30/05/2025
We get it. Background checks can feel like a bit of a mystery, especially when you're navigating yachting life. We’ve recently had a few little questions, so here's a refreshingly honest, mildly sarcastic (please don’t take offence) FAQ blog to answer all the stuff you’ve probably asked (or yelled into a Facebook group).
“I don’t want to pay my subscription anymore, why can’t I cancel?”
Here’s the deal: You didn’t sign up for a Netflix-style monthly service. You opted for a payment plan, which is like Klarna, but instead of new trainers, it’s a background check.
Once we start the check, the wheels are in motion and the fee is locked in. We’ve already paid external agencies to get started with your checks, and those things cost money. That’s why there’s still a remaining balance. It’s not a scam. It’s just... accounting.
“Why can’t I get a payment plan anymore?”
Because it almost broke us.
We introduced the payment plan to make checks more affordable. Unfortunately, “payment plan” was misunderstood, misused, and rebranded across social media as “CrewPass is a scam”.
So we've simplified things. Now it’s just a one-time fee - quick, clear, and no strings attached.
“What happens if I don’t pass my CrewPass check?”
Short answer: we tell you.
If something sketchy pops up, we’ll flag it and give you 7 days to appeal. If you don’t respond, we assume silence = acceptance, and your account will be declined. No hard feelings. Just clean standards.
“How long does the ‘CrewPass Approved’ status last?”
Two years.
That’s 730 days of being verifiably not dodgy.
After that, it expires, and if you want to renew, you’ll get an email asking you to do so!
“Do background check times vary by country?”
Yes. Unfortunately, not all governments are created equal.
Some countries require things like wet signatures, as though we’re in 1842, and others fingerprints before clearing a criminal history check. Others are lightning fast. We work our tails off to speed things up wherever we can, but we can’t do a huge amount once it’s in the authorities hands.
“Will CrewPass help me find a job?”
Nope. Not even a little bit.
We are not a recruitment agency. We don’t post jobs, we don’t message captains on your behalf, and we definitely don’t chase down roles for you.
What we do offer is a big shiny green tick that tells hiring managers:
“This person is legit, background-checked, and probably not going to cause a scandal.”
So while we won’t get you the job, we’ll help make you more hirable, which is kind of the point.
CrewPass exists to keep the yachting industry safer, more professional, and slightly less full of unverified chaos. If you’ve got more questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our support team at support@crewpass.co.uk.
