As the PYA continues to move over to a more digital way of working, we will also be transferring all of our members’ paper files to our digital system. This, not only to hold true to our aim to become an ecologically friendly and paperless organisation, but also to improve the speed and efficiency with which we can access our members’ data... PYA Membership Updates To All news 28 August 2020 Digitisation of Member Records As the PYA continues to move over to a more digital way of working, we will also be transferring all of our members’ paper files to our digital system. This, not only to hold true to our aim to become an ecologically friendly and paperless organisation, but also to improve the speed and efficiency with which we can access our members’ data and, therefore, improve our service to them. If you are a paid-up member of the PYA, your data will be automatically moved and stored in our new digital system. However, due to the high number of member records we hold, we have decided only to keep expired members' records for up to 5 years on our new digital system. Following this time frame, expired members’ data will be deleted. So…. in order to safeguard your documents and records in a secure digital environment, be sure to keep your membership up to date. New exciting digital advances will be announced very soon! More news Sea Changes Forum 2026 highlights - Navigating the future of yachting The PYA Sea Changes Forum 2026, held on 24 September at the IHO in Monaco, brought together Flag States, maritime authorities and industry experts to address critical yachting updates, safety compliance, crew training and welfare, and ocean stewardship initiatives. Read more Sea Changes Forum 2026 The PYA is pleased to invite you to the 2026 Sea Changes Forum, taking place on Thursday, 24 September 2026, at the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) in Monaco, during the Monaco Yacht Show. Read more Upcoming Webinar: Water Safety On Yachts The Professional Yachting Association is pleased to invite yacht crew and industry professionals to an upcoming live webinar dedicated to Water Safety On Yachts, taking place on 10 June 2026 from 15:00 to 16:00CET. Led by recognised experts in water management and regulatory compliance, this session will explore the common bacteria found in vessel water systems, the risks they pose to crew, guests and operations, and the practical measures that can be implemented to maintain safe onboard water standards. Read more

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. Superyacht References has introduced a ground-breaking platform to streamline and enhance the yacht crew recruitment process. Founded by Captain McDowell, the platform offers independent referencing support, background checks, and career guidance for crew members. It addresses the challenges of verifying references and qualifications by providing a secure, transparent, and time-saving solution. Crew members can upload their details to an encrypted portal for verification, ensuring that captains and agents can trust the authenticity of the information. The platform aims to continue improving user experience and offers free services for crew members, including professional development and mentoring throughout their careers. Superyacht References prioritises mental health, aiming to alleviate stress for crew members in an industry known for high demands. Our commitment to mental well-being is underscored by a dedicated team that not only offers career guidance and mentorship but also assists crew members in addressing areas for improvement highlighted in the feedback received form their references. Our team guides them on specific actions to enhance their skills, ensuring they stand a better chance of achieving their career goals. Overall, Superyacht References aims to reshape the industry by providing a stress-free and efficient experience for both crew members and recruiters. Services - References Checks - Certification/Qualification Checks - Background Checks - Security & National ID Checks - Career Guidance - Mentorship Program Contact Information Website: www.superyachtreferences.com Email: hello@superyachtreferences.com Socials: @superyachtreferences 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. Visit website Back to All Partners Become a member and enjoy the exclusive offers from our partners. Become a member

