be assessing how well you’ll fit in with the team, so make sure you highlight your ability to work with others.

  • Focus on Teamwork: During your interview, provide examples from your previous jobs where you worked effectively in a team or managed difficult situations calmly. Superyacht crew need to be adaptable and able to get along with diverse personalities. Interviewers will want to know you’re capable of both.
  • Highlight Adaptability: Yachting life can be unpredictable, with sudden changes in guest requirements, schedules, or weather conditions. Showing that you’re adaptable and can think on your feet will impress your interviewers.

Pro Tip: Emphasise any experience you have working in fast-paced environments, especially if you’ve worked in hospitality or other high-demand industries. This demonstrates that you can handle the pressure of a busy yacht season.

Boost Your Interview Success with CrewPass

Now that you’re equipped with the essential tips to ace your superyacht interview, it’s time to give yourself an additional advantage. Getting your credentials verified with CrewPass can set you apart from other candidates. Captains and yacht managers want crew members who are certified and trustworthy, and with CrewPass, you’ll enter interviews confident that your background checks are complete.

  • For Crew Members: Sign up for CrewPass today and ensure you’re fully prepared for your first superyacht interview.
  • For Yacht Managers and Agencies: Use the CrewPass agency dashboard to verify the credentials of potential hires. It’s a simple way to enhance security and ensure you’re getting the best crew for your yacht.

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The Med season is coming to an end:( What is next? Will you be venturing to join the Caribbean season?

by For AgenciesFor Crew

What’s the difference between the Med and Caribbean seasons?

There are two primary yachting seasons in the industry. During the summer, yachts generally head to the Mediterranean. During the winter, yachts travel to the bright Caribbean and the United States. When looking for work as a greenie during either of these two seasons, you should be prepared and apply a few months in advance to enhance your chances of stepping on board. We’ve prepared this article to walk you through some essential steps in landing your dream yachting career.

The Mediterranean ‘Med’ season usually starts in late April and lasts until September. During this time, yachts will travel across the Mediterranean, with some attending events like the Grand Prix and the Monaco Yacht Show. With the ongoing charters and events, this is a busy time to work onboard. 

The Caribbean season typically occurs in late November, which marks the end of the hurricane season. Many yachts will make the trek across the Atlantic after the Med season has finished.

Getting Prepared:

As we all know, the Mediterranean season is coming to a close as the European summer ends. Are you prepared for the Caribbean season, which spans November through to February? The season you start looking for work is entirely up to you; however, certain times of year may boost your chances of obtaining your dream role.

As you may know, several international events occur within the yachting industry. For example, the Cannes Yachting Festival and Monaco Yacht Show take place in September. Some of the best-known times to try and secure those dream yachting jobs are after these events. During these times, there will be lots of crew movement happening. Crew members often choose to resign during this period, as it is widely regarded as the most appropriate time to leave. Therefore it gives an excellent opportunity for the green crew to start applying and trying to get on board. Before the new season begins, the yacht can invest the time in green crew to get trained before the crossing. Here at CrewPass, we believe September is one of the best times as a greenie to apply and put yourself out there to land your dream job.

Some yachts have downtime between operations, which is when there is a high likelihood that they will seek out new green crew members. The decision to bring in a green crew member is based on the yacht’s assessment of its upcoming schedule and its capacity to invest time and effort into training someone new. However, not all yachts will have time to train green crew, this may be due to reasons such as a tight schedule. In this instant, yachts opt for more experienced crew members as they can quickly step into the role. Lots of these experienced crew members are often well-versed in the demands of the yachting industry, possess the necessary certifications, and can perform their duties effectively from the get-go. This is why strategic planning of entry into the industry as green crew is crucial. If you are considering breaking into the industry, consider the timings and the yacht’s operational context.

The Caribbean season is approaching are you prepared?

