Alastair Macmillan-Bell joins MHG with over 35 years of insurance experience.

ALASTAIR MACMILLAN-BELL Fort Lauderdale, Florida (May 19, 2022) – MHG Insurance, an international insurance brokerage and advisory firm, announced today the appointment of Alastair Macmillan-Bell as Group CEO of the MHG Group of Companies, effective May 23rd, and will be based in their Fort Lauderdale offices. Andrew Dudzinski, Co-Founder and former Chairman and CEO, will assume a new role as the group’s Executive Chairman.

A veteran of the insurance industry, Macmillan-Bell has over 35 years of insurance experience focusing on the marine & energy market, cruise, and travel sector, along with international maritime medical services. His past business development roles, extensive client-focused relationships, international carrier partnerships, and numerous leadership positions will contribute significantly to the ongoing success of MHG. Most recently, Macmillan-Bell served as Senior Vice President for a leading international Risk and Human Capital solutions firm.

“I am very pleased to see Alastair assume the CEO role,” said Dudzinski. “With his extensive insurance background and international experience, Alastair comes uniquely qualified for this opportunity. I’m looking forward to working with him, and we are very excited at the opportunities we have to continue accelerating our growth across our business. We will be identifying new solutions that will contribute to our current industry position to generate even greater awareness of the MHG companies, as we take full advantage of the MHG brand as a leading insurance provider in the maritime industry.”

With over 30 years of expertise in crew employee benefits to the yacht, cruise, and commercial shipping industry, MHG is known as an international market leader in this very important arena of crew health. MHG’s solutions also extend to ship repairers, entertainers, concessionaires, shore excursion operators, and tour operators. MHG has hull and P&I insurance expertise for small charter fleets and some very nuanced products for yacht charter cancellation coverage. 

“I am thrilled to join MHG and to begin working with the very talented team that is in place across our international offices,” said Macmillan-Bell. “The MHG team is at the core of what we do. Their passion is inspiring, and their dedication to serving our very valued clients is the heartbeat of the MHG companies. As I take on this new role, I look forward to using my experience and working with my new colleagues to continue the significant growth that has been achieved to date while identifying new solutions that will add economic value to all stakeholders.”

MHG has offices in the U.S. and Europe, staffed with a team of insurance specialists dedicated to delivering marine insurance solutions, and are experts in the intricacies of all different types of insurance products and the regulations they must comply with. MHG has built a culture of inclusion and continues to build on this important aspect of its business, providing colleagues with great opportunities and an exceptional work environment. MHG has been recognized as a “Best Places to Work,” has an extremely low turnover rate, and truly instills a “family” atmosphere that is embedded in the company’s fabric.

About MHG Insurance

Established in 1991 in Miami, Florida, MHG Insurance is a global insurance brokerage and consulting firm focusing on the marine industry. Through its extensive relationships with international underwriting markets, MHG develops and provides a full range of employee benefits, wellness solutions, risk mitigation programs, property and casualty insurance, and financial services, all supported by a comprehensive attention to serving our clients at the very highest standards. In the marine community, MHG is well known for its expertise in the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC 2006) and developing MLC-aligned crew insurance solutions. For more information about MHG Insurance, please visit mhginsurance.com.

MHG Insurance, an international insurance brokerage and advisory firm, announced today the appointment of Alastair Macmillan-Bell as Group CEO of the MHG Group of Companies, effective May 23rd, and will be based in their Fort Lauderdale offices.

Cathy LaneDOUGLAS, ISLE OF MAN (March 24, 2022) – MHG Insurance has announced the promotion of Cathy Lane to Managing Director of the Isle of Man operation, MHG Ocean Benefits Limited. In addition to being Head of Compliance, Cathy will continue to oversee MHG’s operations throughout Europe.

Before this promotion, Cathy joined MHG in 2011 as the first full-time employee in MHG’s Isle of Man office. She was tasked with building a team that could support the company’s European clients, and due to her work ethic and success, she quickly earned the role of Director, European Operations in 2012. Alongside her daily responsibilities, Cathy is an advocate for the Isle of Man’s marine industry and serves on the Executive Committee for Isle of Man Maritime.

