Employment & Payroll

Our recommended approach will depend on the owner’s needs and size of yacht. In many cases we use a protected cell company where each cell acts as a dedicated crew employer.

As required for all agents wishing to provide MLC-compliant employment and payroll, Sarnia Yachts is audited annually by Lloyds Register in order to maintain its compliance with the Maritime Labour Convention.

Sarnia Yachts uses bespoke payroll software which includes automated salary slips and text message notification. This gives the crew peace of mind, knowing they have been paid on time, every time. This is particularly important as they may not have access to online banking whilst at sea.

Social Security

Employing multi-national seafarers, often with differing residencies, on-board a yacht engaged on international voyages can be a complicated affair.

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

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

Crew Contract Review and Drafting

Sarnia Yachts 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 both flag state and maritime employment legislation. We can cater for owner-specific contract changes, and also 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 suitability for the position and 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. Sarnia Yachts 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

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