We would like to draw all seafarers' attention to the speed limits established last year around the Cap d'Antibes. A wide area is now subject to a limit of 10kn. Speed limit around the Cap d'Antibes To All news 4 May 2019 We would like to draw all seafarers' attention to the speed limits established last year around the Cap d'Antibes. A wide area is now subject to a limit of 10kn. The official link to the information is written in French, however there is a map showing the different speed zones along with the GPS coordinates, so you can easily see which water is affected by the regulation. More news 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 Schengen EES Update: Guidance for Yacht Crew The new Schengen Entry/Exit System (EES) replaces passport stamps with digital records for non-Schengen nationals. While procedures remain largely unchanged for yacht crew, entries and exits are now tracked electronically—with no physical proof provided—making it essential for crew to monitor their own Schengen days. Read more

Capt. Schofield, who commands the yacht WHITE ROSE OF DRACHS, has been President of the PYA since 2008 and has played a significant role in bringing the PYA to its current position as the only world-wide body devoted exclusively to the interests of seafarers working on superyachts. Award of Merchant Navy Medal to PYA President To All news 10 October 2018 Capt. Schofield, who commands the yacht WHITE ROSE OF DRACHS, has been President of the PYA since 2008 and has played a significant role in bringing the PYA to its current position as the only world-wide body devoted exclusively to the interests of seafarers working on superyachts. Following the award ceremony, Captain Schofield stated “The success of the PYA’s initiatives is the result of the hard work of many people who volunteer their time to make them a reality along with the diligence of our staff. I would like to acknowledge this and accept the honour on behalf of this collective effort”. In addition, Capt. Schofield is one of main instigators of the IHO’s scheme to collect ‘crowd-sourced’ bathymetric data from yachts in order to improve chart data in areas infrequently, or never, surveyed. This Queen’s award, presented by Princess Anne on her behalf, is welcome proof that the United Kingdom acknowledges the importance and value of super-yachts to the Red Ensign group of flag administrations. More news 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 Schengen EES Update: Guidance for Yacht Crew The new Schengen Entry/Exit System (EES) replaces passport stamps with digital records for non-Schengen nationals. While procedures remain largely unchanged for yacht crew, entries and exits are now tracked electronically—with no physical proof provided—making it essential for crew to monitor their own Schengen days. Read more

Read our guide with the latest Brexit regulations for yacht crew and watch our latest webinar recording. Guide - Brexit regulations for yacht crew To All news 14 January 2021 Your Brexit questions answered During our recent webinar on 12/01/2021, our panel of yachting agents answered the following questions. General regulations The UK left the EU on 31/12/2020 UK citizens can now only stay in the EU for ‘tourist’ purposes (unless official resident status has been obtained) for 90-days within a 180-day period. If you were in the EU before the Brexit date (31/12/2020), you should consider your 90-day period to have started on 01/01/2021. UK citizens need to have their passport stamped IN & OUT upon entering & exiting the EU borders UK citizens need a valid passport, no older than 10 years with at least 6 months left before it expires. UK citizens are not legally allowed to work in the EU, unless they have a valid work visa. Please note, although working onboard a vessel is permitted as it’s seen as work offshore, some EU-flagged vessels (e.g. France and Spain) require crew who work onboard these vessels to have the legal right to work in the EU. Therefore, UK citizens would require an EU work visa to work on these vessels. NB: Although immigration and travel rules are the same throughout Europe, every country and port might have slightly different requirements, so we urge crew to work with local yacht agents to assist them with their immigration. What are the immigration rules for UK crew who arrived in the EU and were working onboard vessels before Brexit 31/12/2020? FRANCE Update 18/01/2021 Crew having arrived prior 1/1/21 not having a Schengen entry stamp, cannot be stamped ‘out'. These crew are considered to be in transit. UK citizens can only get stamped ‘out’ if you have an entry stamp. Crew departing to fly out of France can get stamped 'in' prior to leaving the boat and will get stamped out at the last Schengen airport. However, should you fly out prior to 31/3/21 there is no obligation to get stamped ‘in’ first as you will be in same case as any odd tourist using his 90 days from 1/1/21. When leaving after 31/3/21 it is compulsory to get stamped ‘in’ to the Schengen area (EU) to avoid suspicion of overstay. Documents required Valid passport: Must be valid for at least 6 months longer than the planned stay in Schengen and less than 10 years old. Seaman's book: A Seaman's discharge book can be used to prove seafarer status, without which no ‘out’ stamp will/should be granted by port immigrations. We must insist, especially for yachts not using agents, that the crew hold a seaman book in order to handle the immigration matters on a legal basis. 