In the fast-paced yachting world, your safety must always be a top priority. Whether you're a seasoned crew member or new to the industry, understanding how to make an informed decision about a job offer and effectively report issues onboard is crucial.
This blog aims to empower you with the knowledge and tools necessary to avoid, identify, communicate, and address personal safety concerns. You'll learn the essential steps to ensure safety remains at the forefront of your maritime experience.
To prevent issues like sexual harassment, discrimination, and bullying at sea, it's crucial to be proactive and aware of your surroundings. This awareness begins during the job-hunting process and continues once you're on board.
Here are some strategies to help you prepare:
Set Clear Boundaries
Defining your boundaries regarding acceptable behaviors for yourself and others is essential. Here are some key points:
Set limits on behaviors you won't tolerate, such as unwanted touching, personal questions, or offensive jokes. Consider internal boundaries, like not drinking at work or avoiding flirtatious interactions.
Boundaries are personal and should reflect your values, not others' opinions.
Awareness of your boundaries helps you recognize when they're disrespected, allowing you to take action or seek help.
Culture, background, and family values can influence your boundaries, especially in a diverse industry.
Take time to understand what feels right for you, and consider writing down your boundaries for clarity. The more confidently you communicate them, the more likely others will respect them.
Communicate your boundaries clearly and assertively.
If someone crosses a line, address it directly if you feel safe to do so.
Book a mentorship session here if you need help understanding and setting your boundaries.
Know Your Rights
Familiarize yourself with your workplace policies on harassment and discrimination.
Understand your rights at sea and regulations. Get my SEA Basic Rights Guide here.
Consider becoming a member of a maritime union, such as Nautilus International. They will be able to offer you legal advice and support in times of crisis. If you are interested in joining can get a €40 (crew) or €50 (officers) discount by emailing them once you sign up and letting them know you are joining following the Yachts Mermaids referral.
Make informed decisions
Doing your research before entering the yachting industry or joining a new vessel is essential, as the job takes you away from home and into international waters.
A quick internet search can provide ample information that offers insight into what living and working on board is like. You can also find feedback on the vessel, Captain, crew, and owners, as well as helpful coping mechanisms.
Understanding the various benefits, risks, and onboard cultures will equip you with the knowledge to decide whether a career in yachting or a job offer is right for you. Click here to get my interview tips and learn what to ask in an interview.
Practice Job Hunting Safety
Job hunting safety offers numerous benefits, including protection from scams that could compromise personal information. It boosts your confidence, allowing you to focus on finding the right opportunity.
Being aware of red flags helps you make informed decisions and reduces stress, enabling you to concentrate on your career goals. Get my free Online Job hunting Guide for Yacht Crew. Download here!
I also recommend downloading the ISWAN Personal Safety Precautions for job-seeking yacht Crew Guide. Grab it here.
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Maintain Professionalism and Personal Safety Onboard
Keep interactions professional and respectful, regardless of the situation.
Avoid flirting and dating onboard.
Avoid engaging in gossip or negative talk about others.
Consider staying away from alcohol and drugs, or at least limiting your intake, when you are with people you do not know very well. They can slow your reactions, reduce inhibitions, and lower boundaries, making spotting or refusing inappropriate behavior more difficult.
Let those you trust, such as family or friends at home, know as much information as possible about who you will be working with.
Be aware of the dangers of having your drink spiked, both on board and when enjoying leisure time on shore. Cover your drink with a lid or hand, never leave it unattended, and don't accept strangers' drinks (or drugs). If someone offers to buy you a drink, accompany them to the bar where you can keep an eye on it being poured.
Have an emergency plan for what to do if you feel in danger or uncomfortable while on shore.
Check that your employer's insurance will cover you for incidents that occur while on shore; otherwise, the P&I provider might not respond if an accident occurs. If you're unsure, you should purchase insurance for yourself, which covers this. I recommend Moore Dixon; click here to learn more about yacht crew insurance.
Practice Self-Care
Prioritize your mental and emotional well-being. Engage in activities outside of work that help you manage stress and build resilience.
Seek support—consider reaching out to a mentor like me, a counselor like Karine Rayson (The Crew Coach), or a therapist. Better Help is a recognized global online therapy platform.
Promote Allyship
Support your colleagues and encourage a culture of respect and inclusivity.
Stand up for others who may be facing harassment or discrimination.
Participate in Training
Attend any available training sessions on workplace behavior, diversity, and inclusion. I highly recommend starting with the Mental Health Awareness Course from Karine, the Crew Coach. Click here to learn more.
If you find yourself in an unsafe situation or if you are a victim of physical or emotional harm, there are steps you can take to get to safety and seek help. Remember, you are not alone.
Many agencies offer advice and support to those in need.
You can find a list of resources in the YM support directory here.ISWAN's Yacht Crew Help
is available 24/7/365
yachtcrewhelp.org or contact
+44 203 713 7273 to talk to someone now.
*The following guidance is for informational purposes and is not legal advice. If you need legal counsel, please consult a lawyer.*
Personal Safety in the Moment
If you experience a safety incident onboard, prioritize your well-being first. Assess whether it's safe to talk to or remain near the perpetrator.
For a first-time, minor incident, you may address the unacceptable behavior directly. However, if the situation feels severe or unsafe, it's better to remove yourself or ask for assistance from the Captain, HOD, DPA, or someone you trust.
Talk to a trusted friend or crewmate to share the burden and plan your next steps. They can also be a supportive witness if you choose to report the incident later.
