The world is changing, and whilst there are many running to keep up, there are some who are ahead of the game, and they are always the ones to watch.

Sovren Crew is one such company that started their adaptation and renewal prior to the necessity of the lockdown. The company announces the launch of their new, ground-breaking system for yacht crew recruitment with a myriad of features never before seen in this niche market.

When Dovaston was acquired by the Sovren Group in 2014 , the well-established agency was a leader of its time and became the building blocks of Sovren Crew. The motto of Fred Dovaston’s company was ‘setting the standard’ and now, as the Dovaston name is respectfully put out to pasture, the Sovren team remain committed to that maxim and are setting new standards as they move forward and take recruitment into the new world.

The concept was presented to a development team last year and the build has been carefully managed to include features that are unrivalled in yacht recruitment. The system is arguably as future proof as it possibly can be and is robust in its simplification of the service that can be provided to yacht owners, management companies, captains and crew and brings unique benefits.

Industry first

The concept of rewards has been tried by others before, with varying degrees of success, however the Sovren team take this idea and bring it to all levels of system user, from yacht to crew individually.

Rewards are available to the yacht with their management agreement, at an industry progressive level. A three tier system is in place where a potential maximum of 10% of the spend is allocated to the reward scheme.

Crew also earn reward points, simply through maintaining their profile, keeping it up to date, accurate and checking in to locations to take advantage of new placements when they’re ready for a move. The system will be a secure platform for their CV, certificates, awards and service testimonials and allows the Sovren team to inform them of new placement opportunities, to issue reminders for expiring certificates or medicals, recommend training and services and provide hints, tips and advice for any location.

Reward points can be allocated for training, recruitment, shopping and travel as well as services provided by the Sovren Group of companies. Should the reward points be unallocated at the end of the year, chosen charities will benefit and each new year will start the reward points system with a fresh balance.

Intelligent systems

Using artificial intelligence for psychometric evaluations, the goal is to build the elements of a candidate’s profile that is challenging to present on even the most well-designed of CVs. The Sovren Crew agents will highlight the candidates’ attributes including, but not limited to, their general intelligence, critical reasoning, motivation and personality profile.

The ultimate aim is to build an entire harmonious crew, compatible and united, thus minimising conflict and ensuring a safe and happy yacht.

The new system boasts an in-built due diligence system to ensure the Sovren Crew team can guarantee the authenticity of the candidates. Safeguarding a crew is paramount, and with these checks automatically in place, the team are assured that the candidate placed on the yacht is genuine and will be an asset to the yacht and crew.

Reality CV

To bridge time zones and the challenges faced by travel restrictions and border closures, video profiles will be created for the candidates so their character can shine through and provide a reality boost to their application. It has never been possible to add an infectious laugh, an easy smile or a twinkle in the eye to a CV, and this is why the Sovren Crew team are  providing this opportunity within the recruitment process, to further engage and aid the decisions of crew placement.

Agents within Sovren crew will be meeting with candidates both face to face in the Palma office, and virtually, to ensure the existing database is up to date, to guarantee the continued efficiency of their system and ensure strict adherence to the guidelines for data protection. It was important from the original concept that the system’s platform be easy to navigate, user friendly, secure and engaging and the site that launches under sovrencrew.com provides that, and more.

The first phase introduces this innovative concept to the yachting industry and will be followed with full integration with the yacht management, training, wellness and events activities of the group.

For further information on the system and how you, your yacht and your crew can benefit, contact Warren Groombridge on +34 971 677 375, arrange a visit or pop in at the Palma office at Carrer d’Espartero 8, 07014 Palma.