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The Professional Yachting Association offers MCA compliant sea service verification, career advice, and yacht rating certification for members. Join our association and gain access to industry events, networking opportunities, and professional development resources. Explore all the services See what else you can get by becoming a PYA member. See all the services Sea Service Verification The PYA is authorised by the MCA by MIN 543 and by Transport Malta, to verify yacht sea service and has been verifying yacht sea service for the MCA since 1994. Learn more Yacht Rating Certificate Some vessels require crew to have a Yacht Rating Certificate as part of their safe manning requirements. The PYA is authorized to issue Yacht Rating Certificates on behalf of the MCA. Learn more Career Advice The PYA encourages and mentors new entrants into professional yachting, as well as offers career advice to experienced crew. Learn more Strategic partners Start Now Start Now Start Now 10518 Collective membership as of 01/01/2025 6784 D-SRBs generated as of 01/01/2025 1679 Member Assistance Service cases as of 01/01/2025 +9000 One-to-one advice & help as of 01/01/2025 Announcements What our members say "Throughout my yachting career, I have found the services of the PYA to be a fantastic "go to" resource. The support I received whilst achieving different grades of qualification was second to none." Robbie Murtagh "It's such a happy bunch running the PYA - they're friendly and welcoming!" Graham Tindall "As a 30 year yacht veteran, I have relied mostly on the idea of 'it's a who you know' industry, but as the constantly changing certification & litigation requirements become more complex, there is no doubt that the excellent service & support the PYA offers to every level of crew member makes membership an absolute must have! When my crew need support & correct advice, I always refer them to the PYA." David White "I have had only ever had positive experiences with the PYA - always helpful!" Jonathan Whitwell > > "Throughout my yachting career, I have found the services of the PYA to be a fantastic "go to" resource. The support I received whilst achieving different grades of qualification was second to none." Robbie Murtagh "It's such a happy bunch running the PYA - they're friendly and welcoming!" Graham Tindall "As a 30 year yacht veteran, I have relied mostly on the idea of 'it's a who you know' industry, but as the constantly changing certification & litigation requirements become more complex, there is no doubt that the excellent service & support the PYA offers to every level of crew member makes membership an absolute must have! When my crew need support & correct advice, I always refer them to the PYA." David White "I have had only ever had positive experiences with the PYA - always helpful!" Jonathan Whitwell "The PYA is indispensable in its representation of Superyacht crew, using feedback directly from the crew to initiate major changes in the industry. Having worked with various regulatory bodies the PYA has not only offered a career pathway for crew but raised awareness of the career as one to be recognised in the professional realm. The Crew Report continues to support the PYA in its proactive and professional approach." Lulu Trask The most important factor in my moving up the ranks has been accurately recording my sea time and courses, and being aware of changes to requirements. The PYA has been a great help to me over the years, helping me gather and compile my sea service testimonials and offering advice on crew issues/ seafarer legalities. With me from junior deckhand right through to Master 3000 - PYA thanks for your help and making my life a lot easier! Rick Dubois "Thank you very much for being here, so we do not feel alone in our problems." Robin "PYA to the rescue!! I reached out for some assistance and PYA were there for me...that's what it's all about!!! Good job team." James Clephane "I would just like to say thank you for all the help the PYA is doing for not just for us crew but for the industry too." Stefhan Le Roux "Thank you for [your advice] - that was extensive and very helpful. I am a paying member of the PYA - mostly because of how fantastically useful you are!" Thomas Blencowe "I will continue to tell my friends about the PYA. You have been a fabulous support, and I would highly recommend anyone joining the yachting industry to sign up." Sarah Leppard "Thank you for your solid advice and support, it has meant a lot to the crew and to myself. Thank you from all on M/Y xxxx, you gave us timely support where we were getting none." Tadg Clarke "I just wanted to let you know that I passed my Master 3000gt oral on Monday. Thank you very much for all your help over the years in getting to this stage. It is very much appreciated and I have been singing your praises over the years in order to encourage more seafarers to join the PYA, if nothing else, just for the assistance you provide!" Robbie Murtagh "Good service, professional, friendly. Bravo!" Max