Refit season isn’t just about preparing the yacht. It’s also the ideal time to review the systems that support crew health, wellbeing and operational readiness.
For many superyachts, the transition between charter seasons is a time to inspect, repair and upgrade the vessel before guests return onboard. Owners and operators invest significant time and resources because preventative maintenance reduces risk, improves reliability and protects their investment. Yet one area of preparation is often overlooked: the crew’s health and wellbeing. Owners and operators who prioritise their crew’s health and wellbeing build stronger teams, reinforce a culture of care, and are better positioned to attract and retain experienced professionals.
PREPARING YOUR CREW FOR THE SEASON AHEAD
Just as yachts benefit from routine maintenance, crew benefit programmes should be reviewed regularly to ensure they continue to meet the evolving needs of both the crew, the owner and the operation.Refit season is the ideal time to ensure every crew member, including guest and day workers, has comprehensive health benefits in place, is covered wherever the yacht travels, and has access to 24/7 medical assistance, treatment and support if an emergency occurs. Crewsure Insurance designed its employer-funded crew benefit programmes specifically to meet the unique demands of the specialist yachting industry.
PROTECTING CREW BEYOND COMPLIANCE
The Maritime Labour Convention (MLC 2006) established important standards for medical care, financial security, repatriation and crew welfare, reinforcing owners’ broader duty of care to their crew. Recent amendments adopted in 2025 place greater emphasis on mental health, fair treatment, shore leave and overall crew wellbeing. As expectations continue to evolve, many owners, operators and charter companies are using refit season to review not only their compliance obligations, but also their broader approach to duty-of-care.Crewsure’s MLC 2006-compliant, employer-funded crew benefit programmes provide comprehensive protection for crew, from emergency medical care and repatriation to sick pay and crew replacement assistance. Through its partnership with Mayfair We Care, Crewsure supports crew in more than 185 countries through a global network of vetted hospitals, clinics and direct-billing partners, backed by 24/7 medical assistance and claims coordination. This helps ensure timely access to quality care while reducing delays and unexpected out-of-pocket costs.
PREPARING FOR THE UNEXPECTED INJURY OR ILLNESS
Medical events rarely occur at convenient times. For example, a crew member may require treatment while crossing the Atlantic, preparing for charter guests, or operating in a remote cruising area where healthcare options are limited. Meeting duty-of-care obligations requires more than compliance. It demands medical readiness, clear escalation pathways, and access to reliable healthcare partners who can coordinate care wherever a yacht operates.Mental wellbeing deserves the same level of preparation. Long periods away from home, demanding schedules, and the pressures of life onboard can affect even the most experienced professionals. As the industry’s understanding of crew wellbeing continues to evolve, access to confidential mental health support has become an increasingly important component of responsible crew management.A new charter season brings new itineraries, changing regulations, and often new crew members. It also presents an opportunity to ensure both the yacht and the people who operate it are fully prepared for the months ahead. Reviewing crew benefits, emergency procedures and support resources before the season begins strengthens duty of care, improves operational resilience and demonstrates a lasting commitment to the people behind every voyage. 
For over a decade, Crewsure Insurance has been dedicated to advancing seafarer welfare through innovative, employer-funded crew benefit programmes that are backed by AXA XL Syndicates at Lloyd’s of London. Crewsure’s comprehensive, MLC-compliant crew benefit programmes help owners, operators and charter companies prioritise crew health and welfare, maximise crew retention, reduce operational risks and meet duty-of-care with bespoke, no-fault policies, and worldwide claims support.
For more information visit : www.crewsure.com
