Representing the yachting industry and its crew since 1991

Throughout its 25-year history, the PYA has continued to work on behalf of professional yacht crew around the world, meeting with administrative bodies and policy makers to put address issues affecting the yachting industry. Whilst we haven’t won every battle, the victories we have succeeded in achieving continue to shape the yachting sector, and secure the futures of those who work in it. Read more about our role in securing your future here.

Here are some just some of the achievements the PYA has accomplished since its inception in 1991:

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.

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

The Weight of Expectations - Yacht crew & eating disorders

08/04/2021 The Weight of Expectations - Yacht crew & eating disorders

Resolutions, detoxes and diets...How's it going? Are you living in a haze of green smoothies and dawn yoga sessions, or have you fallen off the wagon and eaten half the crew mess Pringles?

Crew retention - How to build and keep a great team

09/04/2021 Crew retention - How to build and keep a great team

Crew retention is generally perceived to be one of the biggest headaches in the yachting industry, yet cited as one of the most important factors in maintaining an efficient and happy ship.

Repatriation of Personal Possessions

13/04/2021 Repatriation of Personal Possessions

Last month’s news was that the crew on the 31m M/Y La Dolce Vita had to abandon their burning yacht off the Florida Keys before fire totally gutted it and the yacht sank. Other than the watches on their wrists and the smartphones in their pockets, they may not have managed to take many other of their personal belongings with them when they abandoned the yacht.

This was not a unique occasion when yacht crew have been unexpectedly separated from their personal effects in a traumatic manner. A brief online search will reveal a series of other yacht fires and founderings, including some very large yachts. Recently, the 75m S/Y Enigma burned out and sank off Langkawi. The 60m M/Y Yogi sank in heavy weather in the Aegean in February 2012.

Blockchain - Coming soon to a certificate near you?

11/04/2021 Blockchain - Coming soon to a certificate near you?

Nearly 5 years ago, the IMO issued guidelines to all its member states aimed at introducing Electronic Certificates to the maritime industry. The aim was to reduce the administrative burdens caused by reliance on traditional paper certificates. e-Certificates are intended to eventually replace paper certificates across the industry.

Joint Statement on prioritization of COVID-19 vaccination for seafarers and aircrew

01/04/2021

Read the letter from our CEO about the Joint Statement on prioritization of COVID-19 vaccination for seafarers and aircrew.

AV/IT Advisory

27/03/2021 AV/IT Advisory

IMO Resolution MSC,428 (98) requires all SNS systems to include measures to ensure cyber security by the 2021 annual verification date.

The paper side of this requirement, namely the insertion of new procedures into a current SMS, or the writing of a separate cyber SMS, only goes part way to meeting the intent of the IMO Resolution. The operational aspect is another story.

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Sea Service Verification for non-members

If sea service is submitted to the MCA without having been verified there will be significant delays in the issue of your NoE or CoC. Even if you are not a member, the PYA can verify your testimonials on a pay as you go basis.

VERIFY MY SEA SERVICE

Historical Achievements

Representing the yachting industry and its crew since 1991

"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!"

"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."

"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."

"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."

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