Are we losing longevity?
Lulu Trask speaks to Captain Antonio Gerini of M/Y Quest R about the importance of crew longevity in today's industry, and finding the balance between retaining a position on board and gaining new and important experience.…
Captain Antonio Gerini has been a captain for nearly three years, and has already seen some interesting trends when it comes to crew longevity. Of the seven crew on board M/Y Quest R, four have been on for four years – a rather impressive feat in today’s industry.
Despite the (mostly junior) crewmembers of today jumping ship at nearly every opportunity, Captain Gerini believes 2015 is not the right time to add another yacht to the CV. Longevity, always desired by employers, should be relatively easy to come by. “Now isn’t the right time to change vessel. It’s very difficult to find a new position,” Captain Gerini tells The Crew Report. There are, however, certain types of people who will always look for a new opportunity, he adds; “There are a few crewmembers, including me, who like to sprint forward in their career with new challenges, and we prefer to take risks.”
Longevity is, without a doubt, important. I ask Captain Gerini what captains and employers can do to retain their crew. “Offer attractive packages, with a good salary, free time and the possibility to do the job on board without any interference,” he says, adding that positive feedback is also a key factor in keeping your crew on board. “Crew like to feel important and like that pat on the shoulder when you say, ‘You’ve done your job well’ – crew like that.”
But with the need to prove your commitment to a yacht and employer, experience of different boats is also key. “Gaining experience is very important. Only one boat is not enough to grow up in this industry. Sometimes I encourage young crewmembers to not keep their feet in one job. Find a new challenge – you’re meant to grow in this industry,” advises Captain Gerini.
The next question is obvious: with the influx of new builds being delivered (there are 398 yachts in build, due for delivery over the next few years – source: SuperyachtIntelligence.com), will there be a bigger problem with crew longevity? “I can say strongly, yes,” answers Captain Gerini. “Crew now need to start retaining their job on one vessel. They know that leaving a job now won’t be secure for their future.” However, Captain Gerini believes crew will continue to jump ship in the future. “With the new yachts coming out, crew will change often, for new experiences, new places, new people and new lessons.”
There is no doubt that the questions surrounding crew longevity will be under the microscope as the catalyst for change – the influx of superyachts being delivered to new and repeat owners over the next few years – and we will wait with anticipation to see how the crew industry reacts to this.
The Crew Report would like to know how you think crew longevity will be affected by the new yachts hitting the water. Please share your comments below or email the editor Lulu Trask at lulu@thesuperyachtgroup.com.
Despite the (mostly junior) crewmembers of today jumping ship at nearly every opportunity, Captain Gerini believes 2015 is not the right time to add another yacht to the CV. Longevity, always desired by employers, should be relatively easy to come by. “Now isn’t the right time to change vessel. It’s very difficult to find a new position,” Captain Gerini tells The Crew Report. There are, however, certain types of people who will always look for a new opportunity, he adds; “There are a few crewmembers, including me, who like to sprint forward in their career with new challenges, and we prefer to take risks.”
Captain Antonio Gerini
Longevity is, without a doubt, important. I ask Captain Gerini what captains and employers can do to retain their crew. “Offer attractive packages, with a good salary, free time and the possibility to do the job on board without any interference,” he says, adding that positive feedback is also a key factor in keeping your crew on board. “Crew like to feel important and like that pat on the shoulder when you say, ‘You’ve done your job well’ – crew like that.”
"Crew like to feel important and like that pat on the shoulder when you say, ‘You’ve done your job well’."
But with the need to prove your commitment to a yacht and employer, experience of different boats is also key. “Gaining experience is very important. Only one boat is not enough to grow up in this industry. Sometimes I encourage young crewmembers to not keep their feet in one job. Find a new challenge – you’re meant to grow in this industry,” advises Captain Gerini.
M/Y Quest R
The next question is obvious: with the influx of new builds being delivered (there are 398 yachts in build, due for delivery over the next few years – source: SuperyachtIntelligence.com), will there be a bigger problem with crew longevity? “I can say strongly, yes,” answers Captain Gerini. “Crew now need to start retaining their job on one vessel. They know that leaving a job now won’t be secure for their future.” However, Captain Gerini believes crew will continue to jump ship in the future. “With the new yachts coming out, crew will change often, for new experiences, new places, new people and new lessons.”
There is no doubt that the questions surrounding crew longevity will be under the microscope as the catalyst for change – the influx of superyachts being delivered to new and repeat owners over the next few years – and we will wait with anticipation to see how the crew industry reacts to this.
The Crew Report would like to know how you think crew longevity will be affected by the new yachts hitting the water. Please share your comments below or email the editor Lulu Trask at lulu@thesuperyachtgroup.com.
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