A contract should never replace a conversation

Most people do not read their employment contract when they sign it. They read it when something changes or when something goes wrong. By then, it is usually too late.

A good contract is not there to protect the owner. It is not there to protect the crew. It is there to make sure everyone starts from the same place. Salary. Leave. Notice Period. Repatriation. Expenses. Responsibilities.

What happens when plans change. If any of those are not clear...Stop. Talk about them. Ask the question. Have the conversation.

A good contract does not create understanding. It confirms it. The best contracts leave everyone with the same expectations.

Contracts do not create disputes. Assumptions do.