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The ACP have issued a new Advisory for shipping as an extended period of drought hits normal operations in the Panama Canal. © Michael D. Camphin Panama Canal limits shipping due to low water levels affecting yacht transition times To All news 10 August 2023 The ACP have issued a new Advisory for shipping as an extended period of drought hits normal operations in the Panama Canal. Yachts that have not booked their transit will find delays running between 2 to 7 days. Unbooked larger vessels are also seeing very high delays of more than 2 weeks in certain cases. It is therefore recommended to book transit slots for specific days following the updated guidance. In particular yachts should plan ahead despite experiencing less disruption at present as the situation is changing daily. A limit of only 32 vessels on average per day is now in place until September 2024. Yachts that are over 125 feet which use Locomotives and Panama Canal Lineholders are also encouraged to book their transit for a specific day as August and September availability has almost run out. Delays could also worsen in the coming months with an increasing backlog of vessels due to the restrictions affecting yachts that have not yet made a decision on their transit booking dates. The new ACP Advisory is in effect since July 30th, and low water levels at the Gatun Lake as a result of the current drought means that measures are being taken now to avoid further restrictions. Due to the unpredictably dry season, additional action could be taken at short notice to restrict transits further. The Panama Canal Authority communiqué can be reviewed here for additional guidance. 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

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. In order to streamline this process and improve the efficiency of how we process your testimonials, we have put together a list of useful tips to follow when preparing and submitting your testimonials. Tips for preparing your testimonials To All news 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 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 truth is that many people don’t fully appreciate the value of working with a good yacht manager. They are often perceived as an interference and sometimes even as a threat but they are actually there for a good reason. The Merit of Working with a Good Yacht Manager To All news 10 October 2022 The truth is that many people don’t fully appreciate the value of working with a good yacht manager. They are often perceived as an interference and sometimes even as a threat but they are actually there for a good reason. Growing vessel sizes, fiscal issues and changing regulations are making the smooth functioning of a superyacht increasingly complex and having a professional partner that complements the work of the crew can make the difference between good and great results. Yacht managers should be the go-to person when there is a problem but that is not their only role. They are there to clarify, simplify, synthesise, unify and ultimately forge relationships. In order to successfully manage and maintain a superyacht everyone must trust and believe in each other. It’s a matter of connection, contribution and constantly asking oneself “how can we do this better?”. In a nutshell, yacht managers are there to offer their support and expert guidance so that captains and crew can excel and owners can enjoy. Among the many advantages of working with an experienced yacht manager, is their foresight. Due to their solid experience, they can anticipate and effectively deal with matters before they turn into a crisis. A high level of proactivity is needed when running a yacht as it allows owners to enjoy their asset whilst remaining confident of their personal safety and the vessel’s compliance with standards and regulations. Owning a yacht is a luxury that comes with a lot of responsibilities but working with a good yacht manager means that they can be met without having to be involved in day to day tasks. Yacht managers are usually responsible for a fleet of vessels and, over time, have accumulated an excellent working knowledge of flag state laws. They are well versed with the International Safety Management (ISM), International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Codes, Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Convention and Port State Control. They are aware of the manner in which relevant bodies and authorities interact and have resolved multiple issues ranging from the unpleasant such as repairs due to accidents to the more attractive such as planning improvements and working towards reducing impact on the environment. Managing a fleet means that there are long standing and trustworthy relationships in place with shipyards, suppliers and vendors, and this can lead to an economy of scale. Whether it concerns a refit due to age or change of ownership, planned maintenance or urgently needed spare parts, they have the contacts and connections to ensure cost savings and as little downtime as possible. Which brings us to the matter of financial control and accounting. Yachts usually proceed with a very large number of transactions in a variety of currencies and this requires experienced bookkeepers. They may require debit cards for their day to day expenditures, processing of purchase orders and verification of invoices. Superyacht crew are not trained accountants and appreciate the contribution of a yacht manager in this area as it allows them to concentrate on their principal task: to offer services that exceed the owner’s and their own expectations. Good yacht managers are also multitaskers and team players with strong communication skills. They know how to listen, maintain their composure under pressure and look out for others. These skills allow them to execute and oversee the tasks associated with the overall functioning of a yacht and which require cooperation with a wide range of personalities and job descriptions. All things considered, choosing to work with an experienced and skilled yacht manager is key to stress-free yachting. MYBA recognises the importance of yacht managers to the smooth operation of a yacht and has long established a Yacht Management Committee (YMC) whose actions are guided by MYBA’s commitment to establishing and maintaining the highest quality of standards and service. The aim of the YMC is to connect the world’s superyacht professionals in an endeavour to create a sustainable future for the superyacht industry. By working collaboratively to open and maintain dialogues with relevant bodies & authorities, raise industry-wide concerns, address common challenges and foster the exchange of information and expertise, it strives to lead an industry transformation towards environmentally friendly and socially responsible practices and attitudes. Trusted by authorities and regulatory bodies, MYBA possesses a strong voice which it uses to represent and defend the interests of the superyacht sector. The strength of this voice also brings with it the responsibility to promote education and that is why the YMC, in cooperation with The Training Academy , decided to add a Yacht Management Seminar to the annual agenda to follow the successful MYBA Superyacht Brokers' Seminars. The new Seminar is currently taking place in the South of France (October 10-12, 2022) and offers a basic introduction to the world of yacht management including subjects such as registration, VAT, ownership structure and safety management. 