Picture this: the sun-kissed waves gently lapping against the hull of your private yacht, the salty breeze whispering tales of undiscovered treasures. When seeking the epitome of opulence and adventure, there's nothing quite like a bespoke yachting holiday through azure waters.

In recent years, the allure of traversing aboard a luxurious private yacht has captivated this time of year.  This quintessential epitome of luxury travel offers not just unparalleled privacy and freedom but also the unique opportunity to explore the most secluded and breathtaking locales at one’s own pace.

However, as idyllic as private yacht holidays may seem, they come with their own set of risks and considerations that must be diligently managed to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Here, we delve into key factors that affluent travelers should consider from a risk and privacy perspective when planning their yacht adventures be it as a charter guest or an Owner.

Trust in your Captain and Crew

A superyacht captain has a multifaceted role that extends beyond merely navigating the vessel.  The captain is primarily responsible for the safe navigation of the yacht, avoiding hazardous conditions, and ensuring the vessel complies with maritime laws and regulations. The captain oversees the implementation of security measures to safeguard the yacht against theft, piracy, and unauthorized entry. Additionally, the captain oversees vetting and hiring the crew, as the success of every voyage hinge on the excellence of its crew members. While the vast majority of captains go above and beyond, there are a small number that don’t fully attend to their position with due care.

So, the question must be asked, who is checking on the captain? Yes, the family office is signing off on wages and purchases, with receipts and order numbers checked and collated, but in a world where normal rules often don’t apply, it is the sheer scope and scale of interactions within this luxury industry, that allows would be bad actors to blur the lines. For this reason, conducting thorough background checks on captains and crew is crucial, as failing to do so can result in them becoming a trusted insider threat.  

Background Checks

All crew staying onboard the vessel should be ID checked, references and courts/ offences (if any) reviewed at a minimum. We recommend more detailed checks for the captain and chief officer. As well as open-source intelligence (OSINT) checks of all crew staying onboard is best practice.

Medical procedures and Equipment applicable for the situation

The Maritime industry lays out guidelines for medical procedures and equipment on a Superyacht or charter vessel. But the question needs to be asked, is your vessel attending to the minimum standard, or the actual risk of your activities?

Scuba diving in remote locations is on the itinerary of many charter guests/ owners, but who is conducting the assessment of what equipment you need for what scenario? We had scenarios where a client was planning to conduct scuba diving in a remote part of the world and on review of the medical equipment and procedures, they were completely inadequate to handle a decompression injury like the bends. Without remediation and should an incident happen, it would have been a very uncomfortable and lengthy evacuation to the closest suitable medical facility.

Enhanced Training for Crew

   - Invest in comprehensive safety training for the crew, focusing on fire safety, emergency response, and rescue operations. Regular drills should be conducted to keep the crew prepared for any situation.

Health and Medical Preparedness

   - Equip the yacht with a well-stocked medical kit and advanced medical facilities, like an on-board defibrillator. Having a medical professional as part of the crew or on-call can greatly enhance onboard safety.

Security and Safety Measures

Advanced Safety Equipment

   - Install state-of-the-art safety equipment including updated life rafts, Anti-counter drone capability, advanced fire suppression systems, and modern navigation tools to prevent and respond to emergencies effectively.

Use of Technology for Safety Monitoring

   - Implement technologies such as CCTV cameras in common and operational areas (ensuring privacy in personal areas), alarms, and motion sensors to enhance security and monitor safety onboard. These cameras have a safety and security purpose, so both outcomes should be considered in the design.

Secure Communications

   - Equip the superyacht with encrypted communication systems for both internet and telephonic conversations to protect against eavesdropping and ensure private communications remain confidential.

Privacy Measures

Privacy Protocols for Crew

   - Train the crew in confidentiality protocols to ensure they understand the importance of guest privacy and know how to handle sensitive information.

  - Have in place a Crew Media Policy. This policy should stipulate the acceptable use of cameras by crew on the vessel and what information can and cannot be captured, stored, or transmitted on a personal device including social media.

This can include, what is allowed and more importantly what is not allowed:

i. Pictures/descriptions containing the location/name of the vessel

ii. Images of guests or personal items of owners/guests.

iii. Pictures containing any security related equipment or sensitive vessel information.

Non-disclosure Agreements (NDAs)

   - Have crew members and any visiting personnel sign NDAs to safeguard the privacy of the guests and the details of their voyages.

Other Safety Enhancements to Consider

Improving the safety and privacy of a superyacht involves a combination of technological advancements, strict protocols, and well-defined practices. Here’s a few pointers on how you can make a superyacht safer:

Selective Location Sharing

   - Be cautious about sharing the yacht’s location. Use secure channels for necessary communications about the yacht’s position and disable automatic geotagging on social media for both guests and crew.

Private Tender and Transport Services

   - Use unmarked, private tender services for transporting guests to and from the yacht to maintain privacy and avoid attracting attention.

Conclusion

A private yacht holiday represents the pinnacle of luxury travel, offering an unforgettable experience steeped in privacy, freedom, and adventure. However, this exclusive mode of travel requires meticulous planning and consideration of various risks related to navigation, security, health and safety, regulatory compliance, insurance, and environmental responsibility. By addressing these concerns proactively, you and your family can ensure their seafaring journey is not only luxurious but also safe, and secure.

So cast off the bowlines and set sail on the voyage of a lifetime.

Who We Are

Accordant Global Partners (AGP) is your Comprehensive Risk Management and Operations Provider. At AGP, we are dedicated in providing our clients with exceptional Risk Advisory and Operations Services that address a wide range of security, privacy, and safety concerns.

One of our risk pillars includes APG Travel. This is where we act as a vital conduit to an unparalleled experience, ensuring every detail is meticulously planned and executed. Our expertise not only elevates the trip but also ensures that it unfolds smoothly, allowing the client to immerse themselves fully in the luxury and relaxation of their bespoke adventures across the globe.

Collectively the AGP team has been built on a combined 200+ years of high-end risk management and protection experience from various roles supporting Governments, Corporations, Family Offices, and the Ultra High Net Worth. By using a team-based approach, we can protect clients from non-financial risks pertaining to security, safety, privacy, and personal protection. It is led by Global CEO Damon Spencer and has an Advisory Council of Security & Risk Managers from the leading family offices in the world. For more information on how we can help, please email us on fox@accordantglobal.com.