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US Coast Guard issues lithium-ion battery safety alert

Incident Overview

A recent fire aboard an inspected passenger vessel occurred when an integrated lithium-ion battery bank ignited due to overheated, poorly crimped electrical connections. While no injuries resulted and vessel damage was minimal, the incident underscores the unique safety hazards associated with Li-ion battery systems.

Key Safety Considerations

-Energy Density: The high energy density that makes Li-ion batteries advantageous for extended voyages and full electrification also increases fire risk, as any resulting fire will burn at higher temperatures for longer periods.

-Thermal Runaway: Internal failures or short circuits can cause Li-ion batteries to release high-temperature flammable gases capable of ignition or explosion, creating an uncontrolled chain reaction as heat increases off-gassing rates.

-Fire Suppression Challenges: Thermal runaway fires prove extremely difficult to suppress once propagation begins. Effective strategies focus on early detection, containment, and heat absorption using water-based suppression systems.

-Toxic Emissions: During thermal runaway, Li-ion batteries release various toxic gases, many exceeding Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health thresholds, with emission composition varying significantly across different battery chemistries and manufacturers.

-Regulatory Requirements: All integrated Li-ion battery systems on inspected vessels require engineering plan review, supporting safety systems, installation testing and inspection, and ongoing maintenance by qualified personnel, regardless of battery bank size.

Operational Guidance

Operators must ensure proper battery identification through nameplate specifications, complete plan review and testing procedures, maintain visual inspections for deterioration, and provide adequate crew training on manufacturer guidelines and emergency procedures.

https://www.dco.uscg.mil/Portals/9/DCO%20Documents/5p/CG-5PC/INV/Alerts/USCGSA_1425.pdf

US Coast Guard issues lithium-ion battery safety alert

Incident Overview

A recent fire aboard an inspected passenger vessel occurred when an integrated lithium-ion battery bank ignited due to overheated, poorly crimped electrical connections. While no injuries resulted and vessel damage was minimal, the incident underscores the unique safety hazards associated with Li-ion battery systems.

Key Safety Considerations

-Energy Density: The high energy density that makes Li-ion batteries advantageous for extended voyages and full electrification also increases fire risk, as any resulting fire will burn at higher temperatures for longer periods.

-Thermal Runaway: Internal failures or short circuits can cause Li-ion batteries to release high-temperature flammable gases capable of ignition or explosion, creating an uncontrolled chain reaction as heat increases off-gassing rates.

-Fire Suppression Challenges: Thermal runaway fires prove extremely difficult to suppress once propagation begins. Effective strategies focus on early detection, containment, and heat absorption using water-based suppression systems.

-Toxic Emissions: During thermal runaway, Li-ion batteries release various toxic gases, many exceeding "Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health" thresholds, with emission composition varying significantly across different battery chemistries and manufacturers.

-Regulatory Requirements: All integrated Li-ion battery systems on inspected vessels require engineering plan review, supporting safety systems, installation testing and inspection, and ongoing maintenance by qualified personnel, regardless of battery bank size.

Operational Guidance

Operators must ensure proper battery identification through nameplate specifications, complete plan review and testing procedures, maintain visual inspections for deterioration, and provide adequate crew training on manufacturer guidelines and emergency procedures.

https://dco.uscg.mil/Portals/9/…
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15 hours ago
David Geffens M/Y Rising Sun is doing a wonderful job marketing Mallorca to American A-Listers from stage and screen.

This month alone the paparazzi have snapped Jennifer Aniston, Jason Bateman, Amy Schumer, Olivia Wilde, Oprah Winfrey, Gayle King, and Judd Apatow. Oh yes, and one of the Kardashians...

Under their own steam, Kate Hudson has followed Dua Lipas recent footsteps to Cas Patró March, while Justin Bieber and family have been camping out above Pt Andratx, and Michelle Obama called in on Lobster Club in Puerto Portals.

Whats the big attraction?, we hear you ask. Well, check out our sample 21-day yacht itinerary around the Balearics... https://issuu.com/yachtinghandbook/docs/21_days_in_the_balearics_itinerary_-_sample_itiner

No one knows these islands like ESTELA, because weve been here since 1850! Want us to design a programme tailored to you and your guests? Drop us a line at palma@estelashipping.net or call us on +34 971 722 532, or WhatsApp +34 696 598403.  

