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Depression and Mental Health: Working the “Dream Job” onboard a Superyacht
Whatever field you work in, the hardest obstacle to overcome regarding mental health is the stereotype surrounding it. Those struggling with depression or anxiety are afraid of being deemed “crazy” or “unstable,” possibly even risking the loss of their job. With the attitude people as a whole have towards mental health, it’s easy to keep quiet about one’s struggles, but the ramifications of doing so are dangerous.
In the yachting industry, it’s even harder. Surrounded by those with an old school mentality, you’re often told to just toughen up or quit. If you can’t keep up with the big dogs, then just stay on land. This coupled with the extended time out at sea and the work-hard-play-hard atmosphere many yachts have with tax-free earnings lead largely to overdrinking and drug abuse. With outside influences such as these, distress and depression are more and more prevalent.
Just to throw some kindling on the fire, all the crew’s friends back home post about their activities on Facebook and Instagram, making their lives look full and perfect. Comparing their own monotonous, empty lives to these images is extremely detrimental to their mental state.
Additionally, working on a yacht is extremely taxing. You’re required to work long days and sleep short nights. Burnout and fatigue take over much more quickly than they do in other careers, especially with the isolation those on the crew feel, away from their friends, family, and homes. They can spend anywhere from days to years at a time at sea.
The World Health Organization (WHO) did a study of seafarers’ mental health and found that over a quarter of seafarers display signs of depression; many are too embarrassed to ask for help, not realizing that it’s okay to not be okay. Seafarers struggling with depression have a high risk of committing suicide; they are, in fact, the second highest at-risk group globally according to WHO.
It’s time to start taking depression onboard seriously.
Those of us who have never experienced working on a superyacht may think it’s the dream job, but the reality is quite different. It is both mentally and physically straining, and 45% of those seafarers who reported symptoms of depression asked no one for help. While a third had turned to family of friends, only 21% actually spoke to a colleague at sea.
Maritime Charity Sailors’ Society, which works with seafarers in 91 ports around the world, is one of the few organizations offering counselling and support to those struggling with depression.
According to the World Health Organization (www.who.int):
- Depression is common, affecting about 121 million people worldwide.
- Depression is among the leading causes of disability worldwide.
- Depression can be reliably diagnosed and treated in primary care.
- Fewer than 25 percent of those affected have access to effective treatments.
- Depression occurs in persons of all genders, ages and backgrounds.
Why are crews getting depressed at sea?
There are a number of factors involved, such as unpredictable work schedules and demands, long working hours, difficulty adapting to unfamiliar environment and cultures, feelings of isolation and loneliness, unrealistic work expectations, and confined living and working conditions. Crews often go several days without the ability to communicate with the outside world; in fact, at times it feels like prison. With terms like Sea Jail, Prison, or Floating Cell, M/Y Alcatraz thrown around just to name a few.
Back-to-back voyages leave crew members away from their families for long periods of time, during holidays, and they often don’t know when they will return. Mental health problems are often strongly linked to long hours and fatigue. As a result, depression, psychotic breakdown, and even suicide is relatively common amongst seafarers.
It’s the little things you miss at home.
“Recent research by IMO [International Maritime Organization] indicates that seafarers may be more likely than their shore counterparts to experience mental health problems.”
Could you go for a run this week if you wanted? Or stop at the store and grab some groceries? Cook your own meal? Or even go out for dinner? Could you go for a walk with friends or drive somewhere to spend time with loved ones? These are simple day-to-day activities that we often take for granted. A crew member can’t do any of these things; in fact, he can’t even decide what he gets to eat. They have little to no freedom.
Whether you have a big, loving family, or little to none, everyone misses home while they are at sea. Christmas, birthdays, celebrations, weddings, and funerals go by, and little by little, your loved ones become accustomed to your absence while you grow lonelier.
Warning signs to look out for in a fellow crew member

