Sea Views

• Behind the Sparkle: Mental Health at Sea in the Superyacht Sector

  Send us a textGuests:Captain Brendan O’Shannassy – Superyacht Captain and maritime safety advocateLaura Beard – Welfare of Yacht Crew Project Manager, International Seafarers’ Welfare and Assistance Network (ISWAN)“Mental health is health. It’s just the same.”  Brendan O’ShannassyHosts:Julia Gosling – Host, Sea Views PodcastAdam Parnell – Director, CHIRP MaritimeEpisode Summary:In this powerful and practical episode of Sea Views, we explore the vital topic of mental health and welfare in the yacht crew sector.Julia and Adam are joined by returning guest Captain Brendan O’Shannassy and ISWAN’s Laura Beard to discuss the unique pressures faced by superyacht crew, and how industry-wide change can make life at sea safer and more sustainable for everyone on board.“There’s no judgment on YachtCrewHelp - we’re here for any crew, at any rank.” Laura BeardBrendan reflects on leadership, fatigue, and the silent strain of command, while Laura shares insights from ISWAN’s helpline Yacht Crew Help, including why many yacht crew don’t initially see themselves as seafarers—and what’s being done to change that.Key Topics:What defines the large yacht sector and who’s working in itHow mental health is deeply linked to crew safety and performanceWhy perception of the “glamorous” yacht lifestyle often hides the challengesCommon issues reported to YachtCrewHelp and how the service respondsThe importance of psychological safety, empathy, and leadership onboardAwareness campaigns and support for crew at all ranks, from junior to captainResources Mentioned:YachtCrewHelp (ISWAN): www.iswan.org.uk/yachtcrewhelp/A free, 24/7 confidential helpline for all yacht crew, worldwide.Edited by powwowpodcasts.comNEWS! If you love listening to us....you can also watch Sea Views episodes on YouTube at CHIRP Maritime or The Seafarers' Charity channels. CHIRPImproving safety at sea worldwide through the confidential and independent reporting programme.Make an incident report to CHIRP Maritime hereThe Seafarers' CharityImproving the lives of seafarers and their families for more than 105 years. by Ahoy Communications Ltd

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• Different Minds, Stronger Crews: Embracing Neurodiversity at Sea

  Send us a textIn this compelling episode of Sea Views, Julia and Adam sit down with Daniel Smith, founder of the charity NeurodiversAtSea, to explore what neurodiversity really means in the maritime world—and why it's time the industry took notice.Together, they unpack:What neurodiversity is and why it mattersHow life at sea can both challenge and empower neurodivergent individualsThe business case for neurodiversity—productivity, innovation, and retentionThe realities of recruitment and how small changes can open big doorsDaniel’s personal journey and what inspired him to launch NeurodiversAtSeaWhether you're in HR, onboard, or in the boardroom, this episode will make you rethink how your teams work—and what untapped talent might already be on your radar.Key TakeawaysNeurodiversity isn’t a “nice to have”—it’s a competitive advantage.Simple changes to recruitment and workplace culture can create space for exceptional talent.The maritime sector is uniquely placed to lead the way in inclusive employment at sea.About Our GuestDaniel Smith is the founder of NeurodiversAtSea, a charity dedicated to raising awareness of neurodiversity within the maritime sector and supporting neurodivergent individuals in their careers at sea. A passionate advocate with lived experience, Daniel is committed to reshaping the future of maritime workplaces—one conversation at a time.Resources & LinksLearn more about NeurodiversAtSea:LINKNeurodiversAtSea partnered with Seafarers Hospital Society and The Seafarers' Charity to offer grants for UK based seafarers to access assessments for a range of conditions.  Find out more at LINK or email [email protected] Views podcast by Ahoy Communications Ltd and editing by powowpodcasts.com NEWS! If you love listening to us....you can also watch Sea Views episodes on YouTube at CHIRP Maritime or The Seafarers' Charity channels. CHIRPImproving safety at sea worldwide through the confidential and independent reporting programme.Make an incident report to CHIRP Maritime hereThe Seafarers' CharityImproving the lives of seafarers and their families for more than 105 years. by Ahoy Communications Ltd

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• Offshore Energy Safety In A New Era

  Send us a textEnsuring Safety in Offshore Energy: Industry Insights and Future Challenges. In this episode of the Sea Views podcast, Graham Skinner of Offshore Energies UK and Pete Lowson from the Maritime & Coastguard Agency discuss safety practices in the offshore oil, gas, and wind industries. They delve into the industry’s safety records, the importance of cross-sector collaboration, and the impact of new technologies such as AI and autonomous vessels.NEWSFLASH!  If you love listening to us....you can also watch Sea Views episodes on YouTube at CHIRP Maritime or The Seafarers' Charity channels.The conversation highlights the significant employment numbers in these sectors, the shared lessons from past incidents, and future challenges, including climate change and the increasing complexity of managing offshore operations. Both Graham and Pete emphasise the critical importance of continuous improvement, training, and adaptation to ensure safety in these rapidly developing industries.Topics discussed:Overview of the Offshore Energy IndustrySafety Records and ImprovementsSharing Safety Lessons Across SectorsExercises and Training in Offshore SafetyDifferences Between Oil, Gas, and RenewablesFuture Challenges, Security and Technological InnovationsClimate Change and Severe WeatherThe Future of Oil and Gas in the North SeaSupporting Maritime WorkersMaritime & Coastguard Agency web siteOffshore Energies UK web siteSea Views podcast by Ahoy Communications Ltd and editing by powowpodcasts.com NEWS! If you love listening to us....you can also watch Sea Views episodes on YouTube at CHIRP Maritime or The Seafarers' Charity channels. CHIRPImproving safety at sea worldwide through the confidential and independent reporting programme.Make an incident report to CHIRP Maritime hereThe Seafarers' CharityImproving the lives of seafarers and their families for more than 105 years. by Ahoy Communications Ltd

