What is Crew Placement and Crew Management?

At Viking Crew, we are a pioneer in Crew Placement and Crew Management, with over 35 years’ experience. With a variety of bespoke services, we can enhance the efficiency, compliance, and overall performance of your shipping operations.

Whether you're a ship owner or operator, captain or head of department, concessionaire or contractor who require crew with the appropriate qualifications and experience for the role. From galley utilities to chief engineers, finding new crew members is only half of the story; the other half is placing them on vessels and completing a comprehensive induction. That’s where Viking Crew Placement services can help.

Crew Management is essential for all yachts, cruise ships and vessels, to ensure ships are safely manned, sail smoothly and operate efficiently. At Viking Crew, we aim to make the life of a ship operator as easy as possible by delivering a professional, cost-effective, robust, and personal service.

What Does Crew Placement Involve?

• Identification of Needs: A thorough assessment of the vessel's operational requirements and the specific roles that need to be filled. This includes understanding the type of vessel, its routes, the unique challenges it faces, and the qualifications and experience required for each position.

• Placement: This involves reaching out to potential candidates through our extensive in-house database, industry websites, head hunting, social media, and global partner network. At Viking Crew, candidates can search through our online jobs portal to find the perfect role for them.

• Screening and Selection: Candidates undergo a thorough interview process to assess their suitability for the role, experience, and ability to handle the responsibilities of the position. Their qualifications, certifications (including STCW), and references are checked and verified in accordance with international maritime laws and regulations, such as the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC).

• Assignment and Induction: New crew members are assigned to their respective positions on the vessel. They take part in a comprehensive induction procedure to familiarise them with the vessel, its safety procedures, and their specific duties.

• Training and Certification: On some occasions, candidates may need to undergo additional training to meet the vessel's specific needs or to update their certification. Viking Crew works alongside the Maritime Skills Academy – a state-of-the-art maritime training facility delivering deck and engine simulation and marine, fire and safety training, taught by expert instructors with extensive experience in the maritime industry.

What does Crew Management Involve?

• Scheduling, Deployment and Payroll: Ensuring that vessels are safely manned as per requirements from Flag State, as well as any additional client requests means that the vessels can focus on the job at hand.  Flights can be booked, taking into consideration efficient routing (meaning timing for the crew member and budget requirements for the client), as well as planning for visa restrictions and necessary ETAs and handovers. This then forms the basis for leave calculations to be maintained and payroll produced and reported accordingly.

• Training: Identifying training needs, maintaining records, arranging courses and assessing training establishments. At Viking Crew, we offer bespoke course costs by utilising The Maritime Skills Academy (part of Viking Maritime Group), and also offer tailored training onboard to suit our clients' needs.

• Performance Management: Monitoring and evaluating the performance of crew members, providing feedback, and implementing performance improvement plans if necessary.

• Compliance: Ensuring all operations involving the crew comply with international maritime laws, regulations, and standards, including those related to labour conditions, safety, and environmental protection.

• Welfare and Well-being: Looking after the physical and mental well-being of the crew, including living conditions on board, medical care, recreation, and support for issues that may arise while at sea.

Benefits of Working with an Independent Crewing Company

Working with an independent service provider for assistance with crew placement and management is a fantastic option for shipping companies.

• Access to a Global Talent Pool: We have an extensive global network and reach. This enables shipping companies to access a wider pool of qualified and experienced seafarers, ensuring vessels are manned by competent crews.

• Compliance and Documentation Management: We are well-versed in the complex regulatory requirements of the maritime industry, ensuring that all crew members fully comply with international laws and regulations, reducing the risk of non-compliance penalties.

• Cost Efficiency: Shipping companies can reduce overhead costs associated with placement, training, and administration. Services can be adjusted according to the specific needs of a vessel, leading to more efficient budgeting and cost management.

• Focus on Core Operations: Utilising a service provider, such as Viking, allows shipping companies more time to focus more on their core business activities, including improving their services, operational efficiency, and, ultimately, their competitiveness in the market.

• Risk Management and Support: Crewing agencies provide continuous support and have robust risk management strategies in place. This includes dealing with emergencies, medical issues, crew changes, and other operational challenges.

Get in touch today to find out how we can support your crewing needs at Viking Crew.