Ensuring maritime safety is crucial, especially for female crew members, encompassing both professional and leisure sailors. The creation of this article is driven by a noticeable increase in reports to the ISWAN Yacht Crew Helpline, detailing severe safety concerns. These include bullying, harassment, and sexual assault incidents on board yachts. A considerable number of these reports come from crew members who found their jobs via unregulated platforms, such as social media and specific crewing websites like Crewbay, many of whom are part of the so-called ‘nautical hitchhiker’ community. In 2022, nearly 25% of yacht crew members seeking mental health support also disclosed experiencing abuse. These findings underscore the urgency of addressing these critical issues, particularly for young enthusiasts whose seafaring dreams may become distressing realities.
In this article, I have endeavored to highlight basic guidelines to empower female crew members in identifying and mitigating potential hazards. Life at sea can indeed be safe! Here are some key precautions for female crew members, as outlined by the Sailing Safely Woman Group:
- The Golden Rule: Never embark alone with a captain you don’t know well. Always check if they’re on the blacklist beforehand.
- Beware of Deception: Some captains deceive by promising additional crew but intend to sail with only lone female crew members.
- Cautious of Crewing Websites: Be wary of platforms like Crewbay and Findacrew, which have hosted convicted felons and foster unsafe environments.
- Reject Lone Novice Crew Requests: Exercise caution with captains seeking only novice female crew, as it may signal ulterior motives.
- Establish Clear Expectations: Ensure clarity on duties, costs, and boundaries before embarking.
- Utilize Video Chat: Prioritize video calls to assess the captain’s authenticity and suitability.
- Verify Credentials: Request passport and sailing qualifications and conduct thorough online searches for safety.
- Seek References: Connect with previous female crew members for insights into the captain’s behavior.
- Meet in Person Before Departure: Spend time together to gauge compatibility and safety.
- Arrange a Day Sail: Assess the boat’s condition and compatibility during a trial sail before committing to longer journeys.
- Inform Trusted Individuals: Share sailing plans and captain’s details with trusted contacts for safety.
- Alert to Nudity Discussions: Be cautious of captains creating environments of sexual ambiguity through nudity discussions.
- Clarify Marital Intentions: Set boundaries regarding relationships onboard and respond decisively to any breaches.
- Distinguish Crewing from Dating: Avoid romantic entanglements through crewing platforms to prioritize safety.
- Mindful of Alcohol Consumption: Refrain from excessive drinking, as it can compromise judgment and safety.
- Inspect Living Quarters: Request videos of the boat’s interior to ensure cleanliness and safety standards.
- Note Emergency Contacts: Keep local police and coastguard numbers accessible in case of emergencies.
- Refuse Expensive Requests: Decline requests to bring expensive items, which may signal financial exploitation.
- Negotiate Fair Agreements: Secure written agreements regarding financial support if disembarked unexpectedly.
- Connect with Local Networks: Establish connections with safe individuals in sailing areas for additional support.
- Report Unsafe Practices: Report problematic experiences to platform administrators and consider legal action if necessary.
- Equip with Communication Devices: Invest in communication devices like Garmin inReach for emergency contact.
- Prepare for Self-Defense: Carry self-defense items and be prepared to document any unsafe situations.
- Recognize Warning Signs: Be wary of red flags like inappropriate requests or vague sailing plans.
- Verify Authenticity: Scrutinize social media profiles for authenticity and request sailing-related photos.
Always ask questions and seek transparency before committing to a new boat or position. If met with hostility or vague answers, it may not be the right fit. Trust your instincts; if something feels off, you have the power to walk away. Don’t feel pressured or intimidated; there are plenty of opportunities in the yachting industry. Scammers and predators exploit inexperience, so stay cautious!
In conclusion, I’m providing a link to a detailed PDF guide created by the International Seafarers’ Welfare and Assistance Network (ISWAN) in collaboration with many organizations (Nautilus International, Bond TM, MHG Insurance, Safer Waves, Sailing Safely for Women (SSW), Salute Her, Wilsonhalligan, and Yachts Mermaids), titled “Personal Safety Precautions for Job-Seeking Yacht Crew.”
Additionally, for any questions, feel free to contact us at info@thelunasailing.com, and we are willing to provide further guidance! At Luna, we prioritize these safety measures, ensuring that our sailors stay safe and secure.
Dear girls, take care and sail safely! Wishing you a pleasant voyage!