Working on a superyacht can be a mentally draining experience. While you may understand that, the superyacht management needs to understand that as well. In this article, let’s understand the importance of healthy mental health practices on a superyacht.
The Importance of Healthy Mental Health Practices on a Superyacht
After all, mental health is not only about bubble baths and deep breathing exercises. While an individual may find temporary peace within these activities, it will not actively contribute to their mental health if the actual problems persist.
Now, I am not saying that we should lower the much-needed working hours; the norms of a regular working job do not apply to working on a superyacht. However, there are ways to improve working conditions and promote a positive mental environment. How? Let’s see.
Hire a Team of Mental Health Specialists
Hiring a specialist or a team of specialists will not only boost morale but will also help the crew feel safe about their mental health. A mental health specialist, like a counsellor/therapist, can help the crew members identify mental health issues and provide remedies accordingly.
Besides that, these therapists maintain a strict code of confidentiality, allowing the crew to have a safe and professional space to talk about their issues.
Consider hosting Stress Management Training sessions
Working on a superyacht during peak seasons can turn into a dreadful experience of extensive workload, long working hours, and lack of rest. To tackle these situations, one must have mental fortitude to stay strong to get through.
To help tackle such situations, management can host stress management training sessions for the crew. Not only does this benefit their work onboard but can also prove to be valuable in their personal lives.
Positive, Encouraging Leadership goes a long way
As a captain or a senior officer, your crew is looking up to you for instructions, support, and guidance. In this case, the responsibility of being a positive influence lies upon you. The attitude and behaviour of the senior management directly influence a crew’s morale, attitude, and productivity.
As a leader, set positive examples for your crew, offer them support, and be ready to listen to their problems. Communication is the key to harmonising with your crew, raising their morale and protecting their mental health.
After all, regardless of position, you all are humans. Look after each other!
Build a Positive Community within your Crew
Every crew member on the superyacht is away from their family, working so that they can provide. In such scenarios, it is understandable for them to experience isolation, anxiety, or even depression.
As a captain/senior officer, consider establishing a supportive community amongst your crew members. Conduct team-building exercises, social gatherings, and shared experiences to help them bond.
Also, make sure that everyone feels safe. Not everyone appreciates social interactions outside work, and it is completely understandable. However, making them feel safe about it is definitely the way to go.
Encourage Work-Life Balance
Working on a superyacht means working long hours during the season. It can take a toll on your mental health as well as your physical health. While the crew does get a long vacation off-season, that alone may not be enough to boost morale and promote their well-being.
They are not just here to work. How about introducing some time-off schedules, or hosting some leisurely activities? It’s a superyacht with toys! Let the crew enjoy the amenities a superyacht has to provide. It will help them unwind and relax, both physically and mentally.
Conclusion
Mental health is not just a personal responsibility, it is a group effort. A harmonised crew that feels safer about their mental health is the crew that prevails. Such is the importance of implementing healthy mental health practices and activities on your superyacht.
This does not mean it will all be perfect. However, the efforts will make it easier for everyone. It will be okay as long as the efforts are in the right direction.
If you are looking forward to becoming a deckhand/stewardess, feel free to contact Sail and Power SA in South Africa. We are a Cape Town-based RYA-approved training institute that excels at providing RYA and Superyacht Crew Training. For more information, consider contacting us today or check our website.