A recent incident on a yacht could have led to a catastrophic fire but thanks to proper procedures and training, the situation was quickly dealt with by its crew and averted. Avoiding disaster: How a yacht fire was averted at the last minute To All news 7 February 2024 A recent incident on a yacht could have led to a catastrophic fire but thanks to proper procedures and training, the situation was quickly dealt with by its crew and averted. It is no secret that yacht fires have become more prevalent in recent years. With the increased use of lithium-ion batteries, the degree of risk for crews is elevated and training is essential for dealing with and averting potentially catastrophic fires. A recent incident, highlighted by CHIRP , an independent organisation that enhances maritime safety, showed how during a routine inspection on board a yacht, one of two charged lithium-ion batteries were found to be abnormally warm. After monitoring, its temperature rose to alarming levels, leading to its disposal at sea due to a suspected thermal runaway, potentially caused by a faulty cell. This case, one of many, demonstrates the importance of having an awareness of battery conditions, what to look for, and how to deal with an impending crisis. With lithium-ion batteries having been the established cause of numerous fires in recent years, there’s a growing need to implement proper procedures and checks on batteries onboard vessels. The complexities of safe battery operation and disposal are also a factor in being able to manage risk - especially when crews are unfamiliar with the setup. We recently released a resource on how to identify potential issues relating to lithium-ion batteries, which covers thermal runaway, off gassing, hissing and popping among other observations that illustrate the condition of the battery. Access our webinars Our latest webinar on risk management will be taking place this February 15th. Stay tuned for further details on how to take part. In the meantime, you can see our archive of webinars to explore our previous discussions covering issues from crew welfare to lithium-ion battery safety onboard yachts. More news Sea Changes Forum 2026 highlights - Navigating the future of yachting The PYA Sea Changes Forum 2026, held on 24 September at the IHO in Monaco, brought together Flag States, maritime authorities and industry experts to address critical yachting updates, safety compliance, crew training and welfare, and ocean stewardship initiatives. Read more Sea Changes Forum 2026 The PYA is pleased to invite you to the 2026 Sea Changes Forum, taking place on Thursday, 24 September 2026, at the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) in Monaco, during the Monaco Yacht Show. Read more Upcoming Webinar: Water Safety On Yachts The Professional Yachting Association is pleased to invite yacht crew and industry professionals to an upcoming live webinar dedicated to Water Safety On Yachts, taking place on 10 June 2026 from 15:00 to 16:00CET. Led by recognised experts in water management and regulatory compliance, this session will explore the common bacteria found in vessel water systems, the risks they pose to crew, guests and operations, and the practical measures that can be implemented to maintain safe onboard water standards. Read more

Currently the IMO requires all Yachts over 500 gross tons to have a cybersecurity plan in their ISM, but the guidelines aren’t very clear. We asked Alex Bayeux, founder of YachtCyberSafe to shed some light on the subject. Clarifying CyberSecurity for Yachts To All news 17 August 2022 Currently the IMO requires all Yachts over 500 gross tons to have a cybersecurity plan in their ISM, but the guidelines aren’t very clear. We asked Alex Bayeux, founder of YachtCyberSafe to shed some light on the subject. Cybersecurity for Yachts and Crews Regulation in 2022 Digital security needs to be addressed and managed as the IMO has made it mandatory [1] . It starts with an assessment of the yacht's digital perimeter as the IMO requires a holistic assessment, i.e., not just technology-centered but also on organization and human factors. IMO Requirements 1. Have clear and operational documentation about the yacht’s digital perimeter, systems’ accesses, sensitive applications, emergency situations, and back-ups. 2. An awareness training session for the crew and management-oriented training for captains and first officers are mandatory under the IMO regulation. You do not need IT security training or IT skills. Guidelines for Captains If you are starting the season within less than 1 month , do the essentials: a 1-day digital review mission and awareness training will be very profitable. Do you feel far from those basic practices for digital hygiene? Do not panic! The best defense against cybercrime is common sense. Just be very careful with phishing, attached files… and never hesitate to call someone you know to confirm bank details before ordering significant money transfers (fraudulent money transfer is a very profitable activity for cybercriminals). If you are finishing the season or in the maintenance period , it is time to act. Below is a “holistic” overview to assess and protect your digital security. Examples of easy and critical actions to implement onboard: Technology : Isolate your virtual networks, including Wi-Fi access. If a criminal gains access to a network (like “guests” or “crew”), he cannot reach sensitive networks (like “audio-video”, “CCTV”, “work”, “owner” …). Organization : Use a password manager to manage and share passwords onboard (Bitwarden, LastPass, 1password…). With a