For 30 years, PYA has been supporting the rights of professional yacht crew. We have made significant achievements in addressing industry issues and shaping the future of yachting. Learn more about our successes and how they benefit the industry and crew on our website.
1991
Lobbied with the MCA (formally the Maritime Safety Agency) for the LY1 “Yacht” qualifications for Deck Officers.
1994
Creation of the PYA Service Record Book (SRB). For 19 years, the PYA was the only organisation allowed to validate sea service on behalf of MCA and today is one of only two worldwide.
1998
Lobbied and consulted with the MCA for the LY1 “Yacht” qualifications for Engineers.
Ongoing consultation with the MCA as certification requirements evolved and formal career structures were formed.
Consultation with other Red Ensign Flag administrations (Malta / Cayman Islands etc.)
Collaboration with the RYA on joint seminars.
2004
PYA developed the MCA OOW (Yacht) Training Record Book in consultation with the MCA. This included the Yacht Rating Training Record Book, leading to Yacht Rating Certification, which assisted the manning regulations for yacht crew.
2005
Accreditation of non-mandatory training courses such as IT, Leadership & Management, and selected Interior courses.
Consultation on M notices, including LY1, LY2 & LY3 and Helicopter Operations.
2009 onwards
Consultation with MLC and Dr Cleopatra Doumbia-Henry of the ILO, including a quantitative study for cabin size.
2010
Creation of PYA Regional Offices. We now have appointed 22 approved officers to assist PYA members in easy access locations across the world.
ISO 9001 – QMS certification of the PYA Office procedures.
2011
The PYA GUEST program pioneered in developing bespoke industry standards of training and certification for interior crew. PYA accredited courses are now offered by Training Providers worldwide.
2012
Formation of PYA Malta and its recognition as a seafarers’ representative by Transport Malta. This marked a real sign of recognition of the value PYA brings to the development of national large yacht policy from the largest register by tonnage in the EU.
2013
PYA took the initiative to develop the Ships Cook Assessment route via the MCA. This was a reaction to the pending regulations under MLC where cooks catering for more than 10 crew on-board would have to have taken a further education route of up to 6 months to qualify. There are now three MCA approved SSC assessment centres in France and the UK who offer this quick and easy route for yacht chefs to complete the SCC.
Recognition of PYA as an observer body by the International Hydrographic Organisation. IHO is the world authority on maritime charting and is responsible for writing the standards of Navigational charts. PYA is now actively participating in the improvement of the safety of navigation at sea.
2015
RYA and PYA developed the Superyacht Tender Course specifically for those operating SY tenders. This answered the need for industry specific training and is an excellent example of the collaborative work PYA does to achieve its aims. The uptake of the course has been rapid with many RYA schools now offering it.
The PYA signed an MoU with the Institution of Engineering and Technology to develop a frame work through which yacht engineer qualifications can be professionally recognised.
After 20 years in its old premises, the PYA moved to a new modern office on Rue du Générale d’Andréossy in the heart of Antibes.
The PYA consulted with the MCA for the development of MSN1859 and 1858, engineering and deck. This included the new Commercial Engineering qualifications (for yachts, tugs, workboats etc.) which should be out soon.
2016
Signed MOU collaborative agreement with World Chefs Society to offer recognition to yacht chefs.
