Unpaid Wages & Leave Issues for Yacht & Commercial Crew

If you’re missing pay, leave days, or final wages, this page helps you understand what to check and how to prepare your next steps — without escalating too early

Does this sound like your situation?

What counts as unpaid wages or leave issues?

Unpaid wages usually means money earned for work that has not been paid in full, on time, or in the correct amount. Leave issues typically involve missing accrued leave days, incorrect leave calculations, or leave not reflected properly in payment.

Missing or delayed salary payments

Pay that arrives late, in parts, or not at all.

Last month’s pay, overtime, leave payout, or agreed amounts missing after contract ends.

Leave days earned vs recorded vs paid can diverge when rotations, contract terms, or payroll handling don’t align.

Why this happens in yacht and commercial crew roles

Contract wording

SEA terms, addendums, or verbal expectations don’t match what payroll applies.

Record gaps

SEA terms, addendums, or verbal expectations don’t match what payroll applies

Payroll handling

Different pay cycles, currency, onboard admin changes, or last-minute crew changes create errors

What to check before escalating

Ok… I don’t actually have this organised.”

Documents to review

Questions to answer for yourself

Next steps if you’re unsure what to do