The French authorities have provided official clarification regarding social security payments for yacht crew. The document, provided in French and English, has answered the question of how French residency is determined (more than 6 months in total during a 12 month period), and also specifies that time spent in the shipyard does not count towards the days you have spent in France / French waters.  It also confirms that you do not need to subscribe to ENIM if you can show that you have suitable equivalent insurance from a different provider in place. Clarifications on the application of article L 5551-1of the (French) Transport CodeJune 2018 Duration considered: The regular and continuous length of residency, within the meaning of Article L 5551-1, can be ...

Where to stay and how to get work! As with any accommodation around the world, crew houses can vary hugely in quality, cleanliness and availability.  Some book up really quickly, some meet crew standards, but there are a few which are hygienically challenged! Because there are so many yachting crew out there, some waiting longer for jobs to start, there's a greater demand for alternative accommodation options.  Crew quite rightly expect better value for money, improved standards so often club together and look at alternatives to the traditional 'crew houses', such as renting a house or apartment, camping out of town or having the flexibility of camper van hire.  Some just prefer the comfort and convenience of a hotel and if you're already armed w...

Navigating the complexities of the B1B2 Visa If you're non-US yacht crew and looking to enter the US temporarily either for business or pleasure, you'll need to qualify for a B1B2 visa. Be warned though, you'll have to do a bit of hoop jumping to get through the various levels of US administration, before you can qualify. No matter where you go on US soil and water, there are rules to follow, fees to be paid and documents to be completed and submitted. Although there isn't a US visa specifically designed for the world of yachting, because by the very nature of the industry it appeals to those looking to move around, the B1B2 visa is the most appropriate for crew working (or job searching) on yachts. The US Department of State classify the B1/B2 as a visitor ...

Here are some Frequently Asked Questions's…. All you need to work on a superyacht is a willingness to learn, positive attitude, a love of hard work and most importantly a sense of adventure!  If you're up for a challenge and keen to travel, then working on one of the world's most beautiful sea faring vessels could be perfect for you. As superyacht crew recruiters we've put together just some of the questions we're frequently asked: What's a superyacht? Either a privately owned or chartered motor or sailing yacht, which could measure anything from 24m (80ft) up to 130m (420ft) in length.  Could be longer!  Superyachts can vary from those under sail to those automated or explorer type vessels with helipads and submarines on ...

Napkin Folds With access to Pinterest there are so many amazing napkin folds we can copy to create stunning place settings, adding real drama and wow factor to your dining table, but how on earth do you actually create them. Here's a step by step guide to creating one of the classic napkin designs. Top tip though, good quality, starched linen (preferably in a beautiful colour!) is a must, so your designs hold their shape, reduce creasing and look even more dramatic. The Water Lily Lay your square napkin out flat on a flat, clean surface Fold each of the four corners into the centre and press the creases flat Fold your new four corners into the centre and press the creases flat Hold your folds together and carefully turn the napkin over Fold each of the four corners into...

Launching your online Cruise Ship Jobs Board We're thrilled to launch "Cruiserecruit" www.cruiserecruit.com your online "Cruise Ship Jobs Board' whether you're looking for the perfect job onboard a cruise ship or an employer looking for cruise ship, ferry or vessel staff, Cruiserecruit is your one stop global portal.  Following the phenomenal success of our sister portal Yotspot, The global jobs board for the yachting industry, which we only launched in 2010 but has already grown to become one of the yachting industry's most successful platforms, we decided we had to make it easier for Cruise operators to find great crew and for great crew to have one place to access jobs onboard any vessel. You can browse our constantly updated list of ...

The art of table dressing.  It's all in the preparation Dressing the table for dinner is an art form. Whilst the deckhands take care on deck polishing stainless and two parting the teak deck, and interior staff/chefs plan and prepare sumptuous dishes to wow owners and their guests, the main saloon is the steward/stewardess's domain, and it's just as important to present a beautiful table to draw diners into the space, relax knowing their every need will not only be catered for but has been thought of already! For stewards and stewardesses, here are some great tips for ensuring your table looks beautiful and allows service to be the best it can be. Thinking ahead is key, be creative, be resourceful, but ultimately plan ahead, be organised, with owners and guests...

In the last 12 months Virtual Training Centre we have delivered accrdited 100% online training in 46 countries to Superyacht Crew, Shipping Companies, Cruise Lines, Crewing and Ship Management, Off-Shore O&G, Recruitment Agencies, as well as Private Clients.  The benefits of online training are apparent as it affords many advantages, not only is it cost effective, convenient reliable and efficient, it may save significant time and costs associated with travelling to a test centres with training availability.  Today, more and more companies are identifying these key benefits and implementing online training as a core part of their 'duty of care' and 'security training strategy'.  VTC realised the requirement for companies and indivi...

Choosing a boat for offshore cruising is not a decision to be taken lightly. I have researched this topic on dozens of rallies, speaking to hundred of skippers. Everyone you speak to will have a different point of view about which boat is best and why, but few question the importance of getting it right. No matter what your budget, there is a bewildering array of choice and a number of important decisions to make, any one of which could severely impact the enjoyment and eventual success of your voyage. What follows may serve as a checklist for first-timers as well as seasoned ocean sailors in helping to decide the essential elements concerning safety, comfort, performance and functionality, looking at the hull, deck, rig and interior. HULL, KEEL AND RUDDER Deciding on the size of a...