Springtime brings the promise of longer days, warmer weather, and more outside adventures. This is also the time when yacht owners start to prepare for more time on the water.
Whether you’re planning extended cruise time this season, plan to explore only on the weekends, or are aiming to outline a full charter schedule, having the right yacht crew on board is critical.
From captains to private chefs, to stewards, each qualified employee plays a role in a successful yacht experience. Here are some key things to consider when hiring your yacht crew this year.
Your Yacht Crew Hiring Checklist
Determine What Roles and Certifications Are Needed
Take some time to outline what positions are most needed on the yacht. Then, define expectations and job duties, including work schedules, maintenance responsibilities, and service standards.
Yacht crew positions also often require specific qualifications, licenses, safety trainings, or certifications, so when creating your job description, include those.
Knowing exactly what you need will help you attract and retain the best in the industry.
Start Your Search Now
Experienced yacht crew members are in high demand each spring. That’s why starting the hiring process soon will help you secure the best of the best before schedules start filling up.
Our experienced team at Household Staffing is standing by to help you find the ideal match for whatever roles you need, so you can sit back, relax, and set sail knowing each detail is covered.
Consider Personality
Technical skills, training, and hands-on experience are very important when hiring your yacht crew. However, personality and strong interpersonal communication skills are just as important.
Yacht crew members will likely be living and working in close quarters to you and your guests, so be sure to look for candidates who can provide a high-level of service while also communicating well, staying calm and professional, and maintaining strong attention to detail.
Your team should also be flexible and willing to step in to solve problems as needed, while showing a team-oriented mindset.
Determine How Long the Crew is Needed
Not each yacht requires a full crew throughout the year. Depending on how much you plan on using the vessel, you may decide you only want to hire an experienced team of seasonal crew for the peak cruising months or have a rotational crew who alternate schedules.
Full-time crew is also an option and will be required if you plan on longer excursions or have a packed schedule of trips throughout the year. Be sure to narrow in on exactly what you need so you have the right amount of support.
Craft a Contract
Domestic employees, or those that are specialized in yacht service, are well-versed in employment contracts. A clear employment agreement protects the yacht owner and each crew member.
Your contract should outline the employee’s salary, benefits, pay schedule, specific duties, living arrangements, time off schedule, and any other travel requirements.
A work agreement of this nature helps establish expectations and ensure there are no misunderstandings later.
Why Household Staffing
With spring on the horizon, yacht owners of all kinds are excited for the months ahead of relaxation and exploration.
By starting your crew search early, defining roles and expectations, and then spending time getting to know your candidates, you’ll soon have a skilled team onboard that can enhance you – and your guest’s – experience on the water.
The right crew will not just handle the little details, but they’ll give you the peace of mind you need to have a safe and memorable time.
For more than 30 years, our team has specialized in helping estates across the country build trustworthy teams.
Call our experienced team at Household Staffing, or complete our New Hire Form today to start the hiring process.
