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Seafarers UK, the charity for those who work at sea, has released its new ten-point manifesto which sets out the charity’s commitment for seafarers’ safety and welfare before, during and after their careers. Does the welfare of your crew align with the Seafarers UK manifesto? To All news 9 January 2020 The Seafarers' Charity , the UK charity for those who work at sea, has released its new ten-point manifesto which sets out the charity’s commitment for seafarers’ safety and welfare before, during and after their careers. According to Seafarers UK CEO, Catherine Spencer, ‘This manifesto summarises what we are working on and what we want the maritime industry to consider, putting seafarers at the heart of decision-making.’ The Seafarers' Charity asks that seafarers: Be kept safe and return from their seafaring voyages without experiencing accidents or harm Be supported to train and develop careers working at sea Take care of their families and dependants during long periods away from home Feel less lonely or isolated when working at sea, through maintaining connections with family and dependents ashore, as well as having access to onboard initiatives Access free, high-quality welfare services, which respond to seafarers' and their families’ needs with respect and dignity and engage their views on the design and development of services Access independent advice, information and support via their preferred delivery channels such as face-to-face, telephone, web chat, digital tools, social media or self-help literature Be provided with regular welfare breaks in respect of hours of work, shore leave, length of journey, etc. in order to reduce fatigue and to maintain their health and wellbeing Thrive and have their uniqueness respected within a culturally diverse working environment without fear of bullying or harassment. This includes equality of opportunity and respecting language, food, religion, and behavioural differences Transition from sea to shore. This includes supporting the provision of short-term accommodation and other welfare and support services aimed at adjusting from working at sea Obtain dignity in retirement through access to financial security, appropriate accommodation and a network of support from maritime welfare charities. Each year, the charity provides vital support to seafarers in need by giving grants to organisations and projects that make a real difference to their lives. If you are a charity or project seeking funding or looking for further information about how the sponsored organisations help individuals, visit the Seafarers website for more information. Photo caption Catherine Spencer, Chief Executive Officer, Seafarers UK More news Launch of a New AV/IT Training Programme to Address Growing Skills Gap Onboard Superyachts The Professional Yachting Association (PYA) spearheaded the development of a series of courses to deliver fit-for-purpose AV/IT training, aligned with real onboard needs. The courses will be provided through IAMI GUEST Accredited training providers. Antibes (France), 21 Jan. 2026 - Yacht agents and captains are reporting a growing demand for crew with Electrical Technical Officer (ETO) certification. However, while an ETO Certificate of Competency is a degree-level qualification focused primarily on high-voltage electrical systems, the operational reality onboard many yachts tells a different story. Read more Real Life On Board Competition - Superyacht Reality Project The PYA, with the backing of the Raising The Bar think tank, invites yacht crew worldwide to contribute to Superyacht Reality – Real Life On Board, a global photo and video competition designed to reflect the authentic experience of working on superyachts. This initiative aims to support career awareness, promote realistic expectations of life at sea, and share the everyday moments that define professional yachting — from teamwork and skills development to the challenges and rewards of working on board. The competition starts on 19th January 2026, ends on 22nd March 2026, and the winners will be announced the following week. Read more 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

Find out how you can apply for your Yacht Rating Certificate with our Certification & Membership Manager, Bianca Grosu. Our Guide to Yacht Rating Certificates To All news 15 June 2021 As we head into the start of the Mediterranean summer season for 2021, many deck crew will require a yacht rating certificate (YRC) in order to work onboard larger vessels. The PYA is an authorised issuing body of yacht rating certificates on behalf of the Maritime Coastguard Agency (MCA) and has been providing this certification to crew for many years. We interviewed our Certification and Membership Administrator, Bianca Grosu, who provides some more information about how to apply for your yachting rating certificate with the PYA. Why are Yacht Rating Certificates required? The YRC is required by vessels as part of their safe manning requirements, usually yachts that are over 200GT. In addition to this requirement, YRC are commonly required when applying for experienced/senior deck roles as they provide an assurance to Captains/recruitment agents that a seafarer has advanced deck