¡Hasta pronto!

David Geffen's M/Y Rising Sun is doing a wonderful job marketing Mallorca to American A-Listers from stage and screen.

This month alone the paparazzi have snapped Jennifer Aniston, Jason Bateman, Amy Schumer, Olivia Wilde, Oprah Winfrey, Gayle King, and Judd Apatow. Oh yes, and one of the Kardashians...

Under their own steam, Kate Hudson has followed Dua Lipa's recent footsteps to Ca's Patró March, while Justin Bieber and family have been camping out above Pt Andratx, and Michelle Obama called in on Lobster Club in Puerto Portals.

"What's the big attraction?", we hear you ask. Well, check out our sample 21-day yacht itinerary around the Balearics... https://issuu.com/yachtinghandbook/docs/…

No one knows these islands like ESTELA, because we've been here since 1850! Want us to design a programme tailored to you and your guests? Drop us a line at palma@estelashipping.net or call us on +34 971 722 532, or WhatsApp +34 696 598403.

¡Hasta pronto!This sweltering Friday afternoon, please spare a thought for your long-suffering yacht agent trying to secure reservations at @caspatromarch for the next two years... Thanks a bunch @dualipa! 🤦🏻‍♀️
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4 days ago
New marine reserve established off southwest Mallorca

Speed restrictions and diving regulations introduced around El Toro, Malgrats and El Sec islands

The Balearic government has established a new marine reserve encompassing the waters around El Toro, Malgrats and El Sec islands off the southwest coast of Mallorca, introducing significant restrictions for visiting yachts and recreational users.

Decree 26/2025, effective immediately, replaces previous marine reserves in the area and creates three highly protected zones with strict navigation and activity limitations. The reserve extends from Cabo des Falcó to Morro den Grosser along Mallorcas western coast.

Key Restrictions for Yachts

Speed Limits: Vessels transiting the highly protected zones around El Toro, Malgrats and El Sec islands must maintain speeds between 3 and 6 knots, except during emergencies involving human safety. This measure aims to reduce underwater noise pollution affecting marine biodiversity.

Jet Ski Ban: Personal watercraft are prohibited within all three highly protected zones.

Anchoring Restrictions: Recreational vessels cannot anchor within 150 metres of traditional fishing gear deployment points when nets are set.

Fishing and Diving Regulations

Recreational fishing from boats requires a specific three-year licence from the General Directorate of Fisheries. Trolling is limited to two surface lines and one bottom line per vessel, whilst competitions are banned throughout the reserve.

Diving activities remain permitted but must comply with existing marine reserve regulations. Group dives require advance notification up to three months ahead, and night diving is prohibited in the highly protected areas.

The new regulations also ban dynamic positioning systems during recreational fishing from boats, except for licensed charter vessels practicing catch-and-release fishing.

The reserve aims to balance conservation goals with fishing industry concerns, following previous reserves that lacked local fishing sector support.

New marine reserve established off southwest Mallorca

Speed restrictions and diving regulations introduced around El Toro, Malgrats and El Sec islands

The Balearic government has established a new marine reserve encompassing the waters around El Toro, Malgrats and El Sec islands off the southwest coast of Mallorca, introducing significant restrictions for visiting yachts and recreational users.

Decree 26/2025, effective immediately, replaces previous marine reserves in the area and creates three highly protected zones with strict navigation and activity limitations. The reserve extends from Cabo des Falcó to Morro d'en Grosser along Mallorca's western coast.

Key Restrictions for Yachts

Speed Limits: Vessels transiting the highly protected zones around El Toro, Malgrats and El Sec islands must maintain speeds between 3 and 6 knots, except during emergencies involving human safety. This measure aims to reduce underwater noise pollution affecting marine biodiversity.

Jet Ski Ban: Personal watercraft are prohibited within all three highly protected zones.

Anchoring Restrictions: Recreational vessels cannot anchor within 150 metres of traditional fishing gear deployment points when nets are set.

Fishing and Diving Regulations

Recreational fishing from boats requires a specific three-year licence from the General Directorate of Fisheries. Trolling is limited to two surface lines and one bottom line per vessel, whilst competitions are banned throughout the reserve.

Diving activities remain permitted but must comply with existing marine reserve regulations. Group dives require advance notification up to three months ahead, and night diving is prohibited in the highly protected areas.

