On September 24th, the PYA gathered key maritime figures at the iconic International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) in Monaco, for our annual Sea Changes Forum, hosted in collaboration with Confidential Human Factors Incident Reporting Programme (CHIRP) and the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO). The forum convened representatives from major Flag States, leading maritime authorities and industry pioneers to tackle crucial regulatory changes, safety protocols and sustainability challenges shaping professional yachting today. Divided in two segments, the event delivered direct flag state insights before diving into critical discussions on training standards, crew welfare and seabed protection.

Part 1: Flag State updates and safety perspectives Moderated by Captain Dave Watkins (CHIRP) 

Voluntary compliance - raising the bar

Julian Smith, Regional Director EMEA for the Cayman Islands Shipping Registry, opened the discussion on why going beyond minimum mandatory standards is becoming the new benchmark for excellence in superyacht operations.

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Yacht incident analysis and safety challenges

Jef Van Rossum, Marine Investigator for the Republic of the Marshall Islands Maritime Administrator, delivered a data driven look into recent yachting incidents, identifying operational trends and actionable safety takeaways fro crew and management alike.

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Technical and regulatory updates from Transport Malta

Mark Savona, Safety Coordinator in Technical Department at the Merchant Shipping Directorate (Transport Malta), shared key technical assessments and regulatory updates impacting superyacht compliance.

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Safety management beyond compliance, a flag state perspective

Dylan Cocklan, representing the Gibraltar Maritime Administration, explored actionable strategies for embedding effective, forward thinking safety management system on board.

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Isle of Man ship registry updates

Chris Martin, Principal Surveyor at the Isle of Man Ship Registry, followed by essentials administrative updates and insights into regulatory developments affecting crew and owners.

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Introduction to the French International Register (RIF)

Emeric Faure, Chef du Guichet Unique du Registre International Français, closed out the panel outlining key updates, operational advantages and administrative processes offered by the French register.

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Part 2: Training, crew working conditions and our seabed Moderated by Alicia Jordan (PYA)

RYA Qualifications and training updates

Richard Falk, Director of Training and Qualifications at the Royal Yachting Association (RYA), highlighted ongoing evolutions in maritime training routes, and certification standards.

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Evolving professional development

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, discussed continuous learning frameworks and career progression for yacht crew.

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UK Seafaring Training and MLC updates

Representatives from the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) delivered key updates:

Captain Javed Munir, Assistant Director for Seafarers Training, Safety and Health, shared crucial insights on UK training standards.

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Sophie Peacey, Seafarer Living and Working Conditions Manager, presented the latest updates on Maritime Labour Convention standards and crew welfare on board.

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Safeguarding whale populations and ocean stewardship

Matthew Zimmerman, CEO and Co-Founder of FarSounder, Inc., showcased cutting edge forward looking sonar technology, dedicated to ocean conservation and protecting whale populations.

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Crowdsourced bathymetry and seabed mapping

Adam Greenland, Director at the International Hydrographic Organisation (IHO), closed the event showcasing how the yachting community can contribute directly to global hydrographic mapping initiatives.

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Special thanks to our event sponsors:

A sincere thank you to our valued sponsors whose generous support helped shape this event.