“I’ve been in yachting for a few years and recently joined a new yacht, and have been told by crew that they do not give reference letters to anyone when they leave. Is this normal?”
As much as I first wanted to say that this is not normal, after having a think about it and asking some colleagues, I have found that it sometimes can be the case. Most yachts do provide letters of reference, but there are a few reasons that a program may have a policy against it:
- Owners or management may not write a letter of reference to avoid any legal or privacy issues. Some may just write them on a case-by-case basis. And if the crew member later developed an issue with the yacht, it is one less thing the owner or management could be held liable for. Remember that this is a very private and sensitive industry.
- Some programs simply may prefer a phone call or informal conversation with a potential employer.
- With the industry’s high turnover rates and some programs being seasonal, captains or management companies may choose not to write a letter of reference for each seasonal crew member who comes and goes.
I think you’ll find this isn’t the case with most yachts, and most will gladly write you a letter of reference if you have been a good employee. It’s important to maintain good relationships with many within the industry so that you can call upon them should you need a letter of reference. And there are probably more senior crew and others in the industry who know you much better and can more confidently attest to your ability. But you should always ask, even if this is what you have heard from the crew. It’s quite possible there is a misunderstanding or that the captain would be happy to refer you in a different manner than a letter.
To send a question to Captain Kelly, message her on Instagram @captain_kellyjgordon