Hello, I hope you all are having a fantastic day. This week’s newsletter brings you the latest industry news and essential insights for yacht crew. Stay informed on the evolving superyacht landscape, discover valuable training resources, and gain expert advice to elevate your career. Let’s dive in!

Fact of the day

€2 billion worth of yachts attend the Monaco Formula 1 Grand Prix every year

In today’s email

• Why are drills important

• Recent news

Why Drills Are Crucial on Yachts

Drills on yachts are essential for ensuring the safety of both crew members and passengers. With the current climate its now more important than ever to ensure you are doing regular drills onboard. Here are some key reasons why these drills are so important:  

• Emergency Preparedness: Drills help the crew to practice responding to various emergency situations, such as fires, man-overboard incidents, or abandon ship scenarios. This practice ensures that everyone knows their role and responsibilities in case of an emergency.  

• Equipment Familiarity: Drills provide an opportunity for the crew to become familiar with the yacht's safety equipment, including life rafts, life jackets, fire extinguishers, and other emergency gear. This knowledge is crucial for effective response during a crisis.  

• Coordination: Drills help to improve coordination among crew members, ensuring that they work together efficiently and effectively in emergency situations. This can significantly reduce the risk of injury or loss of life.

• Guest Safety: By conducting regular drills, yacht owners and operators can demonstrate their commitment to the safety of their guests. This can enhance the overall experience and build trust among passengers.

• Regulatory Compliance: Many jurisdictions require yachts to conduct regular drills to ensure compliance with safety regulations. These drills are often a requirement for obtaining and maintaining operating licenses.

When do I need to do drills?

While specific requirements might vary slightly depending on the yacht's size and type, here are some general guidelines:

• Abandon ship – monthly or when 25% personnel change

•  Fire Drill – monthly or when 25% personnel change

•  Enclosed space entry drill – every two months

• Rescue boat – monthly – includes recovery of person from water

•  Davit launched life raft drill – every four months if fitted

•  Security - minimum three months as required by Ship Security Plan

•  Pollution drills - as required by SOPEP and/or Safety Management System.

Additional considerations:

• Emergency Muster Lists: These should be updated regularly and posted in prominent places.

• Emergency Equipment: All safety equipment should be inspected and maintained as per manufacturer's guidelines.

• Training Records: Keep records of all drills and training sessions for inspection purposes.  

For more detailed and specific requirements, refer to the following MCA guidance:

• A Master's Guide to the UK Flag - Large Yacht Edition:https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/62271bccd3bf7f4f04b2b702/A_Master_s_Guide_to_the_UK_Flag-Large_Yacht_Edition-Version_4.pdf

• Merchant Shipping Notices (MSNs): These provide specific guidance on various aspects of yacht safety and operations.  

 Recent news

• Fires, bankruptcy and build delays: Making sense of new-build yacht insurance

• Sanlorenzo reports 11.6% increase in group net profit for H1

This weeks to-do list

1. Practice a man overboard drill this week.

2. Learn where all the fire extinguishers are stored onboard

3. Learn the yachts fire plan