“Cathy has been crucial to our success in Europe,” said Andrew Dudzinski, MHG Chairman and CEO. “Since her first day here, Cathy has worked hard and displayed a level of dedication that is invaluable. The goals she has achieved make this promotion and added responsibility an easy decision for MHG. We are excited to see what she can accomplish in the future.”

“MHG has always provided a supportive environment in which anyone can flourish and I am happy to continue that tradition. “ said Cathy. “I’m grateful to the Board for their confidence and look forward to helping MHG build on the successes achieved so far.”

About MHG Insurance

Established in 1991 in Miami, Florida, MHG Insurance is an independent, global, full-service insurance brokerage and consultative facility. Through its extensive relationships with international underwriting markets, MHG develops and provides a full range of employee benefits, risk mitigation programs, property and casualty insurance and financial services all supported by comprehensive attention to service support for all of our clients. In the marine community, MHG is well known for its expertise in the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC 2006) and developing MLC-aligned crew insurance solutions. In the U.S., MHG provides group and individual employee benefits along with advice on federal regulations regarding the Affordable Care Act. For more information about MHG Insurance and the services we provide, please visit mhginsurance.com.

MHG Insurance has announced the promotion of Cathy Lane to Managing Director of the Isle of Man operation, MHG Ocean Benefits Limited.

Jack Okell smilingDOUGLAS, ISLE OF MAN (February 22, 2022) – MHG Insurance announced today the promotion of Jack Okell to Senior Analyst. In this newly created key position, Jack is responsible for collating data, conducting high- and low-level data analysis, and internal and external reporting. Jack actively works within MHG’s Lloyd’s of London coverholder operation to ensure requirements are satisfied, and to improve MHG’s delegated authority capabilities. Jack also handles International Special Risks, assisting clients with sourcing cover appropriate for their needs from both the London market and wider company markets.

Prior to this promotion, Jack joined at MHG as an intern in 2016, and quickly worked his way up to a full-time position. With this new promotion, it shows that MHG is continuing to grow, largely due to the dedication and commitment of its team members.

About MHG Insurance

Established in 1991 in Miami, Florida, MHG Insurance is an independent, global, full-service insurance brokerage and consultative facility. Through its extensive relationships with international underwriting markets, MHG develops and provides a full range of employee benefits, risk mitigation programs, property and casualty insurance and financial services all supported by comprehensive attention to service support for all of our clients. In the marine community, MHG is well known for its expertise in the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC 2006) and developing MLC-aligned crew insurance solutions. In the U.S., MHG provides group and individual employee benefits along with advice on federal regulations regarding the Affordable Care Act. For more information about MHG Insurance and the services we provide, please visit mhginsurance.com.

MHG Insurance announced today the promotion of Jack Okell to Senior Analyst.

MHG Insurance Celebrates 30th

MHG Marks 30 Years with a Fresh New Look and Office

MHG 30th Anniversary LogoFORT LAUDERDALE, FL (January 19th, 2021) – MHG Insurance is marking its 30th anniversary since introducing crew benefits to the marine industry. Thirty years and over tens of thousands of captains, officers, and crew insured, MHG continues to develop crew benefit plans to make the industry a better place to work and live.

Founders, Andrew Dudzinski and John Haagensen, launched MHG after industry growth and ensuing competitive pressures, cruise lines needed new ways to attract and retain their officers and crew. Dudzinski, with a background in expatriate insurance programs, and Haagensen, a former seafarer and practicing insurance agent, saw the solution in creating and providing customized crew benefits plans. Dudzinski and Haagensen combined their extensive experience and contacts to convince the industry that seafarers are better motivated, remain more loyal, and work more safely when a benefit plan is provided as part of an employment package.

“While hesitant at first, the cruise lines listened, and once the competitive advantages were understood, benefit plans were implemented by many lines,” said Andrew Dudzinski, MHG’s Chairman and CEO. “Other marine industry sectors, such as luxury yachts and commercial shipping, followed soon after.”

Three decades on, MHG is recognized not only for developing innovative crew benefit programs for the maritime industry but also for providing liability and casualty coverage for ship repairers, contractors, entertainers, and cruise concessionaires, in addition to hull and P&I insurance for pleasure craft.