skills and can deal with greater responsibilities. It is therefore recommended for deck crew to obtain this certification in order to grow within their rank onboard. Which crew are required to have them? All crew working on deck on yachts over 200GT are required to have a yacht rating certificate. This includes Captains, Officers, Mates, Bosuns, Engineers, Deckhands and in some cases they might be required for interior crew who also undertake deck duties or those who want to move into deck positions. Is the certificate issued to the crew member or the vessel? Yacht Rating Certificates are issued to the crew member, not the vessel and are valid for life. When a crew member moves to a new vessel they don’t need to reapply for a new YRC and can use their existing YRC. How to get your Yacht Rating Certificate? You can apply online for your Yacht Rating Certificate. Read our step-by-step guide , including all the requirements and documents needed to get your certificate. Our team should be able to issue your YRC within 2 weeks. If you have a specific question about YRC’s or would like additional information, please email certficates@pya.org . How much does it cost? The great news is that if you’re a PYA member, you can apply for your yacht rating certificate with no additional cost. For all other crew, you can join the PYA now as a full member and get 20% off the cost of your new membership, which is usually €185. You can enjoy all the benefits of being a full member, in addition to receiving your Yacht Rating Certificate. Alternatively, you can apply for your yacht rating certificate as a non-member for €80, or a shore-based member for €40. More news Launch of a New AV/IT Training Programme to Address Growing Skills Gap Onboard Superyachts The Professional Yachting Association (PYA) spearheaded the development of a series of courses to deliver fit-for-purpose AV/IT training, aligned with real onboard needs. The courses will be provided through IAMI GUEST Accredited training providers. Antibes (France), 21 Jan. 2026 - Yacht agents and captains are reporting a growing demand for crew with Electrical Technical Officer (ETO) certification. However, while an ETO Certificate of Competency is a degree-level qualification focused primarily on high-voltage electrical systems, the operational reality onboard many yachts tells a different story. Read more Real Life On Board Competition - Superyacht Reality Project The PYA, with the backing of the Raising The Bar think tank, invites yacht crew worldwide to contribute to Superyacht Reality – Real Life On Board, a global photo and video competition designed to reflect the authentic experience of working on superyachts. This initiative aims to support career awareness, promote realistic expectations of life at sea, and share the everyday moments that define professional yachting — from teamwork and skills development to the challenges and rewards of working on board. The competition starts on 19th January 2026, ends on 22nd March 2026, and the winners will be announced the following week. Read more 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

Italian Parliament approves new ruling to ease entry of non-EU seafarers. Yacht crew who arrive in Italy now have the opportunity to obtain a long-term entry visa for reasons of work. UPDATE - EU Stamping In and Out To All news 31 May 2022 Over the past few months, yacht crew entering Italy have been experiencing real difficulties to be "stamped out" to board their vessels. This was due to the strict application of a February 2020 decision of the European Court of Justice by Italian port authorities. Thanks to successful government relations actions by a number of yachting and cruising organisations (Genova for Yachting, Federagenti, Confindustria Nautica, Assarmatori and Confitarma), the Italian Parliament has recently adopted a rule whereby non-EU yacht crew arriving in Italy will be able to obtain a long-term work visa for up to 365 days. The details of the visa issuance procedures are still being developed and the PYA will keep you informed as soon as we know more. More news Launch of a New AV/IT Training Programme to Address Growing Skills Gap Onboard Superyachts The Professional Yachting Association (PYA) spearheaded the development of a series of courses to deliver fit-for-purpose AV/IT training, aligned with real onboard needs. The courses will be provided through IAMI GUEST Accredited training providers. Antibes (France), 21 Jan. 2026 - Yacht agents and captains are reporting a growing demand for crew with Electrical Technical Officer (ETO) certification. However, while an ETO Certificate of Competency is a degree-level qualification focused primarily on high-voltage electrical systems, the operational reality onboard many yachts tells a different story. Read more Real Life On Board Competition - Superyacht Reality Project The PYA, with the backing of the Raising The Bar think tank, invites yacht crew worldwide to contribute to Superyacht Reality – Real Life On Board, a global photo and video competition designed to reflect the authentic experience of working on superyachts. This initiative aims to support career awareness, promote realistic expectations of life at sea, and share the everyday moments that define professional yachting — from teamwork and skills development to the challenges and rewards of working on board. The competition starts on 19th January 2026, ends on 22nd March 2026, and the winners will be announced the following week. Read more 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

