SERVICES GUIDE
Hill Robinson was specifically created to manage the operational complexities of the world’s largest superyachts, bringing technical excellence to a full spectrum of services. Today, Hill Robinson offers specialised yacht management, project management for new builds and refits, charter management, corporate services, crew placement, payroll and recruitment, plus a host of other services from VSAT to aviation.
Trust is the cornerstone of the Hill Robinson success story. Our international clientele trust us implicitly with both their yachting interests and assets, and we strive to deliver peace-of-mind, stress-free yachting with efficiency and professionalism.
With Hill Robinson’s diligent management and support, every element of a yacht’s operation will function with precision: safety, security, accounts, crew, procurement, maintenance and environmental considerations.
Our services are designed to insulate owners from risk, with a keen focus on reducing ownership costs, maintaining peak yacht performance and value, and ensuring charter yachts are operated safely and professionally.
Our full-scope portfolio of services, covering both commercial and private use, supports an owner through every step of their yachting activity.
“ The most frequent comment I receive is that my 12-year-old yacht looks like a newly built yacht, which is the result of Hill Robinson’s extraordinarily diligent, dedicated, and professional management.”
Owner, 40m yacht
HILL ROBINSON IS THE LEADING YACHT MANAGEMENT COMPANY THE TEAM
As vastly experienced professionals in the business, Nick Hill, Niall Robinson, Karl Hartmann and Mark Robinson have assembled one of the strongest teams in the industry.
DELIVERING THE PROMISE
YACHT MANAGEMENT
Dedicated and specialised
Multilingual shore support team with 24-hour emergency response
Operational support
Financial administration
Technical assistance
Compliance
Hill Robinson provides a specialised management service, sharing the responsibility for all aspects of yacht ownership and operation.
The day-to-day operation of a superyacht is a complex and multi-faceted business. With Hill Robinson’s yacht management, every element will function with precision: safety, security, operational, accounts, crew, and maintenance.
Clients can rely on Hill Robinson for an instant response and competent support, strengthened by ongoing training and development, information sharing, and solid teamwork from highly motivated staff.
From complete management to mini ISM, there is a solution to suit your needs and your budget. Every owner deserves value for money and looking after our clients’ funds is one of our greatest strengths.
Delivering the best in human resources, quality of service, attention to detail and value for money, are the cornerstones of Hill Robinson’s business. Our fully audited and secure systems ensure a vessel is managed effectively with full transparency and accountability.
We are dedicated to bringing you the very best.
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“ Never off duty, we bridge the gap between the superyacht and the shore.”
Giles Hunt, General Manager, Antibes“ A successful charter program requires business planning, reliability, budget responsibility and clear processes. We are confident that our strategic approach is precisely the model required.”
Nicolas Fry, Head of Charter Management
MAKING THE MOST OF THE ASSET
CHARTER MANAGEMENT
Maximise charter revenue
Advertising and marketing of the yacht, coordination of marketing material
Liaising and negotiating with brokers to confirm bookings
Management of the yacht calendar
Administering owners’ obligations for MYBA charter contracts
Financial handling – deposit, balance and APA
Member of MYBA
For many owners, the benefits of chartering their yacht go far beyond generating income; a busy charter yacht can keep the crew motivated and help keep the systems in full working order, enhancing the resale value.
We coordinate all aspects of a yacht’s charter promotion. From managing the yacht’s calendar to liaising with brokers to negotiate and confirm bookings to creating accurate marketing materials and implementing proactive advertising campaigns, Hill Robinson has an owner’s interest at the forefront of its mind.
Our highly experienced team is adept at handling every facet of the charter process and our offices are structured to maximise accountability, performance, and streamline communication. A successful charter program requires business planning, reliability, budget responsibility and clear processes. Owners can rest assured that their charter operations are commercially compliant, their personal interests are protected, and that our reliable service will in turn garner their superyacht an enviable charter reputation.
Hill Robinson is a MYBA member and we administer the owner’s obligations in accordance with MYBA contracts. We manage all financial requirements of the charter, including deposits, balance payment, and APA distribution.
PROJECT MANAGEMENT FOR THE WORLD’S FINEST NEW CONSTRUCTIONS
CONSTRUCTION
Contract, specification and design review
Technical advice and representation
Quality and cost control
Onsite supervision
Regular reports
Commissioning and sea trials
Hill Robinson’s experienced and highly qualified project managers have been involved with some of the industry’s most exciting projects and a significant number of high-profile new builds, with leading shipyards and designers. We understand how to frame a project before tendering it to shipyards demonstrably capable of that task.
