Our company was founded in 2000 by Nick Hill and Niall Robinson, set up to manage the operational complexities of the world’s largest yachts. While bringing technical excellence to a full spectrum of services that yacht owners require most, we provide a specialised management service, sharing the responsibility for all aspects of yacht ownership and operation.
Global presence
With more than 250 multi-lingual staff, we offer roundthe-clock coverage from our global offices in Europe, the United States, Middle East and Australia.
Experienced and passionate
Our team of highly qualified seasoned professionals have a wealth of knowledge and work alongside a global network of leading yachting professionals and contractors.
“Never off duty, we bridge the gap between the superyacht and the shore.”
We offer unique value to owners and crew Our services have developed to include charter management, crew employment, recruitment, and training, encompassing all facets of yacht ownership. Our commitment lies in delivering reliable services with rigorous cost management, consistent and transparent communication among all stakeholders, and an unwavering focus on the interests of owners and their assets.
Our offer spans three core departments — recruitment, employment and payroll, and training — and enables us to provide essential services for owners and their crew.
Crew are vital to a yacht’s success. Their professionalism is critical to elevating the overall onboard experience. Reducing crew turnover has cultural, operational, and financial advantages and requires a multi-faceted approach, such as recruiting the right crew, providing security, and assisting their personal and professional development.
We know crew development and support are not just perks but strategic investments. Our comprehensive range of crew-related services, from recruitment to training, is designed to create a supportive environment on board. Our mission is clear: attracting, retaining, and fostering crew growth within the maritime industry while enhancing owner and guest experiences.
Training
We offer recruitment services for superyachts and private estates through a process that meticulously matches your unique needs and culture with skilled professionals who embody values of dedication, professionalism, and passion for the seas.
“We prioritise transparency and collaboration, working closely with owners to fully understand requirements and preferences”
— 24/7 coverage and the ability to personally source and interview candidates in key global locations
— An extensive talent network built over the years with seasoned yachting professionals
— Tailored selection matched to a vessel’s distinct character, needs, preferences, and goals, handpicking a crew that seamlessly fits a yacht’s dynamic environment
— Thorough evaluation including screening, interviews, and background checks to assess candidates’ skills, and their suitability and adaptability to thrive in the demanding environment of superyachts
Our standard package offers:
— Conducting interviews in one of our offices or via our video interviewing tool which can be provided along with CV submission
— Full reference checks
— Full certification and qualification checks
— Presentation of only shortlisted suitable candidates
— Coordination of interviews on board or in chosen locations, including travel arrangements if required
— Provision of complete candidate dossier including written references, reference checks, all relevant certificates, and photographs
— Follow up on placed candidates with feedback provided
We prioritise transparency and collaboration, working closely with owners to fully understand requirements and preferences. This allows the integration of qualified personnel into a yacht or estate’s operations. Our global recruitment team consistently delivers tailored solutions, aiming to meet the highest standards and ensure optimal performance and satisfaction for both owners and the teams involved.
Onboard or land based, we’ll find your perfect match. recruitment@hillrobinson.com +33 4 93 90 65 16 careers.hillrobinson.com
Managing a yacht demands precision. From employment to payroll, we help navigate the regulatory environment around crew management with reliability and efficiency. By mitigating liability, we strive to protect owners so they can maximise their yachting experience.
Our offshore Guernsey-based Crew Employment Services prioritise robust procedures, compliant with both MLC and Flag state laws.
— MLC compliant Seafarer Employment Agreements (SEAs)
— Templates and guidelines for NDAs, compassionate leave, travel and expenses
— Processes and support for handling crew issues on board
— Employment jurisdiction options available
Our enhanced employment, payroll, and human resource services go beyond contractual obligations, presenting a service equivalent to that onshore.
Our experience shows investing in crew fosters a sense of loyalty, promoting longevity, minimising turnover, and strengthening a yacht’s reputation.
Our commitment guarantees that each payroll cycle is executed in a timely manner with diligence, preventing errors and discrepancies that could negatively impact your budget plans. We take care of:
— Payroll checking and approval
— Timely crew salary payments
— Expense claims within payroll
— Issuing pay slips
— Calculation of tax and social security contributions* particularly crucial during yard periods, refits, and new builds
— Calculation of crew pension scheme contributions* in countries where it is mandatory, guaranteeing adherence to local legislation
*Additional hourly rates apply
— On-board HR policies as agreed with an owner
— Developing yacht-specific employee benefits packages, including leave allowances, medical insurance, flights, bonuses, training packages and additional wellbeing support as needed
— Job descriptions for all positions
— Monitoring crew performance, follow up on appraisals to identify areas for growth and development
— Facilitating skill training that ultimately improve owner/guest experiences
— Maintaining salary records and analysis that include provisions for inflation adjustments and monetary incentives, directly impacting crew loyalty and long-term retention
— Turnover analysis, engagement surveys, and exit interviews to understand patterns and proactively address issues
— Guidance on crew salary structures by prioritising salaries that not only stay competitive within the market but also align with budgetary considerations
— Grievances and disciplinaries*, including taking care of hearings and investigations
*Additional hourly rates apply
We value the crew in our fleet, and we rely on them to make the whole yachting experience special for our owners and guests. We aim to support them throughout their employment journey and to help achieve this we have partnered with organisations like ISWAN and Seas the Mind.
