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Joint Concentrated Inspection Campaign (CIC) on STCW by the Tokyo and Paris MOU starts 1 Sept 22 Reminder - The CIC on STCW Port State Inspections will begin 1 September To All news 24 August 2022 The Paris and Tokyo MoU joint Concentrated Inspection Campaign (CIC) on STCW will begin on 1 September 22 during Port State Control Inspections. The Port State Control Officer will focus on 3 basic issues. Seafarer certification Manning Hours of Rest For the specific campaign questions, download the CIC inspections questionnaire . The CIC inspections will be applicable for all ships, and conducted in conjunction with the regular Port State Control inspection. This campaign will be held for three months, commencing on 1 September 2022, and ending on 30 November 2022. More news PYA - the Voice of yacht crew Discover how our actions go beyond membership to strengthen the entire yachting sector. Read more Next Generation in Yachting Forum 2025 - Highlights The PYA Next Generation in Yachting Forum, held on 11 April in Antibes, offered aspiring yacht crew an invaluable insight into the yachting industry. With contributions from leading recruitment agents including Bluewater, Hill Robinson, The Crew Network, and YPI, the event covered essential topics such as CV preparation, interview techniques, and professional etiquette. Attendees also received guidance on visas, welfare support, and career pathways across all departments, with practical advice from Captains, trainers, and experienced crew. The afternoon concluded with focused breakout sessions and networking, providing a unique opportunity to connect with industry professionals and prepare for a successful career at sea. Read more PYA Christmas Ball 2024 Highlights The PYA Christmas Ball, held on 6 December 2024, was an exceptional evening celebrating the yachting community in style. This year’s theme, Peaky Blinders meets Downton Abbey, provided the perfect blend of elegance and vintage charm, creating a truly memorable atmosphere. Read more

The PYA would like to advise all seafarers that the MCA has published MIN 543 to implement new arrangements for the verification of Sea Service Testimonials (SSTs) in the yachting sector. MIN 543 - Changes to sea service verification by the MCA To All news 13 April 2017 The PYA would like to advise all seafarers that the MCA has published MIN 543 to implement new arrangements for the verification of Sea Service Testimonials (SSTs) in the yachting sector. The MCA is transferring the task of verifying SSTs from their own staff to an approved 'Verifying Organisation', which the PYA has been since 1994 - when it was first approved by the MCA to verify sea service on its behalf. As from the 24th May 2017, all seafarers in the yachting sector who wish to apply for an NoE or for the renewal of a CoC will be expected to have their SSTs verified PRIOR TO SUBMISSION to the MCA. What does this mean for crew and how can the PYA help both members and non-members? There will be no change in the procedures for PYA members who are already using a PYA Service Record Book and who, as at present, will need to submit only a correctly entered SRB to the MCA. However, the PYA is now approved by the MCA to verify sea service for non-members , for which there will be a charge of €50 per testimonial. Both members and non-members can upload their sea service testimonials directly to a secure online area, where they can log in to see the status of verification for each piece of sea service. A preferred method of sea service verification by the MCA MIN 543 also requires compliance with quality management protocols and makes the processes undertaken on its behalf now subject to strict audit and control measures by the MCA. Note that the PYA has been authorised by the MCA to verify sea service on its behalf for 23 years - no other verifying organisation has this track record. The MCA has stated in the MIN that failure to submit pre-verified sea service under these revised arrangements "will cause severe processing delays of around 160 days." They have strongly recommended that seafarers in this industry use the services of the PYA (or other verifying organisation), as a "preferred method of sea service verification of the MCA" . More news PYA - the Voice of yacht crew Discover how our actions go beyond membership to strengthen the entire yachting sector. Read more Next Generation in Yachting Forum 2025 - Highlights The PYA Next Generation in Yachting Forum, held on 11 April in Antibes, offered aspiring yacht crew an invaluable insight into the yachting industry. With contributions from leading recruitment agents including Bluewater, Hill Robinson, The Crew Network, and YPI, the event covered essential topics such as CV preparation, interview techniques, and professional etiquette. Attendees also received guidance on visas, welfare support, and career pathways across all departments, with practical advice from Captains, trainers, and experienced crew. The afternoon concluded with focused breakout sessions and networking, providing a unique opportunity to connect with industry professionals and prepare for a successful career at sea. Read more PYA Christmas Ball 2024 Highlights The PYA Christmas Ball, held on 6 December 2024, was an exceptional evening celebrating the yachting community in style. This year’s theme, Peaky Blinders meets Downton Abbey, provided the perfect blend of elegance and vintage charm, creating a truly memorable atmosphere. Read more

