In the fast-paced world of yachting, where long hours and high expectations rule, physical health can quietly fall by the wayside
It starts small — a twinge in the back after hauling heavy lines, a patch of irritated skin that doesn’t seem to heal, or a nagging headache after a week under beating sun. In the rhythm of yachting life, these signs are easy to dismiss. There’s always another task, another guest request to fulfill, and precious little time to pause. Health concerns are brushed off as something to tackle later. But for yacht crew, that “later” rarely comes. The relentless pace of life at sea leaves little room for check-ups or self-care, so physical health is quietly swept under the handwoven silk rug.
Add to that limited time ashore, unfamiliarity with local healthcare systems and a lack of understanding about insurance coverage and it’s easy to see why check-ups are neglected.
“Crew members face challenges accessing care abroad, particularly when their insurance isn’t accepted or they don’t know where to seek help,” Ron Strescino from Yacht Medical International says. “While many insurance companies offer portals or apps to assist, these tools are often difficult to navigate. Language barriers, unfamiliar healthcare systems, and limited time ashore add further complications. Combined with high medical costs and complex billing processes, these issues make accessing timely and effective care a significant challenge for maritime professionals.”
For many crew, these challenges lead to delayed action when health concerns arise, sometimes with serious consequences. Chief stew Courtney Daizel of Loon discovered this the hard way after years of working in the sun without proper protection. “About five years ago, I had an area of irritated skin behind my ear that wouldn’t go away,” she recalls. “I assumed it was eczema from stress, which I’d tackle when I got to it. Eight months later, at home in South Africa, I happened to see my GP for something else, and as I’d previously had sunspots — precancerous areas of damage — he scheduled an immediate biopsy. When the results came in, I was back in the US, and went into a full panic at being ‘positive for basal cell carcinoma.’”
For Courtney, this diagnosis was only the beginning. “Where there’s smoke, there’s fire,” she says. “This would be the first of many I would discover over the years.” Today, Courtney is an advocate for proactive health measures and sun protection. “Get regular checks,” she advises. “The longer you take to get treated, the greater the treatment you could require. Also, amen to the suncream — I use it like soap.”
Skin cancer is just one of many physical health risks faced by crew. Regular screenings — such as cervical screenings, mammograms or prostate checks — can detect health issues early, but accessing these while juggling life at sea can feel impossible.
Gemma Willis, a stew known for her creativity as the Floating Florista, was only 30 years old when she died from cervical cancer in 2021. Her story has become a rallying cry for female crew to prioritize their health, particularly Pap smears, which can detect early signs of cervical cancer. Through the Floating Florista Foundation, Gemma’s mother, Jayn Willis, now works tirelessly to spread awareness.
“Take time to prioritize your physical well-being just as you do your professional duties,” she urges. The foundation emphasizes the importance of Pap tests for female crew members, encouraging them to schedule appointments wherever possible — even amid the demands of yacht life.
One of the issues is that medical coverage is often misunderstood particularly when it comes to accessing preventative benefits and scheduling non-emergency appointments. Many crew members often think their insurance only covers urgent care, like injury or sudden illness. But many policies cover annual physicals, which include general health checks, blood work, screenings and other preventative measures. These can range from prostate screenings to visits to the gynecologist for smear tests and mammograms. They may also include vaccinations for flu or Covid-19. These are not just a safety net in times of crisis — they are tools to prevent future health issues.
Mark Bononi of MHG Insurance works with a variety of yachts worldwide, providing insurance products to fit their needs. “All policies offer different levels of coverage. Some will cover all general health checks, but others may not, or may need co-payment,” he explains. “Some policies won’t cover any existing conditions whereas others will, so it’s important the crew member understands what they’re covered for.”
Francesca Arrom from Pantaenius says many insurance companies send information directly to the yacht’s contact person, usually the captain. “A separate email for each crew member is sent to our contact person, usually the captain, with information regarding their insurance cover, what they should do in case of incident, and who they can contact,” Francesca says. “The captain forwards this to the respective crew member.” This communication is vital for ensuring that crew are informed and prepared, but it’s just one step in the process of building awareness.