We require PYA members, users of our services, registrants to our events and users of our website to agree to our Privacy Policy before using our services We require PYA members, users of our services, registrants to our events and users of our website to agree to our Privacy Policy before using our services, so we recommend that you take the time to read this document carefully. If you have any questions, please contact the PYA at info@pya.org . When using our sea service verification process, you agree to let us use your personal data in accordance with our Privacy Policy . You also agree to let us share certain data with the person who has signed the testimonial in order to verify its contents. It is your responsibility to ensure that when somebody signs your testimonial, they agree to pass on their personal data to the PYA (name, address, email, phone number, company/yacht, job title, CoC number) so that we can lawfully process it for the purpose of verifying your sea service. Our new GDPR-compliant testimonial templates include this statement as a standard. PYA Terms and Conditions We require PYA members, users of our services, registrants to our events and users of our website to agree to our Privacy Policy before using our services

As the season begins and you embark on your global travels, we want to ensure that our PYA members have access to essential services. To facilitate this, we have enlisted a network of PYA Agents located around the world. These agents specialize in certifying original documents, helping you maintain accurate profiles and supporting your MCA applications. PYA Agents Network around the world To All news 3 June 2024 As the season begins and you embark on your global travels, we want to ensure that our PYA members have access to essential services. To facilitate this, we have enlisted a network of PYA Agents located around the world. These agents specialize in certifying original documents, helping you maintain accurate profiles and supporting your MCA applications. What Our PYA Agents Offer: Document Certification : Our agents can certify copies of your original documents. This service is essential for maintaining accurate records and ensuring compliance with MCA requirements. Free for PYA Members : As a PYA member, you can benefit from this service at no additional cost. Additional Services: Each agent has been carefully selected based on their location and the additional services they can provide. Whether you need assistance with document certification, or other career or work-related matters, our agents are here to help. How to Obtain Certified Copies: For PYA Purposes: You can obtain certified copies from anyone holding a Certificate of Competency (CoC), a management company, a training provider, or other professionals such as doctors, lawyers, or teachers, and, of course, our agents. They will have to declare that the copies are true copies of the originals. For MCA Purposes (NOE / Revalidation / Conversion Applications): If you're applying for an MCA application, and you cannot visit us in Antibes, our agents can certify hard copies of your original documents. This avoids the need to send your originals directly to the MCA. However, please note that they must see the originals first. Please note that: IAMI certificates with a QR code do not need to be certified. Not all MCA applications require sending documents by post. Mostly first MCA CoC applicants and randomly selected candidates for other applications. Contact Details: You can find the complete list here https://www.pya.org/contact For any questions or concerns, please reach out to us at srb@pya.org A big thank you to our agents for their support. More news Launch of a New AV/IT Training Programme to Address Growing Skills Gap Onboard Superyachts The Professional Yachting Association (PYA) spearheaded the development of a series of courses to deliver fit-for-purpose AV/IT training, aligned with real onboard needs. The courses will be provided through IAMI GUEST Accredited training providers. Antibes (France), 21 Jan. 2026 - Yacht agents and captains are reporting a growing demand for crew with Electrical Technical Officer (ETO) certification. However, while an ETO Certificate of Competency is a degree-level qualification focused primarily on high-voltage electrical systems, the operational reality onboard many yachts tells a different story. Read more Real Life On Board Competition - Superyacht Reality Project The PYA, with the backing of the Raising The Bar think tank, invites yacht crew worldwide to contribute to Superyacht Reality – Real Life On Board, a global photo and video competition designed to reflect the authentic experience of working on superyachts. This initiative aims to support career awareness, promote realistic expectations of life at sea, and share the everyday moments that define professional yachting — from teamwork and skills development to the challenges and rewards of working on board. The competition starts on 19th January 2026, ends on 22nd March 2026, and the winners will be announced the following week. Read more 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

