Shipping employment for your fleet

We employ seafarers on your behalf, manage payroll, and ensure full compliance. A certified employment partner for shipowners and maritime companies.

What shipping employment really means

Shipping employment defines how seafarers are legally employed, deployed, and managed throughout their assignment. Unlike recruitment, it does not focus on sourcing candidates but on establishing compliant employment structures. Lighthaus Marine acts as employer of record, handling contracts, payroll, and legal responsibility while you retain operational control of your crew.

Single point of contact

You work with one contractual partner for all employment matters, reducing complexity and ensuring clear accountability.

Tailored to your workflow

Employment structures are adapted to your operational and contractual needs, ensuring smooth integration into your processes.

Fast Deployment

We ensure rapid deployment of experienced crew to maintain operational continuity and avoid delays in vessel operations.

Clear payroll overview

Detailed payment structures and monthly reporting provide full transparency and financial predictability.

Decades of Expertise

Benefit from decades of maritime employment and payroll experience across offshore, shipping, and yachting sectors.

Focus on your business

We reduce your internal workload, allowing you to focus on vessel performance and core business operations.

We manage shipping employment with precision, ensuring compliant contracts, reliable crew deployment, and transparent payroll for uninterrupted maritime operations.

Start your shipping employment setup

Speak with our experts about your employment requirements. We provide compliant, efficient, and internationally structured solutions tailored to your fleet operations.

Shipping employment services at a glance

From payroll to deployment – we manage all aspects of shipping employment with structure, compliance, and efficiency.

Legal crew employment setup

We establish and manage the full legal employment structure for your crew. As a certified employment agency, Lighthaus Marine concludes employment contracts on your behalf and assumes employer responsibility. This includes compliance with MLC 2006, flag state regulations, and national labor laws. Our international employment models allow seafarers to be employed efficiently across jurisdictions while ensuring full legal security. You benefit from a compliant, structured, and transparent employment setup without internal administrative burden.

Maritime payroll management

We manage all payroll and accounting processes for your crew with precision and transparency. This includes salary payments, international tax handling, and social security contributions. Our expertise in maritime payroll ensures compliance with complex international regulations while optimizing cost structures. Detailed payroll reporting and clear accounting processes give you full financial visibility and control. With decades of experience in maritime payroll services, we ensure accurate, timely, and compliant salary processing for all crew members.

Crew rotation & planning

Efficient crew deployment is critical for uninterrupted vessel operations. We coordinate crew changes, manage rotation schedules, and ensure availability of of employed and deployable seafarers. Our structured planning reduces delays, avoids operational gaps, and ensures that vessels are always properly manned. We respond quickly to changes and support your operational requirements with flexible deployment solutions. This ensures continuity, reliability, and efficiency across your fleet.

Administrative coordination

We take over all administrative tasks related to crew employment, including documentation, contract handling, and communication. Our team coordinates between crew, shipowners, and management to ensure smooth processes at every stage. By handling complex administrative workflows, we significantly reduce your internal workload. This allows your organization to focus on operations while we ensure all employment-related processes run efficiently and transparently.

Full regulatory compliance

Compliance is at the core of shipping employment. We ensure adherence to international maritime regulations, including MLC 2006, as well as national and flag state requirements. As a certified employment agency operating under ISO-driven processes, we provide legal certainty and reduce your liability risks. All employment, payroll, and administrative processes are aligned with current regulations, giving you a secure and reliable operational foundation.

International crew employment

With offices in Hamburg, Rijeka, and Gdansk, as well as partners in Manila, we operate globally and provide access to an international workforce. Our international structure allows efficient employment of seafarers across multiple regions while ensuring compliance with local regulations. This global presence enables flexible crew deployment, optimized cost structures, and structured employment of experienced personnel worldwide.

