UK Chamber: Yachts need professional standards

TIN news:         Speaking at the event, hosted by the International Hydrographic Association, Mr Platten argued that yachting was a vital part of the ‘maritime family', and how the sector should work evermore closely with the UK Chamber.
 
He said:
 
"We are one maritime family. Whoever you are, whether you own the smallest yacht or the largest, the most humble barge or the most powerful containership, whether you are the most experienced captain or the youngest recruit - you are part of that family.
 
"Our members, old and new, work with us because of the expertise of our team and deep relationships with every aspect of government, parliament and international bodies.
 
"In doing so, we have been able to save our members millions of pounds through a healthy supply of policy wins. When Ministers, officials, MPs, journalists want to know more - they call us first. We can do the same for the yachting sector."
 
But Mr Platten also spoke of the need to professionalise the superyacht sector, ensuring seafarers had appropriate certification and training.
 
"As yachts have grown larger, as demand has risen, the need for professional standards, first class seamanship and legitimate certification structures have become more urgent.
 
Because often when we talk of yachts, they have the same complexities - from crewing to onboard systems, as any other ship out there.
 
Like it or not, larger yachts are subject to the same regulations as other forms of shipping. So, I would suggest, the need for regulatory expertise and government contacts is as prevalent for you as it is any other sector of maritime services."
 
He highlighted how the UK Chamber had helped to win special arrangements for yachts to ensure they complied with the Maritime Labour Convention, ensuring businesses "were able to spend their time growing their business, investing in new assets and creating jobs - not being stuck tackling the minefield of global regulation."
 
He concluded:
 
"I believe that the best days of maritime services lie ahead of it. I believe companies like yours, and organisations like mine, have an exciting future. But that future will only be realised if we work evermore closely together. If we pool resources and push ourselves further.
 
"There is a huge market out there for the kind of services you offer. We are ambitious for you to succeed, as much as we are ambitious for every other part of the maritime family. We want to help. And we can help."