Other insurance companies take a more direct approach. “When crew set up their policy, they are given an E pack, which contains their policy schedule, E card — which has contact details for the assistance company — membership guide and, importantly, a table of benefits, which crew can use to see what coverage they have — for example, what check-ups are covered,” says Melanie Langley of Moore Dixon. She is a big advocate for encouraging crew to take responsibility for their health, and has shared her views on the importance of proactive healthcare through podcasts and blogs. “We are constantly trying to advise crew that check-ups and wellness is an investment in their future,” she says.
Switching yachts often adds to the confusion, as policies and benefits differ between vessels. “Almost every time a crew member changes yachts, they will have to learn how the new insurance policy works and what it covers,” Hugo Jacquot from Fort Insurance explains. “The way we have been addressing it with our superyacht clients at Fort Insurance is by writing a short procedure with the yacht — often the captain/purser/owners’ rep/management — for claims that will be displayed in the crew areas. At the very least, this makes the crew aware that a policy is in place and what they need to do to submit a claim.”
Hugo also notes that regional exclusions can be a key consideration. “Generally speaking, healthcare insurance provided to yacht crew members are available to them in any country/areas of the world a yacht might visit. While the vast majority of insurers are offering cover on a worldwide basis, some may exclude certain areas of the world or countries,” he says. “A common country exclusion is the United States. Indeed, if the yacht is not going to navigate in US waters and/or the yacht does not have any US ties by nationality of crew, for example, some insurers might be tempted to exclude this country from cover in order to offer a more competitive premium.”
Dental health is another area where neglect can lead to long-term issues. Dr Carla Schimann, a dentist based in Antibes, works with many yacht crew and has seen first-hand how routine care can prevent emergencies. “Dental care is crucial for crew members, not just for their health but also for their ability to perform their duties effectively and comfortably,” she points out. “Routine check-ups and preventative care during the off season can significantly reduce the risk of problems emerging when they’re at sea, far from immediate access to professional care. Addressing small issues, such as cavities or gum concerns, early on can prevent them from becoming major problems in the middle of a charter.”
Fortunately, technology is helping to bridge the gap for crew working in remote locations. Many yacht insurance plans now include telemedicine services, offering crew access to doctors no matter where they are in the world. “Yacht Medical International provides 24/7 medical support to crew through our telemedicine service, ensuring healthcare access no matter where they are in the world,” Ron says. “For crew based in Fort Lauderdale, we also facilitate prescriptions to local pharmacies, minimizing time off work and promoting quicker recoveries.”
These services are invaluable for managing minor symptoms or determining whether further treatment is needed, especially when time and access to shore are limited.
Hygiene, nutrition and on board habits also play a critical role in maintaining health. “Crew members should prioritize their physical health by fostering a team-oriented approach to maintaining a clean, healthy work environment,” Ron advises. “Working together to uphold hygiene standards, such as regular hand-washing and sanitizing shared spaces, sets a strong foundation. Encouraging each other to adopt healthy habits — like proper nutrition, adequate sleep, limiting alcohol consumption, and avoiding smoking or vaping — creates a positive, energetic atmosphere on board.”
Ultimately, health isn’t only a personal responsibility for yacht crew — it’s a professional necessity. The ability to perform at the highest level, adapt to the demands of the job, and provide world-class service starts with taking care of your physical well-being. Whether it’s scheduling a routine Pap smear, understanding the details of your health insurance, or fostering healthier habits on board, proactive steps can make all the difference. When crew prioritize their health, they not only protect their futures but also strengthen the foundation of the industry itself.
After all, the most valuable asset on any yacht isn’t the gleaming hardware or the state-of-the-art tech — it’s the crew who keep it all running.
This feature was originally published in the January 2025 issue of Dockwalk.