Beyond the Checklist: Why Yacht Safety Drills Matter—No Matter the Size

“It’s just Mini ISM—and we’re under 500GT anyway!” It’s a phrase heard in the yachting world, used to downplay the importance of rigorous safety procedures on smaller vessels. But does a yacht’s tonnage really justify complacency? Safety at sea is not a matter of size—it’s a matter of survival.

All too often, safety drills become little more than routine checkbox exercises. Yet, in the chaos of a real emergency, complacency can cost lives. That’s why drills must go beyond compliance — yacht crew must train to respond instinctively, effectively, and without hesitation.

A recent example of best practice comes from the 144′ (44m), 498GT San Lorenzo MY LAMMOUCHE. Ahead of a busy charter season and following special surveys, the yacht conducted a full-scale, high-intensity search and rescue (SAR) exercise just offshore from Barcelona.

The drill, led by Captain Jean-Maxime Berthet and Chief Officer Albert Portas, was far from ordinary. It included a range of critical emergency scenarios:

• Man overboard recovery
• Onboard fire response
• Medical evacuation
• Lifeboat launching
• A live helicopter airlift

This marks the second successful live SAR drill organized by Captain Berthet, the first being with a 131′ (40m) Sunseeker in France. The operation brought together professionals across the industry, including Guy Grognet and John Usher from Antibes International Yachting Academy, as well as local SAR authorities led by Gerardo Gantes Rodríguez from CCS/MRCC Barcelona.

The exercise demonstrated that safety drills can be realistic, intense, and deeply valuable. More than ticking a box, such initiatives:

• Build crew confidence under pressure
• Strengthen communication and coordination
• Foster collaboration between yachts and emergency services

Photographers Francois Vila and Thomas Campion captured the action, helping spotlight a critical message: training saves lives.

As we move into another busy season, the question isn’t whether you’re compliant—it’s whether you’re prepared. Would your crew know what to do in a real emergency?

Let’s stop hiding behind tonnage thresholds and start leading by example.
Safety is everyone’s responsibility. Let’s raise the bar—together.

If you’re interested in learning more about safety at sea and the benefits of yacht management, please contact Fairport.