At Viking Crew, what makes our teams so special is that they have experience in the maritime industry, having worked on vessels themselves. So we asked them all about their transition from shore to sea. 

Molly Allard 

Molly works in our Yacht Recruitment department, sourcing and placing candidates in their dream roles, she first worked onboard Celebrity Cruises, based in Miami, working as a Shore excursions staff member as part of a 6-month industry placement at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David. 

What made you want to start a career at sea? 

“I have always been interested in having a career which allowed me to travel. I was also very interested in how cruise ships operate, working with over 60 nationalities and making new friends from across the world.  

I had previously spent four months working in the USA as part of a J1 Work & Travel experience, so I was eager to work internationally again.” 

How did you find the transition from shore-based working to onboard working? 

“I personally found it very difficult [the first time] leaving the ship to return for my final year at university. I found onboard I was living in my own world, with everything at my fingertips and no real adult bills to pay!  

Luckily, university was always full of social events, so I was occupied a lot of the time. I thought I would find it difficult, being surrounded by 3,000 crew members a day, to then go back to a student house. However, I completed my degree in September and was back on board by October, joining in Australia!” 

What was your favourite thing about working on board? 

“My favourite thing was how busy every day was; no day was ever the same. I loved meeting guests from around the world and assisting them in planning their excursions, and the busyness of the ship, it was alive 24/7. There was always something to do or people to talk to. I am also truly grateful that I have these roles allowed me to sail across the world twice.” 

What advice would you give someone who is about to start their on board career? 

“Be yourself! And immerse yourself into all new experiences and be open-minded! You will meet some of the most exceptional people on board and establish lifelong, worldwide connections. Your hard work will be recognised, and there are many opportunities for career growth on board.” 

What advice would you give to someone looking for a career at sea? 

“Be prepared to leave your environment for six months or more as contracts mean you will be away from home comforts for months at a time.  

But don’t forget to be confident, there are many different cruise companies to work for so apply for one that you would like to go on yourself.  

Finally, complete your STCWs and be open-minded!” 

Joe Bowyer  

Joe has been a maritime Instructor at the Maritime Skills Academy for just over two years, helping delegates pass their necessary training to embark on their own careers ta sea. Passing down his own knowledge and experience, from working onboard P&O Ferries at 16 and working his way up the deck and engine ranks for 25 years, makes joe a valuable member of the team.

What made you want to start a career at sea?

I came from a family of seafarers, with both parents and my grandfather having worked onboard. Growing up with stories of their times onboard, meant a life at sea was never really a question for me.

How did you find the transition from shore-based working to onboard working?

Getting on board for the first time as a young person is exciting and fun. I don’t think that feeling ever really leaves you, every experience at sea is new, different and uncharted.

What was your favourite thing about working onboard?

Working onboard the ferries is the best job you could ever have. Meeting new people from different backgrounds, an everchanging lifestyle and the comradery onboard are unmatched, it is an experience I wouldn’t change for anything. 
 
Working onboard was also a great way to save money, with meals provided and accommodation, cost of living is significantly lower than a life ashore. 

Thinking of starting a career at sea?

If these interviews have inspired you to take a leap and start a career at sea, then register your profile now and begin applying for your dream role.

Viking Crew have been Placing People First since 1988, and have a wealth of luxury clients for you to experience working at sea with. So what are you waiting for?

For more helpful information on starting a career at sea, and how to write the perfect CV to catch a recruiters eye, visit our blog page here.

The post Shore to Sea: Starting a career at sea  appeared first on Viking Crew.

At Viking Crew, many of our staff have a experience of working onboard various vessels, in varying roles. We caught up with them to discover more about their transition to move ashore and the challenges they faced.

Lien Eggermont: Starting a shoreside career, moving to a new country and using skills learned at sea, ashore

Lien, our Assistant Yacht Recruitment Manager, spent the first part of her career onboard luxury superyachts. We asked Lien about her life onboard, her life ashore and how the transition felt:

Why did you move ashore?

“I worked on board superyachts for seven and a half years with my partner, when the owners of the last yacht I worked on decided to sell their vessel. So we had a decision to make, look for a new (couples) position on another yacht, or maybe it was just time to ‘go home.’  