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. BWA Yachting is a worldwide yachting services provider established to support captains, managers and crew. We aim to make 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. BWA Yachting can assist with a broad range of services from planning a complicated, multi-country itinerary to just a single port call. We can cover everything from clearance procedures to berthing reservations, bunkering, provisioning, itinerary advice, logistics, technical assistance, travel arrangements, and many more. With central and local points of reference, a ground breaking system developed in-house, that provides streamlined business workflows amongst our offices and enables seamless intercountry communication of your preferences, we plan to save you time and a whole lot of hassle. We consider ourselves to be a people company - we prefer relationships to transactions, friendships over deals and building trusted partnerships with our clients from the very first meeting. We are a dedicated yachting service provider; we don’t manage, sell or charter superyachts. We strive to deliver smart, reliable, transparent solutions to superyachts. Our offices will provide expert local knowledge in each port customising each client’s approach, looking after your entire trip; from pre-arrival and arrival to departure formalities, drawing upon the insight and capabilities that come from our unique global presence. Essentially, We speak your language. Services Arrival & Departure formalities Berth bookings in the most exclusive ports Berthing application assistance for major events (Monaco Grand Prix, Cannes & Venice Film Festival,…) Divers, Pilots & Moorings arrangements Clearance with local authorities Local information including anchorage area, Covid 19 regulations (if any), cruising rules (permits, Posidonia & anchorage, local PWC regulations,…) Bunkering arrangements (Duty Free bunker available in some specific areas, even if you are private) Grey & black waters pumping arrangements Garbage disposal Technical Support (International technical department based in Greece or local assistance to arrange the best support according to unexpected situations) Day workers organization Local and International Provisioning (we have provisioning companies, preferred partners or our own provisioning departments in several destinations) Flowers arrangements Laundry & general cleaning arrangements (Carpet cleaning included) Any kind of supplies & purchase on behalf including interior products, toiletries and any kind of guests’ requests Courier arrangements & packages reception and deliveries Postal address and storage of items Custom clearance Immigration assistance (Stamp-in/out of EU, Transit Visa, B1/B2 application assistance) VIP conciergerie assistance (exclusive restaurants, hotels and nightclubs suggestions & bookings, …) Entertainment arrangements (Catering, magicians & music performances, extra staffs, security,…) Tour guide & local experience (vineyards, museum, customized experiences according to guests’ preferences and local options) Beauty & Wellness arrangements (massage onboard included) Private Jet & Heli bookings Transportation (Limo and Taxi services, tender transfer, goods deliveries) Power Water Craft renting and purchase organization (including jet ski & tenders) General assistance to crew (medical appointment including) Insurance arrangements (through preferred contacts) Cash To Master arrangements and deliveries (according to local legislation) Book keeping & suppliers’ payment on behalf (one final consolidated invoice per country with credit line) Special offer for members Centralized intercountry general information shared to our members. Contact information BWA Yachting 22 Boulevard Princesse Charlotte, 98000 Monaco Tel.+377 93 500 277 info@bwayachting.com https://www.bwayachting.com/offices/ 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. Visit website Back to All Partners Centralized intercountry general information shared to our members. Become a member and enjoy the exclusive offers from our partners. Become a member

