Summer Skipper Job

“We’ll pay you a daily rate… cash in hand… July and August.”

It sounds attractive… but before accepting any position, it’s worth understanding how professional skipper employment works.

🇪🇸 Working on a Spanish Boat

If you’re working on a Spanish registered vessel or for a Spanish company, you will normally need to work under the appropriate Spanish employment and tax rules.

This may include:

• ✅ Being employed by the company
• ✅ Being registered with Spanish Social Security where required
• ✅ Receiving declared wages
• ✅ Or working as a registered Autónomo and invoicing for your services where appropriate

Every situation is different, so always ask questions before accepting work.

🌍 What About Foreign Registered Boats?

You may be asked to skipper boats registered in:

• 🇬🇧 United Kingdom
• 🇫🇷 France
• 🇩🇪 Germany
• 🇮🇹 Italy
• 🇳🇱 Netherlands
• 🇲🇹 Malta
• 🇵🇱 Poland
• and many others…

The flag on the boat does not automatically determine how you should be employed.

Other important factors include:

• ⚓ Which country the employer is based in
• ⚓ Where the vessel mainly operates
• ⚓ Your country of tax residence
• ⚓ Whether you are employed or genuinely self-employed
• ⚓ The type of work being carried out

💶 What Does “Cash In Hand” Actually Mean?

Many people use the phrase “cash in hand”, but there is an important difference.

✅ Being paid in cash can be perfectly legitimate if the payment is properly declared and taxed.

❌ However, being paid “cash in hand” to avoid tax, employment or social security obligations may expose both the employer and the skipper to legal and financial consequences.

⚠️ Questions Every Skipper Should Ask

• ✅ Who is employing me?
• ✅ Am I insured?
• ✅ How will I be paid?
• ✅ Is my income being declared?
• ✅ Do I need to invoice?
• ✅ Who is responsible if there is an accident?
• ✅ Am I covered by employer’s liability insurance?

🚤 Why This Matters

Professional skippers carry significant responsibility.

• ⚓ Passenger safety
• ⚓ Navigation
• ⚓ Insurance compliance
• ⚓ Vessel care
• ⚓ Local regulations

It makes sense that your employment arrangements should be just as professional.

👍 Our Advice

If something doesn’t feel right… ask.

Good companies will have no problem explaining:

• ✔️ Your employment status
• ✔️ Insurance cover
• ✔️ Payment arrangements
• ✔️ Tax responsibilities

A few questions today could save a lot of problems later.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information only and should not be considered legal, tax or employment advice. Employment obligations vary depending on the circumstances, the country involved and the contractual arrangements. Independent professional advice should always be obtained where necessary.