PROTECTING Crew Lives (PCL) is calling on superyacht crew members around the world to participate in a global survey on their living and working conditions, saying the findings will provide vital evidence to push for greater accountability across the industry.

The appeal comes as the organisation marks the first anniversary of the death of 20-year-old former Hillcrest High School learner Paige Bell, who was killed while working aboard a superyacht in the Bahamas.

Launched on June 16 alongside the PCL platform, the fully anonymised survey has been designed specifically for superyacht crew. It explores the operational, contractual and psychological realities of life at sea, with respondents able to remain anonymous.

Also read: Hillcrest community honours Paige Bell as family demands justice

“This data will build a collective and undeniable voice for crew, one that PCL will carry and amplify, making it impossible for the industry to ignore,” said PCL co-founder Chantal Johnson.

PCL was established in the aftermath of Bell’s death and serves as an independent resource hub for crew members seeking information, support and guidance.

“The platform is a centralised, independent resource hub where crew can access plain-language guidance on their rights, understand what safe and compliant practices look like, find support services and know exactly what steps to take when something goes wrong,” said co-founder Nikki Coetzer.

She said the dangers facing crew often begin before they even board a vessel, with fraudulent recruitment agencies, inappropriate interview and photograph requests, targeted cybercrime and criminal activity among the risks.

“PCL’s resources include guidance on identifying and avoiding these threats. No legitimate employer will ask you to photograph yourself in different outfits before employment. No genuine recruiter will ask for money up front. If something feels wrong, it probably is. Trust that instinct and use PCL’s directory to cross-reference service providers against our self-declared compliance standard,” said Coetzer.

PCL said participants can choose whether to provide their personal details or remain anonymous. All responses will be aggregated and used to identify systemic shortcomings and challenge the industry, and flag states and regulatory authorities with evidence-based findings.

“This is not a data-collection exercise for commercial gain. This survey is the most powerful tool PCL has to hold the industry to account. Every response builds a real-time snapshot of what life on board actually looks like, not the glossy version presented to owners and the media, but the raw, lived experience of the crew who keep these vessels operating,” Johnson said.

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