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These are exciting times for Bluewater. We are delighted to introduce the new Head of Crew Recruitment worldwide, Sharon Rose.
With crew recruitment and training divisions on both sides of the Atlantic, the team at Bluewater is a valuable resource for advice throughout your yachting career.
The Bluewater crew agency was established in 1991 and has evolved over the years, both riding and creating waves in yacht recruitment. With a 16-year career in yachting to date, Sharon brings a wealth of knowledge, experience and a brand-new dynamic to the management team.
We caught up with Sharon to find out a little more about her story.
How did your journey in yachting begin?
Back in 2007, I had the opportunity to work for the incredible Espen Oeino. For those just beginning a career onboard, this is one of the world’s leading design studios for motor yachts. I got to watch how superyachts were created from the very start, pen to paper. The genius designs by Espen are amongst the most recognisable superyachts worldwide and that is where my love of yachting began.
When did you join Bluewater?
I joined Bluewater back in 2009 as a crew agent. My passion for the role was pretty instant. I got the recruitment buzz straight away when I placed my first stewardess on a 90m yacht.
What are some of the highlights of your career so far?
There have been many highlights during my time at Bluewater, but the annual Superyacht Chef Competition is definitely something I’m proud of. We’re working on the 13th edition at the moment, I have been a part of this since the beginning. It’s gone from being held under the arches of Antibes Port Vauban, to an incredible event co-hosted with the Monaco Yacht Club. The Prince of Monaco himself has even sat on our judging panel alongside Michelin-starred chefs.
How does it feel to have helped junior crew embark on their first yachts who are now successful Heads of Department onboard?
I have this discussion with the rest of the recruitment team regularly because we never tire of that feeling. Some of us have been recruiting for many years and some of the team are newer, but we all agree the biggest buzz is seeing crew flourish and succeed in their careers.
Anyone can stick someone on a yacht, there are many jobs out there, but perfectly matching a crew member to an existing team takes a real skill, it takes patience, understanding the different nationalities, characters, managing expectations…you have to care about that person and really listen to what they’re expecting. Same goes for the yachts recruiting, we ask what is the atmosphere onboard, are they sporty, friendly, social, ambitious? You need to know who you’re pairing up. So it’s very rewarding when it works out.
We do love meeting ‘greenies’ too, as we affectionately call them, putting them at ease, talking them through life onboard, and then seeing them gain confidence and thrive in their roles, it makes us smile every time.
Why should crew choose Bluewater?
It’s simple really.
We have the most diverse offer for yachts and the best service available. We really are the only company who understands the importance of training, the safety implications involved, the qualifications that are required. When a yacht says they need a seafarer with this qualification or that certificate, it’s not just a tick box with us because we really get it! We can see a crew member’s upcoming training bookings or see when they did their last certificate, so are probably ready to move up, then call the yachts to discuss, so they’ll get that chance, maybe the yacht has a ONE Account with training vouchers available or a supportive captain happy to give the time to get certified. Whereas other agents usually don’t understand what the seafarers training plans are so they’re struck off the list.
John Wyborn, our Director of Training, is an influence for us, so passionate about training that it’s ingrained in all of us! We’re lucky with our department as we get to work regularly with Phillip Holden supporting the management fleet recruitment needs, as well as helping the brokers and charter fleet with their crew.
Peter Bennett founded Bluewater with John and Phil in 1991, and he is constantly pushing us to move forward, he’s working on the latest digital innovations that can benefit the crew recruitment division. Keep an eye on our news and social pages for an exciting launch in November 2022!
Crew recruitment has developed dramatically over the years. How would you say it has changed for the better?
I think the biggest change is the technology and the ability to apply for a job with a click of a button. Crew who are new to the industry crew have only ever known it to be like this. We are finding that whilst yachts have used other channels to find crew, they found that they didn’t have the time and professional back-up to find the right candidate, i.e. reference checks and detailed feedback from crew agents who have personally interviewed the candidates. They are now coming back to crew agencies where they will be sent the top 3 candidates to look at and not 50 CVs that they must find time to go through themselves. Quality service is key.
Other than your home port of Antibes, what are your three favourite ports/marinas/shipyards around the world?
Barcelona, without a doubt, is one of my favourite ports. With MB92 not far from the main port you can spend a good few day meeting crew and visiting yachts while enjoying tapas at lunchtime.
Over the years, I have been fortunate enough to visit some amazing shipyards. I am always fascinated by the large builds. Visiting Amels, Heesen, and Lurssen, amongst others, where I have been able to see some amazing builds, all at different stages, from the hull construction to just before they launch, is always a special experience. It’s always exciting to be walking alongside an 80m+ yacht with a yellow helmet on.
Visiting these yachts and seeing the crew quarters allows me to have a true vision of where crew will live once they embark. Being able to tell a chef about a galley that I have walked through can help them establish if that yacht is the right job for them.
What are 3 skills that every new crew member should have?
1. The ability to learn from your mentors on board.
2. Positivity. It may be a tough day, but tomorrow is another and you must live and work with your team.
3. Being a team player
What advice would you give to a crew member registered with Bluewater looking for a new opportunity?
Make sure you stay connected with us and keep your profile up to date. Chasing new CVs and references when you have already applied for a job will take time and we want you to be the first application we put forward.
As we are a 24-hour service, the best communication is old-fashioned email, as this is seen by the whole team and not just one of us.
Even when you are at sea, you can follow us on social media. When busy with yacht guests or on charter, we are still there for you. We appreciate that it’s hard work during your season but we always know how to make it fun. We love to see what everyone is up to.
Why do you love Bluewater?
Bluewater is a team, a family & that keeps us strong. We will keep doing what we are doing and keep making the crew, and the yachts that hire them, happy.
I love that all the teams work together and support each other, as a recruitment department we work closely with the management team, the charter brokers, the sales brokers, we work alongside the training co-ordinators daily and chat to the instructors regularly.
Whether you’re a director or an assistant, new to the team or part of the furniture, everyone pulls up a chair at my desk to have a coffee and a chat, and I love that!
Any final comments?
The past couple of years have been tough around the world, but I am a firm believer that we must just keep moving forwards and try not to look back. It’s important to appreciate the little things in life!
I smile when I am home with my family and I smile when I am at work. It is contagious and can help make a difference in someone else’s day.
If you’re recruiting for that exceptional team member, or you’re thinking of a career change, please get in touch with us and we look forward to working with you! 😊
Antibes recruitment: tel. +33 493 34 47 73
Palma recruitment: tel. +34 971 677 154
Fort Lauderdale: tel. +1 (954) 779-7764
Safe cruising!