Today, MHG provides insurance solutions, insight, and advice to many of CLIA’s global member cruise lines. In 2017, MHG released a ground-breaking report on the cruise industry’s shipboard benefits provision, which has been updated and released to clients every other year. On the yacht side, MHG provides yacht crew insurance to hundreds of yachts, including 20% of the world’s top 100 largest yachts. In 2018, MHG partnered with The International Seafarers’ Welfare and Assistance Network (ISWAN) to investigate wellness issues specific to the yachting industry. The survey findings were shared with the industry and highlighted the need for mental health awareness.

“We’re so proud of the achievements and lasting impact that we have made in the marine industry,” said MHG’s Chief Revenue Officer Mark Bononi. “While we have successfully introduced and made crew benefits more mainstream in the industry, our work is not done. We will continue to be at the forefront of developing and implementing a full range of crew benefits solutions, all designed specifically for the marine industry.”

MHG has offices in the U.S. and Europe, staffed with a team of insurance specialists experienced in the marine environment, and are experts in the intricacies of all different types of insurance products and the regulations with which they must comply. In addition to the efforts to impact the industries they serve, MHG also strives to implement a culture for its employees that is second to none. From day one, they have practiced what they preach when it comes to taking care of employees and have seen the positive effects firsthand. MHG has been recognized as a “Best Places to Work,” has an extremely low turnover rate, and truly instills a “family” atmosphere that many businesses try to promote.

As part of its 30th anniversary, MHG is also launching a new logo and moving its U.S. offices a few blocks from its current location to 1800 SE 10th Avenue, Suite 320, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33316.

Looking ahead, MHG plans to continue to expand its reach throughout the marine industry, with the same purpose and idea they were founded on. With an updated look and new offices to call home, we can’t wait to see what’s in store.

About MHG Insurance

Established in 1991 in Miami, Florida, MHG Insurance is a global insurance brokerage and consultative facility, with a focus on the marine industry. Through its extensive relationships with international underwriting markets, MHG develops and provides a full range of employee benefits, risk mitigation programs, property and casualty insurance, and financial services, all supported by comprehensive attention to service support for all of our clients. In the marine community, MHG is well known for its expertise in the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC 2006) and developing MLC-aligned crew insurance solutions. In the U.S., MHG provides group and individual employee benefits and advice on federal regulations regarding the Affordable Care Act. For more information about MHG Insurance and the services we provide, please visit mhginsurance.com.

MHG Insurance is marking its 30th anniversary since introducing crew benefits to the marine industry.

SHERRY1 FORT LAUDERDALE, FL (January 6, 2020) – MHG Insurance Brokers, the cruise industry’s crew health insurance specialist, announced today the promotion of Sherry Wertz to Director, Cruise Division. In this key role, Wertz will lead MHG’s Cruise Division, one of the company’s founding departments. MHG introduced benefits to the cruise industry, making it a better place to work and live, and with this appointment will look to further advance the livelihood and well-being of those within the industry.

Prior to this appointment, Wertz was MHG’s Senior Manager, Operations, responsible for managing cruise line accounts. A veteran of the cruise industry, Wertz has more than 30 years’ experience working for various cruise lines, concessionaires, and other companies supporting the industry. Wertz joined MHG in 2016.

Wertz will report to Mark Bononi, MHG’s Chief Revenue Officer, and will be supported by Kelly Morris, Claims Specialist.

“Sherry is a pleasure to work with and is a great fit for this role,” said Bononi. “With her dedication to service and compassion for the crew, Sherry truly epitomizes the MHG spirit.”

While MHG’s focus was initially on captains, officers, and crew, the company has enjoyed continuous growth and has since grown into a multi-discipline marine insurance brokerage and adviser. This year, the company will mark its 30th anniversary with the release of a new company logo, social media campaign, and celebrations later in the year.

About MHG Insurance Brokers

Established in 1991 in Miami, Florida, MHG Insurance Brokers is an independent, global, full-service insurance brokerage and consultative facility. Through its extensive relationships with international underwriting markets, MHG develops and provides a full range of employee benefits, risk mitigation programs, property and casualty insurance and financial services all supported by comprehensive attention to service support for all of our clients. In the marine community, MHG is well known for its expertise in the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC 2006) and developing MLC-aligned crew insurance solutions. In the U.S., MHG provides group and individual employee benefits along with advice on federal regulations regarding the Affordable Care Act. For more information about MHG Insurance Brokers and the services we provide, please visit mhginsurance.com.