Employment

Payroll

Deployment

Support

Compliance

Global

Your trusted shipping employment partner

Lighthaus Marine combines regulatory expertise with operational efficiency to deliver reliable shipping employment solutions. We take full responsibility for employment, payroll, and compliance, allowing you to focus on your core business. Our structured processes, international setup, and commitment to quality ensure stable crew operations, reduced risks, and long-term partnership built on trust and transparency.

Interpersonal relations

We maintain close, respectful relationships with clients and crew to ensure smooth cooperation and long-term stability.

Excellent communication skills

Clear, proactive communication ensures transparency and efficient coordination across all employment processes.

Special speed of service

Fast response times and efficient processes ensure immediate action and reliable operational support along the process.

Regulatory expertise & trust

Our deep knowledge of maritime law ensures compliance, reduces risks, and builds a trustworthy partnership with us.

Strong network of clients and offices across Europe

We support maritime companies across Europe and beyond with reliable crew solutions, combining strong local presence with international reach, experience and deep industry expertise.

Offices in Germany, Croatia and Poland with local expertise
Clients across Europe from coastal to global shipping
International crew sourcing with strong global network

With projects worldwide and a continuously growing network, we deliver flexible, compliant and efficient crew solutions tailored to the demands of modern maritime operations.

Strong network of clients and offices across Europe

Maritime job opportunities worldwide

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Lighthaus-Marine Europe GmbH
Lighthaus-Marine GmbH & Co. KG

„Montanhof“, 4. OG
Kattrepel 2
20095 Hamburg

Lighthaus-Marine D.O.O

Marina Držića 9
51000 Rijeka (Grad Rijeka)

Lighthaus-Marine Europe GmbH Branch Office Poland SP. z o.o.

Trzy Lipy 4/3
80-172 Gdansk
Poland

Why is Lighthaus Marine the right employment partner?

Lighthaus Marine stands out as an employment partner by combining regulatory expertise, operational reliability, and a distinctly personal approach tailored to the maritime industry.

We take full responsibility for how your crew is employed, paid, and coordinated within international frameworks. This ensures legal certainty, transparent payroll structures, and reduced administrative workload for your organization. You retain full operational control, while we handle the complexity behind the scenes. What makes shipping employment with Lighthaus Marine different is the way we work: direct, responsive, and built on trust. We understand the realities of shipmanagement, offshore projects, and global crew structures—and translate this into solutions that work in practice.

What sets us apart:

Strong interpersonal relations based on respect and trust
Excellent communication with all involved parties
Fast response times and reliable service delivery
Deep knowledge of maritime regulations and compliance
Transparent handling of payroll and reporting
Structured coordination of crew deployment and rotation

Our approach creates stability, clarity, and efficiency for your fleet. With Lighthaus Marine, employment is not just an administrative function—it is a structured system that supports your business, reduces risk, and ensures continuity at sea.

What is shipping employment in the maritime industry?

Shipping employment in the maritime industry describes how seafarers are legally employed, deployed, and managed within structured crewing systems across the global shipping industry. It goes beyond placement and defines how employment is handled in practice—contractually, operationally, and in full compliance with international regulations.

At Lighthaus Marine, we take over this responsibility entirely. We employ your crew, manage payroll and reporting, and ensure compliance with MLC 2006, flag state, and national requirements. This applies to both permanent and project-based assignments across different vessel types, including cargo and passenger operations.

What shipping employment covers:

Employment contracts under compliant international frameworks
Payroll, taxation, and social security systems
Crew deployment, rotation planning, and coordination
Ongoing crewing support aligned with shipmanagement
Transparent reporting and financial control

Our approach provides a clear employment strategy for shipowners and operators. Whether managing a small number of vessels or scaling operations, we ensure reliable structures that support operational continuity.

We work closely with our clients to answer operational questions, support workforce transition phases, and enable sustainable growth. Our values—respect, responsibility, and honesty—guide every interaction, ensuring strong cooperation and long-term partnerships built on trust. Shipping employment with Lighthaus Marine means having a reliable partner who understands the realities at sea and delivers solutions that work in practice.

