General FAQ
1. What is CRWDEX?
CRWDEX is an online marketplace where boat owners/operators can browse crew profiles, post jobs and book freelance yacht crew. Crew members can build listings for themselves, showing off their experiences, skills, qualifications and availability, express interest in posted jobs and accept booking requests.
2. How does CRWDEX work?
Freelance crew create a profile, submit their qualifications for verification and update their availability. Boat owners and operators can browse profiles and send booking requests directly, or post a job for crew to express their interest. A booking is confirmed once the crew member accepts the booking request. Owners/operators can request changes to the booked hours before the shift or up to 24 hours after its scheduled finish time (we know things can change on the day). Changes must be agreed by both parties on the platform. 24 hours after the scheduled finish time, CRWDEX sends an invoice and, where required, the crew member’s superannuation form on their behalf. The boat owner/operator pays the crew directly, while a separate service fee is charged to the card on file
3. Who can use CRWDEX?
CRWDEX is for boat owners, captains and operators looking to hire freelance crew, and yacht crew looking for work, including captains, engineers, deckhands, stewards and stewardesses. Don’t worry we haven’t forgotten about our dear chefs! They will be joining our platform very soon.
4. Where is CRWDEX available?
CRWDEX is launching in Sydney first, helping boat owners and operators connect with freelance crew across the greater Sydney area. We’re focused on building a strong local community before expanding to other parts of Australia.
5. How is CRWDEX different from a recruitment agency or Facebook group?
With CRWDEX, owners and operators choose and book crew directly rather than having a recruiter manage the placement. Crew manage their own profiles, availability and the bookings they accept. Facebook groups let you post opportunities, but finding the right fit often means chasing comments and messages. CRWDEX brings verified qualifications, availability, reviews, job posts and bookings into one place and helps with invoicing after the shift has ended.
6. How do I contact CRWDEX for support?
Whether you’re hiring crew or looking for work, you can contact us either on our social media or email us on crwdex@gmail.com for help with your profile, bookings or general questions.
Boat Owners & Operators FAQ
1. How do I find and book a crew from CRWDEX?
CRWDEX lets you browse crew profiles and filter your search by your requirements (e.g. verified qualifications, experience, availability). You can send a booking request directly to a crew member with your shift details. Alternatively, you can post a job on our job board to let the crew show their interest by sending a link of their profile directly to you making it quick and easy for you to choose a crew member. The booking is confirmed once the crew member accepts your request.
2. How do I post a job for last-minute crew?
Post a job with the role, date, location, expected hours, and required qualifications and skills. Crew members can express their interest, which you’ll see in your CRWDEX inbox. You can then review their profiles, choose a suitable crew member and send them a booking request. The booking is only confirmed once they accept. You can post jobs for both planned work and last-minute shifts.
3. What types of crew can I hire?
You can find freelance captains, engineers, deckhands, stewards & stewardesses. We haven't forgotten our amazing chefs. They will be available very soon!
4. How does CRWDEX verify crew qualifications?
Crew submit their qualifications for verification before their profile is approved to be displayed on the platform. We personally get in touch with AMSA to verify maritime qualifications and Service NSW for RSA. (Responsible service of alcohol). Details of the Verification of these documents are listed on their profile page. You should also check that their tickets and experience suit your vessel needs and the duties required off the crew on the day.
5. Can I view crew availability and reviews before booking?
Yes. Crew profiles show their availability and any reviews they’ve received, helping you assess their suitability before sending a booking request. The booking is only confirmed once the crew member accepts.
6. How much does it cost to use CRWDEX?
You pay the crew’s agreed rate and a separate service fee which is displayed on the booking request.
10. What happens if a crew member doesn’t show up?
If a crew member fails to attend a confirmed booking, please report it to CRWDEX so we can follow up. We understand that emergencies and unexpected situations can happen, but we take reliability seriously. Repeated no-shows may result in the crew member’s account being suspended or permanently banned from the platform. If the crew member cancels you will not get charged. Contact CRWDEX and let us know the crew has canceled within 48 hrs of the booking or done a no show. You can also post a last-minute job or request another available crew member through the platform.
11. How are the final hours confirmed after a shift?
You and the crew member confirm the actual hours worked within 24 hours of the shift’s scheduled finish time. Hours can be updated in the booking confirmation within the conversation for that booking. If you need to make changes after 24 hours, contact the CRWDEX team at crwdex@gmail.com so we can issue an updated invoice.
12. How do I receive invoices and pay the crew?
24 hours after the booked job is completed, CRWDEX will automatically send you an invoice reflecting the confirmed booking hours, along with the crew member’s superannuation information, if applicable. CRWDEX does not receive payments on behalf of the crew. Boat owners/operators are responsible for paying crew directly in accordance with applicable ATO requirements. The crew member’s payment details will be included on the invoice.
13. When is the CRWDEX service fee charged?
The card on file will be pre-authorised for the service fee two prior to the booking start, but will be charged 24 hours after the completion of the job.
14. Who is responsible for paying crew superannuation?
Where superannuation is required, the Boat owner/operator hiring is responsible for payment to the crew member’s super fund. CRWDEX sends the crew’s superannuation information alongside their invoice but does not collect or transfer super payments. Check with your accountant / ATO for your obligations.
