“To help achieve our environmental targets, hiring eco-conscious crew members who share our commitment to sustainability is vital.” 

Environmental Crew Guidelines – Water Revolution Foundation.

Navigate Green, Elevate your crew, Preserve our Blue.

Environmental Awareness Training Course 

Providing Knowledge for Crew of Superyachts, Ports and Marina operations.

Course Overview

This innovative course equips superyacht crew with crucial environmental awareness and in-depth knowledge of cleaning processes and products used in the luxury yachting industry. We explore how crew members can become pivotal agents of positive change by understanding the intricate relationship between cleaning practices and environmental impact.

The course focuses on developing a thorough comprehension of chemical formulations, ingredient analysis, proper labelling, and sustainable packaging in the context of superyacht operations.


The course is presented in modules of which 2 will be released at a time. 

Key Learning Objectives

  • Environmental Impact Awareness: 

    Understand the ecological footprint of superyacht cleaning operations and identify areas for improvement.

  • Chemical Formulation Insight:

    Gain comprehensive knowledge of the chemical compositions commonly used in superyacht cleaning products and their environmental implications.

  • Ingredient Analysis Skills:

    Develop the ability to interpret and evaluate cleaning product ingredients, understanding their efficacy and environmental impact.

  • Sustainable Packaging Awareness:

    Learn about eco-friendly packaging options and their importance in reducing overall environmental impact.

  • Labelling Comprehension:

    Master the skill of reading and understanding product labels, including environmental certifications and disposal instructions.

Course Highlights

  • Environmental Awareness in Superyacht Operations

    • Analysis of the superyacht industry's environmental challenges
    • Understanding marine ecosystem sensitivities to cleaning chemicals
    • The role of crew in minimizing ecological impact

  • Chemical Formulations Deep Dive

    • Comprehensive review of common cleaning agent formulations
    • Understanding pH levels, surfactants, and their environmental effects
    • Workshops on identifying eco-friendly alternatives

  • Ingredient Analysis and Selection

    • Techniques for decoding ingredient lists on cleaning products
    • Identifying harmful vs. environmentally friendly components
    • Hands-on exercises in selecting appropriate products for different cleaning tasks

  • Sustainable Packaging and Waste Management

    • Overview of packaging materials and their environmental impact
    • Strategies for reducing packaging waste onboard
    • Best practices for proper disposal and recycling of cleaning product containers

  • Labelling and Certification

    • Interpreting environmental certifications and eco-labels
    • Understanding hazard symbols and safety information
    • The importance of proper product labelling in environmental stewardship

  • Cleaning Processes and Environmental Impact

    • Analysis of different cleaning methods and their ecological footprints
    • Techniques for minimizing water usage and chemical runoff
    • Developing efficient, eco-friendly cleaning routines

Course Outcomes

Upon completion, crew members will be equipped with:

A deep understanding of the environmental impact of cleaning products and processes in superyacht operations.

The ability to analyse and select cleaning products based on their chemical composition and environmental profile.

Skills to implement eco-friendly cleaning practices that maintain luxury standards while minimizing ecological impact.

Knowledge of sustainable packaging and proper waste management techniques

Proficiency in interpreting product labels and environmental certifications.

Understanding hazards symbols and safety data sheets.

Understanding of chemical uses on crew health.

This course empowers superyacht crew to make informed decisions about cleaning practices, fostering a culture of environmental responsibility in the luxury yachting industry.

Module 1 - Introduction to Environmental Considerations in Yachting

1. Areas of potential sustainability practices in Yachting:

  1. Fuel efficiency and alternative propulsion systems
  2. Waste management and recycling
  3. Water conservation and treatment
  4. Energy-efficient systems and renewable energy use
  5. Eco-friendly hull designs and coatings
  6. Sustainable materials for construction and interiors
  7. Responsible anchoring and mooring practices
  8. Noise and light pollution reduction
  9. Wildlife and marine ecosystem protection
  10. Environmental awareness and crew training
  11. Green supply chain management
  12. Chemicals, detergents and cleaning products (our focus in understanding these products)

Sustainability in yachting is gaining crucial momentum. To facilitate the implementation of eco-friendly practices, we have developed a comprehensive chart outlining various options. This chart confirms the foundation of our course, which focuses on three key areas, as being the optimised route to making a meaningful change in the shortest timeframe:

  1. Waste Management and Recycling
  2. Adoption of Biodegradable Cleaning Products
  3. Providing In-depth Knowledge for Informed Decision-Making

Our goal is to equip yacht crews and operators with the tools and understanding necessary to make environmentally conscious choices and implement meaningful changes in their operations. This course aims to transform the yachting industry by promoting sustainable practices that reduce environmental impact while maintaining the luxury and efficiency expected in this sector.

Impact vs Cost vs Ease

The chart includes both the impact weight, cost, and ease of implementation for each sustainable practice. This will give a more comprehensive view of the different factors to consider when implementing these practices on a super yacht.