What are the benefits of shipping employment?

Shipping employment with Lighthaus Marine allows shipowners and ship management companies to transfer the full employment responsibility of their crew to a reliable partner. Instead of managing contracts, payroll, insurance, and compliance internally, we take care of all employment processes end-to-end.

This means your employees are legally employed through a structured system, while you retain full operational control on board your ships. Whether operating container vessels, cruise units, or offshore assets, we ensure that crew within structured employment models are available at the right location and time.

Your benefits at a glance:

No internal handling of contracts, payroll, or insurance
Reduced administrative workload and fewer compliance risks
Transparent reporting and full cost control
Fast crew deployment through established logistics processes
Reliable support for crew changes at any port

We manage employment structures for different positions, from junior crew to senior officers and technical specialist roles. This includes permanent assignments as well as flexible solutions aligned with your operational goals.

With decades of experience in maritime shipping, we understand the regulatory environment and the practical challenges on board. We support your long-term growth by ensuring safe, compliant, and efficient crew employment. Lighthaus Marine acts as your professional employment partner, allowing you to focus on vessel performance, safety, and operational success while we handle the complexity behind it and drive your business forward into the future.

Who should use shipping employment services?

Shipping employment services are designed for shipowners, shipmanagement companies, offshore operators, shipyards, and the yachting sector that are looking for a reliable way to manage crew employment without operational risk.

Many companies come to us after facing recurring challenges: legal uncertainty with previous providers, complex tax and social security questions within 12NM zones, or liability concerns when employing international crew. Others struggle with delayed crew changes, missing specialist profiles, or inefficient logistics in ongoing projects. Lighthaus Marine addresses these issues by taking full responsibility for employment structures. We act as your employment partner, ensuring compliant contracts, payroll, and administration—while you remain in control on board.

Who benefits most:

Companies managing international fleets with complex regulations
Operators handling offshore or technical projects with high compliance demands
Shipowners seeking stability and cost control across locations
Businesses that want to reduce internal workload and focus on core operations

We work together with each customer to create structured solutions that support long-term development and operational continuity. Through clear processes and transparent reporting, you always know where your crew employment stands. Our services create real impact: reduced risk, reliable execution, and efficient coordination. Whether for small fleets or large-scale operations, we provide the structure needed to move forward with confidence and deliver sustainable opportunities across the maritime industry.

How is payroll handled for seafarers?

Payroll for seafarers is a highly specialized field within maritime trade. It defines how crew members are paid while working on ships under different flag states, tax systems, and social security frameworks. In maritime shipping, this is not just salary calculation—it determines compliance, financial clarity, and long-term stability for every role on board.

At Lighthaus Marine, we handle maritime payroll and accounting in full. This includes crew payment arrangements, salary processing, and accounting in line with international regulations. Our structured systems ensure transparent reporting and full compliance with applicable legal frameworks.

Why this matters for you:

No internal workload for complex payroll structures
Reduced risk in international tax and regulatory matters
Clear financial overview for every ship and crew position
Reliable crew payment arrangements

With over 40 years of experience in maritime payroll accounting since 1978, we bring deep expertise into every setup—supporting not only your structures, but also the long-term career stability of your crew. Whether you operate container fleets, cruise vessels, or offshore units, we align payroll structures with your operational requirements. From senior officers to technical crew, all ranks are supported through structured payroll and accounting, allowing you to further develop your fleet strategy with confidence.

Our role is to simplify complexity. We provide clear systems and transparent reporting, enabling you to improve efficiency, support long-term planning, and move your business forward. At the same time, we create the framework to explore new opportunities in international crew deployment—while we handle the administrative and regulatory background.

How do you ensure legal compliance?

Legal compliance in maritime shipping defines how crew engagement is aligned with international conventions, flag state requirements, and national regulations. It determines whether your ships are operated safely, lawfully, and without exposure to liability. In an industry where crews are constantly working between jurisdictions, this is not optional—it is essential.