This is where CrewPass comes in. As some may already know, CrewPass puts you ahead of the competition. Background checks are quickly becoming an industry norm, so why not stay ahead of the game? Background checks are essential onboard because they ensure improved security, assuring agencies that they are presenting a thoroughly vetted and safe crew. This gives the Captain confidence that they have a trustworthy and safe crew. 

CrewPass Approved Accreditation is granted after a crew member has signed up with CrewPass and passes their comprehensive background checks and ID verification. This CrewPass Accreditation is becoming more widely recognised within the industry, instantly setting you apart from the other crew entering the industry.

How can you prepare as a greenie, and what problems could you face?

One of the most significant problems most green crew members will confront is a lack of experience. You may have qualifications but need to gain real-world experience to function in such an industry. Don’t be discouraged, though, because plenty of chances are accessible for those willing to put in the effort. 

Additionally, make sure you have the correct mentality to work onboard. You will work with various people, each with their own personality, which might sometimes be daunting. As a result, you must practise and grow your respect, patience, empathy, kindness, and understanding for your crew. An adaptive disposition would benefit you as someone new to entering the industry. Due to continually changing plans and timelines, being more adaptable and agile when problem-solving will also help you stand out. 

Try to get down to the Med for the end of the season as a green crew. Why? As previously stated, if you haven’t had the best luck finding a job for the recent Med season, now is the time to put yourself out there. Many yachts will be docked for the big events; talk to the yachties who are currently on the yachts, and try to acquire contacts on a few vessels. This will give you better access to the industry and let you know when people depart or arrive. Finally, ensure you are registered with all crew agencies (see our partners page). These agencies will know what yachts are making the crossing to the Caribbean/Fort Lauderdale. 

Visa’s:

B1/B2 visa! You may enter the US sea space whilst working in the Caribbean; therefore, you must ensure that you legally enter the country on the necessary visas. The B1/B2 visa is a multi-entry visa that is believed to be ideal for superyacht crew. We advise the crew not to attempt to apply for this type of visa on their own before they have the backing of a yacht. Once you have gained a job onboard, the yacht usually takes on the job of applying for you to get a visa.

If you cannot obtain this visa, don’t panic; there are many other destinations you can visit that DO NOT require a B1 visa—for example, the United Arab Emirates, the Maldives, the Seychelles, and the South Pacific. We would not recommend applying for this visa unless you are employed on a boat (we will write a blog about this soon). Once employed, it is much easier to apply for a visa when a boat does it for you, making it less risky.

Is the Caribbean season for me?

The Caribbean season includes:

  • More time at anchor during the Caribbean season. The Caribbean is full of intriguing itinerary destinations. However, due to their size, certain yachts are prohibited from entering specific ports.
  • Yachts are typically quieter throughout the Caribbean season, with the busiest times being Christmas and New Year. This means that time to see family and friends may be limited during these times.
  • Due to the warmer waters, there will be more water sports and beach settings.
  • Chefs may find provisioning slightly more difficult than in the Med.

Good luck job hunting from all of us at CrewPass. 

P.S. Don’t forget to sign up for CrewPass if you haven’t already, or start sharing your Approved status!

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Mental Health Awareness Week: A Call to Action for Superyacht CrewsMental Health Awareness Week:

by For AgenciesFor Crew

Mental Health Awareness Week is a vital moment to evaluate our mental well-being and extend this empathy to our colleagues. For yacht crew members, our unique lifestyle can substantially influence our mental state. As such, integrating comprehensive background checks via CrewPass can be instrumental in fostering a healthy environment on board.

According to recent data from Yacht Crew Help, 63% of crew members have encountered episodes of work-related stress, 82% have dealt with low morale, and a staggering number of crew members (57% of women and 39% of men) have experienced social isolation or loneliness while on board. 

The link to this research is available here: https://www.yachtcrewhelp.org/our-research

(Accessed: May 5, 2023).

The rigours of yachting can make mental health considerations a secondary concern, yet they are integral to our overall well-being and performance. We endure long hours away from our loved ones, often leading to feelings of isolation and loneliness, adversely affecting our mental health.

