Sample of a Crew Terms and Conditions

About S/V ‘Two Moon Bay’: an outline of the yachts specs and history.

S/V ‘Two Moon Bay’ organisational chart: the hierarchy of crew on board, also covering who is who in the management side if there is one.
Confidentiality/non-disclosure agreements.

Employment: this section should outline the terms of employment onboard for all crew and should cover employment guidelines, confidential information, guest relations, responsibilities, driver’s licence and driving record, health examinations, standards of conduct, unacceptable activities, disciplinary action, suspension, introductory period, immigration and visa law compliance, new crew member orientation, absence or lateness, meal and break periods, crew mess facility, crew cruises, work schedules including hours with and without charter.

Employment classification and job descriptions: full-time crew, seasonal crew, temporary crew (dayworkers), personnel records and administration, your personnel file, your medical records file etc.

Salaries: wage and salary policies, salary and wage philosophy, basis for determining pay, pay period and hours, pay cycle, paycheck distribution, computing pay, mandatory deductions from paycheck, direct payroll deposit, payroll advance, error in pay, overtime pay, work performed on holidays, compensatory time off, performance and salary reviews, tips and gratuities, promotion and transfer policy.

Benefits: eligibility for benefits, insurance coverage, group insurance, health/dental/ vision insurance, disability insurance, life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance, crew assistance programmes.

Leave: paid leave holidays, paid time off, vacations, sick leave, personal leave, other paid leaves, unpaid leaves, family/medical leave of absence, disability leave of absence, personal leave of absence, accepting other employment or going into business while on leave of absence, insurance premium payment during leaves of absence.

Health and Safety Issues: fire and emergency procedures, severe weather and emergency conditions, general crew safety, reporting safety issues, embarking and disembarking, security checks, safety rules, working safely, trash disposal, cleaning up, stowage, lifelines, electrical hazards, fire extinguishers, weapons, fire prevention, in case of fire, emergency evacuation, housekeeping, office safety, property and equipment care, restricted areas, security, smoking.

Separation of Employment: termination, exit interviews, return of yacht’s property, former crew, post-employment inquiries.

On Board Policies: bonding requirements, communications, community activities, computers, electronic mail, and voice mail usage policy, dress code and personal appearance, drug-free policy, health risks of alcohol and other drug use, legal implications of alcohol and other drug use, expense reimbursement, gifts, recycling, waste prevention and conservation.

Living On Board Policies: laundry, crew guests and relatives, standing watches, smoking and drugs, uniforms, noise, private use of yacht vehicles, private use of yacht’s equipment.