At Lighthaus Marine, we take a leading role in ensuring compliance with applicable laws and required standards. This includes documentation, certification checks, and structured reporting to maintain transparency. Our services are built on regulatory and documentation systems aligned with ISO-based standards, ensuring reliability at every stage.

What we take care of:

Verification of crew certificates and documentation
Alignment with applicable maritime regulations
Structured report and transparent information flow
Compliance with required standards and guidelines

Why this matters for you:

Without proper compliance, risks quickly escalate—whether during inspections, audits, or daily working conditions on board. There is no place for uncertainty when it comes to safety, liability, or reputation.

We offer a structured framework that allows you to explore further stability in your setup. Whether managing senior or executive crew, technical specialists, or apprenticeship-level roles, every part is covered. Our experience over many years allows you to apply clear standards within your organization and follow a defined course—so you can move forward with confidence and maintain full control at the operational end.

Can you support international crew employment?

Yes, international crew employment is one of our core strengths and a key differentiator for Lighthaus Marine. With offices in Hamburg, Rijeka, and Gdansk, as well as established structures in Manila and other global locations, we are able to manage seafarers from different regions within a consistent and compliant framework. This enables shipowners and shipmanagement companies to access a global workforce while maintaining full control on board.

Our international setup allows you to engage personnel from various countries under optimized conditions. This includes alignment with local regulations, structured payroll systems, and clear reporting lines—ensuring reliability at every stage. We support a wide range of maritime segments, from container shipping and offshore projects to yachting and passenger vessels. Our structures are designed to handle different qualifications and requirements, ensuring continuity and stability for your fleet.

For companies facing challenges with availability, language requirements, or specialized qualifications, we create tailored solutions that address real-world needs. Our network allows us to respond quickly to vacancies and maintain continuity on board. As a recognized leader in international maritime structures, we offer the flexibility to adapt to your requirements while maintaining high standards. This enables you to scale, grow, and secure long-term stability in a competitive global market.

How do you manage crew changes and rotation?

Crew changes and rotation are essential to ensure continuity and stability on board. They define how seafarers are scheduled, replaced, and coordinated in line with vessel requirements while supporting structured career progression within your crew setup. At Lighthaus Marine, crew changes are managed through structured planning and close coordination with your shipmanagement team. We organize crew change and rotation plans in consideration of operational requirements and ensure cost-conscious implementation, while maintaining continuity in each seafarer’s career path.

How we handle crew changes and rotation:

Planning rotation schedules aligned with vessel requirements
Organizing crew changes in a structured and cost-conscious manner
Maintaining communication with crew before, during, and after assignment
Coordinating all relevant steps to ensure continuity

Our approach is based on clear structures and coordinated planning. We align each rotation concept with your specific setup and ensure that all elements are handled in a consistent and transparent way. Through structured coordination and ongoing communication, we support stable crew planning and reliable execution of crew changes.

How fast can crew be deployed?

The speed of crew deployment depends on several key factors: availability of experienced crew members, coordination of crew changes, documentation readiness, and clear communication between all involved parties. In maritime shipping, delays often occur due to missing documentation, poor coordination, or lack of structured planning.

At Lighthaus Marine, fast deployment is achieved by combining these elements within a coordinated framework. We ensure the immediate provision of multi-experienced crew and a proven fast engagement of skilled crew for your fleet, allowing us to respond quickly to changing requirements.

What influences deployment speed:

Availability of experienced and qualified seafarers
Structured crew change and rotation planning
Readiness of required documentation and certifications
Continuous communication before and during deployment

Our strength lies in aligning these factors efficiently. Through structured coordination and transparent communication, we reduce delays and ensure that crew changes are handled in a timely and reliable manner. This enables shipowners and shipmanagement companies to react faster to operational needs and maintain continuity, even when timelines are tight.