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.

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

The PYA joins the CLEAR OCEAN PACT

26/04/2019

The PYA joins the CLEAR OCEAN PACT to help support its mission and clean up our oceans

The Professional Yachting Association pledges its commitment to Clear Ocean Pact, helping to unite the Global Superyacht Industry in reducing its use and wastage of plastics.

MCA News release – UK Ship Register under new leadership

27/06/2019 MCA News release – UK Ship Register under new leadership

Customers of the UK Ship Register (UKSR) are set to benefit from a more collaborative approach and improved customer service from the Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA) under the leadership of Director of Maritime Safety and Standards, Katy Ware.

Think you’re exempt from South African tax due to the 'days out of South Africa' rule? Think again...

05/08/2019 Think you’re exempt from South African tax due to the 'days out of South Africa' rule? Think again...

How to avoid violating new South African tax laws affecting yacht crew from March 2020.

Struggling to keep your head above water?

24/08/2019 Struggling to keep your head above water?

Learn how the PYA and partners provide mental health support to crew members.

ALERT Low-hanging power cables off Poros Island in Greece

26/08/2019 ALERT Low-hanging power cables off Poros Island in Greece

All yachts sailing within Poros Island area to be aware of high-voltage power cables

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

"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 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!"

"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 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."