Superyacht References provides independent referencing support for crew, recruiting captains and agents alongside a mentoring and career guidance program.
SuperYacht References is an innovative new platform set to revolutionise the yacht crew recruitment process. Built by a captain, for captains, senior crew and agents, it’s a pioneering solution to the challenges of undertaking background checks and verifying crew references.

As a captain, it’s imperative to find candidates who not only deliver impeccable service but also possess the requisite certifications for safe on-board operations. Professional references are a key part of a crew member’s CV and SuperYacht References saves time and alleviates the stress of fact-checking a candidate’s resume and sourcing references during the job application process. The platform saves the yacht’s heads of departments precious time and guarantees higher quality crew, with authenticated references and job profiles at their fingertips. As a third party, SuperYacht References adds complete transparency to crewmember’s references and background checks.
100% free for crew to use, candidates simply upload all their details to an encrypted and data protected web portal, including reference contacts, professional qualifications, and identification, for the SuperYacht Reference team to verify. When a captain or agent is looking at the crew profiles, they can be safe in the knowledge that each individual has undergone a thorough background check and is ready to be employed. It not only fast-tracks the process but also adds an extra layer of security for the captain and owner. With each new role, the crew can seamlessly update their profiles and keep their documentation in one, accessible online platform. No more out-of-date Word documents or lost PDFs for crew to update every time they want to secure a new position.

SuperYacht References was soft launched at the Monaco Yacht Show and received incredible feedback from yacht crew and agents. “The Monaco show was an ideal time to showcase the platform,” explains the founder, Captain McDowell. “Crew were finishing up the Med season and looking for new opportunities for the Caribbean season. They saw how signing up to SuperYacht References and getting theirs profile sorted made the job search much smoother and gave them an edge over other candidates.”
Now, the SuperYacht References team is looking ahead to the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. “The soft launch at Monaco allowed us to see how the platform worked for real candidates currently on the job hunt having their documents uploaded and verified,” added Captain McDowell. “We’ll keep improving the experience for everyone that uses it and look forward to welcoming more and more users to SuperYacht References as we head into the winter season.”
Even if yacht crew aren’t looking for a job this season, it’s not just during the recruitment process that they can take advantage of the SuperYacht References platform. In addition to references, security, and background checks, the SuperYacht References team also offers crew professional development and mentoring services for their entire career. “The reference process goes hand in hand with coaching services. By giving our candidates honest feedback, strategies to further their career progression and support when they need it, they can learn from their mistakes and build on their strengths,” says Captain McDowell. The website also offers industry insights and resource articles for crew that help navigate all aspects of crew life. From mental health advice to safeguarding your yachting career.

In an industry known for its high demands and intense pressures, Superyacht References is dedicated to alleviating the stress experienced by crew members. For those looking for a new position, Superyacht References alleviates stress by verifying their documents on their behalf, ensuring that job applications proceed seamlessly, leading to more successful outcomes. We’re also able to advise our members on whether advertised job posts are authentic, and done by a registered party for a legitimate yacht. Gone are the days that yacht crew have to navigate through job postings that aren’t genuine or agencies that operate outside the bounds of legality, causing unnecessary stress amidst an already challenging job-hunting process. It not only eases the burden on job-seeking crew, but also saves valuable time for recruiting crew, who often find themselves overwhelmed by the daunting task of reference & background checks.
At Superyacht References, mental health is not just a buzzword; it is a guiding principle. The inception of our services, platform, and mental health initiatives was rooted in the understanding that a healthy crew is a productive crew. By prioritizing the well-being of yacht crew, Superyacht References is not merely a service provider; it is a guardian of mental and professional harmony, reshaping the industry one stress-free experience at a time.
All crew can register, create a profile and have their references verified and ready to impress their next HOD completely free of charge. In the competitive and saturated crew recruitment sector, Superyacht References brings a welcome helping hand to those looking for exceptional crew by pre-verifying certificates, performing security checks and ID checks to fill those roles easier, safer, smarter.