Record Incidents
Keeping a private record of your experiences can help you process what happened and provide an accurate account if you choose to report.
Record inappropriate behavior or comments, noting dates, times, and details.
Write down your experiences as soon as possible, using first-person statements like "I saw" or "I heard." Include dates, times, and any actions taken.
Use a digital device to document your account. You can email it to yourself or take a photo, both of which will add a time stamp.
If you're still in an unsafe environment, keep your record private to protect your safety.
Documenting incidents may reveal patterns that indicate a more significant issue, helping you decide whether to seek help or remove yourself from the situation.
Preserve any supporting evidence related to the incident, such as photos, messages, or call logs.
After Sexual Assault or Rape
If you've been sexually assaulted or raped, remember it is not your fault. Sexual violence is a crime, regardless of the circumstances.
Seek a safe place and connect with someone you trust for support. This can be a friend, family member, colleague, Captain, HOD or someone from the Yacht Crew Helpline, available 24/7. Connect to YCH here.
If possible, it is advisable to seek the help of the Captain or another trusted senior member of the crew (perhaps someone of the same gender identity as you, if that makes you feel more comfortable) to help with the collection and preservation of evidence related to the incident – always prioritize your immediate safety and the need for ongoing pastoral and medical care.
Go to a hospital, clinic, or sexual assault referral center (SARC) as soon as possible for treatment of physical injuries, emergency contraception, and STI /STD testing, including HIV prevention medication (PrEP).
If you're unsure about reporting, the hospital/clinic can safely record and preserve forensic evidence for you, allowing time to decide your next steps.
If you want to report, it is advisable to undergo a forensic medical examination, but this is your decision, yours alone. However, it can be helpful to do so if you want the incident to be investigated or are still deciding.
Collecting or photographing forensic evidence does not require you to report the incident, but it allows you the option to present evidence later.
Forensic evidence can include:
Items from the scene (e.g., condoms)
Evidence on your clothes or body (e.g., injuries, blood)
Genetic evidence (e.g., fingerprints, DNA)
The sooner evidence is collected, the better, ideally within seven days after the assault. However, don't worry if this timeframe has passed; some evidence, like photographs of injuries, can still be collected later.
If you want a forensic examination, try to avoid showering or changing clothes. Some evidence can still be collected up to seven days post-assault, even if you've showered. Any underwear worn for 24 hours post-assault can provide evidence, even if you showered during that time.
To arrange a medical examination, you may need assistance from the Captain, your head of department (HoD), designated person ashore (DPA), or management. If this feels unsafe or you're uncomfortable speaking with them, consider contacting one of the services listed in the YM Support Directory.
Deciding to report
bad behavior or abuse
Experiencing abuse, bullying, harassment, or violence onboard can be highly distressing. You may wish to forget the incident quickly, and whether or not you report it or seek medical attention, your experience is still valid.
No one should pressure you into reporting or getting examined. The priority is to ensure you feel as safe as possible as soon as possible after the incident.
If a crime has been committed against you or someone else, you should be able to report it and seek support from authorities. However, you are best positioned to decide what feels right and safe for you regarding official reporting.
ISWAN's Yacht Crew Help is available 24/7 for confidential support. Their team can help you consider your options, ensure your safety, decide on reporting, and plan for your well-being. Connect to YCH here.
Making a report
Keep copies of relevant messages, texts, emails, photos, and videos, and maintain a diary of your experiences for potential evidence. For more details, refer to the sections on recording incidents and forensic evidence above.
If you decide to report a safety incident, review the yacht's grievance, harassment, or whistleblowing policies (Confidential Disclosure Agreement (CDA), also referred to as non-disclosure agreement (NDA) or secrecy agreement) and follow the formal complaint process.
If you need clarification on which policy applies, consult the Captain, Head of Department (HoD), Designated Person Ashore (DPA), management, or another appropriate resource like Nautilus Union if you are a member.
Report unacceptable behavior to the relevant persons or agencies, such as the Captain, Head of Department (HoD), Designated Person Ashore (DPA), management, flag state, port authority, police, crew agent, and insurance broker. The more people are aware of the problem, the more likely the perpetrator will be held accountable.
A good Captain, manager, or agency will handle your complaint confidentially and respectfully, avoiding victim shaming or blaming.
Be ready to provide details and supporting evidence, but remember you are not obligated to answer questions or share information you're uncomfortable with.
Serious Offences
Report serious criminal offenses to the appropriate authorities:
If the incident occurred in a country or its territorial waters, contact local police and port/maritime authorities.
Report to the yacht's flag state and its authorities for incidents on the high seas.
Typically, the flag state has jurisdiction unless the incident clearly falls within the port state's jurisdiction. Smaller flag states may lack the resources for investigations, leading to involvement from your home country's police.
While it's unlikely a yacht will be arrested, the flag state may request detention by the port state during an investigation. Detention is not the same as arrest.
If dealing with multiple authorities feels daunting, you can report to the police in your home country and ask them to inform the appropriate authorities on your behalf.
Investigations can be lengthy and stressful, so it may be safer and more beneficial to work with your home authorities while having support from family and friends.
In conclusion, prioritizing your safety while navigating the yachting industry is essential for protecting yourself from potential risks, scams, and offenses. By documenting incidents, understanding your rights, and knowing how to report issues, you empower yourself to make informed decisions.
Remember, you are not alone—resources and support systems are available to help you through the process. Stay vigilant, trust your instincts, and focus on finding opportunities that align with your values and goals. Your safety and well-being should always come first in your job search.
