Safety First? Yacht Crew Share Concerns
The yachting industry, for all its unique opportunities, operates in an inherently demanding and often high-risk environment.
While safety regulations and procedures are in place, the day-to-day reality can sometimes paint a different picture.
Read more about the current state of affairs and where you can turn below. And, we’d really appreciate it if you can take part in our confidential survey to share your experience.
What’s the Issue?
At The Crew Hunter, we speak to yacht crew every day, and a growing number of them are raising serious concerns about their safety and wellbeing on board. For some, these concerns are so profound that they’re actively seeking new roles purely because they no longer feel safe in their current positions.
These aren’t minor issues. From a lack of proper safety drills to being expected to carry out dangerous jobs without the right equipment, or even feeling unsafe around other crew members – these are real experiences that impact individuals deeply.
A yacht, regardless of its size, should be a place where every crew member feels secure and protected. Yet, some of the stories we’re being told suggest that this isn’t always the case. What’s reassuring is that some crew are feeling more confident to speak up about safety concerns and are familiar with the correct practices so they are able to identify when things aren’t being done safely.
So, what can you do if you need to report issues around safety?
Where Can You Turn?
A crucial problem is that crew often don’t know where to turn in these situations, especially if the issue involves another (possibly more senior) member of the crew. The first port of call should always be onboard line management, your Captain and then your DPA. But, what can you do if you don’t feel comfortable following that route or if you have tried and had complaints fall on deaf ears?
In such cases, it’s important to remember you can report concerns directly to the yacht’s Flag State. You can also anonymously report any safety concerns to CHIRP – a confidential, independent, and impartial charity focused on enhancing safety in the maritime industry by collecting, analysing and sharing reports. They also have direct access to flag and port state (and can also contact management companies) to enable those parties to receive the complaint in a fully confidential way.
Additionally, organisations like Nautilus International act as a trade union for maritime professionals and can offer confidential advice, support, and representation for serious safety or welfare issues.
Laura Molineux, Strategic Organiser at Nautilus International said:
“It’s disheartening to hear that many yacht crew feel their safety and well-being are compromised onboard, to the point of seeking new roles.
“While articles like this raise crucial awareness, it’s vital that individual crew members know they don’t have to face these challenges alone. At Nautilus International, we strongly encourage any yacht crew with safety or welfare concerns to contact us directly for bespoke, confidential advice.
“Ignoring safety issues can have severe consequences, and we are committed to empowering crew to ensure their voices are heard and action is taken.”
Have Your Say
The first step to change is awareness. We want to fully understand the scope of the challenges crew face. To gather these insights, we invite you to participate in our confidential survey below.
Your anonymous responses will help us build a clearer picture of the safety landscape in yachting today and contribute to a discussion that is essential for the future wellbeing of all crew.
To take part in our survey click here.
