The complexities of the maritime industry can leave crew vulnerable to employment related issues so it is advisable to seek expert advice before signing a new contract.
To help avoid contractual disputes you should ensure the following:
- You have signed a written employment contract before joining the yacht
- You understand all of the terms in your contract before you sign it
- No important information, such as details of wages, is missing from the contract before you sign it
In addition to the above measures, joining a union can be a good way to ensure you have added protections in place just in case you find yourself in a contractual dispute at any point in the future.