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 GUEST Program, governed by the International Association of Maritime Institutions (IAMI) representing maritime educators and regulators and are experts in developing and delivering maritime education globally, is recognized internationally within the superyacht industry. The GUEST Program, governed by the International Association of Maritime Institutions (IAMI), stands as a hallmark of excellence in superyacht education. IAMI, representing maritime educators and regulators, is renowned for its expertise in developing and delivering maritime education worldwide. The GUEST program is internationally recognized within the superyacht industry as the definitive standard for the Large Yacht qualifications and assessments for industry led education. It offers a comprehensive portfolio of short courses that align with the regulatory requirements for seafarers' qualifications. GUEST training is meticulously designed to provide targeted education tailored to the diverse responsibilities and activities crew members are expected to perform. The program equips professionals with the technical skills and attributes necessary to excel in their roles, enhancing their careers both onboard and ashore. These courses not only align with the mandatory aspects of superyacht operations but primarily focus on developing the advanced skills required for high-level performance in this specialized industry. In addition, the IAMI CoC is achievable for GUEST students working within the various Interior department’s onboard, where superyacht professionals can demonstrate their commitment to excellence and adherence to the highest standards of safety, service, and operational competence, as well as enhancing their career prospects. The GUEST Program utilizes blended learning platforms to offer flexible and accessible training. This approach allows students across different time zones to progress at their own pace, ensuring that the education is accommodating and effective. With a network of approved GUEST trainers and specialists located worldwide, students receive consistent support and guidance throughout their training journey. This personalized mentorship ensures a high level of engagement and provided a deeper understanding of the course material. On successful completion of each course, students earn the industry-recognized IAMI GUEST Certification, highly regarded to enhance their career progression and professional journey within the superyacht sector. To ensure that GUEST courses remain current, effective, and of the highest quality, they are regularly inspected and updated by teams of professional experts and qualified trainers. IAMI plays a critical role in upholding these standards through ongoing audits of its Training Providers, meticulously reviewing and monitoring course delivery, qualification standards, and learning outcomes. This rigorous quality assurance process guarantees that the education provided across IAMI GUEST Accredited Training Providers continues to be a valuable investment for students, contributing to their professional growth and advancing the standards of superyacht education. By maintaining this high level of oversight, the GUEST Program not only benefits individual learners but also contributes to elevating the overall professionalism and competence within the superyacht industry. Services Accredited Training Programs: Providing a comprehensive portfolio of accredited short courses designed to meet the unique demands of the superyacht industry, covering areas such as onboard operations, hospitality, and safety. Certification and Qualifications: Issuing internationally recognized IAMI GUEST Certifications upon successful course completion, which are highly regarded in the superyacht industry for enhancing professional credentials. With the completion of a GUEST Hospitality Program leading to the issue of an IAMI Yacht Hospitality Certificate of Competency. Approved Trainers and Specialists: Connecting students with a network of approved GUEST trainers and specialists worldwide, providing expert guidance and support throughout their training journey. Curriculum Development: Developing and regularly updating course content to align with industry standards and regulatory requirements, ensuring that training remains relevant and effective. Quality Assurance and Auditing: Conducting ongoing audits and inspections of IAMI GUEST Accredited Training Providers to ensure consistent delivery of high-quality education and adherence to established standards. Industry Standards Alignment: Ensuring that the GUEST Program aligns with regulatory mandatory seafarers' qualifications and industry best practices, maintaining a high level of professionalism in superyacht training. Career Enhancement and Professional Growth: Providing targeted training that supports career advancement for superyacht professionals, enhancing their skill sets and improving job prospects within the industry. Blended Learning Platforms : Offering flexible learning options through blended learning platforms, allowing students to study at their own pace and in various time zones, with both online and in-person components. Skills and Competency Development: Focusing on the development of technical skills and attributes required for a broad range of responsibilities within the superyacht sector, both onboard and ashore. Networking and Professional Community: Offering opportunities for students and trainers to connect with industry professionals, creating a network of peers and mentors within the superyacht sector. Contact information Joey Meen International Association of Maritime Institutions IAMI Director (BoD), IAMI GUEST Sub Group Sec & IAMI GUEST Director +44 7399 662408 guest@iami.org.uk www.guest-program.com Guest Program The GUEST Program, governed by the International Association of Maritime Institutions (IAMI) representing maritime educators and regulators and are experts in developing and delivering maritime education globally, is recognized internationally within the superyacht industry. Visit website Back to All Partners Become a member and enjoy the exclusive offers from our partners. Become a member

