CREW FAQ

CREW FAQ

Q. How do I register with Crewbook?
Your registration is complete when you complete the initial details and attach your CV and references. Please read the requirements for your CV very carefully. You must fulfil each of the requirements in the registration process. Crew who are unable to meet these requirements will not be contacted.

Q. How do I apply for jobs?
The website includes a page advertising all available positions.

If you wish to apply, please email an updated CV – if necessary – and provide us with your location, availability and current contact number.

Crewbook jobs advertisements ask you to write a short not addressing the requirements of the position, how you meet them and why you should be considered for the position. If you do not meet these requirements, you will not be contacted.

Please include any other necessary information which is specific to the position.

Q. What are the minimum requirements for me to register with Crewbook?
STCW95 is minimum requirement.

Maritime Experience is highly regarded, as well as any previous experience you have in your required field.

A clear, updated CV with all of the necessary information is essential. Should any of these elements be missing, we are unable to put you forward for any positions.

References are absolutely essential for any prospective crew. You must provide us with at least 3 x work references and 1 x personal reference. Those who provide scanned references in addition to the contact information on their CV will be put forward before other crew who are unable to provide this.

Q. What qualifications do I need?
STCW95 – Standard of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping

This a compulsory certificate for almost all crew working aboard charter vessels.

Crew who sign up to Crewbook, must have obtained this certificate to be recommended to a potential yacht employer. Ensure that your certificate is internationally recognised. Ask your training provider how you can ratify your certificate.

Job specific qualifications and requirements will be relevant to particular positions. As a rule, the lower down the hierarchy you go, the less qualifications necessary.

Q. Where is the best place to go to maximise job opportunities?
There are two main yachting seasons that operate annually.

MEDITERRANEAN: April until September is the official season. The majority of employment opportunities arise between May and July in preparation for the season.
September/October is when many of the yachts prepare to sail or ship their vessels to the Caribbean.
Antibes, France and Palma De Mallorca, Spain are very popular places to be located during these months.

CARIBBEAN: November until April is the official season. Yachts will often travel to the Ft.Lauderdale International Boat Show, then head to the Caribbean from there.
Fort Lauderdale is a popular base to find work.

Q. I am new to the industry, what can I expect from the yachting industry?
Yachting is hard work! You can expect to work long hours – at times up to 16 hour days for periods of up to 2 months at a time.

You require stamina, adaptability, patience, a good work ethic, personal skills and a sense of humour.
Yachting contrasts any normal work environment, as you live and work with your fellow crew in a somewhat confined space. Your duties can become, repetitive, boring and physically demanding at times, but it is part of your job to act otherwise!

Yachting is however, incredibly rewarding. You will travel to places you could have only dreamed, meet and work with some wonderful crew; but expect to work very hard in the process.

Q. What salary can I expect?
Salaries vary according to your qualifications, experience, size of the vessel and currency. There are no regulated wage guidelines in the industry. Ask friends aboard other yachts about their experiences or seek advice from your crew agent. If you are new to the industry, expect that you will start at the bottom of the wage hierarchy.

Q. I need help with my CV. What should it include?
The following link will provide you with a format for your CV. Sample CV

Ensure that it is kept brief and succinct. Concentrate on the most important additions and try to limit the use of large paragraphs.

Add ‘testimonials’ from your references or guest/customer comments you may have received.

Where possible, scan your certificates and references. Have them available for presentation or to respond to a request via email. You should supply AT LEAST 3 references, combining both work and personal references who can comment on your work ethic, personality and any requirements that may be specific to a potential employer. Crew who are capable of providing this will be made a priority.

Ensure that the information supplied for references is correct and that you have asked the prospective referee to act as a reference for you. Continue to update this information when necessary.

Try to add photos of you working on a boat or boats you have worked on. It helps to break up the monotony of such a large amount of information and makes you stand out.

Q. Do I need to send you my CV?
Yes, you do so as a part of your registration with us.

You must ensure that it is all updated and correct. Should you make any changes in location, obtain new qualifications, finish your job, please email us a new CV.

Q. Do I need a visa? What is the B1/B2 visa?

The necessity of a visa will depend entirely on your nationality. Check with the appropriate embassy of your home country for guidelines.

