Mental health training urged for superyacht crews

Mental Health Support Solutions (MHSS), member of OneCare Group, is urging the superyacht industry to follow the cruise industry suit in implementing comprehensive mental health training for its crews.

Mental health is becoming a growing concern for crews within the superyacht sector, MHSS has warned.

Renowned for its luxury and grandeur, crews are expected to deliver exemplary service to owners and guests, all whilst working long hours and often under intense scrutiny.

The lack of separation between professional and personal interactions combined with high expectations and stigma surrounding mental health discussions can lead to burnout, stress and other mental health challenges.

Through recent mental health training for yacht crews, MHSS has witnessed first-hand the disparities in the focus on mental aid within the yacht industry compared to other sectors. Training tends to focus primarily on service-oriented skills and overlooks wellness topics, the company said.

“Working on a luxury yacht is often seen as glamorous but the reality involves long hours, high service demands, and little personal time which creates significant stress. Yacht crews may be hesitant to discuss mental health due to stigma and concerns about damaging their reputation,” said Charles Watkins (pictured), CEO and Clinical Psychologist at MHSS.

He added: “Additionally, the close quarters and lack of formal conflict resolution processes can escalate tensions and impact crew morale. Owners can support their crews through protecting rest hours, providing mental health resources and encouraging open communication.”

‘’As we have seen in the cruise sector, applying formal and robust mental health training can aid crews in navigating the unique challenges faced within their roles, providing them with the necessary tools and support,” said Marinos Kokkinis, Managing Director of OneCare Group. “Superyacht crews would see the same benefits.”

With owners’ involvement directly impacting crew morale and mental health, it is vital that they foster a safe and inclusive work environment, something that will not only improve wellbeing but enhance overall performance.