The luxury yacht industry, often associated with glamour, wealth, and exotic destinations, hides a troubling reality beneath its polished surface. Behind the scenes, crew members—especially junior staff and women—face systemic issues of abuse, harassment, and a lack of legal protection. A recent op-ed by maritime professional Hugo Ortega in The Maritime Executive has brought renewed attention to these urgent concerns.
At Mariner Law, PLLC, we represent injured maritime workers across the United States, including those working aboard private and commercial yachts.
According to Ortega, nearly 40% of yacht crew members report experiencing unwanted sexual contact, yet only 22% ever file a complaint. Why? Because the systems in place to protect them are either nonexistent or ineffective. Many crew members are unaware of how to report abuse, and those who do often fear retaliation, blacklisting, or being quietly removed from the vessel.
This culture of silence is exacerbated by the hierarchical structure aboard yachts. Senior officers—often long-tenured captains or engineers—can become virtually untouchable. In such closed environments, toxic behavior can become normalized, and junior crew members may feel powerless to speak up.
One of the most alarming aspects of Ortega’s op-ed is the legal gray area in which many yachts operate. The Maritime Labour Convention (MLC), which sets minimum working and living standards for seafarers, does not apply to many private yachts due to size thresholds or flag state exemptions. This leaves crew members without the protections afforded to other maritime workers.
Even when abuse is reported, victims are often silenced through non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) or financial settlements. These tactics not only prevent justice but also allow offenders to move from one vessel to another without consequence.
In response to publicized incidents, some in the industry have called for more rigorous background checks. But as Ortega points out, this is a superficial fix. Background checks won’t reveal a history of abuse if victims were too afraid to report it or were silenced through NDAs.
What’s needed is a systemic overhaul—one that includes:
- Mandatory training in trauma awareness, conflict resolution, and mental health.
- Anonymous third-party reporting systems with real authority to investigate and act.
- A shared red-flag database to prevent repeat offenders from simply moving to another yacht.
- Zero-tolerance policies that are enforced from the top down, not just written in handbooks.
The yacht industry must evolve. Yacht owners, management companies, and senior crew must prioritize crew welfare over reputation or profit. This means creating an environment where junior crew feel safe, supported, and empowered to speak up.
At Mariner Law, we believe that every seafarer deserves a safe workplace—whether aboard a cargo ship, cruise liner, or luxury yacht. If you or someone you know has been injured or mistreated while working at sea, we are here to help.
If you’ve experienced harassment, injury, or unsafe working conditions aboard a yacht, you may have legal options under U.S. maritime law. Depending on your situation, you could be entitled to:
- Maintenance and cure benefits
- Compensation under the Jones Act
- Damages for unseaworthiness
- Legal remedies for wrongful termination or retaliation
Our team at Mariner Law, PLLC is experienced in handling complex maritime injury claims, including those involving private yachts and international flag states. We offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis—meaning you don’t pay unless we win.
Contact Mariner Law, PLLC today to speak with a maritime injury attorney who understands the unique challenges of working at sea. Your safety and rights matter.