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The Superyacht Alliance (SYA) and Changing Tack, a coalition of maritime charities focused on crew welfare, have announced a partnership to enhance support for seafarers in the yachting industry.

The two organisations have signed a Memorandum of Understanding which aims to amplify the voices of yacht crew and strengthen industry-wide engagement on welfare issues.

Under the new arrangement, Changing Tack (whose members include The Seafarers’ Charity, the International Seafarers’ Welfare and Assistance Network (ISWAN), Nautilus International, UK Sailing Academy, and CHIRP Maritime) will become a crew welfare think tank within the SYA’s network, contributing deep expertise and a seafarer-informed perspective. SYA is led by industry Member Associations (SYBAss, MYBA, IAMI, ICOMIA, PYA, IYBA & AIMEX) who share a commitment to raising standards, encouraging collaboration, and strengthening professionalism.

The Changing Tack initiative began after a group of welfare charities convened industry roundtables on yacht crew welfare in 2023. Committed to raising awareness and enhancing the provision of welfare support for yacht crew, its activities to date include a project between The Mission to Seafarers and UK Sailing Academy to establish a welfare hub for yacht crew in Antibes, and the creation of a ‘Welfare of Yacht Crew Project Manager’ role within ISWAN, both made possible by funding from The Seafarers’ Charity.

Simon Grainge, Chief Executive at ISWAN, said:

‘There are many people in the industry who care about crew welfare, but we need a more cohesive and collaborative approach if we want to see progress. This gives a real opportunity to work together and ISWAN is delighted to play its part.’

Tina Barnes, Impact Director at The Seafarers’ Charity, said:

‘This is a significant step in our commitment to champion seafarer welfare in the superyacht industry. Our convening power has brought crucial stakeholders together. Now, real change can begin.’

Under the terms of the MOU, members of the SYA’s network and yachting industry stakeholders will soon be able to participate in Changing Tack-led focus groups which serve as a direct channel for crew voices. Each focus group will work on projects and initiatives to action positive change within the yachting industry. Changing Tack and the SYA are also joining forces to lead a strategic, solutions-focused panel discussion at this year’s Superyacht Forum in Amsterdam.

Joey Meen, President for the Superyacht Alliance, said:

‘This collaboration gives us a wider platform to bring the crew perspective to industry leadership. It’s a chance to open up conversations with influential organisations and put crew welfare at the centre of professional standards.’