Securing a Senior Maritime Leader for the Caribbean
Job title of Permanent Recruitment: Deputy Chief Marine Surveyor
Recruitment Type: Retained and Exclusive to Faststream Recruitment
Business Type: International Ship Registry / Flag State Administration
Location: British Virgin Islands
Key Stakeholders: Human Resources and Senior Maritime & Technical Leadership
An international Ship Registry and Flag State Administration appointed Faststream Recruitment on a retained and exclusive basis to recruit a Deputy Chief Marine Surveyor.
The client was looking for a highly experienced maritime professional with a strong background in nautical surveying, Flag State and regulatory work, and senior leadership, alongside the ability to relocate internationally to the Caribbean.
Faststream delivered a focused international search, combining specialist maritime market knowledge, proactive candidate engagement and close partnership with the client throughout the process.
The Challenge
The combination of technical requirements, seniority and relocation significantly reduced the available candidate pool. Candidates needed to be assessed not only on their maritime and regulatory credentials, but also on their personal circumstances, family considerations and long-term commitment to relocating.
An initial candidate progressed through the entire recruitment process and reached the offer stage. However, relocation ultimately became a barrier, and the appointment could not proceed.
Faststream therefore returned to the market and continued the search.
During the assignment, the client's requirements also evolved, with the search temporarily shifting towards a more specialised Nautical Surveyor profile. This required the consultant to adapt the sourcing strategy while retaining the market intelligence and candidate relationships already developed.
The successful candidate was ultimately identified through Faststream's wider recruitment activity. Although initially engaging with another opportunity, the consultant recognised that their background was particularly well suited to the original Deputy Chief Marine Surveyor requirement.
The Solution
Faststream approached the assignment as a sustained executive-style retained search rather than a traditional vacancy-led recruitment process.
The consultant developed a detailed understanding of the technical, regulatory and leadership requirements before conducting extensive international market mapping.
The search included:
Proactive identification and direct approach of relevant maritime professionals.
Multiple targeted advertising campaigns.
Detailed screening of technical credentials, seniority and Flag State experience.
Early assessment of relocation motivation and practical considerations.
Continuous refinement of the candidate profile based on client feedback.
Interview preparation and ongoing candidate engagement.
Offer and package negotiation.
Relocation, preboarding and onboarding support.
Regular communication was maintained with the client throughout the assignment, ensuring both sides remained aligned as the search evolved.
With the client, candidates and Faststream operating across different locations and time zones, interviews, feedback, and negotiations were coordinated virtually.
Faststream acted as the central point of communication throughout the process and worked directly with both parties on salary, benefits and the relocation package.
Following the experience with the earlier candidate, relocation considerations were explored in significantly greater detail before final acceptance. Accommodation, healthcare, benefits, family considerations, timing and practical relocation arrangements were all discussed to minimise the risk of the placement falling through at a late stage.
The Results
The retained and exclusive assignment ran for approximately 11 months.
During the search, Faststream:
Identified and reviewed approximately 350 candidate profiles.
Formally introduced 19 candidates to the client.
Delivered seven targeted advertising campaigns.
Conducted extensive international market mapping and direct candidate outreach.
Progressed multiple candidates through the interview process.
Managed an initial offer-stage process before successfully returning to the market.
Faststream ultimately secured the appointment of an experienced Deputy Chief Marine Surveyor, who committed to relocating internationally from the UK.
Supporting the Search from Start to Finish
The retained recruitment model enabled Faststream to provide sustained commitment to a challenging, long-running international search.
The assignment required specialist maritime market knowledge, extensive candidate sourcing and the ability to continually recalibrate the search as the client's requirements evolved.
Faststream remained fully engaged after an earlier offer fell through and continued working the market until the right appointment was secured.
Detailed candidate management, international coordination, package negotiation and practical relocation support helped protect the final placement through contract signing and into onboarding.
Post-placement feedback from the client highlighted Faststream's professionalism, communication and responsive approach, with the organisation indicating its intention to continue working with Faststream on future recruitment requirements.
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