‘I don’t know what you did but they’ve paid me. Thanks very much.’

That’s what a chief engineer in the yacht sector wrote in gratitude to Nautilus UK after we intervened on his behalf with an American company that hired him.

It shows how membership of Nautilus UK - an organisation that has 150 years’ experience representing the interests of Merchant Navy professionals - is now benefiting yacht sector mariners too.

With yacht mariners now subject to increasingly stringent certification requirements, and the spectacular growth of the superyacht industry, Nautilus UK has begun recruiting in the sector.

Other yacht members that have sought Nautilus UK assistance and advice include:

Case study 1 - A second mate working for a Cyprus-registered company on a Bermudian-registered yacht on a contract referred to as a ‘Non-federated Crew Agreement’ contacted Nautilus UK for advice.

Besides giving him general advice on the terms and conditions of his employment, Nautilus UK pinpointed areas that he should pay particular attention to. This was in April 2007 and no further action has been required since.

Case study 2 - a second engineer sought Nautilus UK’s help following dismissal and his yacht employer not paying him. With Nautilus UK intervention, his owed wages have now been paid to him in full.

Case study 3 - A radio officer sought Nautilus UK advice following difficulties gaining employment with a US-based yacht company. The case, which is ongoing, concerns jurisdiction and employment rights under US federated law.

Nautilus UK is liaising with an American seafarers’ union on this and also an international organisation representing masters, mates and pilots. The case highlights the difficulties of legal jurisdiction and the application of employment rights across other continents.

Nautilus UK is keen to welcome yacht professionals aboard. Click here and find out about the full range of member benefits and services.