O'Shea "Thank you so much for the advice today - it has settled my concerns. I am thrilled with the service at the PYA!" Travis Cross "I have successfully passed my stability exam and even received my NoE. Thank you very much for helping me out with all the paperwork for the NoE application, it was much easier to do it with your assistance." Ilya Kravtsov Industry news 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. Read more The PYA Christmas Ball Returns for Its 33rd Edition The 33rd edition of the PYA Christmas Ball returns at the iconic Hôtel Martinez in Cannes on Friday 5th December 2025, this year with a glamorous 1960s theme. Join us for a night of celebration with the yachting community — featuring a gourmet dinner, live band, raffle prizes, and plenty of opportunities to connect with fellow professionals from across the industry. A much-loved PYA tradition, the Christmas Ball promises elegance, entertainment, and a touch of vintage sparkle as we come together to close the year in style. Read more Summary of the Sea Changes Forum 2025 In September, we hosted our annual Sea Changes Forum, bringing together key voices from across the yachting industry. The event delivered encouraging updates for the sector and inspiring insights into how we can continue to evolve and improve as a community. Below, you will find a summary of the presentations shared by our expert panelists, along with access to each full presentation for further details. Read more Interested in more articles? Check out news section Run by yachting professionals, for yachting professionals. Join the PYA and get all the benefits! Become a member The Professional Yachting Association The voice of professional yacht crew worldwide. Run by yachting professionals, for yachting professionals since 1991. New to yachting? Become a member Sea Service Guidlines

Latest latest news from yachting industry and PYA partners. 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. 12 December 2025 Read more The PYA Christmas Ball Returns for Its 33rd Edition The 33rd edition of the PYA Christmas Ball returns at the iconic Hôtel Martinez in Cannes on Friday 5th December 2025, this year with a glamorous 1960s theme. Join us for a night of celebration with the yachting community — featuring a gourmet dinner, live band, raffle prizes, and plenty of opportunities to connect with fellow professionals from across the industry. A much-loved PYA tradition, the Christmas Ball promises elegance, entertainment, and a touch of vintage sparkle as we come together to close the year in style. 22 October 2025 Read more Summary of the Sea Changes Forum 2025 In September, we hosted our annual Sea Changes Forum, bringing together key voices from across the yachting industry. The event delivered encouraging updates for the sector and inspiring insights into how we can continue to evolve and improve as a community. Below, you will find a summary of the presentations shared by our expert panelists, along with access to each full presentation for further details. 25 September 2025 Read more Latest industry news Last > 1 > First

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. PYA Christmas Ball 2025 Highlights To All news 12 December 2025 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. We then moved to the main room, where the evening continued with the starter, followed by the band’s first performance, which brought the 1960s atmosphere to life. During the evening, we all enjoyed playing with the photo booth and creating funny memories with the accessories. The main course came next, followed by our most anticipated raffle prizes, which filled the room with anticipation, big wins and plenty of laughs. After dessert, the band invited us onto the dance floor, and we all enjoyed the night together, dancing, bubbles, live music and even dance battles until 2am. We would like to thanks those who offered exceptional raffle prizes: Oceanwavemonaco Malongo Howden Cabin Shop Gourmet Deliveries BlueOceansYachts Transparence l'opticien Villa Miraé Cap D'Antibes Martinez Hotel Harmonie Rock Therapy The Cutting Shop By Marc Ramo La Cave Des Epicuriens Maison Montaron Cap Gin After months of preparation, we were delighted to see how much our members and partners enjoyed this special night. The PYA Christmas Ball remains a cherished tradition, uniting our community to celebrate, connect, and create lasting memories. Click here to view all the photos from the evening! We look forward to welcoming you again next year for another unforgettable edition. Christmas Ball Sponsors This year’s event was made possible thanks to the support of our sponsors, their commitment played an essential role in bringing this edition to life. Bluewater Bluewater has been training and recruiting crew for over 30 years and is dedicated to ensuring a high level of excellence in the industry. Their comprehensive services cover all aspects of yachting, including yacht management, charter services, and yacht sales. Committed to innovation and service excellence, Bluewater continues to