Kind of like Couchsurfing, but for boats

I think it was inevitable. First we had Craiglists to sell things, look for jobs, and offer up basically anything anyone could want. After CL took off, other websites became more specific with their intentions. Couchsurfing allowed people to offer up free housing or city tours to lowly travelers. After CS gained exposure, Zimride popped up to help travelers find cheap rides to said destinations. Now, we have an amazing amount of websites devoted specifically to matching one person with their dream vocation, location, or used item. With so many travel specific websites popping up, it was only a matter of time until one came up for boating.

Known amongst backpackers as the Craigslist of working on a boat, the Find a Crew website is a host for captains and boat owners to offer up jobs on their vessel. The website offers a search engine for different types of destinations, jobs and boat sizes. Those looking to take off on the open sea need only to make a profile and start browsing through the want ads.

According to the website, Find a Crew isn’t a crew agent, but they offer a platform for those looking to man (or woman) their vessel. Anyone can register for Find a Crew, with there being both a free membership and a premium membership. After deciding on a vessel, free members can “send a wave,” which is basically like a Facebook Poke.

While you can “wave,” anyone you want, only premium members are allowed to share their contact information with users. Non-premium members can be contacted, but only by those with premium memberships. Premium members can also bypass all the hassle by sending direct messages.

While there are definitely some flaws to the system, Find a Crew is a great way for sea lovers to get in touch and hop on the vessel. If your heart’s compass is constantly protruding away from land, this website may be for you.

Photo courtesy of South Pole