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Following the European Commission’s announcement in 2019 on the new VAT Directive for charters, Italian authorities announced they would be charging a VAT rate of 22%, unless it is proven that the superyacht sailed outside of EU waters. New VAT Rules for Italian Charters Now in Effect To All news 19 November 2020 Following the European Commission’s announcement in 2019 on the new VAT Directive for charters, Italian authorities announced they would be charging a VAT rate of 22%, unless it is proven that the superyacht sailed outside of EU waters. On 15 June 2020, the Italian Tax Authority issued Provision n.234483 which clarifies how vessels can prove sailing outside of EU waters, however, the implementation of these rules was postponed until November 2020. From November 1, 2020, the “lump sum VAT criteria” related to the length of the yachts (ex. 6.6% VAT for the charter of yachts over 24 meters) will be no longer applicable, and ordinary VAT rate of 22% will be due unless it will be proved the navigation outside EU waters. On October 29, 2020, Agenzia delle Entrate issued Provision n. 341339/2020, which clarifies the means of proof necessary to prove the effective use of the vessel outside the EU waters, to enjoy the VAT exemption. Disclaimer: The advice provided above should be confirmed with a local Italian yacht agent before making any travel plans or charter bookings. The PYA does not take any responsibility for any losses associated. 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

You are a Chef? Learn everything you need to know about the MCA's Ships' Cook Certificate What is it? The Ships’ Cook Certificate is a mandatory requirement for all chefs on commercially registered vessels operating more than 60 miles offshore, or with 10 or more crew on board. This qualification is run in accordance with the requirements of MLC (Maritime Labour Convention) and the ILO (International Labour Organisation) with respect to ship’s cooks and other catering personnel to confirm that applicants have the necessary skills and knowledge. Requirements be at least 18 years of age have completed a minimum of 1 month of actual sea service service in any capacity have completed training in accordance with the learning outcomes and assessment criteria set out in annex 1 and annex 2 MSN 1846 (M) MLC 2006 food and catering ship's cooks and catering staff - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) have completed the following standards of training certification and watchkeeping (STCW) basic safety courses: personal survival techniques (STCW Code A-VI/1-1) fire prevention and fire fighting (STCW Code A-VI/1-2) elementary first aid (STCW Code A-VI/1-3) personal safety and social responsibility (STCW Code A-VI/1-4) security awareness hold a current seafarer medical fitness certificate (ENG 1) or equivalent. How to apply Complete the MSF 4395 application form and post it together with the required documentation by post to: Registry of Shipping & Seamen Anchor Court Keen Road Cardiff CF24 5JW Should you not want to send your originals, we are authorised to issue certified copies for the MCA. Ship Cooks Certificate To Knowledge Base

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.  Our Role in the Industry:  PYA attends policy meetings with the UK Maritime Coastguard Agency (MCA) and other administrative bodies, ensuring yacht crew voices are heard in decision-making processes. Beyond advocacy, we play a key role in the industry's development, offering crucial services such as the MCA-approved Service Record, an essential tool for career progression that ensures seamless verification of sea time and compliance with industry regulations.  We actively support crew wellbeing across all aspects of their careers providing access to essential resources and safety guidance through our Member Assistance Service and Onboard Safety Group. These services are managed collaboratively by our experienced teams and council members.  From our headquarters, the PYA staff... 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. Our Role in the Industry: PYA attends policy meetings with the UK Maritime Coastguard Agency (MCA) and other administrative bodies, ensuring yacht crew voices are heard in decision-making processes. Beyond advocacy, we play a key role in the industry's development, offering crucial services such as the MCA-approved Digital Service Record Book (D-SRB) , an essential tool for career progression that ensures seamless verification of sea time and compliance with industry regulations. We actively support crew wellbeing across all aspects of their careers providing access to essential resources and safety guidance through our Member Assistance Service and Onboard Safety Group. These services are managed collaboratively by our experienced teams and council members. From our headquarters, the PYA staff provides daily support to members, offering expert advice on qualifications and career development. We oversee sea service verification , coordinate industry-leading events , and create opportunities for networking and engagement , all while championing yacht crew’s interests on a global scale. See all services for professional yacht crew Behind every PYA initiative is a group of individuals who know the yachting industry inside out. We come from diverse backgrounds — from life at sea to shoreside operations — and combine our skills to keep things running smoothly for our members. Here’s the team that makes it happen: Christophe Bourillon, Chief Executive Officer Christophe Bourillon, 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. Christophe was appointed CEO of the Professional Yachting Association (PYA) in 2021. Sophie Rodrigues, Office & Events