Who it is for
Commercial yachts of 500 GT and over must comply with the International Safety Management (ISM) Code. Many private yachts of that size choose to run to the same standard, because it gives the owner, the captain and the insurers a clear picture of how the yacht is run. We look after both.
Charter yachts are a key focus for us: we know the commercial codes, the inspections and what a busy season with guests on board asks of the crew. We understand private yachts just as well, where the owner’s privacy, programme and standards set the pace.
What we do
- Full ISM management – we run the shore side of the yacht’s safety management system: reporting, corrective actions, internal audits and management review.
- Technical management – machinery, maintenance, surveys and budgets, led by a Chief Engineer (Unlimited).
- SMS development – we write or rework the system for the yacht and her crew, in plain English, and set it up on board.
- Designated Person Ashore (DPA) – Henning Heltberg, a retired Master Mariner, is the named link between the yacht and the people ashore.
- MLC and ISPS support – crew employment, hours of rest and onboard complaints procedures under the Maritime Labour Convention, and the ship security plan and drills under the ISPS Code.
- Flag and class audit preparation – internal and mock audits, document checks and close-out of findings before the auditor arrives.
How we take a yacht into management
- Talk – a short call about the yacht, her flag, how she is used and her crew.
- Review – a gap analysis of the current safety management system, certificates, MLC and ISPS documents and maintenance records.
- Plan – a written handover plan agreed with you, the master and the outgoing manager, timed around surveys, yard periods and the charter season.
- Take over – we come on board, take the crew through the system and run the first drills with them.
- Run and improve – monthly technical reviews, internal audits and a yearly management review, reported to the owner in plain English.
Your shore contact
Our Designated Person Ashore (DPA), Henning Heltberg, is a retired Master Mariner based ashore in the UK. He is the named shore contact in each client yacht’s safety management system. The master keeps overriding authority on board.
What is not included
Flag, class and Recognised Organisation fees are charged at cost. External crew training courses are delivered by approved providers and invoiced at cost.
Price. Full ISM and technical management is scoped and priced per yacht, after a short call and a review of her current system and certificates. Gap analysis €3,500 plus travel; internal audits and audit preparation €950 per day. See all prices.
Questions owners and captains ask
Do you work with charter yachts?
Yes, and charter is a key focus for us. We plan the safety management system, maintenance and audits around the season, so that the yacht is ready when the guests arrive.
Do you look after private yachts?
Yes. Private yachts of 500 GT and over often choose to run to the ISM standard. We fit the system to the owner’s programme and keep it discreet.
Can you take over from our current manager?
Yes. Our switching package gives you a written handover plan agreed with you, the master and the outgoing manager.
Can you just review the system we already have?
Yes. A stand-alone review, gap analysis or mock audit is available whichever manager wrote your system. The report belongs to you and is shared only with the people you choose.
Is your yacht under 500 GT?
Then see our small-yacht safety management service: competent person, SMS set-up and reviews, technical management and DPA.
Read our SMS approach, which we use for every yacht we look after.