A new initiative has been launched to aid crew members in the yachting industry in their quest for safe and rewarding employment opportunities.
Developed in collaboration with experts from various sectors of the yachting industry, the International Seafarers’ Welfare and Assistance Network (ISWAN) has unveiled “Personal Safety Precautions for Job-Seeking Yacht Crew.” This resource aims to equip crew members with the knowledge and tools necessary to make informed and safe decisions regarding their career paths.
The genesis of this resource stems from a notable rise in inquiries to ISWAN’s Yacht Crew Help helpline concerning serious personal safety issues encountered by crew members, including instances of bullying, harassment, and sexual violence while working aboard yachts. Many of these crew members had secured their positions through unregulated channels such as social media and crewing websites, with a significant portion belonging to what is colloquially referred to as the ‘nautical hitchhiker’ community. In 2022, nearly a quarter of the yacht crew seeking assistance for mental health challenges also reported experiencing some form of abuse.
A coalition of organizations, including Nautilus International, Bond TM, MHG Insurance, Safer Waves, Sailing Safely for Women (SSW), Salute Her, Wilsonhalligan, and Yachts Mermaids, provided invaluable expertise in crafting this resource. Their input ensures that the guidance is comprehensive, accurate, and inclusive, addressing the primary personal safety concerns faced by crew members in the yachting industry.
“Personal Safety Precautions for Job-Seeking Yacht Crew” caters to crew members of all gender identities, nationalities, and levels of experience within the industry. It offers guidance on navigating the process of finding employment, emphasizing the importance of reputable agencies and safe dock-walking practices, as well as outlining individual rights and pre-embarkation checks. The resource also provides advice on maintaining personal safety while on board and offers resources for handling incidents, along with a list of organizations that offer support to crew members.
Georgia Allen, ISWAN’s Projects and Relationships Manager, expressed pride in the publication of this resource, highlighting its collaborative nature and its potential to effect positive change within the industry. A representative from Nautilus International echoed this sentiment, emphasizing their commitment to upholding crew welfare standards in the superyacht industry.
“Personal Safety Precautions for Job-Seeking Yacht Crew” is available for free download on the ISWAN and Yacht Crew Help websites, as well as through the ISWAN for Seafarers app. Crew members in need of support or someone to talk to can access Yacht Crew Help at any time, as the helpline operates 24/7/365.