90 days allowance: per any 180 days running period. Prior stamp request in ports: Most immigration offices can stamp with 24h notice or even less. Some immigration points will ask for 5 workdays notice which is the maximum legal notice time. [Answer supplied by Mark Ravnholt, Catalano Shipping France 12/01/2021] SPAIN Unlike France, Spain is not automatically counting the entry date of crew members who arrived before Brexit as 01/01/2021 and the start of their 90-day allowance. Crew will need to be stamped ‘in’ to Spain by a local yachting agent for their 90-day period to start. Due to current COVID regulations, UK crew will need to have proof of departure in order to get stamped ‘In’. This might include flights or supporting documentation from the vessel or management company proving their departure. Immigration/ Border Police Appointment Times: Must have an appointment & be accompanied by an authorised agent. Regular appointment times: Monday-Friday from 08.30 - 14,00 (Palma from 08:00 and occasionally available in the evening). Emergency appointments are available under exceptional circumstances. Documentation needed: Certificate of Registry (if the boat's not already a BWA Yachting client). Passport. Seaman's Book (or documentation from the boat proving employment, plus professional certificates etc). An updated crew list including the crew member’s name. Copy of the travel details (where relevant). [Answer supplied by Antonella Della Pietra, BWA Yachting Spain 12/01/2021] What if a UK citizen (crew member) has residency in an EU country? UK crew/citizens who hold a valid EU residency card or passport have the same residency and immigration rights as EU citizens. They can live, work and travel within the EU and not face the restrictions that standard UK citizens are now facing after Brexit. These crew need to ensure they travel with their EU residency card and passport at all times to show proof of residency. These individuals are not subject to the 90-day rule and will not have to get their passport stamped in or out when they travel or work on vessels within the EU. How far can crew travel from their vessel (in the port) once stamped out the EU? Some ports, especially larger commercial ports, can have strict policies on crew movement beyond the vessel once they have been stamped out of the EU. At certain times, local authorities can enforce stricter rules. It is therefore important that crew have their Seaman’s Book with them as this will confirm their status as a seafarer and allow them to circulate shoreside in the port of call and the neighbouring touching towns within the same country (If you are based in the last town on a border e.g. Menton, France, this does not allow you to enter the next country e.g. Italy). What about UK crew looking for work or dock walking during their 90-day travel allowance? UK citizens are not allowed to work in the EU (on-land) after Brexit. However, UK citizens are allowed to work onboard vessels within EU waters. But, some EU-flagged vessels (France, Spain) will require non-EU crew to hold a valid work visa. What about crew tax declarations? UK crew who spend long periods of time working on vessels based in EU ports might be liable to pay tax and/or social security charges within the local EU state. We advise all crew to look into the rules and regulations of the individual EU state they are in. How can UK crew get a Seaman’s Book? UK crew (with existing or prospective jobs only) can apply for a UK Seaman’s Book in person (at one of the UK Marine Offices) or via post - see full details here . Please note, the PYA has contacted the MCA and they have confirmed that they currently have a 10-week delay in processing Seaman’s Books and have removed the 24-hour turnaround service, so it’s best to wait until these processing times have improved before making your application. In the meantime, we suggest contacting a yacht agent to advise which other documentation is accepted by your local port customs officials to prove your status as a seafarer. In addition, UK crew can apply for another flag state seaman’s book - this will be determined by the flag state of the vessel on which you are employed. Here are some additional details: Malta is reluctant to issue seaman books to non-Maltese crew if the boat is not based in Malta Sweden only issues seaman’s Books to individuals having had