Yacht crew support
We handle contracts, payroll, compliance, and emergency staffing so you focus on smooth yacht operations
Assistance in all aspects for the crew
A yacht-crew recruitment agency can be valuable to yacht owners all year round, not only during the busy charter seasons but during the low season too. Owners benefit from stability, compliance, safety, and smooth vessel operation – so your agency should position itself as a full-service crew partner, not just a placement service. With more than 15 years of expertise, including experiences as crew members and captain in the past, Pelagia Yachting is the perfect assistance to help yacht owners and the crew in all aspects from contracts, flag regulations and compliances, planning, payroll etc.
Continuous Crew Management & Stability
Even when the yacht is not cruising, crew turnover, training, visa issues, and certifications need to be managed.
By maintaining a strong pool of pre-vetted crew, owners benefit from seamless replacements whenever needed—reducing downtime and increasing confidence that their vessel is always in the hands of qualified professionals. We ensure that:
- Crew contracts and paperwork stay up to date.
- Replacement crews are available instantly (sick leave, emergencies).
- Owners avoid gaps in essential roles (captain, engineer, stew).
Seasonal Planning & Staffing
Yacht operations change drastically between charter seasons, private use, and winter yard periods. As yachts often require a larger crew during peak charter seasons, or reduced/specialized crew during winter yard periods, we make sure we plan upcoming needs—minimizing last-minute hiring. Our priority is to organize and find the right crew members, qualified and available for the job that must be done. From the recruitment process to the hired crew, we take into consideration attitude, personality, skills, and motivation to have the right chemistry on board and avoid any difficulties in the future (planning errors or lack of staff).
Compliance, Regulations & Documentation
The yachting industry has rapidly changing requirements, which is why we follow and keep up to date the yachting procedures and training. Indeed, maritime regulations, visa requirements, and flag-state rules evolve constantly, and non-compliance can lead to expensive penalties or operational delays. We help owners avoid costly non-compliance by:
- Monitoring expiring certifications.
- Checking crew visa validity.
- Ensuring contracts meet regulations.
- Keeping crew files organized and audit ready.
Payroll, HR & Administration Support
Running payroll and managing HR tasks for an international crew can be time-consuming and complex. Many owners don’t want to run a full HR department which is why having an agency do the job for you is a real bonus and gaining time. We cover all subjects as monthly payroll management, holiday tracking, crew tax advice, health insurance coordination, leave tracking etc. This professional handling of crew administration removes stress for owners and captains and ensures all employment processes remain smooth, compliant, and transparent throughout the year.
Crew Performance Monitoring
Consistent crew performance directly impacts the yacht’s operation and the owner’s experience. Your agency can play an important role in maintaining high standards by providing structured performance monitoring, gathering feedback from captains and owners, and facilitating reviews. When challenges arise – whether interpersonal conflicts or performance concerns – the agency steps in with mediation and coaching support. This ongoing oversight helps foster a positive onboard culture and contributes to higher retention rates.
Emergency Support
Unexpected crew shortages, illness, or schedule disruptions can happen at any time. A recruitment agency offers 24/7 emergency support with access to a large network of qualified professionals who can step in with little notice. Whether the yacht is mid-season or preparing for an urgent departure, the agency ensures the vessel is never left understaffed. This responsive service keeps operations running smoothly and gives owners and captains peace of mind knowing help is always available.
Refit & Yard Period Support
Refit seasons often require specialized skills that differ from regular onboard duties. A recruitment agency like Pelagia Yachting provides engineers, deckhands, project managers, and technicians specifically trained for yard and maintenance work. By ensuring the vessel has the right expertise during refits, the agency helps maintain timelines, improve quality of work, and prepare the yacht for the season ahead. This support ensures the vessel remains in optimal condition and ready for guest operations.
Guidance in careers
Crew dynamics are critical. While they learn soft-skill training (guest service, etiquette), technical training (engine room protocols, safety), joining a crew and starting at a bottom is always a good springboard for ambitious crew members looking for higher positions. Finally, a better-trained crew often means fewer owner complaints. Helping crew growth for their careers also increases loyalty to both the agency and repeat clients. Our role as a recruitment agency is to invest in crew career development by offering guidance on progression, training opportunities, and long-term placement strategies.
Operation support & Admin
From accounting, to logistics, safety, engineering, winter works list, crew travel arrangements, accommodation assistance, crew wellness, booking berths, guaranteeing safety on board or financial support, we are the center of the operations – like concierge at the same time, and we offer more than just recruitment – we offer stability, compliance, reduced owner workload, and a high-quality crew experience that keeps the yacht functioning at its best – anywhere, anytime. By guiding owners and captains in building strong, well-organized teams, the agency contributes directly to vessel upkeep, guest satisfaction, and long-term asset value.
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