Sustainability via the Heads of Superyacht Departments
Gemma Harris is back for Sustainability Musings; the step-by-step series. Today, we focus on the Heads of Department
This month’s step-by-step focuses on the management of sustainability, via the Heads of Departments (HOD’s). There is still a gap between those making sustainable changes onboard and those who don’t. This is where the HOD’s come in.
There is a lot to juggle when running a department. From making sure everything runs smoothly, to managing individuals. Therefore, when it comes to ensuring you are also making sustainable decisions, these can sometimes get left behind. Moreover, the culture of sustainability onboard can be preached more than it is practiced. Recognising this and integrating sustainability into management can have a positive effect when making changes onboard.
This step by step helps break down ways in which we can achieve sustainability via the Heads of Departments:
Knowing how to create sustainable changes is one of the many barriers to improving. It is hard to integrate things when are you aren’t sure what you need to do. One thing you can do without any external help is to raise awareness of sustainability within your department. Subsequently, opening up the conversation on changing things onboard. Integrate sustainability into your weekly meetings and discussions. As a HOD you are the representative for your department so why not join the SEA club as an ambassador? Show your commitment to running a more sustainable yacht as a result.
Moreover, other things you can do to improve knowledge include:
Educate and train your crew on sustainability initiatives onboard you are aware of
Include these initiatives in departmental handbooks and handover notes
Lastly, look into external training, contact Seastainable for more information
Mindset
You can’t solve problems with the same thinking you used to create them
What mindset do you foster as a HOD? Are you thinking about sustainability enough as an individual? Do you practice what you preach? These are things to think about before trying to change anything onboard, you need to have the correct mindset to make change happen. A sustainable mindset is a set of beliefs, attitudes, and expectations about the world. It leads us to take actions using resources carefully, mindfully, and concerning social justice.
Certainly, when thinking about the mindset it is important to understand sustainability within its three-dimensional concept:
Economic. Recognise the need for a more circular economy within the industry. And, a regenerative system to eliminate waste and continual use of resources.
Social. Understand the quality of relationships onboard between the crew. As well as the importance of crew wellness and recognise the reasons for crew retention and turnover. A socially efficient yacht enhances its social capital, the crew.
Environment. Recognise how the yacht procures, uses, and disposes of materials, energy, and resources. An environmentally effective yacht operates to minimise resource use and pollution.
Action
Make changes today
Remember that being sustainable is a long game. Therefore, when establishing changes onboard, do so with a long-term perspective. When making the changes, make them SMART (specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, time frame) goals. As a HOD, allow all of your crew to get involved. It’s good for them to contribute ideas of things you can change and make those changes easy, to begin with.
Leadership is about getting people to go where they wouldn’t have gone on their own. In terms of making actionable changes onboard here’s what you should do:
Identify areas you want to change
Discuss and establish the sustainable values and standards for your department
Plan to commit and engage in sustainable decision making
Execute the changes onboard
Finally, maintain thorough tracking and record the changes you make. This will allow you to make more sustainable goals and initiatives in the future
As Al Gore once quoted, there is a “growing need for leaders who take us far, fast.”
This month’s step by step focuses on sustainability within the superyacht deck department. The deck department can play a huge role in helping the sustainability of a yacht. From simple changes such as environmentally friendly boat soap. Through to more complex issues such as the sustainability of the teak. I have put together a few ideas below to get the deck team started on their journey to sustainability.
The deck department is well versed in keeping the outside of the yacht looking pristine. But, when it comes to cleaning and maintenance there are a few changes that can be made to improve the sustainability of the yacht.
Switch the boat soap for an environmentally friendly brand
Use reusable rags for polishing
Be mindful and conscious of water usage
If you need to replace water hoses, replace them with sustainable alternatives
Keep a well-documented maintenance rota for everything on the deck to reduce repairs and having to replace things
It can be hard to change guest preferences. However, there are a few things you can do when guests are onboard to help the sustainability of certain decisions.
When anchoring, be mindful of the seabed and watch out for seagrass and coral in particular
Try to encourage the use of more sustainable water activities such as snorkelling and paddle boarding over jet skiing and hoverboards – or even look into electric and hydro-powered water sports toys
When getting beach bags together, liaise with the interior department about sourcing reusable water bottles, sustainable towels and ocean-friendly sun cream
Source sustainable brands for rash vests and sunglasses for both guest and crew usage
Depending on whether the yacht is in the build process, having an extensive refit or just a yard period there are a few factors you can change when it comes to sustainability.
Ensure that the new or replaced teak is from a sustainable source
Source sustainable docking lines, made from sustainable materials
Replace the toxic antifouling process with sustainable alternatives, also keep on top of hull cleaning as often as possible
Switch out toxic paints and varnishes for non-toxic and more sustainable where possible
Liaise with the Captain and do your research on where you are going, there are a lot of great initiatives from yards implementing more sustainable practices.
There are lots of things you can do on deck to help improve sustainability onboard. But also be aware that you can continue your sustainability efforts back inside the yacht. For example, be mindful of the recycling practices. Turn things off when not in use e.g. lights and water. And, try to help the chef by limiting food waste are just a few ideas.
Sustainability onboard is about more than just reducing single-use plastic. It is about all the practices and processes that are carried out. If you begin to notice things the yacht can improve on, bring it up with the rest of the crew and draw up an action plan to change things. The power of the crew to make changes is huge and will drive our industry forward.
Hopefully these tips can help you bring more sustainability within the superyacht deck department!
Remember- there can be a more sustainable way to do pretty much everything. Be sure to integrate some of these deck ideas within your team today, for more information on any of the ideas above or any further questions, get in touch with Seastainable.
And for more of the latest industry news and content, click here.
12 Ways To Be More Sustainable This Christmas
It is no surprise that the awareness surrounding Superyachts and sustainability is ever increasing. To make a dent in our footprint, we need to try to have the most sustainable Christmas possible. This means starting with the small efforts we can make on board, small changes add up to the big impacts.
With the holiday season upon us once again – where did 2022 go?! – this is the perfect time to think about things you can do to reduce your impact. At Christmas, rules can go out the window. It’s a time where the potential for excess waste is high- overindulging, overconsumption and mass shopping are rife. So, here are the 12 ways that you can have a more sustainable Christmas.
Have a plan when it comes to your food shopping, have menu plans and comprehensive lists so you don’t overbuy. As a chef make sure you discuss the crew festive preferences. If you do have leftovers, which tend to be inevitable around Christmas – use or freeze them.
Ditch the unnatural, glittery and plastic decorations this year. Starting with the Christmas tree, it is a great idea to re-purpose a tree or plant that you may already have onboard. When it comes to the decorations, have a crew evening of making handmade decorations from natural things around you, get creative if you are in the Caribbean – why not use what you have and put a tropical twist on the decorations.
