Question 1

What is Global Crew Finder?

Accepted Answer

Global Crew Finder is a community-driven platform that connects boat captains with crew for sailing passages worldwide. Whether you're crossing an ocean and need extra hands, or you're a sailor looking for sea miles and adventure, Global Crew Finder helps you find the right match.

Question 2

Who are we?

Accepted Answer

Global Crew Finder is built by software developers and sailing enthusiasts. The About page says who we are and how we work.

Question 3

How does it work?

Accepted Answer

Captains register their boats and post upcoming passages with details like departure port, destination, dates, and what experience level they need. Crew members browse available passages and apply to ones that interest them. Once a match is made, the captain and crew communicate directly to arrange the details.

Question 4

Which regions do you cover?

Accepted Answer

Global Crew Finder is available worldwide: you can list or find a passage anywhere. Browse the location directory to see the places that have open passages right now. Our platform supports international sailing arrangements.

Question 5

Do I need to be experienced to join?

Accepted Answer

Not necessarily. Some passages say that the captain welcomes learners, and others need more experience, especially offshore or ocean crossings. Your profile should honestly represent your experience level and certifications.

Question 6

Can I influence what features get built?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! This is a community-first platform, which means you have a real voice in shaping it. You can submit feature requests, vote on ideas from other members, and see what's being worked on. We prioritise features based on community votes - your input directly influences our roadmap and what gets built next.

Question 7

How do I post a passage?

Accepted Answer

After registering as a captain, add your boat to your profile, then create a passage with departure and arrival ports, dates, crew needed, and experience requirements. Be thorough: detailed passages attract more qualified crew.

Question 8

How do I find the right crew?

Accepted Answer

When crew members apply for your passage, review their profiles carefully. Look at their certifications, sea miles, experience with different boat types, and reviews from previous passages. We recommend having a video call before confirming any crew.

Question 9

Can I take several crew on one passage?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Set how many crew you need when you post the passage. It stays open until every berth is taken, so you can accept crew one by one, and the other applicants are only turned down once the passage is full. A couple who apply together take two berths. Once the passage is full, new applicants join a waitlist, and if a berth frees up their application goes back to the captain, who decides. Every passage card shows how many berths are taken, for example "2 of 4 berths filled".

Question 10

What information should I provide to crew?

Accepted Answer

Provide comprehensive details including watch system, passage plan, safety equipment on board, provisioning arrangements, expected conditions, and what gear crew should bring. The more information, the smoother the passage.

Question 11

Do I need to pay the crew?

Accepted Answer

Global Crew Finder is built on mutual exchange: crew contribute their time and skills, and in return they get the sailing experience and sea miles. Typically, provisioning costs are shared. Some captains ask for a contribution towards fuel or marina fees, but this should be discussed upfront. Payment for crew services is between you and the crew.

Question 12

What if I need to cancel?

Accepted Answer

Weather and conditions change, and sometimes cancellations are unavoidable. Please notify your confirmed crew as soon as possible. How we handle frequent cancellations is something we'll decide together with the community. See our Terms & Conditions for more details.

Question 13

What safety equipment should I have?

Accepted Answer

At minimum: life raft, EPIRB, life jackets, harnesses, jacklines, flares, first aid kit, and VHF radio. For offshore passages, consider an SSB radio or satellite phone. List your safety equipment in your boat profile so crew can see what's available.

Question 14

How do I join as crew?

Accepted Answer

Register on the platform and select 'Crew' as your role. Complete your profile with photos, a bio, your sailing experience, certifications, and sea miles logged. A complete, genuine profile increases your chances of being selected.

Question 15

How do I apply for a passage?

Accepted Answer

Browse available passages using our search and filters. When you find a passage that interests you, click 'Apply' and write a personalised message explaining why you're a good fit. Mention your relevant experience, certifications, and what you'd bring to the crew.

Question 16

What happens when a passage is full?

Accepted Answer

A passage stays open until the captain has filled every berth, so several crew can join the same passage. If it is full when you apply, you join the waitlist and we tell you if a berth frees up, when your application goes back to the captain. If you sail as a couple, turn on the couple option in your profile and apply together: you take two berths. When you apply you also choose the role you are applying for, the part of the passage you can do when the captain has stops where crew can join or leave, and confirm the requirements the captain set.

