The PYA today is joining the Raising the Bar think tank of experts from across the superyacht industry to improve outcomes for yacht crew and support their careers.

The initiative brings together key stakeholders and industry players to solve some of the emerging challenges facing yacht crew - identifying issues and putting forward suggestions to improve outcomes. 

This month, Raising the Bar unveiled a new platform that will provide detailed career maps for superyacht crew in all departments. Created in collaboration as a voluntary exercise and hosted by the Superyacht Alliance for Professional Standards, these career maps are designed to guide crew at every stage of their careers, from initial entry to progression through the ranks. 

For each department, the career maps have been thoroughly pieced together to provide an overview of each pathway, including timelines to help manage crew expectations regarding the realistic pace of progression. Each pathway also includes a comprehensive summary of the qualifications required at every stage, both mandatory and recommended, and in line with the International Association of Maritime Institutions (IAMI) and the Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA). These will be regularly updated as any changes arise.

The goal will be to encourage training schools and recruitment companies to share these defined career maps with both prospective and existing crew to highlight the wide range of career options available within the superyacht industry. Senior crew will also have the opportunity to use these career maps as they mentor, support, and encourage their juniors to develop key skills. 

Christophe Bourillon, CEO of the PYA said: “We are very pleased to be participating in this project. It is one of the only working groups where the various parts of the industry are being represented to discuss different issues with the ultimate objective of benefitting yacht crew. We look forward to taking part in these discussions.”

A key driver of the initiative is to engage, inspire and retain superyacht talent, with plans to extend the career maps to shore based roles offering guidance and support for crew ready to transition ashore.

Among the members of the alliance include: PYA, Bluewater, Burgess, Camper & Nicholsons, Fraser Yachts, Hill Robinson, IAMI, Impact Crew, Isle of Man Ship Registry, Italian Yacht Masters, JPMA, Life After Yachting, MHG Insurance, MYBA, Northrop & Johnson, Ocean Independence, Purser Trainer, Reardon Yacht Consulting, The OM, Viking Recruitment, Watermark Yacht Management, Wilson Halligan, Yachtzoo, YPI Crew. A number of consultants and captains are also involved in sharing perspectives.

With these discussions, the industry will be able to make more informed decisions and encourage owners, owner’s representatives and other key stakeholders to make improvements for the next generation of crew.

Currently, crew turnover within the industry remains high.

In Impact Crew’s 2015 survey, it was revealed that 78% and 69% of junior interior and deck crew, respectively, left within 12 months of taking on a new position. Average shoreside staff turnover rates are between 6 and 13 percent. 

The cost of replacing crew and staff runs far higher than the tangible expenses of recruitment, travel expenses and severance pay. There’s a raft of other costs that fly under the radar.

By appreciating and addressing issues facing crew and finding a range of solutions, Raising the Bar aims to engage, Inspire & retain superyacht talent.