Our profession demands the best service for our guests under high-pressure circumstances, which can trigger stress, anxiety, and burnout. The unpredictable nature of yachting can further compound these issues, as can the unique dynamics of living in close quarters with fellow crew members.

Mental health should never be an afterthought—it directly impacts crew well-being and the quality of service delivered to guests. As such, implementing a system like CrewPass to conduct thorough criminal background checks can contribute to a safer, more secure environment, which in turn can alleviate some of these mental health concerns.

To promote mental health awareness and ensure self-care, consider the following strategies:

Foster Open Communication:

Create an environment where mental health conversations are encouraged. Normalising the sentiment that it’s okay not to be okay and seeking help is a sign of strength. 

Prioritise Self-Care:

Allocate at least 20 minutes daily to focus on your well-being. This could involve exercise, meditation, or simply relaxing and recharging.

Nurture Relationships:

Establish robust connections with your crewmates. Develop a support system on board, frequently check in with each other, and offer and accept assistance when necessary.

Seek Professional Assistance :

If you or a crew member are struggling with mental health issues, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. Organisations like Yacht Crew Help provide 24-hour support for those in need. 

Take Regular Breaks:

Given the high-stress nature of yachting, taking breaks and prioritising relaxation is essential. Utilise your time off to explore and engage in activities that bring you joy.

Incorporating these strategies and using services like CrewPass for comprehensive background checks can foster a more supportive and mentally healthy work environment onboard. In doing so, we create a safer, more secure space for all crew members, allowing us to deliver the highest quality of service to our guests.

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VIP Yacht Crew now integrated with CrewPass

by For AgenciesFor CrewFor Vessels

VIP Yacht Crew are now the latest company to integrate our services onto their platform. This one, however, is a very unique one indeed…

This new integration will combine both our resources to provide a talent pool that is background checked and assessed psychologically.

Understanding The Candidate.

VIP Yacht Crew’s approach to hiring practices is very endearing. They are dedicated to finding the perfect yacht crew for their clients, and their methods do speak for themselves. With a focus on providing crew that works well in a harmonious environment, they have created a bespoke process to understand how a candidate operates as a human being. Now, a very basic process like this is used in job interviews across many different industries.

But not like this.

VIP Yacht Crew was founded by Karine Rayson and Giovanni Napoli, both experienced seafarers with a deep understanding of the yachting industry and its practices. What sets them apart from normal recruitment founders are the other feathers that they have in their sailor caps. Karine is an accredited profile assessor, thanks to her background in counselling – psychology and organisational psychology. Giovanni is a mental health advocate and the founder of the Happy Crew App. This pairing forms the ingredients for the hiring formula the VIP Yacht Crew uses to find the best candidates. Through a mixture of interviews and relationship development between recruiter and talent, this interesting exercise of understanding human behaviour allows VIP Yacht Crew to handpick the best crew that comes their way when it comes to vessels looking to fill the ship’s ranks.

Increased crew retention and their interpersonal dynamics are top of the menu here, and we at CrewPass are ready to help to ensure that the recruitment process is smooth sailing for the end-user, from the application process to boarding the yacht.

CrewPass' Role in this Process

Background checks and profiling are two sides of the same coin. The methods that VIP Yacht Crew use to find talent are very good at spotting behaviours that would cause great concern for the rest of the crew. But being extra careful with candidates is always the best way to go, especially when some bad actors slip through the cracks, who not only are a negative presence onboard but could also potentially create a serious security risk. Because of this, CrewPass will provide extra support to VIP Yacht Crew in their vetting process by integrating our own bespoke background-checking service to help facilitate the shortlisting process. By getting CrewPass Approved on VIP Yacht Crew, it shows them that the candidate has passed all the criminal and background checks, allowing the VIP team to focus on developing further their vetting process to operate with the knowledge that the candidate is legitimate in their credentials.

"Well-being of the crew is something very important to me"

The well-being of crew is very paramount in the eyes of both VIP Yacht Crew and CrewPass, and Conrad is ready to see what the future hold for this partnership.

