New Data Shows Yacht Crew Seeking Support for Serious Issues
New data from ISWAN’s YachtCrewHelp helpline shows that yacht crew are increasingly seeking support with serious issues like abuse, bullying, harassment, discrimination, and violence; complex employment issues; and personal struggles.
The International Seafarers’ Welfare and Assistance Network (ISWAN) has published its Welfare of Yacht Crew 2024 Annual Review, providing the yachting industry with insights into the challenges facing yacht crew last year.
The annual review shares headline data from ISWAN’s free, confidential, multilingual helpline for yacht crew and their families, YachtCrewHelp, comparing it with data from ISWAN’s long-established helpline for the maritime sector, SeafarerHelp, and discussing what the industry can learn.
Key Findings from the Annual Review
ISWAN reports that in 2024, the number of calls and messages to YachtCrewHelp relating to abuse, bullying, harassment, discrimination, and violence (ABHDV) increased by 21.4% compared to the previous year.
Many crew members prefer not to provide personal information when they contact YachtCrewHelp, often sharing concerns about the risk to their reputation in the industry, potential reprimand, or the implications for any non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) that they have signed.
80% of YachtCrewHelp cases relating to ABHDV were from women, highlighting the need for gender-specific support and interventions in the yachting industry.
Addressing Employment Issues
The most common reasons for contacting YachtCrewHelp in 2024 were employment terms and contractual issues, making up almost a third of all new cases. Crew sought support for issues such as wages, unfair dismissal, employment agreements, hours of work and rest, repatriation, and annual leave entitlement.
ISWAN emphasizes the importance of crew members knowing their employment rights and having access to resources to address breaches, as these issues can have significant impacts on their health and wellbeing.
Call for Industry Action
ISWAN’s data underscores the need for the industry to take proactive steps in understanding and addressing the root causes of the challenges faced by yacht crew. Collaborative efforts are essential to creating a safer, fairer, and more inclusive environment for all crew members.
One initiative driving positive change is the Changing Tack on Yacht Crew Welfare Working Group (CTWG), which aims to deliver priorities with increased pace and reach by partnering with stakeholders across the industry.
Conclusion
ISWAN’s Welfare of Yacht Crew 2024 Annual Review sheds light on the pressing issues faced by yacht crew and the need for comprehensive support mechanisms within the industry. By working together and taking collective action, stakeholders can ensure the well-being and welfare of yacht crew are prioritized.
The full Welfare of Yacht Crew 2024 Annual Review can be downloaded from ISWAN’s website. For those interested in supporting ISWAN’s efforts to improve crew welfare in the yachting sector, contact their Welfare of Yacht Crew Project Manager Laura Beard.
Press Release