Join this exclusive, C-suite-level brainstormsession to tackle the critical challenge of inconsistent operational safety practices in the superyacht sector. This collaborative session will identify fundamental flaws, from benchmarking "minimum" standards (manning/training) that compromise onboard operations, to the inconsistent auditing and application of ISM—especially concerning privately operated vessels.
Led by an expert panel of Captains, Chief Engineers, and Compliance Managers, the outcome is a clear framework of potential solutions. These strategic insights will form the basis of a year-long collaboration effort, driving the industry’s professionalisation and enhancing ocean legacy.
Paul Shepherd is Chair of the CHIRP Superyacht Maritime Advisory Board, leading the group’s work to strengthen safety awareness and promote open reporting across the superyacht sector. A Master Mariner (Unlimited) with experience across yachts, cruise ships, ferries, tall ships and research vessels, Paul brings a broad operational perspective and a deep passion for safety to the role.
He is also the founder and Director of Whitehorse Maritime Academy, the leading provider of MCA oral exam preparation and professional training, and is also deeply involved in a range of auditing, inspection, consultancy and onboard training across the superyacht and commercial sectors.
Through CHIRP and his wider work, Paul advocates for practical, collaborative approaches to safety, encouraging the superyacht industry to actively share and learn from incidents across the sector and to embed proactive safety leadership at every level.
With nearly 30 years of experience James brings an enviable depth and breath of knowledge to the forum. James has spent the last 15 years working as Captain and more recently as Owners Representative. He is passionate about leadership and developing positive onboard cultures. James speaks, on occasion, with the Super Yacht Leaders Network on a range of important subjects. Career highlights are taking the 1929 classic motoryacht Haida 1929 into the Alaskan wilderness in 2024. This was a trip that was 2 years in the planning with the owners and crew.
James now runs a small Consultancy firm, Tillow Marine, advising owners, crew and at times management companies on all aspects of the industry.
Jonas Wiesand, a seasoned large yacht Chief Officer, embarked on his career as a Deckhand on yachts in 2008. He completed his cadetship on container ships before returning to yachts. He then gained extensive large vessel, bridge resource management and simulator experience on cruise ships as a Third and Second Officer. Returning to yachts again, he worked as Second, First and then Chief Officer on yachts ranging from 110m to 156m.
Jonas is a Master Unlimited and holds a BSc (Hons) in Marine Operations Management. He’s passionate about the human element, particularly motivation, culture, leadership, human-centred design and systems/procedure integration. He has had the pleasure of being involved on two large new build projects: an LNG powered cruise ship and a yacht exceeding 140m.