MHG Insurance Brokers, the cruise industry’s crew health insurance specialist, announced today the promotion of Sherry Wertz to Director, Cruise Division.

Layout 1From today, professional yacht crew anywhere in the world will be able to access 24-hour support via Yacht Crew Help, a new helpline launched by the International Seafarers’ Welfare and Assistance Network (ISWAN).

Despite the many benefits of working on board a superyacht, the challenges of working away from home for long periods and living in close quarters with colleagues can become overwhelming. In a 2018 survey of superyacht crew, ISWAN found that 82% of superyacht crew experienced low crew morale sometimes, often or always, and 55% of female respondents found accessing mental health care to be an occasional or regular challenge.

Prompted by these findings, ISWAN set up a steering group of representatives from across the superyacht industry and collaborated to develop Yacht Crew Help – a free, confidential, multilingual helpline for professional yacht crew. Whatever problem someone is facing, wherever they are in the world, Yacht Crew Help will be available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, to provide guidance and support. The helpline is run by ISWAN, a charity which promotes the welfare of seafarers working in all sectors of the maritime industry. The helpline officers are trained in counselling skills, suicide risk assessment and providing emotional support to crew all over the world, and the team is connected with a wide range of organisations to help yacht crew find further support.

ISWAN’s Executive Director Roger Harris said: ‘Although the superyacht industry can be glamorous, the demands on crew are very high and living in your workplace away from loved ones can be tough. With Yacht Crew Help, we want to make sure that men and women working on superyachts can easily access the support available to them worldwide whenever they need it – free of charge, day or night. We are incredibly grateful to all of our partners for helping us develop a service tailored to professional yacht crew and their specific needs.’

Captain Brendan O’Shannassy, President of the ISS Captain’s Committee and one of the key members of the Yacht Crew Help steering group, said: ‘The most valuable component of the superyacht industry are the crews. Yacht Crew Help will be key to educating and supporting yacht crew as they strive to deliver the excellence demanded by the industry. ISWAN are a highly credible non-commercial entity to provide this support without crew having any concern of commercial compromise when raising personal concerns.’

Crew members, whether they are currently on board or ashore, can currently contact Yacht Crew Help via three different contact methods:

Telephone: +44 (0)20 3713 7273 (a call back can be requested via the Yacht Crew Help website)

E-mail: help@yachtcrewhelp.org

Live Chat: via www.yachtcrewhelp.org

A range of information, guidance and resources on issues affecting yacht crew is available on the Yacht Crew Help website at www.yachtcrewhelp.org, including mental health and wellbeing, bullying and harassment, sexual assault, substance misuse and employment concerns.

Yacht Crew Help would not be possible without the support and guidance of a number of key companies and organisations: Y.CO (Official yachting partner); Bond Technology Management & Consultancy (Primary partner); Burgess (Gold sponsor); MYBA (Gold sponsor); LYBRA (Gold sponsor); The Professional Yachting Association; Nautilus International; wilsonhalligan; MHG Insurance Brokers; United Advisers Marine; Yotspot; AYSS; Yachting Matters; Superyacht Charities; Impact Crew; International Superyacht Society; and Superyacht Services Guide.

For more information about Yacht Crew Help, please contact ISWAN’s Project Manager, Caitlin Vaughan: caitlin.vaughan@iswan.org.uk.

ENDS

NOTES TO EDITORS

International Seafarers' Welfare and Assistance Network (ISWAN): A charity and membership organisation which works to promote and support the welfare of seafarers all over the world. The free, 24-hour, multilingual helpline, SeafarerHelp, is one of the direct welfare services that ISWAN provides to seafarers. Others include relief funds for seafarers and their family members in need and a range of health information resources. ISWAN works with companies, unions, governments, welfare organisations and ports for the implementation of the ILO Maritime Labour Convention, 2006. ISWAN supports those who establish and provide welfare facilities and services in port and on ships. ISWAN is funded by membership subscriptions, grants from foundations, sponsorship and earned income. For more information, visit www.seafarerswelfare.org.

