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Members from Bluewater’s training schools in Antibes and Palma recently attended the 84th International Association for Safety and Survival Training (IASST) Meeting, where industry leaders gathered to share insights and advancements in maritime safety. Among the standout presentations was a compelling session by Ivan Doulgerhof and Frank Lamberg Nielsen, titled “Survival Under Extreme Conditions.”
This thought-provoking talk explored a lesser-known yet critical field in the maritime and safety training world: Survival Psychology. While many survival strategies focus on equipment, procedures, and protocols, Doulgerhof and Nielsen highlighted that what truly determines survival under life-threatening conditions often comes down to human psychology—how individuals perceive, respond to, and ultimately cope with extreme stress and danger.
Doulgerhof, a licensed psychologist with extensive operational and military experience, has dedicated his career to understanding how people behave in the face of adversity. Drawing on his background with the Danish Red Cross, Maersk Training, and the Danish Armed Forces, he emphasised the interplay between psychological resilience and physiological responses, and how these factors can either enhance or hinder a person’s ability to survive.
His co-presenter, Frank Lamberg Nielsen, brings a unique dual perspective to the field. A licensed psychologist and Programme Director at DL – Counselling Psychologists, Nielsen was previously a Senior Consultant at Maersk Training, where he oversaw offshore and maritime programmes. Prior to his psychology career, he served over 20 years at sea as a licensed Master Mariner aboard container ships, supply vessels, RO-PAX ships, and ferries. With operational experience in the Danish Armed Forces and specialised knowledge in survival psychology—including areas such as piracy and hostagedom—Nielsen bridges the gap between practical maritime operations and psychological preparedness with exceptional insight.
Importantly, the session challenged a widely held myth: that survival is a matter of physical strength or technical skill alone. Instead, the presenters argued, survival often hinges on mental preparedness, emotional regulation, and the ability to maintain clarity under pressure. These are not innate traits, but skills that can be trained and refined.
For Bluewater, these insights resonate deeply with our mission to prepare yacht crew not just for routine duties, but for the unpredictable, high-stress scenarios they may one day face at sea. Whether managing an onboard fire, navigating medical emergencies, or responding to extreme weather events, the psychological readiness of the crew can mean the difference between chaos and control.
Bluewater’s training programmes are continuously evolving to reflect the real-world challenges of life on board. Incorporating elements of survival psychology into our approach reinforces the idea that effective crew training must go beyond drills and theory. It must also cultivate resilience, decision-making under stress, and a deep understanding of human behaviour in crisis.
As maritime environments become increasingly complex, holistic training—encompassing both physical and psychological preparedness—is essential. Presentations like this at IASST not only inform but inspire us to keep pushing the boundaries of safety training in yachting, ensuring our crew are ready for whatever may come their way.