Samaritans, a UK organization providing confidential emotional support service for anyone in the UK and Ireland, lists these signs of depression or mental distress to watch out for:
- Being irritable or nervous
- A change in routine, such as sleeping or eating less than normal
- Drinking, smoking or using drugs more than usual
- Being un-typically clumsy or accident-prone
- Becoming withdrawn or losing touch with friends and family
- Losing interest in appearance. For example: dressing badly, no longer wearing makeup, not washing regularly
- Making leading statements, such as, “You wouldn't believe what I've been through” or, “It’s like the whole world is against me.” People sometimes say these things in the hope someone will ask what they mean so that they can talk about it.
- Putting themselves down in a serious or jokey way, for example: “Oh, no one loves me,” or “I'm a waste of space.”
“It’s difficult to complain to the captain if you feel stressed, lonely or overworked during charter, when it’s exactly what is expected when you enter this career. From the long, hard working hours and intensive living arrangements, to the great wages and fun lifestyle (off charter).”
Solving the problem of depression at sea – red or blue pill
The answer, at first, may be to just leave, but it’s not so simple as that. Many on the crew have spent thousands of dollars on their training and many years at sea; they barely even know how to survive ashore, and some of them are providing for families back home.
Mental health and wellbeing need to become a higher priority onboard superyachts.
“More in-depth training is required for a variety of health problems especially regarding mental health of seafarers onboard and to spot the signs,” said another.
An increasing number of support services and guidance resources are now available, and
charities and foundations, such as Mission to Seafarers and the Seafarers Hospital Society, provide excellent support and resources aimed at seafarers’ mental health, as well. Services such as Big White Wall offer anonymous digital support to help people experiencing common mental health problems, such as depression and anxiety.
Seeing a health care professional as soon as possible is crucial to overcoming mental illness, according to the Mental Health Foundation. “If you are concerned that you are developing a mental health problem you should seek the advice and support of your GP as a matter of priority,” they advise.
Suicide Hotlines:
U.S.:
http://suicidehotlines.com/national.html
1 800 784 2433
1 800 273 8255
UK:
www.samaritans.org
08457 90 90 90
Australia:
www.lifeline.org.au
13 11 14
International Suicide Hotline:
www.suicide.org/international-suicide-hotlines.html
Conclusion

While these resources are great, more needs to be done. Very few seafarers have the luxury of a company doctor; many only have shore-side medical teams they can call on for emergencies, and the medical professionals on the ship are under trained.
So, what are the rules regarding access to professional healthcare offshore? Well, shipowners are obliged under MLC 2006, to ensure that they provide, “access to prompt and adequate medical care whilst working on board.” Seafarers should also be provided “with medical care as comparable as possible to that which is generally available to workers ashore.”
The decision is ultimately up to ship managers and owners. They must decide whether or not they will care for their crew. If they make the effort to improve life on board, many issues with depression can be avoided. Rotation, planned holidays, crew team building activities, quality crew gyms and downtime are all a great start in the right direction which some Yachts already provide.
What are your thoughts? Is this just how yachting life is, or should we change our ways and promote mental health awareness, shaking the current attitude?
Is there life after a career at Sea? Read our post about land based careers to find out. 
 
 

Seahub - Yacht Maintenance Software is proud to announce winning three awards at the Australian Marine Industry Awards. Thanks to the whole team for another great year! 

The 36-metre Brigadoon has been awarded Best Yacht in the semi-displacement or planing motor yachts – 33 to 39.9-metre category in the 2019 edition of the World Superyacht Awards in London.
A sistership to Brigadoon is currently under construction at Moonen’s facilities in the Netherlands. Moonen YN199 is the second yacht to be built on the 36-metre Martinique platform. Available for sale and scheduled for delivery early spring 2020, interior styling and decoration will be a close collaboration between YN199’s future owners and London-based interior designers, Studio Indigo.
WEB: www.holland-yachts.com/moonen_martinique
CONTACT: office@holland-yachts.com

We are thrilled to announce that YN19055 Project Castor, the latest in the 55m FDHF Steel class, is sold. This 55 metre was started on speculation and is due for delivery in May 2020. The construction of yachts on spec in the 50-55 metre range is a key part of the successful commercial strategy of … >>
Het message Commercial success: YN 19055 Project Castor is sold! was published first at Heesen Yachts.

Seahub’s Checklist module is a great tool for managing standard operating procedures (SOPs). Particularly for yard periods!