The PYA in collaboration with Seascope France will launch a webinar this November covering lithium-ion battery awareness and a new training course based on the MCA’s MGN 681. © Jéan Cloete PYA to launch Lithium-ion Batteries webinar with Seascope France To All news 9 November 2023 The PYA in collaboration with Seascope France will launch a webinar this November covering lithium-ion battery awareness and a new training course based on the MCA’s MGN 681. The discussion will welcome a number of experts from across the yachting industry familiar with lithium-ion battery systems and their implementation on board yachts of various sizes. The webinar will also explore the important areas that underpin safety on vessels and the often overlooked component of lithium batteries including their role in the yachting industry. “Leading yacht industry experts will be taking part in our latest webinar with Seascope France to better understand the safety aspects of yacht management and lithium-ion batteries. This discussion follows a number of fires on yachts in recent months and will enable yacht crew to learn valuable insights on safety procedures. We want to thank Seascope France for working with us to arrange our latest webinar which will bring in-depth knowledge to the industry,” said Christophe Bourillon, CEO for the PYA. Yachting industry experts with years of experience in areas such as health & safety, fire & rescue training, the merchant navy, surveying and maritime law will share their unique insights. Discover our guest speakers Mr Kevin Howlette, Director of Ferndale Fire Ltd. and Emergency Fire & Safety Ltd Kevin is a Health & Safety Consultant who specialises in fire and rescue training. His companies specialise in providing cutting-edge solutions for extinguishing Lithium Ion Battery Fires, including robotics. Ferndale Fire Ltd is a Joint Venture between Emergency Fire & Safety Ltd from Belfast and Ferndale Lane Investments Ltd from Cork, London and Dublin. Working both locally and widely abroad, Kevin, a former member of the NIFRS, has extensive health and safety knowledge in the fire & rescue sector and a proven track record for managing and delivering training in his field. Master Mariner Gerard Pollock, who developed the course around the MCA’s MGN 681 Gerard Pollock is a Master Mariner who began his career in the merchant navy before entering yachting 20 years ago. Gerard has worked on several prominent yachts, including as Master on MY Musashi. Since moving ashore in 2016, Gerard has worked as a Port State Control Officer before joining the Pacific Maritime Safety Programme as a Maritime Advisor to governments in the South Pacific. Gerard is also an author and writes on maritime safety and regulation. His third book is due out from Witherby’s later this year. Captain Herbert Magney Herbert Magney is an active captain of a 135' private yacht and in the U.S.C.G. Auxiliary. He works with Sectors Miami and Boston Commanders in the Accident and Incident Investigation Branches. After launching a working group initially made up of members of the ISS, Captain Magney has worked with several flag and class surveyors plus various law firms, insurance underwriters and insurance providers. He has also led the creation of On Board Safety Management Plans and On Board Training for large and small vessels of various types of construction. Allan Love, MCA Policy Lead – Fire Safety & Engineering Allan Love represents the MCA on policy and works within the UK Technical Services Ship Standards. He is the main author for The MAC’s MGN 681. To take part in this webinar, you can reserve your place by booking via our event page . If you would like to host a webinar with the PYA, please contact us on info@pya.org with the subject ‘Webinar Partner’. We look forward to welcoming you to our latest webinar hosted by the PYA and Seascope France. To access our previous webinars, you can visit our website to see the latest discussions in the archive . More news PYA - the Voice of yacht crew Discover how our actions go beyond membership to strengthen the entire yachting sector. Read more Next Generation in Yachting Forum 2025 - Highlights The PYA Next Generation in Yachting Forum, held on 11 April in Antibes, offered aspiring yacht crew an invaluable insight into the yachting industry. With contributions from leading recruitment agents including Bluewater, Hill Robinson, The Crew Network, and YPI, the event covered essential topics such as CV preparation, interview techniques, and professional etiquette. Attendees also received guidance on visas, welfare support, and career pathways across all departments, with practical advice from Captains, trainers, and experienced crew. The afternoon concluded with focused breakout sessions and networking, providing a unique opportunity to connect with industry professionals and prepare for a successful career at sea. Read more PYA Christmas Ball 2024 Highlights The PYA Christmas Ball, held on 6 December 2024, was an exceptional evening celebrating the yachting community in style. This year’s theme, Peaky Blinders meets Downton Abbey, provided the perfect blend of elegance and vintage charm, creating a truly memorable atmosphere. Read more

