Crewing companies and how to interact with them
Automatic translation
Each of those who have chosen to work at sea as their vocation have heard about crewing at least once at the stage of training (or even before it began). This name refers to organizations that are involved in the recruitment of seafarers, verification of their qualifications, verification and execution of documents, and other activities related to the departure of the voyage.
"Special" crewing functions
In fact, the work of any crewing company can be compared to a recruiting agency. Of course, with its own specifics, since only seafarers go there, but the principle is the same. The "special" functions of crewing include the maintenance and compliance of the personnel policy of the owners of the shipping company, provision of social guarantees for seafarers and their insurance, as well as support of applicants in visa and transport issues. Large crewing companies independently and fully provide any sea contracts.
Now seafarers have a wide choice of crewing services and it is most convenient to make a choice in favor of one or another company according to the reviews of the workers who had previously applied there. Crewing reputation, in this case, is a key point to look out for. The second point is to check that the crewing has all the documentation and agreed cooperation directly with the shipowner. This is especially true today, since very often fraudsters can hide under the guise of a crewing company, who will demand from you a tidy sum for processing all documents and leaving for the flight, and in the end will leave you with nothing, with wasted time, money and nerves. Therefore, recommendations from friends and acquaintances who have already safely left for the flight through this crewing will be the most important selection criterion.
How does the process of working with crewing work? The first step will be the direct submission of documents by you to the crewing itself. Further, this company, based on the list of vacancies and flights available by agreement with shipowners organizations, after reviewing your documents and qualifications, will be able to offer you the most suitable vacancies for all conditions. Often, before registration, representatives of the crewing company conduct additional interviews with the applicant seafarer to confirm the qualifications indicated by him, as well as to check the level of knowledge of the English language. In some cases, crewing provides additional courses, trainings and educational events aimed at learning to work on any specific ships, with their own specifics in work.
The role of a crewing company
After this stage, in fact, the role of the crewing company is reduced to mediation in the relationship between the applicant (seafarer) and the employer (ship owner) up to the conclusion of a contract. In addition, if necessary, the crewing continues to cooperate with the seaman in the preparation of the entire package of documents required for the seaman to transfer and board the ship.
With regard to payment for all of the above services of a crewing company - most often they are paid directly by the ship owner. But medium and small crews often also charge commissions from the seafarers themselves. Therefore, do not forget to carefully read the terms of cooperation with crewing before signing any documents!
We also add the fact that, most often, large crewing companies, with extensive connections around the world and with the ability to provide work at sea on most types of ships, will be extremely reluctant to conclude a cooperation agreement with a novice seaman who is going to leave for the first time. in the sea. Therefore, when choosing your crewing for your maiden voyage, try to apply to medium and small crewing companies with a good reputation among the maritime community.