We finished the Med season with the owner and sold the yacht during the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show in 2016. Before coming ashore, we decided to travel around New Zealand and Asia for a few months.”

Do you have any advice for a seafarer looking to come ashore?

“I thought it would be difficult to find a shore-based role, as for me it also meant immigrating from Belgium to the UK. However, in reality, it was not. I applied for positions with local companies and only had a couple of interviews before a position was offered.

It was still in the maritime industry and allowed me the opportunity to use my language skills instead of the experience I gained onboard the superyachts.

So, when you are rewriting your ‘shore-based CV’, you need to think creatively and sometimes rephrase the seagoing experience you gained to a language shoreside employers will understand.”

What is the best thing about moving to a career on land?

“I miss the sunrises and sunsets when underway. You just don’t get the same experience ashore. Also, the lifestyle is so different, most of your time is spent in picturesque and sunny places.

However, I don’t miss the nights you’re kept awake because of rough weather. I sometimes felt trapped onboard, like there was no space to move. Whereas ashore, I can go for long walks in the countryside or sign up to sports classes; there’s more of a routine to the days now and life is a bit more organised.”

Carlos Perez: Shore based working and family life

Cruise Recruitment Manager, Carlos, worked onboard cruise ships for 17 years before looking to settle in the UK for a new role.

Why did you move ashore?

“I met my wife while working onboard and decided I would like to move ashore to spend time with and support my family.”

Do you have any advice for a seafarer looking to come ashore?

“After so many years at sea, it is important to have a plan before coming ashore, especially if that means moving to a new country. Onboard you have food, accommodation, and community provided, which is something you must pay for ashore.

I found the first year the hardest, often feeling like I would be going back to sea soon and I was still just on an off-period. Eventually this faded, and the routine of a shore-based career became normal.

I found that moving to a shore-based role that is still within the maritime industry has certainly helped to make the transition smoother. Having peers around me who have also come from similar backgrounds means there is a level of understanding and a bond that cannot be replicated with those who have not experienced a seafaring career.”

What is the best thing about moving to a career on land?

“I miss travelling the world and meeting people from different countries. The crew you work with everyday become a family and that relationship is something that cannot be replicated ashore.

The best thing about working ashore is having a family that I can spend time with. There is a different kind of stability and routine ashore that is more suited to family life.”

Karine Gasperin: Moving into maritime recruitment

Cruise Recruitment Consultant, Karine, worked onboard ferries for 32 years. We asked her about her experience onboard and how smooth her transition to shore-based working was.

Why did you move ashore?

“Working onboard can be very physically demanding. After so many years at sea, I felt I wanted to stay in the same area but have less of a physical responsibility. My love for the maritime industry was something I wanted to keep in my work, which is why I applied for a role with Viking Crew. I am able to use my experience from working onboard, to help other seafarers find a role that is best suited for them.”

Do you have any advice for a seafarer looking to come ashore?

“Working onboard, your colleagues feel like a big family. My advice to seafarers looking for a job ashore would be to look for a position within the sector. At Viking Crew for example, there are lots of other seafarers who have moved ashore, who can understand how the transition feels and can share their experiences.

As a recruitment consultant, I can also empathise strongly with the candidates I interview and place because of my seafaring background. It is nice to still be able to contribute to the industry and help others to find their dream roles at sea.”

What is the best thing about moving to a career on land?

“I will always miss the second family that is the crew you work with. The worst thing about coming ashore is not seeing the people I would spend every day with. However, coming ashore is a more consistent lifestyle, sleeping in the same bed each night, more consistent weather, and regular shifts.”

Shore-based jobs at Viking Crew

At Viking Crew, we have plenty of jobs available for seafarers. Whether you are looking for another onboard contract or hoping to come ashore.

Visit our vacancies page to see our current opportunities onboard with leading cruise lines, superyachts and luxury vessels. Or, if you are looking for a shore-based role at Viking Crew, take a look at our careers page.

The post Sea to Shore: The transition from working onboard to a shoreside career appeared first on Viking Crew.

What To Do Between Yacht Contracts? 

