The yachting industry is built on discipline, hierarchy, and discretion. But those same structures can make it incredibly difficult to speak up when something’s wrong - especially if it’s harassment, bullying, or abuse of power.
Whether it’s a chief stew who gaslights junior crew, a drunk guest who won’t take no for an answer, or a captain who crosses the line, you have the right to feel safe at work.
This chapter will tell you how to recognise abuse, what you can do about it, and where to turn if you’re being mistreated.
Let’s Define It Clearly
Sexual Harassment = unwanted sexual comments, jokes, touching, advances, messages, or threats. This includes:
🟥 “Joking” about your body
🟥 Being pressured into intimacy
🟥 Repeated unwanted flirting
🟥 Inappropriate comments about your sexuality or gender
🟥 “Joking” about your body
🟥 Being pressured into intimacy
🟥 Repeated unwanted flirting
🟥 Inappropriate comments about your sexuality or gender
Bullying = repeated behaviour intended to intimidate, belittle, humiliate or isolate someone. It can look like:
🟥 Publicly yelling or belittling
🟥 Exclusion from social groups or tasks
🟥 Rumours, gaslighting, or mocking
🟥 Abusing seniority or chain of command
Harassment and bullying can come from anyone - a guest, a crew member, a manager, or a captain.
Why People Don’t Report (And Why That Needs to Change)
You might recognise these thoughts:
🟦 “I don’t want to be dramatic.”
🟦 “What if I get fired?”
🟦 “No one will believe me.”
🟦 “It’s just how things are on boats.”
🟦 “I don’t want to be dramatic.”
🟦 “What if I get fired?”
🟦 “No one will believe me.”
🟦 “It’s just how things are on boats.”
All of these are real fears - but none of them mean you should stay silent. You deserve safety and respect. Period.
If You’re Being Harassed or Bullied:
Here’s what to do. You don’t have to do all of this - but some action can make all the difference.
1. Document Everything
Keep a private, time-stamped record:
🟦 What was said or done
🟦 When and where
🟦 Who witnessed it (if anyone)
🟦 What was said or done
🟦 When and where
🟦 Who witnessed it (if anyone)
Even if it seems minor - it builds a pattern.
2. Set Boundaries (If You Feel Safe to Do So)
Say:
🟥 “That’s not appropriate.”
🟥 “Please don’t speak to me like that.”
🟥 “I don’t find that funny.”
🟥 “That’s not appropriate.”
🟥 “Please don’t speak to me like that.”
🟥 “I don’t find that funny.”
You’re not rude for standing up for yourself. You’re brave.
If it’s happening to a co-worker, be an ally and challenge the behaviour. You speaking up could encourage others to do the same and force this person to stop.
3. Report Internally
Every yacht should have a Designated Person Ashore (DPA) or a trusted senior figure like a Purser, Chief Officer, or Captain (unless they’re the problem).
If the yacht has one: use your onboard complaint procedure - most are in the vessel’s SMS (Safety Management System).
On commercial and MLC compliant vessels, it’s mandatory that contact details for the management company/owning company, DPA and P&I Insurance/Employer Liability Insurance Company is displayed in a prominent place.
Unfortunately, on private and/or non MLC vessels this might not be the case but don’t be afraid to ask to see it and make a note of it when you join. It’s your right.
If Internal Reporting Doesn’t Work (Or Isn’t Safe):
You still have external options. Firstly call ISWAN (info in the intro to this section) who can help you through the process.
Flag State Complaint
Every yacht is registered to a country - its flag state. That country’s maritime authority must legally investigate complaints of serious abuse or harassment.
Look up your yacht’s flag and contact the maritime authority directly.
Speak to a Maritime Lawyer
There are law firms who specialise in employment issues for yacht crew. Many will offer a free initial consultation.
Real Stories, Real Courage
“He slapped my backside in front of the guests. When I spoke up, they called it ‘banter.’ I left that boat within two weeks.” - Stewardess, 25
“Our Chief Officer bullied every junior deckhand. When one guy finally snapped, the captain acted shocked - like he hadn’t seen it all season.” - Deckhand, 22
“The worst part wasn’t the comments - it was the silence from the others. No one backed me up.” - Second Stew, 28
“I reported it. They actually listened. I stayed - and so did my dignity.” - Engineer, 31
Final Thought
If you’re reading this and thinking, “It wasn’t that bad” it probably was. Your discomfort is valid. Your boundaries matter. And your safety should never be compromised to “keep the peace.”
Yachting doesn’t get to excuse abuse with a shrug and a rum punch.
Things are changing. And by speaking up, seeking help, or supporting someone else - you’re part of that change.
You are not alone. You are not overreacting. And you are not powerless.
