Across yachting destinations, these are common pitfalls any yachtie should watch for. Ask any yachtie and they will typically agree that one of the many advantages while working on board is the travel opportunities. While various safety situations on board are regularly drilled and discussed — from potential fires to piracy and everything in between — are yacht crew clued up when it comes to exploring foreign countries? Understanding the lay of the land is essential when traveling somewhere new, from the taboos and local customs to safety and scams happening ashore. This is especially true for crew who may not have time to thoroughly research before going out for the day or weekend. Triton has collected some common issues and safety considerations when visiting various yachting hotspots around the world. Europe During the Mediterranean yachting season, plenty of crew get ashore to explore for a few hours, a day, or longer. One concern is petty crime and pickpocketing, especially in major, crowded cities like the yachtie spots of Barcelona and Amsterdam, and particularly on public transport and in busy squares. Opportunistic criminals operating in yachting destinations and coastal towns can spot tourists and yachties, especially those who display signs of high disposable income. Muggings and assaults, unfortunately, are common for phones, watches, wallets, and other valuables. Another frequent problem many yachties encounter is unlicensed taxis. Recently, this was a particular issue in the Balearic Island of Ibiza, especially when returning to marinas after a night at one of the island’s iconic nightclubs. In other destinations, like Barcelona and Dubrovnik, yachties have also reported taxis substantially overcharging for journeys. Middle East Many Middle Eastern countries are becoming increasingly popular destinations for superyachts. The opening of luxury resorts such as Sindalah in Saudi Arabia has made it an emerging yachting destination, while Dubai and Abu Dhabi continue to gain ground. When yacht crew have time off in these areas, it’s essential to consider the stark cultural differences and local regulations when exploring. Similar to Europe, there is occasional petty theft and scams, mainly at markets and tourist sites. Respect modesty laws when outside the resorts; wear respectful, loose-fitting clothing and cover your shoulders, legs, and arms. Many Middle Eastern countries implement Sharia law, and Dubai, in particular, is based on this. Therefore, since hugging and kissing are illegal in public, avoiding public displays of affection is essential. However, today laws can be relatively liberal, especially in free zones and resorts, so be savvy about where you are exploring. Most Muslim countries also prohibit the consumption and sale of alcohol; however, many tourist zones like NEOM and Sindalah in Saudi Arabia have more relaxed regulations, and if you are drinking in licensed hotels, clubs, and bars, there typically aren’t many issues, but being aware of these local customs is essential. Photographing locals is another consideration when exploring on land; always ask for permission. Southeast Asia Throughout Southeast Asia, especially along the backpacking trail and in the yachting spot of Thailand, one of the biggest concerns is alcohol poisoning from cheap, unregulated, and counterfeit alcohol contaminated with methanol. Similar to taxis in Europe, tuk-tuk drivers have been known to overcharge and run scams, such as taking customers to commission-based shops and pressuring them to buy. Another common issue is with rentals, especially in Thailand. These are organized scams involving motorbikes and Jet Skis, in which they frequently overcharge for fabricated damage. Scammers have also been known to escort tourists to ATMs to pay for unnecessary charges. The Caribbean One increasingly common issue across the islands is ATM skimming, which involves hidden card readers or cameras that steal card data. Another thing to watch out for is the black-market currency exchange, where counterfeit EC and USD notes are in circulation, especially in tourist hotspots. When it comes to enjoying the nightlife in the Caribbean, watch out for the places that offer ”crew discount,” but actually inflate the prices. Drink spiking is another cause for concern, unfortunately, not just in the Caribbean islands, but it can be an issue in any bar or club across the world. When planning time off for your crew in the Caribbean, be cautious of fraudulent tour operators and fake crew accommodation listings, both of which have targeted yachties in recent seasons. Stay Safe: General Crew Safety Tips • Implement a buddy system for going ashore • Check local regulations and customs before exploring • Review the yacht’s emergency and contact procedures • Keep passports and documents secure on board, and only carry copies • Avoid wearing crew uniform in public areas when off-duty • Use licensed taxis and official tour operators only • Accept drinks and food only from trusted, licensed vendors • Avoid home-brewed or unbranded alcohol