lead the way in the yachting industry, with their recently launched yachting app for everything a seafarer needs to manage their career. Nautech Nautech is a leading superyacht refit and repair specialist, renowned for its expertise, reliability and long-standing presence in the Mediterranean. Founded in 1996 and based in La Ciotat, the company offers a comprehensive range of services from full refits and technical upgrades to routine maintenance, engineering, carpentry and emergency repairs. Genova Marine Supply Genova Marine Supply is a trusted and long-established provider of marine equipment and services, based in Genoa and serving Liguria and beyond since 1994.They offer a comprehensive selection of nautical supplies from deck hardware, mooring equipment, safety gear and navigation accessories, to engine-room spares, cleaning products, interior fittings and crew uniforms, catering to everything from small boats to luxury yachts. Gourmet Deliveries Gourmet Deliveries , a family-owned and operated business since 2007, offer luxury provisions for superyachts worldwide, including a wide range of personalised food, wines, bedding, linen and more. They work alongside quality suppliers and ensure they provide clients with only the highest quality products. To save time for Chefs and Chief Stews, Gourmet Deliveries offers a quick and efficient online order service . It lists 10,000 popular products to ensure it can cater to every guest and crew requirement. Gourmet Deliveries offers the widest and the most exclusive catalogue in the world. MYBA MYBA The Worldwide Yachting Association is an internationally renowned professional organisation, founded in 1984, whose Members are involved at all levels within the Superyacht Industry. Members of MYBA are widely represented in all fields of brokerage, charter, technical management and construction of large yachts. Riviera Wine With more than 15 years of experience, Riviera Wine has grown into one of the most well-renowned and experienced wine suppliers in the yachting industry, combining the finest wine expertise and passion with a vital focus and understanding of the luxury industry. They have a dedicated and passionate team who offers a complete solution to all your wine & spirits needs on board: be it wine or spirits supply, bespoke expert advice, wine tastings onboard and much more. Let Riviera Wine become your wine & spirits partner! How to sponsor the next edition? If you are interested in sponsoring this event, please contact us at office@pya.org More news 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. Read more Summary of the Sea Changes Forum 2025 In September, we hosted our annual Sea Changes Forum, bringing together key voices from across the yachting industry. The event delivered encouraging updates for the sector and inspiring insights into how we can continue to evolve and improve as a community. Below, you will find a summary of the presentations shared by our expert panelists, along with access to each full presentation for further details. Read more The PYA Christmas Ball Returns for Its 33rd Edition The 33rd edition of the PYA Christmas Ball returns at the iconic Hôtel Martinez in Cannes on Friday 5th December 2025, this year with a glamorous 1960s theme. Join us for a night of celebration with the yachting community — featuring a gourmet dinner, live band, raffle prizes, and plenty of opportunities to connect with fellow professionals from across the industry. A much-loved PYA tradition, the Christmas Ball promises elegance, entertainment, and a touch of vintage sparkle as we come together to close the year in style. Read more

The Superyacht Alliance is a collective of key industry organisations working together to strengthen standards and support the global yachting community. About the Superyacht Alliance The Superyacht Alliance for Professional Standards, a non-profit organisation based in Malta, was founded by MYBA, SYBAss, and IAMI with the goal of elevating industry standards, promoting collaboration, and enhancing professionalism through various Member led initiatives. The Alliance unites various industry entities, such as the joining Associations of ICOMIA, PYA and IYBA, who share a common interest to elevate professionalism and industry growth. By serving as the coordinating platform, the Alliance allows Member Associations to form and join Alliance “thinktanks” and “working groups”, providing the chance to align projects, interests and activities, and directing their collective efforts towards promoting and self-regulating professionalisation within the Superyacht industry. Quote “The Superyacht Alliance is committed to implementing activities that drive positive change, elevate Professional Standards, and propel the industry towards a more professional and sustainable future” Key Initiatives Elevate Professional Standards Establish industry-wide standards and guidelines, promote positive business practices and ethics across subsectors. PROMOTE CAREER ADVANCEMENT Collaborate with stakeholders to map industry professions, identify