password manager, you will never need to reuse the same password. Moreover, you will not write any more passwords to share access with a crewmate: your password manager allows password sharing and keeps audit tracking of access and changes. For many groups, an experienced consultant is useful to create the appropriate setting, security and change practices within the crew. Human : Consider your smartphone as the most exposed cyber equipment of the yacht. Indeed, if corrupted, criminals can read your WhatsApp, listen to discussions in cabins, control your email box, spoof your identity, and get codes you are receiving by text… Basic good practice is to install only apps with an excellent reputation and from official stores and to regularly review access granted to apps(from the settings of the smartphone). If you really like playing, downloading, watching videos, etc., use a second device for leisure. This enables you to control your digital life, including who is allowed to access your data. Procedures : Update your essential procedures. Be aware, if you are using a standardized procedure, that you check they really apply to your real situation: yacht, crewmates, external contractors, and suppliers. It would be unfortunate to implement procedures you do not comply with. Security : Add digital security to your management practices: briefing with crewmates and suppliers, use a simple appropriated dashboard that also shows the owner you are protecting his interests. Training : Train your crew on best practices. Training Awareness sessions are available from several providers and offer the required crew awareness (2hr) and management-orientated training for captains and first officers (2-3hr) required by the IMO. Training centres offer training on site, on board or even remotely, i.e., at La Belle Classe Academy – Yacht Club de Monaco you can join courses from anywhere online and interact as if you were in the classroom. Awareness : Spend time with your crewmates to discuss digital security situations. Sharing experiences, debriefing criminal attempts or incidents are excellent easy practices to start a culture of cyber risk awareness at all levels: crew, suppliers, and yacht managers. The next step is to bring appropriate solutions, that’s where you will probably need a specialized consultant. A cybersecurity assessment on yachts is not like a Penetration Test IT technicians use on IT servers for companies. Experts in cybersecurity for yachts must analyse the whole attack surface of the yacht. Of course, the crew and external contractors are part of the attack surface. YachtCyberSafe (based in Monaco and Nice) has developed an approach that fully complies with IMO’s requirements and provides results easy to implement and essential: good practices, procedures, awareness, a toolkit for crewmates, and a captain’s dashboard. Most common mistakes to avoid Be careful, the first common mistake is to focus on the usual computer equipment (navigation, PC, servers, CCTV ...), but the entry points for criminals are generally on everyday applications or common objects: smartphones, audio-video on board, Wi-Fi, emails, connected objects ... So, spending money to strongly secure your servers or systems will be useless if criminals can easily access critical information on crewmates’ smartphones (countless ways for criminals to access information thanks to smartphones; the most popular and cheapest way is phishing) or if crewmates or suppliers are using weak passwords (don’t smile, in 2022, most popular passwords remain “qwerty”, “password”, “0000”, “12345”, “11111”). How to act - Be pragmatic You have many powerful quick actions on board to digitally secure the yacht and crew without buying new IT services and devices. In other words, before adding a new lock on the armored front door, start checking if there are windows open, and close them. You’ll probably need support or consulting to guide you, but not IT technicians. When you are selecting your advisor, pay attention to choose someone who is independent of your systems or technology managers on board. For IMO, personnel conducting internal audits of the security activities shall be independent of the activities being audited (Source ISPS Code, Part A / 9. Ship Security Plan). Digital security is first and foremost a management issue As masters of the yacht and crew, captains need to have a global and precise understanding of the digital perimeter of their yachts and to have a simple dashboard to monitor the situation. Captains will probably delegate the implementation of solutions to other officers or external contractors. Yet, it is critical for them to monitor and challenge people dealing with digital systems. Digital management does not require IT skills, but a culture of digital security and good practices. This is essential to meet IMO’s requirements. For IMO : “Effective cyber risk management should start at the senior management level. Senior management should embed a culture of cyber risk awareness