One part of Christmas is about the giving and receiving of gifts, you can still do this but there are many ways you can make it better for our planet. Make sure you research what you are buying; buy second-hand, ethical, local and sustainable gifts. Another idea is to buy non-physical gifts, arrange a day out that you can enjoy for your loved one instead. You can also introduce the concept of buying less, instead of buying for the 10 other crew members, do an onboard Secret Santa!
When you do buy physical gifts, make sure you have a sustainable way of wrapping them. There are lots of sustainable wrapping paper and tape out there now or even switch to using fabric you already have.
Thousands of trees are cut down each year for Christmas card production, make sure you buy a sustainable and recyclable card, send an e-card or even better simply pick up the phone for your Christmas wishes.
When it comes to Christmas, sometimes the sentiment of giving and receiving can get lost in overconsumption, instead of buying and consuming give the gift or your time. There are various initiatives around the festive period within communities to help out those in need, if you have extra holiday days why not do some volunteering. If you don’t have the time but do have some spare cash, why not give it to a charity that is close to your heart.
The increase in the amount of packaging around the Christmas period is scary, from both food and gifts. In the UK alone, 125,000 tonnes of plastic packaging will be generated during the festive period. Be mindful of what you are purchasing and what it comes in. When it comes to single-use plastic, look for reusable and sustainable alternatives.
Christmas isn’t just about one day, usually, the whole festive period can be somewhat unsustainable. If you are throwing a Christmas party this year be as sustainable as you can. Replace disposable cutlery and glasses with non-disposable, source local and seasonal food, look into buying sustainable alcohol and make your decorations.
The festive period can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially if you aren’t at home with your own family. Be sure to take some time out for yourself, connecting with nature is a great way to do this whether you go for a quick dip or a long walk, get outside and notice what’s important away from the hustle and bustle of Christmas.
From enjoying a Christmas party, walking around a Christmas market, going out for a Christmas dinner to simply chilling out in your new Christmas jumper, there are various events in the festive period where you may be tempted to buy more outfits. Be aware that fast fashion is a huge issue when it comes to sustainability, think twice before you buy, donate unwanted outfits and buy from sustainable and ethical brands.
If you can travel home this Christmas from the yacht then look at off-setting your travel home. If you can, try and make all journey’s more sustainable, for example, choose the train over flying.
We hope you have a merry and sustainable Christmas!
Be sure to enjoy any time off you may have this festive period and remember what’s important this Christmas. These 12 ways should help you have a more positive impact on the festive period.
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Yacht Crew’s Guide to Sustainability within the Superyacht Interior Department
There is no ‘one size fits all’ approach with anything and that is particularly true when it comes to yacht crew sustainability and making sustainable changes onboard. All yachts have different demands, different barriers, and different departments. So, as a development from my sustainable musings, I will write up a step-by-step crew sustainability series for each department onboard. Because, well, sometimes an actionable ‘to-do’ list is what it takes to get the job (and make the change) done.
We’re shifting our focus to sustainability within the superyacht interior department. When it comes to the interior of a superyacht, things can differ hugely between vessels, there is so much scope with various materials, products, ornaments, care guidelines that all need to be cared for and maintained.
With that in mind, I have created some general interior sustainable steps that you can begin to carry out throughout the yacht.
Housekeeping
Photo by Karolina Grabowska
Use eco-friendly cleaning products.
Where possible, buy large refills for dispensers rather than lots of small bottles.
Use microfiber cloths rather than cleaning wipes and disposable cleaning paper.
Replace any single-use plastic you can within the crew mess
Change crew mindset for the better, highlight things you can easily change. For example, energy consumption – simply turning off lights that aren’t in use.
Introduce the topic of sustainability in weekly/monthly meetings, appoint a sustainability advocate within your crew to oversee this
Do regular waste audits onboard and highlight any waste issues
Highlight the importance of reducing food waste when it comes to leftovers and stock rotation within the crew mess
Research and use responsible suppliers for the interior e.g. sustainable uniform
Billions of actions and decisions got us where we are now. Therefore, it will need billions of small actions and decisions to overturn these unsustainable ones into sustainable. So what are you waiting for?! Make sure your interior department is making sustainable steps today.
For more of the latest iSuperyacht news, click here.
Top 10 Ways Superyacht Chefs Can Be More Sustainable Onboard
The statistics for global food waste are eye-watering. Tonnes (around 1.3 billion a year) of edible food goes to waste daily – but how? Food is the only waste we can actually eat!
Whether you are docked nearby to a supermarket or stocking up for long crossings. As yacht crew, you are also contributing to this problem. And unfortunately, usually more than the average household. You only have to glance out at the dock at 5 pm to see how many bin bags are being carried through the marina- to the (hopefully) relevant bins to recognise how much waste superyachts create.
When it comes to food waste, there are many easy hacks within our control to help waste a little less and become more sustainable in the galley. So chefs, listen up – this is your time to shine that sustainability torch because we are giving you: the top 10 ways Superyacht Chefs can be more sustainable onboard!
1. Planning is Key
As with everything in life, planning helps. And, when it comes to the galley it helps a lot. You need to have a plan for the week when it comes to provisioning and menus. That way you will know what you need to buy and what needs using up first. Planning menus which rotate stock well is also important. For example, if you won’t be able to get to a shop for a few days obviously those bags of salad need to be used before the butternut squashes.
2. Recycling isn’t Just for the Crew Mess
It sounds like an easy one. But, if the galley isn’t next to or nearby the crew mess where the recycling bins are, then sometimes the rest of the boat can forget. Especially when it comes to the galley. Think about all those jars, cardboard packaging and (unfortunately) plastic packaging which can and should be recycled. If you struggle with space in the galley, create a small box where you can gather things up. Then you can drop them off at the main bins throughout the day.
3. Inventive Leftovers
No one likes ‘leftover’ day. Sometimes, if chefs serve up leftovers this can cause some tension. Other crew may question ‘what else were they doing?’ and no, the galley doesn’t have self-cleaning surfaces and equipment! Leftovers can be easily hidden and reinvented. It’s a great way to unleash your chef creativity. For example, throw an egg and some soy sauce in that leftover veggie couscous from lunch, and you have some Asian fried rice hidden amongst tomorrow nights Asian buffet.
4. Get Personal
Crew can be complicated creatures, creatures of habit and creatures of constant change. So, knowing what they like and dislike can be difficult to grasp. And let’s not even start on the guests… So as you would for guests, make a crew preference sheet and get everyone to fill it out or even do it the old fashion way and talk to everyone! Get to know preferences and that all-important spice level. Then, plan accordingly. Within a busy period, chefs tend to grab and go but try to sit down at least a few times a week with everyone to gauge what people like. And, it’s also useful for a portion size guide.