key knowledge, and offer career advancement opportunities. Facilitate Education Pathways Engage with educational institutions to develop comprehensive programs for professional development and career transitions. Research & Development Projects Partner on initiatives for industry-driven training, apprenticeship programs, and research to advance sustainability practices. Crew Inclusivity & Welfare Enhance crew welfare through training, signposting and supportive environments onboard, and promote inclusivity for equal opportunities. Advocate Leadership Practices Promote effective leadership through education, enabling leaders to implement strategies and provide guidance. Acknowledge Professional Growth Establish self-regulated education standards, industry certification, and Professional Registers for industry roles. Regulatory Engagement Collaborate with regulatory bodies to champion policies and qualification routes supporting industry professionalisation. Networking Facilitation Unite task forces, organisations, and focus groups under a comprehensive platform to encourage knowledge sharing and collaboration. Public Image Enhance the industry’s public perception through collaboration with organisations promoting positive image, with a focus on unified communication strategies. Superyacht Alliance To Knowledge Base

Know more about regulations and guidelines including Sea Service Verification, Seaman Discharge Book, French Anchorage regulations and more. Webinars View all the webinars we've hosted Read more Employment contracts Learn about contracts for seafarers and use our template Read more Ship Cooks Certificate You are a Chef? Learn everything you need to know about the MCA's Ships' Cook Certificate Read more French Anchorage Regulations France has introduced anchorage regulations (enforced in March 2021) which prevent yachts over 24m (78ft) from anchoring within areas containing protected Posidonia seagrass beds. Last update: 12/06/2024 Read more Seaman Discharge Book (SDB) and others What is a Seaman Discharge Book (SDB), how to obtain one and what makes it different Read more Superyacht Qualification Framework The Superyacht Qualification Framework (SYQF) is an Erasmus+ cooperation partnership in Vocational Education and Training (VET), co-funded by the European Union. Read more Knowledge Base Explore the world of yachting and its regulations

The Superyacht Qualification Framework (SYQF) is an Erasmus+ cooperation partnership in Vocational Education and Training (VET), co-funded by the European Union. The Superyacht Qualification Framework (SYQF) is an Erasmus+ cooperation partnership in Vocational Education and Training (VET), co-funded by the European Union. The PYA is assisting the project to achieve it's aim to establish a comprehensive, industry-aligned qualification framework for the superyacht sector, ensuring consistent standards, professional recognition, and sustainable career pathways for yacht crew worldwide. Main objectives Integrate sustainability, inclusion, and diversity into vocational education and training. Strengthen collaboration between education providers and industry stakeholders. Standardise qualifications within the superyacht industry to enhance workforce mobility and recognition across Europe. Develop and accredit structured training modules and qualification descriptorsaligned with industry needs. Build an online repository to ensure long-term accessibility of the framework and related resources. Key information FIELD : Vocational Education and Training (VET) DURATION : 30 months CONSORTIUM : 6 partners COUNTRIES INVOLVED : Malta, France, Italy, Greece and the UK PROJECT TITLE : Superyacht Qualification Framework PROJECT COORDINATOR : MaritimeMT ASSOCIATED PARTNERS : 1 Partner NATIONAL AGENCY : EUPA Malta, Fondi.EU Partners MaritimeMT, based in Birzebbuga, Malta, is the leading partner and coordinator of the SYQF project. Established in 2011, MaritimeMT sets the course for maritime careers through accredited training and career solutions. Guided by its vision to become a globally accessible maritime campus, it continues to lead in delivering excellence in maritime education and professional development. The Professional Yachting Association (PYA) represents and upholds the interests of yacht crew and yachting companies, advocating on their behalf before maritime and international regulatory authorities. Since 1991 the PYA has been the trusted source of information and guidance for yacht crew globally. Established in 1991, Bluewater is an industry-leading training provider for yacht crew with maritime schools based in Antibes and Palma, offering courses accredited by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) and the Royal Yachting Association (RYA), delivered by experienced instructors drawn from maritime and yachting backgrounds. Bluewater also provides crew placement, yacht charter, yacht management and yacht brokerage services. Metropolitan College, established in 1982, is Greece's leading College for University Studies, recognised for its academic