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Luxury yacht rape victim wins $70M suit

by For AgenciesFor CrewFor Vessels

TW: This entire post discusses multiple forms of trauma, violence, sexual assault, and mental health.

On February 25th, 2015, in Fort Lauderdale a stewardess was brutally raped by deckhand Rafal Dowgwillowicz-Nowicki. The intoxicated deckhand, aged 39, forced the victim to have ‘aggressive’ intercourse and oral sex, threatening to kill her if she did not comply. On the night of the attack, the stewardess was “raped for over an hour before she escaped and got the captain’s attention” said Edwards (the victim’s lawyer). The victim was not given a walkie-talkie to alert anyone and the intercom system which could have allowed the victim to call for help did not work as it was being refitted. The victim even tried to scream for help, but she was three floors below her supervisor meaning her cries for help was not heard.

The yacht owner’s failure to prevent cases like this happening is why they were also held accountable. Therefore, the owner of Endless Summer, a 130-foot luxury yacht, was forced to pay $70 million in damages including $70,000 in lost wages, $4.2 million in lost future earnings and $66 million for pain and suffering. The victim was also awarded $290,050 in past and future medical expenses, the Sun-Sentinel reports. Thus, the owner failed to offer the stewardess “prompt, adequate, and complete medical care” according to the suit.

Although there is a policy disabling intoxicated crew members from returning to their duties on the yacht, no one was on board that night to enforce. Meanwhile, the deckhand was found guilty of four counts of sexual battery and was sentenced to two years in jail in 2016. Rafal Dowgwillowicz-Nowicki was then deported to Poland according to sources.

The failure to provide property security and “negligently hiring and retain crew members with dangerous propensities” or warn the victim of these propensities according to sources. If background checks had been performed as part of the employment process, the yacht owner would have been aware of the deckhand’s “dangerous propensities.”

Sources:

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-5331679/Victim-rape-aboard-Florida-luxury-yacht-wins-70M-damages.html

https://www.wptv.com/news/state/victim-of-rape-aboard-florida-luxury-yacht-wins-70m-damages

https://www.dockwalk.com/news/crewmember-receives-more-than-70-million-in-yacht-rape-case

https://www.legalreader.com/yacht-rape-victim-awarded-nearly-71-million-damages/

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/local/broward/fort-lauderdale/fl-sb-yacht-rape-lawsuit-verdict-20180130-story.html

Sprankelend_Fotografie_Official_METS trade 2019-13

METSTRADE- Where the global leisure marine industry comes together.

by For AgenciesFor Vessels

Taking place from the 16th-18th November 2021.

CrewPass will be attending the METSTRADE show this year to discuss our upcoming launch and our services.

The METSTRADE Show is the world’s largest trade exhibition of marine equipment, materials and systems. The METS is an international B2B exhibition for the marine leisure industry and have served as a platform for innovation, market developments and networking since our launch in 1988.

Please get in touch if you wish to arrange a meeting.

info@crewpass.co.uk

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How can CrewPass help with recruitment?

by For AgenciesFor Vessels

In the UK, teachers, doctors, and childcare assistants must conduct a background check before employment. These checks are crucial to keep everyone safe and protected, so why is this not the case for the marine industry? Many crew members provide top quality services to the top 0.5% of guests who expect top-notch security on yachts. On occasion, guests’ children may also be on board and are looked after or served by the unvetted staff, which is a significant flaw in the industry! Therefore, CrewPass has seen a gap in the market, and we are here to help with safer marine recruitment.

CrewPass can improve a vessel reputation by providing fully accredited and vetted staff that have gone through a series of searches to be verified by us. Crew members fly from all over the world, and employers must take what they say at face value. We conduct DBS checks (UK) and enhanced criminal background checks globally so that recruiters can make safer recruitment decisions. These background checks can highlight crew members with serious offences who could put others in danger without anyone knowing. We will remove any threats or potential issues before they occur.

Did you know that:

“38% of people falsify their personal information to gain an advantage?”

Lying on CVs is unfortunately not uncommon, but we aim to provide recruiters with more reliable background information, which is why employers will have access to crew’s visas, vaccinations, certificates, work experience all kept in one place. All employers can send out a record request to CrewPass’ accredited crew members, wait for them to accept the request, and just that easily, employers will have all helpful information at their fingertips. Plus, CrewPass approved candidates show that they have dedication to the marine industry as they have put in time and money to become an accredited crew member which shows initiative over other candidates.

If you want to make safer recruitment choices, request a demo today!