“Being former crew myself, the well-being of crew is something very important to me,” he explained, “I have first-hand experience in what it is like when the dynamic is off amongst the crew, and I have seen people leave yachting behind them due to the bad experiences that they have had. Yachting should be a positive experience for everyone. Myself and the rest of the CrewPass team advocate for mental health and well-being in the yachting industry and we fully support the methods that VIP Yacht Crew use to support these issues.”

“Whilst I have absolutely no doubt that VIP Yacht Crew will identify candidates that are not fit for the role, our background checking services would most certainly help streamline this process, as a background check would provide a good baseline for the shortlisting process as not being truthful about your credentials is not only a good indicator about what kind of individual the candidate is but will also ensure the safety of everybody onboard by eliminating the possibility of criminal behaviour.”

What VIP Yacht Crew do is truly fascinating. As demand continues to grow for more rigid background checks in the yachting industry, it’s incredible to get into a partnership with an agency with such a unique way in how they operate. This writer would certainly love an opportunity to pick the brains of the founders in the future about their methods, and all of us at CrewPass cannot wait to see what the future will bring as the partnership further develops.

Sign up for VIP Yacht Crew by filling out the form here.

If you haven’t yet, get CrewPass Approved today by clicking here.

The Hidden Dangers of the Yachting Industry: Why Comprehensive Background Checks Are Essential

by For AgenciesFor CrewFor Vessels

The yachting industry is built on trust, professionalism, and the ability to work seamlessly as a team. Unfortunately, not everyone comes onboard with the best intentions, and it can be challenging to identify the risks some crew members might pose to others. A recent experience I had while giving a talk on the benefits of CrewPass highlighted the urgent need for comprehensive background checks in the yachting industry.

A Chilling Question

During one of my regular talks with yacht crew members about CrewPass, I was confronted with a disturbing question: would a serious crime show up on their CrewPass report? This individual had multiple offenses on their record, posing a genuine risk to their potential crew-mates, yacht owners, and families. As a result, we declined their application.

The Hidden Threat

Unfortunately, this person has now entered the industry and will work on a yacht that doesn’t conduct our checks, putting everyone onboard at genuine risk. This situation has made me wonder about the number of people with criminal histories hiding within this industry. If someone with such serious crimes had the confidence to ask me this question, there are undoubtedly many others who wouldn’t.

The Solution: Comprehensive Background Checks

This experience underscores the importance of including simple yet thorough background checks in your recruitment process. Relying solely on the references provided by crew members themselves or recruitment companies is insufficient – these references are often handpicked by the crew members, showcasing only their most favourable experiences. Moreover, recruitment companies often focus on work experience and recommendations without delving into criminal backgrounds. A comprehensive criminal background check and qualification validation are necessary to ensure the safety and professionalism of your yacht crew.

At CrewPass, we’re committed to making these checks accessible for every yacht, streamlining the process and providing yacht owners, families, and fellow crew members with peace of mind. In light of this eye-opening encounter, we’ve introduced a crucial new feature that allows yachts to access quick and easy checks without the need to create a CrewPass account.

The safety and security of everyone onboard a yacht should always be the top priority. By incorporating comprehensive background checks and qualification validation into your recruitment process, you’ll be taking a significant step toward creating a safe and trustworthy environment for all. Don’t let someone with a hidden criminal past put your crew at risk. Prioritize safety, and sail with confidence.

 

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Yotspot and CrewPass Announces Partnership

by For AgenciesFor CrewFor Vessels

Today, CrewPass are extremely excited to announce a new integration partnership with Yotspot. Yotspot has now added a background check section enabling, all crew to show they have been background checked and approved by CrewPass. 

This is an amazing opportunity for us and Yotspot as with this new integration, they can expand on the service that they provide in recruitment. By streamlining its verification processes, they can achieve this with the help of CrewPass.