Manager Sophie Rodrigues brings over 20 years of administrative and financial experience to her role as Office & Events Manager at the Professional Yachting Association (PYA), where she has been a key team member since 2016. Initially joining as Membership & Accounts Manager, she quickly advanced to overseeing office operations and event organisation. At PYA, Sophie ensures the smooth running of daily operations, from finance management to team coordination, while also planning and delivering successful industry events dedicated to crew networking and development. Fluent in both French and English, Sophie is based in Antibes, where she enjoys contributing to the heart of the yachting industry. Shana Hassoun, Marketing Team Passionate about marketing and communication, Shana Hassoun joined PYA in November 2023 as part of the marketing team, focusing on engagement, visibility, and data analysis. With a background in marketing and business, she is currently pursuing a master's in marketing & AI to integrate innovative approaches into her work. Since joining PYA, she has contributed to expanding social media reach, building strategic partnerships, and supporting key industry events. She particularly values the international nature of yachting and the opportunity to collaborate with professionals from diverse backgrounds. Axel Danel, Marketing Team Axel Danel joined PYA in November 2023 as part of the marketing team, contributing to communication strategies, digital content creation, and social media management. Currently pursuing a master’s degree in business engineering, Axel combines strategic thinking with hands-on marketing skills to support PYA’s visibility and outreach efforts. With experience in B2B client prospection, logistics coordination, and digital marketing, Axel plays an active role in developing campaigns and strengthening PYA’s presence across digital platforms. His passion for international business, combined with a creative and analytical approach, allows him to effectively promote PYA’s services to the global yachting community. Bianca Grosu, Sea Service & Training Manager With a solid background in administration and customer service, Bianca Grosu is part of the Sea Service Team at the Professional Yachting Association (PYA), where she supports yacht crew in navigating certification processes and regulatory requirements. Prior to joining PYA, Bianca gained experience in corporate environments such as Deloitte and Orange, specializing in administrative coordination, client service, and operational support. Organized and detail-oriented, Bianca manages sea service verifications and provides guidance to crew on compliance and career pathways. Fluent in Romanian, English, and Spanish, she combines a strong analytical mindset with a customer-focused approach, contributing to PYA’s mission of supporting crew worldwide. Bianca is based in the South of France and enjoys being part of the vibrant international yachting industry. Alicia Jordan, Sea Service & Development Manager Alicia has a 13-year background of working with and onboard superyachts up to 55m and recently made the transition to land. Currently, she holds the role of Sea Service Manager at the Professional Yachting Association helping crew navigate the MCA regulations to log their sea service, give career advice, and remain up to date with industry news, events and relevant topics of discussion. Elena Oprea, Sea Service & Ceritifates Manager Leaving Romania at 22 to pursue a career in the yachting industry, she began as a Stewardess and worked her way up to Chief Stewardess. Along the way, she developed strong leadership skills, a deep understanding of onboard operations, and built lasting connections with professionals from around the world. Today, as Certificates and Sea Service Manager at PYA, she brings valuable firsthand experience and a genuine passion for supporting yacht crew in navigating their certification and sea service progression. Kim LLorente, Sea Service & Projects Manager To About us Who We Are

The EDH (Efficient Deckhand) requirement came into play as of the end of June 2015 when the new M-notice was published. This means that as from 01 January 2017, the EDH certificate must have been issued within 18 months prior to the issue of the Certificate of Competency for the OOW. Completing your EDH before your OOW To All news 8 June 2015 The EDH (Efficient Deckhand) requirement came into play as of the end of June 2015 when the new M-notice was published. This means that as from 01 January 2017, the EDH certificate must have been issued within 18 months prior to the issue of the Certificate of Competency for the OOW. So if you are planning to do your OOW in the future, please bear this information in mind. 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 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

The 2024 Sea Changes Forum at the Monaco Yacht Show brought together a diverse group of stakeholders from across the yachting industry to tackle key issues such as training, welfare, safety, and new & upcoming regulations.  Held at the International Hydrographic Organisation (IHO) headquarters in Monaco on September 26th, this year’s forum featured insightful presentations from leading maritime policymakers and industry experts. With a full auditorium of international guests, this year’s event continued the PYA’s tradition of fostering important discussions that shape the future of yachting.  Sea changes Forum 2024 Highlights To All news 23 October 2024 The 2024 Sea Changes Forum at the Monaco Yacht Show brought together a diverse group of stakeholders from across the yachting industry to tackle key issues such as training, welfare, safety, and new & upcoming regulations.  