Are Superyachts forgoing safety for style? A spotlight on pilot welfare when boarding and the importance of communication and collaboration

It’s no news that the world of superyachts carries an aura of luxury, but what happens when this glamour clouds safety norms? A recent report by CHIRP Maritime’s Superyacht Feedback programme underpins this critical concern. Notably, a pilot raised red flags about a non-compliant boarding arrangement on a superyacht. In a distressing state of affairs, the pilot found himself amidst the crew’s apathy, highlighting a blatant disregard for his safety. The dubious boarding arrangement saw the pilot ladder hanging from the deckhead, failing to rest against the ship’s side because of hull belting—an apparent violation of safety standards. While there was a viable, safer alternative via a small shell door, the vessel’s crew had rigged large fenders on both sides. On voicing concerns and requesting removal of these obstructions, the master refused, prioritising potential paintwork damage over the pilot’s well-being. The escalated situation saw the pilot insist on removal of the fenders, only after which he proceeded to go on board. Adding fuel to the already heated situation, the boarding from the shell door was filmed, significantly adding to the pressure and discomfort felt by the pilot. To add to the pilot’s woes, he suffered a minor head injury during boarding — an incident the crew observed passively, without offering first aid or inquiring after his welfare. This unsettling narrative underscores the common design problem in superyachts: a lack of integrated thought encompassing all safety aspects. Designers, owners, flag authorities, crew, contractors, and pilots must pull resources together and partake in a collaborative conversation during the design phase. The incident serves as a reminder that pilots, albeit outsiders, play a critical role in maritime operations, and their safety cannot be compromised. Slated for a 2028 enforcement, the revision to ISO 799 presents new requirements for ship’s pilot ladders. Until then, it is imperative for superyacht owners to insist on adherence to existing standards and comply with SOLAS. In the meantime, CHIRP Maritime gears up to raise concerns with flag states. Reflecting upon the incident, deficiencies stand out in three main areas: culture, communication, and alerting. Disregarding the pilot’s safety reflects poorly on the on-board safety culture. An obstructing communication flow hampers shared situational awareness and decision making. Lastly, discarding critical safety alerts undermines the effectiveness of safety systems and discourages future voicing of concerns. The take-home message is unmistakable: safety cannot be compromised, collaboration is indispensable, and effective communication paramount.