excellence, innovation, and international collaborations. With 12 faculties, 8 campuses, and over 100 academic programmes offered in partnership with prestigious Universities abroad, it provides high-quality education aligned with global academic standards. IAMI is a global network of maritime training and education providers, who deliver training across the maritime sector in Merchant Navy, Superyachts, Towing, Restricted Waters/Tonnage, and Fishing Industries. IAMI also provides assessment and certification services for Merchant Navy, Fishing, Superyacht and Apprenticeships, as well as the GUEST Program for Accreditation of industry led training across all Superyacht departments. IAMI leads in the promotion of quality maritime education and assessments. The I.S.Y.L. Foundation is Tuscany's ITS Academy in Viareggio, offering specialised training for careers in yachting, transport, and logistics. It equips students with practical, industry-driven skills that match the needs of the Italian yachting sector. Graduates earn an EU-recognised Higher Technician Diploma issued by the Italian Ministry of Education, which also carries university credits. The academy works closely with local industry to ensure strong career pathways. The Superyacht Alliance for Professional Standards is a nonprofit organisation founded by the major trade associations to elevate the level of professionalism in the superyacht industry. Developing qualification programs and supporting professional communities, including think tanks for specific groups, are the main activities of the Alliance. Latest Article November 24, 2025 Erasmus+, Press Releases by Maritime MT Follow the project on social media for updates. www.instagram.com (@erasmusplus_syqf) • Instagram photos and videos 15 Followers, 7 Following, 3 Posts - See Instagram photos and videos from (@erasmusplus_syqf) www.linkedin.com Erasmus+ Superyacht Qualification Framework (SYQF) | LinkedIn Erasmus+ Superyacht Qualification Framework (SYQF) | 41 followers on LinkedIn. The Erasmus+ Superyacht Qualification Framework project is here to transform training in the superyacht industry! | The Erasmus+ Superyacht Qualification Framework (SYQF) project is a European initiative designed to advance vocational education and training (VET) in the superyacht sector. Objectives: SYQF aims to establish a comprehensive, industry-aligned qualification framework that standardises qualifications, promotes workforce mobility, and embeds sustainability and inclusivity in training. Through collaboration between education providers and industry stakeholders, the project ensures a skilled, adaptable, and future-ready workforce. Pictures On 25th November 2025 in Malta, project partners and PYA CEO Christophe Bourillon began drafting the core backbone of the Superyacht Qualification framework. Bringing key industry leaders together in one room for brainstorming and discussion proved profoundly valuable, demonstrating a unified approach to creating significant, positive impact for the industry. Several strategic decisions were made to ensure that the resulting standards are practical and aligned with global demands. During our Christmas Ball 2025, the SYQF project banner sparked many conversations about the work currently in the pipeline. Superyacht Qualification Framework To Knowledge Base

The PYA provides many different services. Become a member to get access to Sea Service Verification, Yacht Rating Certificate, Yacht Training Record Book and more. Learn more Sea Service Verification The PYA is authorised by the UK Maritime Coastguard Agency (MCA) and by Transport Malta to verify yacht sea service testimonials for all yacht crew worldwide. Learn more Career Advice & support Support and Advice are available to members and potential new members to provide professional advice and one-to-one support to seafarers in yachting. Support and Advice to obtaining your NOE, CoC, Action Plan, Revalidation and Conversion. Learn more Yacht Rating Certificate Some vessels require crew to have a Yacht Rating Certificate as part of their safe manning requirements. Having this certificate can improve your chances of finding a job. Learn more OOW 3000 Deck Training Record Book The OOW 3000 Deck Training Record Book (TRB) is part of the requirements for the Officer of the Watch (Yachts) Certification – OOW 3000 (Y). Learn more Research & Insights Research and surveys are carried out on a regular basis by the PYA to learn about yachting industry issues from crew retention and recruitment through to safety, welfare and new technologies. Learn more Member Assistance Service The MAS is a confidential support service that offers practical support to PYA members facing difficulties or challenges in their professional lives, including all work-related issues. Learn more Onboard Safety Group The Professional Yachting Association's (PYA) Safety Group is dedicated to fostering a culture of safety and well-being for all crew members on board. Services we offer Join the PYA membership to get access to the services listed below.

