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Yachting & Maritime Recruitment

At Poppletons Recruitment we know that working at sea requires a special mix of skill, professionalism and flexibility. Our Yachting & Maritime recruitment service sources exceptional hospitality and support staff who thrive in the demanding and dynamic environment of luxury yachts and maritime vessels.

Who We Recruit

We recruit talented professionals in the following roles:

  • Interior Crew: Stewards and stewardesses, housekeeping staff, pursers

  • Galley Team: Private chefs, sous chefs, kitchen assistants

  • Support Staff: Spa therapists, personal trainers, and other specialist hospitality roles

Our candidates are experienced in providing excellent service, maintaining high standards of cleanliness and anticipating the needs of guests and crew alike, all while navigating the ups and downs of life at sea.

Why Choose Poppletons Recruitment?

  • Specialist Focus: We understand the maritime and yachting environment, private vessels to charter operations. Our candidate selection goes beyond CVs, attitude, presentation and discretion to get the right onboard presence.

  • Service-driven Candidates: We look for professionals with a service mindset, reliability and attention to detail — the essentials for maintaining standards at sea.

  • Flexible Hiring Solutions: Need crew for a season, a single charter or a permanent rotation? We have tailored recruitment solutions to fit your vessel’s schedule and service requirements.

  • Hands-on Support: You’ll deal with a team that listens, adapts and acts fast. We’ll make your crew search smooth, discreet and stress-free, every step of the way.

Poppletons Recruitment is here to support captains, managers, and yacht owners with a smarter way to hire.

Seafarers’ Rights

At Poppletons Recruitment, we are fully committed to upholding the rights of all seafarers we represent. As a UK-based maritime recruitment agency operating in line with the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC 2006), we ensure fair, ethical, and transparent practices at every stage of the recruitment process.
Below is an overview of your key rights as a seafarer:

1

No Recruitment Fees

You have the right to obtain employment without being charged any recruitment or placement fees. The only acceptable costs that may be passed to you are:

  • Passport
  • National statutory medical certificate
  • Seafarer’s book or identity document

We will never ask you to pay for finding a job.

2

Legally Compliant Employment Contracts

You are entitled to:

  • A clear written employment contract before deployment
  • Time to review the terms before signing
  • Full details of your wages, working hours, leave, and duties

We ensure that all contracts meet the standards of the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC 2006) and are fair, transparent, and legally compliant.

3

Safe Working & Living Conditions

As a seafarer, you have the right to:

  • Work in a safe, hygienic, and secure environment
  • Receive proper rest periods and regulated work hours
  • Be provided with adequate food, accommodation, and medical care while on board

We only work with shipowners and operators who meet these standards in full, ensuring your wellbeing throughout your contract.

4

Medical Care

As a seafarer, you are entitled to medical care both on board and ashore. This includes:

  • Prompt access to medical attention while at sea
  • Shore-based treatment when necessary
  • No costs to you for required medical services during your contract

Your health and safety are our priority throughout your employment.

5

Repatriation

You have the right to be returned home at no cost to you in the following situations:

  • Upon completion of your contract
  • In cases of illness, injury, or shipwreck
  • If your employment is terminated without serious misconduct

We work only with employers who guarantee repatriation in accordance with MLC 2006 requirements, so you are never left stranded or unsupported.

6

Freedom from Exploitation

You are protected by law from:

  • Unfair treatment or abuse
  • Withholding of documents (such as your passport or ID)
  • Discrimination or harassment
  • Forced labour or coercion of any kind

We uphold the highest ethical standards and work only with partners who treat seafarers with dignity, fairness, and respect.

7

Strict Prohibition of Blacklisting

We enforce a zero-tolerance policy on blacklisting — the practice of recording or sharing seafarers’ names to deny future employment.

  • Blacklisting is illegal and strictly prohibited under international labour standards
  • You will never be penalised for raising concerns or asserting your rights
  • We do not work with any employer or partner who engages in blacklisting practices

Your reputation, privacy, and future employment prospects are always protected with us.

8

Right to Complain Without Retaliation

If you feel your rights have been violated, you have the right to raise a complaint without fear of punishment or discrimination. You may:

  • Submit a complaint confidentially through our official channels
  • Receive a fair and timely response
  • Escalate unresolved concerns to the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) at MLC@mcga.gov.uk

Your voice matters, and we are committed to ensuring that all complaints are handled fairly, confidentially, and without any negative consequences for you.

Our Commitment

Your wellbeing is our priority. We are here to support you not just during recruitment, but throughout your career. At Poppletons Recruitment, you are treated with dignity, fairness, and respect — always.

Seafarer Handbook

Read the full MLC 2006 compliance guide for seafarers.

Connect with Us

Whether you’re a new or returning client, we’re eager to hear from you. Leave us a message, and let’s start a conversation.

Get in Touch

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What our clients are saying

Thomas D.

Would highly recommend

Poppletons Recruitment has consistently delivered high-quality candidates for our business. Their thorough vetting process ensures that we always have a team of skilled staff who align with our commitment to offering an impeccable service. We couldn't be happier.

Delores G.

Top notch talent

Richard has been saving us so much valuable time and ensuring we always have the best culinary and service staff on board. He and his team truly understands the restaurant industry, and it shows in the quality of candidates they send our way.

Olivia S.

Valuable partnership

As an HR director, I often rely on Poppletons to provide us with qualified candidates. Richard consistently connects us with experienced and dedicated staff and is of great help throughout the entire process, from start to finish.

Daniel I.

Great experience

We've had a fantastic experience partnering with Poppletons. As a busy restaurant, our success depends on skilled chefs and staff who ensure our events run flawlessly, which Poppletons has been facilitating with such ease!

Alan M.

Helpful and Efficient

We've used Poppletons a few times now, and we've always been really happy with the service we've received. They're always quick to respond, and they always go the extra mile to find us the perfect candidates. We would definitely recommend them to anyone looking for staff.