merchant marine or navy experience Panama can issue a seaman book for a great number of nationalities working on a great number of flag states. However, this is a very slow procedure (count 2 months) and the book has only got 4 pages. At some ports, the PYA Service Record Book has been known to be accepted, however, this will need to be confirmed by a local yachting agent. Validity of Certification The below questions have been answered by Richard Falk from the RYA on 12/01/2021. Has the validity of UK (RYA) certificates been affected by Brexit? To date we have not been advised of any changes in the validity of UK and RYA certificates by most EU countries. In Spain, however, we are advised that vessels under 14 meters which are UK flagged are no longer able to obtain a permit to operate commercially. Therefore, crew who hold UK Certificates of Competence (CoC’s) can no longer operate vessels under 14 meters in Spain , regardless of what flag they are registered under. We are still awaiting a response as to whether this ruling applies to holders of MCA STCW 200 gt COC’s also. Are ICCs issued by the UK still valid in the EU? ICCs are still valid , with the exception of Spain. In Spanish waters, UK ICCs are no longer valid on a Spanish vessel, or on a vessel flagged under any member EU state. Spain has not adopted ‘UNEC Resolution 40’ and are therefore not obliged to follow any of the conventions relating to the ICC, whereas most other EU nations have. Please note, the operation of tenders has not been addressed by the Spanish authorities - this will need to be confirmed with local authorities . It is considered good practice however to ensure that tenders to larger vessels are clearly identified as such in order to minimise any risk of problems. What should crew do if they are unsure about the validity of their RYA/UK certificates in individual EU states? Crew should seek confirmation/clarification on the validity of their certificates in individual EU countries. Right now, the RYA has not been informed by any EU member states (other than Spain) that their certification is no longer valid. Will RYA examiner and instructor certificates still be valid with EU training schools? The instructor qualifications are still valid for instructing RYA courses in the EU. Examiner qualifications are also still valid for examining Yachtmasters under exam conditions. However, in Spain, the RYA / MCA Yachtmaster CoC which underpins RYA instructor qualifications is no longer accepted by the authorities there. Instructors would therefore need to hold an appropriate Spanish COC or work under someone who is legally able to be in command of that vessel. Those working on a freelance basis from outside of the EU would be subject to immigration laws and cannot instruct as a tourist. our understanding is that examiners are allowed to continue working in the EU and Spain as they are employed by the RYA and effectively travelling on business in the EU. Looking for more information? Watch our recent webinar . https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RZqNbLtHqgk Please note, this information is only correct at the time of airing 12.01.2021 and may have changed since this date. The PYA accepts no responsibility for any losses associated with this advice. Please consult a local yachting agent to get up-to-date advice based on your individual circumstances. More news 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 Schengen EES Update: Guidance for Yacht Crew The new Schengen Entry/Exit System (EES) replaces passport stamps with digital records for non-Schengen nationals. While procedures remain largely unchanged for yacht crew, entries and exits are now tracked electronically—with no physical proof provided—making it essential for crew to monitor their own Schengen days. Read more

The préfet Maritime de la Méditerranée has updated their guidance on anchorage regulations, in line with its strategy to protect maritime ecosystems, including Posidonia. Posidonia regulations from Le préfet Maritime de la Méditerranée – July 2023 update To All news 31 July 2023 The préfet Maritime de la Méditerranée has updated their guidance on anchorage regulations, in line with its strategy to protect maritime ecosystems, including Posidonia. The latest regulations address anchorage of 24+ meter LOA vessels in Western Corsica (Arrêté # 168/2023) and in the Bay of Calvi (Arrêté # 189/2023). Areas of interest include: Considering that the action of anchoring and stopping French and foreign vessels in the French internal and territorial waters of the Mediterranean is a matter for the navigation police and public order at sea - which is the responsibility of the Maritime Prefect. Anchoring or stopping is the responsibility of the ship's captain, the skipper, or any person in charge or in control of the vessel. The rules governing the safe passage of foreign vessels in French territorial waters defined by the Préfet