A few weeks ago I interviewed Scott Bartle and James Cooper, the principals behind Yacht Auditing International. While consulting with megayacht owners, captains, and crewmembers in recent months to improve onboard operations and communications, Bartle and Cooper have come to realize that many of these same individuals need more help. Specifically, while captains and engineers in particular receive comprehensive safety and navigation training in STCW classes, there’s no organization training them to create and manage budgets, compile inventory lists, and address other important tasks.
Put another way, Bartle and Cooper find these essential personnel are being assigned the task of yacht management 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.
Here’s how it works. YachtOps sends representatives to the boat to meet with the captain and/or other relevant crew and learn what area(s) in which they want to be better trained. Over a two- to three-day period, YachtOps tailors guidance to let every member of the crew–which, really, is a management team, whether officially designated as such or not–do a better job. Captains can become more effective managers and even more efficient budget planners and spenders, whether it’s for everyday expenses or refits. Specific to refits, they’re taught how to ensure the project stays on time and on budget, then how to impart that knowledge to the rest of the crew. Engineers learn to create work lists and regularly updated parts records so that other crewmembers can troubleshoot issues without having to holler for help or call them on a day off.
Whether a superyacht’s crew is in need of major assistance or just a few pointers, YachtOps believes it has the right approach. As its 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.
photo: FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Leave a Reply