Held at the International Hydrographic Organisation (IHO) headquarters in Monaco on September 26th, this year’s forum featured insightful presentations from leading maritime policymakers and industry experts. With a full auditorium of international guests, this year’s event continued the PYA’s tradition of fostering important discussions that shape the future of yachting. Christophe Bourillon, CEO of the PYA commented: "One of the key proceedings from this year’s Sea Changes is that the yachting industry is at a crossroads ". Said Christophe Bourillon, CEO of the PYA. "Much is happening in our industry, which is becoming more professional than ever. Further evolution will be required, including cultural changes " he added." Conference presentations from guest speakers: Below you can view and download a list of presentations from some of our speakers this year. These can be used for research and educational purposes. If you would like to request permission for commercial use, please get in contact with us at info@pya.org 16.00 Christophe Bourillon,   CEO of the Professional Yachting Association (PYA) & Kim Llorente,  Operations Manager (PYA)  - who welcomed speakers and guests and introduced new PYA services such as the new Onboard Safety Group a platform open to Captains, ETOs, Engineers, DPAs, Managers, Insurers, Auditors and Trainers to ask questions or create awareness of current and emerging safety concerns/risks to crew on yachts. You can contact the group at onboardsafety@pya.org or join the Telegram Group here https://t.me/+Fr1UrdTNIzw2NjE0 . Also introduced is  the new app for getting Digital Sea Service Testimonials through the N-Cap Wallet, secured on blockchain and easily verified by the PYA. The launch date is expected in the coming weeks. An email notification will be sent out to inform our members.   16:03 John Wyborn,  International Association of Maritime Institutions (IAMI) Board member, Superyacht Alliance - who introduced the new AV/IT level 1 and 2 courses (Audio Visual & Information Technology), centered on AV and IT technologies relevant to Superyacht operations under the IAMI-GUEST Program. First classes are expected to be opened in Spring 2025. He also reminded us of the importance of the E-TRB (Electronic Training Record Book) for yacht crew’s professional development and the progress its made so far. 16:11 Joey Meen,  IAMI Guest Program Director - gave updates on the Superyacht Alliance , the importance of accredited training, and industry-led training. Introduced the new Yacht Mental Health & Wellbeing course “a conduit towards a long-term solution to Mental Health issues within the Yachting Industry” also under the IAMI-GUEST Program.   16:19 Angela Wallace,   Director of Interior Training, Head of Welfare Group, PYA  - who shared insights on the welfare of the yachting industry through statistics from Yacht Crew Help .   16:27 Ajit Jacob,   Chief Examiner, Head of Seafarers Technical Delivery, UK Seafarer Services, Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA ) - discussed the modernization program the MCA has gone through, updating a lot of the syllabuses with current needs. The consultation for the Approved Electric propulsion course (AEPC), covering batteries, electronics on electric and hybrid vessels, appropriate first actions in case of failure, etc., has been approved. A draft Merchant Shipping Notice (MSN) on the modernization of the Master 500 Restricted CoC transferability to other sectors is available for consultation. The MCA also announced that they are creating a pathway to a Master Yacht Unlimited size , removing the 3000 GT limitation. Developments will be followed closely by the PYA because it is of particular interest to long term career Deck Officers. Finally, in consultation with the PYA, they are going to simplify sea service definitions and requirements, with the use of the E-TRB and Simulator time. 16:42 Julian Smith, Principal Surveyor - Cayman Islands Ship Registry  - shared insights on the recently updated REG Yacht Code . Significant changes will be summarized and promulgated in a further PYA advisory.   16:57 Gerard Griffiths, Professional in maritime safety and training, delivering STCW courses, Seascope France   - who highlighted how lithium-ion fires can easily be triggered on board and the importance of knowing how to deal with batteries and avoid potential issues through training.   17:02 Mark Savona,   Safety Coordinator, Technical Department, Transport Malta (TM) - who presented the origin of the different Maltese Codes. What the advantages are under the Maltese Flag. What certification is currently available for crew under the Maltese scheme.   17:17 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) - who discussed the origin and issues that the Administration faces regarding the implementation of certain restrictions in the South of France, including the Posidonia and speed limitations in certain areas.   17:32 Richard Falk FRIN,   Director of Training and Qualifications, Royal Yachting Association (RYA) (By video Link)  – gave an update on the Superyacht Personal Watercraft Safety Scheme that continues to grow, with around 450 yachts now using this scheme to ensure their guests are well equipped to use their onboard PWC’s safely and confidently. Port State authorities are not formally obliged to accept these certificates for use in their waters, but to date, they are unaware of any which do not, other than on rare occasions where anti-social behaviour has been demonstrated by the operators of the craft. The RYA Yachtmaster celebrated its 50th anniversary last year, which also saw the 100,000th RYA Yachtmaster Certificate of Competence issued, a fitting milestone for such a special year. The RYA continues the evolution from traditional navigation towards more emphasis on the electronic navigational tools available across all manner of craft. “Digital First”, is the name given to the strategy that supports the push from hydrographic offices around the world to move (eventually) away from paper charts.   