5. Respect The Seasons
Choose local and seasonal where you can. Not only will it taste better but it is better for the yachts carbon footprint. It will also foster easy variety within your menus. Although yachts don’t tend to have the easiest of growing environments, why not try out a herb windowsill in the galley or mess. This is one of the core ways superyacht chefs can be more sustainable!
A mentioned food is the waste category that can be eaten. Whilst it is tough to have a completely empty galley bin, why not try out some of these ideas:
Add fruit peels to drinking water
Make smoothies from bruised or ‘on the turn’ fruit or chop them up and freeze
Make juices from excess vegetables
Save up the ‘wastage’ from prep to make stocks and freeze
Freeze anything that won’t or can’t be used in time
Green cleaning isn’t only for the interior. When stocking your cleaning cupboard in the galley ensure that you have minimal and eco-friendly products. There are so many great products out there now – plus the faithful alcohol and vinegar. As for other products, go as green as you can – say goodbye to cling film and replace it with beeswax paper and stasher bags to maximise freshness and utilise existing storage containers for things.
This doesn’t mean a drastic move to turn all the crew vegan, but it doesn’t hurt to focus on the vegetables. There is so much creativity out there now surrounding plant-based food. From reliable informative sources to media frenzies and fake news- there is a lot of content at the moment about what is truly sustainable when it comes to our diets. It is hard to know what is right but moving towards reducing meat in our diets, sourcing sustainable seafood and focussing on plant-based should give you a good sustainable start. Have a read of Superyacht Content’s article, Plant-Based Chefs you need to be following for recipe inspiration.
Whether or not you are in a marina, making food last longer is easily more sustainable. There are so many easy ways to increase the longevity of food. For example- pickling, fermenting, correct storage and temperature control of fridge and freezers. If you still find you have an excess in something then look outside, toward the local community and give to food banks where you can.
When using provisioning companies and agents, ask questions. Check to see where they are sourcing their products, look for ingredient certification and ensure the packaging isn’t just plastic upon plastic. There are a lot of companies out there now highlighting their sustainability efforts so ask them what it is that they are doing.
To keep up to date with the latest Superyacht Content News, click here.
The Mediterranean season is near, and for crew preparing for a busy season, we’re talking about the top 5 things that will help us keep sane this Med season.
Now more than ever it is important that as a crew we are looking after ourselves and each other, both physically and mentally during a busy Med season. Whether it be demanding guest requests, constantly changing itineraries, or provisioning nightmares, things easily build up, so here are the top 5 ways that will hopefully help prevent that seasonal burnout and keep us sane.
1. Keep Well
Whilst this is just as important when out of season, keeping well is even more so when you’re under increased pressure and stress. First, it is important to incorporate mindful movement into your day, whether a 20-minute stroll off the boat, a 40-minute HIIT workout, or even a 5-minute cabin stretch – this one is especially for the stews that are already getting in their 20,000 steps.
Nutrition is also key, especially when you’re busy as this can easily fall by the wayside and push you into the sugary energy drinks fridge and snack baskets. Fuelling your body with the good stuff will help you out big time with energy levels, although it can be hard when tiredness reaches a peak your body and mind will thank you.
The other magic bullet that your body will truly thank you for is quality sleep, it’s tough to get enough in on a trip but try your best and take every opportunity you can to rest. Although busy, you will have breaks, make the most of those, and spend them exactly how your body is asking you to.
@amelia80 Shooting hoops to keep well during her downtime
2. Re-connect
How many times have you scrolled through your WhatsApp messages whilst you are taking a quick break, thinking you must reply to them but either don’t have the time or mental capacity to do so. Connecting with those relationships off the boat is important and can help you switch off from the stresses onboard, it’s always good to speak to someone outside of your environment to gain a perspective that there is still life going on outside of your turndowns, wash downs and laundry loads.
As well as other people, it is important to check in with yourself. Take a few extra minutes each morning and evening to see how you are feeling and do your best to listen to that.
3. Plan & Priorities
Just because some guests may think that your life stops onboard, it doesn’t. There are things that you may have going on outside of the boat that will need your attention and a busy season shouldn’t hinder that.
First, planning is key. If you know you are going to be busier in certain weeks, get your life admin to-do list for that week done before. With onboard life, the best strategy is planning and prioritising. Evaluate daily what needs to be done and everything else that you achieve is then a bonus.
4. Look ahead
Yes, you may be held under mountains of laundry, continually setting your early alarm for wash downs, booking the next marina or juicing your 10,000th carrot, planning something to look forward to after this busy period is important as it can keep your focus in the tough moments.
Whether that be spending time somewhere with your significant other, having a fun break with friends or going completely off-grid and taking some ‘you’ time, whatever it may be make sure you have it planned and at the front of your mind when this busy season gets on top of you.
5. Share the load
The days may creep into 18-hour long ones but at least you aren’t enduring them alone, your crew are there to help and an excellent team can make those hours fly by. From helping you with the task at hand to simply making you laugh whilst you drink your morning coffee, having other crew members there is a blessing. Being kind to yourself and each other will ease the pressure of a busy season.
@ciarathekiwi – There is nothing quite like a strong crew to get you though a summer Med Season
To all the Med based crew out there, listen to the above top tip and good luck for the rest of the season! Stay Sane! You got this!
Superyacht Sustainability and the myths that surround it in the yachting industry
In the wake of this year’s World Oceans Day, it was refreshing to see so many industry players highlighting the overdue need to protect our oceans and, our industry. But, is enough being done about Superyacht sustainability?
With the Med season kicking off, I do worry that sustainability may get left at the winter berth. It is the common case of getting too busy, general to-do lists getting pushed behind important guest requests, and crew tiredness reaching a peak. So, where does that leave sustainability?
This got me thinking about that common misconception that sustainability measures “take up more time”. So, this month let’s discuss the many myths and misconceptions of sustainability onboard.
Debunking the most common superyacht sustainability myths onboard
Myth: It will cost the yacht more money.
Truth: A lot of yacht crew feel that sustainability will skew their budgets. It may feel more expensive to start with, but fundamentally sustainability is about investing in more stable and high-quality systems. It is about slowing down purchasing, buying less, and reducing overconsumption. For example, if the yacht must purchase a filtration system to eradicate plastic bottles. Think about this one-off payment versus the hundreds of shopping trips or orders to agents you make for water bottles. Put simply, sustainability pays itself off in the long run.
Ethical Yacht Wear – Ocean Bottle
Myth: Sustainability is only about the environment.
Truth: When you think about sustainability pertaining to simply just the environment you can lose sight of the bigger picture. It is a three-dimensional concept that also considers the social and economic impacts. Check out part 3 of these musings which discuss the social impacts when it comes to a sustainable yachting industry.
Myth: It takes too much time to be sustainable.
