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Every industry is witnessing a rise in scams, and yachting is no exception. Yet in recent weeks, a particularly insidious scam has surfaced. It involves the issuance of fake yachting certificates, which, astonishingly, some people are actually using to secure crew jobs. Beyond the immediate safety concerns posed by the likely unqualified people now working in various industry jobs, this scam has broader implications.
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.
Many young crew members, particularly those eager to land their first job, fall victim to scams.
They often don’t even realise they’re in the middle of a swindle. They nearly all pay a hefty perceived necessity to what they think is a legitimate association. That’s why the figure is inflated with so many new members. And when these crew members pay, they pay for what they think is a real certification that will help them land a job in a legitimately tough market.
Many people don’t understand that a certificate can be completely made up. They get a job and show it with pride to your most important customer—until your customer discovers it’s all a scam.
If you have been deceived, do not press ahead with an illegitimate document. This is not only risky, but it will also plague you as you constantly wonder if you will be discovered. Have some guts and report what has happened to you. You might not think that would be a way to establish trustworthy behaviour, but it is.
It’s frequently the older, more experienced crew members who fraudulently alter their certification documents, as opposed to simply buying fake certificates. They use something like Photoshop to make it look like they’re qualified or certified, say, for instance, to work on a boat, when in actuality their qualification has lapsed - if they were ever truly qualified to begin with.
This type of unethical conduct is extremely serious. It is not only unethical and unlawful but can also result in dire outcomes.
Faking certificates is bad for the whole yachting industry. You might think it helps just one person get a job, but it creates risks for everyone and has the potential to endanger lives. It’s important to know that it could also damage your reputation in a way that’s going to stick no matter what if it gets found out. At Bluewater, we’re often asked by management companies to confirm the certificates of the crew members they employ. And it’s kind of startling how obvious fakes tend to look. When we encounter fraudulent documentation, we are required to notify the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA), which could result in significant consequences for the individual involved.
The industry of yachting relies on skill, trust, and experience. The training pathways and hierarchies are there for a reason. Without them, we risk the safety of not only ourselves but everyone else on board, too.
If you don’t have the skills necessary for a job, your incompetence will become obvious very quickly. Don’t launch a yachting career by slacking.
If you are uncertain about the legitimacy of a training provider, verify with your flag state; they will have a list of approved providers. The MCA, for example, has an official list that is available on its website. If your intuition tells you that something feels off, it probably is: ask questions, and don’t hesitate to seek guidance.
It is becoming tougher to identify phoney certificates. Captains, your function in preserving the industry’s integrity is crucial. Always:
With Bluewater, you can rest easy knowing that all candidates for crew placement have been thoroughly vetted and their certifications verified.
Fake yachting certificates are a growing issue.
If you’re seeking employment or recruiting for it, don’t let this issue become yours. Maintain your integrity, maintain your safety, and safeguard the yacht industry.
