General Advice to Skippers and Crew

The CA Crewing Service is an introductory service only. Skippers and crew should satisfy themselves as to the appropriateness of the vessel and the individuals you contact and who contact you. The CA carries out no examination or diligence on either skippers or crew and consequently makes no recommendation as to the suitability of others using the Crewing Service whether as skipper or crew.    The CA does not warrant the accuracy or reliability of any information displayed on the Crewing Service web pages, nor are we responsible for the conduct (online or offline) of CA members.   It is up to you to judge the suitability of the people you contact and who contact you, and we urge you to use caution and common sense when using the Crewing Service.   By completion of the application form you acknowledge that participation in the Crewing Service is entirely at your own risk.

To the maximum extent permitted by law, the CA (including its officers and members) shall not be liable for any loss, injury or damage arising out of or related to the use of the Crewing Service webpages or any decision made or action taken in reliance or partial reliance on the information contained in these pages, save that nothing contained in these pages in any way limits or excludes our liability for negligence causing death or personal injury or for anything which may not legally be excluded or limited. 

You must be aged 18 or over to join the Crewing Service. (Updated 7 Feb 2010)

Find out what you can about each other. Check with someone who has sailed with the skipper / crew before if you can. A telephone call or meeting is better than a letter.

Agreements. Both skippers and crew should abide by any agreements made. Those who abuse agreements that they enter in to might not be accepted by the Crewing Service in future. When crew accept consecutive trips on different boats they should inform the skippers of this and inform them immediately if delays occur on earlier trips. Both parties need to be in regular communication. Confirm key points by email or letter.

Destinations. The intended destination of a cruise is only that - weather and other circumstances can quickly change arrangements.

RYA Cruising Logbook. It can be helpful if crew (and skippers) keep a logbook (RYA Code G15) even if they do not plan to take certificates. It provides details of previous trips which can be discussed.

Skipper and crew are doing each other a favour - but at the end of the day the skipper is responsible for the safety of the vessel and its crew. If you have a particularly good or bad experience with a skipper or crew please let us know.

Check everything. The information in the skipper and crew lists may not be complete or accurate. We do not check the information which you send and we (and the computer) make mistakes sometimes.

Emergency contacts. Skippers and crew are advised to exchange information such as names and addresses of next of kin, shore-based contact and current medical practitioner.

Further Advice.  See also the separate pages of Advice for Skippers and Advice for Crew