As an aspiring seafarer, it is normal to have anxieties about certain aspects of working on a superyacht. It could be about the overall work environment, or it could be about socializing and working with people from different backgrounds. Whatever the anxieties may be, they are valid and should be addressed properly. In this article, we would like to list out some of the most common anxieties a seafarer may experience while working on a Superyacht, along with a possible general solution that may work in your favour. Let’s talk about them!
Common Anxieties a Seafarer may face while working on a Superyacht
Mental health is a widely-discussed topic in 2024. Gradually, we are understanding how important it is to keep your mental health in tip-top condition. While your physical issues do show on the outside, your mental issues do not until it is too late.
One way to tackle mental health issues is to talk about them. Awareness is the key, folks! And this article talks about anxieties; especially the anxieties of an aspiring seafarer about to have their first deckhand/stewardess job on an esteemed superyacht.
Isolation from Family and Friends
There are many reasons to work on a superyacht. Esteemed luxurious environment and a hefty sum of salary are the two most common ones. If you do enjoy your work on a superyacht (as you should), then that is a bonus. However, no matter how merry the environment is on a superyacht, you are bound to feel isolated.
You are bound to miss your familiar environment and your friends and families. In this case, you may feel isolation and loneliness, which may lead to depression if left unchecked. In such cases, please consider talking about it with your fellow crew mates. Chances are, they are also going through something similar and can understand what you are going through.
Fear of Accidents and Emergencies
On the sea, you have limited supplies and means to deal with emergencies. Despite having thorough training, it is understandable to have anxiety about dealing with accidents and emergencies. Now, while this fear keeps our senses in check, it can quickly go south if it tips the balance towards negativity. If the fear and anxiety take hold of you, you cannot perform at your job and may even end up making mistakes from over-worrying.
Talking about this to your crew members as well as some breathing exercises can help soothe your nerves. It is going to be okay! Remind yourself that you are trained to handle situations like this.
Social Anxieties
If you are an introvert, this may relate to you better. However, even extroverted people may feel this. Especially if you are going to work on a superyacht for the first time, it is understandable to feel socially anxious. New faces, people from different backgrounds, different languages and etiquette: it is natural to feel anxious about it.
Not to mention, as a deckhand, you may have to interact with your guests, tend to their needs and whatnot. This, combined with your job and dealing with your co-workers, can go south if you have a bad case of social anxiety. You may feel symptoms like hyperventilation, numbness in your limbs, or a flight response. If such cases, remember your breathing exercises and that it is okay to rely on others for help.
Work-related Mental Health Challenges
While superyacht provides a lavish working environment, work can be brutal, especially during the season. You may have to work from morning to late night, sometimes without any breaks even. Such long working hours, heavy workload, combined with socializing with guests can put a toll on your mental health. The cases of burnout, anxiety, and even depression are common in such working environments.
Depending on the severity, we highly recommend you talk to your crew or a mental professional.
Conclusion
Working on a superyacht can get brutal, even in a positive work environment. This is also why superyacht workers have long vacations after seasons. During your off-time, make sure you rest plenty, have good times with your family and friends, and most importantly, take your time to recharge. If you think your mental health has degraded severely, please consider seeking therapy. There is nothing wrong with seeking therapy. Do not let any social stigmas prevent you from seeking therapy.
You deserve the best, so look after yourself.
If you are excited about working on a superyacht regardless of the challenges, you must be a kindred spirit. In South Africa, Sail and Power SA can help you with your crew training. For more information, please connect with us today or check out our website.