Maritime. France's obligations to preserve the good ecological status of its waters. Considering the scientific studies communicated to the Préfet Maritime showing the worsening degradation of Posidonia meadows linked to the anchoring of large vessels (over 24 meters in length overall). Considering the need to regulate the anchoring and stopping of vessels with French or foreign flags in French inland and territorial Mediterranean waters, in order to defend the sovereign rights and interests of the Nation, maintain public order, safeguard people and property, and protect the environment. Copies of the regulations with maps can be accessed here: Arrêté # 168/2023 - Western Corsica Arrêté # 189/2023 - Bay of Calvi More news 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 Schengen EES Update: Guidance for Yacht Crew The new Schengen Entry/Exit System (EES) replaces passport stamps with digital records for non-Schengen nationals. While procedures remain largely unchanged for yacht crew, entries and exits are now tracked electronically—with no physical proof provided—making it essential for crew to monitor their own Schengen days. Read more

CamForm is a nautical training center endorsed by the Italian Maritime Coast Guard. Their mission is to unite the passion for sea life with training. CamForm is situated in North Sardinia, a pivotal hub within the Yachting industry. They offer year-round training opportunities for those seeking to certify their skills while their yacht is either in the shipyard or docked at the marina, awaiting its next voyage. Their dedicated instructors strive to lead candidates to the highest standards for a successful maritime career. Services Basic Training Imo STCW Maritime Safety Boat licences Silver Service Contact Information CamForm Via Roma n.130 07026 ,Olbia, Italy Ph.: +39 324 920 4820 segreteria@camform.it www.accademianauticacamform.it CamForm Accademia Nautica CamForm is a nautical training center endorsed by the Italian Maritime Coast Guard. Their mission is to unite the passion for sea life with training. Visit website Back to All Partners 10% discount for all PYA members. Please quote your PYA membership number and expiry date with your purchase. Become a member and enjoy the exclusive offers from our partners. Become a member

We have particularly been working closely with the International Seafarers' Welfare and Assistance Network (ISWAN) who has - up until this point - provided a 24/7 helpline to all seafarers worldwide. The PYA Supports the Launch of Yacht Crew Help To All news 27 November 2020 The PYA has noticed an increase of mental health issues amongst yacht crew over the last few years and has been campaigning to raise awareness and actively support industry organisations providing assistance to crew. We have particularly been working closely with the International Seafarers' Welfare and Assistance Network (ISWAN) who has - up until this point - provided a 24/7 helpline to all seafarers worldwide. The PYA, along with ISWAN and a number of other supporting organisations, has recognised the need for a specialised helpline tailored to supporting yacht crew with the unique challenges they face. We are proud to announce that we have actively contributed to the development of the new 'Yacht Crew Help' helpline, providing guidance and consultation to ISWAN and will continue to do so in the future by active contribution to the services offered. Professional yacht crew anywhere in the world will now be able to access 24-hour support via Yacht Crew Help . Why is there a need for a specialised helpline? [Press release from ISWAN 24/11/2020] Despite the many benefits of working on board a superyacht, the challenges of working away from home for long periods and living in close quarters with colleagues can become overwhelming. In a 2018 survey of superyacht crew, ISWAN found that 82% of superyacht crew experienced low crew morale sometimes, often or always, and 55% of female respondents found accessing mental health care to be an occasional or regular challenge. Prompted by these findings, ISWAN set up a steering group of representatives from across the superyacht industry, including the PYA, who collaborated to develop Yacht Crew Help, - a free, confidential, multilingual helpline for professional yacht crew. Whatever problem someone is facing, wherever they are in the world, Yacht Crew Help will be available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, to provide guidance and support. The helpline is run by ISWAN, a charity which promotes the welfare of seafarers working in all sectors of the maritime industry. The helpline officers are trained in counselling skills, suicide risk assessment and providing emotional support to crew all over the world, and the team is connected with a wide range of organisations to help yacht crew find further support. ISWAN’s Executive Director Roger Harris said: ‘Although the superyacht industry can be glamorous, the demands on crew are very high and living in your workplace away from loved ones can be tough. With Yacht Crew Help, we want to make sure that men and women working on superyachts can easily access the support available to them worldwide whenever they need it – free of charge, day or night. We are incredibly grateful to all of our partners for helping us develop a service tailored to professional yacht crew and their specific needs.’ Captain Brendan O’Shannassy, President of the ISS Captain’s Committee and one of the key members of the Yacht Crew Help steering group, said: ‘The most valuable component of the superyacht industry are the crews. Yacht Crew Help will be key to educating and supporting yacht crew as they strive to deliver the excellence demanded by the industry. ISWAN are a highly credible non-commercial entity to provide this support without crew having any concern of commercial compromise when raising personal concerns.’ How to get help Crew members, whether they are currently on board or ashore, can currently contact Yacht Crew Help via three different contact methods: Telephone: +44 (0)20 3713 7273 (a call back can be requested via the Yacht Crew Help website) E-mail: help@yachtcrewhelp.org Live Chat: via www.yachtcrewhelp.org A range of information, guidance and resources on issues affecting yacht crew is available on the Yacht Crew Help website at www.yachtcrewhelp.org , including mental health and wellbeing, bullying and harassment, sexual assault, substance misuse and employment concerns. Supporting organisations Yacht Crew Help would not be possible without the support and guidance of a number of key companies and organisations: Bond Technology Management & Consultancy (Primary partner); Y.CO (Official yachting partner); Burgess (Gold sponsor); MYBA (Gold sponsor); LYBRA (Gold sponsor); The Professional Yachting Association; Nautilus International; wilsonhalligan; MHG Insurance Brokers; United Advisers Marine; Yotspot; AYSS; Yachting Matters; Superyacht Charities; Impact Crew; International Superyacht Society; and Superyacht Services Guide. More news 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 Schengen EES Update: Guidance for Yacht Crew The new Schengen Entry/Exit System (EES) replaces passport stamps with digital records for non-Schengen nationals. While procedures remain largely unchanged for yacht crew, entries and exits are now tracked electronically—with no physical proof provided—making it essential for crew to monitor their own Schengen days. Read more

Find out the full details about the launch of our PYA Digital Service Record Book. PYA Launch Digital Service Record Book (D-SRB) To All news 22 February 2021 The world has seen a rapid acceleration towards the use of online and digital systems across multiple industries, with yachting being no exception. Due to the international nature of the yachting industry and the constant movement of crew across multiple locations worldwide, the PYA recognised early on the need to move more and more of its services online to increase the ease and efficiency of how our members can access them. On 22 February 2021, the PYA launched its PYA Digital Service Record Book (D-SRB) now available to all members and yacht crew who need to get their sea service time verified. The MCA has agreed to a permanent switch over to this PYA D-SRB, which will result in a huge increase in speed, time and efficiency of recording sea service time and applying for NoEs, CoCs and other certification moving forward. “The D-SRB replaces our well-established Service Record Book (SRB). Crew are able to upload key information into their online profile and visualise their verified sea-time and qualifications with the D-SRB – anywhere, at any time, said Christophe Bourillon”, CEO of the PYA. Over the last twelve months, the PYA team has been hard at work developing and testing this ground-breaking digital system which includes a secure digital stamp, so ensuring it meets the expectations and standards of the MCA.” It's great to launch such an innovative service as we reach our 30-year anniversary, which is an important milestone for our organisation and valued members. ------ For more information on the D-SRB click here . Are you looking to get your sea time verified? You can have your sea service time verified by becoming a PYA member for €185 per year, or alternatively you can verify your sea time as a non-member for €50 per testimonial. Register here: https://www.pya.org/Register.aspx Already a member? Learn more about the process of verifying your sea service time with the PYA: https://www.pya.org/Membership-Benefits/Service-Record-Book.aspx https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HYGyID1DAzE More news 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 Schengen EES Update: Guidance for Yacht Crew The new Schengen Entry/Exit System (EES) replaces passport stamps with digital records for non-Schengen nationals. While procedures remain largely unchanged for yacht crew, entries and exits are now tracked electronically—with no physical proof provided—making it essential for crew to monitor their own Schengen days. Read more

