Temporary staff drive both the recreational and the commercial marine trades. If you are looking to hire some temporary staff for your marine operations, in this post we will share some best practice tips for finding the high quality help you need.
We will also discuss the sort of qualities you should look out for in your temporary staff, along with some of the steps you should take to keep things as safe, compliant, and efficient as possible.
Why Do Marine Trades Rely on Temporary Staff?
In the recreational marine trade, temporary staff can help fill shortages in the workload during high seasons, removing the need to employ full-time staff all year round.
In the commercial marine trade, the nature of certain contracts and charters make temporary staff a necessity. A flexible workforce with specialised expertise that is capable of rapid deployment can help a commercial marine business meet short-term staffing needs while avoiding long-term pay commitments.
Effective Strategies For Recruiting Temporary Staff in Marine Trade
Recruit all-year round
Do not leave recruitment to the last minute, and do not just wait until the start of the high season, when the job market is at its most competitive. If you only recruit when you are desperate for help, then you are less likely to make good appointments, and more likely to make bad hires through rushed decisions.
Instead, aim for a year-round recruitment effort, so that you will always have a pool of talented candidates to choose from.
Look for specialist marine recruiters
Avoid the general job sites, as they may not understand the necessary qualifications or regulations necessary for marine trade recruitment. Instead, look for a recruiter that specialises in the marine trade. They may even pre-vet their candidates, so you can be sure that anyone you appoint will be fully qualified for the role.
Offer an attractive package
Do not just assume that temporary staff will want to work for you. The marine trade job market is highly competitive, so you need to give candidates and recruiters a reason to work with you. Offering good renumeration with attractive benefits is one thing. But it is just as important to treat your temporary staff just as well as you would your permanent staff. If word gets out that you are not a good employer, then you will always struggle to recruit.
Staying Safe and Compliant With Temporary Staff
- Skills and Qualifications – Do not just recruit a workforce of generalists. Go for specialists instead, and list the specific skills and qualifications required for every role you are looking to fill.
- Right to Work – Make sure that every member of staff you recruit has the right to work in whichever countries you operate in. Specialist marine recruitment agencies should carry out pre-screening checks to help with this.
- Training and Onboarding – Your temporary staff may be skilled and qualified to carry out their appointed roles, but you should still give them essential training on health and safety at sea, along with the various emergency procedures you operate on your vessel.
- Insurance – Do not assume that your current marine insurance will cover all of your temporary staff for all risk, and do not assume that any third party agency insurance will cover them either. Contact your insurer for more information, and invest in extra cover if necessary.
We Can Help You Ensure You Are Fully Covered To Recruit Temporary Marine Staff
Everard Insurance Brokers are the specialist marine trading division of James Hallam Limited who are accredited Lloyd’s brokers. We have a deep understanding of every aspect of the maritime industry, and the various insurance implications. We can help you ensure you have comprehensive marine insurance in place to cover all the risks associated with recruiting temporary staff.
Find out more about our specialist marine insurance services.