Dr Simon Gordon: The Importance of Enhanced Healthcare for Senior Crew Yacht Captains

Dr. Simon Gordon shares his thoughts on healthcare support for senior crew
in the yachting industry...

While the health and wellness of yacht crew members are often addressed, the unique healthcare needs of captains warrant specific attention. As seasoned professionals, captains typically face an increased risk of age-related medical conditions, and many operate without the support of a structured healthcare system.

A common misconception exists regarding the ENG1 certificate as a comprehensive health assessment. In actuality, it serves as an occupational fitness examination. Consequently, significant health issues, such as cardiovascular disease and certain cancers, may remain undetected, potentially posing serious risks at sea.

I work in a practice neat Antibes in the South of France, where I succeeded a physician conducting ENG1 examinations. I noticed that captains were now able to discuss sensitive matters such as mental health, substance use, and other concerns outside the formal ENG1 context. This underscores the necessity for more thorough and confidential healthcare support tailored to the specific challenges faced by captains.

Dr. Simon Gordon

Furthermore, captains frequently navigate considerable professional and personal stressors while being geographically separated from their families and friends for extended periods of time, while often quite alone compared to other crew.

In contrast to industries like banking, where senior executives typically undergo regular comprehensive health evaluations and have consistent access to primary care, the yachting industry lacks this structured approach. It is set up for emergencies, but not normal care. Addressing these gaps is essential to ensure the ongoing fitness and well-being of not only captains, but all the crew.

Yachting is a world-class industry that demands world-class care. If we expect captains to shoulder immense responsibility at sea, we must also ensure they have access to the same standard of healthcare routinely provided to their counterparts in other high-performance professions. This means moving beyond emergency care and annual certificates, and towards a more proactive, continuous model—where physical, mental, and emotional health are all supported, wherever in the world captains may be.

This is an invitation to open a conversation. Whether you are a captain, a yacht manager, or involved in crew welfare, I welcome your insights and experiences. Let’s work together to shape a more robust and responsible healthcare framework for senior crew.

Dr. Simon Gordon is a well known recommended Doctor on the French Riviera, running Cabinet Medical Gordon in Valbonne. He offers in person and video consultations, with same day urgent appointments if needed. 

To discuss this further, feel free to connect with Dr. Simon Gordon directly via email at [email protected] or reach out via Instagram or LinkedIn.

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