Let us simplify your yacht ownership. Whether you’re looking for full management support or simply exploring how we can help, our team is here to guide you — every step of the way.
Request nowClose
_jpg-2.avif)
What is yacht management?
Seamless yacht care
.jpg)
The invisible framework
that makes yachting effortless.
A yacht is more than a luxury asset — it is a complex operation. It must comply with international laws, employ and manage crew, undergo regular maintenance, and always meet the highest standards of safety and efficiency. This is where yacht management comes in.
At its core, yacht management provides the administrative, financial, and technical oversight needed to keep a vessel running smoothly, legally compliant, and protected as a valuable investment. Services cover everything from daily operational support and financial planning to refit coordination, safety monitoring, and 24/7 assistance for captains and crew.
The aim is simple: to simplify ownership, safeguard the yacht, and ensure every voyage runs safely and efficiently. Whether a yacht is cruising privately, available for charter, or lying in port professional management brings clarity and confidence.
Management can be delivered as a full turnkey package or as modular support,giving owners the flexibility to choose the level of assistance that best suits their yacht and program.
Cruising, chartering, or in port
your yacht stays protected.
Why it is
important
Behind the glamour of life at sea lies a framework of laws, compliance, and risk management that must be handled with care. Professional yacht management exists to safeguard owners, protect crews, and preserve assets — ensuring that every voyage is both safe and seamless.
Compliance & Regulation
Every yacht must follow international laws — just like airlines or hotels.
A few key frameworks include:
-
ISM Code (International Safety Management): A “safety manual” for yachts over 500 GT, requiring written procedures and drills for emergencies. Example: if a fire breaks out, the crew know exactly what to do because ISM requires training and clear instructions.
-
ISPS Code(International Ship & Port Security): Protects yachts and ports from outside threats, requiring access controls and visitor checks before entering marinas.
-
MLC(Maritime Labour Convention): The “seafarers’ bill of rights,” guaranteeing fair contracts, safe accommodation, and proper insurance for crew.
Example: crew cabins must meet minimum standards, and every seafarer must hold a valid contract.
With Bluewater overseeing compliance, owners can relax knowing every inspection, certificate, and procedure is already in order.
Safety & Security
At sea, unexpected events can happen — from medical emergencies to mechanical failures or storms. Yachts must have a Designated Person Ashore (DPA): a shoreside expert available 24/7 to support the captain in a crisis.
Insurance & Liability
Like cars, yachts need insurance tailored to how they are used. A private yacht and a busy charter yacht face different risks. Professional management ensures the right coverage is always in place — protecting the owner if something goes wrong.
Customs & Taxation
Crossing borders brings financial complexity. Yachts may fall under temporary importation schemes or face duties in foreign waters. Tax obligations also change depending on flag, area of operation, and usage. Professional oversight ensures the yacht is in the right jurisdiction, financially efficient, and penalty-free.
Cost Control & Budgeting
Running a yacht is a major financial commitment. ith professional oversight, variable costs — crew, fuel, dockage, repairs, refit — are carefully monitored.
Bluewater provides budgets, invoice tracking, and monthly reports, so owners have complete clarity with no surprises.
Crew Compliance
The crew are the yacht’s heartbeat. Management ensures every member has the right qualifications, contracts, and insurance.
Example: if a charter guest is injured using watertoys, liability falls on the yacht if crew are not properly certified.
Bluewater tracks certifications, renewals, and payroll to keep the yacht compliant and the crew protected.
Maintenance & Technical Oversight
Modern yachts are floating ecosystems — with propulsion, navigation, IT, and hotel systems working together. Proper oversight minimises downtime and maximises enjoyment, keeping the yacht fully operational at all times.
The Bluewater difference
With over 30 years of experience, Bluewater combines global reach with a personal touch. We deliver 24/7 shoreside support, technical and compliance oversight, and clear financial administration. More than a service, we are a partner in ownership — safeguarding your yacht, supporting your crew, and ensuring every detail runs to the highest standard.
More than a service, your partner in ownership.
