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Scams are on the rise in every industry, and yachting is no exception. Recently, there’s been a worrying increase in fake yachting certificates across the industry, posing serious risks to crew safety, yacht operations, and reputations.
Fraudulent certificates endanger the lives of innocent crew working alongside unqualified individuals and jeopardise the safety of guests and superyachts alike.
We cannot stress enough: buying, selling, or altering yachting certificates is not worth it. The consequences are severe and far-reaching, potentially including hefty fines, jail time, and permanent expulsion from the yachting industry.
Younger crew members, especially those eager to land their first job, are often unwitting victims of scams. Many stumble onto dodgy websites, pay hard-earned money, and end up hoodwinked with a worthless piece of paper. They may not understand the seriousness of holding a fake certificate and risk starting their careers on the wrong foot.
If you’ve been tricked, don’t push forward with a counterfeit certificate. It’s not only dangerous but will haunt you throughout your career as you worry about being caught. Be courageous and report it. By doing so, you’ll prove your integrity and commitment to the industry, setting yourself apart as a trustworthy crew member.
In contrast to younger crew, it’s often more experienced crew who knowingly commit fraud by doctoring their existing certificates rather than purchasing fake ones outright. Using tools like Photoshop, they modify their documents to falsely upgrade their qualifications or extend expiry dates.
This kind of fraudulent behaviour is incredibly serious. Not only is it unethical and illegal, but it can also lead to severe consequences:
Doctoring certificates undermines the entire yachting industry and creates significant risks for all involved. It’s important to recognise that such actions are not only damaging to your career but could also result in endangering lives and the reputations of everyone onboard. At Bluewater, we are often asked by management companies to verify crew certificates, and it is surprisingly easy to spot fakes. When we encounter fraudulent documentation, we are required to notify the MCA, which could result in significant consequences for the individual involved.
Yachting is an industry built on skill, experience, and trust. The training pathways and hierarchies are there for a reason. Skipping steps with fake certificates not only undermines your career but also puts everyone else at risk, from the safety of the crew and guests to the insurance status of the yacht and the captain’s licenses.
If you lack the skills required for a role, it won’t take long for your incompetence to become evident. Don’t start your career in yachting by cutting corners.
If you’re unsure whether a training provider is legitimate, check with your flag state for a list of approved providers. For instance, the MCA provides an official list on its website. When in doubt, trust your gut—if something doesn’t feel right, ask questions or seek guidance.
Fake certificates are becoming harder to spot. Captains, you play a critical role in maintaining the industry’s integrity. Always:
With Bluewater’s crew placement service, you can rest easy knowing all candidates have been thoroughly vetted and their certification verified.
Fake yachting certificates are a growing issue. Whether you’re looking for a job or hiring crew, don’t let this problem become your problem. Stay honest, stay safe, and protect the integrity of the yachting industry.
