Rita Chahine is the Crew Recruitment Division Executive at Edelweiss Maritime Management Services. With a strong background in HR and social sciences, Rita specializes in sourcing top-tier yacht crews and connecting skilled seafarers with luxury yacht owners. She is dedicated to raising awareness among crew members about the broader maritime industry, ensuring their seamless integration and providing tailored solutions. Rita is committed to building lasting relationships based on trust and transparent communication, always maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and service. Originally from Lebanon, she is fluent in Arabic, French, and English.
What do you do in Yachting?
As the Crew Recruitment Division Executive, I specialize in sourcing and recruiting top-tier yacht crews. My role involves matching skilled seafarers with luxury yacht owners, ensuring both parties' needs are met seamlessly
What was your field of study, and where did you pursue your education?
I hold a Master's degree in Social Science, which I pursued at Lebanese University.
How did your career in yachting begin?
My career in yachting began with a deep connection to the sea, having grown up by the coast. This passion naturally led me to the yachting industry. After studying social science and exploring various fields, I joined Edelweiss Maritime Management Services. What initially started as a general recruitment role quickly evolved into a focus on yachts, and I became hooked. Now, as the head of the Crew Recruitment Division, I have the opportunity to combine my love for the ocean with helping others find their place in this exciting industry.
Can you share a memorable experience or significant achievement in your yachting career?
One of my proudest achievements in yachting was successfully placing a full crew for a high-profile luxury yacht on an incredibly tight deadline. This experience highlighted the strength of our recruitment process and the strong relationships we've built with both clients and candidates. Ensuring the right match between skilled seafarers and yacht owners not only facilitated smooth operations but also fostered an environment where both the crew and owners thrived.
We've also faced challenging days, particularly when recruiting crews for vessels passing through high-risk areas like the Gulf of Aden and Yemen. These regions present unique dangers, and it was crucial to find experienced and resilient crews capable of navigating these risks. Our mission was successfully completed when the crew safely delivered the goods, demonstrating both their skill and our team's ability to find the right people for the job, even under the most demanding conditions.
What current projects or goals are you focused on?
Currently, I am working on several key projects that align with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those focused on reducing inequalities (Goal 10), promoting gender equality (Goal 5), and ensuring decent work and economic growth (Goal 8). In the GCC and MENA regions, we are organizing seminars to raise awareness among yacht crews and owners about the region's unique cultural values, work environments, and expectations. These seminars help bridge cultural gaps, ensuring smooth and respectful collaboration on board.
Additionally, we are launching a campaign to promote equal opportunities for all crew members, regardless of gender, race, or background, to work on cruises. This initiative is vital for fostering inclusivity and diversity in the maritime industry, ensuring access to opportunities and a supportive work environment for everyone.
Beyond these efforts, I am also focusing on several projects that enhance both operational efficiency and crew welfare:
Crew Safety and Well-being: In collaboration with our training and certification department, we are providing safety and mental health resources to crews, particularly those operating in high-risk areas such as the Gulf of Aden. This ensures crew members are well-prepared to navigate challenging situations.
Career Development and Training Programs: We are designing tailored career pathways and training programs to enhance crew skills and advance their career prospects while ensuring alignment with STCW standards.
Technology Integration: By leveraging AI-powered platforms and virtual interviews, we are streamlining recruitment processes and improving our ability to efficiently match crews with owners.
Through these initiatives, alongside our efforts to raise awareness about cultural and regional nuances and promote equality, we are not only improving recruitment processes but also contributing to a more sustainable and equitable maritime industry.
Get in touch with Rita Chahine
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