Mental Health Awareness Week: A Call to Action for Superyacht Crews

Mental Health Awareness Week is a vital moment to evaluate our mental well-being and extend this empathy to our colleagues. For yacht crew members, our unique lifestyle can substantially influence our mental state. As such, integrating comprehensive background checks via CrewPass can be instrumental in fostering a healthy environment on board.

According to recent data from Yacht Crew Help, 63% of crew members have encountered episodes of work-related stress, 82% have dealt with low morale, and a staggering number of crew members (57% of women and 39% of men) have experienced social isolation or loneliness while on board. 

The link to this research is available here: https://www.yachtcrewhelp.org/our-research

(Accessed: May 5, 2023).

The rigours of yachting can make mental health considerations a secondary concern, yet they are integral to our overall well-being and performance. We endure long hours away from our loved ones, often leading to feelings of isolation and loneliness, adversely affecting our mental health.

Our profession demands the best service for our guests under high-pressure circumstances, which can trigger stress, anxiety, and burnout. The unpredictable nature of yachting can further compound these issues, as can the unique dynamics of living in close quarters with fellow crew members.

Mental health should never be an afterthought—it directly impacts crew well-being and the quality of service delivered to guests. As such, implementing a system like CrewPass to conduct thorough criminal background checks can contribute to a safer, more secure environment, which in turn can alleviate some of these mental health concerns.

To promote mental health awareness and ensure self-care, consider the following strategies:

Foster Open Communication:

Create an environment where mental health conversations are encouraged. Normalising the sentiment that it's okay not to be okay and seeking help is a sign of strength. 

Prioritise Self-Care:

Allocate at least 20 minutes daily to focus on your well-being. This could involve exercise, meditation, or simply relaxing and recharging.

Nurture Relationships:

Establish robust connections with your crewmates. Develop a support system on board, frequently check in with each other, and offer and accept assistance when necessary.

Seek Professional Assistance :

If you or a crew member are struggling with mental health issues, don't hesitate to seek professional help. Organisations like Yacht Crew Help provide 24-hour support for those in need. 

Take Regular Breaks:

Given the high-stress nature of yachting, taking breaks and prioritising relaxation is essential. Utilise your time off to explore and engage in activities that bring you joy.

Incorporating these strategies and using services like CrewPass for comprehensive background checks can foster a more supportive and mentally healthy work environment onboard. In doing so, we create a safer, more secure space for all crew members, allowing us to deliver the highest quality of service to our guests.