Crew Manager Job Description UAE 2025
A Crew Manager in UAE earns between AED 144,000 and AED 264,000 per year. The role recruits, deploys, and manages seafarers across a commercial vessel fleet, ensuring compliance with STCW (Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping) and UAE Maritime Administration requirements.
Crew Manager in UAE — Key Facts
The Crew Manager role in UAE operates under employment contracts governed by Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) regulates all mainland employment. ADGM, DIFC, and free zone employees are subject to their respective authority employment regulations. Salaries stated are benchmarked to the UAE market as of April 2025.
All employment contracts in the UAE must comply with Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021. Crew Manager roles in mainland UAE require Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) approved contracts. End-of-service gratuity is calculated at 21 days per year of service for the first 5 years and 30 days per year thereafter.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a Crew Manager earn in UAE?
A Crew Manager in UAE earns AED 144,000–264,000 per year. Roles in Abu Dhabi government-linked organisations and large multinational corporations pay at the upper end. Free zone and private sector roles pay at the lower to mid range.
What experience does a Crew Manager need in UAE?
UAE employers require 6–12 years of relevant experience for Crew Manager positions. Candidates with professional qualifications (IWFM, NEBOSH, RICS, or equivalent) and UAE or GCC market experience are preferred.
How does RFS recruit Crew Managers?
RFS sources Crew Manager candidates from its UAE facilities management network. A shortlist of 3 to 5 pre-screened candidates is delivered within 48 to 72 hours. The retained search fee is 15 to 18 percent of first-year total compensation.
What a Crew Manager does in UAE
A Crew Manager in UAE manages the crewing operations for a shipping company or offshore operator, overseeing seafarer recruitment, certification compliance, crew changes, payroll, and welfare for vessels operating under UAE and international flags in the Arabian Gulf and worldwide trades.
Key responsibilities
- Manage seafarer recruitment and selection for UAE vessel fleet across all ranks and ratings
- Ensure all crew hold current and valid STCW certification and UAE or flag state endorsements
- Coordinate crew changes through UAE ports and international ports within visa and CBA terms
- Manage seafarer contracts, wages, and allotments in compliance with MLC 2006 requirements
- Oversee the crew rotation schedule balancing operational coverage with MLC rest hour compliance
- Manage ITF and MLC 2006 welfare compliance including crew accommodation, food, and recreation
- Coordinate with UAE immigration on crew visa and seafarer identity document processing
- Manage crew travel and logistics for UAE crew change operations through Dubai and Abu Dhabi
- Manage medical certificate compliance, STCW refresher training, and crew competency records
- Produce monthly crew budget reports and headcount analysis for the COO
Qualifications required
- Bachelor degree in maritime studies, human resources, or business administration
- 4 to 8 years crew management experience with UAE or GCC shipping company or crew management agency
- Deep knowledge of STCW certification requirements and UAE FCA seafarer endorsement processes
- MLC 2006 Maritime Labour Convention compliance awareness
- UAE immigration and seafarer document management experience
- Arabic language skills preferred for UAE immigration authority and crew welfare management
- ITF collective bargaining agreement awareness for international trades
- Proficiency in crew management systems (COMPAS, SpecTec, or Martide)
Crew Manager salary by employer type in UAE
| Employer type | Annual salary (AED) |
|---|---|
| ADNOC Fleet or ADNOC Logistics crew management | 260,000–460,000 |
| UAE shipping company or tanker operator | 220,000–400,000 |
| International crew management agency UAE (Anglo-Eastern, V.Ships) | 200,000–380,000 |
| Offshore vessel operator or marine contractor UAE | 210,000–390,000 |
Contract terms for this role in UAE
Crew Manager roles carry a 30 to 60 day notice period in UAE. Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 applies to your end-of-service gratuity at 21 days basic salary per year for the first five years.
Hire a Crew Manager in UAE or Saudi Arabia
RFS delivers a shortlist of pre-screened Crew Manager candidates in 48 to 72 hours. Retained search fee: 15 to 18 percent of first-year total compensation. 6-month replacement guarantee.
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UAE Market Data — Crew Manager 2025
Salary Range (AED/month)
AED 10,000 – 45,000 (varies by role)
Tax-free. Source: Michael Page UAE 2026, Indeed UAE 2025
Industry
Marine — UAE & GCC
Required Certifications (UAE Market)
STCW certification mandatory for seagoing roles. MARPOL compliance knowledge. Class society approvals (Lloyd’s/DNV) for engineering roles.
UAE-Specific Regulatory Skills
UAE Maritime Law (Federal Law No. 26 of 1981), Dubai Maritime Authority (DMA) licensing, Port Authority regulations (DP World/ADPC), International Maritime Organization (IMO) conventions.
RFS HR Consultancy places crew manager professionals across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and the wider UAE and GCC. View our marine and shipping recruitment agency UAE or check the UAE salary guide 2025.
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