One way ‘yachties’ spend their time during the winter season, is on land. Spending time with family, friends, and pursuing hobbies that were neglected during the working months.  

Docking up is also a perfect opportunity to focus on personal and professional development. Renewing STCW and other seafaring qualifications at maritime training centres like the Maritime Skills Academy or working on interests outside of the maritime industry. 

If you are planning to spend the next few months away from the water, discover insightful tips on how best to spend your time in our recent blog.

Mediterranean Winter Yacht Contracts  

Yacht season in the Mediterranean peaks from April to October. The months when the sun is at its warmest and the seas are at their steadiest. 

As unlikely as it may seem, Mediterranean contracts can extend into the winter months. It can be a common occurrence for yachts to keep their summer crew under contract while the yacht is docked and undergoing winter maintenance. Duties may change and accommodation may be rearranged but the general upkeep of the yacht will fall to the crew. 

Some yacht owners may choose to continue voyaging well into the winter months. Requiring a well equipped and prepared crew, to deal with more intense weather conditions. Typically, yachting the Med in winter is a quieter and more relaxed experience because the weather has mellowed and most yachts are turned down for the season. 

Caribbean Winter Yacht Contracts 

Once the Med has chilled over and yacht contracts have come to an end, the majority of yacht owners and crew migrate to the Caribbean for the winter months. Peak season in the Caribbean is November to April, so joining a yacht crew in that area for the winter months is an ideal way to continue working in the industry in the off-season. 

How To Get a Winter Yacht Contract  

The best way to land a contract on board during the winter months, whether that be in the Mediterranean or the Caribbean, is to keep your details and documents updated, submitting thorough and high-quality applications for roles that you have relevant experience in. 

If you are struggling with creating an up -to- date and well written CV,  browse through our yacht CV guide, Or read suggestions from our yacht recruitment team for standing out as a yacht candidate.  

By signing up to the Viking Crew website, you will have access to all your personal details, documents and CV in one place. This is the best way to submit high -quality applications quickly.  

Winter Yacht Jobs  

Are you looking for a yacht job over the winter season? Search for our current vacancies and submit an application.  

Alternatively, contact our team to see which positions may suit you.  

The post Where do yachts go in winter?  | Winter Yacht Season Explained  appeared first on Viking Crew.

How long is the Yachting season?  

The yachting calendar is divided into two halves, with the summer season running from May to October, typically stationed in the Med, and the Winter season from November to April, which ventures further towards the Western Hemisphere to exotic destinations such as the Caribbean.  

If you’re fortunate enough to have a summer and winter contract to look forward to, then you won’t have much downtime. But if you’ve just finished your summer contract with a free calendar for the next five to six months, you might be stuck for what to do.  

What to do on the yacht off-season?  

Life onboard can be fast paced with little downtime as your priorities are looking after your guests and maintaining the vessel. So, suddenly slowing down can be a shock to the system.  

To keep your momentum up and get you through the colder months as you reminisce about the long summers sailing around Greek islands, we’ve detailed some helpful tips on what to do now that the yachting season is over.  

Refresh your training  

It’s a good start to begin with some admin and review your certificates. Does your STCW Training need updating before you go back to sea? Or perhaps you’d like to expand your skills in your time off, in which case you’ll need to find a training centre that can offer what you’re looking for.  

Keep old hobbies and make new ones 

To help you settle back into the routine of being on land, keep up any good habits you formed while away. This could take the form of journaling, meditation, or regular exercise. Alternatively, if you have been wanting to learn how to knit a scarf, bake a recipe you saved, or learn a new language, now’s the perfect time! 

Find a seasonal or temporary role  

The downtime might be tempting for five months, but accepting a temp role during this time will help you keep a steady income and help you stay disciplined with the routine of working.  

What to do after yachting  

Not everyone returns to sea after their charter has ended. If you’ve decided it’s time to leave the sea and journey back to work on land, then perhaps a career in recruitment is your answer. With your knowledge and expertise of how the roles onboard work, and the desired skills by captains and chiefs of staff, you could help others find their feet in the industry by joining a recruitment agency. 

No matter what you decide to do with your new-found freedom, it’s essential that you take measures to have some well-deserved rest and relaxation before returning to work. Make sure to spend time with family and loved ones, as well as catch up with friends you won’t have seen in months.  

