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Handling of medical conditions?

Discussion in 'Yacht Crews' started by yargh, Jul 27, 2026.

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  1. yargh, Jul 27, 2026
    #1
    yargh

    yargh New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 27, 2026
    Messages:
    1
    Location:
    Florida
    28M living in Florida, looking at leaving my desk job to try and break into the yachting industry. I have sleep apnea (well maintained) and T2D that is well-maintained without the use of insulin. Best I can read, neither of this would disqualify me from an ENG1 certificate.

    I'm just looking to get any feedback on anyone with these medical conditions, or any others, and their experience at any point during your time in the industry, and their experience continuing to maintain them while living aboard/working. Anything from in the beginning getting your ENG1, living at crew houses while dock walking, insurance, getting and storing medicine, difficulties on board, or even if stuff like this has caused issue with you being able to land a job.

    Anything and everything is helpful, as I need to know if these will cause issues significant enough that maybe this isn't the path for me. Thank you!
  2. JWY, Jul 27, 2026
    #2
    JWY

    JWY Senior Member

    Joined:
    Feb 22, 2004
    Messages:
    1,632
    Location:
    Ft. Lauderdale
    Valid questions and glad to see your interest in getting into the yachting industry. My background in nursing predates even my days of selling sportfisherman at Richard Bertram. Nonetheless, I have a question nagging me if your weight is a factor. No need to discuss publicly, but I think that being overweight might be more of a problem on a yacht than medical conditions.

    I leave it to others top chime in and hopefully I am wrong on both counts of (1) thinking your weight might be a factor in your sleep apnea and T2D and (2) if so, that it might be a negative in getting hired and in everyday functioning for living aboard.

    Wishing you luck in whichever course you chart.