by Rebecca Whitlocke
Carla Brothers – Photo Gideon Heller
From Sydney to French Polynesia, research across the yachting sector points to a widening gap between operational demand and crew capacity. Data from ISWAN shows turnover rates of up to 50% within 12 months, with even higher churn among junior crew. Mental strain – including stress and fatigue – links to lower performance and higher safety risk, underlining the impact of sustained workload pressure.
In response to this demand, Carla Brothers launched Purser Support to support captains, crew, and yacht managers as operational tasks grow. With more than a decade at sea as a purser, Brothers has seen how yacht command has evolved.
“Purser Support reflects a wider shift in the sector: a hybrid shore model where admin tasks move off the yacht. More often, it is captains who now reach out first. Their role no longer centres on leadership and navigation – it spans compliance, crew logistics, finance, yard periods, and guest needs, often all at once.”
Shore-Based Purser Support
Crew travel, once routine, is now a key pressure point. Multi-national crew, cross-border rules, visa demands, and tight rotation windows require clear, steady oversight. Managing this ashore removes friction at a critical stage and keeps crew rotations on track.
For owners and yacht managers, regulations set by bodies such as the International Maritime Organization, Lloyd’s Register, and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency demand constant monitoring and documentation. Purser Support adapts its services to each vessel, whether during yard time or peak charter season, without adding headcount on board or fixed packages. Brothers adds: “Senior crew can no longer carry the full administrative load alongside daily duties. When that weight lifts, stress drops, morale holds, and crew stay longer.”
For more information visit their website HERE
Carla Brothers – Photo Gideon Heller
Rebecca Whitlocke is a media and marketing expert. Rebecca founded Antibes Yachting which is a community platform focused on brand support for yachting companies in Antibes, France.
Antibes Yachting offers years of experience working with premium businesses including superyacht companies, world-class events, private aviation and luxury travel suppliers.
Antibes Yachting goes beyond conventional business to connect you with opportunities and industry-specific advice. You can follow Rebecca on LinkedIn here Rebecca Whitlocke or through her Antibes Yachting Page.