To find more helpful blogs and advice about working at sea, check out our other articles here.  

The post What to do now that the yachting season is over?   appeared first on Viking Crew.

What is Maritime Consultancy?

Maritime Consultancy can include a number of services, all of which are covered by Viking Crew:

Compliance, HR and Administration

At Viking Crew, compliance services are offered as HR and Administration, where crew are kept on file with the necessary documentation. Our expert team will monitor their STCW certifications, conduct background checks, plan efficient and compliant rotations and enforce emergency response programs. Viking Crew are also able to offer legal support such as MLC Compliance, Contract Management and Dispute Resolution. If you are interested in Viking Crew becoming your compliance partner, contact our crewing team today!

Maritime Employment and Crew Payroll Management

Payroll can be a minefield, especially when dealing with large numbers of crew on multiple vessels. At Viking Crew, we are committed to providing a professional, cost-effective and personalised employment and payroll service. Using our industry specific tools, CrewMate and Brightwell, we are able to safely and accurately send payment to crew globally.

Yacht and Cruise Recruitment

Viking Crew specialise in yacht and cruise recruitment, hiring the best people for a vessel that suits them. From officers to pursers, engineers to chefs, Viking Crew can crew any passenger vessel. With over 35 years of experience in maritime recruitment and over 525 clients, Viking Crew is the most trusted recruiter in the industry. Find out more here.

Crew Management

 If you are looking for a solution to more than one aspect of Maritime Consultancy, a Crew Management package might be the best option for you.

Ultimately, a maritime consultant is an industry expert who can provide well-educated advice on maritime topics.

Do I need Maritime Consultancy Services?

Our Maritime Consultancy Services at Viking Crew can be for anyone in the maritime industry. From crew training and recruitment to employment and payroll. Outsourcing administrative tasks like these will relinquish responsibility to an external company and remove any risk of breaching maritime and employment laws. Saving you time, stress and excess spending.

Where to get Maritime Training

The Maritime Skills Academy offers maritime training solutions for the entire maritime industry including Basic Safety Training, Simulator Training and First Aid Training! MSA also offers non-maritime courses for local businesses in Dover and Portsmouth, specifically First Aid Training in Dover and Paediatric First Aid Training in Dover.

Bespoke/ tailored courses can be arranged for all of the above.

Why do my crew need Maritime Training?

Maritime Training is an essential part of any seafarer’s life. With STCW refreshers being due every five years as a minimum, a trained and resourceful crew significantly improves onboard safety and crew confidence.

Whether you are a yacht master, HR officer at a major cruise line or a crew manager, the responsibility for adhering to training standards is a shared responsibility. At the Maritime Skills Academy, the main focus of training is to set new standards together, this is because thorough training is beneficial for crew, officers, owners and passengers alike.

Contact our team today if you are interested in any of the training and consultancy services we offer at Viking Crew or the Maritime Skills Academy.

Don’t forget, if you sign up to Viking Crew, you can get 20% off selected courses at the Maritime Skills Academy for life!

The post Maritime Training and Consultancy appeared first on Viking Crew.

Continuing our series of top things recruiters look for in candidates, we asked Cruise Recruitment Manager, Carlos Perez, what he looks for in each applicant.

Carlos’s 17 years of experience in the cruise industry, working on board in various departments, allow him to offer the perspectives of a candidate and a recruiter.

Discover how you can improve your CV with Carlos’ advice in our latest article.

1. Discipline

When working on board a cruise ship, following the company’s rules, regulations and guidelines ensures passengers receive the best service possible. Being aware of and prepared to follow uniform requirements, etiquette, and professionalism required by the cruise company will make you a stand-out applicant and crew member.

Given the nature of rotational working, crew members typically work seven days a week. This is something to be aware of when applying for jobs at sea and is something you should be prepared for.

However, this doesn’t mean working onboard a cruise ship isn’t fun. Crew members still get to travel the world and see sights beyond most job roles.

2. Challenges and Adaptability

Life on board a cruise means constant change; new locations, new crew mates, and new passengers. Being adaptable and able to cope with change is essential as life on board is so vastly different from life on land.