The PYA is authorised by the UK Maritime Coastguard Agency (MCA) and by Transport Malta to verify yacht sea service testimonials for all yacht crew worldwide. Your sea service is reviewed by the PYA’s Sea Service Department to ensure all the MCA’s definitions have been adhered to. This may require further information or evidence from the seafarer. Once everything is deemed reasonably true and correct, the testimonial will achieve it’s verified status. Step 1 – Why You Need It Sea Service verification is required for: Notice of Eligibility (NoE) applications, Certificate of Competency (CoC) revalidation and can be used to display your experience in your employment profile. PYA is authorised by the MCA (UK) and Transport Malta. Step 2 – Choose Your Option Full Members Get a Digital Service Record Book (D-SRB) an official document displaying all you verified sea service. Unlimited testimonial and certificate verification. Non-Members Get digitally signed testimonials (not a D-SRB). €50 per testimonial (a minimum purchase of two is required for the first submission). See all services Step 3 – Upload Your Documents Join or log in to your PYA profile and upload: Complete your profile (passport style photo, basic information, contact information, billing address) Certified copy of passport (.pdf) Certified certificates (optional) Step 4 – Use the Definitions Download and print the official MCA guidelines to complete your testimonials. Engineering : Sea service definitions engineering department .pdf Download PDF • 224KB Deck : Sea service definition deck departement .pdf Download PDF • 197KB Step 5 – Allow for Processing The process is fully digital and can take up to 25 working days: A. Fill the testimonial form on your profile and send to your signatory (Captain, Chief Officer, Chief Engineer, Owner or Manager). B. Once the testimonial is digitally signed and confirmed by the signatory , it will go to the Sea Service Department to be reviewed . C. The sea service will either be approved by the Sea Service team or sent back with a request for more information or review. We remain available to you at this point if you wish to discuss the comments. D. Once approved by the sea service team, the testimonial will go to the SRB Officers who will give it a final review and verification. E. Verified testimonials will be show on your DSRB or be officially stamped . Sea Service Definitions : Free with Full Membership €50 (minimum 2) For non-members Become a member or pay for an individual testimonial Sea Service Verification The PYA is authorised by the UK Maritime Coastguard Agency (MCA) and by Transport Malta to verify yacht sea service testimonials for all yacht crew worldwide. To All services Discover our plans to get access to all the services we provide. Become a member

The PYA offers paid partnership to highlight your organisation or business in its webpage. Load more A1 Group A1: Your yachting experts in Greece Read more Go to partner's website Yacht Management, Brokerage / Charter, Shipyard, Legal Services ASSET V Asset V is the quintessential management company, with a 150-year legacy in the marine industry. Our integrity heightens the best interests of our clients and partners. We offer seamless solutions through extensive experience and expertise for superior technical and operational management of a wide variety of vessels. Read more Go to partner's website Crew Recruitment Agency, Yacht Management, Services to yachts or crew BWA Yachting BWA Yachting is a worldwide yacht agency and yachting services provider formed to support captains, managers and crew, making their lives easier, assisting with the increasing demands of managing a modern superyacht. Our global office network stretches throughout the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the Caribbean and the Americas, providing a unique and seamless experience, wherever our clients are cruising. Read more