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. Summary of the Sea Changes Forum 2025 To All news 25 September 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. Pierre-Luc Lecompte, French Maritime Administration (Préfecture maritime de la Méditerranée) Pierre-Luc outlined recent developments in France’s yachting framework, focusing on updated mooring and anchoring rules across the Mediterranean. Presentation PowerPoint: Update on buoys: The Bay of Pampelonne now includes 60 new buoys for yachts. The Bay of Cavalière, in the central part of the Var (Le Lavandou), now includes 2 of 71 buoys dedicated to yachts. Area adjustments: Extension of the area forbidden to dynamic positioning around the islands of Porquerolles and Port-Cros. Reduction of the south-eastern part of the mandatory mooring area for yachts over 80 meters in the east of Cannes. Extension of the area forbidden to anchoring for vessels over 20 meters around Cap d’Ail to include the entire MPA (Marine Protected Area) perimeter. Main references updated: Rules for nautical activities within 300m from shore: arrêté n°109/2024 du 30 avril 2024 – Anchoring/mooring of yachts > 45m & 80m, mandatory areas for all French Med: arrêté n°157/2024 modifié du 23 mai 2024 – Duration of anchoring: arrêté n°077/2025 du 15 avril 2025. All local regulations from the Maritime Prefect (incl. 16 on anchoring limits > 20–24 m) are available at: https://premar-mediterranee.gouv.fr/arretes . Case study — “Divide the space”: East Golfe-Juan (Baie du Croûton) shows how segmentation balances access, protects sensitive areas, and improves safety. Rachel Andrews, Chief Instructor, RYA Power Schemes Rachel’s “Digital First” update encouraged trusted digital navigation with built-in redundancy and verification, plus efficiency gains from virtual inspections. Presentation PowerPoint: Small-Vessel Electronic Chart System: SV-ECS is the first formally recognised small-vessel electronic chart system. Key Principle: Do not rely on a single source of information. Whilst using multi-function displays is practical, they should always be backed up with methods to give you an overall picture. Training: Yachtmaster (YM) recovered to pre-pandemic levels (~7,000 certificates so far in September 2025). Undertaking work to develop a YM apprenticeship route (MCA Master 200) with the Maritime Skills Alliance for UK nationals. Need to standardise onboard RYA Personal Water Craft (PWC) training for guests for safety purposes. Post-Brexit recognition: Since Brexit, only Spain initially refused RYA qualifications, but most decisions were reversed by mid-2021. Despite contacting all European maritime authorities before Brexit, no formal responses have been received. However, anecdotal evidence shows that, apart from a few isolated cases, RYA certificate holders continue to operate as they did pre-Brexit. John Wyborn, Co-founder & Director, Bluewater John discussed flexible, practical approaches that embed learning within real operations. Jason Collings, Director, Safety & Compliance, Cayman Islands Shipping Registry (CISR) Jason outlined CISR’s latest yacht regulatory updates, clarifying contracts, safety expectations, and operational limits in line with international standards. Presentation powerpoint: Employment contracts for Cayman Islands ship (pleasure vessels): Written contracts now required ( Guidance Note 05/2024 ) issued to raise awareness and provide clearer guidance on how to respond if subjected to harassment or inappropriate sexual behaviour. MLC vessels still require approved SEAs. The minimum requirements include : the amount of wages and method of payment; the production of monthly wage accounts; any wage deductions permitted by the Act; the entitlement to repatriation and medical expenses; any entitlement to leave; any notice period required; the agreed place for the return of the seafarer; and the governing law. Harassment/sexual misconduct: STCW Basic Training – Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities (PSSR) updated, enters force 01 Jan 2026. Will include training on the prevention of and response to violence and harassment, including sexual harassment, bullying, and sexual assault. MLC B 4.3 requires Companies to ensure H&S policies include bullying and harassment. Seafarer feedback and complaints will be a focus area during DoC audits IMO discussing ISM Code amendments specifically to deal with sexual harassment, bullying and sexual assault. REG Yacht Code : REG Yacht Code Part A (Large Yachts) now permits twin occupancy crew cabins for seafarers who are not performing the duties of officers on yachts up to 10,000GT. Following additional requirements apply: cabins to have ensuite facilities, officer’s lounge, crew lounge, crew gym. Case by case above 10,000GT. Additional guests: Shipping Notice 01/2025 refers. ISM managed yachts in private use certified under the REG Yacht Code may carry additional guests with no need to request a dispensation letter. Capped at 36 for Large Yachts and 60 Passenger for Passenger Yachts. See presentation for all capacity. Auxiliary tenders: CIGN 01/2025 refers An Auxiliary Tender has its own COBR solely for tender activities. Record of Auxiliary tender (ROAT) to assist with charter licensing. Guest transfer ashore only, <3 NM, up to 12 guests. Small Commercial Vessel cert or Cayman Islands Auxiliary Tender SoC. Record of Lifeboats, Tenders and Other Appurtenances (ROLTA). Stowed onboard, no separate COBR or safety cert Electro Technical Officers (ETO): Sect.19 Electro Technical Officers (ETO) now includes when we would expect an ETO to be recorded on the MSMD. For all vessels with high voltage (HV) i.e. generated/distributed at more than 1kV it’s expected that an ETO will be required. ETO shall hold a STCW III/6 CoC. It’s recommended that Engineer Officers serving onboard diesel electric vessels with voltage less than 1KV complete HV training. Propulsion power basis: Determined by the single highest-rated engine/pod. Steerable propulsion: Familiarisation mandatory before duties and before sailing. Non-STCW CoCs: These Certificates are not eligible for Flag State Endorsements: RYA Yacht Master Coastal; IYT Master of Yachts Coastal; RYA Yachtmaster Offshore; IYT Master of Yachts Limited; RYA Yachtmaster Ocean; IYT Master of Yachts Unlimited Fully online STCW (with practical elements): Not