The International Seafarers’ Welfare and Assistance Network (ISWAN) is a UK-based international charity working to improve the lives of seafarers and their families. Together with ISWAN, we have set up a confidential helpline which is available to crew and their families:
— Dedicated 24/7 support, 365 days a year from trained multilingual counsellors
— Confidential, protecting seafarers, their colleagues, and the vessel
— Emergency protocol should a seafarer or the vessel be at risk
In addition, all crew have access to the ISWAN for Seafarers app and various additional resources.
Life at sea can be difficult without the support of family and friends. Crew can feel very isolated. Our partnership with Seas the Mind facilitates mental health awareness training and mental health first aid training through the Hill Robinson Academy* equipping crew with essential skills to support themselves and their peers. This collaboration also provides packs designed to educate crew about mental health and wellness including stress management, providing valuable information, activities, and suggestions for those seeking advice and assistance.
*Hill Robinson Academy rates apply
Being part of our fleet means joining a community that looks after each member and allows crew to:
— Stay informed with industry updates, events, and opportunities for personal growth
— Access health and wellness resources for maintaining a healthy work-life balance
— Gain insights from interviews with industry professionals and our internal staff
— Connect with other crew and yachting professionals through networking opportunities and events.
Contact
Find out how we support owners and crew.
employmentpayroll@hillrobinson.com
+33 492 90 59 59
Investing in people is crucial to attracting and retaining talent. Our Academy focuses on developing crew and staff to cultivate exceptional service delivery, world-class hospitality standards, and etiquette, elevating the guest experience onboard superyachts and within luxury estates.
We offer a comprehensive variety of blended learning, encouraging peak performance, and enriching culture through our in-person training programmes and Academy Online digital learning offering. Our services programmes support delegates throughout their careers, from onboarding to role-specific training, hospitality programmes, coaching, and leadership development.
Bespoke approach
We craft training programmes that address the needs of each crew and staff member. With flexible options, including onboard, onsite, and online training, we accommodate a vessel or estate’s unique plans and itineraries.
Our Academy streamlines the training process by serving as a one-stop marketplace.
As your go-to training resource we provide:
— Tailored programmes: crafted through comprehensive learning needs analysis for bespoke skill enhancement and leadership enrichment in yachting and estates
— Experiential learning: hands-on, immersive realworld scenarios to enhance decision-making, problem-solving, and leadership for confident navigation of challenges
— Online learning platform: Academy Online provides convenient, on-the-go resources with bite-sized modules and support materials
— Accredited training: we offer GUEST courses and programmes endorsed by IAMI, ensuring alignment with industry standards and best practices.
We are happy to discuss any of your training requests, even those extending beyond what is outlined in our catalogue. Explore some of our offerings below*.
Interpersonal skills: Improve teamwork and communication with courses like Performance Management, Coaching, Recruiting Techniques, Communication, Train the Trainer, and Cultural Appreciation.
Hospitality: Empower your team to deliver outstanding seven-star service with training that ranges from Cigar, Shisha, Floristry & Plant Maintenance, to Event & Destination Management.
Housekeeping: Your crew and staff can learn everything they need to know about Valet & Wardrobe services, laundry operations, ironing techniques and more.
Beverage specialist: Transform your teams into beverage experts with courses covering Bartending, International Spirits, Mocktails & Non-Alcoholic Mixology, Whisk(e)y, Barista & Latte, and Tea.
“We are happy to discuss any of your training requests, even those extending beyond what is outlined in our catalogue.”
Wine appreciation: Elevate wine service with courses such as Wine Appreciation, Prosecco, Wines of Italy, Rosé Wines, Wines of the New World, and WSET Level 1 & 2 Wine Course Certifications.
Yacht specific: Engage in yacht-specific training in Interior Management, Housekeeping and Deck & Engine Service Delivery.
* The full Academy course catalogue is available upon request.
Contact Enquire about a customised training plan now. academy@hillrobinson.com +44 7780 379 101
“Transform your teams into beverage experts mastering the art of bartending and cocktail making.”
Working together with our partners, we can enhance crew services, from medical insurance and travel arrangements, to apparel solutions with leading providers at the most competitive rate.
— Independent insurance advice and solutions which meet the needs of the maritime, U.S. and international communities
— Medical insurance plans catering for all crew
— Tailored travel management with a focus on flexibility and control
— Air travel reservations and accommodation arrangements
— Visa application and travel insurance
— Apparel and lifestyle agency, supplying luxury performance clothing and lifestyle solutions for superyachts, private aviation, hotels, villas, and private residences
— Progressive design approach combining tradition with modernity