About Yotspot

Yotspot is a yachting job board with a reputation for being the leading job board in the yachting industry. With over 98,257 professionals on the platform, and over 15000 jobs posted, they have a proven track record of delivering an exemplary service. Founded by two former yachties, Daryl James Bradley and Steve Crawford, their vision of what they were going to achieve in recruiting after past experience in the yachting industry has got Yotspot where it is today. Yotspot is looking to further streamline its verification services, and with CrewPass, the plans are finally coming into motion.

“We are always seeking to improve the standards of safety and compliance during the recruitment process, across our platform and the industry as a whole” a representive said in a statement. “Digitalising this is a natural decision for us. So partnering with the CrewPass service to offer integration within our platform will hopefully improve compliance operations for employers and crew alike.” 

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"I couldn't be happier working with Yotspot"

Managing Director of CrewPass, Conrad Empson, gives his thoughts on the new partnership, by saying

“CrewPass was designed to give every crew member easy access to obtaining a full global background check. Our integration with Yotspot gives every crew member the opportunity to showcase that to an employer every time they apply for a job. 

Our mission is to create a safer industry for all crew, owners and their families. Yotspot gives everyone access to the crew willing to put themselves through these checks.  

I couldn’t be happier to be working with Yotspot and providing our users with another place to showcase their Approved status.”

The integration

With the integration, jobseekers who have set up a profile on Yotspot will now see a background section on their account. In the section, prospective crew will have the option to link their CrewPass account using a button. When everything is verified, profiles will display a CrewPass-approved checkmark against their profiles. With this checkmark, crew profiles will be sorted on employers’ searches as a top priority. This will help them stand out amongst the results that employers will go through.

Background checking has been considered a lengthy process, not being at the forefront of people’s minds. It can impede on employment times for employers and cause delays. CrewPass helps with this as all this is done before the employment process to check for authenticity to ensure that security is .  The services that CrewPass offers include criminal background checks, ID verification and certification validity. This results in an approved certification lasting two years. Prices start at £9.99 per month for this accreditation through CrewPass. Yotspot remains still as a free service for job seekers.

Vessels looking to background check their crew and pay for CrewPass for them will be charged £199 as a one off fee. Employers can order these checks directly through Yotspot when they shortlist candidates, if they don’t already have CrewPass. 

For the latest opening that Yotspot offers, click here. Looking to get CrewPass approved? Click here to start the process today.

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CrewPass Partnered with Your Seasonal Staff

by For AgenciesFor CrewFor Vessels

With more and more recruitment agencies shifting focus onto comprehensive background checks, we at CrewPass are happy to announce a new partnership.

We have partnered with Your Seasonal Staff!

This is yet another exciting partnership which will see Your Seasonal Staff (YSS) apply the CrewPass next-generation integration to their service. Integrating CrewPass’ comprehensive background check will allow YSS to build upon the fantastic service they provide job seekers, ensuring that suitable candidates will get more exposure when applying for a job.

"We feel that the partnership with CrewPass is an obvious choice."

Managing Director of YSS, Zoe Jackson, is happy with the partnership. She explained why the integration of CrewPass’ services was the right choice for YSS moving forward.

“As an agency, we provide recruitment services for land-based positions in private households and finding crew for Mega Yachts.  It is vital that we deliver the highest level of due diligence as part of the recruitment and placement process and ensure that all document verification and reference checking is completed on each individual candidate. Whilst historically we have kept due diligence ‘in house’, we feel that the partnership with CrewPass is an obvious choice… We can be 100% confident that with CrewPass we are delivering the highest level of candidate background and security validation. We are excited to begin our journey with them.”

Our Managing Director shares this sentiment also. 

“I couldn’t be happier to see another agency recognise the necessary need by supporting our checks as a standard procedure for their placements.

Your Seasonal Staff run an exceptional operation and I’m looking forward to working with Your Seasonal Staff.”

Your Seasonal Staff connection with Shire & Wold
Zoe Jackson is also Managing Director of Shire & Wold, with Your Seasonal Staff being an offshoot of the company.