accepted. Pilot boarding arrangements: SOLAS V/23 – ‘Pilot Transfer Arrangements’ applies to ALL “ships engaged on voyages in the course of which pilots may be employed” A pilot may refuse boarding, thus preventing the vessel’s entry into port, and the Port State authority may take enforcement action (i.e.a detention or fine). From 1 Jan 2028 - pilot ladders secured deckhead no longer permitted. Ajit Jacob, Chief Examiner & Head of Seafarers Technical Delivery, MCA Ajit outlined the MCA’s modernisation of UK Yacht Certificates of Competency (CoCs) to support clear, sector-specific progression while upholding STCW standards. Presentation powerpoint : Cadet Training & Modernisation Programme (Sept 2025): ECDIS simulator will now be used in workshop training and can contribute towards sea service requirements. The programme will include data skills and cybersecurity training. Small Vessel Pathway: Updated syllabuses (outdated content removed; current tech added); written exams moving to MCA digital platform. Yacht-restricted Unlimited kW CoC for Engineers: New CoC with updated syllabuses for Oral & Engineering Knowledge exams for large yachts; flexible sea-service; digital exams to progress from 3000 GT/9000 kW Chief Engineer. AEPC1: Addressing the need for training on electrical propulsion. 35 hours within the Small Vessel Approved framework, parallel to AEC1. Training on battery safety (all crew) + operations/technical (Engineers). Alternative fuels: Hydrogen pilot course (delivered Sept 2024) – a 2-day course covering bunkering and risks. Other courses include; ammonia, methanol and IGF 30-day equivalency in development. Chief Mate & Master Yacht Unlimited (Reg II/2): CMYU aligned to modernise syllabus; eligibility and progression per amended MSN 1858. Next steps: Monthly workshops; amendments to MSN 1858 & 1859 targeted by Apr 2026; collaboration via exams@mcga.gov.uk . Joey Meen, IAMI Director; Director, IAMI GUEST; President, Superyacht Alliance for Professional Standards Joey placed the human element at the centre of yacht safety and service. Presentation powerpoint: She highlighted the “expectation gap” between minimum standards and real-world competence and how this is driving fatigue, incidents, turnover and cost. She introduced the Superyacht Alliance’s committee-led Think Tanks and its work towards a Superyacht Qualifications Framework to align onboard and shore-based standards and map clearer careers. Joey closed with IAMI GUEST’s accredited programmes that fill the gaps between minimums and the broader skills needed across areas such as; service aligned with safety, leadership and communication, HR and wellbeing, purser/admin, finance and AV/IT. Dr Mathias Jonas, Secretary-General, International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) Dr Jonas set out where ocean mapping stands today and why the yachting community can meaningfully accelerate it. Presentation PowerPoint: Despite major progress, only about 27% of global ocean depths have been directly measured, and roughly half of waters shallower than 200 metres remain un-surveyed areas infrequently transited by other vessels. Therefore, yachts are well placed to contribute meaningfully to this goal. He framed Crowdsourced Bathymetry (CSB) as “digital philanthropy”: citizen‑science data with scientific, commercial and research value, delivered at no cost to the public sector. The model is already working, more than 500 vessels have contributed hundreds of thousands of depth tracks to the IHO/NOAA Data Centre for Digital Bathymetry, building a dataset used to verify charts, identify uncharted or mis-charted features, and fill gaps along complex, shallow coasts. Notably, new contributors such as Carnival (since March 2025) have visibly densified coverage across the Atlantic within months, illustrating how incremental passages add up to step‑change improvements. His ask to explorer yachts: passively share navigational depth data through existing systems to help verify charts, reveal uncharted features, and make coasts safer - at no extra effort to the crew. Sam Stewart, Founder & Director, Relief Crew Foundation The forum concludes with an initiative led by Sam Stewart, founder of the Relief Crew Foundation, a registered NGO (non-profit) linking the yachting community’s skills and resources with humanitarian projects. Presentation powerpoint : After witnessing asylum seekers crowded on a coastguard boat alongside guests on deck, Sam decided to create his foundation with the aim to turn goodwill into practical action. Relief Crew vets partner NGOs, assembles tailored volunteer teams, organises logistics (flights, accommodation, vaccinations and visas), and secures project materials and funding from supporters, owners and participating yachts. The result is purpose‑driven volunteering that offers owners a trusted, values‑aligned route to philanthropy and enables crew to work alongside communities in need to deliver lasting impact. To take part or support a project, please contact sam@reliefcrewfoundation.org or visit www.reliefcrewfoundation.org . We would like to extend our sincere thanks to our sponsors , whose invaluable support made this event possible. 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

Last month’s news was that the crew on the 31m M/Y La Dolce Vita had to abandon their burning yacht off the Florida Keys before fire totally gutted it and the yacht sank. Other than the watches on their wrists and the smartphones in their pockets, they may not have managed to take many other of their personal belongings with them when they abandoned the yacht. Repatriation of Personal Possessions To All news 13 April 2021 Last month’s news was that the crew on the 31m M/Y La Dolce Vita had to abandon their burning yacht off the Florida Keys before fire totally gutted it and the yacht sank. Other than the watches on their wrists and the smartphones in their pockets, they may not have managed to take many other of their personal belongings with them when they abandoned the yacht. This was not a unique occasion when yacht crew have been unexpectedly separated from their personal effects in a traumatic manner. A brief online search will reveal a series of other yacht fires and founderings, including some very large yachts. Recently, the 75m S/Y Enigma burned out and sank off Langkawi. The 60m M/Y Yogi sank in heavy weather in the Aegean in February 2012. The Yogi episode was spread over several hours before the crew were lifted off by helicopter, and they reportedly had time to assemble all their belongings to take with them. In other incidents, the speed of abandonment was such that few of the crew members’ personal effects left with their