Truth: If we are honest, convenience is a yacht crews’ best friend. If it is quick, easy, and gets the job done then it’s a winner! Sustainability doesn’t have to take up more of your time. It may take extra time in the beginning to alter mindsets and process changes. Bu, your new sustainable methods will eventually integrate into the yacht’s routine, soon becoming the new normal, just like any other changes made on board.
Truth: Incorporating sustainability onto a yacht does not mean reducing the standard of living, it is about future-proofing the yacht and the industry to ensure it doesn’t compromise future generations’ use. It is not about depriving the yacht of anything it needs. It is about using what you have on board already and being mindful of the new things you purchase.
Myth: All the crew must go vegan
Truth: When it comes to the future of our planet and oceans there has been a lot of focus on the way we grow and consume food. There are a variety of diets out there that are claiming to be “the best for the future”. Whilst evident that a more plant-based diet will lessen your environmental impact. That doesn’t mean the crew has to sacrifice their Friday night BBQ burgers. Reducing meat consumption is important so, keep the burgers but introduce meat-free days. Crew preferences and ever-changing diets are a tough one to navigate onboard, especially with the influence of certain Netflix documentaries. If going plant-based will cause too much contention, the best thing crew can do is reduce the yachts’ food waste. There are so many ways to reduce food waste and no amount of food should be taking up bin space.
Netflix Film – Game Changers
Myth: Biodegradable & compostable solutions are great alternatives.
Truth: When we all became very aware of the plastic problem we have on a global level, there was a huge push to reduce one’s plastic consumption, especially single-use, with those solutions came ‘biodegradable’ and ‘compostable.’ The issue here is that they come with their own problems and can sometimes land up in landfill anyway, for example, it may mean that they only degrade under special conditions which in turn complicates the recycling of them. The best thing to eliminate single-use plastic onboard is simply with reusable products.
Myth: One yacht prioritising superyacht sustainability can’t make a difference.
Truth: Most people within the industry may think that their actions do not impact the industry. Firstly, let’s think about that popular quote, “it’s just one straw – said 8 billion people.” Like it or not, each yacht and every crew member have an impact. There is a lot of crew that believe that the changes they are making are too small to make a dent in our problem but that is what got us here! Billions of unsustainable actions and decisions got us to where we are today, so what better than billions of sustainable actions and decisions getting us out of it?
Myth: Change can only come from legislation.
Truth: Whilst this intervention is crucial in making change compulsory for superyachts – why should we wait? We should make change through our choice rather than force. We can want to make the industry a better place without having to drown under a mountain of more paperwork and jobs lists.
The Long Game
Whilst I may have answered a few general arguments here when it comes to sustainability on board, ultimately it is a huge all-encompassing topic and there is always more to learn.
You cannot label a yacht ‘sustainable’ until a life cycle of every practice and product has been analysed. Even then, processes and technology are constantly evolving. To get to the goal of the industry becoming sustainable, there need to be plenty of discussions, thoughts, and changes being made on an ongoing basis.
If you or your crew have a specific question about making sustainable changes onboard but are not sure if you are going the right way about it, get in touch with Seastainable today to discuss more.
To read more of our articles on sustainability click here
Spring has finally sprung in the northern hemisphere and commitment to sustainability is high on the agenda this season. Yards are producing sustainability plans. Yachting organisations launching sustainability programmes. World sailing races encouraging sustainable practices. Builders launching yachts with new technology and crew pledging their efforts. As we emerge into this post-pandemic world, we are seeing this commitment thrive and can only hope this continues. Actions we hope will begin to speak louder than words.
Talking of actions. Seastainable has recently teamed up with Ethical Yacht Wear to launch ‘The S.E.A Club,’ an ambassador program. Bringing together the yachting community on a global scale to put the ocean first. Making positive changes, leaving the industry better than we found it. When it comes to commitment and change, this aspect of a community is so important. As the familiar quote goes, ‘individually we are one drop, together we are an ocean.’
Why sustainability isn’t just about the environment
The commitment to a community and the people of our industry is the cornerstone behind this month’s musings.
It’s no secret that sustainability is a huge encompassing topic. To make our industry more sustainable there is a lot more than the pesky plastic water bottles and the other billions of various environmental impacts we are having, to be considered. When it comes to these environmental impacts, we obviously have a long journey ahead of us in the industry. But we also mustn’t forget sustainability in its entirety. Because, if we don’t look at the whole topic, the industry will simply never be sustainable.
The sustainability of the industry means meeting our own, present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. These needs aren’t just about the natural resources but also the social and economic factors.
The 3 P’s.
Planet, profit and people. This month I want to focus on the people.
The people
The yachting industry is a lot more than the shiny billion-dollar yacht in the marina. One billionaire’s decision to buy a superyacht helps keep so many employed, with the impacts trickling out globally.
It is a huge industry, with a domino effect. From the people who design, build , insure , decorate, supply, and sell them. To the people that work on them, the heart of the industry (bias inserted here), the crew.
We (I hope) already understand that the environment is paramount. Saving our oceans is key. Our jobs depend on it. Our lives depend on it. But, what about the impacts the industry is having on people? When it comes to ‘social sustainability,’ this can be defined as a sustainable, successful place that promotes wellbeing. Through understanding what people need from the places they live and the places they work. For yacht crew, that happens to be the same place, hence the importance of achieving this social sustainability doubles.
A job where you get to travel the world, and earn a healthy salary each month. So what are the downsides? What are the issues facing crew when it comes to developing a sustainable industry? From unpaid wages, health issues, crew conflict, discrimination, harassment, alcohol & drug abuse, contractual issues to issues transitioning out of the industry.
‘But, it’s yachting, you’ll never change it.’ ‘It’s just the way it is.’
These air quotes are wrong. Like, the environmental impacts, if individual crew members do their bit. If yachts adapt and alter processes and products, change will follow.
Equality & Diversity
When it comes to social sustainability. Equality, diversity and inclusion all play a huge role. Equality being the act of fair treatment and opportunity to all crew. Whilst diversity takes into account differences between crew members. From age, ability, gender, race, religion, faith, sexual orientation and placing positive values on these differences.
Unfortunately, it won’t come as a shock to many, that the yachting industry is rife with discrimination. Simply, the need to have a profile photo on a CV is evidence enough.
In recent years the concepts of diversity have been slowly emerging into conversations throughout the industry. Gender is the most visible form of diversity, in a very male-dominated industry, this is clear to see. It was just yesterday I was on a phone call with someone telling me about “when the girls get their cleaning caddies,” an innocent presumption, but discrimination all the same.
There have been global improvements and positive moves towards a more equal and inclusive world. Shown for example through the Sustainable Development Goals.
Goal 5 (gender equality), the yachting industry legislation for this is somewhat lagging behind. Although there are organisations out there making a difference to these issues.