About Your Seasonal Staff

Your Seasonal Staff are a recruitment website that provides job listings for off-shore and on-shore opportunities. Built upon a framework of experience in both maritime management and recruitment practises, YSS offers a wide array of listings in the EU, USA and the UAE. Whether you want to get a job on a superyacht or work in domestic staffing, YSS have those career paths covered. They pride themselves in being the go-to recruitment agency for listings in the above regions. This is why we are very pleased that they are looking to us to help streamline their background checking services, so they can allocate more resources to further expand their platform.

How to use CrewPass on Your Seasonal Staff

With CrewPass now being used with Your Seasonal Staff, job seekers can now inform YSS about being CrewPass Approved. Being CrewPass Approved allows employers to see that you have tangible proof of who you are and the comprehensive background check that CrewPass will conduct will be shared with employers who receive your applications. This will provide the confidence needed for employers when they are shortlisting candidates.

Visit Your Seasonal Staff for the latest job listings they are currently advertising.

Get CrewPass Approved today by clicking here.

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CrewPass Announces Integration with Meridian°

by For AgenciesFor CrewFor Vessels

Exciting news from CrewPass today! They have announced that they are partnering with Meridian° to integrate their digital employment passport onto Meridian°’s platform. This one-of-a-kind process is yet to be seen in the yacht crew recruitment sector. The integration of CrewPass will streamline the verification process, providing the best background checks for potential employers. This fantastic pairing continues the growth of both CrewPass and Meridian°, as they continue to make waves in the yachting industry.

“As the leading job platform for yacht crew worldwide, Meridian° recognizes the importance of conducting background checks,” said John Lee, Director of Operations for Meridian°. “We believe it is one of the most important steps vessels can take to ensure the safety and security of the owners, guests, and fellow crew. As such, Meridian° stands fully in support of CrewPass and its mission. We are proud to be one of the first major partners to promote and encourage the adoption of background checks throughout the yachting industry.”

About Meridian°

Meridian° are the fastest crew-hiring platform for yachts and yachting industry recruiters. They have a vast portfolio of partnerships with agencies working in recruiting in the yachting industry. These include companies such as Quay Crew, Sovren Crew and Wilson Hallingson Recruitment. Meridian° is an extremely helpful resource for job seekers. These include looking at job listings, event dates and training days, providing the best tools for prospective crew and employers alike.

How the integration works

With the new integration with Meridian°, jobseekers are able to connect their CrewPass account by clicking the CrewPass button on their Meridian° profile. When everything is verified, profiles will display a CrewPass-approved checkmark. With this checkmark, crew profiles will be sorted on employers’ searches as a top priority, helping them stand out amongst the results that employers will go through. This will be a fantastic benefit to both crew and employers, as Meridian° and CrewPass seek to make the recruitment process even safer and easier.

 

Meridian Integration Launch Video

A ‘first of it kind’ integration in yachting recruitment

What makes this integration with Meridian° so exciting is that this is a first in the industry. Managing Director of CrewPass, Conrad Empson, commented on this new partnership.

“We have seen a dramatic increase in the requirement for background checks since our launch. So our Partnership with Meridian gives employers an entirely new way to recruit crew. Our mission for CrewPass has always been to provide the best security when it comes to crew employment. We highly value the safety of yacht crews and their clients. Our first-of-its-kind integration with Meridian gives employers instant knowledge that all crew has been vetted using our digital employment passport systems.”

CrewPass hopes this will set a new standard in the yachting industry. Awareness around employment vetting continues to grow with each passing year. The services that CrewPass offer include criminal background checks, ID verification and certification validity of individuals. This will result in an approved certification lasting two years. CrewPass hopes to continue its growth within the yachting employment industry. New integrations and partnership opportunities are being explored as the year progresses.

The integration is now live for Meridian° users. Visit Meridian’s website for job listings. For more information about CrewPass or to sign up, click here.