ISWAN and MHG launch survey on welfare of superyacht crew

The International Seafarers’ Welfare and Assistance Network (ISWAN) is partnering with MHG Insurance Brokers to launch a survey of seafarers who work aboard superyachts to investigate welfare issues specific to the sector.

Questions will be asked on food, cabins and communications, as well as the health and wellbeing of the individuals working on board.

The survey aims to highlight areas of welfare needs among seafarers on superyachts, see what is working well under current conditions to meet their welfare needs (and ascertain what needs improvement), and explore how existing seafarers’ welfare structures may meet these needs and where there is scope for new provision.

In 2017, Yachting Pages Media Group commissioned a survey that found that 75% of participating crew believed that the industry is not doing enough to tackle mental health problems and look after the overall wellbeing of crew.

Roger Harris, executive director of ISWAN, commented, “Maritime welfare organisations are used to dealing with seafarers on cargo and cruise ships. The number of seafarers in the yacht sector has grown to around 35,000, and we need to know more about the challenges which are specific to the superyacht sector.

“As seafarers on superyachts are covered by the provisions of the ILO Maritime Labour Convention their welfare needs – at sea and ashore – should be better known and provided for.”

Andrew Dudzinski, CEO of MHG Insurance Brokers, added, “The welfare of all crew, but especially those who are insured with MHG, is a primary concern for us. The mental and physical health and wellbeing of these seafarers is not just a professional interest. We want to know better what makes them tick and how their time at sea can be improved.”

Members of superyacht crew can take part in the survey. The results will be published in a report on the ISWAN website in December 2018.

For more information, visit ISWAN and MHG Insurance Brokers.