Question 17

What are my responsibilities as crew?

Accepted Answer

Your responsibilities depend on the passage and your role. Generally: standing watches, helping with sail handling, contributing to provisioning and cooking, keeping the boat tidy, and following the captain's instructions. Safety awareness is everyone's responsibility.

Question 18

Can I bring guests?

Accepted Answer

Never invite additional people aboard without explicit permission from the captain. Berths are limited and crew dynamics matter. This should be discussed before confirming the passage.

Question 19

What if there's an emergency at sea?

Accepted Answer

Follow the captain's instructions and the vessel's emergency procedures. Make sure you know where all safety equipment is stored before departure. In a life-threatening situation, activate the EPIRB and issue a Mayday on VHF Channel 16. Document everything.

Question 20

How do reviews work?

Accepted Answer

We use a blind review system to encourage honest feedback. After a completed passage, the captain reviews each crew member and each crew member reviews the captain, so a passage with four crew has four reviews from the captain and one from each of the crew. A review stays hidden until the other half of its pair is in: the captain's review of you is shown once you have reviewed the captain, and the other way round (then both become visible immediately), or after 14 days. One crew member's review never reveals another's, and a review appears only on the profile of the person it is about. This way, neither party can see the other's review before writing their own. The flip side is that the window closes: once the other person's review has been published, you can no longer write yours. If someone has reviewed you and you have not reviewed them yet, we send you a reminder about three days before their review goes live, in the app and by email. Each review also shows the route and sea miles of the passage.

Question 21

Can I transfer my references from another sailing platform?

Accepted Answer

Yes! We have a review import feature that lets you bring over your existing references from other platforms. Your reputation is yours, and you shouldn't have to start from scratch just because you switch platforms. You can find it under your profile's Reviews tab.

Question 22

What certifications help?

Accepted Answer

Common certifications include RYA Day Skipper, Coastal Skipper, Yachtmaster, ASA courses, STCW, and first aid at sea. While not always required, certifications show captains you take sailing seriously and have formal training.

Question 23

How do you verify members?

Accepted Answer

ID verification is optional but recommended. A specialist provider checks a government ID, which takes about two minutes, and members who complete it show an ID verified badge. Social media links are optional extras and do not replace it. Whether or not someone is verified, we recommend your own due diligence and a video call before confirming a passage.

Question 24

Is ID verification required?

Accepted Answer

No. ID verification is optional, recommended and shown as a badge. You can post a passage or apply for one without it, but verified members show an ID verified badge and are listed first in applicant lists and crew search. If we ever make it a requirement we will tell members first.

Question 25

What should I do before confirming a passage?

Accepted Answer

We strongly recommend a video call between captain and crew before confirming any arrangement. Ask questions, discuss expectations, review the passage plan, and trust your instincts. If something feels off, it's okay to decline.

Question 26

Do you provide insurance?

Accepted Answer

We haven't made final decisions about insurance yet. This is something we'll figure out together with our community through voting and feedback. Captains should maintain appropriate boat insurance including crew cover, and crew should consider personal travel and sailing insurance. Always discuss liability expectations before confirming passages.

Question 27

How do you handle disputes?

Accepted Answer

We encourage members to resolve disputes directly through respectful communication. If needed, you can report issues to our support team. Our moderation and dispute resolution policies are being developed with community input.

Question 28

What if crew damages the boat?

Accepted Answer

Arrangements between members are private agreements. We recommend discussing liability and insurance coverage before departure. The captain's boat insurance may cover damages. For serious issues, contact our support team.

Question 29

Is the platform really free?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Global Crew Finder is free to join and use today. We do not take booking fees and we never handle money between captains and crew.

Question 30

Who pays for fuel, food and marina fees?

Accepted Answer

Any shared costs (provisioning, fuel sharing, marina fees) are declared by the captain on the passage, so you know before you apply, and they are settled directly between the people aboard. Global Crew Finder does not handle or check that money.

Frequently Asked Questions

General

For Captains

For Crew

Safety & Trust

Costs