into all levels of an organization and ensure a holistic and flexible cyber risk management regime that is in continuous operation” [2] Strength of the IMO approach If you decide to implement the holistic approach that IMO requests, you will have full coverage of the cyber threats, be compliant with the IMO 2021 regulation, and will optimise your budget and resources for the best result for the owner and guests’ cyber protection. You will realize that Holistic Digital Management is based on common sense, much more efficient and less expensive than buying IT Security devices or services. If you have any questions or are interested in an assessment, please contact Alex Bayeux on https://yachtcybersafe.com | +33 616 99 21 00 | contact@yachtcybersafe.com . [1] no later than the first annual verification of the company's Document of Compliance after 1 January 2021 (source IMO / RESOLUTION MSC.428(98) / MARITIME CYBER RISK MANAGEMENT IN SAFETY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS [2] source IMO Guidelines / MSC-FAL.1 /Circ.3, 5 July 2017, § 3.3 More news Sea Changes Forum 2026 highlights - Navigating the future of yachting The PYA Sea Changes Forum 2026, held on 24 September at the IHO in Monaco, brought together Flag States, maritime authorities and industry experts to address critical yachting updates, safety compliance, crew training and welfare, and ocean stewardship initiatives. Read more Sea Changes Forum 2026 The PYA is pleased to invite you to the 2026 Sea Changes Forum, taking place on Thursday, 24 September 2026, at the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) in Monaco, during the Monaco Yacht Show. Read more Upcoming Webinar: Water Safety On Yachts The Professional Yachting Association is pleased to invite yacht crew and industry professionals to an upcoming live webinar dedicated to Water Safety On Yachts, taking place on 10 June 2026 from 15:00 to 16:00CET. Led by recognised experts in water management and regulatory compliance, this session will explore the common bacteria found in vessel water systems, the risks they pose to crew, guests and operations, and the practical measures that can be implemented to maintain safe onboard water standards. Read more

This year’s Sea Changes Forum in Monaco is set to be the PYA’s biggest year yet with a host of guest speakers confirmed for the 2023 edition. PYA announces official lineup for Sea Changes Forum 2023 To All news 21 September 2023 This year’s Sea Changes Forum in Monaco is set to be the PYA’s biggest year yet with a host of guest speakers confirmed for the 2023 edition. Among the topics of debate for this year’s Sea Changes Forum include updates on industry certification, digitisation, career progression including recruitment, retention, soft skill training and the importance of mapping the oceans. Taking place at the International Hydrographic Organisation’s HQ during this year’s Monaco Yacht Show, the Sea Changes Forum speakers include Capt. Rodney A. Hatch, PYA Director of Deck Training Mr Ajit Jacob, Chief Examiner for the Maritime and Coastguard Agency Mr Richard Falk, Director of Training and Qualifications for the Royal Yachting Association Miss Joey Meen, IAMI Guest Program Director Mr John Wyborn, Co-founder and Director of Bluewater Miss Angela Wallace, PYA Director of Interior Training and Head of the PYA Welfare Group Mr Jo Assael, Republic of Marshall Islands (RMI) Yacht Register, International Registries Inc Mr John Everett Nyberg, Technical Director of the International Hydrographic Organisation (IHO) Following on from the success of last year’s event , the PYA has held a number of discussions with the industry to formulate this year’s agenda with the aim of improving the welfare of yacht crew around the world and to address pressing issues including recruitment and retention. Christophe Bourillon, CEO for the PYA said: “We are grateful to have the ongoing support of the industry for our Sea Changes Forum. This is a great opportunity to explore and discuss the various issues that will shape the future of our industry, and we would like to thank all our participating guest speakers and sponsors who will be taking part this year.” This year’s Sea Changes Forum also welcomes a record number of sponsors with strong support from across the industry. These include: Ocean Drive IAMI GUEST PROGRAM Bluewater IHO MYBA YPI Crew Seascope Following this year’s conference there will be a special event taking place on the rooftop of the IHO venue, providing networking opportunities for guests in attendance. To access the full agenda view the PDF below: Sea Changes 2023 Agenda .pdf Download PDF • 419KB More news Sea Changes Forum 2026 highlights - Navigating the future of yachting The PYA Sea Changes Forum 2026, held on 24 September at the IHO in Monaco, brought together Flag States, maritime authorities and industry experts to address critical yachting updates, safety compliance, crew training and welfare, and ocean stewardship initiatives. Read