3. Communication and being sociable

Being sociable is indispensable. Whilst on board you will meet and work alongside people of all nationalities, languages, religions, and cultures. It is important to keep an open mind and spend time learning about your crew mates. Ships thrive on the collaboration of their crew so getting to know your team personally and professionally will make for a better working environment.

4. Passion

An ideal candidate must have a passion for travel, discovery, and exploration. During the interview stage specifically, it becomes clear which candidates have the passion to succeed on-board. Our cruise clients look for crew that are determined and excited to start their career at sea.

Having a passion for what you do will have a direct and positive impact on your passengers, fellow crew, and the cruise line itself and is what will make you a favourable candidate.

5. Ambition

Working on board a cruise ship gives crew the privilege to see new places, meet new people, and try new things. Demonstrating your ambition in an interview and your application is ideal.

Having a drive for growth and a goal to make a difference within the company you are joining will make you a standout candidate.  Cruise lines and employers are looking for individuals who want to grow and develop both professionally and personally.

Why these qualities?

The qualities of an ideal candidate are subjective to the recruiter. However, these are, in my opinion, the strongest, stand out qualities for a cruise candidate. It is important to remember that recruiters receive many applications and host a lot of interviews. Don’t feel discouraged if you do not succeed on your first attempt.

How can a candidate stand out from the others?

Proactivity is essential during both the application process and your time on board. To stand out from others, you must be the first person to raise your hand, answer the question, think outside the box and to look for the solution rather than the problem.

A great way to display proactivity is to ask for feedback upon the receipt of an unsuccessful application. Using this feedback can give you an advantage for the next position you apply for.

Don’t be afraid to call the recruiter and ask if there is more information you can provide for your application.

Aside from that, letting your personality shine through is the best way to stand out. Every candidate is different and displaying your individuality throughout the process will separate you from all other applications.

What is the best way for a candidate to prepare before applying?

Do your research. With today’s technology, finding out about the role you are applying for, the cruise line and even the recruitment company has never been easier.

Learn about what you are applying for and what the company values are. A recruiter loves to see a candidate that has clearly researched before their application and interview.

Your presence in an interview is very reflective of how you will perform in a job role. Being punctual to the interview, appropriately dressed, and positive makes all the difference. Consider practicing the interview before attending and preparing for questions that may be asked.

Cruise Job Vacancies

Our cruise jobs at Viking Crew are in high demand, so keeping track of vacancies is an essential part of your job hunt. Use our Job Search page to see all our current vacancies and sign up to our newsletter to keep informed with our industry updates.

We hope you are able to use Carlos’ expert advice to improve your cruise job applications and wish you every success with your applications!

The post 5 Things Cruise Recruiters Look For In Candidates appeared first on Viking Crew.

We asked our Yacht Recruitment Manager, Rebecca Adams, for five key things she looks for in candidates when applying for roles that help them stand out from others and secure their next dream role on board.  

Having worked in maritime recruitment for more than 18 years, Rebecca’s experience solidifies her as an expert when it comes to hiring the correct candidates, and following her advice will certainly lead to better chances of acing your application.  

1. Confidence in interviews 

Being confident in the industry is a must. Someone who can speak comfortably and confidently to the recruiter will demonstrate a desire for the position. You need to be able to hold conversations with new crew members, your head of department, and your Captain. You may even be working directly with owners and guests and must be able to always show confidence and professionalism.  

2. Enthusiasm  

In such a competitive industry, if you see a position you’d like to apply for, demonstrate your interest by calling the recruiter. Explain why you are the right person for the job and highlight the skills and experience you want to elaborate on. This is also your opportunity to ask further questions and learn more about the role, so we can ensure it’s a good match for you.  This also shows the recruiter that you are interested and have read about the position for which you are applying.  

3. Honesty 

The industry can be surprisingly small. Where reputations and trust are everything, honesty is always the best policy. It won’t take long to determine if someone is stretching the truth on their CV or omitting key details of their past experiences. 

4. Realistic expectations 

Being such a competitive industry, your job expectations must be in line with your experience. For example, a third officer wouldn’t be able to apply for a Captain’s position or a stewardess for an engineer without the correct qualifications and experience.

