top of page

PYA announces official lineup for Sea Changes Forum 2023

21 September 2023

This year’s Sea Changes Forum in Monaco is set to be the PYA’s biggest year yet with a host of guest speakers confirmed for the 2023 edition.


Among the topics of debate for this year’s Sea Changes Forum include updates on industry certification, digitisation, career progression including recruitment, retention, soft skill training and the importance of mapping the oceans.


Taking place at the International Hydrographic Organisation’s HQ during this year’s Monaco Yacht Show, the Sea Changes Forum speakers include


  • Capt. Rodney A. Hatch, PYA Director of Deck Training

  • Mr Ajit Jacob, Chief Examiner for the Maritime and Coastguard Agency

  • Mr Richard Falk, Director of Training and Qualifications for the Royal Yachting Association

  • Miss Joey Meen, IAMI Guest Program Director

  • Mr John Wyborn, Co-founder and Director of Bluewater

  • Miss Angela Wallace, PYA Director of Interior Training and Head of the PYA Welfare Group

  • Mr Jo Assael, Republic of Marshall Islands (RMI) Yacht Register, International Registries Inc

  • Mr John Everett Nyberg, Technical Director of the International Hydrographic Organisation (IHO)


Following on from the success of last year’s event, the PYA has held a number of discussions with the industry to formulate this year’s agenda with the aim of improving the welfare of yacht crew around the world and to address pressing issues including recruitment and retention.


Christophe Bourillon, CEO for the PYA said:


“We are grateful to have the ongoing support of the industry for our Sea Changes Forum. This is a great opportunity to explore and discuss the various issues that will shape the future of our industry, and we would like to thank all our participating guest speakers and sponsors who will be taking part this year.”

This year’s Sea Changes Forum also welcomes a record number of sponsors with strong support from across the industry. These include:


  • Ocean Drive

  • IAMI

  • GUEST PROGRAM

  • Bluewater

  • IHO

  • MYBA

  • YPI Crew

  • Seascope


Following this year’s conference there will be a special event taking place on the rooftop of the IHO venue, providing networking opportunities for guests in attendance.


To access the full agenda view the PDF below:




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.

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.

bottom of page