owners. Bicycles, surfboards, parachute packs, and even laptops are unwelcome candidates as survival equipment in a life raft. The above examples illustrate one category of separations between crew and their possessions, namely accidents to vessels. Accidents to individuals, leading to unexpected hospitalization and/or repatriation, are another category. Fatalities, occurring either onboard or during the period of service, are a third category. The Covid-19 crisis has brought to our attention a fourth category of enforced separation of seafarers from their belongings. A combination of quarantine/isolation/lockdown restrictions, plus limited or total unavailability of air travel to particular destinations, has meant that some of our PYA members have been unable to rejoin their yachts after a period of leave and have consequently been paid off. The return of their belongings has not always gone smoothly. The foregoing serves to show that there exists a niche area of crew welfare that is often overlooked and unprepared for until a critical situation arises. Whenever seafarers are separated from their onboard personal possessions for whatever reason, there are specific regulations and protocols to follow. The particular duties and responsibilities of owners/managers and masters, and the rights of the seafarer concerned, will be found in the flag state shipping regulations (for instance the UK Merchant Shipping (Maritime Labour Convention) (Minimum Requirements for Seafarers etc.) Regulations 2014, Part6). In some instances the seafarer’s rights under such regulations may be embodied in, appended to, or referred to in the SEA. With regard to the UK Statutory Instrument referred to above, note the following paragraph: (13) The seafarer or the next of kin, as the case may be, must reimburse the shipowner for the reasonable delivery costs if demanded. A similar clause may be found in the regulations of other flag registries. There is no guidance as to the grounds for reimbursement of such delivery costs. Justifiable grounds could be extreme misconduct on board, leading to instant dismissal and police escort to the airport, or criminal conduct leading to imprisonment under the regime of the port being visited, such as possession of drugs or pornography. No matter who pays for the shipment, a proper accounting of all left-behind possessions is called for in all circumstances. In the event of personal belongings having to be shipped to a former crew member, or their next of kin, the circumstances leading to separation from those belongings, whether fire, foundering, sickness, injury or death are certain to create stress for those involved. The last thing that anybody needs is to compound the stress by controversy over the belongings which have been left behind on board. The best precaution to take in order to avoid a dispute over such possessions is to maintain onboard an electronic register into which each crew member can enter all relevant details regarding their personal belongings. Entries should include a photograph of each item (face and back of the case of expensive watches,) photograph of proof of purchase, make, model, serial number, a brief description, and any other pertinent information (such as provenance). The electronic format allows for easy updates as crew change or they buy themselves new toys, and remote cloud storage safeguards the list in the event of catastrophic annihilation of onboard records. The full list should be password protected, with at least one person ashore, possibly the DPA, having access. With this data always retrievable, appropriate action can be taken in the event of shipment of one person’s belongings, or a post-loss insurance claim by all crew members. If no central registry is kept on board, it would behove each individual crew member to maintain their own personal inventory in a similar remotely stored manner. In all instances, the Master or a delegated officer should verify the existence of all items listed. 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 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 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

Have you found yourself in dispute between your current or old employers after being fired or voluntarily leaving? Unfortunately, far too many yacht crew are still finding themselves in the situation of being treated unfairly or aren't paid after leaving a vessel and aren't quite sure what their rights are. What to do when things go wrong... To All news 26 August 2019 Have you found yourself in dispute between your current or old employers after being fired or voluntarily leaving? Unfortunately, far too many yacht crew are still finding themselves in the situation of being treated unfairly or aren't paid after leaving a vessel and aren't quite sure what their rights are. Long standing PYA Director and Captain, Richard Le Quesne, who has been providing guidance to our members on what to look out for in their work contract and what to do in the instance of being fired, has given the following advice: Terms of your contract... If you're working on a commercial or charter yacht, you should have been given, before you joined the vessel, a contract, now known as a Seafarers Employment Agreement (SEA) which conforms to the Maritime Labour Convention 2006 (MLC 2006), which is an international convention regulating the employment of seafarers. This convention has created the benchmark for private ‘pleasure' vessels and meant many crew are now being employed under SEA-type contracts, even though this still doesn’t provide the same legal protection and employment terms as MLC 2006. Because crew on private vessels aren’t required to be contracted under this convention, their employment terms are usually governed by the national laws of the Flag States. Far too many crew are still finding themselves in situations where their contract doesn’t meet any of these standards, or they’re given no contract at all – especially if they're hired for a temporary period. Here are some steps you can take if you find yourself in one of the following situations: If you leave voluntarily... In most cases, notice of one month is required but longer notice periods are sometimes used for senior crew. Always give notice in writing, even if you have first done so verbally. Regardless of the contractual notice period, it’s desirable to give as much notice as possible so as to make the task of finding your replacement easier for the Captain and so increase the chances of getting a good reference. Do not, except under the most extreme circumstances, quit without giving notice. Not only does this put you in breach of contract and so possibly liable for expenses incurred in replacing