Go to partner's website Yacht Agent, Services to yachts or crew Centralized intercountry general information shared to our members. Blue Oceans Yachting powered by Crew Unlimited Blue Oceans Yachting powered by Crew Unlimited, is your all-in-one yachting solution. From sales, charters, management, crew placement and crew training, we are here to optimize your yachting experience, one department at a time. Read more Go to partner's website Brokerage / Charter, Crew Recruitment Agency, Training Provider, Yacht Management 10% OFF crew placement fees for new clients and 25% OFF for existing clients, for all crew hired to start before November 1ST 2024. Our partners Brokerage / Charter Crew Recruitment Agency Digital Transformation Consultant Law firm Legal Services Marina / Port Services to yachts or crew Shipyard Supplier Training Provider Water Treatment Yacht Agent Yacht Insurance Yacht Management Yachting Association Explore our partners and the special offers they provide for PYA members. Or become a partner now to promote your brand to the PYA members.

France has introduced anchorage regulations (enforced in March 2021) which prevent yachts over 24m (78ft) from anchoring within areas containing protected Posidonia seagrass beds. Last update: 12/06/2024 Posidonia - sometimes referred to as the lung of the ocean - plays a vital role in the production of oxygen and purification of our ocean. Unfortunately, Posidonia is incredibly fragile and anchoring in the Posidonia seabed can cause significant destruction which could take up to one thousand years to restore. The maritime authorities recognise the positive economic impact of the yachting industry on the Mediterranean coasts, as well as the efforts of yachting professionals to protect the environment. They will, therefore, encourage the creation of organised buoy fields and moorings with public as well as private funding. These facilities will be under the responsibility of land-based authorities and local communities. Key facts Anchorage regulations are applicable to yachts over 24m (78ft); Infringement of the new regulations could result in fines of up to €150,000 and also possible banishment of the vessel from French waters. The Captain is ultimately responsible; All restricted zones are clearly indicated within the maps (below), which are a part of the new decrees issued by the Maritime Prefecture; The maritime authorities are attempting to speed up the update of the new charts published by SHOM; It is also understood that messages regarding the anchoring rules will be broadcast through CROSSMED, in both French and in English; All restricted areas will be displayed on the Donia app; In case of adverse weather, the authorities have confirmed that safety and security will take precedence. Vessels that may take shelter in forbidden zones (Posidonia meadows) but may be required to provide justification for their decision; The authorities have indicated that, in future regulation, they will adopt a limitation of mooring time to 72 hours. This will not apply to yachts in routine operation, with crew on board, but rather to vessels left without supervision and presenting a risk of stranding. To enable this management of mooring times, the Maritime Prefecture has agreed to establish a list of yachts (24-45m) benefiting from an implicit renewal every 72 hours, for the whole season. Infringement Unlike the Spanish or Italian authorities, France elected to sanction the position of the vessel itself. This can lead to serious consequences as yachts in breach of these regulations can be fined up to 150,000€ and receive a possible ban from French waters, whereas the environmental infraction is ''only" a hundred euros. In addition, several of the means to be used to establish potential offenses, such as human observation from aircraft, boats or land-based platforms can lead to arbitrary decisions. Read our news article on the infringement