From today, professional yacht crew anywhere in the world will be able to access 24-hour support via Yacht Crew Help, a new helpline launched by the International Seafarers’ Welfare and Assistance Network (ISWAN).

Celene1 (002)FORT LAUDERDALE, FL (September 29th, 2020) – MHG Insurance Brokers announced today that Celene Good has joined the team as a Staff Accountant. In this role, Good will provide assistance to our Accounting Department.

Good joins MHG with over 15 years of accounting experience. Good previously worked as a Staff Accountant at a facilities & property management services company, and more recently an Accounting Assistant at a landscape and design company in South Florida. She graduated from Liberty University with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting in 2013.

“Celene is an experienced Accountant whose skills and expertise are needed as MHG continues to grow,” said Katherine Pajor, MHG’s Chief Financial Officer. “Her experience with accounting software made her a logical candidate. Her presence will help us to expand the roles of others, allowing us a greater opportunity to achieve our internal goals.”

MHG Insurance Brokers has been providing insurance guidance and solutions since 1991. The company has established an unrivalled reputation for providing quality insurance products that meet clients’ coverage requirements and budget.

About MHG Insurance Brokers

Established in 1991 in Miami, Florida, MHG Insurance Brokers is an independent, global, full-service insurance brokerage and consultative facility. Through its extensive relationships with international underwriting markets, MHG develops and provides a full range of employee benefits, risk mitigation programs, property and casualty insurance, and financial services all supported by comprehensive attention to service support for all of our clients. In the marine community, MHG is well known for its expertise in the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC 2006) and developing MLC-aligned crew insurance solutions. In the U.S., MHG provides group and individual employee benefits along with advice on federal regulations regarding the Affordable Care Act. For more information about MHG Insurance Brokers and the services we provide, please visit mhginsurance.com

MHG Insurance Brokers announced today that Celene Good has joined the team as a Staff Accountant. In this role, Good will provide assistance to our Accounting Department.

Companies to introduce PYURE air and surface sanitizing hydroxyl technology to Yachts

Yachts line the Harbour in Monaco - Monte CarloFORT LAUDERDALE (August 26, 2020) - MHG Insurance Brokers, the marine industry’s crew benefits specialist, and VIKAND SOLUTIONS, LLC, a global, maritime medical operations and healthcare solutions provider, announced their partnership to bring VIKAND’s Health and Hygiene program to the yachting industry. This Health and Hygiene program consists of a 3-pronged approach to reduce and potentially eliminate the threat of COVID-19 onboard, while also promoting the overall health and wellness of crew and guests through air purification technology, medical protocols, and around the clock medical support. VIKAND’s strategy includes:

· Technologies like PYURE are used to suppress COVID-19 and other contaminants which can stay in the air in aerosolized droplets and on surfaces for hours

o PYURE works to actively distribute disinfecting air to kill viruses, bacteria, mold, etc.

o The technology is proven to be effective, safe, green, and energy saving.

o PYURE can create an environment of ultra-clean, crisp air.

· Health & Hygiene Protocols with COVID-19 focus from VIKAND’s Public Health Practice

o Public Health Service support in the installation and management of protocols.

o Advice, education, support, and solutions for preemptive testing and tracking.

· COVID-19 Hotline 24/7 Medical Support by VIKAND’s expert maritime medical staff

o House calls – VIKAND’S medical team reaches out to each vessel monthly.

o Mental wellness support.

“We are delighted to be partnering with MHG,” said Peter Hult, VIKAND CEO. “COVID-19 is on everyone’s mind at the moment and we’re happy to bring the industry a potential solution which helps promote a high degree of health and wellness on board.”

Through this collaborative effort, MHG and VIKAND strive to provide clients and the yacht industry with a cohesive strategy to help mitigate the risk of infection and transfer on board, while providing guests and crew outstanding care, comfort, and support.