you but it will be a blot on your record and may make finding a job harder in the future. When the time comes to leave the yacht, you may be asked to sign a document setting out the financial details (salary owed, accrued holiday pay, etc.) of your departure. If you are, insist on being given a signed copy. Also, remember to ask the Captain or the Mate to make an entry in your Discharge Book and to give you a Certificate of Discharge – in the form of a Sea Service Testimonial, ideally on the PYA’s template, as this covers all required information. They can refuse to give you a reference but they must give you a Certificate of Discharge if you ask for it. If you are fired... In reality, there is no job protection in yachting and anyone can be fired at any time, without reason. Your SEA or Crew Agreement will have a list of serious faults that can lead to instant dismissal but it’s very unusual, in yachting, for these to be invoked. Much more common is for the Captain to tell you that you are to be fired for some other reason – but he does not have to specify it. Commercial yachts and larger pleasure vessels will have a set disciplinary procedure with a series of formal warnings before you are dismissed. If fired, you should insist on being provided with transport back to the agreed repatriation destination and are entitled to ask to be paid in full on the day you leave, but, if you have confidence in the Captain, you can, instead, accept a written undertaking that you will be paid a stated amount by a stated date. As mentioned above, ask for your Discharge Book to be completed and for a signed Sea Service Testimonial /Certificate of Discharge. Once off the yacht, don’t bad-mouth the owner, the yacht or the crew because it makes you look unprofessional and could rebound on you in the future. If you have a complaint... On commercial yachts you should have been given a copy of the complaints procedure when you joined. Many pleasure vessels, especially the larger ones, also have a formal complaints procedure. On a commercial vessel, if you are not satisfied with the outcome of your formal complaint, you have the right under MLC 2006 to take it to the shoreside management and, ultimately, to a Port State Control inspector or a Flag State representative. On a pleasure vessel you may have the right to take your complaint to shoreside management. What your contract should include As stated above, crew on commercial yachts are supposed to have been given, before they joined the vessel, an MLC 2006 compliant Seafarer’s Employment Agreement . This SEA must include the following: The seafarer’s name, date of birth and place of birth The name and address of the ship owner (or employer) Date and place of signing the SEA The seafarer’s job on board Details of the seafarer’s pay including, if relevant, how it’s calculated. The seafarer’s entitlement to paid holidays Termination arrangements. Note: The notice period for the employer cannot be shorter than the notice period for the seafarer. Health and social security benefits to be provided by the employer Repatriation details Reference to the Collective Bargaining Agreement, if any Any other particulars required by the law of the Flag State Important inclusions in the Convention Reg. 1.4 – A seafarer must not be made to pay in any way for obtaining a job. Reg. 2.2 – Wages must be paid, in full, at least every month. Reg. 2.3 – Hours of work / Hours of rest must comply with international rules and must be recorded. Reg. 2.4 – In general, all seafarers must be given at least 2.5 days of paid holiday per month worked. Reg. 2.5 – In most circumstances, a seafarer leaving a ship must be given free transport back to his/her home. Reg. 4.1 – In most circumstances, a seafarer must be provided with free medical care. Reg. 5.1.5 – There must be an established on-board complaints procedure and every seafarer must be given a copy of it when joining. Reg. 5.2.2 – Seafarers have the right to make a complaint to a shore official and this official must follow set procedures in dealing with it. For more information or assistance contact advice@pya.org Image credit: Photo by Simon Lund on Unsplash 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

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The PYA is proud to present the 2025 Sea Changes Forum, taking place on Thursday 25 September at the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) in Monaco, during the Monaco Yacht Show. From 16:00 to 20:00, this key industry event will bring together professionals, regulators, and crew representatives to discuss the latest developments in yachting, from regulations and certification to crew welfare and career opportunities. The Forum will conclude with a networking reception, offering a unique opportunity to connect with colleagues and stakeholders in the heart of Monaco. Sea changes Forum 2025 Edition - Everything You Need to Know To All news 23 September 2025 The Professional Yachting Association (PYA) is delighted to announce the 2025 edition of the Sea Changes Forum, to be held on Thursday 25 September 2025 , at the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) in Monaco, as part of the Monaco Yacht Show. Bringing together leading professionals, regulators, and crew representatives, the Sea Changes Forum provides a platform to explore the latest developments in the industry. Topics include regulatory updates, certification pathways, crew welfare, and career progression, offering valuable insights for all those working in yachting. Since its launch in 2011, the Sea Changes Forum has become a cornerstone of the Monaco Yacht Show calendar, offering a platform for open dialogue, knowledge sharing, and collaboration across the yachting community. We warmly invite all industry stakeholders to join us for an afternoon of insight and exchange, and an evening of meaningful connections in the heart of Monaco. PYA Sea Changes Forum Agenda 2025: 15:30 Forum Registration Open, International Hydrographic Organisation, 4b Quai Antoine 1er, Monaco 16:00 Christophe Bourillon, CEO Professional Yachting Association (PYA) “Welcome & Introduction by the PYA” 16:05 Mathias Jonas, Secretary-General International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) “Welcome to the IHO” 16:10 Pierre-Luc Lecompte, Senior Maritime Affairs Administrator, Division of “State Action at Sea”, Head of the Marine Protection and Sustainable Development Unit, French Maritime Administration (Préfet Maritime de la Mediterranee) “Main evolutions of the juridical framework of yachting in the French Mediterranean in 2025, with focus on mooring and anchoring regulations” 16:20 Rachel Andrews, Chief Instructor for the RYA Power schemes “RYA Update from Training and Qualifications” 16:35 John Wyborn, Co-founder and Director of Bluewater “Training doesn’t have to be in the classroom” 16:50 Jason Collings, Director, Safety & Compliance of the Cayman Island “Regulatory Update & Initiatives - Cayman Islands Shipping Registry” 17:05 Ajit Jacob, Chief Examiner, Head of Seafarers Technical Delivery, UK Seafarer Services, Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA ) “Update on UK Seafaring Training & introduction of the new Yacht Unlimited CoCs” 17:25 Joey Meen, Director of the International Association of Maritime Institutions (IAMI), Director of the IAMI GUEST Program, and President of the Superyacht Alliance for Professional Standards. “Education at the Core - investing in people is not optional, it’s essential” 17:40 Mathias Jonas, Secretary-General International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) “Update on the IHO Crowdsourced Bathymetry Programme” 17:50 Sam Stewart , Founder and Director of Relief Crew Foundation "Connecting skills with purpose; volunteering's positive impact on crew and the yachting industry” 18:00 Social gathering Official Guest Speakers Christophe Bourillon, CEO Professional Yachting Association With 30 years of experience in senior management, public affairs, and crisis communication at the national and international levels, has founded and led various industry associations, such as Wind Europe. He has also driven other organisations through major transformations, including the World Nuclear Association, the European Biofuels Association and the World Federation of Science Journalists. He has managed government relations campaigns for the oil and gas, nuclear, and other industries. As an accredited expert to the United Nations, he participated in the negotiations of the UN Convention on Climate Change for more than 15 years. Currently, Christophe serves as the CEO of the Professional Yachting Association (PYA). Mathias Jonas , Secretary General International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) Dr Mathias Jonas is the Secretary-General of the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) since 2017. Prior to this appointment he was Vice President of the Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency and National Hydrographer of Germany with responsibility for sea survey and sea cartography. Being originally a mariner, Dr Jonas has been involved in the digital transition of those two disciplines since the beginning of the nineties. As one of his current responsibilities he holds the Chair of the Hydrographic Commission on Antarctica. He is the author of numerous publications on technical aspects of the digital provision of marine geoinformation and strategic considerations on the future of hydrography. Pierre Luc-Lecompte, Senior Maritime Affairs Administrator, Division of “State Action at Sea”, Head of the Marine Protection and Sustainable Development Unit, French Maritime Administration (Préfet Maritime de la Méditerranée) Pierre-Luc Lecompte is a distinguished maritime administrator, currently serving as Deputy to the Head of the State Action at Sea Division for the Maritime Prefecture of the Mediterranean in Toulon, since July 2023. In this role, he leads the regulatory, maritime activities, and marine environment offices, overseeing strategic dossiers for the entire Mediterranean coast. His responsibilities include managing teams of both military and civilian personnel, and steering the revision of the Mediterranean strategic plan, offshore wind farm planning for 2033 and 2050, and expanding protected marine zones. Rachel Andrews , Chief Instructor, Power, managing Powerboat, Personal Watercraft and Inland Waterways training schemes, Royal Yachting Association (RYA) Rachel Andrews is the Chief Instructor, Power at the Royal Yachting Association, responsible for managing the RYA’s Powerboat, Personal Watercraft and Inland Waterways training schemes. After spending 15 years in the outdoor and watersports sector as an instructor and professional skipper, Rachel Joined the Royal Yachting Association as Chief Instructor, Power. Her passion is introducing people to outdoor activities and encouraging personal development. She delivered training to a wide spectrum of boaters, from new boat owners to coastguard agencies seeking further training for their boat crews. At the RYA, she has been involved in all aspects of managing the Power Schemes including instructor training, developing courses such as the RYA Powerboat Tender Operator course, and working with national and local government agencies towards safe management of personal watercraft. Outside of work, Rachel is an adventurous outdoor swimmer, seeking out rivers, beaches, waterfalls and interesting events to take part in. John Wyborn, Co-founder and Director of Bluewater John is the Director of Crew and Training at Bluewater Yachting, a yacht brokerage, charter, and management company, as well as a provider of crew training and placement services. He is also a board member of the Professional Yachting Association (PYA) and the International Association of Maritime Institutions (IAMI), where he serves as Chairman of IAMI’s influential Small Ship subgroup. Additionally, John sits on the boards of both the Merchant Navy Training Board and the Maritime Skills Alliance. After university, John joined the Royal Navy as a seaman officer and served on various vessels, including frigates and destroyers, eventually commanding HMS Mentor, a navigation and seamanship training vessel, where he trained Royal Navy personnel and foreign navies. Jason Collings , Director, Safety & Compliance, Cayman Island Jason's career started at Warsash, Southampton in 1990, where he trained as a Marine Engineer Cadet. He spent several years at sea, eventually qualifying as an Unlimited Chief Engineer. Seeking further academic advancement, Jason earned an MSc in Marine & Offshore Engineering from Liverpool John Moores University. Following his studies, he transitioned to a shore-based role and joined Lloyd’s Register as a Marine Surveyor. Jason joined the Cayman Islands Shipping Registry as a Marine Surveyor in 2007. He quickly took on the responsibility of managing a portfolio of over thirty new build yachts, including the pioneering Passenger Yacht Code certified vessel. Today, Jason serves as Director of Safety & Compliance (Operations), where he leads regulatory oversight across multiple domains, including STCW compliance, supporting the Registry’s commitment to safety, quality, and innovation in maritime operations. Ajit Jacob , Chief Examiner, Head of Seafarers Technical Delivery, UK Seafarer Services, Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA) Ajit