Expert insights into yacht crew management with our Head of Crew Management

In the complex world of luxury yacht management, efficient crew employment and payroll administration is crucial for smooth operations. Jordon Martel, Head of Crew Management, explains how our bespoke yacht services can streamline these processes for yacht captains and owners, ensuring compliance and crew satisfaction.

Could you explain the significance of specialised crew management services in today’s yachting industry?

In yachting, the crew are as critical as the vessel itself. Specialised crew management services ensure that all employment and payroll aspects are handled proficiently, which is essential for maintaining morale and compliance with maritime labour laws. Additionally, having shoreside support to lean on when required can be invaluable, whether in relation to sourcing the highest calibre of crew for the next trip or compliance with safe manning. Our service helps to navigate these challenges, ensuring that regulations are met and the payroll and contracts are up to date.

Recruiting and retaining good crew is challenging in the competitive recruitment market, so adopting a professional approach to safety and management makes a big difference. Superyacht owners value using the same crew they have come to know and trust, and crew will stay with the same owner if they work on a vessel with a professional system and culture. 

What unique challenges do captains and owners face in crew management?

Yacht owners often grapple with the complexities of legal compliance across different jurisdictions, which can vary widely from one flag state to the next, especially concerning employment and payroll. We simplify this with our bespoke solutions, such as setting up a crew employment structure in compliance with Maritime Labour Convention standards, taking into consideration their specific requirements.

Our services ensure that each yacht’s strategy aligns with local regulations and best practices. This tailored approach helps mitigate risks associated with non-compliance and crew dissatisfaction.

Can you describe Praxis’ crew employment and payroll solutions?

Our crew employment and payroll solutions handle everything from drafting compliant Seafarers Employment Agreements to efficient payroll processing, including handling deductions and benefits. For instance, for a yacht operating under the Malta flag, we ensure that all applicable crew members are making social security contributions into Malta, as well as ensuring crew deemed to be French residents (by residing in the country or virtue of time spent), are complying with French laws and paying into an ENIM compliant private pension scheme.

We have two comprehensive packages, Crew LITE and Crew Classic, designed to alleviate the administrative burden on captains and owners, allowing more focus on the voyage and experience and less on the paperwork. Our innovative digital portal provides seamless management of crew documents and payroll details, ensuring everything is accessible and secure.

How does Praxis ensure data security and privacy when managing crew information?

Data security is paramount. We utilise advanced security measures, including encryption and secure data centres to protect sensitive information. Our commitment extends to compliance with the EU’s strict data protection standards, ensuring that all crew information is managed with the highest level of security and confidentiality.

Are there any potential risks of not using a crew employment service?

Yacht owners can be exposed to several risks, including non-compliance with maritime labour laws, which can lead to hefty fines and legal disputes, and the arrest of the yacht itself. Additionally, mismanagement of payroll and crew contracts can cause dissatisfaction among crew members, potentially leading to high turnover and disruptions in operations. Without expert guidance, owners may also struggle with the complexities of social security regulations across different jurisdictions, increasing the likelihood of administrative errors and financial liabilities.

How do these solutions address the challenges of managing crew payroll in various international jurisdictions?

A frequent challenge is the complex logistics of crew payroll across various jurisdictions, each with its regulatory demands. Our payroll solutions simplify this by managing all aspects of crew compensation and mandatory social security contributions in compliance with applicable laws.

This ensures legal compliance and enhances the crew's overall efficiency and satisfaction, allowing them to focus on their core operational duties without worrying about administrative complexities.

What future trends do you foresee in yacht crew management?

Digital integration is becoming essential in yacht crew management. We expect an increasing number of yachts to adopt digital systems that enhance management efficiency. For instance, our Yacht and Crew Portals facilitate real-time updates and document management, meeting the growing need for accessibility anytime, anywhere. This shift towards digital platforms streamlines operations, ensuring seamless management of crew data and operational tasks.

To learn more about our crew employment and payroll solutions, contact Jordon Martel.

Please note that this article is intended to provide a general overview of the matters to which it relates. It is not intended as professional advice and should not be relied upon as such. Any engagement in respect of our professional services is subject to our standard terms and conditions of business and the provision of all necessary due diligence. © Praxis 2023