It is now official that the increase of Tolls for the Panama Canal transit starts in January 1st, 2023 and is divided into 3 parts (January 1st, 2023, January 1st, 2024 and January 1st, 2025). Increase in Tolls for the Panama Canal transit To All news 20 July 2022 It is now official that the increase of Tolls for the Panama Canal transit starts on January 1st, 2023 and is divided into 3 parts (January 1st, 2023, January 1st, 2024 and January 1st, 2025). Adjustments to small vessels tolls: Modifications to small vessel tolls involve adjustments to the maximum limits of displacement tonnage established by tolls based on length overall. These tolls apply to all small vessels (length overall up to 125 feet). Vessels of length overall greater than 125 feet, of any market segment, with PC/UMS tonnage up to 999 as the maximum limit, will be applied the small vessels tolls in the length overall range greater than 100 feet, in addition to all related charges for other maritime services. The proposed modifications to small vessel tolls involve adjustments to the maximum limits of displacement tonnage established by tolls based on length overall (1,000 displacement tons). Vessels with a displacement tonnage greater than 1,000 will be assessed tolls based on the proposed displacement tolls. Below is the table that shows the tolls increase for the 3 years for vessels/boats that pay Tolls based on their length and not tonnage: Yachts that pay tolls based on PC/UMS tonnage fall in the segment of "Others". There will be a substantial increase in Tolls to be paid for vessels/boats that pay based on their tonnages or PC/UMS tonnage as per the table. The total tolls to be paid will be a combination of a Fixed Fee plus the PC/UMS of the vessel times $2.00 on 2023, $2.50 in 2024 and $3.00 in 2025. However, most yachts up to 180 ft and some close to 200 ft would still pay based on their length because of their PC/UMS tonnages. Associated Yacht Services recommends sending them an email ( yachts@shipsagent.com ) and they can make the calculations for you. For more information, download the Adjustment to Tolls from the Panama Canal. More news Launch of a New AV/IT Training Programme to Address Growing Skills Gap Onboard Superyachts The Professional Yachting Association (PYA) spearheaded the development of a series of courses to deliver fit-for-purpose AV/IT training, aligned with real onboard needs. The courses will be provided through IAMI GUEST Accredited training providers. Antibes (France), 21 Jan. 2026 - Yacht agents and captains are reporting a growing demand for crew with Electrical Technical Officer (ETO) certification. However, while an ETO Certificate of Competency is a degree-level qualification focused primarily on high-voltage electrical systems, the operational reality onboard many yachts tells a different story. Read more Real Life On Board Competition - Superyacht Reality Project The PYA, with the backing of the Raising The Bar think tank, invites yacht crew worldwide to contribute to Superyacht Reality – Real Life On Board, a global photo and video competition designed to reflect the authentic experience of working on superyachts. This initiative aims to support career awareness, promote realistic expectations of life at sea, and share the everyday moments that define professional yachting — from teamwork and skills development to the challenges and rewards of working on board. The competition starts on 19th January 2026, ends on 22nd March 2026, and the winners will be announced the following week. Read more PYA Christmas Ball 2025 Highlights The 2025 PYA Christmas Ball took place on 5 December at the Hotel Martinez in Cannes, bringing Captains, crew and well-known leading industry professionals together for a 1960s-themed evening. We started with a cocktail reception, with live musicians playing as guests arrived in retro attire. After months of preparation, we were truly delighted to see how much our members and partners enjoyed this special night. The PYA Christmas Ball remains a cherished tradition, bringing our community together to celebrate, connect, and create lasting memories. Read more

The Professional Yachting Association (PYA) spearheaded the development of a series of courses to deliver fit-for-purpose AV/IT training, aligned with real onboard needs. The courses will be provided through IAMI GUEST Accredited training providers. Antibes (France), 21 Jan. 2026 - Yacht agents and captains are reporting a growing demand for crew with Electrical Technical Officer (ETO) certification. However, while an ETO Certificate of Competency is a degree-level qualification focused primarily on high-voltage electrical systems, the operational reality onboard many yachts tells a different story. Launch of a New AV/IT Training Programme to Address Growing Skills Gap Onboard Superyachts To All news 21 January 2026 PRESS RELEASE Launch of a New AV/IT Training Programme to Address Growing Skills Gap Onboard Superyachts The Professional Yachting Association (PYA) spearheaded the development of a series of courses to deliver fit-for-purpose AV/IT training, aligned