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The Log

Field insights on yacht operations, maintenance discipline, and maritime intelligence for captains and owners

41 postsUpdated July 2026
Superyacht Crew Salary Survey 2026: Pay by Role and Vessel Size
FeaturedIndustry

Superyacht Crew Salary Survey 2026: Pay by Role and Vessel Size

2026 superyacht crew salary ranges for captains, chief engineers, chefs, chief stewardesses, and deckhands — broken down by vessel size, plus tipping culture and the loaded cost owners actually pay.

10 July 2026
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Charter VAT by Country: France, Italy, Spain, and Croatia Compared
Compliance

Charter VAT by Country: France, Italy, Spain, and Croatia Compared

How yacht charter VAT differs across France, Italy, Spain, and Croatia — standard rates, reduction mechanisms, documentation burden, and who actually pays.

16 July 2026
COLREGs for Yacht Watchkeeping: A Captain's Guide to Night Navigation Rules
Compliance

COLREGs for Yacht Watchkeeping: A Captain's Guide to Night Navigation Rules

How COLREGs Rules 5, 6, 7, 17, and 19 apply to yacht watchkeeping and night navigation — bridge procedures for captains, mates, and officers of the watch.

16 July 2026
How to Run an ISM Internal Audit on a Yacht: A Step-by-Step Walkthrough
Compliance

How to Run an ISM Internal Audit on a Yacht: A Step-by-Step Walkthrough

A practical walkthrough of the ISM Code internal audit: who can run it, the 12-month interval, non-conformity grading, and closing corrective actions properly.

16 July 2026
MARPOL Annex V for Superyachts: Garbage Management Plan and Discharge Rules Explained
Compliance

MARPOL Annex V for Superyachts: Garbage Management Plan and Discharge Rules Explained

What MARPOL Annex V requires of superyachts — Garbage Management Plan and Record Book thresholds, the plastic ban, food waste distance rules, and PSC findings.

16 July 2026
STCW Rest Hours and Watchkeeping Compliance: What Yacht Captains Need to Log
Compliance

STCW Rest Hours and Watchkeeping Compliance: What Yacht Captains Need to Log

STCW hours-of-rest rules for yacht crew: the exact limits, watch scheduling patterns, record-keeping duties, and the PSC findings that catch captains out.

16 July 2026
Yacht Certificate and Survey Schedule: Annual, Intermediate, and Renewal Windows Explained
Maintenance

Yacht Certificate and Survey Schedule: Annual, Intermediate, and Renewal Windows Explained

Load Line, ISM, ISPS, MLC, and tonnage certificates each run a different survey clock. One reference table for captains and fleet managers to track them all.

16 July 2026
Yacht Flag State Comparison: Cayman Islands vs Malta vs Marshall Islands vs Red Ensign Registries
Industry

Yacht Flag State Comparison: Cayman Islands vs Malta vs Marshall Islands vs Red Ensign Registries

Compare yacht flag states — Cayman, Malta, Marshall Islands, and Red Ensign registries — on registration, VAT exposure, PSC regime, and crew certification.

16 July 2026
How to Set Up a Safety Management System for a Yacht From Scratch
Compliance

How to Set Up a Safety Management System for a Yacht From Scratch

A practical guide to building a yacht SMS from scratch: DPA appointment, document order, Interim vs full DOC/SMC certification, and realistic timelines.

16 July 2026
APA vs Fixed-Fee: Choosing a Charter Pricing Model
Operations

APA vs Fixed-Fee: Choosing a Charter Pricing Model

APA and all-inclusive fixed-fee pricing are two fundamentally different ways to structure a charter. A comparison of how each model works, where each dominates, and how owners and managers should choose between them.

10 July 2026
EU Temporary Admission for Yachts: The 18-Month Rule Explained
Compliance

EU Temporary Admission for Yachts: The 18-Month Rule Explained

How non-EU yachts can cruise EU waters for up to 18 months without paying import VAT under the Temporary Admission procedure — eligibility conditions, the 10-year cumulative cap, what happens if you overstay, and the records captains need to keep.

10 July 2026
The French YET Scheme: A Complete Guide for Charter Yachts
Compliance

The French YET Scheme: A Complete Guide for Charter Yachts

Yachts Engaged in Trade (YET) lets a privately registered, non-EU flagged yacht charter for a limited number of days in French, Monaco, and Croatian waters without converting to full commercial registration. What it covers, what it does not, and how it relates to French charter VAT.

10 July 2026
IMO 2026 Decarbonization Rules: Do CII and EEXI Apply to Superyachts?
Compliance

IMO 2026 Decarbonization Rules: Do CII and EEXI Apply to Superyachts?

How MARPOL Annex VI's CII and EEXI rules actually apply to superyachts, why most yachts fall under the 5,000 GT threshold, the voluntary Superyacht Carbon Intensity Indicator, and what the delayed IMO Net-Zero Framework means for 2026.