She of the Sea’s aim is to move past the industry’s outdated status quo of the industry and to help pave the way for a more sustainable industry when it comes to onboard cultures. Their diversity and inclusion pledge is bringing together organisations and individuals within the industry to highlight the issues and work together in improving the industry. I also want to mention the work Yachting International Radio are doing with their diversity segment, highlighting the issues and raising awareness throughout the industry.
A Work – Life balance
Quality of life is vital for yacht crew. Their place of work is also their home. There needs to be an inclusive and safe environment for all.
The concept of wellbeing has had a huge glow up in recent years and rightly so. Wellbeing encompasses our physical and mental health and is responsible for how we live our lives.
When it comes to onboard happiness, it is essential there are policies and procedures in place for crew wellbeing. This can mean anything from access to all kinds of healthcare support. Both physical and mental to regular feedback and training programmes to further develop their career.
No ‘I’ in team
Put a group of people together in a confined living environment. Have them work long hours together, throw in spurts of not going onto land to see other people and you have yourself a rather complicated social experiment, or…the life of yacht crew.
Whilst the topic of mental health is huge and diverse and in itself should have its own column, mental health within yachting is even more so. A yachties job onboard comes with a unique set of features which differentiates it somewhat from those ‘normal’ 9-5’s, for example demanding physical and mental working conditions, employment insecurity, long hours sometimes resulting in stress and fatigue whilst living in an environment that appears to be ‘perfect’ and ‘faultless’ at all times. On top of this, obtaining support and assistance whilst onboard can be difficult. Whilst, there is no magic bullet for mental health issues but what is key for the industry’s future is recognising it and building up awareness. We can already see this today from the work of organisations such as ISWAN, Yacht Crew Help and the various mental health awareness courses for crew now available.
Yachts that consider the wellbeing of crew onboard tend to have a lower crew turnover and in turn strengthens the crew, as a team.
Lead the way
Like all issues onboard it is vital to have good management to oversee the policies and procedures that are being put in place. This governance needs to come from a whole host of people from the management company, the Captain through to the HOD’s. Leadership issues can pose a whole host of problems when running a boat.
Both crew recruitment and retention are key for the industry, prioritising crew welfare can see a huge improvement in these two factors. With organisations such as PYA, Safety4Sea, ISWAN and industry leaders in crew welfare, such as The Crew Coach crew welfare is slowly creeping up the agenda.
What next?
Social sustainability isn’t a new issue, this conversation facing the industry hasn’t just started but change still needs to come. Seastainable’s aim is to raise awareness of aspects that stop the industry from developing in the correct way, we want to see a change that will prope
l the industry into a sustainable future. Whilst there are plenty of pledges and promises out there, which is amazing and a great start, our actions also need to start mirroring our words.
Make Yachting Sustainable
No. 2 in our series of Sustainability questions and answers by Gemma @SeastainableYachting
Sustainability Musings;
A new month, a new column. A new (improved) future, perhaps, already?
The last month has seen a splash of positivity, with the world returning slowly to a somewhat new normal. The increasing vaccinations and lockdowns slowly lifting in some areas are providing light at the end of a long tunnel. Now, let’s hope it also brings the urgency of sustainability agendas and plans into practice.
In sustainable yachting news this month, I can’t help but notice the increasing stream of eco-friendly news coming into the limelight. With the IMO roadmap for a 50% reduction in CO2 emissions by 2050, this is hardly surprising. There seems to be a seismic shift towards sustainable builds and if others aren’t working to do the same, they will be left behind. It is great to see various shipyards churning out yachts with a difference, whether that be greener propulsion, eco-friendly antifouling or sustainable interior designs, the design and build process is certainly making waves.
So, how about onboard? We all know that to change existing processes and practices is a lot harder than a blank canvas to work from, but there is still hope. Seastainable’s contact form responses are increasing by the day, with lots of yacht crew coming round to the idea of implementing sustainable changes onboard. Our latest resource is one for the HOD’s, helping them make changes at a departmental level.
The P Word
This month, I want to address that ‘P’ word, our global plastic problem. Whilst I don’t want this to be a regurgitation of scary stats and mind-blowing statistics, I will start by pointing out a few to put it into perspective.
A garbage truck full of plastic is thrown into the ocean every minute, every piece of plastic ever made still exists, 9 million tonnes enter the ocean every year, and finally, this is the one that as an avid scuba diver hits home – there will be more plastic than fish by 2050.
Plastic is literally, everywhere.
Its life continues after its use on our planet, it permeates the soil and ends up in our oceans and ecosystems. It is one of the most pressing environmental issues, the debate surrounding plastic is fast-growing but unfortunately, it hasn’t seemed to have made a dent in the amount produced, used and then discarded.
Whilst speaking to a family friend (of the older generation) recently they pointed out that ‘but quite simply, plastic transformed our world’ – the convenience level is indisputable. So, yes, plastic did transform the modern age, it revolutionised medicine, provided equipment for clean drinking water, it has saved lives through various medical equipment however this convenience factor has unfortunately led to this throwaway culture. And, therein lies the problem, its persistent lifespan, like a bad smell, it never leaves.
So what even is it?
Plastic is simply a common term to describe a wide range of synthetic materials, belonging to the polymer family. All plastics are also oily, which means 90% of virgin plastic are made from oil – not only are we making more of the stuff that never leaves, we are making it from fossil fuel. There isn’t a one size fits all with plastic either, there are various types, 7 to be precise.
If it isn’t bad enough that it’s mounting up, it is also spilling into our oceans at a horrifying rate. The harm to marine life is unfathomable, impacting through choking, starving and poisoning. Most of the plastic pollution is in our oceans, making it near on impossible to retrieve it. Not only does it stay forever, but it also breaks down into tiny pieces, producing microplastics. The worlds seafloor is filled with over 14 million tones of microplastics. These can be found in drinking water and throughout our food chain, and in today’s Covid world, around 80% of hand sanitisers actually contain microplastics.
But we can just recycle our way out of it right?
Wrong. Every year more than 400 million tones of plastic waste is produced globally, whilst that is pretty scary in itself, scarier is the fact that only 9% of it is recycled. Quite simply, plastic is hard to recycle and not all of it is even recyclable. Every time is plastic is recycled the polymer chain grows shorter, decreasing its quality. Recycling has become something of a minefield, and would call for another column or perhaps even a whole website about what you can recycle in one country versus another. A simple global unified recycling system would be a yachties dream but unfortunately, we still dream.
What about the alternatives?
Biodegradable and compostable plastics are expected to break down in 6 months, which sounds a lot better than nothing however some of these plastics need industrial composting, meaning exposure to extremely high temperatures. Therefore these alternatives are unable to breakdown naturally if found in the ocean. A lot of biodegradable plastics cannot actually be recycled due to the additives they contain. These biodegradable plastics produce methane when left to decompose in landfills, and methane actually traps more heat than CO2, worsening the climate change effects.