with real onboard needs. The courses will be provided through IAMI GUEST Accredited training providers. Antibes (France), 21 Jan. 2026 - Yacht agents and captains are reporting a growing demand for crew with Electrical Technical Officer (ETO) certification. However, while an ETO Certificate of Competency is a degree-level qualification focused primarily on high-voltage electrical systems, the operational reality onboard many yachts tells a different story. “What the industry increasingly requires is not advanced electrical expertise, but crew with a practical understanding of the audio-visual and Information Technology systems commonly found on modern yachts — systems that underpin guest experience, onboard operations, and cyber security.” Said Christophe Bourillon, CEO at the PYA. " At present, no STCW-mandated training, including at ETO level, adequately addresses this critical skills gap", he added. In response, the Professional Yachting Association (PYA) instigated an industry-led initiative to develop fit-for-purpose AV/IT training aligned with real onboard needs. The programme has been developed in collaboration with key stakeholders across the sector, including AV/IT equipment manufacturers, installation and maintenance specialists, and MCA-certified training providers. The new courses are designed to enhance crew competence, reduce reliance on costly shoreside interventions, and improve career progression opportunities for yacht crew at all levels. Structured Training at Three Levels “Training will be delivered and assessed across three distinct levels, exclusively through IAMI GUEST Accredited Training Providers.” said Joey Meen, Director of IAMI GUEST Program. " Cyber security is embedded as a core component of Levels 1 and 2. Initially, all courses will be delivered and assessed in English", she added . AV Level 1 & IT Level 1 - Awareness for All Crew Level 1 is suitable for all crew members working across all onboard departments, including those new to the industry. The course provides a foundational understanding of typical AV/IT systems found onboard superyachts, enabling safe operation and effective communication with guests when using entertainment and connectivity systems. AV Level 2 & IT Level 2 – Designated AV/IT Responsible Crew Level 2 is aimed at crew members who wish to become the designated onboard point of responsibility for AV/IT systems. The course covers common technical terminology and acronyms, the types of data circulating within onboard networks, and the critical interface between internal yacht systems and external networks. Training combines classroom learning with hands-on experience using representative AV/IT equipment. A key outcome is the ability to accurately diagnose and communicate fault symptoms to shoreside technical support and to implement basic corrective actions — reducing downtime and avoiding unnecessary specialist call-outs. Entry to Level 2 requires one or more of the following: • Successful completion of Level 1 • Relevant academic qualifications • Demonstrable prior experience in a related field • Satisfactory assessment of knowledge and capability Level 3 – Senior AV/IT Expertise for New Builds and Refits Level 3 is designed for senior crew with several years of practical onboard AV/IT experience. This advanced level focuses on applying operational expertise to new build and refit projects, ensuring that AV/IT systems are specified, installed, and integrated with a clear understanding of real-world operational requirements. For more information please contact IAMI GUEST Program at guest@iami.org.uk or PYA at info@pya.org ENDS Note for Editors: The Professional Yachting Association (PYA) is the voice of professional yacht crew worldwide.Since 1991 as a non-profit, trade association, we represent the interests of yacht crew and yachting companies, advocating on their behalf with maritime and other authorities across the globe. Powered by over 10,000 international members, our mission is to promote high standards of qualification, skills and knowledge. With the collaboration of our PYA partners, we strengthen the yachting industry and support its professionals. More news Launch of a New AV/IT Training Programme to Address Growing Skills Gap Onboard Superyachts The Professional Yachting Association (PYA) spearheaded the development of a series of courses to deliver fit-for-purpose AV/IT training, aligned with real onboard needs. The courses will be provided through IAMI GUEST Accredited training providers. Antibes (France), 21 Jan. 2026 - Yacht agents and captains are reporting a growing demand for crew with Electrical Technical Officer (ETO) certification. However, while an ETO Certificate of Competency is a degree-level qualification focused primarily on high-voltage electrical systems, the operational reality onboard many yachts tells a different story. Read more Real Life On Board Competition - Superyacht Reality Project The PYA, with the backing of the Raising The Bar think tank, invites yacht crew worldwide to contribute to Superyacht Reality – Real Life On Board, a global photo and video competition designed to reflect the authentic experience of working on superyachts. This initiative aims to support career awareness, promote realistic expectations of life at sea, and share the everyday moments that define professional yachting — from teamwork and skills development to the challenges and rewards of working on board. The competition starts on 19th January 2026, ends on 22nd March 2026, and the winners will be announced the following week. Read more 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

