Sea Views
Sea Views podcast where we are floating the big issues in maritime. We talk with thought provoking experts in maritime and every guest brings their own perspective on how to bring about change so that all seafarers live a safer and better life at sea.
Sea Views is supported by The CHIRP Charitable Trust and funded by The Seafarers' Charity.
And now you can also watch Sea Views on CHIRP Maritime's YouTube channel.
Sea Views
Behind the Sparkle: Mental Health at Sea in the Superyacht Sector
Guests:
- Captain Brendan O’Shannassy – Superyacht Captain and maritime safety advocate
- Laura Beard – Welfare of Yacht Crew Project Manager, International Seafarers’ Welfare and Assistance Network (ISWAN)
“Mental health is health. It’s just the same.” Brendan O’Shannassy
Hosts:
- Julia Gosling – Host, Sea Views Podcast
- Adam Parnell – Director, CHIRP Maritime
Episode Summary:
In this powerful and practical episode of Sea Views, we explore the vital topic of mental health and welfare in the yacht crew sector.
Julia and Adam are joined by returning guest Captain Brendan O’Shannassy and ISWAN’s Laura Beard to discuss the unique pressures faced by superyacht crew, and how industry-wide change can make life at sea safer and more sustainable for everyone on board.
“There’s no judgment on YachtCrewHelp - we’re here for any crew, at any rank.” Laura Beard
Brendan reflects on leadership, fatigue, and the silent strain of command, while Laura shares insights from ISWAN’s helpline Yacht Crew Help, including why many yacht crew don’t initially see themselves as seafarers—and what’s being done to change that.
Key Topics:
- What defines the large yacht sector and who’s working in it
- How mental health is deeply linked to crew safety and performance
- Why perception of the “glamorous” yacht lifestyle often hides the challenges
- Common issues reported to YachtCrewHelp and how the service responds
- The importance of psychological safety, empathy, and leadership onboard
- Awareness campaigns and support for crew at all ranks, from junior to captain
Resources Mentioned:
- YachtCrewHelp (ISWAN): www.iswan.org.uk/yachtcrewhelp/
A free, 24/7 confidential helpline for all yacht crew, worldwide.
Edited by powwowpodcasts.com
NEWS! If you love listening to us....you can also watch Sea Views episodes on YouTube at CHIRP Maritime or The Seafarers' Charity channels.
CHIRP
Improving safety at sea worldwide through the confidential and independent reporting programme.
Make an incident report to CHIRP Maritime here
The Seafarers' Charity
Improving the lives of seafarers and their families for more than 105 years.
by Ahoy Communications Ltd
