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© Jéan Cloete

PYA to launch Lithium-ion Batteries webinar with Seascope France

9 November 2023

The PYA in collaboration with Seascope France will launch a webinar this November covering lithium-ion battery awareness and a new training course based on the MCA’s MGN 681.


The discussion will welcome a number of experts from across the yachting industry familiar with lithium-ion battery systems and their implementation on board yachts of various sizes. The webinar will also explore the important areas that underpin safety on vessels and the often overlooked component of lithium batteries including their role in the yachting industry.


“Leading yacht industry experts will be taking part in our latest webinar with Seascope France to better understand the safety aspects of yacht management and lithium-ion batteries. This discussion follows a number of fires on yachts in recent months and will enable yacht crew to learn valuable insights on safety procedures. We want to thank Seascope France for working with us to arrange our latest webinar which will bring in-depth knowledge to the industry,” said Christophe Bourillon, CEO for the PYA.

Yachting industry experts with years of experience in areas such as health & safety, fire & rescue training, the merchant navy, surveying and maritime law will share their unique insights.


Discover our guest speakers


  • Mr Kevin Howlette, Director of Ferndale Fire Ltd. and Emergency Fire & Safety Ltd


  • Kevin is a Health & Safety Consultant who specialises in fire and rescue training. His companies specialise in providing cutting-edge solutions for extinguishing Lithium Ion Battery Fires, including robotics. Ferndale Fire Ltd is a Joint Venture between Emergency Fire & Safety Ltd from Belfast and Ferndale Lane Investments Ltd from Cork, London and Dublin. Working both locally and widely abroad, Kevin, a former member of the NIFRS, has extensive health and safety knowledge in the fire & rescue sector and a proven track record for managing and delivering training in his field.

  • Master Mariner Gerard Pollock, who developed the course around the MCA’s MGN 681

  • Gerard Pollock is a Master Mariner who began his career in the merchant navy before entering yachting 20 years ago. Gerard has worked on several prominent yachts, including as Master on MY Musashi. Since moving ashore in 2016, Gerard has worked as a Port State Control Officer before joining the Pacific Maritime Safety Programme as a Maritime Advisor to governments in the South Pacific. Gerard is also an author and writes on maritime safety and regulation. His third book is due out from Witherby’s later this year.

  • Captain Herbert Magney

  • Herbert Magney is an active captain of a 135' private yacht and in the U.S.C.G. Auxiliary. He works with Sectors Miami and Boston Commanders in the Accident and Incident Investigation Branches. After launching a working group initially made up of members of the ISS, Captain Magney has worked with several flag and class surveyors plus various law firms, insurance underwriters and insurance providers. He has also led the creation of On Board Safety Management Plans and On Board Training for large and small vessels of various types of construction.

  • Allan Love, MCA Policy Lead – Fire Safety & Engineering

  • Allan Love represents the MCA on policy and works within the UK Technical Services Ship Standards. He is the main author for The MAC’s MGN 681.


To take part in this webinar, you can reserve your place by booking via our event page. If you would like to host a webinar with the PYA, please contact us on info@pya.org with the subject ‘Webinar Partner’.


We look forward to welcoming you to our latest webinar hosted by the PYA and Seascope France.


To access our previous webinars, you can visit our website to see the latest discussions in the archive.


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