5. Respect

How you treat your recruiter matters.  It can be frustrating whilst job hunting, and recruiters are there to support you in your search, so be sure to treat them with respect. Working in yachting is a high-pressure, close-knit environment, and how you communicate gives us a good insight into your attitude and professionalism towards your fellow crew members.  

What is the best way to prepare before an application? 

Before applying for a role, ensure that your documents and certification match the criteria outlined in the job advertisement. We advertise the hiring criteria as per the client’s requests or as outlined in the minimum manning document.  

For example, if we have requested that a B1/B2 visa is in hand, it will be because there is no time to apply for one prior to the position starting, and it is essential to the vessel location.  

Or when we are advertising a specific licence, this will be due to the regulations set in the Minimum Safe Manning Document. Therefore, if you are only working towards it, this will not be enough; it needs to be in hand.  

If you are in need of maritime qualifications or refreshers, the Maritime Skills Academy have a wide range of courses on offer. Browse them here.

How to create a CV for the yachting industry? 

Tailor your CV to the position you are applying for, tweaking and elaborating on different aspects where necessary to match the role and job description. Cover letters can also be helpful.  

Attention to detail-make sure that the CV is well presented, spell checked, and contact details are all correct, including references. If you are looking for advice on creating a CV for the yachting industry, read our guide here! 

Including a professional photograph is a great way for recruiters to see you are a genuine applicant. However, it is important that this photograph is both professional and recent.  

If, for example, you are using an image that is five years old, and you have had face or neck tattoos in the meantime, then you could be disappointed when you reach the interview stage. 

Yachts can be specific about certain appearance aspects such as tattoos and piercings, so it is essential that these are both visible in your photograph and disclosed in your CV. 

Yacht Job Vacancies

Although the yachting industry is highly competitive, it is also fast paced. Job opportunities come and go quickly so keeping track of the current vacancies will give you the best chance of success. If you would like to keep track of our current listings, visit our job search page.    

We hope that putting Rebecca’s tips into practice will give you the best chance of success and wish you the best of luck with your applications!  

The post 5 Key Things Yacht Recruiters Look for in Candidates appeared first on Viking Crew.

In partnership with MHG Insurance, we can help you with seafarer crew benefits and direct you to their group and individual benefit programmes.

Financial Crew Benefits 

MHG is the marine industry’s international benefits specialist. These plans have been specifically tailored to meet the unique needs of professional marine crews, offering comprehensive medical insurance, disability insurance, life insurance, and retirement savings, among other benefits. 

Cruise operators, yacht owners, brokers, and management companies worldwide use MHG’s plans to attract and retain the best Captains and crew in the industry. 

Viking Crew are also a proud supporter of the International Seafarers Retirement Savings Plan (ISRSP), a plan that both employers and individuals can utilise in the maritime industry.

Travel Benefits 

Another unique crew benefit for seafarers is the availability of marine fares. Offering discounted and last-minute travel bookings when travelling to your vessel. This can result in reduced wait times for flights and more affordable bookings. At Viking Crew, we have a travel team that specialises in crew deployment and marine fares. 

Crew Wellbeing Services 

Crew also have access to extensive support services for both themselves and their loved ones. Being at sea for long periods of time can negatively impact the mental health of an individual and their family. At Viking Crew, we support and suggest the use of mental health and wellbeing charities for seafarers, such as ISCA Wellbeing, ISWAN and the Sailors’ Society. 

Crew Welfare and Engagement Manager, Teresa Haughey, at Windstar Cruises, our exclusive crewing partner, works closely with crew on board to ensure that they have access to extensive support services, as well as wellbeing initiatives onboard such as water sports, yoga, wellness chats, and community areas to name a few.  

At Viking Crew we’re proud to partner with vessels who take a real interest in their crew, which is why we have partnered with Windstar for over 35 years.  

The post Crew Benefits | 3 Advantages of being a seafarer appeared first on Viking Crew.

One of the main benefits of travelling when working at sea is the marine fares. Here’s why. 

What are Marine Fares?  

