Sea Changes Forum 2026
26 August 2026
The PYA is pleased to invite you to the 2026 Sea Changes Forum, taking place on Thursday, 24 September 2026, at the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) in Monaco, during the Monaco Yacht Show.
The Sea Changes Forum brings together yacht crew, regulators, training providers, industry leaders and key stakeholders to discuss the developments, challenges and opportunities shaping professional yachting. It provides a valuable platform for exchanging knowledge, hearing expert perspectives and ensuring the voices of those working within the industry remain part of the conversation.
Following the Forum, from 6pm guests are invited to join the networking reception, offering further opportunities to exchange ideas, continue discussions and build valuable relationships across the yachting community.
Date: Thursday, 24 September 2026
Time: 16:00 - 20:00
Venue: International Hydrographic Organization, 4 Quai Antoine 1er, 98000 Monaco
⚠️ no need to enter the MYS
Agenda
15:30 Forum Registration Open, International Hydrographic Organisation,
4b Quai Antoine 1er, Monaco
Welcome
15:55 Alicia Jordan, Sea Service and Development at Professional Yachting Association
& Captain Dave Watkins, Deputy Director Maritime, CHIRP
“Welcome”
16:00 Rear Admiral Luigi Sinapi, Secretary-General International Hydrographic Organisation (IHO)
“Welcome to the IHO.”
Part One:
Flag State Panel – Introduction and moderation by Dave (CHIRP)
16:05 Julian Smith, Regional Director, Europe, Middle East & Africa - Cayman Islands Shipping Registry
“Voluntary Compliance – Raising the Bar”
16:10 Jef Van Rossum, Marine Investigator and Rene van der Voort, Senior Safety Manager, Yachts - Republic of the Marshall Islands Maritime Administrator
“Yacht incident analysis and safety challenges”
16:20 Mark Savona, Safety Coordinator Technical Department Merchant Shipping Directorate Transport Malta
“Flag State Updates”
16:25 Dylan Cocklan, Gibraltar Maritime Administration
“Safety Management Beyond Compliance: A Flag State Perspective”
16:30 Chris Martin, Principal Surveyor Isle of Man Ship Registry
“Flag State Updates”
16:35 Emeric Faure, Chef du Guichet Unique du Registre International Français
“Introduction to the RIF, highlighting the working conditions of crew on board French yachts”
Part Two:
Training, crew working conditions and our seabed
17:00 Richard Falk, Director of Training and Qualifications for the Royal Yachting Association
“RYA Update from Training and Qualifications”
17:15 Joey Meen, Director of the International Association of Maritime Institutions (IAMI), Director of the IAMI GUEST Program, and President of the Superyacht Alliance for Professional Standards.
“Evolving Professional Development for the Superyacht Industry”
17:30 Captain Javed Munir, Assistant Director for Seafarers Training, Safety and Health at the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA).
“Update on UK Seafaring Training.”
17:45 Sophie Peacey, Seafarer Living and Working Conditions Manager at UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA)
“Latest MLC updates.”
18:00 Matthew Zimmerman, CEO and Co-Founder of FarSounder, Inc.
"Safeguarding Whale Populations: The Yachting Community's Role in Conservation"
18:05 Adam Greenland, Director at the International Hydrographic Organisation (IHO)
“Update on the IHO mapping.”
18:10 Social gathering
SPONSORS
VSF has supplied fine wines to the yachting community for over 30 years. With more than 30,000 bottles in stock, the company offers immediate access to an extensive selection of the world’s finest wines. Its team of wine experts is available around the clock to respond to enquiries, while its dedicated fleet of vehicles and drivers ensures each order arrives on time and in perfect condition.
Bluewater has trained and recruited yacht crew for over 30 years and remains committed to maintaining high standards of excellence across the industry. Its comprehensive services cover crew training and recruitment, yacht management, charter services and yacht sales. Driven by innovation and service excellence, Bluewater continues to develop solutions for the modern yachting industry. Its recently launched yachting application provides seafarers with practical tools and resources to manage every stage of their careers.
Oceanis Group is a French Riviera-based yacht support company providing premium provisioning, international logistics and tailored shoreside services to yachts throughout the Mediterranean and worldwide.
The International Association of Maritime Institutions (IAMI) is the largest network of maritime colleges and universities, with a century-long history of collaboration. Originally established in the United Kingdom, IAMI has expanded globally over the past decade and now welcomes maritime education and training providers worldwide. Its core mission is to strengthen communication and collaboration between regulators, employers and educational organisations involved in delivering maritime training across the industry.
Established in 2021 in Göcek, Memetti Superyacht Agency provides comprehensive support to yachts operating in Türkiye. From customs and immigration formalities to berth arrangements, provisioning, bunkering, technical coordination and VIP concierge services, the team manages every detail from arrival to departure. With a strong focus on reliability, efficiency and personalised assistance, Memetti helps captains and crew enjoy smooth, well-organised operations throughout their stay.
Founded in 1984, MYBA is an international professional organisation comprising both corporate and individual members. Its mission is to inspire, support and empower professionals across the superyacht industry. The association promotes the highest standards of ethical conduct, equality, diversity and environmental responsibility, while encouraging knowledge-sharing, collaboration, strong professional relationships and continuous personal and professional development.
Sirius Maritime Group is a dedicated yacht management company providing bespoke services that uphold the highest standards of safety, sustainability, and client satisfaction. Independent from brokerage activities, we offer unbiased guidance to yacht owners, captains and crew ensuring efficient, transparent, and reliable operations.
The White Admin Company delivers discreet shoreside support to vessels from 40m to 80m operating worldwide — streamlining administrative, logistical, and compliance tasks. With over 20 years of purser experience, they provide proven systems, flexible service packages, and PAYG options that save time, optimise crew efficiency, and reduce onboard workload.
Octo Marine is the market leader in the design, supply, and maintenance of water treatment products and services for the marine industry. We offer watermakers, softeners, drinking systems, pumps, water sterilization services, water analysis, and more.
Since 2001, FarSounder has been a global leader in ocean exploration, developing innovative 3D Forward Looking Sonar (3D FLS) technology. Their advanced navigation systems do more than guide vessels safely from point A to point B, they protect what matters most. By creating patented technology that paints a clear real-time picture of underwater obstacles and the seabed, FarSounder helps captains avoid collisions and groundings. This crucial visibility prevents costly property damage and saves human and marine lives alike.
Join the Conversation
The PYA looks forward to welcoming guests to Monaco for an afternoon of informed discussion, meaningful connections and industry collaboration at the 2026 Sea Changes Forum.
For any questions regarding the event, please contact pya@pya.org.
Interested in sponsoring the 2026 Sea Changes Forum?
Sponsoring the Sea Changes Forum is an opportunity to position your brand alongside the conversations, ideas and initiatives driving meaningful change across the industry. Sponsors gain exposure to yacht crew, industry leaders, decision-makers and key stakeholders, while demonstrating their commitment to shaping the future of yachting.
As the industry continues to evolve, being present at the Sea Changes Forum means contributing to the discussion, supporting progress and ensuring your organisation is part of the changes ahead.
To explore the available sponsorship opportunities, please contact Sophie at office@pya.org5
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