10 July 2026
ISPS Code Compliance for Superyachts: What Captains Must Know
Compliance

ISPS Code Compliance for Superyachts: What Captains Must Know

When the ISPS Code applies to a superyacht, what a Ship Security Plan and Company Security Officer actually do, how the three security levels work, and how to stay clear of port facility security problems.

10 July 2026
MARPOL Annex VI for Yachts: Exhaust Emissions and Low-Sulphur Fuel Rules
Compliance

MARPOL Annex VI for Yachts: Exhaust Emissions and Low-Sulphur Fuel Rules

What MARPOL Annex VI actually requires of private and charter yachts — the 0.50% global sulphur cap, the new Mediterranean Emission Control Area, NOx Tier III, and which certificates apply at which size.

10 July 2026
Mediterranean Superyacht Mooring: Peak Season Berth Booking Strategy
Operations

Mediterranean Superyacht Mooring: Peak Season Berth Booking Strategy

How to plan Mediterranean berth bookings for July and August — realistic lead times, the most contested harbors, med-mooring basics, and anchoring as a backup strategy when marinas are full.

10 July 2026
Resolving Charter APA Disputes: A Captain's Playbook
Operations

Resolving Charter APA Disputes: A Captain's Playbook

What to do when a charterer questions the APA reconciliation — the documentation that prevents disputes, the specific triggers that cause them, and the escalation path through broker mediation and MYBA arbitration when they happen anyway.

10 July 2026
Superyacht Ownership Privacy: UBO Rules and Registry Transparency
Compliance

Superyacht Ownership Privacy: UBO Rules and Registry Transparency

How Ultimate Beneficial Owner disclosure rules affect superyacht ownership structures, why EU registries moved from public access to a 'legitimate interest' model, and what owners should expect from flag state registries on privacy.

10 July 2026
How and Why Superyachts Change Flag: The Re-Flagging Process
Compliance

How and Why Superyachts Change Flag: The Re-Flagging Process

The step-by-step process of moving a superyacht from one flag state to another — deletion certificates, provisional registration, survey and class transfer, mortgage discharge — and the operational reasons owners choose to re-flag.

10 July 2026
Superyacht Refit and Drydock Project Management: A Practical Guide
Maintenance

Superyacht Refit and Drydock Project Management: A Practical Guide

How to plan a superyacht refit and drydock period — shipyard slot booking timelines, spec writing, budget overrun risk, class survey synchronization, and the captain's and crew's role during the yard period.

10 July 2026
Yacht Cyber Security: IMO Requirements and What Captains Need to Know
Compliance

Yacht Cyber Security: IMO Requirements and What Captains Need to Know

What MSC-FAL.1/Circ.3 Rev.3 and IMO Resolution MSC.428(98) actually require of yacht safety management systems, how IACS UR E26/E27 changes newbuild contracts from mid-2024, and a practical cyber risk checklist for captains.

10 July 2026
Yacht Insurance Claims: A Step-by-Step Playbook
Operations

Yacht Insurance Claims: A Step-by-Step Playbook

What to do in the first hours after a yacht incident, how to notify insurers correctly, the difference between an H&M and a P&I claim, and the documentation gaps that cause claims to be rejected.

10 July 2026
The Digital Revolution in Yacht Maintenance: From Paper Logs to Audit-Ready Systems
Technology

The Digital Revolution in Yacht Maintenance: From Paper Logs to Audit-Ready Systems

Why yacht operators are retiring paper logbooks and spreadsheets for digital maintenance systems — audit-ready documentation, faster PSC boardings, real warranty protection, and continuity through crew turnover.

10 July 2026
Yacht Provisioning and Guest Preference Sheets: Getting It Right
Operations

Yacht Provisioning and Guest Preference Sheets: Getting It Right

What a charter yacht preference sheet needs to capture, how provisioning information should flow from broker to chef to galley, and the common mistakes that turn a routine charter into an avoidable problem.

10 July 2026
Yacht Winterization: The Complete Layup Checklist
Maintenance

Yacht Winterization: The Complete Layup Checklist

A system-by-system winterization checklist for captains and owners laying up a yacht for the off-season — engine room, water systems, deck and exterior, electronics, batteries, and insurance notification.

10 July 2026
APA in Yacht Charters: How to Manage Advance Provisioning Allowance
Operations

APA in Yacht Charters: How to Manage Advance Provisioning Allowance

What APA covers, how to set it up correctly, how to report it to charterers, and why most disputes happen — a practical guide for captains and yacht managers.

29 May 2026
Charter Captain Software: What Experienced Captains Actually Use to Manage Operations
Operations

Charter Captain Software: What Experienced Captains Actually Use to Manage Operations

A realistic look at how professional charter captains handle expense reporting, crew documents, maintenance logs, and owner communication — what works, what doesn't, and what's changed in 2026.