17:42 Gregory Romano,  Managing Director, Romano Energy - introduced how their biofuel is produced and how it can easily replace traditional fuel to diminish a yacht’s carbon footprint. To see the full presentation of this year’s Sea Changes Forum 2024, please refer to the PDF document attached below. SEA CHANGES PWP .pdf Download PDF • 12.12MB After the forum, we hosted a networking cocktail reception in the same room as the conference at the IHO. It offered a great opportunity for attendees to continue discussions and connect with fellow industry professionals in a relaxed setting. We want to say another big thank you to our supporters and partners : including the IHO , VSF Group , Macor & Yachtelec (Amarix Group) , Bluewater , IAMI / Guest Program , MYBA , Romano Energy , Seascope France , Amico & CO for making this event possible. 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

If you’ve just started another season and are surrounded by a variety of new team members, it’s probably not surprising to learn that an entirely new dynamic is starting to form onboard. But, since the launch of social media and uninterrupted internet connection in the majority of crew cabins, it’s becoming less and less frequent for crew... Is your crew in need of team building support? To All news 13 December 2019 If you’ve just started another season and are surrounded by a variety of new team members, it’s probably not surprising to learn that an entirely new dynamic is starting to form onboard. But, since the launch of social media and uninterrupted internet connection in the majority of crew cabins, it’s becoming less and less frequent for crew to socialise, play board games or watch movies together in crew quarters, leading to a decline in crew bonding. According to an article published by Onboard Online, majority of yacht Captains think that crew bonding is key to overcoming some of their biggest challenges, including ‘crew retention, crew recruitment, crew conflict, crew issues, guest/owner expectations and external factors’. Whilst some might not see the value in paying for specialist team-building advice, it’s definitely a small investment compared to the time and money required when things go wrong. To ensure that your team is set for the highs and lows of the season ahead, we highly recommend taking on board some of the following team-building techniques to ensure that crew politics don’t ‘rock the boat’ and affect the experience for your guests. Break the Ice Encourage your crew to get to know each other. Going out for a meal or simply playing a number of ice-breaker games is a great way for everyone to get talking - especially for the more reserved members of the team. Here’s a list of fun ice-breakers you can play. Inspire teamwork Try to get your crew working together by encouraging new bonds and friendships to form. Taking part in team activities like paintball, bowling or a quiz night is a great way to get crew from different departments working together. It also helps make each crew member aware of their strengths and talents whilst developing a greater understanding of others and what makes them tick. If you’re based out at sea, here are some easy team-building exercises . Foster a positive working environment Taking simple steps to create a positive environment can go a long way. Conducting regular check-ins, encouraging communication or simply putting up a positive quote each day in your crew quarters will help build a positive atmosphere, which will have a big impact on crew happiness and performance. Here are some simple steps to start with. Deal with conflict tactfully By understanding the source of onboard conflict and nipping it in the bud quickly, you can stop it escalating. Simply encouraging crew to talk, understanding the source of problems and helping them find a solution together can avoid conflict and unhappiness onboard. Here are some guidelines for dealing with conflict. Get help from the professionals In addition to the techniques listed above, there are a variety of companies offering training and advice tailored specifically to the challenges faced by professional yacht crew. Luxury Hospitality Industry (LH ) has been running courses for a number of years which develop crew team dynamics and wellbeing. In addition, Impact Crew and Crew Glue offer facilitated training to develop crew team building, whilst also providing crew management tools, tips and techniques. If you have a specific crew issue or would like more advice on crew training and development, contact our Member's Assistance Service at advice@pya.org . 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

There's a lot of misinformation and confusion amongst yacht crew who hold Schengen visas when it comes to being stamped in and out of the Schengen area when starting and finishing their employment onboard a vessel. Guidelines for being stamped in and out of the Schengen area for visa holders To All news 6 October 2019 There's a lot of misinformation and confusion amongst yacht crew who hold Schengen visas when it comes to being stamped in and out of the Schengen area when starting and finishing their employment onboard a vessel. Unfortunately, far too many yacht crew are still taking their questions to yacht crew Facebook groups with the hope of finding answers. Whilst advice from fellow yacht crew might provide some general guidance, we would highly discourage members from relying on this information as visa advice is tailored to each individual's passport, visa and circumstances. In addition, visa