Yacht Crew Employment and Payroll Solutions

We handle crew hiring and payroll for yacht owners, including screening employees and following the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC).

Our approach to employment and payroll varies according to the owner’s needs and the size of yacht. In many cases we use a protected cell company where each cell acts as a dedicated crew employer.

MLC compliance

As required for all agents wishing to provide Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) compliant employment and payroll, Praxis Yacht Services is audited annually by Lloyds Register to maintain MLC compliance.

State-of-the-art payroll system

Praxis Yacht Services uses bespoke payroll software that includes automated salary slips and text message notifications. This gives the crew peace of mind, knowing they have been paid on time, and is particularly useful where they do not have access to online banking whilst at sea.

Social security

Employing multinational seafarers, often with differing residencies, on board a yacht engaged on international voyages is a complex process.

We provide several different employment structures to manage the employer and seafarer’s social security obligations. For some yachts, there may be no obligation, whereas for other yachts there may be a requirement to pay contributions into more than one system.

Our experienced team will carry out an initial assessment as well as managing the ongoing liabilities as new seafarers join the yacht.

Crew contract review and drafting

Praxis Yacht Services uses the most up-to-date crew employment contracts for both private and commercial yachts, which have undergone both legal and flag scrutiny and are compliant with flag state and maritime employment legislation. We can cater for owner-specific contract changes, and contracts drafted by an owner’s lawyers, provided they meet our minimum criteria.

New crew employee screening

We screen all new captains and crew before they come on board. This screening includes qualifications, references, resumés and passports to ensure identity and suitability for the position as well as for the yacht’s operation, flag and insurance.

Crew qualification monitoring

Crew qualifications often have an expiry date, so it is vital to monitor their validity. Praxis Yacht Services will monitor your crew’s qualifications and notify you of up-and-coming expiration dates to ensure safe manning and compliance.

Employer’s liability insurance cover

We can assist with a number of insurance requirements, including the essential employer liability cover.

We are not a regulated provider of insurance services but undertake the placement of insurance as part of our duties when acting in the capacity as directors of a yacht owning company or as the legal employer of crew serving on yachts. Our in-house insurance manager can help ensure owners have comprehensive and cost-effective insurance in place.