Our recent Leadership in Yachting webinar has been released, revealing insights into industry practices and expert opinions from a host of guest speakers. Leadership in Yachting 2024 - Webinar now available To All news 1 February 2024 Our recent Leadership in Yachting webinar has been released, revealing insights into industry practices and expert opinions from a host of guest speakers. Our latest webinar focused on the strength of leadership as a force for good in the wider industry, with perspectives shared from our guests who have a range of experiences in crew management, welfare, working onboard vessels, and within the education sector. “We want to thank our members and participating guest speakers for sharing their industry knowledge during our Leadership in Yachting 2024 webinar. We look forward to furthering these discussions in the near future on the important topic of leadership in our industry,” said Kim Llorente, Office Manager for the PYA. The PYA regularly engages with the industry in order to highlight evolving standards, new technologies and the latest training for yacht crews. You can see who was involved in our latest webinar below. The speakers Marianne Danissen, Camper & Nicholsons Head of Management. Captain Micheál Pierse, PYA member and MCA Master / HELM instructor for Bluewater. Karen Passman, Founder of Impact Crew. Captain Kelly Gordon, an advocate of strong leadership and a spokeswoman for mental health awareness. Robin Weninger, Co-Founder and Managing Director of the executive education company Global Institute of Leadership and Technology (GILT). The core safety leadership qualities Confidence and authority Instil respect and command authority Lead the team by example Draw on knowledge and experience Remain calm in a crisis Empathy and understanding Practise “tough empathy” Be sensitive to different cultures Recognise the crew’s limitations Motivation and commitment Motivate and create a sense of community Place the safety of crew and passengers above everything Openness and clarity Communicate and listen clearly Leading for Safety: Additional resource This a comprehensive guide published by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA). It aims to assist leaders and senior officers in the maritime industry in improving their leadership and people management skills to ensure safety on board. This resource emphasises the critical role of leaders in developing and maintaining a safe maritime environment. For more details, you can refer to the official guide https://www.gov.uk/guidance/leading-for-safety To access the full webinar visit: https://youtu.be/6wrwByg6JNY More news Launch of a New AV/IT Training Programme to Address Growing Skills Gap Onboard Superyachts The Professional Yachting Association (PYA) spearheaded the development of a series of courses to deliver fit-for-purpose AV/IT training, aligned with real onboard needs. The courses will be provided through IAMI GUEST Accredited training providers. Antibes (France), 21 Jan. 2026 - Yacht agents and captains are reporting a growing demand for crew with Electrical Technical Officer (ETO) certification. However, while an ETO Certificate of Competency is a degree-level qualification focused primarily on high-voltage electrical systems, the operational reality onboard many yachts tells a different story. Read more Real Life On Board Competition - Superyacht Reality Project The PYA, with the backing of the Raising The Bar think tank, invites yacht crew worldwide to contribute to Superyacht Reality – Real Life On Board, a global photo and video competition designed to reflect the authentic experience of working on superyachts. This initiative aims to support career awareness, promote realistic expectations of life at sea, and share the everyday moments that define professional yachting — from teamwork and skills development to the challenges and rewards of working on board. The competition starts on 19th January 2026, ends on 22nd March 2026, and the winners will be announced the following week. Read more 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

Antibes (France), 11 September 2024 - The PYA and other representatives of the yachting industry, met with the new Prefect Maritime (PREMAR) responsible for French Med operations, as well as with officials from French Maritime affairs. The objective of the meeting was to discuss the yachting season and any relevant topics. PYA meets with Prefect Maritime To All news 12 September 2024 Antibes (France), 11 September 2024 - The PYA and other representatives of the yachting industry, met with the new Prefect Maritime (PREMAR) responsible for French Med operations, as well as with officials from French Maritime affairs. The objective of the meeting was to discuss the yachting season and any relevant topics. Vice Amiral d’Escadre Christophe Lucas was nominated on 2 September 2024. The fact that he agreed to