In an industry-first partnership, Hill Robinson is providing its crew with a 24-hour, confidential emotional support service operated by the International Seafarers’ Welfare and Assistance Network (ISWAN).
Hill Robinson was founded in 2000 to manage the operational complexities of the world’s largest yachts and to support owners and captains. With offices in key yachting hubs around the globe, and recognising that crew are at the heart of the industry, the company has developed its services to include charter management, crew employment, recruitment and training.
Crew welfare is of paramount importance to Hill Robinson. The company supports crew throughout their industry journey – from their first steps as green crew to senior leadership roles – and aims to ensure that the whole journey is a positive one. This includes making sure all crew are safe and secure on board, and providing physical and mental support and care in these complex working and living environments.
For this reason, Hill Robinson has commissioned ISWAN to operate an independent, confidential, multilingual emotional support service so that all crew working on Hill Robinson-managed yachts, whatever their rank, have a safe space to talk through any problems they are facing, or if they simply need a non-judgemental listening ear after a bad day. The service is available around the clock, and ISWAN’s helpline officers understand the specific challenges and pressures of working in the yachting industry and are trained in listening and providing support, including to those who may be suicidal or at risk of harm. ISWAN’s goal is to support each person on an individual level, to get to know what they are struggling with, and work together to find ways to better cope with the challenges they are facing.
ISWAN operates commissioned helplines for companies across the shipping and cruise industries, but Hill Robinson is the first company from the yachting industry to provide this vital service for its crew, leading the way for others to follow. As part of this service, Hill Robinson will receive anonymised reports from ISWAN to provide an invaluable insight into the specific challenges to health, safety and wellbeing facing their crew so that they, as a management company, can respond with targeted, preventative measures.
Paul Cook, Chief Operating Officer at Hill Robinson, said: ‘We are incredibly proud to be the first in the yachting industry to partner with ISWAN and provide this kind of 24/7 freely available support to crew. Life on board can be extremely rewarding, but it also comes with unique pressures that no one should feel they have to face alone. The mental and emotional wellbeing of crew is just as important as their physical safety, and this initiative reflects our ongoing mission to create a supportive, respectful environment on every yacht. We believe that by prioritising the human element, we create stronger, safer, and more successful teams.’
Hill Robinson has been an engaged, proactive member of ISWAN for two years and previously donated to ISWAN’s Welfare of Yacht Crew Project, which seeks to increase understanding of the challenges faced by crew working in the industry and to develop effective, collaborative solutions. The company also recently invited ISWAN to speak at its Crew Breakfast at the Palma International Boat Show to raise awareness of ISWAN’s work among crew, ranging from those seeking their first job on a yacht to experienced captains.
The launch of Hill Robinson’s crew helpline with ISWAN sets a new benchmark for crew wellbeing support among yacht management companies and the wider yachting industry. By commissioning this bespoke service, Hill Robinson joins over 15 other maritime companies who recognise the value of providing direct welfare support to their crew in order to ease the pressure placed on ISWAN’s SeafarerHelp and YachtCrewHelp helplines.
Companies and organisations interested in setting up a dedicated emotional support service for their crew with ISWAN can find out more and get in touch at www.iswan.org.uk/services. Those in the yachting industry who are interested in supporting ISWAN’s Welfare of Yacht Crew Project should contact Welfare of Yacht Crew Project Manager Laura Beard.