The new regulations also ban dynamic positioning systems during recreational fishing from boats, except for licensed charter vessels practicing catch-and-release fishing.

The reserve aims to balance conservation goals with fishing industry concerns, following previous reserves that lacked local fishing sector support.
... See MoreSee Less

1 week ago
https://contents.mediadecathlon.com/s1265039/k$ed970cc3abbc98826645fa9e78fe88ba/defaut.jpg?format=auto&f=969x0

https://contents.mediadecathlon.com/s1265039/…#ProductRecall ⚠️
TRIBORD Lifejacket Harness sold by Decathlon.
The product presents a serious risk of drowning as, under certain conditions, the bladder may become punctured, resulting in reduced buoyancy.
🔴Product Details
Brand: TRIBORD
Barcode: 3608390327027
Model: 8801769
Article Code: 4855900
✅Advice for consumers
The product has been recalled from end users. We recommend you stop using this product immediately and return it as soon as possible to your nearest Decathlon store for a full refund.
➡️ More information:
... See MoreSee Less

2 weeks ago
This sweltering Friday afternoon, please spare a thought for your long-suffering yacht agent trying to secure reservations at @caspatromarch for the next two years... Thanks a bunch @dualipa! 🤦🏻‍♀️

This sweltering Friday afternoon, please spare a thought for your long-suffering yacht agent trying to secure reservations at @caspatromarch for the next two years... Thanks a bunch @dualipa! 🤦🏻‍♀️ ... See MoreSee Less

2 weeks ago
Sharing this interesting analysis of crew salaries by Wilsonhalligan Recruitment posted on LinkedIn, but worthy of wider distribution.

The majority of 🍏entry-level interior and deck roles we see advertised are offering salaries below the €2,800-€3,500 range mentioned, so whats going on?

Labour supply and demand is always part of the pay equation, of course, but while crew are expected to bring ever more additional skills to the table, salaries have undoubtedly fallen behind.

Whos to blame and how do we address it?

⬇️⬇️⬇️

Exploring Superyacht Salaries: A 25-Year Comparison 

Delving into the world of deckhands and stewardesses, the unsung heroes of the yachting realm. Beyond the allure of glamour and travel lies a deeper dive into the financial landscape. I will do the same comparison for Captains.

Reflecting on 2000 vs 2025: Keeping Pace with Inflation? (UK inflation as that is where we are)

In the year 2000, a novice:
- Deckhand typically earned around €1,800/month
- Stewardess fetched a similar sum, possibly slightly lower

Fast forward to 2025:
Salaries have inched up to €2,800–€3,500/month (for the fortunate few). It is not all gloom, we have some fantastic yachts we work with, pushing boundaries for best conditions and work environments, they are keeping crew!!

Crunching the Numbers

Considering UK inflation rates, where £1 in 2000 equals roughly £1.87 in 2025, marking an almost 87% inflation surge. Ideally, that €1,800 would translate to roughly €3,350/month today. But the reality paints a different picture.

Actual wages have stagnated, or in some cases, regressed when adjusted for inflation.

Meanwhile, vessels have expanded, demands have heightened, and expectations from crew and owners have soared. 

It’s time for a candid discussion on fair compensation.

You embody more than just a job title — you are a multitasker extraordinaire: firefighter, security personnel, personal aide, host, barista, spa practitioner, and occasional therapist. All while donning a smile. At sea. In uniform.

Share your thoughts. 
Is it time for a salary reassessment in yachting? Have you encountered better remuneration opportunities elsewhere, or are you still in pursuit of that ideal blend of boat and pay?

#YachtingIndustry 
#SuperyachtLife 
#Deckhand #Stewardess 
#MarineRecruitment 
#CrewLife 
#YachtJobs 
#Inflation 
#Wages

Sharing this interesting analysis of crew salaries by Wilsonhalligan Recruitment posted on LinkedIn, but worthy of wider distribution.

The majority of 🍏entry-level interior and deck roles we see advertised are offering salaries below the €2,800-€3,500 range mentioned, so what's going on?

Labour supply and demand is always part of the pay equation, of course, but while crew are expected to bring ever more additional skills to the table, salaries have undoubtedly fallen behind.

Who's to blame and how do we address it?