15. Can I book the same crew member again?
Yes. If you’ve found someone who works well with your boat, you can return to their profile and send another booking request. Each booking is subject to their availability and acceptance.
16. What if the crew member cancels?
We understand that circumstances can change. There is no penalty for crew members who cancel at least 48 hours before the shift starts. This also applies to boat owners/operators cancelling a crew booking. Repeated crew cancellations with less than 48 hours notice will be reviewed and may result in suspension or removal from the platform. Cancellation fee does not apply if crew member cancels.
Freelance Crew FAQ
1. How do I join CRWDEX?
Create a crew account and add a profile photo, a short introduction, your skills, experience and the roles you’re available for. Send your qualifications to crwdex@gmail.com for verification and update your availability calendar. Add your address to the billing information section and complete or upload your superannuation form to your profile, if applicable. Once your profile is approved, you can express your interest for jobs and also receive direct booking requests from boat owners and operators.
2. What qualifications do I need?
The qualifications you need depend on the role. Select the ticket that are relevant to them, certificates when you are making your profile and keep them up to date. Only accept work that suits your qualifications and experience.
3. How do I find work through CRWDEX?
You can apply for jobs posted by boat owners and operators on the CRWDEX job board. They can also browse your profile and send you booking requests directly. Keep an eye on your emails for booking request notifications.
4. Can I choose which bookings I accept?
Yes. Review the date, location, hours, duties and agreed rate before accepting a request. You’re in control of which bookings you accept, but once confirmed, you’re expected to attend.
5. How do I update my availability?
Use your availability calendar to show when you can work. Keeping it current helps boats send relevant requests and reduces booking clashes. (You can update this availability in edit listing) Use your availability calendar on the platform to show when you’re available to work. Keeping it up to date helps boat owners and operators send booking requests that match your availability and reduces scheduling conflicts. To update your calendar, go to Edit Listing.
6. Does it cost anything to join CRWDEX or accept work?
CRWDEX does not charge crew for our service.
7. Can I set my own rates?
Yes, You set your own rates. We offer the ability to set different rates as we know many crew will work various roles throughout the season and these rates can change depending whether you are on charter, off charter or public holidays.
8. When is my booking confirmed?
Your booking is confirmed once you accept the boat owner/operator’s booking request in your CRWDEX inbox. Applying for a job on the job board does not confirm a booking. If you’re selected, the boat owner/operator will send you a booking request, which you must accept to confirm the booking.
9. What should I check before a shift?
Make sure you know the joining location, start time, expected hours, duties, agreed rate and who to report to. Check any uniform or equipment requirements with the boat before you arrive. The more information you have the easier your life will be.
10. What if I can no longer attend a booking?
Within 4hrs - multiple cancellations within 48hr of the booking will be noted and if it's a frequent occurrence you might be banned or suspended from the platform We understand that emergencies and unexpected situations can happen. Notify the boat owner/operator and CRWDEX as soon as possible to give them time to make alternative arrangements.
- At least 48 hours before the shift: You can cancel without penalty. However, if cancellations become a pattern, CRWDEX may investigate and review your account.
- Less than 48 hours before the shift: Repeated cancellations will be recorded and reviewed. Frequent cancellations may result in your account being suspended or removed from the platform.
11. What happens if I don’t show up?
Missing a confirmed booking without notifying the boat affects its operations and other crew. CRWDEX reviews reported no-shows and takes these seriously. Repeated no-shows may result in temporary suspension or a permanent ban from the platform.
12. What happens if the boat cancels my booking?
If the boat owner/operator cancels at least 48 hours before the shift starts, there is no cancellation fee. If they cancel with less than 48 hours’ notice, CRWDEX will invoice them on your behalf for two hours at the hourly rate agreed for that booking. They must pay this amount directly to you. If the invoice remains unpaid, contact CRWDEX so we can review the matter and address it in accordance with our Cancellation Policy.
13. How are my hours confirmed after a shift?
You and the boat owner/operator confirm the actual hours worked by updating the booking confirmation in the chat for that booking. If the hours are not changed within 24 hours of the shift’s original end time, an invoice using the existing booking hours will automatically be sent to the boat owner/operator on your behalf. If the hours are incorrect, contact CRWDEX at crwdex@gmail.com so we can issue an updated invoice on your behalf.
14. What should I do if my payment is late?
Follow up with the boat owner or operator, referencing your invoice and due date. If the payment remains outstanding for over a month contact CRWDEX and we will do our best to mediate a resolution.
15. How is my superannuation handled?
For sole traders, CRWDEX sends your superannuation information to the boat owner/operator alongside your invoice. The boat owner/operator is responsible for determining whether superannuation is required and, if so, making the payment. CRWDEX does not collect, transfer or make superannuation payments. We provide your superannuation form to the boat owner/operator on your behalf for convenience. If your superannuation information changes, please upload an updated form to your CRWDEX profile. This form is sent with your invoice.
16. How do i receive booking requests?
Booking request notifications are emailed to you. You can also view your booking requests in your CRWDEX inbox.