Unveiling the Alarming Lack of Proper Safety Practices in Superyacht Crews and the Urgency for Change

An alarming case study, reported by CHIRP Maritime’s Superyacht Feedback, captured an all-too-common snapshot of the superyacht world - crew members working dangerously aloft sans any visible safety gear. Photos akin to this aren’t rarities, suggesting a worrying trend of non-compliance with the protocols for high-altitude work that are outlined in the vessel’s Safety Management System (SMS).

These instances aren’t isolated accidents, but rather a symptom of an endemic problem within the industry. Despite the clear risks, many superyachts don’t ensure their crew members employ the necessary safety precautions. A trend, that in the worst cases, is not just ignored but also indulged to save precious moments. In reality, however, securing oneself with a safety harness is far quicker than tackling the medical aftermath of a devastating fall.

While responsibility for safety falls on all shoulders, fear of losing their job often prevents crew members from challenging orders of superior officers, even if they blatantly breach safety procedures.

In the high-stakes maritime business, one’s reputation is paramount. Hence, the industry’s apparent tolerance of overt displays of poor safety culture is downright alarming. This hazardous practice must not become the new standard. A transformative shift in the industry’s culture of safety isn’t just a nice-to-have, it is an absolute imperative.

Boats boasting solid teamwork ethics can be a bulwark against unsafe work practices – Unified, they can challenge, rectify and prevent hazardous acts. If you are aboard a ship that lacks this crucial teamwork, CHIRP is ready to champion your cause and promote safety integrity within the superyacht community.