Shattering the Illusions Around Yachting Trade Unions: In Defence of the Seafarers' Right

Responding to recent claims that misrepresent the role of modern trade unions in the field of professional yachting, Nautilus International, with over 160 years of experience, aims to set the record straight. It underlies the commitment of its organization to ensure that yacht crew have an adequate representation and protection, which contradicts the depiction of trade unions as confrontational and public entities.

The Professional Yachting Association (PYA) serves as a trade association, primarily representing the professional interests to regulators and stakeholders. While recognizing the value of the PYA’s pursuits, Nautilus International sublines a stark difference between unions and associations. The former engage in tasks aligning with their counterparts but do more by solely channelling efforts towards enhancing the conditions and lives of yacht crew without potential conflicts of interest.

The assertion that trade unions act on behalf of an individual only if benefiting the collective is an unjust portrayal. The power reinforced by a collective standing empowers the union to provide stout one-on-one support, defending the rights of every single member, without discrimination. Whether handling unfair dismissals, wage disputes, harassment, or contractual issues, the union’s purpose remains to protect the individual. Hence, the existence of unions plays a pivotal role in supporting the yacht crew and upholding their rights.