The RYA has updated its latest guidance on preparing first aid at sea, a vital skill that every seafarer should seek to acquire at any stage of their career. RYA reveals latest first aid advisory for yacht crew To All news 6 October 2023 The RYA has updated its latest guidance on preparing first aid at sea, a vital skill that every seafarer should seek to acquire at any stage of their career. First aid can become vital in an unexpected situation either on land or onboard a vessel out at sea. This can also be the case in circumstances where another ship may be in distress. Crew members and guests can become unwell despite good sea conditions and first aid can help to manage minor to major incidents. Proper first aid can also prevent medical emergencies in the case of injuries and other unforeseen circumstances. “Most first aid on a boat requires nothing more than people do every day looking after their family. But accidents do happen and knowing what to do first can be very important. This is where some first aid knowledge can help,” said RYA National First Aid Advisor and Yachtmaster Examiner, Sara Hopkinson. Among Sara’s top tips for staying safe at sea include:

 Having both land and sea first aid knowledge to learn how to adapt to situations such as head injuries, water shock, hypothermia and drowning. Packing a first aid kit and having the correct items from bandages to pain relief and motion sickness tablets. Calling for help in an emergency with a handheld VHF radio for out-of-range areas. Being aware of cold-water shock and how to manage an emergency situation. Taking action in an emergency situation when it is better to do something rather than observe. The impact first aid can have in saving lives and providing care to people suffering at sea where there is no immediate access to medical facilities. To learn more about first aid, explore the RYA’s guidance that goes more in-depth on the topic and how seafarers can best prepare. More news PYA - the Voice of yacht crew Discover how our actions go beyond membership to strengthen the entire yachting sector. Read more Next Generation in Yachting Forum 2025 - Highlights The PYA Next Generation in Yachting Forum, held on 11 April in Antibes, offered aspiring yacht crew an invaluable insight into the yachting industry. With contributions from leading recruitment agents including Bluewater, Hill Robinson, The Crew Network, and YPI, the event covered essential topics such as CV preparation, interview techniques, and professional etiquette. Attendees also received guidance on visas, welfare support, and career pathways across all departments, with practical advice from Captains, trainers, and experienced crew. The afternoon concluded with focused breakout sessions and networking, providing a unique opportunity to connect with industry professionals and prepare for a successful career at sea. Read more PYA Christmas Ball 2024 Highlights The PYA Christmas Ball, held on 6 December 2024, was an exceptional evening celebrating the yachting community in style. This year’s theme, Peaky Blinders meets Downton Abbey, provided the perfect blend of elegance and vintage charm, creating a truly memorable atmosphere. Read more

There are some excellent opportunities throughout the year to sponsor a PYA event and showcase your company. With members from over 90 countries around the world, as well as connections with all the top management, charter, training and recruitment companies, not to mention the yachting press, the PYA is in a unique position to be able to promote your brand within the yachting industry. Our events are always extremely well-attended, and receive excellent feedback, so sponsoring a PYA event is a sure-fire way to get yourself noticed by the right people. In exchange for your support, we are able to offer you promotional coverage before, during and after the event. As our events receive a lot of attention in the press and on social media, your brand will receive a lot of circulation. The specifics of what is included will vary from event to event, but generally we can offer our sponsors: Banners displayed during the event Brochures on display Option to distribute promotional 'goodies' at event Logo on printed backdrop behind speakers/ photos Logo on any takeaways from the event (e.g. photos, goody bags) Company name and logo in event write up in Yachting Matters magazine (10,000 copies distributed to yachting industry) Written profile of your company on PYA website and social media before event Logo and company name promoted via PYA's active and engaged social media platforms Logo sent out via email to PYA members Free entry Networking with attendees, invitees and speakers As we are a non-profit association, we rely on the support of other companies in the industry to be able to continue the huge amount of work we do on behalf of the yachting industry and the people who work in it. None of our events, or our involvement at seminars and meetings around the world would be possible without the help of our generous sponsors. So a partnership is very much of mutual benefit! Depending on your budget and target audience, we can recommend the right event and package for you to get involved with. We seek sponsorship for both our educational and our social events. As well as financial sponsorship, you can also help out by providing drinks and/or food, prizes and other services. To enquire about sponsorship, please contact us. Event sponsorship There are some excellent opportunities throughout the year to sponsor a PYA event and showcase your company.