29 May 2026
ISM Code Compliance for Yachts: A Practical Guide to Safety Management Systems
Compliance

ISM Code Compliance for Yachts: A Practical Guide to Safety Management Systems

Who needs ISM Code compliance, how to build a Safety Management System from scratch, DOC and SMC certification, and how digital tools are changing the process — for captains and yacht managers.

29 May 2026
Mediterranean Charter VAT Guide: Turkey, Greece, Italy and France
Compliance

Mediterranean Charter VAT Guide: Turkey, Greece, Italy and France

VAT rates, exemption conditions, flag state effects, and practical tax management for yacht charter across the four main Mediterranean destinations — for yacht managers and charter brokers.

29 May 2026
Yacht Crew Salary and Payroll Guide: MLC 2006, Flag State Obligations, and Practical Management
Industry

Yacht Crew Salary and Payroll Guide: MLC 2006, Flag State Obligations, and Practical Management

Superyacht crew salary ranges, MLC 2006 wage requirements, Seafarer Employment Agreement obligations, payroll management models, and flag state effects — for yacht owners and management companies.

29 May 2026
Yacht Maintenance Log Template (Free Download + What to Actually Track)
Operations

Yacht Maintenance Log Template (Free Download + What to Actually Track)

A practical yacht maintenance log template for captains and owners. Download the free template, plus learn what fields matter and how professional fleets track maintenance without paperwork chaos.

29 May 2026
MLC 2006 and Yacht Crew: Rights, Working Hours, and What Changed in 2024–2025
Compliance

MLC 2006 and Yacht Crew: Rights, Working Hours, and What Changed in 2024–2025

A practical guide to the Maritime Labour Convention 2006 for yacht owners, captains, and crew. What MLC requires on working hours, rest periods, employment agreements, and crew welfare — including the December 2024 amendments now in force and the April 2025 ILO updates.

12 April 2026
AI in Yacht Management: What's Actually Changing in 2026
Technology

AI in Yacht Management: What's Actually Changing in 2026

Artificial intelligence is moving from marketing buzzword to practical tool in yacht operations. A grounded look at what AI is genuinely doing for captains and owners today — predictive maintenance, expense categorisation, compliance alerts, and owner reporting — and what remains hype.

10 April 2026
Port State Control for Yachts: The Captain's Preparation Guide (2025 Data)
Compliance

Port State Control for Yachts: The Captain's Preparation Guide (2025 Data)

What every yacht captain and owner needs to know about Port State Control inspections — how PSC works, what the 2025 Paris MOU Annual Report reveals about the most common deficiencies, and how to prepare so an inspection never disrupts a programme.

8 April 2026
Yacht Insurance: A Practical Guide for Owners and Captains
Compliance

Yacht Insurance: A Practical Guide for Owners and Captains

Everything yacht owners and captains need to know about marine insurance — hull and machinery cover, P&I liability, charter endorsements, crew insurance, and the specific requirements for vessels operating in Turkish and Mediterranean waters.

2 April 2026
Charter Yacht Management: How Operators Run Efficient Fleets
Operations

Charter Yacht Management: How Operators Run Efficient Fleets

The complete guide to charter yacht management for fleet operators, captains, and owners. From booking coordination and turnaround logistics to compliance documentation and crew scheduling — how digital systems make charter operations profitable.

30 March 2026
Yacht Captain App: The Professional's Guide to Digital Tools
Operations

Yacht Captain App: The Professional's Guide to Digital Tools

The complete guide to yacht captain apps for professional captains and boat owners. From maintenance tracking and crew management to expense reporting and digital logbooks — what modern captains need and how to choose the right platform.

28 March 2026
Yacht Season Opening: The Captain's Complete Preparation Guide
Operations

Yacht Season Opening: The Captain's Complete Preparation Guide

A professional captain's step-by-step guide to Mediterranean season preparation. From technical surveys and crew documentation to marina planning and digital readiness — everything that must be done before the first voyage.

25 March 2026
Yacht Operating Costs: A Captain's Guide to Financial Control
Operations

Yacht Operating Costs: A Captain's Guide to Financial Control

A comprehensive guide to understanding, tracking and managing yacht operating expenses. From fuel and crew to marina fees and insurance — how digital systems give captains and owners real financial control.

20 March 2026
Yacht Expense Tracker: Stop Managing Your Boat with WhatsApp and Spreadsheets
Operations

Yacht Expense Tracker: Stop Managing Your Boat with WhatsApp and Spreadsheets

The complete guide to yacht expense management for boat owners and captains. Learn how to track operating costs, compare tools, and cut annual expenses by up to 25% with digital yacht management software.

16 March 2026
Yacht Crew Document Management: The Complete Guide for Captains and Owners
Compliance

Yacht Crew Document Management: The Complete Guide for Captains and Owners

Everything professional yacht captains and owners need to know about managing crew certifications, compliance documentation, and avoiding costly port state control detentions.

15 March 2026
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