regulations are constantly being updated by authorities, so it's important to get advice which is current and in line with the latest information. By relying on advice from unqualified sources, you might end up breaking the rules of your visa which could prevent you from being granted future Schengen visas and, subsequently, jeopardise your career in yachting. We interviewed immigration officials at the Cannes and Nice Ports in France on 3 October 2019, which are two ports in the French Riviera which have immigration offices. They have provided the following guidance for yacht crew with Schengen Visas: Stamped out - To be stamped out of the Schengen area, the crew member should visit the immigration office at Le Vieux Port Cannes or Nice Port with a valid passport and Schengen Visa. Stamped in - Once a crew member has returned from their time at sea, they can visit the immigration office with a valid passport and visa to be stamped back into the Schengen area, provided they still have available days left on their visa. Please note: The crew member needs to be present in order for their passport to be stamped. Also, the type of Schengen visa a crew member holds might affect their ability to be stamped back in and out multiple times, so we advise crew to check if this possible in advance. Documents required - Only a valid passport and Schengen visa. However, be prepared to show additional documentation to prove your employment, such as an Employment Agreement and/or the Crew List, a Seafarer’s Identity Document, the Yacht’s Certificate of Registry and/or a return ticket back to your home country. The flag under which the boat is registered - This does not affect the immigration requirements and crew can still be stamped in and out of the Schengen area when working on a boat which is registered in a Schengen country. The PYA does not currently provide tailored visa advice, however, we've put together some basic guidelines you should follow: Most of the Schengen countries are in the European Union, BUT some are not. It's important not to confuse the Schengen Area with the EU. Yacht crew can be stamped out of the Schengen area by a Port's Immigration Officer with an official immigration stamp in their passport. Due to the fact that a crew member is officially on a vessel and out of Schengen territory, the number of days that they're allowed in the Schengen area on their visa should not be affected and they should be able to pick up where they left off when being stamped back in by immigration officials. Please note - this is usually only allowed if your visa grants you multiple entries and should be confirmed by an official source. Many Schengen authorities are very strict on stamping crew back into a Schengen country once they've completed their employment on board a vessel and will only do so if the crew member has a repatriation ticket back to their home country. Do not rely on your Captain, management company or the vessel's owners to solve your visa issues. Make sure you know the rights and the regulations of your visa without your employer's assistance. Never ever overstay the number of days allowed on land on your visa. Never overstay your visa expiry date without being stamped out the Schengen area. If you are looking to leave your vessel via a Schengen airport after overstaying your original visa, you will usually need to apply for a transit visa which can usually be issued by an agent at the port of disembarkation. If MLC 2006 applies to your Seafarers Employment Agreement, the cost of this visa and agent should be covered by your vessel. Important - The type of visa and passport you hold might affect the guidelines provided above. We advise all crew to discuss their situation with the port's immigration officials or a verified visa agent. We recommend our members search online for a verified visa agent or speak directly with their local Immigration Officials. Here's a list of useful resources you can also refer to, although be mindful some of this content might be out of date: Official Schengen Visa Website Onboard Online - The Dilemma: Yachting and Schengen Visas (published 21.05.2015) Crew Compass App (published 27.04.2018) Please note: The information provided in this article is believed to be correct at the time of publishing (07.10.2019) and has been verified to be the best of the PYA's ability, however, cannot be guaranteed. Watch our latest webinar on Visas & Crew Immigration (published 28.02.2024) 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

South African Crew are warned against purchasing false boat papers to travel to the EU to look for work. South African Crew – Beware of this False Papers Scam To All news 5 October 2021 The PYA has recently learned that a Cape Town-based crew agent has been providing job seekers, for a substantial fee, with a clutch of documents that purport to show the holder is employed as a crew member onboard a yacht called S/Y ‘Malcolm Miller' (which is actually a UK-based Sail Training vessel). Due to the COVID-19 travel regulations, this documentation is issued to allow the job seeker to enter the EU and look for a real yacht-based job. A member of the PYA's confidential Member Assistance Service (MAS) has said, "Crew who try to use these false papers are risking not just their hard-earned cash but also legal problems. We know of one South African seafarer who was detained on arrival in France and deported. And, on top of this, there is the possibility that this person could be black-listed in the EU's passport control system." If you would like to report a scam targeted at yacht crew, please send this directly to our MAS team at advice@pya.org . 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

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