How to hire a crew for your boat
You have boat, now here is what you need to know to sail it
When you purchase a larger vessel, the task of operations and proper maintenance quickly escalate to be beyond the abilities of just one man or woman. As such, you will be required to have a crew on board. But how does one go about finding a boat & Yacht crew, what are the tasks appropriate for hired hands, and how much should you allot per trip to a crew? Understanding the answers to these questions will allow you to have more use out of your yacht and less stress while on the water.
Where to find a boat & yacht crew?
Finding a boat & yacht crew is a bit easier said than done. Just because you may have your boat or yacht located in a popular costal city, does not mean that you are going to get seasoned seamen to work on your boat. If posting a local advertisement, ensure that you require a resume and references. It is a job and those which are serious about taking on the task will be more than happy to provide such. When hiring crew members, ensure that every man or woman has proper documentation (passports, green cards, Driver’s license or ID card, etc.) to avoid complications down the line.
If possible, it is best to use a crew staffing site. This increases your chances of having seasoned professionals, minimizes your legal obligations for obtaining documentation and work permits as many of these sites require potential hires to submit forms and such prior to being able to apply for jobs, and increases you chances for quickly filling the positons needed to get on the water. Some sites which offer staffing to boats include:
- Findacrew
- Luxury Yacht Group
- Superyacht crewing
- Crewseekers International
Be sure to read the stipulations for employment from each of these sites as they differ. As expected, the more luxurious and exclusive the site, the more securities will be in place to ensure that you are getting what you pay for.
What tasks are appropriate for a crew?
Boat & Yacht Crew members can handle all tasks relating to the operation of the boat. That being stated, you want to only hire hands which have experience in navigation and the seas when you choose a captain. While it is true that everyone needs to have their first job at some point, it is usually best to allow someone else to be provide that opportunity. Captains should be able to quickly identify the various components of your vessel, explain the operation of the tools and electronics to you, and provide you with answers to common nautical questions. A person who cannot do such should be avoided.
Other crew members may include members to trim the sales, those to clean and maintain the deck, and cooks. Multi-passenger vessels may also think about hiring a maid for the cabin. If there is a task to be done, you can hire someone to do it. However, it is imperative that you have the list of tasks written down and that you have the hired hand sign a contract stating that he or she will conduct such tasks. You do not want to get 100 miles out and find that a task cannot be completed or will be completed by a hired hand.
Crew Pay
There are a few ways in which you can pay for the boat & crew of your vessel. The first method is to have a flat daily rate for the crew. Cost should be appropriate to the job. To compare the prices of captains, deckhands, and such, it is advised that you visit the various sites listed above and see what the medium rate for hire is (as these tend to shift based upon the location and upon the season). A second option for hiring your crew hands is to offer free room and board for extended trips. In this situation, the crew members agree to perform certain tasks upon the boat in exchange for food and boarding on the trip. You will find that this option is best suited to draw in younger novice professionals who wish to add experience to his or her resume, as well as to draw in individuals who wish to see the world but do not have the finances to book a cruise ship. A word of caution on this second means of hiring is this; because you are drawing in individuals who wish to see the world, you may find that they are spending more time looking about and less time working. Hire with tact.
In terms of allotting funds for a boat and yacht crew, one should calculate the cost per day and add 50%. This will ensure that should an emergency occur, your staff will be paid. As with any employer, it is your responsibility to pay your staff, check references, and maintain professionalism. Keep your crew happy, and you will have happy sailing.
Vessel Vendor is an online marine services business that can assist with listing your yacht for sale, yacht brokerage services, crew placement, boat storage and more. Call today to learn more about our services and how we can help you with all your yachting needs.
