A few weeks ago, I interviewed Scott Bartle and James Cooper, the principals behind Yacht Auditing International. They consult with megayacht owners, captains, and crewmembers to improve onboard operations and communications. During multiple meetings, they realized that many need more help. Specifically, essential personnel are taking care of yacht management, yet without proper yacht-management training. Enter the team’s newest venture, YachtOps. The goal is to provide “management toolkits” that empower crew and, in turn, the owners for whom they work.
Bartle and Cooper especially noted that captains and crew receive comprehensive safety and navigation training in STCW classes. But, no organization trains them to create and manage budgets for the yachts. Neither do they receive lessons in how to compile inventory lists or address other important tasks. Regardless of a superyacht crew needing major assistance or just a few pointers, YachtOps believes it has the right approach.
Here’s how it works. YachtOps sends representatives to meet with the captain and/or other relevant crew. The discussions focus on area(s) where they want better education. Over a two- to three-day period, YachtOps tailors guidance to let every crewmember do a better job. Captains can become more effective managers, for example. They simultaneously came become more efficient budget planners and spenders, whether it’s for everyday expenses or refits. Specific to refits, they learn how to ensure the project stays on time and on budget, then how to impart that knowledge to the rest of the crew. Engineers, meanwhile, discover to create work lists and regularly updated parts records. This ensures other crewmembers can troubleshoot issues without having to holler for help or call the engineers on a day off.
At the end of the day, a yacht crew really is a management team, whether officially designated as such or not. As the YachtOps Web site states, “We are onboard beside you and sharing management techniques to help you do a better job. It’s cutting the BS and streamlining operations.”
That’s something everyone can use.
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