Ask Bugsy

Ask Bugsy Bugsy

"I was just off ered a great job as chief stew on a 60m yacht. It was the perfect position and I was so excited! Then, at the last minute, the captain added this stipulation: I would have to share his cabin (which has one bed!). I was shocked and horrifi ed. Obviously, I did not take the job, but now I am wondering if I should report this somehow, or at least post warnings about this captain in crew social media groups? My friends say to just move on, but I am still so angry about it."

— Not Me Too!

A: Nope, absolutely not, this is ridiculous! I’m so shocked to hear this has happened to you, and so sorry to hear it. This is most defi nitely something you should report. Nowadays, there are clear guidelines with regards to co-sharing based on Maritime Labour Convention stipulations to protect crew from these uncomfortable situations.

What larger vessels over the 50m range offer that should attract crew is the requirement to run International Safety Management code and MLC if they operate under commercial register or charter. This seems strange that a 60m vessel can operate so freely under these hiring stipulations towards a female crew member — we see these things more often in smaller vessels with captains and owners with slightly more laissez-faire ideas and less oversight from fl ag and onshore management.

Reporting should go to fl ag and onshore management. Unfortunately, very often in a private program these things can go unanswered if there has been no actual misconduct. However, what reporting the incident does accomplish is to bring the issue to light and create a trail.

Unfortunately, not enough is done yet about these uncomfortable situations, and we sometimes see the industry old guard protect their own more often than not.

My opinion is any vessel that size without the oversight to clamp down on this is by no means a well-operated and lucrative program for any crew member — and you’re better off without that job! You’re worth a lot more and deserve a job that is not only awesome, but also provides a safe and comfortable environment! Never settle!

IN HER 8-YEAR CAREER ON YACHTS AND TWO SEASONS ON BRAVO TV’S HIT SHOW BELOW DECK MEDITERRANEAN, CHIEF STEW BUGSY DRAKE HAS PROVED THAT LEVEL-HEADED LEADERSHIP IS HER FORTÉ. NEED SOME ADVICE? ASK BUGSY! SEND YOUR QUESTIONS TO CREW@TRITONNEWS.COM.

BEATING BREAST CANCER

Here’s how crew can help

Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in women around the world, but helping to fi ght this disease can be as simple as choosing where you make your purchases. Many retailers support breast cancer awareness by donating proceeds from sales to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Here’s a great online list of resources for buying everything a yacht would need, from clothing to fl owers, and hair care to candles — and every purchase helps the cause: www.websiteplanet.com/blog/breast-cancer-survivorresources/

Here are some interesting facts from the National Breast Cancer foundation: • Research has confi rmed that smoking is a contributing risk factor for developing breast cancer.

Second-hand smoke is also a risk factor. • Having more than one drink per day has been shown to increase the risk of breast cancer, and the alcohol content doesn’t matter: wine, beer or a mixed drink.

Alcohol also increases estrogen in your bloodstream. • Using permanent hair dye and chemical hair straighteners increases the risk of developing breast cancer. A National Institutes of Health study found that women who used hair straighteners every fi ve to eight weeks were about 30% more likely to develop breast cancer. – Staff report

LET'S GO

Become a pro in one day at this Dania Beach clinic.

The nonprofi t Ladies, Let's Go Fishing Foundation has announced the South Florida Freshwater Fishing University will take place on Feb. 26 at Bass Pro Shops, 200 Gulf Stream Way, in Dania Beach, Florida. Women, men and teens can learn and practice fi shing skills hands-on, then fi sh from land on a lake stocked with peacock bass. Registration is $89 (or $79 for “early entry”) and includes classes, equipment, hands-on practice, guided fi shing, gifts worth $30, and bait. No experience or equipment is necessary. For more information, call 954-475-9068 or email info@ladiesletsgofi shing.com. You can also check out the group’s website at www.ladiesletsgofi shing.com or Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ladiesletsgofi shing.