helpinghand@thecrewmess.org
secondchance@thecrewmess.org
Who are we?
We understand the unique pressures of yachting life. The Crew Mess is a confidential resource created by yacht crew for yacht crew. Our team of former and serving crew and industry professionals provides free support to anyone in the yachting community struggling with drug or alcohol issues.
What we do for you - the sufferer.
Recognising you have a problem can be tough. We provide the support and care you need to understand your situation and ask for help. Addiction can affect anyone. It's easy to downplay the impact of drugs or alcohol, but it's important to remember that there are solutions.
What we do for your fellow crew members.
Concerned about a colleague? The Crew Mess can arrange interventions for crew members struggling with substance abuse. Interventions can take place on board the vessel or at a crew member's home. We offer free and confidential:
- Intervention services
- Advice and counselling
- Onboard mental health support for crew dealing with a colleague's addiction
- Coping strategies and identification techniques to manage the situation when a crew member returns to work
Recognising the Signs.
Are you or does someone you know exhibiting any of these signs?
- Secretive behaviour
- Borrowing lots of money
- Legal or financial problems
- Frequent aggression
- Mood swings
- Distancing from people
- Deteriorating appearance
- Issues with performing work tasks
- Long periods of isolation in their cabin
- Consistent health problems
- Building tolerance to substances like alcohol
- Last to return to the yacht each night
- Disappearances from work or at the end of a charter
Common Challenges.
We primarily focus on supporting those facing these common addictions:
- Alcoholism: Addiction to and dependence on alcohol.
- Prescription: drug misuse: Using prescription drugs in ways not intended by a doctor.
- Drug abuse:
Overuse or dependence on any Class A, B, or C drug.
Interventions.
We provide a free two-stage intervention service for individuals and crew. Here's what you need to know...
- An intervention is a strategic plan to help a crew member seek treatment.
- The goal is to get the person the help and support they need.
- An intervention is not about shaming, judging, or blaming.
- It's about creating a safe, empathetic, and healthy environment.
- Interventions can be emotionally difficult, but they are worth it.
Our specialist will guide the intervention, ensuring a controlled and productive discussion. This professional approach helps crew members understand the seriousness of the situation.
Timing is Key.
It's natural to hesitate, but delaying intervention can have serious consequences. Remember, addressing addiction can save a life.
Support Through Recovery.
Even after an intervention, ongoing support is vital. Be honest, be patient, and continue to offer encouragement.
Additional Support Services.
We also offer:
- 24/7 Addiction & Alcoholism intervention service (EU, Caribbean, US and Australasia)
- Support for victims of bullying, predatory behaviour, and sexual harassment
- Onboard PTSD counselling, including support for addiction, bereavement, fire, and accidents
- Careers advice for those in recovery and safe yacht placements under vessel sponsorship