Whilst there are some plastics that are recyclable and therefore do not end up in landfill, the best solution is to prevent plastic from even entering our lives at all. Easier said than done.
But, as David Attenborough says ‘we have a responsibility, every one of us,’
So what can you do onboard to help?
First and foremost, do a plastic audit onboard. It is effective and provides you with valuable information on how you can cut back. Collecting onboard plastic waste for a week really helps you understand where your plastic usage is coming from and then you can start to cut out the easy to replace items. Secondly, you should always be following the ‘Refuse, Reduce, Reuse and Refill’ concepts, once you have exhausted these options, then opt for recycling correctly.
You can also…
Reduce your single use; think reusable water bottles, reusable cutlery, reusable coffee cups etc
When reusables aren’t an option, choose materials that can be recycled (card, paper, aluminium, glass)
Take part in beach clean ups, this stark awareness of how much plastic washes up on the shore will help you and your crew in your quest for change
Opt for large refillable & recyclable plastic products for cleaning & toiletries. Or even, opt for sustainable, non-plastic choices.
Seek out plastic free packaging suppliers, speak to the provisioning companies and suppliers you use and call them out on the amount of non recyclable materials they are using
Spread the word to others about plastic, be an advocate for change
Look at your laundry practices; microplastics come off our clothes when washing and end up in the ocean
Take reusable shopping and produce bags with you to the supermarket
So, please, do something today, right now, that will curb your reliance on plastic.
The future of travel
From plastic to tin cans, the large ones with windows allowing us to move between continents in hours…
With some travel opening up, or indeed with a promise for the near future, I wonder about the long term impact of Covid on people’s attitudes to their travel habits.
The responsible recovery of the tourism and travel industries is paramount for a sustainable future. This recovery period will give operators and clients to think about their impact. Just recently, Air New Zealand’s chief environmental advisor has suggested an increase in flight costs as their new, post-Covid approach, as well as a departure tax to offset the environmental cost of flying. Albeit controversial, is this what it will take to cover the environmental costs that are already sky-high (excuse the pun)
How will this sustainable travel movement impact crew? Perhaps carbon offsetting will become ingrained into crew repatriation, maybe even a slower route home? Or more importantly, will we now think more before we pop somewhere on that 4-hour weekend flight?
Thank you for reading. Let me know your thoughts on the points raised this month and if you would like any additional information, drop me an email
If you missed the last article you can find it here.
Sustainability in yachting
[avatar user=”Gemma” /]
Sustainability Musings by Gemma, @SeastainableYachting
The world is a complex, interconnected place and it is in a constant flux of change. It is also changing at a terrifying rate. From global warming, deforestation, water security, pollution, waste, biodiversity loss, ocean acidification, soil erosion to dwindling resources –sorry, were you reading this for good news?
The last few years have felt like these issues have gone from being ‘some day’ to something that we are now seeing the impacts of every single day. They are so big and complex, I find myself thinking surely someone has got to fix it from the top? How can, I, little old me, be expected to change anything?
I imagine that is how you also feel? But amongst this pending doom is something we should all cling to – hope. Hope that we can turn it around.
It’s true, we can turn it around. Times are changing, sure, maybe too slowly, but change is happening. Even in the process of typing this, there are new eco-friendly products in development, shipyards breaking through sustainable. Technical advances and even crew buying their last pack of plastic water bottles. Whilst I certainly don’t have the answers to fix the whole industry, what I do have is lots of ideas that will make a difference to our industry.
There are changes you can make without political agendas and without big businesses having to dig deep to find their conscience. I have actionable changes, just for you…
Introducing Seastainable Yachting
The industry is built upon a passion for the ocean, a drive to constantly improve and a commitment to please and offer the best to our clients. So, why on earth would we not want to protect its future?
Sustainability needs to be on the top of every agenda. Enter Seastainable Yachting. This purpose driven platform was founded by me back in 2019, for more information check out this interview. I have started this monthly column as a way of opening up the sustainability conversation even more.
Make a change
Making sustainable changes onboard can be overwhelming. Wondering if it really does make a difference? It does. I want you to use those feelings to fuel some active hope. Sitting and waiting isn’t the solution to any problem. Doing something feels better than doing nothing, every time. Seastainable is about doing. Changing some of the things we do, we buy, changing the way we, as crew, run Superyachts.
But changing habits is hard work. Ask anyone that has tried to loose a few pounds or tried to stick to a new fitness regime. But also ask them how they succeeded – in small acts everyday. Making small changes builds into bigger shifts in social behaviour. Look at how quickly we all ditched plastic straws or stopped travelling in lockdown.
Small acts multiplied by millions will transform the world (and, more importantly, our industry) So, read on for my top tips to make changes today.
Top tips for making changes
Get motivated:
Find your ‘why?’, why you actually want to make changes? Why you want your boat to be run more sustainably – if my introduction wasn’t scary enough, please contact me for more information on why you should be wanting to make changes!
Quick & easy does it:
No-one will continue with anything if it isn’t easy to start with. Look at what can be changed easily without too much upheaval and start with that.
Don’t run before you can walk:
Similar to picking easy tasks. Start with one – do not go out with the mindset to change everything. When you put your sustainability goggles on believe me you will see everything differently and want to change everything there and then but you have to start with a means to continue.
One step at a time:
Yes being a ‘zero waste’ yacht would be amazing but, completely overwhelming. Imagine where you are at now and where ‘zero’ would be – I know without even setting foot onboard your yacht that’s too much. So break it down into manageable milestones.
Progress not perfection:
Quite simply, all progress is progress. Don’t beat yourself up about making it perfect, yet.
Be realistic:
You work onboard a yacht with a unique set of circumstances, things change. Sustainability is such a huge topic, pick specific goals you want to happen onboard first.
Write it down:
Accountability goes a long, long way. Display your changes and goals visually in the crew mess for everyone to see. I have some simple but effective downloadable infographics.
Don’t do it alone:
You have a team onboard for a reason, this is a whole crew activity, involve everyone in your proposed changes. You also have Seastainable, I founded the platform to help others make changes, get in touch.
Set deadlines:
Don’t procrastinate. Set timelines on when you want things to happen, e.g. by the time we leave the yard we will be doing X instead of Y.
Accept mistakes:
Forgetting your reusable shopping bags doesn’t make you a failure – think about what went wrong and why and give yourself a better chance next time.
What does our new future look like?
Lastly, I want to end these columns looking out into the future and the wider world, bringing these thoughts back into our industry.
Since the Covid pandemic this phrase of ‘new normal’ is being thrown around a lot. How should the world make its comeback? Should we go back to the way things were? Have we realised we can change certain things in our lives that really weren’t working out too well anyway?
What does our industry need to do for our ‘new normal’?
