Picture this: A crew member gave a verbal resignation after returning from medical leave yet never put it in writing. The captain, under strain during a tight charter run, let her work past what would have been her notice term. When tension rose and she later walked off the yacht citing an injury, management checked the file and found no formal documentation.

What followed was a long dispute over pay, leave rights, and notice. The lack of a written record meant the owner later faced costs close to three times what would have been due to her had the process been handled with care. As this case file from Cornerstone Crew Management shows, oversight can turn a small lapse into a large claim.

The Islander spoke with Cornerstone Crew Management to learn why the rise in crew issues is driving more captains, owners, and managers to seek expert support for crew grievances and disciplinary matters.

When issues become costly crises

The yachting industry is facing an uncomfortable truth: crew complaints are on the rise. ISWAN’s Welfare of Yacht Crew 2024 Annual Review found a 21.4% jump in serious cases, from bullying and harassment to pay and employment disputes. Life at sea intensifies strain on crew – they work long shifts, live and work in confined spaces, and come from a mix of cultures and age groups.

For an industry built on communication, safety and trust, firm steps for how to raise and handle concerns are vital. When yachts lack such structure and guidance, it can lower morale, impact the guest experience, and damage the vessel’s reputation. By contrast, yachts with strong grievance procedures and trained support keep good crew far longer. They avoid legal battles, keep onboard operations smooth, and build a reputation that draws highly-skilled crew year after year.

Clear rules protect owners, crew & the vessel

Both private and commercial yachts must meet strict rules on work terms, safe working conditions, notice, and grievance procedures. These are more than legal points; they are the backbone of life on board. When these basics are skipped or handled in a rush, disputes can escalate quickly.

Employment termination adds another layer of complexity. Even when dismissal without cause is allowed, the employer must still follow set steps: pay due wages up to the last day worked, arrange repatriation, and issue correct sea time records. Mismanagement in these areas can lead to legal risk. Yachts gain real value when they work with specialists who know employment law, Seafarer Employment Agreements (SEAs), MLC rules, and Flag State terms.

Swift guidance can stop a simple case from turning into a claim. David Kneen, Head of Crew Employment at Cornerstone, explains: “Our team is fast to act. They are always at the end of the phone to guide captains and yacht managers with crew-related matters. Their skill and knowledge set them apart. They make sure crew issues are dealt with in the right way and do not grow out of proportion. Many cases seen in the press could have been resolved with ease had the right steps been taken at the start. Cornerstone acts as the link between crew, captain, and management to find a fair and amicable solution.”

Why external support matters

Industry groups and long-standing support bodies have guided yacht crew for years on how to deal with rights and disputes. A recent Cornerstone case shows why this work still matters.

A crew member was found drunk on duty – a textbook case of gross misconduct. The captain acted fast and alerted Cornerstone. Based on the facts, dismissal without notice was valid. Yet elsewhere in management, someone advised that warnings should be issued first, which risked clouding a process that should have been simple. Cornerstone advised that no warnings were needed. Misconduct of this type often allows instant dismissal under most SEA contracts and Flag State rules.

These cases show repeating patterns. Captains and yacht managers work under tight time frames and face tough decisions. They need expert counsel that is discreet, fair, and free of judgement. Though the employer has the legal duty to hire and dismiss the crew, grievance-management specialists add real worth. Many are former crew and know the pace and strain of yachting life. They also have procedures and guidelines in place to deal with crew complaints and disciplinary issues.

Today’s yachting world is complex, fast-paced, and in full view of the public. Crew concerns can no longer be solved in isolation. As Cornerstone’s case files show, fast action and professional advice can shield owners from risk and support leaders who often carry such burdens alone. Without it, even a small slip in admin or procedure can grow into a claim that harms the yacht, the crew, and the owner’s peace of mind.

Website:  https://cornerstoneyacht.com