meet with the yachting industry only 9 days after being appointed, is an indication of how important he realises professional yachting is for the region. This was confirmed during the 5-hour meeting in Cannes. Among the issues raised by the PYA, these will be followed by concrete actions: - Over the season, a number of captains complained about the situation in the congested St Tropez area, where tenders and other vessels were going at unsafe speeds. Additional speed limits and/or more frequent maritime police patrols will be implemented. - A number of captains highlighted the fact that their vessel was boarded by Customs and Immigration officers several times over a set period and how inconvenient this can be, especially with guests on board. A registry of "cleared vessels" will be considered. - Yacht crew using the official and continuously updated application Nav & Co have raised concerns about the fact that, when zooming in, the app was cluttered with too much information. The PREMAR agreed to review the content of the App. Should you be using Nav & Co, please do send us any suggestions for improvement which we will incorporate in our discussions with the PREMAR ); - Last year, a number of captains were prosecuted for infringing anchoring regulations in French waters. Having been in contact with several of these captains - who, for the most part, were acting in good faith - I know how upsetting this experience was. I urged the PREMAR that, in the future, they order the maritime police to be more lenient with first offenders but, be very severe with repeat offenders - such as those vessels seen at anchor in prohibited areas 5 or 6 times over a 4-day period. Together with the various administrations, we will seek to organise a 1/2 day meeting with the office of the maritime prosecutor, to "inform and educate" them about superyacht operations. As seen above, the PYA will continue to be exchanging regularly with the PREMAR and his office. Should there be any issues you would like us to raise during our discussions, please send an email to info@pya.org and we will act on your suggestions . Christophe Bourillon PYA's CEO. More news Launch of a New AV/IT Training Programme to Address Growing Skills Gap Onboard Superyachts The Professional Yachting Association (PYA) spearheaded the development of a series of courses to deliver fit-for-purpose AV/IT training, aligned with real onboard needs. The courses will be provided through IAMI GUEST Accredited training providers. Antibes (France), 21 Jan. 2026 - Yacht agents and captains are reporting a growing demand for crew with Electrical Technical Officer (ETO) certification. However, while an ETO Certificate of Competency is a degree-level qualification focused primarily on high-voltage electrical systems, the operational reality onboard many yachts tells a different story. Read more Real Life On Board Competition - Superyacht Reality Project The PYA, with the backing of the Raising The Bar think tank, invites yacht crew worldwide to contribute to Superyacht Reality – Real Life On Board, a global photo and video competition designed to reflect the authentic experience of working on superyachts. This initiative aims to support career awareness, promote realistic expectations of life at sea, and share the everyday moments that define professional yachting — from teamwork and skills development to the challenges and rewards of working on board. The competition starts on 19th January 2026, ends on 22nd March 2026, and the winners will be announced the following week. Read more 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

PYA Board Director Captain Rod Hatch writes this opinion piece regarding the ISPS Code’s current relevance in relation to the safety of yacht crew. Is the ISPS Code still suitable for yacht crew safety? To All news 27 December 2023 PYA Board Director Captain Rod Hatch writes this opinion piece regarding the ISPS Code’s current relevance in relation to the safety of yacht crew. Safety Management Systems developed with reference to the ISPS Code are not up to the task of providing yacht crew with protection from threats of increasingly aggressive tactics by environmental activists. This applies to potential physical harm which could result from attempting to confront or deter activist actions, and also to potential legal jeopardy arising from physical contact with activists. The PYA was recently contacted about this issue by The Nautical Institute (NI) and CHIRP (Confidential Human Factors Incident Reporting Programme). The NI focus is on marina security. This is reasonably well covered in marinas which are ISPS compliant, but only from landward attacks, as emphasized in the Onboard Online article. CHIRP sees a change in public perception across the maritime luxury sector, including cruise ships. They advocate sector-wide security protocols to address the risks which are not covered by the ISPS Code (such as from environmentalist activism). They also asked if there is any relevant form of ISPS Code ready for implementation, which there is not. Anecdotally, one security company contacted about this issue reported that when the subject of such activism crops up during Shipboard Security Officer training, then in general crew attitudes are that activists