KATRIN LIEFKE

CREW PLACEMENT SPECIALIST, AEQEA

Have options available

In today’s age, there are a number of gateways into a yachting career for the typical green recruit with basic certification. Of course, walking the dock comes with its advantages because the recruit is present on site and is readily available for daywork and interviews. However, this option is not always physically possible, or even affordable, for all.

In this digital age, one can make use of the various crew databases that are accessible and widely used by both captains and owners. The benefit of this is the broad exposure available immediately, but those searching for recruits in these spaces must have the time to take the recruitment process into their own hands and filter through a multitude of CVs in search for ‘the one’.

Others prefer to work with crewplacement agencies such as ourselves who offer a service that helps interested parties understand a particular yacht and its specific requirements. Furthermore, it’s becoming more of a luxury to find someone who can thoroughly interview, vet and reference-check all the available candidates – an incredibly time-consuming task.

From a young crew perspective, guidance is required to ensure that expectations are aligned. Some boats are more green-crew friendly than others, and of course making the correct choice as a first yacht is immeasurably valuable. Having options available is a positive that only benefits yachts and crew alike.