Mark Duncan at Yachting Partners International tells me that, after five years in preparation, YPI Crew has been awarded full MLC 2006 accreditation by Lloyd’s Register.
So what are the advantages for owners and captains in using an MLC 2006 accredited yacht crew recruitment agency?
Explains YPI Crew director Laurence Lewis, 'It can help speed up a Flag State or Port State Control inspection. The use of a licensed, certified or regulated private recruitment and placement agency is one of the 14 points which are subject to inspection.
'It also confirms that the yacht crew placed by the agency are qualified; that the crew agency is not charging crew for representing them or assisting them in securing employment; that the crew agency is not blacklisting and that the crew agency is operated in an orderly fashion.'