This MIN provides information on the change to the format of STCW Certificates of Competency and Flag State Endorsement / Certificates of Equivalent Competency issued by the MCA, including sample images of the new certificates as well as information on changes to the application process that seafarers should follow to obtain and revalidate certification from the MCA. MCA releases MIN 655 To All news 22 March 2021 Commencing in January 2021 the MCA will begin issuing full certificates with a five-year validity. The certificates will be issued in the new format, as shown in Annex A, and will be a resumption in the issuance of physical certification by the MCA. All NOE and Revalidation applications need to be sent to the MCA by email. You need to have your Digital SRB available in your profile before you can apply, so that you can download it and include it in your email to the MCA (please do not copy PYA in the emails). If all your required sea time (or part of it) is in a physical SRB, please contact us for a digitally stamped copy of your physical SRB so you can send that by email instead of by post. If you are applying for your first NOE (first MCA CoC), then you need to send your original documents to the MCA by post as well (except the D-SRB of course) to the address that follows. If your application requires the submission of a Training Record Book (TRB), the original physical TRB will need to be submitted to the MCA. Supporting documents must be attached to the ‘application email’ directly, or within a ‘.zip file’. They are unable to accept ‘.rar extensions’ or links to file-sharing services such as OneDrive, Google Drive or Dropbox. Your application may be selected for screening. In that case, you will be contacted requesting the submission of original documentation. Physical documents should be sent to: The Maritime and Coastguard Agency Seafarer Services (Bay 2/11) Spring Place105 Commercial Road Southampton SO15 1EG UK View now: MIN 655 More news 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 Schengen EES Update: Guidance for Yacht Crew The new Schengen Entry/Exit System (EES) replaces passport stamps with digital records for non-Schengen nationals. While procedures remain largely unchanged for yacht crew, entries and exits are now tracked electronically—with no physical proof provided—making it essential for crew to monitor their own Schengen days. Read more

The PYA do not just act on behalf of yacht crew. We represent the whole industry, from brokers to crew agents, to training providers and beyond. Help us continue to do so by becoming a partner of the PYA (previously known as corporate membership). In exchange for your support, we are able to promote your brand to our members, who are made up of over 90 nationalities. Looking for a powerful way to showcase your brand and connect with the yachting industry? Look no further than partnering with the Professional Yachting Association (PYA)! Our partner program offers a range of benefits designed to maximize your exposure and connect you with our diverse, international audience. As a partner, you'll receive a range of benefits, including press releases announcing your partnership with the PYA, a dedicated company page on our website linking to your own website, and a logo prominently featured on our PYA homepage. You'll also receive a social media spotlight post, ensuring maximum exposure to our followers on all of our social media channels. In addition, you'll receive all PYA publications and have the opportunity to be featured as a partner in our newsletter. But that's not all - as a partner of the PYA, you'll also have the opportunity to display your marketing materials in our office and enjoy reduced or free entry to PYA events. This gives you the opportunity to showcase your brand and connect with our members face-to-face. By becoming a partner of the PYA, you'll not only be promoting your brand to our members, but you'll also be supporting an organization that is committed to protecting and promoting the yachting industry as a whole. We attend policy meetings to stay informed on the latest news and policies, and we fight on the front line of industry battles to keep the industry thriving. Join the PYA partner program today and start enjoying the benefits of a strong, engaged partnership! The Benefits of PYA Partnership The PYA do not just act on behalf of yacht crew. We represent the whole industry, from brokers to crew agents, to training providers and beyond. Help us continue to do so by becoming a partner of the PYA (previously known as corporate membership). In exchange for your support, we are able to promote your brand to our members, who are made up of over 90 nationalities.

