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
Statement from the Professional Yachting Association (PYA) regarding the tragic sinking of Bayesian
Antibes (France), 26 August 2024 - In light of the recent tragic sinking of the yacht Bayesian and loss of lives, we understand that many are deeply concerned and eager to know the details surrounding this unfortunate event. However, we urge everyone—media, the public, and all interested parties—to refrain from speculating on the causes, responsibilities, or circumstances until the official inquiry is concluded.
PYA Agents Network around the world
As the season begins and you embark on your global travels, we want to ensure that our PYA members have access to essential services. To facilitate this, we have enlisted a network of PYA Agents located around the world. These agents specialize in certifying original documents, helping you maintain accurate profiles and supporting your MCA applications.
A surge in unqualified crew with fake or purchased CoCs
The Professional Yachting Association (PYA) and the Italian Yacht Masters Association (IYM) sound the alarm on a hidden danger: a surge in unqualified crew with fake or purchased Certificates of Competence, which raises potential safety issues for crew, passengers, and vessels.