Crew culture is created by people regardless of the size of a yacht but it can vary immensely between small and large vessels. Comparing Crew Culture - Large Vs Small Yachts To All news 27 May 2021 What’s not in doubt, however, is the importance of teamwork for it is this foundation upon which the happiness and satisfaction levels on board depend. Team building is a specialty at Crew-Glue, and founder Sara Ballinger believes that a strongly bonded and cohesive crew is a vital building block for an enduring and successful onboard culture. “Self-awareness, respect, trust and the ability to flex to meet the cultural, thought and communication preferences of others is hugely important,” says Sara. “The same applies to small and large yachts but you concentrate on the whole crew on a smaller yacht instead of your own team and those you work closely with on larger yachts.” Continue reading... More news PYA - the Voice of yacht crew Discover how our actions go beyond membership to strengthen the entire yachting sector. Read more Next Generation in Yachting Forum 2025 - Highlights The PYA Next Generation in Yachting Forum, held on 11 April in Antibes, offered aspiring yacht crew an invaluable insight into the yachting industry. With contributions from leading recruitment agents including Bluewater, Hill Robinson, The Crew Network, and YPI, the event covered essential topics such as CV preparation, interview techniques, and professional etiquette. Attendees also received guidance on visas, welfare support, and career pathways across all departments, with practical advice from Captains, trainers, and experienced crew. The afternoon concluded with focused breakout sessions and networking, providing a unique opportunity to connect with industry professionals and prepare for a successful career at sea. Read more PYA Christmas Ball 2024 Highlights The PYA Christmas Ball, held on 6 December 2024, was an exceptional evening celebrating the yachting community in style. This year’s theme, Peaky Blinders meets Downton Abbey, provided the perfect blend of elegance and vintage charm, creating a truly memorable atmosphere. Read more

The préfet Maritime de la Méditerranée has updated their guidance on anchorage regulations, in line with its strategy to protect maritime ecosystems, including Posidonia. Posidonia regulations from Le préfet Maritime de la Méditerranée – July 2023 update To All news 31 July 2023 The préfet Maritime de la Méditerranée has updated their guidance on anchorage regulations, in line with its strategy to protect maritime ecosystems, including Posidonia. The latest regulations address anchorage of 24+ meter LOA vessels in Western Corsica (Arrêté # 168/2023) and in the Bay of Calvi (Arrêté # 189/2023). Areas of interest include: Considering that the action of anchoring and stopping French and foreign vessels in the French internal and territorial waters of the Mediterranean is a matter for the navigation police and public order at sea - which is the responsibility of the Maritime Prefect. Anchoring or stopping is the responsibility of the ship's captain, the skipper, or any person in charge or in control of the vessel. The rules governing the safe passage of foreign vessels in French territorial waters defined by the Préfet Maritime. France's obligations to preserve the good ecological status of its waters. Considering the scientific studies communicated to the Préfet Maritime showing the worsening degradation of Posidonia meadows linked to the anchoring of large vessels (over 24 meters in length overall). Considering the need to regulate the anchoring and stopping of vessels with French or foreign flags in French inland and territorial Mediterranean waters, in order to defend the sovereign rights and interests of the Nation, maintain public order, safeguard people and property, and protect the environment. Copies of the regulations with maps can be accessed here: Arrêté # 168/2023 - Western Corsica Arrêté # 189/2023 - Bay of Calvi More news PYA - the Voice of yacht crew Discover how our actions go beyond membership to strengthen the entire yachting sector. Read more Next Generation in Yachting Forum 2025 - Highlights The PYA Next Generation in Yachting Forum, held on 11 April in Antibes, offered aspiring yacht crew an invaluable insight into the yachting industry. With contributions from leading recruitment agents including Bluewater, Hill Robinson, The Crew Network, and YPI, the event covered essential topics such as CV preparation, interview techniques, and professional etiquette. Attendees also received guidance on visas, welfare support, and career pathways across all departments, with practical advice from Captains, trainers, and experienced crew. The afternoon concluded with focused breakout sessions and networking, providing a unique opportunity to connect with industry professionals and prepare for a successful career at sea. Read more PYA Christmas Ball 2024 Highlights The PYA Christmas Ball, held on 6 December 2024, was an exceptional evening celebrating the yachting community in style. This year’s theme, Peaky Blinders meets Downton Abbey, provided the perfect blend of elegance and vintage charm, creating a truly memorable atmosphere. Read more