more Sea Changes Forum 2026 The PYA is pleased to invite you to the 2026 Sea Changes Forum, taking place on Thursday, 24 September 2026, at the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) in Monaco, during the Monaco Yacht Show. Read more Upcoming Webinar: Water Safety On Yachts The Professional Yachting Association is pleased to invite yacht crew and industry professionals to an upcoming live webinar dedicated to Water Safety On Yachts, taking place on 10 June 2026 from 15:00 to 16:00CET. Led by recognised experts in water management and regulatory compliance, this session will explore the common bacteria found in vessel water systems, the risks they pose to crew, guests and operations, and the practical measures that can be implemented to maintain safe onboard water standards. Read more

This year's PYA Sea Changes Forum took place on 29 September at the International Hydrographic Organisation at the Monaco Yacht Show. It was a fantastic forum with a lot of information shared about Regulations and Qualifications from leading Maritime Policymakers. Summary of the PYA Sea Changes Forum 2022 To All news 20 October 2022 This year's PYA Sea Changes Forum took place on 29 September at the International Hydrographic Organisationat the Monaco Yacht Show. It was a fantastic forum with a lot of information shared about Regulations and Qualifications from leading Maritime Policymakers. Below you will find a short summary of the proceedings along with links to each speaker’s presentation video. PYA Board Member Rod Hatch kicked off the forum discussing the new AV/IT certification currently under development, with input from Rod and from other PYA contributors. Mr. Ajit Jacob, Chief Examiner of the MCA presented the UK Hydrographic Office’s (UKHO) plans for the phased exit of paper charts to be compliant for digital navigation by 2026, and the MCA’s shift toward digital and the modernisation of training, including immersive training tools. The MCA is looking to overhaul its suite of student training and assessment criteria by end of 2023. Updates included the status of the amended STCW regulations, electronic training record book, online oral exams and streamlining pathways in OOW less than 500gt. Mr. Mauro Peresso, Technical Director at Transport Malta focused on the rules, regulations and flexibility of the Malta Commercial Yacht Code and the Passenger Yacht Code. He presented Crew Qualifications accepted on Malta Flagged Vessels and spoke about future trends such as green ships and the reality of the volume required for different types of fuel. Ms. Amelie Delamarre-Chardin and Ms. Ornella Valls, Head & Deputy Head of Marine Environment, Mediterranean Maritime Prefecture spoke about current French regulations (anchoring, light & sound, and the protection of marine mammals) and their enforcement in French Waters. Part of Ms. Valls presentation is cut off due to a technical glitch however Ms. Delamarre-Chardin revisits her points in the Q&A. Captain Luca Triggiani, Founding Member and Director of Training of the Italian YachtMasters spoke of taking action and accountability for managing yachting professionals through advanced training (leadership, behavioral analysis, sustainability practices, etc), networking and coaching. Italian YachtMasters path to a sustainable future is through zero tolerance of easy certification, following environmental regulations and advanced crew training for both practical and professional development. Mr. Richard Falk, RYA Director of Training and Qualifications spoke of the RYA’s efforts to improve digital offerings, focus more on practical learning, streamline yacht inspections, and broadly implement the Personal Watercraft (PWC) Safety Scheme. He touched on the confusion following Brexit and cleared up some misinformation. In addition, he asked to spread the word about the annual Trinity House RYA Yachtmaster Scholarship . Emma Baggett, Director of OM and Chair of the IAMI GUEST Program, focused on crew retention, why crew leave, the impact on the industry and ways we can redress the balance through personal and professional development. The GUEST Program (Guidelines for Excellence in Superyacht Training) is the recognised yacht qualification body for non-mandatory training & professional development and in addition to interior-based training, is now offering owner representative, new build and administration programs. Thank you to our valued sponsors for making the PYA Sea Changes 2022 possible: Burgess , MYBA , Maritime MT and VSF . More news Sea Changes Forum 2026 highlights - Navigating the future of yachting The PYA Sea Changes Forum 2026, held on 24 September at the IHO in Monaco, brought together Flag States, maritime authorities and industry experts to address critical yachting updates, safety compliance, crew training and welfare, and ocean stewardship initiatives. Read more Sea Changes Forum 2026 The PYA is pleased to invite you to the 2026 Sea Changes Forum, taking place on Thursday, 24 September 2026, at the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) in Monaco, during the Monaco Yacht Show. Read more Upcoming Webinar: Water Safety On Yachts The Professional Yachting Association is pleased to invite yacht crew and industry professionals to an upcoming live webinar dedicated to Water Safety On Yachts, taking place on 10 June 2026 from 15:00 to 16:00CET. Led by recognised experts in water management and regulatory compliance, this session will explore the common bacteria found in vessel water systems, the risks they pose to crew, guests and operations, and the practical measures that can be implemented to maintain safe onboard water standards. Read more

