Anticipate today to build the yachting of tomorrow

Chaired by Steve Monk (Director, Da Gama Maritime), former Royal Navy Navigator with over two decades aboard HMS Ark Royal and extensive experience training NATO bridge teams, the first panel explored the issue of CPD. All the speakers were agreed that mandatory training set by STCW (Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers) is a minimum foundation that must be supplemented by realities at sea and owners’ expectations.

For Chris Andreason (Yacht Management Director – Edmiston), ongoing training must be viewed as a strategic investment, not a constraint. He emphasised that continuous learning reduces accidents, improves crew retention, and strengthens the sector’s reputation. Speakers also insisted on the importance of developing a learning culture on board where every crew member is encouraged to share their skills and adapt to new situations.

According to Tracey Santrian (Co-founder and Senior Consultant – BZ Maritime Leadership), CPD is above all a question of professionalism as it sets standards, ensures skills are up to date and encourages people to plan for the future.

Lynne Edwards (Owner and Lead Trainer at Phoenix Superyacht Training) stressed the importance of training crew members in roles not subject to regulatory requirements, although they are in the front line with owners and guests. She pointed out that evolving hospitality standards require increased awareness and investment in CPD for often invisible teams.

Chris Frisby (Director of Training and Operations – UKSA) highlighted the importance of closing skills gaps and creating career pathways for future generations. He spoke about the decisive role played by mentors and trainers in his career and how training is so closely allied to passing on skills. He said it was important to structure clear pathways for the younger generation to support the emergence of tomorrow’s officers and captains.

Finally, James Brooke (RYA Instructor – La Belle Classe Academy, the YCM training center) reminded attendees: “At the heart of performance, there is training.” Drawing on his experience as a Royal Marines Commando and RNLI crewman, he underscored the value of preparing for the unexpected.

An experienced captain took the debate on a more direct turn in denouncing the obstacles encountered. “The captain has to deal directly with owners which is not always easy… You have to train the owner to accept that the crew need to be trained, and need the time necessary to follow a course. […] It is time for you to respect the rules of crew on board”. His remarks received loud applause, highlighting the fact that training is not just a technical issue but a question of culture and governance. Continuing professional development is not an option. There are solutions to get round the perceived constraints (online courses, onboard training, partnerships with centres of excellence) but it requires a collective will. Training is above all about protecting the crews, the boats and the industry’s reputation.

In conclusion, Steve Monk summed up the panel’s views: “We need you to help us better understand your problems, so we can build together concrete solutions. One avenue is to develop centres of excellence – here at the Yacht Club de Monaco, but also in other marinas – where we can organise ongoing training and raise awareness among those higher up the decision-making chain. Owners need to be more aware of the realities of the profession. Brokers should stop selling an idealised image. We need a return to reality; we can do our jobs, do them safely and allow crews to go home without being totally exhausted”.