This year’s Sea Changes Forum at the Monaco Yacht Show was the largest gathering of industry professionals since the annual conference was launched in 2011. Taking place on September 28th, the PYA welcomed a host of international speakers from across the yachting world to discuss important industry issues.

Areas including crew hiring, retention, welfare and exploration among others were discussed including new initiatives that have been set up to map the ocean floors - a scientific endeavor that demonstrates how our industry is making a difference to research among other things.

With more than 150,000 people directly employed in the yachting industry and a global turnover exceeding 24 billion euros a year, there has never been a more exciting time for yachting with a booming maritime industry that is set to bring economic benefits to many countries.

Christophe Bourillion, CEO for the PYA commented:

“We want to say another big thank you to all our attending guests, partners and supporters that made this year’s event a big success for everyone involved. We had some great discussions and were introduced to insightful topics that have broadened our perspective about what is happening in the yachting industry today - and what is also to come. It is our hope that this year’s Sea Changes Forum can be the melting pot that helps our industry stay informed while advancing technological innovations. We hope to see you all again next year!”

As part of this year’s Sea Changes Forum, the PYA welcomed the following guest speakers:

• Mr John Wyborn, IAMI Board member - who discussed the work IAMI does for yacht training including the Deck Certification Report.

• Miss Joey Meen, IAMI Guest Program Director - who shared insights on the importance of soft skill training & the CPD opportunities of bespoke (non-mandatory) education to support yachting careers – with the Yacht Owners Representative Program being provided as an example.

• Mr Richard Falk, Director of Training and Qualifications, Royal Yachting Association - who introduced “RYA Training and Qualifications, Rising to the Challenges of the Future”.

• Miss Angela Wallace, PYA Director of Interior Training, PYA Welfare Group - who discussed current issues in the industry regarding crew including recruitment and retention.

• Mr Jo Assael, Republic of Marshall Islands (RMI) Yacht Register, International Registries Inc - who introduced the RMI’s Master (Yachts) Unlimited Tonnage Certificate of Competency (CoC).

• Mr John Everett Nyberg, Technical Director, IHO - who discussed the IHO’s international mapping project.

Guests in attendance included captains and seafarers from across the industry including representatives from various organisations in yachting.

Following the forum, we took part in a cocktail gathering on the roof of the IHO HQ at the Monaco Yacht Show.

See some of the gallery highlights below

The PYA wants to say a big thank you to our supporting sponsors who made this year’s event possible including the IHO, Ocean Drive, IAMI, Guest Program, Bluewater, MYBA, YPI Crew, SeaScope.

We look forward to seeing you all next September for the 2024 Sea Changes Forum!