Tips for preparing your testimonials
24 September 2020
Before you can get your sea time entered into your PYA Digital Service Record Book, you’ll need to submit your testimonials to our team for verification. To streamline this process and improve the efficiency of the verification of your testimonials, we have put together a list of useful tips to follow.
Tips to follow
File: Multiple pages of the same testimonial should be in 1 PDF file.
Formatting: Be sure to format all testimonials correctly so that the information is clear and readable.
Signature: Unsigned testimonials or testimonials that are self-signed will be declined (this includes Captains who self-sign).
Dates: Fill in BOTH dates, even if you are still on board.
Definitions of sea time: Take time to check your testimonial is correct against MCA definitions before you submit it.
Rotation: If you work on rotation, we advise creating one testimonial for the whole period you worked on the vessel and specify how often you were on/off rotation. You can highlight the dates you were signed off in the “Leave of Absence” field of our testimonials.
Additional Information
You can get a testimonial anytime, you don't need to wait for your employment to end.
We advise getting your sea time verified as soon as you can, in case you lose touch with the signatories and/or their contact details change.
Sea time which has been used to get a new CoC cannot be used again (you will need to start a new testimonial from the date of issuance of your latest COC.
All new testimonials must start on a subsequent date from the date of your previous one.
How to submit your testimonials
Upload your testimonials to your profile on the PYA website.
If you're unsure about the MCA definitions of sea time, read our guidelines here.
Last updated: 22/02/2023
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.