© Chris Gouvernelle
PYA Welfare Group to launch new webinar on crew rights and wellbeing
23 October 2023
The PYA Welfare Group will chair a new webinar on crew rights and wellbeing, bringing together experts from key Flag states to discuss important issues affecting seafarers globally.
The latest webinar follows a series of discussions in the past year including a forum held by the PYA Welfare Group with key Flag states that covered how to deal with bullying, harassment and other workplace issues. With many yacht crew unfamiliar with local and international support resources available to them, the Flag states discussion was well received by the community. It also provided the opportunity for participants to ask questions as well as learn about regulations.
Building on that success, our latest webinar, chaired by Angela Wallace, Director of Interior Training for the PYA Welfare Group, will welcome the Flag states back to explore further areas of crew rights and wellbeing.
The following guests will attend:
Guest speakers
Ivan Tabone - Deputy Chief Officer at the Merchant Shipping Directorate at Transport Malta Authority
Martyn Oates - Technical Policy Manager, Isle of Man Ship Registry
Holly Griffin - Seafarer Living and Working Conditions Policy Manager, UK Maritime and - Coastguard Agency
James Hatcher - Senior Maritime Policy Adviser and Shipping Master, Cayman Islands Shipping Registry
Alexander von Stein - Advisor / Special Agent / Certified Trainer of trainers and maritime inspectors MLC 2006, Marshall Islands Registry
France representative (DIRM MED/RIF) - To be confirmed
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 Welfare Group!
To access our previous webinars, you can visit our website to see the latest discussions in the archive.
More news
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.
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.