CV Scams at Sea: Why Vetting Crew Matters More Than Ever

In recent months, we’ve observed a concerning trend within the yachting industry: a marked increase in forged CVs. While some discrepancies are easy to catch, others are becoming increasingly sophisticated, making it harder to separate fact from fiction without a trained eye.

The forged documents we’ve encountered often include headshots that appear overly enhanced, likely through AI tools. Candidates frequently list European contact information and claim to be based in Europe, yet when contacted, they are found to be in entirely different locations—Ukraine being a common example. These individuals also reference real superyachts, lifting details from the internet to create a convincing narrative. However, they include fake captain references and fabricated email addresses, making verification nearly impossible without insider knowledge.

For example, a candidate named Sergii claimed to have served aboard M/Y PANAM. Given our longstanding relationship with the captain of that yacht, we reached out directly. Not only had the captain never heard of Sergii, but further investigation led to Sergii admitting he had never worked on a yacht at all.

This is exactly why working with a trusted and experienced crew recruiter is essential. At Northrop & Johnson, we maintain direct relationships with captains and yacht owners, and we rigorously verify every detail of a candidate’s CV. Our team can quickly identify red flags and ensure only credible, qualified crew are presented for consideration.

As the industry grows and evolves, so too do the tactics of those looking to game the system. Our job is to stay one step ahead and keep the hiring process honest, secure, and streamlined.