1. Impact: The potential positive environmental impact (as before)

2. Cost: The relative cost of implementation (0-10 scale, where 10 is most expensive)

3. Ease of Implementation: How easy it is to implement (0-10 scale, where 10 is easiest)

  • Practices with high impact but also high cost and low ease (like Electric Propulsion) might require more consideration and planning.
  • Options like Energy-efficient Lighting and Biodegradable Cleaning Products have lower impact but are much easier and less costly to implement.
  • Some practices, like Water Recycling and Waste Management Systems, offer a good balance of impact, cost, and ease of implementation.

This visualization allows yacht owners or managers to make more informed decisions based on their priorities, budget, and capacity for implementation. They can easily compare the trade-offs between impact, cost, and ease for each sustainable practice.

2. Superyacht Waste Analysis by Department

  • 1. Galley Department

    Single-use plastics and packaging:

    • Plastic wrap for food storage (15-20% of department's plastic waste)
    • Disposable gloves (10-15%)
    • Plastic bags for ingredients (10-15%)
    • Plastic containers for takeaway meals (8-12%)
    • Plastic bottles for beverages (15-20%)
    • Packaging from dry goods and frozen foods (20-25%)

  • 2. Interior Department

    Single-use plastics and packaging:

    • Toiletry packaging in guest bathrooms (20-25%)
    • Plastic wrapping for linens and towels (15-20%)
    • Packaging from cleaning supplies (15-20%)
    • Plastic bags for laundry (10-15%)
    • Single-use items for guest amenities (e.g., disposable slippers, shower caps) (10-15%)

  • 3. Deck Department

    Single-use plastics and packaging:

    • Plastic packaging for maintenance supplies (30-40%)
    • Shrink wrap for equipment and furniture storage (20-30%)
    • Plastic containers for chemicals and cleaning agents (15-20%)
    • Packaging from safety equipment (10-15%)

  • 4. Engineering Department

    Single-use plastics and packaging:

    • Plastic packaging for spare parts (30-40%)
    • Containers for oils and lubricants (20-30%)
    • Plastic wrapping for tools and equipment (15-20%)
    • Packaging from filters and other consumables (10-1

  • 5. Medical Department

    Single-use plastics and packaging:

    • Sterile packaging for medical supplies (40-50%)
    • Plastic containers for medications (20-30%)
    • Disposable medical items (gloves, syringes, etc.) (20-30%)

  • 6. Administration

    Single-use plastics and packaging:

    • Plastic folders and document sleeves (30-40%)
    • Packaging from office supplies (40-50%)
    • Plastic wrapping for delivered documents and magazines (10-20%)

  • *Focus on Single-Use Plastics and Packaging Waste.
    *Note: Percentages indicate the proportion of plastic and packaging waste within each department, not the overall yacht waste.

Common chemicals typically used in different departments on superyachts:

  • Interior Department:  

    • All-purpose cleaners
    • Glass and mirror cleaners
    • Carpet and upholstery shampoos
    • Laundry detergents and fabric softeners
    • Air fresheners and deodorizers
    • Floor cleaners
    • Alcohol
    • Vinegar
    • Hand soap
    • Dish soap
    • Marble / stone cleaners
    • Wood cleaners
    • WC Cleaners

  • Engine Room / Engineering:

    • Engine oil and lubricants
    • Coolants and antifreeze 
    • Cleaning solvents and degreasers
    • Fuel additives
    • Hydraulic fluids
    • Specialised acids
    • Bromine for ozone generation
    • Laundry pods / chemicals
    • Hand soap

  • Deck Department:

    • Teak cleaners and brighteners
    • Fiberglass cleaners and polishes
    • Metal polishes / Cleaners (stainless steel, chrome, brass)
    • Paint thinners and removers
    • Adhesives and sealants
    • Fabric cleaners for deck cushions
    • UV protectants for fabrics and vinyl
    • Mildew removers
    • Rust remover
    • Alcohol
    • Vinegar
    • Gel coat polishes
    • Boat soap

  • Galley:

    • Dishwashing detergents 
    • Oven and grill cleaners
    • Sanitizing solutions
    • Descaling agents (for coffee machines, etc.)
    • Hand & dish soap
    • Surface disinfectant
    • Floor cleaners

  • Tenders, RIBs, and Inflatable Toys:

    • Inflatable boat cleaners
    • Rubber/hypalon cleaners and protectants
    • Antifouling paint (for tender hulls)
    • Vinyl cleaners and conditioners
    • Specialized inflatable toy cleaners

  • Pool/Spa:

    • Chlorine or bromine 
    • pH balancers
    • Algaecides
    • Water clarifiers

  • Safety Equipment:

    • Fire extinguishing agents
    • Battery electrolytes 

Congratulations on completing Module 1!

Congratulations on completing Module 1! You’ve gained valuable insights into the diverse areas of sustainability in yachting, from fuel efficiency to waste management and eco-friendly practices. Now that you have a solid foundation, it’s time to take the next step.

In Module 2, we will focus on understanding cleaning products and their environmental impact. Join us as we explore how the right choices in cleaning and maintenance can significantly reduce your yacht’s ecological footprint while maintaining the highest standards of cleanliness and luxury. Let’s continue our journey towards a more sustainable yachting experience!

Module 2