Over the past year there have been a number of newly released Marine Guidance Notices (MGNs) providing highly relevant information to the maritime industry. Maritime Safety Guidances: A look back at MGNs on Critical Maritime Safety Issues To All news 2 January 2024 Over the past year there have been a number of newly released Marine Guidance Notices (MGNs) providing highly relevant information to the maritime industry. The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) has issued these MGNs to provide comprehensive guidance on crucial aspects of maritime safety. You can discover some of the latest MGNs below to become familiar with important issues that are affecting seafarers today: 1. Fatigue and Fitness for Duty for Seafarers (MGN 505) This MGN provides comprehensive guidance on managing fatigue and ensuring seafarers are fit for duty to maintain vessel safety and efficiency. It outlines effective fatigue management strategies, rest requirements, and monitoring procedures to prevent fatigue-related incidents. Download this MGN 2. Interference with Safe Navigation through Inappropriate Use of Mobile Phones (MGN 299) MGN 299 emphasizes the critical role of mobile phones in maritime safety and the importance of their responsible use. It highlights the potential for distractions and interference with safe navigation caused by inappropriate mobile phone usage. The MGN provides recommendations for minimizing distractions and maintaining focus during critical operations. Download this MGN 3. 12 Significant People Factors in Maritime Safety (the Deadly Dozen) (MGN 520) Recognizing human factors as a significant contributing factor to maritime accidents, MGN 520 identifies 12 critical human behaviors that pose potential hazards to maritime safety. It provides insights into these behaviors and effective strategies to address them, promoting a culture of safety and vigilance among seafarers. Download this MGN Reassessing the Relevance of MGN Guidance Today While these MGNs may not be recent publications, their insights into fatigue management, mobile phone usage, and human factors remain highly relevant today. As technology evolves and maritime operations become more complex, these guidelines can help seafarers and maritime professionals adopt practices that enhance safety and minimize the risk of accidents. Seeking Feedback and Collaboration We encourage you to review these MGNs and provide your feedback on their continued relevance and effectiveness. Your input is valuable in ensuring that these guidelines remain applicable to the evolving maritime landscape. You can contact us at info@pya.org with any questions or further comments. Stay updated on future maritime developments The PYA team remains committed to providing you with relevant maritime information and guidance. You can become a PYA member or subscribe to our newsletter today to get the latest important developments in the maritime industry. More news Sea Changes Forum 2026 highlights - Navigating the future of yachting The PYA Sea Changes Forum 2026, held on 24 September at the IHO in Monaco, brought together Flag States, maritime authorities and industry experts to address critical yachting updates, safety compliance, crew training and welfare, and ocean stewardship initiatives. Read more Sea Changes Forum 2026 The PYA is pleased to invite you to the 2026 Sea Changes Forum, taking place on Thursday, 24 September 2026, at the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) in Monaco, during the Monaco Yacht Show. Read more Upcoming Webinar: Water Safety On Yachts The Professional Yachting Association is pleased to invite yacht crew and industry professionals to an upcoming live webinar dedicated to Water Safety On Yachts, taking place on 10 June 2026 from 15:00 to 16:00CET. Led by recognised experts in water management and regulatory compliance, this session will explore the common bacteria found in vessel water systems, the risks they pose to crew, guests and operations, and the practical measures that can be implemented to maintain safe onboard water standards. Read more