Our team of former captains, naval architects, engineers and surveyors all work together to ensure the timely and cost-effective completion of your project. We offer management solutions to suit each build’s specific requirements and, acting as an owner’s representative, manage each project from the client’s perspective.
Our project management service for new builds provides owners with exceptional value. Having extensive practical and technical knowledge, as well as our understanding of the contractual framework, leads to elevated results and enhanced control and ensures cost-effective completion of your build project.
Hill
Robinson was specifically created to manage the operational complexities of the world’s largest superyachts.“ Ensuring safety is the basis of good management. Once a good Safety Management System is in place and everyone knows their role, everything around it flows with efficiency.”
Egil Nordstrom, Head of Fleet ComplianceSAFETY IS THE PRIORITY
COMPLIANCE
Fully ISM/ISPS certified and audited
ISM & ISPS familiarisation, training and drills
Ship safety and security plans
Onboard safety audits and risk assessments
HRClick secure app
Whether private or commercial, safety is paramount for every yacht.
We see safety, security, efficiency and training to be an intrinsic part of yacht management. As well as ISM implementation and management, Hill Robinson also oversees certification for the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS), which covers international, maritime and port security regulations, and the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC), which regulates all aspects of crew employment and welfare.
Effective implementation of both the ISM and ISPS Codes can safeguard a yacht’s reputation, as well as reducing long-term running costs and insurance premiums. The necessary safety and security documentation is recorded, reported and reviewed via HRClick – Hill Robinson’s secure, user-friendly and highly efficient app that tracks vessel and crew certification, safety checklists, hours of rest, and holds important management documentation.
Hill Robinson provides class and flag state approved Safety Management Systems that are both in line with current international and industry requirements, and future provisions.
GLOBAL CREW CONTRACTS
CREW EMPLOYMENT AND PAYROLL
MLC compliant crew payroll – prompt and efficient
Individual crew employment contracts
MCA and flag state approved
Crew medical insurance
Social Security liability management
Hill Robinson operates a Guernsey-based employment practice to oversee payroll, contracts, insurance, social security payments, and crew management needs.
Our well-established procedures are efficient, cost effective, and complement
Hill Robinson’s crew placement and recruitment services.
We ensure that employment contracts are compliant and correct, and that joining or departing crew are supported by a professional team. Hill Robinson’s crew employment and payroll services work to minimise owner risk in every instance, managing employment liabilities, contracts and certification.
REFITS REDEFINED
TECHNICAL AND REFIT
Emergency technical support 24/7
Technical management
Contract negotiation, planning and refit management
Quality, cost and budget control
Condition surveys
Pre-purchase surveys
To ensure the highest quality, combined with a timely and cost-effective completion of your refit project, Hill Robinson’s client-focused support team is the clear choice. Our technical team is well positioned to assist with emergency support, maintenance, refit planning, and the handling of insurance claims.
Whether the experience of a naval architect, a Class 1 engineer or a surveyor is needed, assistance is only a phone call away.
Dealing with flag states, class societies, and suppliers often requires patience and diplomacy, as well as language skills, and our team speaks more than 15 languages.
Our shore support team works with captains to find solutions, organise contracts and guarantee accurate quoting and budgets. We keep all parties up to date, helping to ensure refits and maintenance periods are successfully completed on time and on budget.
AN INDEPENDENT, UNBIASED, AND UNCOMPROMISED APPROACH TO PRE-PURCHASE AND CONDITION SURVEYS
SURVEYS
In-depth inspections by experienced surveyors
Performance and endurance tests at sea
Full dry dock inspections
Superyacht valuation
Damage surveys and repair estimates
Annual flag state surveys and audits
Hill Robinson provides independent surveys for all yachts and passenger yachts, with detailed analysis of every aspect. Whether a structural survey, mechanic, interior, or assessment of the tenders and toys, our survey department has the expertise required.
Our experienced technical team comprises marine engineers, naval architects and former captains, who have strong relationships with the main class societies including ABS, Lloyd’s Register, RINA, DNV-GL, and BV. Our surveyors are not influenced by brokers, buyers or the seller, our professional opinions are based on sound marine practices and years of experience in the yachting and maritime industries.
We regularly undertake surveys and audits across the world’s largest independent fleet and new build projects. The team distils decades of experience in running, refitting and managing luxury yachts, placing them in the best possible position to judge the operational, safety, and technical aspects of an owner’s asset.
A survey will bring transparency and security to any yacht purchase, highlighting structural flaws and identifying safety concerns. A survey can reveal issues that might go unnoticed by a regular periodical inspection, giving clients peace of mind that a yacht is fit for purpose prior to buying, selling or chartering.