⬇️⬇️⬇️

Exploring Superyacht Salaries: A 25-Year Comparison

Delving into the world of deckhands and stewardesses, the unsung heroes of the yachting realm. Beyond the allure of glamour and travel lies a deeper dive into the financial landscape. I will do the same comparison for Captains.

Reflecting on 2000 vs 2025: Keeping Pace with Inflation? (UK inflation as that is where we are)

In the year 2000, a novice:
- Deckhand typically earned around €1,800/month
- Stewardess fetched a similar sum, possibly slightly lower

Fast forward to 2025:
Salaries have inched up to €2,800–€3,500/month (for the fortunate few). It is not all gloom, we have some fantastic yachts we work with, pushing boundaries for best conditions and work environments, they are keeping crew!!

Crunching the Numbers

Considering UK inflation rates, where £1 in 2000 equals roughly £1.87 in 2025, marking an almost 87% inflation surge. Ideally, that €1,800 would translate to roughly €3,350/month today. But the reality paints a different picture.

Actual wages have stagnated, or in some cases, regressed when adjusted for inflation.

Meanwhile, vessels have expanded, demands have heightened, and expectations from crew and owners have soared.

It’s time for a candid discussion on fair compensation.

You embody more than just a job title — you are a multitasker extraordinaire: firefighter, security personnel, personal aide, host, barista, spa practitioner, and occasional therapist. All while donning a smile. At sea. In uniform.

Share your thoughts.
Is it time for a salary reassessment in yachting? Have you encountered better remuneration opportunities elsewhere, or are you still in pursuit of that ideal blend of boat and pay?

#YachtingIndustry
#SuperyachtLife
#Deckhand #Stewardess
#MarineRecruitment
#CrewLife
#YachtJobs
#Inflation
#Wages
... See MoreSee Less

2 weeks ago

Photos from Seascope Maritime Training's post ... See MoreSee Less

2 weeks ago
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Events

The countdown to ESTELA’s End of Season Party is ON!

The countdown to ESTELA’s End of Season Party is ON!

ESTELA's END OF SEASON PARTY! Mark your diary now, the date is *Friday 4th October*, the place is *DiQue, Port Adriano* And the fancy dress theme is... Poseidon’s Underwater Kingdom In keeping with the Greek theme of this year’s edition of ‘The Y Yachting...

YOU’RE INVITED! ‘The Y 2024/25’ Book Launch

YOU’RE INVITED! ‘The Y 2024/25’ Book Launch

The latest edition of our colourful superyacht travel guide, The Y Yachting Itineraries, is here! To celebrate the seventh edition of ESTELA’s fabulous guide, we are hosting drinks, food and live music on Friday, 23rd August from 18:00h to 20:30h at Pueblo Español,...

Book your place at ESTELA’s FREE Breakfast Seminars!

Book your place at ESTELA’s FREE Breakfast Seminars!

You’re invited… On the occasion of the Palma Superyacht Show 2024, ESTELA is again hosting three Breakfast Seminars on hot topics of the day:25/4: SUSTAINABILITY ON BOARD AND IN YARDS26/4: CREW CAREERS, HEALTH & WELLBEING27/4: FUTURE OF SUPERYACHT FUEL &...

PYA Leadership Meetup – Antibes, 21 February

PYA Leadership Meetup – Antibes, 21 February

Calling all Captains, Chief Engineers and HODs! ESTELA are pleased to sponsor the PYA's Leadership Meetup at L’AUTHENTIK in Antibes, France, on Wednesday, February 21st from 17:00 to 20:00h This in-person event offers a unique opportunity to connect with like-minded...

Yachting Itineraries

ESTELA ON INSTAGRAM

This sweltering Friday afternoon, please spare a thought for your long-suffering yacht agent trying to secure reservations at @caspatromarch for the next two years... Thanks a bunch @dualipa! 🤦🏻‍♀️ ...

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Happy July 4th to all our American friends, clients and colleagues!! ...

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Captains just LOVE receiving the latest edition of The Y Yachting Itineraries! Produced entirely in-house by the expert team at ESTELA, it is packed with worldwide yacht destination information and inspiration. Think Lonely Planet, but designed specifically for superyachts and their HNW VIP guests..

The 2025-26 edition is headed to print very shortly, featuring Venice, Turquoise Coast, China, Sardinia, Balearics, Antigua & Barbuda (seen what`s happening in Barbuda lately?) and St Kitts & Nevis.