We need to clean up; clean up our workplace, the oceans
We need to expand better; using the framework of circular economy
We need to create a better industry; a fairer, equal, more diverse one
We need to collaborate more; noone can prosper alone to solve these issues
We need to embrace positive change; and to implement these changes throughout the industry
Thank you for reading, for additional information and resources please drop me an email or check out the website.
Yacht Crew Job Roles
The Who’s Who Of Yachting
Superyachts come in all shapes and sizes and with those come different yacht crew job roles. Whilst some smaller yachts out there operate with just a Captain and partner, at the other end of the spectrum are yachts that operate with in excess of 30 crew. Yacht crew are the cogs that keep the yacht moving, in every aspect. From safety and logistics to systems maintenance, cooking, cleaning, hospitality service, and guest experience.
Whether a yacht is private or charter, motor or sail, the crew ensures the yacht is run to both the safest and highest luxury standards. Whilst smaller yachts may not have all of the roles detailed below, the requirements often remain the same and responsibilities will overlap. A yacht’s crew can comprise full-time crew members, rotational crew, seasonal crew, and even day workers to fulfill the below roles:
The Captain (The boss…)
The Captain has legal and ultimate responsibility for the yacht. A captain’s primary duty is to ensure the overall safe manning, movement, and operation of the yacht. They must have overall knowledge of the operations within each department and ensure the whole crew works well as a team. The Captain is usually the central contact point between the owner, guests and crew, as well as any yacht management company. The Captain’s decision is final.
“Being a yacht Captain is about ensuring you are totally immersed in the overview of everything concerning the vessel, including but not limited to the owner’s wishes, the motivation and well-being of the crew, and streamlining the program to be as efficient as possible. It’s a constant challenge with ever-shifting components. Despite the huge commitment you need to have, how much time and how much work it requires, there are many rewards coming in many different forms. For me, it’s during guest operations, when you can take a step back, and watch the trained team in action, good crew energised in a good state of mind, delivering next-level service for seriously impressed guests. When you can see the guests truly taken aback, and you know the crew have absolutely nailed it, it’s what you’re here for and it makes you proud to be their Captain.” – Captain Charlie Rowlands, @MYAxioma
Video by Jared Watney
“Running a superyacht is fun, stressful, and the ultimate challenge. Dealing not only with the owners or charter guests and their needs but with Agents, Ports, and suppliers to arrange for everything to align smoothly is the ultimate task.” – Captain Sean Victor, @YachtBina
Chief Officer/First Mate (The Captain’s right hand…)
The specific duties will vary dependent on a yacht’s size and other crew roles aboard. In general, the Chief Officer is responsible for the safe manning of the yacht as well as passage and planning to assist the Captain. The Chief Officer will oversee crew operations and maintenance schedules. They also must have the knowledge, skill, and qualifications to step in for the Captain if need be.
Chief Engineer (Fixer of all things…)
This crew member heads up the engineering department. Dependent on the size of the yacht, there will be one or two, 2nd and 3rd engineers below the Chief, assisting with maintenance and servicing tasks. They are responsible for all technical aspects and equipment, along with general maintenance and servicing of systems. The engineering department is the go-to when anything breaks and needs to be fixed, from the main engine through to the crew mess TV. Generally, they don’t have much contact with guests but will need to hold up guest relations for when onboard.
The ETO is responsible for all things electrical onboard, from the electronics equipment to the communications systems. They must have excellent skills in AV and IT, from re-booting the WiFi router to making an emergency call halfway across the ocean, they are the tech guru.
“The role of an ETO/ITO on board a yacht is a unique position not often well understood or defined. The typical ETO should be the ‘Jack of all trades, master of all as well’ kind, a conundrum to say the least. The job demands knowledge and experience of so many different aspects, ensuring the internet is operational, looking after complex entertainment and automation systems along with having a solid Information Technology foundation covering many subsets. Also, often required is a comprehensive understanding of electrical systems, mostly to fix those LED lights which are meant to last almost a lifetime! Finally, tying these all together and still having good people skills sets one up to fulfill possibly one of the most diverse roles, which provides an interesting job that promises to keep one continuously learning. It would be hard to provide any negatives, apart from hearing that most common of questions – ‘Is the Wi-Fi down?’ Well no, the Wi-Fi is always ‘up’ but as for the link to the internet, that is questionable.” – Alan Yeld, ETO @MotoryachtCloudbreak
Bosun/Lead Deckhand (The chamois leader…)
Responsible for the deck and exterior team and all deck operations, the Bosun should have a keen eye for detail and take pride in keeping the exterior of the yacht pristine. The Bosun tends to be the main tender driver but will have a team of qualified tender driving deckhands on hand to help. They are responsible for the overall maintenance of the exterior.
“My role onboard is to supervise the deck crew maintaining the exterior of SY Black Pearl in immaculate condition, organising all storage of deck equipment and consumables, and the maintenance of all tenders and associated equipment. I also decide what jobs need to be done and allocate them to the deck department, which then needs to be checked by myself at the end of the day. The only downside to this is that if the job hasn’t been done to my satisfaction, I then have to ask my friend/colleague to redo the job.” – James Benning, Bosun @SYBlackPearl
Video by Dutch Yachting
Deckhand (The chamois expert…)
Depending on the size of the yacht, there may be a number of deckhands onboard to ensure the exterior of the yacht is maintained in spotless condition. Along with the general cleanliness, wash downs, polishing, and ongoing maintenance of the exterior, deckhands will also be qualified in maintaining and driving the tenders. Additional skills for deckhands include varnishing, carpentry, sanding, etc. They are vital in the docking of the boat and need to be confident with line handling and yacht maneuvers. The deck crew will also be involved in taking watches whilst at sea.
“My role onboard is as the bosun’s right-hand man, and the deck department’s first port of call when anything needs to be done. I am to ensure I am always presentable, as well as the exterior of the yacht, and always with a microfibre cloth in hand or close by! I am part of a cohesive team that ensures the safety of all crew and guests as well as ensuring everyone onboard is enjoying themselves as much as possible. From chamois to jet skis, the job is painless and rewarding but most certainly not for the faint-hearted.” – Tristan Morgans, Deckhand aboard – @DB9Yacht
Dependent upon the size of the vessel, the Purser/Chief Stew has the responsibility of running the interior department. This means ensuring that the interior team adheres to an extremely high, luxury standard whereby the stewardesses anticipate the guests’ needs and go above and beyond to ensure the comfort and positive experience of the guests. As a Purser/Chief Stew, the role also includes paperwork surrounding crew management and general admin – inventorying, purchasing, provisioning, accounting, and guest logistics.
