Nautilus UK has 150 years’ experience dealing with the pay and working conditions of its members with some of the biggest names in world shipping. But it has also provided invaluable advice to those of its members who have their conditions stipulated in individual contracts of employment.

The kind of contracts that professionals in the large yacht sector typically work under.

As the large yacht sector develops and increasingly becomes an integral part of the wider maritime industry, how reassuring to have a professional specialist organisation like Nautilus UK behind you.

We can check your contract and ensure it is reasonable and meets recognised industry and international standards. However, every situation is different so what follows is a general summary of the advice Nautilus UK provides to individual members who are seeking employment in the large yacht sector.

All seafarers should have a written statement of their terms and conditions of employment and should not start work without knowing what they are expected to do and what they will get in return. Always ensure that the contract clearly states whether the engagement is seasonal or full time and permanent, the wages payable and the length of the tour of duty.

The contract should normally be referred to in the Crew Agreement or Articles of Agreement onboard the vessel. It should state clearly the amount of notice the employer is required to give the seafarer should the employer wish to terminate the contract. The contract may also place a similar obligation on the seafarer.

Benefits packages, such health or other insurance, and paid training should also be detailed. The seafarer should be aware of their entitlement to repatriation. Contracts should clearly define and specify when repatriation is provided e.g. at the end of contract, dismissal or both. Penalties for non-compliance should again be clear for both sides. Normally seafarers should not be responsible for paying any portion of their joining or repatriation expenses.

They should be wary of signing a contract that allows for alterations to the contract at the sole discretion of the employer. Likewise they should not sign a contract that allows the owner to withhold or retain any portion of their wages during the period of the contract. They are entitled to full payment of wages earned at the end of each calendar month. Only deductions agreed by the seafarer should be stipulated.

If seafarers have any doubts about what is contained in their contract, they should seek professional advice before signing. Any contract or agreement that a seafarer enters into voluntarily would, in most jurisdictions, be considered legally binding.

For more information about the support Nautilus UK can provide large yacht sector seafarers, see benefits and service on this website.