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• Exploding Myths - Batteries, Boats & Danger

  Send us a textExploding Myths - Vapour clouds, explosion and new frontiers in firefighting.  Lithium Ion Batteries, Boats & Danger!In this episode, Adam and I welcome the leading expert on lithium ion battery safety Professor Paul Christensen to talk about the increasingly topical issue of managing the risks of lithium ion batteries in the maritime and port environment.  Lithium ion batteries have quickly become part of life now in electric vehicles and e scooters for example. On dry land in the UK, Fire services are dealing with one lithium ion battery fire/explosion every day. Thankfully, explosions and fire from malfunctioning lithium ion batteries is not a common problem but the hazard and severity of the incidents is great.  At sea we have seen the catastrophic fires on MV Fremantle Highway and Felicity Ace. Paul explains the difference between traditional combustion fires and lithium ion battery incidents and we dive into the science behind thermal runaway, vapour cloud explosion and fire. NEW FINDINGS ON DANGERS OF VAPOUR CLOUD INHALATIONPaul’s very recent field trials in February 2025, have discovered new information about harmful molecules in the vapour cloud which appear to be causing more severe inhalation injuries for people than traditional smoke inhalation.  FIREFIGHTING & SOLUTIONSPaul’s work involves real world field trials and testing to try to find solutions or better manage the risks but lithium ion battery fires are not extinguished with any of the traditional methods of firefighting which use liquids or remove oxygen.  This presents significant difficulties when tackling this type of fire on a ship at sea with great risk to seafarers who have previously been trained to deal with combustion type fires. This episode of Sea Views is supported and funded by CHIRP and The Seafarers’ Charity:Make an incident report to CHIRP Maritime hereCHIRPImproving safety at sea worldwide through the confidential and independent reporting programme.The Seafarers' CharityImproving the lives of seafarers and their families for more than 105 years.NEWS! If you love listening to us....you can also watch Sea Views episodes on YouTube at CHIRP Maritime or The Seafarers' Charity channels. CHIRPImproving safety at sea worldwide through the confidential and independent reporting programme.Make an incident report to CHIRP Maritime hereThe Seafarers' CharityImproving the lives of seafarers and their families for more than 105 years. by Ahoy Communications Ltd

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• Safe at Sea: Allyship and Psychological Safety at Sea

  Send us a textSafe at Sea Allyship & Psychological SafetySea Views is spotlighting the International Seafarers’ Welfare and Assistance Network’s (ISWAN) global campaign: "Safe at Sea… it takes all of us!" – with a focus on the crucial role male seafarers can play as allies to support their women colleagues.Women seafarers are more than three times as likely to contact ISWAN’s helplines regarding abuse, bullying, harassment, discrimination, or violence – and more than twice as likely to raise concerns about mental health. The campaign calls on the entire maritime community to foster a culture of psychological safety and inclusion at sea.Georgia Allen, ISWAN’s Projects and Relationships Manager and the campaign lead, explains:“The concept of allyship is a fantastic one, with the onus on those around you to pay more attention, give more support, and ultimately bring the crew together to create a psychologically safe environment on board.”Joining the conversation is Sophia Grant from the UK P&I Club. With 30 years of maritime experience, she reflects on how industry attitudes are shifting—recognising mental health and psychological safety as fundamental parts of the safety culture on board.ISWAN’s Safe at Sea… it takes all of us! campaign is funded by The Seafarers’ Charity and The UK P&I Club. Let’s hope that 2025 brings positive changes for seafarers.  Resources and support:Link to guides on How to Be An Ally Link to ISWAN web site SAFE At SEAISWAN SEAFARER HELP ServiceISWAN YACHT CREW HELP ServiceResearch by Cardiff University’s Seafarers International Research Centre Port Based Welfare Needs Of Women Working on Cargo ShipsIf you have been affected by any of the issues in this podcast you can contact these charities for support:SAFER WAVES For confidential support, email trained volunteers at: [email protected] HER UK If you need help please contact Paula on Mobile: 07861748522 or via the website: www.saluteher.co.ukNEWS! If you love listening to us....you can also watch Sea Views episodes on YouTube at CHIRP Maritime or The Seafarers' Charity channels. CHIRPImproving safety at sea worldwide through the confidential and independent reporting programme.Make an incident report to CHIRP Maritime hereThe Seafarers' CharityImproving the lives of seafarers and their families for more than 105 years. by Ahoy Communications Ltd

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