Have you ever put work before your own health?

Introduction:

I was speaking with a Captain recently in one of my courses, who asked me to share his story….

In order to prevent anything like this happening again….

It’s well worth a read and some consideration.

When fear, shock and a little bit of information can be dangerous...

Bob, well that’s what will call him, was sailing in a very remote part of the world & had the boss onboard.

They were sailing on a new build and everything was breaking, it’s was one of those times where everything was rushed, late and super stressful.

At about dinner time, after the generator blew up Bob developed chest pain, shortness of breath, nausea and felt clammy.

He had done our Medical Care Course a number of times and knew that chest pain is never good.

The problem was, that the boss was getting irritated with plans changing and his new boat breaking.

The last thing Bob wanted to do, was head to the nearest port for Emergency Medical Care.

In fact, he did not even want to call his 24/7 medical support service, because he knew they would say he needed to be evacuated immediately.

So, Bob went to the Medical Kit, and self administered cardiac medications & oxygen in the resuscitation kit, to treat a possible heart attack.

The medications had little effect, so he took more.

Bob was 100% percentage certain he was having a heart attack.

He was also 100% percent certain he would loose his job if the boss knew he was having a heart attack.

So, he self administered DANGEROUS drugs in an effort to keep the pesky & very inconvenient heart attack at bay for another 72 hours, when they would reach the next port.

The symptoms finally dissipated, and Bob kept a brave face, told no one and carried on.

When he finally arrived at the ER, the ECG & blood tests were clear, and it was assumed Bob had a panic attack, which as you probably know can feel VERY much like a heart attack.

The fact of the matter is, that Bob (like so many Superyacht Captains & Crew) was more worried about the boss having a good time, and the boat, and his reputation, than his own life.

He risked his life, the boat & the crew.

He was desperate, and admits he was probably making bad decisions because he was in so much pain, and so terrified.

So why did Bob ask me to share his story?

It shows the tremendous pressure you guys, the Superyacht Crew are under.

And this is not reasonable.

We have to make changes in yachting so our incredible Captains & Crew can manage stress, stop burn out and prevent panic attacks, heart attacks, high blood pressures and all the things you are all experiencing - DUE TO STRES!

Please don’t be Bob!

And remember, it’s just a freaking Superyacht!

PS. Names & locations etc. have been changed to protect my friend/clients identity.

Photo by Oli Riley Photography