Exposing a yacht safety crisis

Nautilus International recently asked members to share their views with Nautilus strategic yacht partner The Crew Hunter, which was conducting a survey about safety onboard. Rob Coston reports on the shocking – though sadly not surprising – results

In partnership with Nautilus International and CHIRP Maritime, The Crew Hunter undertook a safety survey to better understand the working conditions faced by yacht crew. As a recruitment agency, they were concerned at reports of incidents affecting crew.

The findings – which also include the reports of Nautilus members – will not shock those familiar with the sector.

Crew reported widespread issues – ranging from poor training and safety shortcuts to bullying, substance misuse, and fear of retaliation when reporting concerns.

Max Lee, head of talent management at the strategic partner, says that changes to the industry are also contributing. 'As boats get bigger and busier, with higher standards, there's more pressure. Sometimes crew numbers aren't keeping up. We're seeing that fewer crew members are asked to do more jobs, and as a result, we're seeing shortcuts to safety.'

Poor drills and training

Over 20% of respondents said they did not feel adequately trained to handle all emergency duties listed on their vessel's muster list. While most reported monthly drills, nearly a quarter had never participated in one on their current vessel – some after more than a year onboard.

Even when drills occurred, many were deemed ineffective. One crew member remarked: 'I would prefer if drills were done in the dark, in more realistic conditions – with smoke machines, fire sounds, and low visibility.'

High-risk work

Alarmingly, 40% of respondents said they had been expected to carry out tasks without proper safety equipment or training. These included high-risk jobs such as exterior cleaning without harnesses.

One crew member recalled being asked to clean exterior windows without access to a harness, forcing them to 'hang out of the window' to complete the task. Another reported being dismissed for refusing to remove safety rails ahead of a crossing.

'I put safety first,' they explained, 'and I got fired.'

Leadership issues

A striking 62% of crew reported feeling unsafe due to the behaviour of colleagues or superiors. Substance misuse, harassment, and intimidation were frequently cited. One respondent shared: 'I've worked alongside full-blown alcoholism and drug addiction. I've witnessed harrowing incidents of harassment and abuse.'

Leadership was repeatedly identified as a root cause. One respondent reported: 'My captain is a drunk and does drugs. Everyone knows, but he's worked for the family for 13 years. Our hands are tied – no one intervenes.'

More than 40% of crew said they would not feel safe reporting concerns to a superior, fearing retaliation or dismissal. One commented: 'It's understood that raising an issue implies the captain has failed. That leads to retaliation, and often, contract termination.'

This lack of psychological safety is driving people from the industry – 30% reported leaving a role over safety concerns.

Culture change

Nautilus International continues to call for stronger protections for yacht crew and a shift towards transparent, accountable safety practices. In the meantime, the yacht team stands ready to assist members who are concerned about reporting unsafe practices – alongside other organisation such as CHIRP – or those who have been injured.

'These survey results are deeply concerning, pointing to fundamental systemic failings across the industry. While crew often fear speaking up due to the risk of retaliation, the reality is that silence only preserves an unsafe and untenable situation that will eventually force them to leave anyway,' said yacht organiser Laura Molineux.

'Our priority is the welfare of our members, and we work collaboratively with crew, captains, management offices and Flag/Port states to raise these critical concerns in accordance with established procedures, providing the necessary protection that allows safety issues to be addressed.'