of these regulations during the summer season of 2021. Read our news article on how to avoid infringement. Latest news May 2024 update: release of the latest regulation applicable to vessels longer than 45 meters, wishing to anchor or stop in the French Mediterranean. As indicated by the maritime authorities, "this new regulation does not provide major changes but a few modifications on some anchoring zones". Arret 157-2024 may 23 2024 .pdf Download PDF • 2.95MB To make absolutely sure that you will be anchoring in the right area, we strongly encourage captains to speak to the relevant sémaphore (radio station) on Channel 16 or better still - on the phone - asking them to confirm that you are in the right area. All sémaphore's conversations are recorded and, just in case, it could be relevant for the captain to record the conversation as well. A list of all semaphores , with their area coverage, telephone numbers and email addresses are provided on Annex 1, page 9 of the regulation. The following information is also provided in this regulation: Annex II and III (pages 10, 11): Information to provide to the sémaphore when seeking anchoring or Dynamic Positioning authorisation. Annex IV (pages 12-13): List of regulations (Arrêtés) relevant to anchoring for vessels of >24 meters. Annex V: (pages 14-47): list of mandatory anchoring areas (with charts). Anchorage maps To view the maps released by the maritime prefecture, click below. Decree 159/2016 : Côte Bleue Marine, Martigue, Sausset-les-Pins, Carry-le-Rouet Decree 204/2020 : Cap Ferrat, Cap Martin Decree 205/2020 : Pointe de l’Aiguille, Embouchure fleuve Var, Golfe de la Napoule, Golfe Juan Decree 245/2020 : Point Fauconnière, Cap Cépet, Baie de Bandol Decree 246/2020 : Cap Carqueiranne, Cap Bénat, Golfe de Giens, La Badine Decree 247/2020 : Cap Bénat, Pointe de Bonne-Terrasse, Baise de Briande, Baie de Bon-Porté Decree 248/2020 : Cap Pinet, Pointe de Saint-Aygulf, Saint Tropez, Plage des Cigales, Plage de la Nartelle, Plage de la Gaillarde Decree 249/2020 : Saint-Raphaël, Pointe de l’Aiguille Decree 020/2021 : Hérault, Cap d’Agde, Frontignan, Palavas-les-Flots Decree 095/2021 : Haute-Corse, Plage de Saleccia, Plage du Loto, Centuri, Barcaggio, Erbalunga Decree 099/2021 : Baie de la Ciotat, Baie de Cassis, Baie de Lecques Decree 101/2021 : Baie de Cassis, Plage de Bestouan, Plage de la Grande Mer, Cal. De Port Miou Decree 197/2022 : Port d'Argelès-sur-Mer, Cap Béar, Cap d'Osne, Port de Banyuls, Cap l'Abeille, Cap Cerbère (Cervera), Port-Vendres, Collioure Decree 319/2022 : Est-Corse, Port de Bastia, Sud Bastia, Lucciana-Venzolasca, Golfe de Porto-Vecchio Decree 168/2023 : Western Corsica Decree 189/2023 : Bay of Calvi Decree 087/2024 : Bay of Pampelonne Decree 156/2024 : Réserve naturelle des Bouches de Bonifacio, Les Moines – Ventilègne, Bonifacio-Pertusato, Sant’Amanza-Lavezzi, Porto-Vecchio – Santa Giulia, Baie de Figari, Golfe de Ventilegne, Secteur de la Madonetta, Secteur de l’Escalier du roi d’Aragon, Île Piana, Punta de Sperone, Îles Lavezzi, Cala di Grecu, Golfe de Sant’Amanza Decree 157/2024 : Modifications on some anchoring zones Nav & Co app In addition to your normal means of navigations to seek anchorage areas, do use the cellphone application "Nav & Co" (download link below). This is the official application produced by the French maritime authorities and it is constantly updated with new regulations as they are adopted. Android https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.navco&hl=fr IOS https://apps.apple.com/fr/app/nav-co/id1642742060 ‎ Additional resources Yachting Pages hosts several articles here: https://www.yachting-pages.com/articles/french-anchoring-regulations-posidonia For further information, please visit the website of the Préfecture Maritime de la Mediterranée : https://www.premar-mediterranee.gouv.fr . Last update: 12/06/2024 French Anchorage Regulations To Knowledge Base