Personnel & Crew Changes
Here to assist you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Brixham Ship Agency Services (BSAS) provides a fully managed, end-to-end crew change and personnel transfer service, supporting vessels operating offshore, at anchor, or transiting the English Channel and surrounding waters.
Each crew change is planned and executed by our experienced operations team, with a strong focus on safety, compliance, efficiency, and minimal disruption to vessel operations. BSAS acts as a single point of contact for vessel masters, operators, crewing departments, and shore-based stakeholders throughout the process.
Comprehensive Crew Change Management
BSAS manages all aspects of crew changes from initial planning through to final embarkation and disembarkation. This includes detailed coordination of timings, documentation, and logistics to ensure smooth and reliable transfers.
Our services include:
- Boarding and landing of crew via offshore launch, allowing vessels to remain at anchor or underway
- Immigration and UK Border Force coordination, ensuring all regulatory and entry requirements are met
- Arrangement of hotels, taxis, flights, and onward travel, tailored to individual crew itineraries
Our dedicated launch is capable of carrying up to 10 passengers per trip, enabling safe and efficient personnel transfers, even during periods of changeable weather.
Offshore Crew Change Capability
Brixham’s sheltered offshore environment offers a significant operational advantage for crew changes. By carrying out transfers offshore rather than alongside, vessels can:
- Avoid port entry delays and berth congestion
- Reduce port-related costs
- Maintain operational flexibility and schedule integrity
Crew handovers can often be completed at sea during passage, providing additional time for structured handovers between on-signing and off-signing crew, without the pressures commonly associated with port calls.
Transport Connectivity & Airport Access
Brixham benefits from strong road connectivity, allowing efficient crew movement to and from major UK international airports. BSAS regularly arranges private taxi transfers for crew and riding personnel, providing reliable door-to-door transport.
Typical road transfer times from Brixham are:
- London Heathrow Airport – approximately 3.5 – 4 hours
- London Gatwick Airport – approximately 4 – 4.5 hours
- Bristol Airport – approximately 2 – 2.5 hours
- Exeter Airport – approximately 1 – 1.5 hours
- Birmingham Airport – approximately 3.5 – 4 hours
These transfer times allow BSAS to plan crew changes efficiently, aligning flight schedules with launch operations and vessel movements.
Support for Riding Personnel & Specialists
In addition to routine crew changes, BSAS regularly supports the transfer of:
- Technicians and engineers
- Superintendents and technical managers
- Surveyors and inspectors
- Riding squads and specialist personnel
These transfers are often time-critical and coordinated alongside surveys, inspections, or repair works. BSAS ensures that all personnel movements are executed safely, efficiently, and with minimal impact on vessel schedules.
24/7 Operational Support
Crew changes and personnel transfers are supported by our 24 hours a day, 7 days a week operations team, providing continuous coordination and flexibility to respond to changing schedules, weather conditions, or short-notice requirements.
For further information or to discuss crew change planning for your vessel, please contact Brixham Ship Agency Services. Our operations team is always available and ready to assist.
Enquire today
To discuss your requirements or arrange our services, please contact us directly. Our operations team is available 24/7 to assist you with your needs.