“As a Chief Stewardess, I oversee the interior of the vessel, including all guest and crew areas. Leading a team of stewardesses I ensure everything is maintained and detailed to a 7-star standard. From a full-service laundry to immaculate housekeeping and providing bespoke service, no detail is overlooked. All budgeting, provisioning, hiring and training is the responsibility of the Chief Stewardess. The ultimate goal is to ensure every member of the team feels confident providing the highest standard of service for the guests. My highlight is watching the stewardesses learn their keen eye for detail, and to be able to execute a perfect dinner service.” – @theyachtstew, 75m M/Y
Working under the Purser/Chief Stew, a Steward/ess will work on the interior, ensuring the cleanliness and organisation of all parts. Their main focus is the owner, when onboard, and any guests or charterers. They will rotate job responsibilities between housekeeping, service, and laundry. Roles include service, bar, cleaning, cabin preparation, detailing, flower arranging, and table decoration. Depending on the size of the yacht, they may also be called upon to help with galley provisioning and docking. They are also responsible for safely storing items when the boat goes to sea.
“I always thought being a Stewardess and ‘stuck inside’ wouldn’t be a role for me but I have now been working on yachts for 4 years and have recently moved onto sailing yachts, which I love. There is so much more to our job role than simply making the yacht look pretty and keeping it clean, my focus has always been to make sure the guests are enjoying every second.”-@gemmaharris3, S/Y 30m
Head Chef/Sole Chef/Crew Chef (The feeders…)
Depending on the size of the yacht there will be either one or two chefs onboard. The Head Chef has sole responsibility for the galley, and the chefs cater to both the owner/guests and their fellow crewmembers for all meals and snacks. They are responsible for menu planning to all preference types, sticking to a budget for provisioning and delivering gourmet creations. For the crew, the chefs have responsibility of ensuring they always have a meal on board, even on days off. Dependent upon the size of the yacht they may also be called to help out on the deck with docking.
“Catering to different tastes has its challenges in itself without the added feat of provisioning in different places, remote islands, and at foreign supermarkets, but with these tasks come the perfect aspect of the job as a yacht chef: amazing adventures. Being flexible is key in this role, be it adapting menus to suit different tastebuds or transforming a dinner for two into a last-minute dinner party for 12, whilst facing the probability of different dietary requests. The highlights are not only the travels but also the people you get to meet along the way. Cooking for celebrities might be fun, but making people happy through food is what I love the most, and that certainly also counts for the crew alongside me throughout the journey. Equally as important as pleasing guests is always making sure the crew’s bellies are full and they’re getting a good variety of deliciousness!”-@sailingfooddiaries, 31m M/Y
More, specialised yacht crew job roles;
There are also a number of more specialized yacht crew job roles that are usually teamed with a deck/steward/ess role. These include fitness trainers, yoga instructors, water sports instructors, beauty therapists, nannies, helicopter pilots, chauffeurs, and nurses.
For more on the crew mess career and training, click here
Fail To Prepare, Prepare To Fail
In the past few years, more remote and off-the-beaten-track destinations have grown significantly in popularity, with superyacht owners wanting to cruise uncharted waters far from the madding crowds of the Mediterranean and Caribbean hotspots. The most remote corners of the world are more accessible than ever before, with huge technological advancements and specialist companies in place to aid such expeditions, but there is still a need for careful preparation, especially from crew. Check out our top tips for far-flung crew heading for remote destinations.
Fail to prepare, prepare to fail
Planning really is key when it comes to stepping away from the normal milk runs. Gone are the safety nets of the Mediterranean where accessible land with near enough all of the services you need is only a stone’s throw away. Crew need to be ready for any potential eventuality; whether that be having the boss’s favourite soft drink stored away in excess, up-to-date charts of new areas at hand, permits applied for and gained in advance or enough spares onboard for absolutely anything that can break. Make sure each department draws up a plan of what they will need to do before leaving for the more remote destinations, including time scales. Having maintenance schedules in place will give you an idea of what you need to stock up on and the jobs that will still need to be done, even whilst away from the comfort of those big, well stocked, marinas.
A post shared by Michael Stuart (@theflyingyachtsman) on Mar 31, 2020 at 3:38pm PDT
Stay connected
We all crave a little ‘off the grid’ time occasionally and enjoy the excuse of having no 4G – turning off those endless Instagram stories and WhatsApp groups can calm the mind and give you a mini digital detox! But if you’re about to venture off the beaten track, you could find yourself out of touch for far longer than an overnight crossing. Check your yacht’s satellite communication connections and, if only simply for emergency communication and weather updates, ensure any black spots are foreseen. Technology and global connections have advanced in leaps and bounds in recent years. On arrival, identify where a local SIM card can be acquired and where you might be able to get access to Wi-Fi.
Soak up all the knowledge
When it comes to travelling, no matter how you are doing it, there is nothing better than the value of local knowledge – having a local contact can really make a trip and help you see the best of a destination. The same is true for superyacht cruising, local agents are somewhat of gold dust to Captains, and they can help sort everything from cruising permits and provisioning to helping you navigate changing legislation and advise on itineraries. Aside from agents, there is also that old fashioned method of talking to people! As yacht crew, you are likely to have a worldwide circle so make use of your connections and ask around. If you know people who have ventured into the unknown before, ask for their tips, advice and recommendations. Finally, don’t underestimate the power of Google; get online and get researching. At the very least, with research under your belt, you will be able to enjoy that day off without wondering what to do and where to go.
A post shared by PELORUS (@pelorusx) on Feb 23, 2020 at 10:02am PST
Safety first
Safety is non-negotiable on a superyacht. As well as your fellow crewmembers, you also have the responsibility of owners, guests and charterers. Making sure you have the appropriate equipment on board is important but even more so is knowing how to use it: ensure that as crew you have regular safety drills and checks in place. When it comes to medical kits for off-the-beaten-track cruising, they need to be extensive. In the remote corners of our oceans, access to hospitals is a fantasy. Having qualified crew onboard who are able to deal with emergencies as well as seek external support, from companies such as MedAire, is vital. For day-to-day medical kits, stock up on brands that you are familiar with and make sure you have enough for the duration of the trip.
Shop till you drop
Imagine a whole season without the boss’s favourite snacks or, god forbid, the crew’s favourite snacks…! When you travel off-the-beaten-track, the provisioning game gets a whole lot harder. What you will be able to access in the food department will largely depend on where you’re going. If you have the space (if you don’t, make some!) then it is vital to stock up on things that you know you will use over the course of the season. Ensure you have good galley storage for dried goods and keep tight inventories on everything. When it comes to menu planning, get in touch with local agents to find out what will be available and get your hands on any local fresh produce that you can – it’s a great opportunity for the Chef to get inventive as well! In terms of drink, ensure that your inventories and information are up-to-date, as some areas require that you pay tax levies.
And…enjoy!
It’s not everyday your job could take you from the tropical spots of Bora Bora to the most remote anchorages off Alaska, so follow the above advice and then get snap happy, make memories to share and enjoy.