More than 5,000 copies delivered on board, where they remain for *years*, not days or weeks. This is your last call for advertising, a couple of premium spots are still open. Enquiries: TheY@estelayachting.com or contact Francesco Gennai on +34 638 816 803
...

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🚨 LIVE Q&A: Gibraltar`s New EU Deal - What It Means for Yachting 🚨

📅 Tomorrow (Friday 13th June) at 12:00 noon CET

🎯 Topic: The game-changing UK-EU-Gibraltar agreement and its impact on yacht operations

The historic treaty announced this week will fundamentally alter how Gibraltar operates - ending its role as a "Schengen reset" destination and potentially affecting VAT-free fuel/services.

🎙️ Join our Gibraltar expert as we break down:

- End of the 90-day Schengen workaround
- New customs union implications
- What this means for provisioning
- Alternative strategies for yacht operations
- Timeline for implementation

Whether you`re a captain, owner, manager, or crew member - this affects your Mediterranean operations.

📺 JOIN THE LIVE SESSION: https://youtube.com/live/vVPBgZK602E

💬 Drop your questions below or bring them to the live session tomorrow

🔔 Set your reminders - this is essential viewing for anyone operating yachts in European waters

#Gibraltar #Schengen #YachtOperations #SuperyachtIndustry #MediterraneanYachting

Can`t make it live? The session will be available to watch back afterwards
...

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It`s remarkable how many (esp. green) crew don`t adhere to these basics.

Recruitment in most industries is a process of elimination. Following the sound advice below will reduce your chances of falling at the first hurdle. 🏇
...

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Thalassophilia! 2025
a Nautical Event

“Thalassophile (n.): from Greek θάλασσα (thalassa), ‘sea’, and φίλος (philos), ‘loving’ — someone whose love for the ocean runs deep”

Port Authority of the Balearic Islands and ESTELA Shipping Superyacht Agency collaborated to present an inaugural series of seminars and presentations over three days, celebrating all aspects of the sea and nautical activity. There were various FREE events taking place throughout the building, all about information, education, and the exchange of ideas.

Enormous thanks go out to the APB and our collaborators, participants and sponsors who made this event possible:

Almas Marinas Foundation
Antigua Yacht Club Marina
Argentario Yacht Services
AYSS
Coral Marine
The Crew Network
Fraser Yachts
IPM Group and STP
Italian Yacht Masters
Jatra Furniture
Lanzarote Superyacht Destination
Lusben
Memetti Yacht Agency
Nautimedia
OmniAccess
Panoblu
Pantaenius Yacht Insurance
Port de La Ràpita and Delta Ebre Port
The PYA
Repsol
Seascope Maritime Training
Son Amaret Wines
Sublue
Termopetroli
Vannucci Group Supply Services
Wave Radio Mallorca
Yachting International Radio
Yachting Pages
...

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Another spectacular night at Pueblo Español on Friday 2nd May, with 230+ guests joining us for an Orient-inspired menu, and enjoying lots of live entertainment!

Aside from all those that attended, our thanks go to the following sponsors and collaborators, without whom we couldn`t stage such events.

See you next year!

Argentario Yacht Services
Astilleros De Mallorca
AYSS
Coral Marine
DYT
Express Bunker
Faire Flowers
Fraser
GYM
Henri Lloyd
Italian Yacht Master
IGY - Port De Malaga
IPM Group (STP)
Lusben
Memetti
Nautipaints Group
Osifar
Panoblu
Pantalan Del Mediterraneo
Phoenix One
Port Adriano
Port Tarraco
Repsol
Seascope Maritime
Sublue
THE CREW NETWORK
Tekamar
Termopetroli
Turismo Lanzarote
Varador 2000
Versilia Supply
World Wide Yacht Bunkering
Yachting Pages
...

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Are you a marketing/PR/social media manager in the superyacht industry? If so (and is Insta where you think it`s at?), come and find out where you`ve been going wrong (or right) all this time, tomorrow at 09:15 at the Port Centre in Palma.

We have a cracking panel that will explore trends in digital marketing, where unvarnished opinions and home truths will be the order of the day...

Don`t miss it!

https://bit.ly/ESTELA-THALASSOPHILIA-2025
...

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