Captains are overwhelmingly male – did you encounter resistance when pursuing your path?
Almost everyone has been so supportive, but that’s largely because of my mindset. I understand I’m in a male-dominated field and, while I want to change that, it’s important to show a great deal of respect to those who were here before me. I ask the men for help, for guidance, thank them for sharing their knowledge, respect them, and they know I admire them.
I didn’t come into the industry with a point to prove. I just wanted to be like them and respected for my ability. There have been a few sticks in the mud along the way, but again, it’s a mindset. I just let them fuel my desire to become better.
Why do you think there are still so few female captains, and what can be done to create a better balance?
There are a few reasons. It seems you get guided to interior roles if you’re a woman and exterior ones if you’re a man. Family life is likely another – childrearing would be hard as a captain. The role is somewhat intimidating to young women entering the industry, but we’re making progress.
There are more and more female captains, and there’s more and more support for the role. As we encourage and support more women, we will see more of a balance.
Being a captain is prestigious, but it’s also stressful and can be isolating. You’ve discussed your struggles – why, and what was the reaction?
I chose to share my struggles for a very simple reason – I’m the happiest I’ve ever been, but that wasn’t always the case. I want people to know that if you’re willing to put in the work, it’s so worth it! I want people to know they’re not the only ones who have ever felt depressed, lost, isolated or anxious.
Every single one of us has experienced those feelings in one way or another. It’s ok to not be ok, but it’s not ok to stay that way. If by sharing my story I can help just one person, then it’s worth it. It has helped others to speak up – I have trouble keeping up with all the messages I receive daily.
What are some of the challenges crew have shared with you? And what do owners need to know when it comes to crew members’ states of mind?
Bullying, sexual harassment, drug and alcohol abuse. It’s been the gamut – everything from drunk captains and chief stews bullying the second stew, to rape. It seems many crew don’t know where to turn or what to do – they often feel lonely, isolated and anxious.
Owners need to try and understand better what our jobs really entail. When on charter, you’re working 16-hour days, not to mention living with, eating with and sharing a space with the same people.
And, if you’re on a charter or a boss trip, you can’t get away. I don’t think they realise we give up any sort of normalcy. We don’t just clock in at nine and out at five. We’re away from family, and we miss a lot. It’s important to have proper downtime.
Owners also need to be better educated on what it takes to run a truly good program. Trying to run a six-crew boat with three full-time crew is nearly impossible. It causes burnout, results in high staff turnover, and increases maintenance and employee costs.
I’ve often wondered if there’s a way for builders and brokers to educate owners on not just taking care of their boat, but taking care of those who look after it – I don’t think owners realise the level of burnout, isolation, anxiety or depression that crew often feel.
Why do you think crew mental health hasn’t been a public conversation before?
For some of the same reasons we don’t speak about it in general – it seems the topic is shameful, and it’s not viewed as an illness that needs care. In the maritime sector, we’re together 24/7.
No other industry has that added element so, in some respects, it’s understandable it’s not quite clear how to address our mental health and the challenges we face. To be honest, though, I think it’s because it’s still not viewed as an illness.
Can mentorships address some of these struggles? What else might help?
Yes! Mentorships are so important. I attribute a large portion of my success to having a great mentor, and the most successful people in all industries will speak of having one.
A mentor provides you with someone to speak to not just about the career-specific skillset required but also the strain it may put on your mental health. Other effective tools would be mental health first-aid training and counselling when needed – having a basic knowledge of what to look for in a troubled crew member and how to address it could potentially be the difference between life and death. Counselling is a great way to learn how to address your personal struggles. I find YouTube, books, articles and free workshops, to name a few, are effective.
You’re active on social media, especially in a series you call The Captain’s Classroom. What do you cover and why?
The series came as a way to combine my love for teaching and yachting. I taught college-level chemistry before becoming a captain, so understanding how young adults (the majority of crew) learn, which is mostly online, I created The Captain’s Classroom. The videos are anywhere from 30 seconds to three minutes and discuss anything yachting. The intent is to give new yachties a leg up. My other social media posts depict life on board; they’re intended to be a source of inspiration.
What advice would you give someone wanting to become a crew member?
Take as many opportunities as you can early on, even if you think you won’t like the specific task. It will show you’re willing to be a team player and expose you to other areas you might end up liking.
Be conscious of how you act in public and on social media. It’s a small industry, and word gets out. Don’t stay on a boat that isn’t a good fit, but also don’t give up too soon. And lastly, save your money!
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