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Yachting

Explore all the services

See what else you can get by becoming a PYA member.

Sea Service

Verification

The PYA is authorised by the MCA by MIN 543 and by Transport Malta, to verify yacht sea service and has been verifying yacht sea service for the MCA since 1994. 

Yacht Rating

Certificate

Some vessels require crew to have a Yacht Rating Certificate as part of their safe manning requirements. The PYA is authorized to issue Yacht Rating Certificates on behalf of the MCA.

Career Advice

The PYA encourages and mentors new entrants into professional yachting,

as well as offers career advice to experienced crew.

Strategic partners

10518

Collective membership
as of 01/01/2025

6784

D-SRBs generated
as of 01/01/2025

1679

Member Assistance Service cases
as of 01/01/2025

+9000

One-to-one advice & help
as of 01/01/2025

Announcements

What our members say

"Throughout my yachting career, I have found the services of the PYA to be a fantastic "go to" resource. The support I received whilst achieving different grades of qualification was second to none."

Robbie Murtagh

"It's such a happy bunch running the PYA - they're friendly and welcoming!"

Graham Tindall

"As a 30 year yacht veteran, I have relied mostly on the idea of 'it's a who you know' industry, but as the constantly changing certification & litigation requirements become more complex, there is no doubt that the excellent service & support the PYA offers to every level of crew member makes membership an absolute must have! When my crew need support & correct advice, I always refer them to the PYA."

David White

"I have had only ever had positive experiences with the PYA - always helpful!"

Jonathan Whitwell

"Throughout my yachting career, I have found the services of the PYA to be a fantastic "go to" resource. The support I received whilst achieving different grades of qualification was second to none."

Robbie Murtagh

"It's such a happy bunch running the PYA - they're friendly and welcoming!"

Graham Tindall

"As a 30 year yacht veteran, I have relied mostly on the idea of 'it's a who you know' industry, but as the constantly changing certification & litigation requirements become more complex, there is no doubt that the excellent service & support the PYA offers to every level of crew member makes membership an absolute must have! When my crew need support & correct advice, I always refer them to the PYA."

David White

"I have had only ever had positive experiences with the PYA - always helpful!"

Jonathan Whitwell

"The PYA is indispensable in its representation of Superyacht crew, using feedback directly from the crew to initiate major changes in the industry. Having worked with various regulatory bodies the PYA has not only offered a career pathway for crew but raised awareness of the career as one to be recognised in the professional realm. The Crew Report continues to support the PYA in its proactive and professional approach."

Lulu Trask

The most important factor in my moving up the ranks has been accurately recording my sea time and courses, and being aware of changes to requirements. The PYA has been a great help to me over the years, helping me gather and compile my sea service testimonials and offering advice on crew issues/ seafarer legalities. With me from junior deckhand right through to Master 3000 - PYA thanks for your help and making my life a lot easier!

Rick Dubois

"Thank you very much for being here, so we do not feel alone in our problems."

Robin

"PYA to the rescue!! I reached out for some assistance and PYA were there for me...that's what it's all about!!! Good job team."

James Clephane

"I would just like to say thank you for all the help the PYA is doing for not just for us crew but for the industry too."

Stefhan Le Roux

"Thank you for [your advice] - that was extensive and very helpful. I am a paying member of the PYA - mostly because of how fantastically useful you are!"

Thomas Blencowe

"I will continue to tell my friends about the PYA. You have been a fabulous support, and I would highly recommend anyone joining the yachting industry to sign up."

Sarah Leppard

"Thank you for your solid advice and support, it has meant a lot to the crew and to myself. Thank you from all on M/Y xxxx, you gave us timely support where we were getting none."

Tadg Clarke

"I just wanted to let you know that I passed my Master 3000gt oral on Monday. Thank you very much for all your help over the years in getting to this stage. It is very much appreciated and I have been singing your praises over the years in order to encourage more seafarers to join the PYA, if nothing else, just for the assistance you provide!"

Robbie Murtagh

"Good service, professional, friendly. Bravo!"

Max O'Shea

"Thank you so much for the advice today - it has settled my concerns. I am thrilled with the service at the PYA!"

Travis Cross

"I have successfully passed my stability exam and even received my NoE. Thank you very much for helping me out with all the paperwork for the NoE application, it was much easier to do it with your assistance."

Ilya Kravtsov

Industry news

Yachting

Real Life On Board Competition - Superyacht Reality Project

The PYA, with the backing of the Raising The Bar think tank, invites yacht crew worldwide to contribute to Superyacht Reality – Real Life On Board, a global photo and video competition designed to reflect the authentic experience of working on superyachts.

This initiative aims to support career awareness, promote realistic expectations of life at sea, and share the everyday moments that define professional yachting — from teamwork and skills development to the challenges and rewards of working on board.

The competition starts on 19th January 2026, ends on 22nd March 2026, and the winners will be announced the following week.

Yachting

Launch of a New AV/IT Training Programme to Address Growing Skills Gap Onboard Superyachts

The Professional Yachting Association (PYA) spearheaded the development of a series of courses to deliver fit-for-purpose AV/IT training, aligned with real onboard needs. The courses will be provided through IAMI GUEST Accredited training providers.

Antibes (France), 21 Jan. 2026 - Yacht agents and captains are reporting a growing demand for crew with Electrical Technical Officer (ETO) certification. However, while an ETO Certificate of Competency is a degree-level qualification focused primarily on high-voltage electrical systems, the operational reality onboard many yachts tells a different story.

Yachting

PYA Christmas Ball 2025 Highlights

The 2025 PYA Christmas Ball took place on 5 December at the Hotel Martinez in Cannes, bringing Captains, crew and well-known leading industry professionals together for a 1960s-themed evening. We started with a cocktail reception, with live musicians playing as guests arrived in retro attire. After months of preparation, we were truly delighted to see how much our members and partners enjoyed this special night. The PYA Christmas Ball remains a cherished tradition, bringing our community together to celebrate, connect, and create lasting memories.

Interested in more articles?

Run by yachting professionals, for yachting professionals. Join the PYA and get all the benefits!

Yachting

The Professional Yachting Association

The voice of professional yacht crew worldwide.
Run by yachting professionals, for yachting professionals since 1991.
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Resolution : getting all my sea service verified
Resolution : getting all my sea service verified
Professional Yachting Association
Professional Yachting Association
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