top of page

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

Upcoming Webinar: Water Safety On Yachts

The Professional Yachting Association is pleased to invite yacht crew and industry professionals to an upcoming live webinar dedicated to Water Safety On Yachts, taking place on 10 June 2026 from 15:00 to 16:00CET.

Led by recognised experts in water management and regulatory compliance, this session will explore the common bacteria found in vessel water systems, the risks they pose to crew, guests and operations, and the practical measures that can be implemented to maintain safe onboard water standards.

Schengen EES Update: Guidance for Yacht Crew

The new Schengen Entry/Exit System (EES) replaces passport stamps with digital records for non-Schengen nationals. While procedures remain largely unchanged for yacht crew, entries and exits are now tracked electronically—with no physical proof provided—making it essential for crew to monitor their own Schengen days.

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.

bottom of page