We are delighted to announce that YN 18455 Vida (formerly known as Project Antares) left Dutch waters for her maiden voyage to the Mediterranean where she will meet her new owners. Vida underwent rigorous sea trials earlier in March. During four days of tests she exceeded her contracted top speed, reaching 16.4 knots with noise … >>
Het message Happy Sailing, Vida! was published first at Heesen Yachts.

Modern and elegant, comfortable and classic, she is a timeless yacht.
YEAR:2017
SHIPYARD:Oceanco
LOA:88.50m
CONTACT: office@holland-yachts.com

The 10th edition of The Superyacht Chef Competition was held at the Yacht Club de Monaco on Thursday 18th April gathering a fine calibre of 12 superyacht chefs, watched on by yachting professionals and media representatives in a thrilling culinary contest.

Hosted by Bluewater Yachting in partnership for the second year with Yacht Club de Monaco's training centre, La Belle Classe Academy, the full-day event involved four cooking rounds and a cocktail mixologist competition led by Yacht Club de Monaco's bartender, Giorgio Rocchino.

Find out more about the day including results here:  https://www.onboardonline.com/yachting-news/industry-news/epicurean-excellence-the-superyacht-chef-c...

[Updated April 2019]
Superyacht News

If you like to stay up to date with the latest Business, Technology, Fleet, Owner, Design and Crew News then the superyacht groups digital publication is hard to beat.
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They also publish several well-known magazines including the superyacht and crew report.
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Yachting Pages Media Group is one of the most well-known Yachting directories in the Industry, if you haven’t come across the hand delivered bag of goodies from YPMG have you ever even stepped foot on a superyacht. Well known for the established well marketed bright pink logo and merchandise its hard to miss this hard working team at any of the Boat Shows.  
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Part of the Superyacht company the Superyacht times Featuring interviews and unique features with the superyacht industry's most important players, the SuperYacht Times is the only regular publication digging
 
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Good news. You’re already pretty familiar with the SYCA bog, as you’re reading it right now.
(I don’t want to blow our own trumpet here, so I’ll spare you the cringe worthy comment’s)
For those who haven’t read much of our blog, the focus is to provide crew with useful resources and advice.
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OnboardOnline is a digital platform at the forefront of issues that matter to the yachting community, often leading with stories that resonate with this audience. They are based in Antibes and launched in 2013.
Our Favorite Post: Wellbeing at Work: Seafarer Happiness Index Results         
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Dockwalk is an online portal for the Superyacht Captains and Crew. Social networking specifically created for Superyacht community
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SuperYacht World

Update: not sure if they are still around, haven’t seen a post since October last year.
Our Favorite Post: Gene Machine crew cycles Atlantic
Superyacht Blogs to Follow in 2019
Not a blog but a good source of information
Reddit
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The Yacht Owner
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Let us know if we have missed any of the top Superyacht Blogs and Influencers within the industry.

Seahub Projects is a great tool for planning yard periods for your superyacht. Manage and track project tasks, costs and resources all from the one dashboard. Try our free demo today

Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity 2019 will be held from 17 to 21 June where Cannes transforms into the global headquarters of the entire marketing communications ecosystem. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a Cannes Lions stalwart, Bespoke Yacht Charter shares their practical guide to Cannes Lions 2019.

Almost one hundred years ago, luxury yachts were not common place on the French Riviera with the preferred transport being trains especially the Paris-Lyon-Méditerranée (PLM) expresses. Le Train Bleu opened up the region and brought with it distinguished passengers over the years including Winston Churchill, Charlie Chaplin, Coco Chanel, F. Scott Fitzgerald and Somerset Maugham.

Good weather and sunny skies flipped the coin for the French Riviera as hotels began to extend their season to cater for wealthy visitors.

Today, the French Riviera’s popularity continues - find out why spring is ideal for a yacht charter on the French Riviera: http://www.bespokeyachtcharter.com/luxury-yacht-charter/5-reasons-why-spring-is-ideal-for-a-yacht-ch...

Amber Lounge Monaco’s events are the highlight of the social calendar during the legendary Monaco Grand Prix. 