A B1/B2 visa is a visa geared toward crew to work and travel freely in the United States who are non-residents. B1 and B2 Visas are valid for an initial entry of up to 6 months, and this period may be extended for an additional 6 months if the visa holder can give good reason for needing the extension. An extension will only be granted for a B1 or B2 Visa if the visa holder can prove they are able to support themselves financially for the duration of the extension, and intend to leave America at the end of the authorised stay.

Certain guidelines must be met when applying for the visa and may include an interview. Contact the U.S.A embassy in your respective country for details.

CLIENT FAQ

Q. I need crew. How can Crewbook help?
Specialising in ‘7 star crew’, we understand that unnecessary crew turnover can be costly and time consuming. At Crewbook, our aim is to ensure the finest crew are matched to your yacht and specifications in order for you to concentrate on providing elite management with minimum disruption.

At Crewbook, we will not send any crew that we don’t believe are suitable for you. We will go through a number of checks before they are sent to you. If we cannot confidently recommend a potential crew member, we won’t waste your valuable time!!

So head to the client section (add link to page), complete a few details and we will contact you within 24 hours.

Q. Do you screen crew?
Crew who register with us must nominate a minimum of two personal and two work references. These references are confirmed by us and a short questionnaire is completed in relation to the crew member. Contact details for each reference are provided for you to investigate any crew member further.

Crewbook makes every effort to ensure the suitability of applicants on behalf of you, but it is ultimately the clients’ responsibility to verify the suitability of the applicant prior to being offered a position

Q. How much does your service cost?
We charge 6% of the annual wage, plus 10% GST.

In an industry first, we offer a 5% discount to all transactions over 5%

Please refer to our Terms and Conditions for further details

Q. Do you provide a warranty?
A standard guarantee is offered on all permanent crew placed by us. In the event that a candidate is discharged with just cause, or voluntarily leaves said employer with or without just cause, within 30 days from start date, we will replace the applicant once at no additional charge. See our terms and conditions for further information.

Q. Do you only have crew in Australia?
No. We understand that the finest crew are found all over the world, so in our search for a crew member who meets your requirements; we don’t restrict ourselves by recruiting only from Australia.

Q. How can I make sure I am hiring the best crew?
It is important to be clear about what you expect from a potential crew member. Your expectations will set the standard of agreement.

It is essential for you to be unequivocal in what you are looking for; whether that is relevant qualifications and/or experience in order to find the most appropriately qualified person willing and able to meet your requirements. Initially there should be a clear outline of the terms of employment and itinerary guidelines. A strong contract or agreement will negate most issues both owners and crew face down the track. Seek advice from us at Crewbook. We can offer support, consultancy and solutions on an individual basis. In our experience, following these guidelines can save a great deal of time and money. Where appropriate, it is recommended that the wages should include incentives.

Q. How can I continue to keep crew trained at the highest level in the industry?
There are examples of contractual arrangements that include a provision for initial and/or ongoing training. Safety is the most obvious example, with STCW95 being the most important certificate for any vessel. In many cases, crew will have already gained their STCW95 certificate before applying for a position. It is a requirement at Crewbook to be trained at this level.

The vessel itself should provide regular training, in the form of drills to enhance crew familiarity with the vessels equipment and safety procedures.

Your crew should have an acute understanding of your vessel and your personal needs. Any further formal training is of course a benefit to both owner and crew, but not strictly necessary in a private environment.

Q. How can I utilize crew both on my yacht as well as in residence?
There are examples of crew who are utilized in both residence and aboard an owner’s vessel. This is dependent on the nature and duration of the vessels use. Some Captains are required to manage both the residence, vessel and in some cases act as a driver.

Chefs can act as a butler/chef. Stewardesses can act as a chef/butler/housekeeper. Your flight steward/ess can also act in chef/butler/housekeeping capacity.

Of course adaptability is the key here, in addition to relevant experience. Crew who are capable of combining the positions are often very experienced, in short supply, highly regarded and renumerated accordingly. This creates consistency throughout vessel/household environments with benefits for an owner’s everyday life. Since privacy and confidentiality is a key aspect of any crew/owner relationship, it is often that this type of crewmember who provides this functionality is utilized. In our experience, this has only ever been a benefit to both parties.

Q. I need some advice and have further questions
Please feel free to email us at any time. It is all a part of the service we provide here at Crewbook Yacht Crew Recruitment.