Following our initial report last week on running engaging fire drills on board, we continue our training report series written by our Director of Training (Deck & Engineering), Rod Hatch, who provides some interesting ways to spice up First Aid drills on board. Training Report - How to run engaging first aid training onboard To All news 2 July 2020 Following our initial report last week on running engaging fire drills on board, we continue our training report series written by our Director of Deck Training, Rod Hatch, who provides some interesting ways to spice up First Aid drills on board. How to spice up First Aid drills? The creativity and artistic skills required by crew to make theme nights a charter success can also be applied to training in disaster preparedness. While basic drills are fundamental to effective emergency responses, embodying some drill aspects into a theatrical scenario that could actually happen adds a new level of teamwork. To create an engaging first aid drill, follow the steps below: Assemble the crew, except one stewardess who has been temporarily detached for “special duties”. Inform the rest that they are now on charter, in St. Tropez, with very high profile guests on board. The captain, for purposes of this scenario, is ashore visiting the port office, with his radio and phone left on deck. All the guests are ashore, except the wife of the principal charterer, who is lounging on the sun deck. Somebody needs to go up and check if she needs anything. By now, crew are wondering what this is all about. Then – HORROR! Whoever went up to the sundeck calls on the radio –“Guest accident at foot of sundeck steps”. Crew go up to find the charterer's wife (special duties stewardess) in a contorted position at the base of the sundeck stairs, her head on her beach towel which is covered in blood (theatrical or ketchup). The Captain is nowhere to be found, so who takes charge? What needs to be done? How are tasks allocated? Then her husband (Captain who has quickly changed into civvies) comes bounding up waving a shopping bag and calling out for his wife to come and see her present. He spots the victim and goes crazy, yelling and threatening everybody with lawsuits, and interfering with the first-aid responders. How is he controlled and ushered away? What actions are taken by the crew? Who communicates what, to whom and how? This sort of scenario could conceivably happen in real life, and again the debriefing will bring up some very useful observations and lessons to be applied. By giving crew (single or in pairs) the opportunity to create, write and direct any type of scenario which can be worked into the routine drill schedules, will help buy them into these drills and practices. They will become more capable and confident in their safety roles and will start to develop their own leadership skills. The foregoing examples are intended to stimulate crew to produce their own scenarios so as to maintain a high level of interest and involvement in safety drills. We will follow up next week with some ideas on preparing for annual audits and surveys, including specific chart exercises. Rodney A. Hatch - Director for Deck Training Rod hails from Southampton. His connection to the sea goes back to early memories of the city skyline being dominated by the last generation of the great trans-Atlantic liners, and when the the only yachts on the River Hamble were wooden ones, sympathetic neighbours of one of the last wooden hulks from the Royal Navy's Napoleonic wars. After graduating from Sheffield University, and prior to actually running away to sea, he was a Lecturer in Economics and Liberal Studies at South Bank Polytechnic, London. His yachting career and commercial sea time span over fifty years, and he is still active as a Relief Captain. From its shores to its inland hills, Rod embraces the Mediterranean littoral, with special affection for the ancient magic of the Greek islands, the glories of Renaissance Italy, France for the historic ties with England, and every vineyard along the way. Rod can be reached at deck@pya.org More news 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 Schengen EES Update: Guidance for Yacht Crew The new Schengen Entry/Exit System (EES) replaces passport stamps with digital records for non-Schengen nationals. While procedures remain largely unchanged for yacht crew, entries and exits are now tracked electronically—with no physical proof provided—making it essential for crew to monitor their own Schengen days. Read more