An Empowering Call for Change: Destabilizing Hierarchies for Boating Industry’s Progress

In an unprecedented shakeup, the boating world saw a captivating article by Capt. Rod Hatch of PYA demanding drastic reforms in how the industry’s structured. Waving aside the conventional commandments of hierarchy, Hatch’s words did more than just raise eyebrows; they ignited conversations across boat decks, challenging the status quo and the insular thinking that’s long dominated this world in flux.

Echoing through corporate corridors, Hatch’s call to pop this ‘bubble of hierarchical structure’ isn’t so much a rebellion as it is a revelation of a deeply flawed system. A system so mired in itself that it’s lost touch with its roots—the people it serves, those who brave the high seas each day, crafting experiences and memories for others while risking their own safety.

Accountability and transparency should be the bedrock of the industry. A sturdy foundation that encourages constructive criticism, nurtures feedback, protects the crew’s psychological wellbeing, advocates strong reporting practices, and sets clear legal pathways. So sift through your SOLAS and your STCW, dissect your ISM or MLC, but remember—success is born from diligent enforcement, procedural integrity, and safety prioritization.

The narrative of the industry’s future requires a radical rewriting and not mere tweaking. It needs systemic evolution—putting away the antiquated habits of the 90s and stepping into the dynamic expanse of 2025. Adaptation is the key.

This, Hatch argues, is achievable. Through active guardianship, and most importantly, through harnessing data and the invaluable knowledge embedded in crews at every level. With a powerful blend of technology and human insight, not seeing risk won’t be an excuse anymore. For ultimately, a system blind to risk is a system doomed to failure. And the sailing world, much like the sailor, doesn’t have the luxury of failure.