Recently, as many of you saw on my social media, I was put in a dangerous situation on a yacht. I want to share my story so you can learn from my mistakes — and so we can all keep the crew safe.

After a long break from yachting, I was eager to return. My guard was down. A friend passed me a lead for a chef job through WhatsApp. The “agency” turned out to be a management company, not a crew agent — already a red flag. The manager told me he was doing the owner a favour, finding a replacement chef immediately. Strange, but I pressed on.

Instead of the captain calling, I heard from a “personal assistant,” who quoted a different rate and role than the manager. Hours later, the owner called. Only later did I realise, the “PA” and the owner were the same person using the same number. My mistake? I hadn’t saved numbers in real time. Pro tip: always save contacts with name and role so you know who’s who.

I repeatedly asked for a contract before boarding and to speak with someone actually on board — captain, chief stew, or the chef I was replacing. The answer was always, “Everyone’s too busy.” That should have been my hard stop. In our industry, not speaking with the captain is a massive red flag.

I joined anyway.

On arrival, no paperwork. No cabin. I was given a pull-out bed in the gym among unsecured equipment. The crew quarters had no AC. After two days, the itinerary changed and extra days were added without discussion. I raised it with the captain, the “PA,” and the manager in writing. That evening, while cooking dinner, the captain told me the owner had read my email and I was to pack and leave immediately. I was stranded ashore in Ibiza with no support.

This isn’t about revenge — it’s about awareness. Many crew would have put their heads down. I didn’t. I fought back, and I want you to know you can too. We’ve all heard of a “blacklist” in yachting. Let me be clear: there isn’t one. I stood up for myself, worked my network, gathered facts, and got the best possible outcome. And yes, I’ve had jobs since.

So here’s what to watch for:

• No contact with the captain = don’t board.
• Management company posing as agent = verify who’s who.
• Shifting details on rate, role, or itinerary = expect worse later.
• No written contract before travel = unacceptable.
• Excuses about the crew being too busy = walk away.
• Unclear accommodation = a welfare risk.

When things feel wrong, they are. It’s better to say no than to walk into a trap.

If you do find yourself in a bad spot:

1. Get safe first. Secure your passport and belongings.
2. Document everything. Save emails, WhatsApps, photos.
3. Stay professional in writing. Facts only, no emotion.
4. Contact support. Organisations like ISWAN’s Yacht Crew Help, the PYA, or Nautilus can guide you.
5. Use your network. Other crew and agents can back you up.

One more truth: management companies are not your friends. They work for the owner, not for you. Don’t let politeness fool you into thinking you’re protected. Your real protection is a proper contract, transparent terms, a reachable captain, and your own instincts.

Learn from me: don’t rush, don’t ignore red flags, and don’t be afraid to walk away. This industry prides itself on seven-star service. That should extend to how crew are treated. Protect yourself — and protect the standard we all work so hard to uphold.

If you’re a crew member who’s ever in danger or illegal matters are happening on board 

This is who to contact 

YachtCrewHelp helpline contact details (all channels available 24/7 365 days):

WhatsApp: + 447514500153

Phone: +44 203 713 7273

Email: help@yachtcrewhelp.org

Live Chat: https://www.iswan.org.uk/yachtcrewhelp/