Recreational Boating: Crew Positions, Contributions, and Expectations

Joining a recreational boat or yacht for activities like sailing, racing, fishing, or diving often requires the help of crew members. These positions are specifically for leisure vessels not involved in commercial operations or profit-making.

While recreational boats aren't allowed to generate profit, it's generally acceptable for recreational crew to contribute to pre-agreed shared costs.

Responsibilities of Recreational Crew

When you're a recreational crew member, you're expected to:

- Follow the skipper's or captain's instructions.

- Act responsibly and respectfully towards everyone on board.

- Cooperate with lawful vessel operations as requested by regulatory bodies, insurers, and local authorities.

Recreational Crew Contribution Options

There are a few ways recreational crew can join a boat:

- Cost-sharing: Crew members contribute to shared expenses like food, fuel, and mooring fees.

- Unpaid positions: Crew members are not paid and aren't required to contribute to any costs.

- Reimbursed expenses: Crew members may be fully or partially reimbursed for pre-agreed expenses.

It's crucial to discuss mutual expectations and get everything in writing before joining any boat, as most recreational positions only offer what's legally required. The more questions you ask, the fewer surprises you'll encounter at sea!