Pre-purchase surveys not only assess an individual vessel, but how well that vessel is being operated. The Hill Robinson team will also estimate running costs, to give each owner the most accurate forecast.
“ A survey conducted by Hill Robinson is a prudent choice for any prospective owner, current owner or charterer. With an in-house team of more than 30 technical personnel and transparency at the heart of our approach, we present our clients with a complete and unbiased picture of the state of each yacht.”
Marco Rossi, Principal Surveyor, DPA“ Hill Robinson’s dedicated corporate services division means client requirements can be met in a package that is as bespoke as the yacht itself. Getting the key decisions right, such as tax-efficient owning structures, vessel registration, VAT payments and fiscal management, will minimise the complexities of ownership, thus enhancing the pleasures.”
Callum Carine, Senior Client AdministratorA ONE-STOP SHOP
CORPORATE SERVICES
Fully licensed Corporate Service Provider
Incorporation, management, and control of ownership structures
Legislative compliance
VAT administration services
Multi-jurisdiction company incorporation and VAT registration
Comprehensive range of professional services
The owning company setup and structure for every yacht is unique and, in most cases, needs to facilitate compliance with EU VAT regulations, intended use of the yacht, and the owner’s expectations. By creating a corporate entity that suits the usage and status of an owner, we ensure that each yacht complies with complex industry legislation.
Our corporate services include company formation, provision of company directors and accountancy services. We manage VAT registration, administration and compliance, creating structures that will suit even the most diverse ownership needs.
Hill Robinson’s corporate services are provided through our licensed office in the Isle of Man, and our partners in various other jurisdictions.
With Hill Robinson’s diligent management and support, every element of a yacht’s operation will function with precision: safety, security, accounts, crew, procurement, maintenance, and environmental considerations.
PROCUREMENT AND SPARES SOURCING WITH ECONOMIC EFFICIENCY
PROCUREMENT
Optimise budget control and maintenance costs
Competitive pricing
Fleet discounts passed directly to clients
Urgent spares where and when required
Hill Robinson has a dedicated in-house procurement team, committed to making sure our customers are always getting the most competitive prices. We source spares, supplies, equipment, tenders, artworks, and service any special procurement requests. We have long-term relationships with key suppliers, and we offer an end-to-end solution encompassing logistics, transport, and customs clearances.
Our clients benefit from the advantages of Hill Robinson’s purchasing power, which comes from buying for a fleet of yachts and results in better contracts with suppliers. That’s better prices, service, and quality. By consistently checking rates and availability, Hill Robinson is able to ensure owners and captains receive the best possible deal on items ranging from jet skis and exterior furniture to galley supplies and engine oil.
With Hill Robinson retaining full control of the purchasing process, we can ensure complete transparency. Payments are efficiently processed, with everything documented through auditable systems and approval processes.
“We are specialists in delivering what’s needed, where and when it’s needed. No request is too small, nor too large, and each receives the full attention and expertise of our team.”
Petervan Toor, Head of Procurement
RELIABLE AND COST EFFECTIVE
VSAT
24/7 support
Bandwidth easily purchased in monthly blocks
Tested aboard the world’s largest yachts
Flexible contracts that reflect your changing needs
Underwritten and administered by Hill Robinson
Hill Robinson provides the most reliable and cost-effective satellite broadband internet (VSAT) Airtime program on the market.
Our VSAT Airtime plan can be tailored to cater for a high-data-use crew or guaranteed for guest access. In the unlikely event of an outage, you won’t be placed in a queue – a dedicated Hill Robinson technical manager will maintain your internet service swiftly and without charge, wherever in the world you sail.
We offer a truly flexible solution to VSAT, with go-anywhere capabilities, fast connections, and cost-effective options.
AIRCRAFT MANAGEMENT AND CHARTER
AVIATION
Operational and technical management for helicopters and fixed wing aircraft
Full yacht and facility integration
Management of clients’ private aviation requirements
Bespoke charter services for private travel, corporate needs, and cargo
Procurement of helicopters and fixed wing aircraft
Crew training
Hill Robinson’s aviation department offers an enormous array of services and is your trusted partner for all aspects of aviation.
Aviation in its most comprehensive form has become an important pillar in the Hill Robinson portfolio of services, and is provided by the special projects team in the Isle of Man.
From specifying helicopter landing pads on superyachts and overseeing their integration during significant superyacht refits, to procuring bespoke aircraft in wider purchase acquisitions for our clients, our aviation department provides an end-to-end service.
Hill Robinson’s aviation team source and manage a mix of aircraft and can seamlessly integrate an aircraft fleet into a client’s organisation. Our full operational and technical management means we can specify aircraft to suit requirements, oversee builds, delivery, and certification, with confidence.