Resolutions, detoxes and diets...How's it going? Are you living in a haze of green smoothies and dawn yoga sessions, or have you fallen off the wagon and eaten half the crew mess Pringles? The Weight of Expectations - Yacht crew & eating disorders To All news 8 April 2021 If you’re locked down in a port or shipyard, maybe getting fit is the only thing you can do right now, but fad diets are ever present, aren't they? In this privileged world of yachting, food is abundant, there are lunch and dinner buffets, crew mess cupboards bursting with snacks, leftover guest lobster… and it’s ironic that amidst all this glorious food, many of us are trying very hard not to eat it. Continue reading here . Author: The K Flag More news PYA - the Voice of yacht crew Discover how our actions go beyond membership to strengthen the entire yachting sector. Read more Next Generation in Yachting Forum 2025 - Highlights The PYA Next Generation in Yachting Forum, held on 11 April in Antibes, offered aspiring yacht crew an invaluable insight into the yachting industry. With contributions from leading recruitment agents including Bluewater, Hill Robinson, The Crew Network, and YPI, the event covered essential topics such as CV preparation, interview techniques, and professional etiquette. Attendees also received guidance on visas, welfare support, and career pathways across all departments, with practical advice from Captains, trainers, and experienced crew. The afternoon concluded with focused breakout sessions and networking, providing a unique opportunity to connect with industry professionals and prepare for a successful career at sea. Read more PYA Christmas Ball 2024 Highlights The PYA Christmas Ball, held on 6 December 2024, was an exceptional evening celebrating the yachting community in style. This year’s theme, Peaky Blinders meets Downton Abbey, provided the perfect blend of elegance and vintage charm, creating a truly memorable atmosphere. Read more

For over three decades, PYA has driven significant change in the yachting industry. Here are some of our key achievements: 2025: PYA launches its new digital platform, transforming the way Sea Service Testimonials are processed. The entire system is now online — no more paper forms — making the submission and verification process faster and easier for crew and captains alike. 2025: The PYA was granted permission by the MCA to verify sea service carried out in the Amazon Basin, to be used for CoC revalidations. For over three decades, PYA has driven significant change in the yachting industry. Here are some of our key achievements: 2025 PYA launches its new digital platform, transforming the way Sea Service Testimonials are processed. The entire system is now online — no more paper forms — making the submission and verification process faster and easier for crew and captains alike. The PYA was granted permission by the MCA to verify sea service carried out in the Amazon Basin, to be used for CoC revalidations. 2024 Record number of files processed in a month. 2021+ Initiated and built a close working relationships with French Authorities and Government Authorities. 2016 Signed a collaboration agreement with World Chefs Society to recognise yacht chefs. 2015 The PYA consulted with the MCA for the development of MSN1859 and 1858, engineering and deck. This included the new Commercial Engineering qualifications (for yachts, tugs, workboats etc.). 2013 Developed the Ships Cook Assessment route in response to MLC regulations. 2011 The PYA created the GUEST Program (now the IAMI GUEST Program), developing bespoke industry standards of training and certification for crew. GUEST accredited courses are now offered by training providers worldwide. 2004 Developed the MCA OOW (Yacht) Training Record Book, in consultation with the MCA. This included the Yacht Rating Training Record Book, leading to Yacht Rating Certification, which assisted the manning regulations for yacht crew. 1994 Created the PYA Service Record Book (SRB), validating sea service for MCA. 1991 Lobbied with the MCA (the Maritime Safety Agency) for the LY1 “Yacht” qualifications for Deck Officers. To About us Historical Achievements