“As owners return to their yachts and charters resume, we want to make sure our clients and the industry have access to as many tools as possible to combat COVID-19,” said Andrew Dudzinski, MHG’s Chairman and CEO. “MHG’s primary concern has always been the health and welfare of crew and guests onboard. The VIKAND team is well known to us and we believe their solutions are in line with our initiatives to help clients face this new environment and to continue yachting with enhanced comfort and care.”

About MHG Insurance Brokers

MHG Insurance LogoEstablished in 1991, MHG Insurance Brokers is an independent, global, full-service insurance brokerage and consultative facility with offices in Ft. Lauderdale, the Isle of Man and Hamburg, Germany. Through its extensive relationships with international underwriting markets, MHG develops and provides a full range of employee benefits, risk mitigation programs, property and casualty insurance, and financial services all supported by comprehensive attention to service support for all of our clients. In the marine community, MHG is well known for its expertise in the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC 2006) and developing MLC-aligned crew insurance solutions. For more information about MHG Insurance Brokers and the services we provide, please visit mhginsurance.com

About VIKAND

VIKAND logoVIKAND is a Fort Lauderdale, Florida based leading global maritime healthcare and hygiene solutions provider offering a full range of services, technologies, products, and protocols for the safety of crew and guests onboard cruise ships, yachts, and commercial vessels. Solutions encompass 24/7 medical management, consulting, biomedical equipment maintenance and sales, and leading air and surface decontamination solutions.

Companies to introduce PYURE air and surface sanitizing hydroxyl technology to Yachts.

MHG Cruise Report Magazine 2019 COVER2- FLRFORT LAUDERDALE, FL (SEPTEMBER 5, 2019) – MHG Insurance, the cruise industry’s authority on crew benefits, has released the 2019 Cruise Industry Benefits and Trends Report. The report provides a glimpse into the benefits provided to officers and crew at some of the world’s leading cruise lines.

At the center of the report is the highly anticipated benefits matrix which contains a snapshot of what the cruise industry is doing today in terms of benefits provision. The matrix examines four categories including: medical insurance, disability insurance, life insurance, and retirement savings. Coverage details for each benefit are highlighted and lists which group receives them - all in an anonymous format.

Topical articles and trends affecting the industry, such as the anticipated growth across all segments and the introduction of LNG technology and the possible impact on crewing, are also profiled. Guest contributors, Paul Morter, founder of UK based Block 524, takes an in-depth look at retirement savings plans and their importance in a successful attraction and retention strategy while Caitlin Vaughan, Project Manager at the International Seafarers’ Welfare and Assistance Network (ISWAN), discusses crew mental health at sea.

“Staff attraction and retention set the most successful cruise lines apart from the rest,” said Lyall Duncan, MHG’s Cruise Division Director. “Seafarers may have been plentiful in the past, but with the recent and continued expansion over the next several years, it may prove harder to find and keep qualified officers and crew. We’re pleased to be able to provide our clients with this report so that they can determine which benefits and perks are necessary to be competitive.”

MHG Insurance continues to be at the forefront of developing innovative insurance solutions and products to meet the changing needs of the cruise industry, businesses, and individuals around the world. To receive a copy of the Cruise Industry Benefits and Trends Report or to schedule an appointment to review the report and discuss your benefit strategy, please contact MHG Insurance at +1 954-828-1819 or pr@mhginsurance.com.

About MHG Insurance

Established in 1991 in Miami, Florida, MHG Insurance is an independent, global, full-service insurance brokerage and consultative facility. Through its extensive relationships with international underwriting markets, MHG develops and provides a full range of employee benefits, risk mitigation programs, business insurance and financial services all supported by comprehensive attention to service support for all of our clients. In the marine community, MHG is well known for its expertise in the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC 2006) and developing MLC-aligned crew insurance solutions. For more information about MHG Insurance and the services we provide, please visit mhginsurance.com

MHG Insurance Brokers, the cruise industry’s authority on crew benefits, has released the 2019 Cruise Industry Benefits and Trends Report. The report provides a glimpse into the benefits provided to officers and crew at some of the world’s leading cruise lines.

524710540RELEASE DATE: 5/12/18

The results of new research into the welfare needs of superyacht crew were announced on Monday at a seminar held at Inmarsat’s headquarters in London.


