Behind the Sparkle: Mental Health at Sea in the Superyacht Sector

Send us Fan MailGuests:Captain Brendan O’Shannassy – Superyacht Captain and maritime safety advocateLaura Beard – Welfare of Yacht Crew Project Manager, International Seafarers’ Welfare and Assistance Network (ISWAN)“Mental health is health. It’s just the same.”  Brendan O’ShannassyHosts:Julia Gosling – Host, Sea Views PodcastAdam Parnell – Director, CHIRP MaritimeEpisode Summary:In this powerful and practical episode of Sea Views, we explore the vital topic of mental health and welfare in the yacht crew sector.Julia and Adam are joined by returning guest Captain Brendan O’Shannassy and ISWAN’s Laura Beard to discuss the unique pressures faced by superyacht crew, and how industry-wide change can make life at sea safer and more sustainable for everyone on board.“There’s no judgment on YachtCrewHelp - we’re here for any crew, at any rank.” Laura BeardBrendan reflects on leadership, fatigue, and the silent strain of command, while Laura shares insights from ISWAN’s helpline Yacht Crew Help, including why many yacht crew don’t initially see themselves as seafarers—and what’s being done to change that.Key Topics:What defines the large yacht sector and who’s working in itHow mental health is deeply linked to crew safety and performanceWhy perception of the “glamorous” yacht lifestyle often hides the challengesCommon issues reported to YachtCrewHelp and how the service respondsThe importance of psychological safety, empathy, and leadership onboardAwareness campaigns and support for crew at all ranks, from junior to captainResources Mentioned:YachtCrewHelp (ISWAN): www.iswan.org.uk/yachtcrewhelp/A free, 24/7 confidential helpline for all yacht crew, worldwide.Edited by powwowpodcasts.comNEWS!  If you love listening to us....you can also watch Sea Views episodes on YouTube.CHIRPImproving safety at sea worldwide through the confidential and independent reporting programme.Make an incident report to CHIRP Maritime hereThe Seafarers' CharityImproving the lives of seafarers and their families for more than 105 years.by Ahoy Communications Ltd