At Azara Crew Agency, our mission is clear: to connect reliable, competent, and well-trained seafarers with the vessels that need them — efficiently, compliantly, and with a human touch. But how do we ensure that every crew member we place is the right fit for the vessel, the client, and the job?
It’s more than just filling vacancies. It’s about understanding people, operations, and the sea.
Step 1: Understanding the Vessel and Client Requirements
Each vessel and operator have its own standards, technical needs, and onboard culture. We work closely with our clients to understand:
- Technical equipment and manning levels
- Required experience (e.g., North Sea, Arctic ops, jack-up rigs)
- Safety and certification expectations (e.g., GWO, BOSIET, STCW)
- Soft skills and communication needs (especially in multicultural crews)
Step 2: In-Depth Candidate Profiling
We go beyond CVs. Every seafarer in our database is screened and profiled by our team. We maintain detailed records including:
- Rank-specific sea service
- Valid certificates with expiry dates
- References from past employers
- Language and communication skills
- Medical and training readiness
- Availability and contract preferences
This helps us tailor the right match — not only in skill but in attitude, compliance, and reliability.
Step 3: Crew-Vessel Compatibility Assessment
We use a mix of manual review and digital tools to ensure compatibility. For specialized positions or sensitive operations (e.g., for Norwegian-flagged vessels), we assess:
- Specific flag requirements (Norwegian, Dutch, Marshall Islands, etc.)
- Experience with similar vessel types and routes
- Familiarity with onboard systems (DP, crane ops, hybrid propulsion)
- Past vessel compatibility (client feedback, rank history)
Only candidates that match at least 85–90% of the requirement profile are shortlisted for client review.
Step 4: Compliance and Pre-Deployment Checks
We make sure that every crewmember we deploy is fully compliant with international, client-specific, and local laws. This includes:
- Verification of certificates and endorsements
- Valid medicals and drug/alcohol screenings
- Flag state documentation support
- Travel readiness (visas, vaccinations, etc.)
We coordinate with training centers, clinics, travel agents, and flag authorities to streamline pre-deployment processes.
Step 5: Continuous Feedback and Relationship Building
Our job doesn’t end with deployment. We follow up regularly with both clients and crew to evaluate:
- Performance and behaviour onboard
- Communication and team fit
- Opportunities for rehire or promotion
- Areas for improvement or upskilling
This long-term approach helps us build talent pipelines, retain top-performing seafarers, and maintain client trust.
Conclusion: The Right Match is the Safe Match
The sea is a demanding workplace — and crew mismatches can affect everything from safety to operational efficiency. That’s why at Azara, we treat every assignment as a partnership.
By combining industry knowledge, modern tools, and personal attention, we ensure that the crew we supply contributes to the success of every voyage.
Apply today or reach out to our recruitment team to learn more!
- Send your application via our website, or
- Contact us directly at [email protected] | +385 22 500 503