The International Seafarers’ Welfare and Assistance Network (ISWAN) partnered with MHG Insurance to conduct a survey of seafarers who work on superyachts to investigate welfare issues specific to the sector, backed up by in-depth interviews and diary studies. Based on responses from 402 superyacht crew responding to the 50-question survey, the report finds:

· 82% had experienced low crew morale ‘sometimes’, ‘often’ or ‘always’

· 77% of women, and 55% of men, had experienced problems with on-board leadership ‘sometimes’, ‘often’ or ‘always’

· 67% ‘usually’ or ‘always’ felt rested in port

· 79% were on permanent contracts

· 51% were satisfied with their leave entitlement

· 57% of women and 39% of men suffered from social isolation or loneliness ‘sometimes’, ‘often’ or ‘always’ while working on board.

Yachting offers wonderful opportunities and this side was revealed in the report in quotes including: ‘Yachting delivers beautiful adventures to remote parts of the world…at a fraction of a cost that any other occupation can offer.’ It is also a hard life physically: ‘…you work bloody long hours without a day off in weeks during charters.’ The report covers the very good side of working on superyachts, without shying away from areas where improvements can be made: ‘I know a lot of yachts look after their crew but a lot don’t.’

The recommendations of the report include the following:

· Improving recruits’ knowledge of what to expect on board before they go to sea

· Improved support for seafarers who are coming out of the superyacht sector

· Raising awareness of what support for wellbeing is out there for seafarers, and widening distribution of welfare materials and information to include yacht crew

· An increase in the availability of rotational posts, which would make a concession to family life

· Enabling more time for rest and relaxation

Rob Myers – Senior Director, Large Yacht and Passenger at Inmarsat, the seminar host – opened the launch in London by introducing Inmarsat’s recent work on improving superyacht crew communications. Dr Olivia Swift, who conducted the research for ISWAN, presented the results to delegates and a panel then addressed three key discussion points stemming from the report: gender, religion and leadership. The panel members were:

Andrew Wright – Secretary General at The Mission to Seafarers

Karen Passman – Founder of Impact Crew

Peter Dudzinski – Director, Underwriting Services at MHG Insurance

Nicola Morgan – Director, Recruitment Manager & Shore Based Positions at wilsonhalligan

Danny McGowan – Strategic Organiser at Nautilus International

Richard Le Quesne – Financial Director & Honorary Treasurer at the Professional Yachting Association

Commenting on the report, MHG Insurance’ Chairman and CEO Andrew Dudzinski said: ‘How can we expect to recruit and retain loyal crew tomorrow if we don’t understand their welfare concerns today?’

The research was described by seminar delegates as ‘long overdue’ (Dùghall macLachlainn, a superyacht captain), at the ‘forefront of development of crew welfare’ (yacht recruitment agency wilsonhalligan), and ‘a step in the right direction for the future of superyachting in a modern world’ (Sara Ballinger, Crew-Glue).

ISWAN’s Executive Director Roger Harris said: ‘The research highlights some real concerns of crew working on superyachts that need to be addressed by the sector. We are grateful to MHG Insurance for funding the research and to The Mission to Seafarers for supporting it.’

Andrew Wright, Secretary General at The Mission to Seafarers, said: ‘I was absolutely delighted to attend the excellent superyacht seminar. The findings of the study confirm my own experience of the industry and were properly thought-provoking. This is an area of need which has been insufficiently on the radar of most maritime welfare organisations. At The Mission to Seafarers we are determined to take forward current discussions. Working with partners, we are looking to develop appropriate kinds of support, focused on identified areas of need and using our particular skills and experience.’

The report can be downloaded here: www.seafarerswelfare.org/resources/publications/the-welfare-of-superyacht-crew.

For further information, please contact:

Tom Holmer

ISWAN, Croydon, UK

Telephone: +44 20 8253 0163

tom.holmer@iswan.org.uk

Mobile: +44 7807 311852

Diana Gonzalez

MHG Insurance, Florida, USA

Telephone: +1 954 548 3581

dianag@mhginsurance.com

Mobile: +1 954 232 2957

The results of new research into the welfare needs of superyacht crew were announced on Monday at a seminar held at Inmarsat’s headquarters in London.