For me, moving from a lead deckhand/bosun role into management took some getting used to, with having to try and stay on top of everything without forgetting anything, as well as being a leader to others by example and giving orders rather than receiving them.

After being referred to Superyacht Operating Systems by a study colleague, it seemed like a good platform or safety net for me taking that first step into management.

When stepping into my first role as a  second officer I used the checklists (or cheat sheets) to double check myself and make sure I wasn’t missing anything. It made things easier as I was thrown straight into a busy yard period and had to hit the ground running. It was easy to get contractors, dayworkers, orders, scaffolding, safety equipment etc.



I then progressed to using the forms to implement my own systems and ideas. It’s always nice to bring something to the table. Although the forms aren’t vessel specific, with some tweaking I made them my own and was able to adapt them to the vessel.

I am now on a newer vessel and have to write vessel-specific procedures for tenders, air compressors, anchors, wave runners and all the forms are there, either to use as a whole or take ideas from and make my own.

I think for yacht crew new to this and with vessels moving more toward formal vessel management systems, having a template there can not only help you but give your superiors confidence in your abilities as an officer, which can’t hurt no matter how savvy you are. I consider Superyacht Operating Systems as a tool to give me an edge and be the best officer I can be.



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