should be met hands-on, which in fact would produce a disastrous outcome. There is a serious gap in crew preparedness which needs to be plugged here. It appears that captains have no clear directives regarding how they and their crew should respond, both during an incident and then during its negative PR aftermath. The NI and CHIRP are keen to open discussion with the PYA about how to address the twin issues of (i) yachting’s negative image with the wider public, following the oligarch debacle early in 2023, and (ii) the environmentalists’ campaign to “ban superyachts”. We look forward to having our colleagues at Italian Yachtmasters (IYM), Hellenic Yachtmasters’ Club (HYMC), and Groupement des equipages professionels du yachting (GEPY) with us during the discussions with the NI and CHIRP. A further factor has very recently made it clear that the ISPS Code has stagnated to the point whereby it is partly the Irrelevant Ship and Port Facility Security Code. Defensive measures such as armed guards and creating an onboard citadel, which were relevant and effective when high seas piracy was a daily threat in some areas, are of reduced usefulness in the present situation in the Red Sea. The Houthi group based in North Yemen has used drones and ballistic missiles to attack 12 ships in the Red Sea and adjacent waters in the past month. Only dedicated defensive equipment on warships can detect and counter such attacks. A targeted commercial vessel would receive little or no warning of such an attack, and anyway would have no defensive capability. There would be no time to shoot, and no time to retire to a citadel. Any realistic defence can only come at inter-governmental level with deployment of military assets. This week, on 18th December the formation of a joint naval task force was announced. In response, on the 19th December the Houthis announced their capacity and intent to deliver attacks every 12 hours against shipping. This is all hot news, but outside of shipping circles the general public is so far not stirred up about rockets being fired at bulk carriers or container ships. To the Houthis, yachts may look like small fry, not worth the expenditure of ammunition. But if the connection were to be made about the propaganda value of the destruction of such a despised symbol of plutocrat wealth as a superyacht, then for an indeterminate period it would be game over for a link between Mediterranean yachting and any place East of Suez. The yachting industry has the resources to deal with its image problem, and to take corrective action in all areas where it is open to valid criticism on environmental grounds (Part 1: SuperyachtNews - Unmanaged risk ; Part 2: Unmanaged risk ). Effective implementation will require a time frame of several years. In the interim, the PYA and its partner groups representing crew interests will be active in formulating guidelines for crew in handling environmental protests, in conjunction with other industry bodies. Regarding the new form of maritime threat affecting the Red Sea, we shall provide regular advisories through our contacts with flag states and involved maritime security companies. It is actually very unlikely that any yacht owners would send their vessel on a Red Sea transit at the moment. Calls to maritime insurers, and reports from on-board security providers, indicate: (i) many yacht owners have cancelled their plans to proceed East of Suez for this winter: (ii) a rise in insurance rates is anticipated for those who wish to make the transit: and (iii) notwithstanding its current news dominance, Houthi terrorism has not supplanted piracy as the major risk to shipping in the Red Sea and adjacent waters, but has piled another serious risk on top. This article was first published on OnboardOnline on the 13th December, 2023. More news Launch of a New AV/IT Training Programme to Address Growing Skills Gap Onboard Superyachts The Professional Yachting Association (PYA) spearheaded the development of a series of courses to deliver fit-for-purpose AV/IT training, aligned with real onboard needs. The courses will be provided through IAMI GUEST Accredited training providers. Antibes (France), 21 Jan. 2026 - Yacht agents and captains are reporting a growing demand for crew with Electrical Technical Officer (ETO) certification. However, while an ETO Certificate of Competency is a degree-level qualification focused primarily on high-voltage electrical systems, the operational reality onboard many yachts tells a different story. Read more Real Life On Board Competition - Superyacht Reality Project The PYA, with the backing of the Raising The Bar think tank, invites yacht crew worldwide to contribute to Superyacht Reality – Real Life On Board, a global photo and video competition designed to reflect the authentic experience of working on superyachts. This initiative aims to support career awareness, promote realistic expectations of life at sea, and share the everyday moments that define professional yachting — from teamwork and skills development to the challenges and rewards of working on board. The competition starts on 19th January 2026, ends on 22nd March 2026, and the winners will be announced the following week. Read more 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