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The best yachting spots in the Mediterranean…

by For CrewFor Vessels

Yacht charter holidays in the Mediterranean is one of the most popular locations in the summer. There are twenty-two countries in the Mediterranean (Med); furthermore, Africa, Asia and Europe share a coastline of 46,000 km. The majority of the large crewed superyachts are concentrated here. There are many reasons people travel to the Mediterranean, such as the variety of cultures, landscapes, countries, food, and experiences, so how do people pick where to go? This blog will explore the most popular yachting locations, which are based on a variety of reasons.

Italy:

If you decide to go to Italy for your yachting charter, you will be rewarded with picturesque coastal villages, underwater caves, mountainous views, and bustling cities. If you are blessed enough to explore Italy, visit Palermo’s port, a top stop for yachting. Visitors can expect outstanding Italian cuisine, historic architecture and plenty of galleries, museums, and opera houses. If you want crystal clear seas that compete with the Bahamas, head to the Aeolian islands, 35 miles north of Sicily. The Marina Grande, the main port of the island of Capri, berths up to 60 metres. However, the more attractive option is the port at Marina Piccola on the south coast. Small villages cling onto the rocks making this a must-see location. Or enjoy the restaurants and bars that adorn the magnificent coastline of the Amalfi. Amalfi offers a string of Michelin star restaurants and breath-taking sunsets that are unforgettable. Other notable mentions include Venice, Sardinia, and the Pontine Islands.

Spain:

The Canary Islands, which are located off the coast of Africa, is one of the most popular holiday destinations in Europe. The diversity of people, culture, history and hospitality makes this location attractive for tourists. Travelling with a yacht is the best way to go to and from different islands. Tenerife is a perfect place to go if you like nightlife as it is the hub for partying. Or, if you are more of a sunbather, you can enjoy the island of La Palma, which offers the most beautiful beaches arguably in the world. Spain also offers a superior yachting centre, Palma de Mallorca. Expect a wide variety of beaches, coves and bays when touring this location. There is an appealing juxtaposition of superyachts and small local fishing boats, making it fitting for everyone. Barcelona’s marina, Marina Port Vell, has 410 berths for yachts of up to 590ft and is the ideal base to explore the city. Barcelona is known for its art, architecture, Spanish tapas bars, and narrow streets. Therefore, this is a popular location for superyacht owners.

Croatia:

Croatia is a hidden gem; it has over 1,000 islands making it a popular destination for yachting. Croatia’s unspoilt coves, dramatic waterfalls, green forests all inhabit the country’s celebrated Dalmatian Coast. If you travel to Croatia, expect to see ancient villages, immaculate beaches and rich history. If you go in the summertime, the water is warm enough to swim in, and the cuisine is extraordinary. Croatia’s seafood is wildly enjoyed; oysters, squid, tuna, and prawns are a must-try. Heavily influenced by Italian cuisine, Croatian cooking is a unique combination of Slavic and Mediterranean food cultures that varies from region to region. For a tax break, Croatia is popular as yacht owners can keep their yachts in Europe but not in the EU.

France:

For most people, when you think of yachting locations in the Mediterranean, Cannes, Nice, and Monte Carlo come to mid. These luxurious locations are ideal for the wealthiest of people. The French Riviera is a remarkable landscape of seaside villages, white-sand beaches, preserved coves, and flourishing hillsides with luxury villas. One can enjoy the vibrant nightlife, exceptional cuisine, and beautiful panorama views. These cosmopolitan resorts are packed with incredible beaches and stunning scenery. Also, the world-famous Cannes Film Festival takes place here annually, drawing the most influential people and celebrities to this hot spot. Not a fan of the hustle and bustle of these locations? Escape the crowds and yacht down to Port Cros and Porquerolles, where the atmosphere is relaxed and quiet. France is not only one of the best yachting locations in the Mediterranean; it is considered the best yachting location in the world.

Greece:

Finally, Greece is one of the best yachting spots in the Med. Greece has over 3000 islands and islets, making this a superior location for charter yachts. The weather in Greece is excellent most of the year, with mild temperatures during winter and the sun is shining most days. The most desirable time to visit Greece is during shoulder season, April- June. The most beloved islands to explore include Santorini, Mykonos, and Crete. If you decide to yacht to Santorini, expect to find whitewashed houses, hillside towns, exceptional food, and unbelievable views. Mykonos offers outstanding nightlife and famous beaches. Crete has to offer mouth-watering Greek food and a chance to learn impressive history dating up to 1000 years back. The ancient archaeology, stunning natural landscapes, and rich culture draw yacht goers from all over the world.

What is your favourite yachting location in the Med? Let us know in the comment section down below!