As part of its members' assistance service, the PYA has seen a marked increase in the number of incidents of sexual harassment reported by crew members.  The PYA has therefore conducted an industry survey to give crew members a voice to bring forward their own experiences of sexual harassment in yachting. Sexual harassment of seafarers To All news 15 October 2018 As part of its members' assistance service, the PYA has seen a marked increase in the number of incidents of sexual harassment reported by crew members. The PYA has therefore conducted an industry survey to give crew members a voice to bring forward their own experiences of sexual harassment in yachting. Our results were reported at the Sea Changes Forum at the Monaco Yacht Show and produced some shocking statistics and personal testimony. A huge thank you to all the people who bravely reported information in our survey. What's next? The PYA in conjunction with other partners in this sector of the maritime industry are joining forces to continue to highlight this subject and to campaign on behalf of crew in establishing improvements in their working environment and in promoting better understanding of the issues raised. If you want to get involved then let us know - possibly consider becoming a PYA Councillor and representing colleagues in future forum dealing with such issues? Contact us at welfare@pya.org More news Sea Changes Forum 2026 highlights - Navigating the future of yachting The PYA Sea Changes Forum 2026, held on 24 September at the IHO in Monaco, brought together Flag States, maritime authorities and industry experts to address critical yachting updates, safety compliance, crew training and welfare, and ocean stewardship initiatives. Read more Sea Changes Forum 2026 The PYA is pleased to invite you to the 2026 Sea Changes Forum, taking place on Thursday, 24 September 2026, at the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) in Monaco, during the Monaco Yacht Show. Read more Upcoming Webinar: Water Safety On Yachts The Professional Yachting Association is pleased to invite yacht crew and industry professionals to an upcoming live webinar dedicated to Water Safety On Yachts, taking place on 10 June 2026 from 15:00 to 16:00CET. Led by recognised experts in water management and regulatory compliance, this session will explore the common bacteria found in vessel water systems, the risks they pose to crew, guests and operations, and the practical measures that can be implemented to maintain safe onboard water standards. Read more

Keeping an accurate record of your sea service is essential throughout your yachting career. Verified sea service may be required when applying for a Notice of Eligibility (NoE), revalidating a Certificate of Competency (CoC), or demonstrating your professional experience to a future employer. Top tips on getting a valid Sea Service Testimonial To All news 24 August 2026 The PYA is authorised by the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) and Transport Malta to verify yacht sea service testimonials for crew worldwide. The process is now completed digitally through the PYA Portal, making it easier to submit, track and manage your sea service records. How do I get my sea service testimonials verified? To begin, join or log in to your PYA profile and make sure your personal information is complete. You will need to provide: A passport-style photograph Your personal and contact information Your billing address A certified copy of your passport in PDF format Certified copies of any relevant certificates, if required You can then complete a Sea Service Testimonial form directly through your profile and send it digitally to the appropriate signatory. Once the testimonial has been signed and confirmed, it will automatically be sent to the PYA Sea Service Department for review. The team will check that the information complies with the relevant MCA definitions and may contact you if additional information or supporting evidence is required. After approval, the testimonial receives a final review and is officially verified by the PYA’s SRB Officers. The complete process can take up to 25 working days. Follow these top tips when requesting your testimonials Why should I request a Sea Service Testimonial? It provides an official record of the sea service you completed on board a vessel. You may need verified sea service when applying for an NoE or revalidating a CoC. It helps you maintain a clear and accurate record of your professional experience. It is advisable to request your testimonial before leaving a vessel, particularly if you are working under a seasonal or temporary contract. Who can sign a testimonial? Your testimonial must be completed and digitally signed by an appropriate authorised signatory, such as the vessel’s Captain, Chief Officer, Chief Engineer, Owner or Manager. Masters cannot sign their own testimonials. Their sea service must be confirmed by the vessel’s Owner or Manager. Important details to remember Complete your testimonial using the digital form available through your PYA profile. Follow the relevant MCA sea service definitions for your department. Always provide accurate start and end dates, including when you are still employed on