is the Chief Examiner for MCA and has been in the role since 2018. He joined the Maritime and Coastguard Agency in 2013, after spending 17 years in the Merchant Navy. During his career at sea, he served as Officer on Aframax Tankers and VLCC’s and as Chief Officer and Master on Ro-Pax Ferries. He joined MCA as Examiner of Mates and Masters with the Seafarer Training Branch. Thereafter, he joined the Marine Office as a Surveyor, carrying out Surveys, Audits, and Port State Control Inspections on a broad range of vessels. In his current role as Chief Examiner, Ajit is actively involved in the Seafarer training modernisation programme being coordinated by the MCA. Ajit has a master's in international Commercial Law, is an Associate Fellow of the Nautical Institute, Member of the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers and Younger Brother of the Trinity House. Joey Meen, Director of the International Association of Maritime Institutions (IAMI), Director of the IAMI GUEST Program, and President of the Superyacht Alliance for Professional Standards. With over 30 years of experience, Joey is a prominent figure in the yachting industry, having been instrumental in advancing yacht education and training, managing RYA and MCA training schools in the UK and France, and later serving for 15 years as the Director of Training Development & Certification at the Professional Yachting Association (PYA). Joey founded the GUEST Program (Guidelines for Excellence in Superyacht Training) launched in 2013 and under IAMI's governance, with over 36 accredited training providers offering more than 40 courses globally. She has also spearheaded initiatives like the RYA Personal Water Craft for Super Yachts, the RYA Super Yacht Tender Operators course, and the SYBAss-led Yacht Owners Representative Program. Actively engaged in shaping yacht education, Joey's motivation extends to influencing industry standards through collaborations with key associations such as PYA, MCA, RYA, IAMI, and SYBAss. Sam Stewart , Founder and Director of Relief Crew Foundation Sam Stewart is the founder and director of Relief Crew Foundation, a non‑profit that taps into the skills and resources of the yachting industry to support communities in genuine need. After spending 10 years working on yachts, in 2025, the first mate left his boat to establish this non-profit organisation that connects crew members with volunteering opportunities around the world. Since starting Relief Crew, Sam has led projects in Morocco, Ghana and Greece with volunteers from more than 10 yachts involved. With a model that benefits communities in need, yacht crew and the yachts they work on, the foundation has had overwhelming support from within the yachting industry during its first year. Our proud sponsors for the 2025 Sea Changes Forum VSF VSF has been providing the finest wines to the yachting community for 30 years. With over 30,000 bottles in stock, we offer immediate availability of many of the world’s finest wines. Our wine experts work around the clock to answer your enquiries and we have our own fleet of vans and drivers to ensure that the wines get to you on time and in perfect condition. MYBA MYBA is an international professional organisation, founded in 1984, with both Corporate and Individual Members. The Association's mission is to inspire, support and empower people in the superyacht industry to be their best: by maintaining business at the highest level of ethical conduct, committing to equality and diversity, protecting the environment, sharing knowledge and combining strengths, building strong relationships, and continuously developing, both professionally and personally. 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. Our 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 our recently launched yachting app for everything a seafarer needs to manage their career. Superyacht References Superyacht References is an innovative new platform set to revolutionise the yacht crew recruitment process. Built by a captain, for captains, senior crew and agents, it’s a pioneering solution to the challenges of undertaking background checks, verifying crew references alongside a mentoring and career guidance program. Hill Robinson Hill Robinson was specifically created to manage the operational complexities of the world’s largest superyachts, bringing technical excellence to a full spectrum of services. Today, Hill Robinson offers specialised yacht management, project management for new builds and refit, charter management, corporate services, crew placement, payroll and recruitment, plus a host of other services from VSAT to aviation. Yacht Purser The Yacht Purser team at The White Admin Company delivers discreet shoreside support to vessels from 40m to 80m operating worldwide —streamlining administrative, logistical, and compliance tasks. With over 20 years of purser experience, they provide proven systems, flexible service packages, and PAYG options that save time, optimise crew efficiency, and reduce onboard workload. Guest Program GUEST provides a portfolio of Programs and Courses, delivered by IAMI GUEST Accredited Training Providers, offering tailored training to support the careers of Superyacht Professionals both onboard and ashore. IAMI The International Association of Maritime Institutions (IAMI) is the largest network of maritime colleges and universities, with a century-long history of collaboration. While it began in the UK, IAMI has expanded globally in the past decade, and now welcomes maritime education and training providers worldwide. Its core mission is to facilitate communication and collaboration across all maritime industries between regulators, employers, and educational bodies involved in delivering maritime training. Want to sponsor the Next Sea Changes Forum? Sponsorship opportunities are now available for organisations wishing to demonstrate their support for the professional yachting sector. Partnering with the Sea Changes Forum offers valuable visibility before, during, and after the event, ensuring your brand is seen by key decision-makers and industry stakeholders. To find out more, please contact Sophie at office@pya.org The PYA will be sharing various updates and insights throughout the day using the #SeaChanges hashtag across all social media platforms. Internet users can participate in discussions using the hashtag to share various perspectives on yachting. We look forward to welcoming you to Monaco for a day of meaningful discussion, networking, and collaboration at the 2025 Sea Changes Forum. If you have any questions related to this year’s event please contact us: pya@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