💥 BONUS 1: Quick Steps: What To Do If Something Happens Today
Sexual harassment or bullying just happened? Take a breath. Then take action.
1. Get Safe (Physically & Emotionally)
Step away. Go to your cabin or the cabin of someone you trust. Take a moment. Breathe. You're allowed to feel shaken.
Step away. Go to your cabin or the cabin of someone you trust. Take a moment. Breathe. You're allowed to feel shaken.
2. Write It Down Immediately
What happened, who said or did what, where, when, and who else was around. Use your phone notes or email it to yourself with a timestamp. Don’t trust memory - record it now.
What happened, who said or did what, where, when, and who else was around. Use your phone notes or email it to yourself with a timestamp. Don’t trust memory - record it now.
3. Tell Someone You Trust
A friend, crewmate, or HOD - not for gossip, but support. It’s easier to act when someone’s got your back.
A friend, crewmate, or HOD - not for gossip, but support. It’s easier to act when someone’s got your back.
4. Report It - Formally or Informally
🔷 Check your yacht’s SMS for the correct reporting process.
🔷 Speak to your DPA, Purser, or Captain (unless they’re involved).
🔷 Don’t apologise. Don’t downplay it. You’re doing the right thing.
🔷 Check your yacht’s SMS for the correct reporting process.
🔷 Speak to your DPA, Purser, or Captain (unless they’re involved).
🔷 Don’t apologise. Don’t downplay it. You’re doing the right thing.
5. Still Not Safe? Go External and contact Yacht Crew Help.
They’ll help you anonymously, without judgement, and explain your rights.
They’ll help you anonymously, without judgement, and explain your rights.
You don’t have to handle it alone. Ever.
There’s support. There are procedures. And there are people who will listen.
There’s support. There are procedures. And there are people who will listen.
💥 BONUS 2: For Captains & HODs: Someone’s Reported an Incident - Now What?
Handle it well, or risk losing good crew (and your reputation).
1. Take It Seriously - Immediately
No brushing it off. No “oh, I’m sure they didn’t mean it.”
Listen without interrupting. Believe them. They came to you - that takes guts.
No brushing it off. No “oh, I’m sure they didn’t mean it.”
Listen without interrupting. Believe them. They came to you - that takes guts.
2. Don’t Promise Confidentiality You Can’t Keep
Say: “What you share will be handled discreetly, but some parts may need to be reported or investigated.” Honesty builds trust.
Say: “What you share will be handled discreetly, but some parts may need to be reported or investigated.” Honesty builds trust.
3. Follow the Yacht’s SMS or HR Policy
🔷 Log the complaint in writing
🔷 Inform the Designated Person Ashore (DPA)
🔷 Begin the investigation professionally and fairly
🔷 Log the complaint in writing
🔷 Inform the Designated Person Ashore (DPA)
🔷 Begin the investigation professionally and fairly
Or whatever your onboard policy states. If you don’t know the steps - find out fast.
4. Separate the Parties If Needed
Don’t leave the victim to “just get on with it.” Adjust duties, change cabins, or rotate watches if necessary to create breathing space.
Don’t leave the victim to “just get on with it.” Adjust duties, change cabins, or rotate watches if necessary to create breathing space.
5. Do Not Retaliate, Minimise, or Guilt Trip
No comments like:
❌ “You’re putting me in a difficult position.”
❌ “It’s just banter, lighten up.”
❌ “Are you sure you’re not overreacting?”
No comments like:
❌ “You’re putting me in a difficult position.”
❌ “It’s just banter, lighten up.”
❌ “Are you sure you’re not overreacting?”
If you say this - you’re part of the problem.
6. Follow Up
Circle back. Ask:
✅ “How are you feeling now?”
✅ “Do you need anything else from me?”
Circle back. Ask:
✅ “How are you feeling now?”
✅ “Do you need anything else from me?”
Even if they say “I’m fine,” they’ll remember that you asked.
Final Reminder:
If you don’t act appropriately, it’s not just a leadership failure - it could be a legal liability.
If you don’t act appropriately, it’s not just a leadership failure - it could be a legal liability.
Support your crew. Set the tone. Be the leader they can trust.
🛟 Need support navigating the tougher side of yacht life?
There’s a dedicated mental health section in Superyacht Life: How to Start, Succeed, & Stay Sane by Erica Lay — with honest advice, practical tools, and real guidance for staying strong when things get rough. Available 1st October on Amazon.
🛟 Need support navigating the tougher side of yacht life?
There’s a dedicated mental health section in Superyacht Life: How to Start, Succeed, & Stay Sane by Erica Lay — with honest advice, practical tools, and real guidance for staying strong when things get rough. Available 1st October on Amazon.