Posidonia regulations from Le préfet Maritime de la Méditerranée – July 2023 update
31 July 2023
The préfet Maritime de la Méditerranée has updated their guidance on anchorage regulations, in line with its strategy to protect maritime ecosystems, including Posidonia.
The latest regulations address anchorage of 24+ meter LOA vessels in Western Corsica (Arrêté # 168/2023) and in the Bay of Calvi (Arrêté # 189/2023).
Areas of interest include:
Considering that the action of anchoring and stopping French and foreign vessels in the French internal and territorial waters of the Mediterranean is a matter for the navigation police and public order at sea - which is the responsibility of the Maritime Prefect.
Anchoring or stopping is the responsibility of the ship's captain, the skipper, or any person in charge or in control of the vessel.
The rules governing the safe passage of foreign vessels in French territorial waters defined by the Préfet Maritime.
France's obligations to preserve the good ecological status of its waters.
Considering the scientific studies communicated to the Préfet Maritime showing the worsening degradation of Posidonia meadows linked to the anchoring of large vessels (over 24 meters in length overall).
Considering the need to regulate the anchoring and stopping of vessels with French or foreign flags in French inland and territorial Mediterranean waters, in order to defend the sovereign rights and interests of the Nation, maintain public order, safeguard people and property, and protect the environment.
Copies of the regulations with maps can be accessed here:
More news
Schengen EES Update: Guidance for Yacht Crew
The new Schengen Entry/Exit System (EES) replaces passport stamps with digital records for non-Schengen nationals. While procedures remain largely unchanged for yacht crew, entries and exits are now tracked electronically—with no physical proof provided—making it essential for crew to monitor their own Schengen days.
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.
(2).png)
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.