We train, employ and supply pilots, manage maintenance programmes and process auditing, providing our clients a solution for all their aviation needs.
When it comes to charter, we are well versed in both private and corporate air travel, as well as cargo and commercial freight.
“ We take care of the whole process; from start to finish and beyond.”
Karl Hartmann, Partner
“We personalise the recruitment process, ensuring that the right candidate is selected for the position.”
Susanne Jovanovic, Head of Recruitment
ATTRACT, GROW, AND RETAIN EXCEPTIONAL TALENT
RECRUITMENT
Experienced team of recruitment consultants who understand our client’s needs
Global support from six dedicated offices
Specialising in recruitment of crew and luxury estates staff
Comprehensive screening of all candidates
Whether aboard superyachts or onshore, finding the right team and establishing a successful dynamic is essential for the smooth operation and enjoyment of any asset.
Through our global team of experienced recruiters, we partner with clients to source exceptional crew and staff members for some of the most iconic superyachts and prestigious residences in the world.
With client-centricity at the fore, our team take the time to understand the specific and unique requirements for every role. We are passionate about finding the right candidate for each role, and utilise an extensive network of professionals to source world-class talent. We recruit highly skilled personnel who deliver best-in-class service.
To ensure we maintain and grow a broad talent pool, our team extend the same level of professional service to our candidates, supporting them throughout the process. From CV guidance and pre-placement preparation to career development and progression, we are on hand to guide, coach, and advise.
Minimising crew turnover results in reduced running costs and maintaining consistency ensures that crew members are familiar with safety issues and protocol, as well as the unique requirements of an owner or regular guests.
An increasing number of crew appreciate the benefits of working on a Hill Robinson-managed yacht, and the owners benefit from their dedication.
INVESTING IN OUR PEOPLE
ACADEMY
End-to-end management of learning, from needs analysis to evaluation
A blended solution of in-person, online, and virtual learning
Tailored programmes to meet client requirements and to industry standards
Personal and professional development to support career advancement and retention
Investing in people is a crucial part of attracting and retaining the right talent.
Our Academy focuses on the development of crew and staff to cultivate exceptional service delivery, world-class hospitality standards and etiquette, ultimately elevating the guest experience onboard superyachts and within luxury estates.
We are uniquely positioned to offer a comprehensive variety of blended learning, encouraging peak performance and enriching culture. Our programmes support delegates throughout their career; from onboarding to role-specific training, hospitality programmes, coaching and leadership development.
Building more engaged, committed and accomplished teams, substantially improves the service experience delivered to clients and increases employee satisfaction, wellbeing, and longevity.
Our Academy facilitates the development, delivery and evaluation of learning through an enhanced learning management system, leveraging 20+ years of industry knowledge and trusted partnerships with leading experts to deliver a memorable experience.
“ Investing in people is a crucial part of attracting and retaining the right talent”
Jane Stevenson, Chief People Officer
Our full-scope portfolio of services, covering both commercial and private use, supports an owner through every step of their yachting activity.
GLOBAL REACH
AROUND THE WORLD
— Between our Gold Coast, Middle East and West Mediterranean, Western Europe and Eastern US Seaboard Office Network, we are able to offer round-the-clock coverage.
Australia
Office G50/3, Gold Coast City Marina 76-84 Waterway Drive, Coomera
Queensland 4209, Australia
+61 755 731 764
France
Résidences du Port Vauban 17, Avenue du 11 Novembre
06600 Antibes, France
+33 4 92 90 59 59
Monaco
8 Quai Antoine 1er
Monte Carlo
MC 98000 Monaco
+377 93 10 29 29
Cyprus
Limassol Marina
P.O. Box 50160
3601 Limassol, Cyprus
+357 25 025 750
Isle of Man
Second Floor
14 Athol Street, Douglas
Isle of Man IM1 1JA
+44 1624 622 523
For enquiries email enquire@hillrobinson.com or enquire@moraviayachting.mc
Italy
The Plaza
Porto Mirabello
La Spezia, Italy
+39 392 077 6440
Spain
Avenida de Gabriel Roca
26 LOCAL N
07014 Palma de Mallorca
+34 971 675 888
USA
1845 Cordova Road
Suite 212, Fort Lauderdale FL 33316, USA
+1 954 792 6112
Saudi Arabia
Office 402, 4th Floor, Ibrahim Center
6942 King Abdulaziz Rd
3432 Ash Shati Dist, 23613 Jeddah
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
UK
201 Haverstock Hill
Belsize Park, London
NW3 4QG, United Kingdom
+44 20 7443 5596
USA
2010 Avenue B
West Palm Beach
FL 33404, USA
+1 954 792 6112