board. Check that the dates do not incorrectly overlap with sea service already recorded. Make sure the sea service entered does not exceed your total period of employment. Review all information carefully before sending the testimonial to your signatory. Respond promptly if the PYA Sea Service Department requests further information or corrections. What will I receive? PYA Full Members receive a Service Record, which displays all their verified sea service in one official record. Full Membership also includes unlimited testimonial and certificate verification. For more information about the process, the relevant definitions and the available options, visit the PYA Sea Service Verification page. More news Sea Changes Forum 2026 highlights - Navigating the future of yachting The PYA Sea Changes Forum 2026, held on 24 September at the IHO in Monaco, brought together Flag States, maritime authorities and industry experts to address critical yachting updates, safety compliance, crew training and welfare, and ocean stewardship initiatives. Read more Sea Changes Forum 2026 The PYA is pleased to invite you to the 2026 Sea Changes Forum, taking place on Thursday, 24 September 2026, at the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) in Monaco, during the Monaco Yacht Show. Read more Upcoming Webinar: Water Safety On Yachts The Professional Yachting Association is pleased to invite yacht crew and industry professionals to an upcoming live webinar dedicated to Water Safety On Yachts, taking place on 10 June 2026 from 15:00 to 16:00CET. Led by recognised experts in water management and regulatory compliance, this session will explore the common bacteria found in vessel water systems, the risks they pose to crew, guests and operations, and the practical measures that can be implemented to maintain safe onboard water standards. Read more

The PYA will hold its latest leadership networking event in the bustling city of Antibes in France this November. PYA to launch quarterly leadership networking event in Antibes, France To All news 31 October 2023 The PYA will hold its latest leadership networking event in the bustling city of Antibes in France this November. The quarterly leadership meetup will bring together a host of crew from across the industry including yacht captains, first officers, engineers, chief stewardesses, chefs and the various heads of departments. The event will provide opportunities for networking and yacht crew to share their perspectives and reflections on the past year’s important milestones. “We are delighted to be welcoming esteemed yacht crew from across France and Europe at our latest networking event in Antibes. What better place to have important industry conversations that will shape how we work together in the future. A special thanks to everyone that has contacted the PYA about this upcoming event and pledged their support to make it a truly memorable occasion. We look forward to meeting you all,” said Christophe Bourillon, CEO for the PYA. DWD Dolphin Wear & Deckers , Riviera Wine , Luxury Hospitality and MS Yachts by Edge Ship are sponsors for our latest quarterly event where attending guests will be provided with drinks and canapes at the opening reception. We would like to say a big thank you to all our partners for their continuous support and helping to facilitate important networking events. Event details and how to participate L'AUTHENTIK 1 Boulevard d'Aguillon, 06600, Antibes, France Thu, 16 Nov 2023 17:00 - 19:00 CET To reserve your place, visit our event page and book your tickets. If you would like to know more about PYA events and stay informed of the latest yachting industry developments, explore our membership options to learn more. Among the benefits include gaining early access to exclusive industry meetups and a wide range of services to support your career. More news Sea Changes Forum 2026 highlights - Navigating the future of yachting The PYA Sea Changes Forum 2026, held on 24 September at the IHO in Monaco, brought together Flag States, maritime authorities and industry experts to address critical yachting updates, safety compliance, crew training and welfare, and ocean stewardship initiatives. Read more Sea Changes Forum 2026 The PYA is pleased to invite you to the 2026 Sea Changes Forum, taking place on Thursday, 24 September 2026, at the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) in Monaco, during the Monaco Yacht Show. Read more Upcoming Webinar: Water Safety On Yachts The Professional Yachting Association is pleased to invite yacht crew and industry professionals to an upcoming live webinar dedicated to Water Safety On Yachts, taking place on 10 June 2026 from 15:00 to 16:00CET. Led by recognised experts in water management and regulatory compliance, this session will explore the common bacteria found in vessel water systems, the risks they pose to crew, guests and operations, and the practical measures that can be implemented to maintain safe onboard water standards. Read more