A marine fare is a special ticket for flights that are exclusively one-way, catering to the needs of maritime industry seafarers and professionals.  

A marine fare is likely to give you access to increased flexibility, including cancellation for a minimum fee, rearrangements and changes as well as greater luggage capacity. Marine fares are ideal for seafarers who need to reach their designated destination to board a vessel.  

Am I eligible for marine fares?

If you are a seafarer travelling to a vessel for work purposes, you are eligible to receive marine fares. Working for or being contracted by a maritime company or being a spouse or relative of a crew member, can also mean you are eligible for marine fares when travelling to and from the vessel. 

How can I prove my eligibility for marine fares? 

Make sure to check with the company you are travelling with, as eligibility can vary by company. Typically, you will be required to provide some documentation to prove your eligibility for Marine Fares, including: 

• Seafarer’s Record Book  
• A company letter proving your employment on board the vessel 
• An employment contract 
• Vantage card (Additional for offshore workers) 

How can I get marine fares? 

Obtaining and executing your travel with marine fares can only be achieved through specialist travel bookers and providers. Employing a deployment management agency to book these flights ensures your journey is as seamless and affordable as possible. Here’s how!

At Viking Crew, we have a dedicated team available 24/7 to help you reach your vessel with minimal stress and complications.  

The post Why Is It Good To Have Marine Fares? appeared first on Viking Crew.

Just like life on board, career fairs come with their own expectations, etiquette, and unspoken rules. Whether you’re a seasoned seafarer or completely new to the industry, looking for your first role, here are our top dos and don’ts to help you stand out (in the right way) at your next career fair.

DO: Come Careers Fair Prepared

• Research beforehand. Know which companies are attending and prioritise who you’d like to meet. At Viking Crew, we always appreciate it when a candidate has researched a little and understands our services and companies that we represent and recruit for.

• Bring your CV. Ideally, have multiple printed copies of a clean, concise CV ready to hand out — bonus points for tailoring your CV to specific roles you’re targeting. See our templates for help!

• Dress professionally. While you don’t need to show up in full uniform, your appearance should reflect the professional image you’d bring on board. Smart, tidy attire shows respect and seriousness.

DON’T: Wander Aimlessly

Avoid approaching booths without a purpose. “So, what do you do?” is not a great opening line when all the information is on the banner behind us. Instead, try: “I’ve read about the opportunities you have and would love to learn more.”

Resist the urge to collect giveaways from every stand without meaningful engagement; it doesn’t go unnoticed.

DO: Practice Your Introduction

Have a quick personal pitch ready. Tell us about yourself, your background, and what you’re looking for. Something like:

“Hi, I’m Jess. I’m currently working as a chef at a fine dining restaurant; I’m interested in cruise or yacht opportunities. I saw that Viking Crew has roles in both. Could I ask a few questions?”

A clear and confident introduction can set the tone for a more productive conversation.

DON’T: Oversell or Undersell Yourself

Confidence is key, but arrogance is off-putting. Equally, selling yourself short or mumbling through your achievements doesn’t help us understand your potential. Be honest and professional; you don’t need to embellish your experience.

DO: Follow Up After the Careers Fair

If we’ve had a good conversation, ask for a contact email or business card, and follow up within a few days. A short thank-you email and a digital copy of your CV can go a long way. It demonstrates initiative, organisation, and professionalism – qualities we value in every crew member.

DON’T: Outstay Your Welcome

Career fairs are busy. Respect that the recruiters you meet are trying to speak to many candidates. Aim for a meaningful, focused conversation, then politely move on. If you’d like more time, ask how best to follow up.

Industry career fairs are a unique opportunity to make a strong first impression on recruiters face-to-face, enabling you to start or continue to build your professional network. From our perspective at Viking Crew, the candidates who stand out are those who are prepared, genuine, and engaged. Meeting the recruiters, even for a short period, is a mini-interview.

Whether you’re looking for cruise ship roles, superyacht positions, or are interested in the specialist or shorebased sectors, approaching career fairs with the right etiquette will help you navigate the event as a true professional. It will help you secure your next career move.

To find out where Viking Crew will be exhibiting next, for your chance to meet the team, visit our events page here.

We look forward to meeting you at the next event.

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