Nautilus supports new superyacht crew welfare partnership

Nautilus International is backing a new initiative to improve welfare standards for superyacht crew, through its involvement in Changing Tack – a coalition of maritime charities which has entered into a formal partnership with the Superyacht Alliance (SYA).

Nautilus director of organising Martyn Gray said: 'Nautilus International, as a proud member of the Changing Tack coalition, strongly supports this new partnership with the Superyacht Alliance. This collaboration is a significant breakthrough, creating a formal and powerful platform to embed crew welfare at the very heart of the superyacht industry.'

He added: 'For too long, crew voices have struggled to reach key industry decision-makers. This partnership, particularly through the new focus groups, provides a direct and essential channel for seafarers to be heard. It moves crew welfare from an afterthought to a core strategic issue.

'We are committed to playing our full part in this "think tank", ensuring it becomes a driving force that translates these important conversations into meaningful action. It's a vital opportunity to ensure the entire industry not only commits to but delivers the decency at work that our members deserve.'

Under the new arrangement, Changing Tack will work within SYA's network to contribute expert insight and a seafarer-informed perspective. The coalition includes Nautilus International, The Seafarers' Charity, ISWAN, UKSA, and CHIRP Maritime. SYA is led by industry associations committed to raising standards and professionalism.

The partnership builds on Changing Tack's earlier work, which includes: a roundtable on yacht crew welfare in 2023; a project to establish a welfare hub in Antibes by The Mission to Seafarers and the UK Sailing Academy; and the creation of a yacht crew welfare project manager role within ISWAN – made possible by funding from The Seafarers' Charity.

Changing Tack and the SYA are also joining forces to lead a strategic solutions-focused panel discussion at the upcoming Superyacht Forum in Amsterdam.

• Find out more about Nautilus International's role in the Changing Tack on Yacht Crew Welfare webinar with the original working group in this video from 2023