In 2019, Amber Lounge will host VIP race viewing and celebrity yachts, find out more here:  https://accessriviera.wordpress.com/2019/04/09/amber-lounge-monaco-2019-unlock-the-excitement/?fbclid=IwAR2RqUoNlelTHZ1LDHNCS5w60Wqy4wTxw-bfeqZaoqDwz6wlU4d8Cwh8evA

We are delighted to announce that on Friday 5 April, YN 18750 was launched at the shipyard in Oss. Formerly known as Project Aster, the Owner named his new yacht Masa during a private ceremony. Arcon Yachts from Monaco introduced the client and represented his interests throughout the construction. This new yacht in the 5000 … >>
Het message Hello, Masa! The newest member of our fast-growing fleet was published first at Heesen Yachts.

The seaside Mediterranean village of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat has earned the nickname the "Peninsula of Billionaires" due to its opulent historic villas owned by millionaires.

submitted by /u/Maria_Rivra [link] [comments]

submitted by /u/grandyachts [link] [comments]

At yacht shows, your employees are the gateway to business partnerships.

Whether you're a small, medium or large yachting business, ensure you look beyond the physical components of your exhibition stand such as the stand design, logo, furniture, wall coverings, lightings, catering and printed collateral.

Make sure you brief your client-facing staff - even temporary staff - with a consistent message that aligns with the values of your company.  At a busy yacht show, potential customers need to understand WHY your company exists and WHY they should choose you.

Find out how to avoid the 'Alice in Wonderland' syndrome at yacht shows here:  https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/how-avoid-alice-wonderland-syndrome-yacht-shows-rebecca-whitlocke/

Did anyone go to the Miami Boat show, or the Palm Beach Boat show last week? Found this great recap: https://www.galatiyachts.com/yachting-news/miami-yacht-show-recap/ submitted by /u/YachtingIsLife [link] [comments]

submitted by /u/FromCan_ [link] [comments]

Many well-known car manufacturers have branched out and teamed up with boat builders in recent years to co-create some of the best machines to tackle the seas.

With quite a few players of Holland’s superyacht industry established near Leiden, local inhabitants are pretty used to seeing a some big boats every now and then. However, a superyacht squeezing in to the city center, has certainly drawn some attention.
On a beautiful Friday in late March, Mulder’s latest 36 meter superyacht Calypso departed at 12:00h from the shipyard in Zoeterwoude with destination: Restaurant Woods. Around two hours later, the yacht berthed at the historic drying-shed of sawing mill ‘Heesterboom’ . It was the perfect venue and hosted over 130 guests at the Owner’s party.
Fully decorated for the first time, Calypso was admired by her visitors and the charming crew certainly made everyone feel welcome. The yacht is now being prepared for her maiden-trip to Malta and she will be present at the MYBA Charter Show in Barcelona from Tuesday the 30th of April to Friday the 3rd of May.
MORE INFORMATION ABOUT MULDER THIRTYSIX: >>>>>
CONTACT: office@holland-yachts.com

Mulder’s newest ThirtySix Calypso, the 298 GT superyacht has left the shipyard in Zoeterwoude for a number of intensive sea trials on the North Sea.

 Started as BN110 in early 2017, this full aluminium vessel is Mulder’s third project in combination with the London based Claydon Reeves for exterior design and Van Oossanen for the naval architecture.

 Her patented FDHF hull design is powered by twin Caterpillar C18 1.150 HP engines, expecting a top speed of 16.8 knots. The proven round bilged hull in combination with zero-speed stabilizers provide maximum comfort on board.

 Talented interior designer John Vickers was appointed on his sixth collaboration with Mulder, to showcase a relaxed luxury beach style by blending a fusion of Cote d’Azur chic and the spirit of Ibiza with a laidback sophistication, in an interior design that promises relaxation and something truly memorable.

 This award-winning superyacht will be available for charter in the Mediterranean.

CONTACT: office@holland-yachts.com

​ 2019 Carver ​ Here are just a few of the Specs on this Carver.. Beautiful Yacht. Stock #YW 6772164 StatusAvailable LocationKemah, TX ConditionNew ClassMotor Yacht Hull MaterialFiberglass Length34' Beam11' 6" Fuel Tank Capacity210 gal Fresh Water Capacity78 gal Holding Tank Capacity30 ga submitted by /u/nauticgroup [link] [comments]

submitted by /u/Luxurywatchtravel [link] [comments]

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