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Amico & Co and Pesto Sea Group have joined forces to create Genoa Superyacht Hub, a brand meant to deliver the highest quality services to our Genoa-based customers: training, events, refit shipyard, yacht agency, marinas, bunkering, chandlery. Genoa Superyacht Hub – a brand with two souls – is an initiative by Amico & Co and Pesto Sea Group. Genoa Superyacht Hub’s mission is to let the world know how attractive this location is and, at the same time, improve what Genoa offers to superyachts and their crew. Not only do superyachts have on hand Amico & Co, one of the world’s most modern and most capable superyacht refit and maintenance yards – complete with 4,000-ton ShipLift – and the expertise of Pesto Sea Group, one of Italy’s most renowned yacht and ship agents, but also more than 50 other superyacht related businesses in the immediate area together with easy access to superyacht contractors, services and suppliers in the nearby yacht building district. There’s much more to Genoa Superyacht Hub than those supplemental services. Our brand includes two marinas: Marina Molo Vecchio, right in the city center, can host yachts up to 150 meters LOA, while Waterfront Marina can welcome vessels up to 110 meters LOA and offers crew sports and leisure facilities. At Genoa Superyacht Hub, we go beyond providing a great place to stay. We aim to create a home away from home for crews. We organize crew socials and events, fostering a sense of community. Moreover, we offer crew training courses to help crew members stay on top of their core skills. Our training center, in collaboration with the best professional training providers, offers a wide range of specialist crew courses, ensuring personal and professional growth for all. Genoa Superyacht Hub is not just a home port, it’s a vibrant community. From our top-notch facilities and opportunities for upskilling to the world-class superyacht services on offer, we strive to create a sense of belonging. Isn’t it about time you considered making Genoa your new home port? Services: Training Events and community Refit shipyard Yacht agency Marinas Bunkering Chandlery Contact information: Address: Calata Molo Vecchio Mod. 3, 16128 Genova GE info@genoasuperyachthub.com Phone: +39 010 270 1305 https://genoasuperyachthub.com/ Genoa Superyacht Hub Amico & Co and Pesto Sea Group have joined forces to create Genoa Superyacht Hub, a brand meant to deliver the highest quality services to our Genoa-based customers: training, events, refit shipyard, yacht agency, marinas, bunkering, chandlery. Visit website Back to All Partners Become a member and enjoy the exclusive offers from our partners. Become a member

In the past five years, many yachting companies have announced well-intentioned sustainability programmes, commitments, and initiatives... Sustainability in the Yachting Industry To All news 27 April 2021 These have launched with the hopes of developing effective designs and practices to minimise yachting’s impact on the world’s resources, but also to combat the perception that the industry isn’t committed to protecting the very environment that it depends on. As the Covid-19 pandemic has affected the daily realities of the market, how many of these initiatives have continued and had a genuine impact? And is there space for newer programmes to fill in the gaps that still exist in the superyacht industry? Read the full story More news PYA Christmas Ball 2025 Highlights The 2025 PYA Christmas Ball took place on 5 December at the Hotel Martinez in Cannes, bringing Captains, crew and well-known leading industry professionals together for a 1960s-themed evening. We started with a cocktail reception, with live musicians playing as guests arrived in retro attire. After months of preparation, we were truly delighted to see how much our members and partners enjoyed this special night. The PYA Christmas Ball remains a cherished tradition, bringing our community together to celebrate, connect, and create lasting memories. Read more Summary of the Sea Changes Forum 2025 In September, we hosted our annual Sea Changes Forum, bringing together key voices from across the yachting industry. The event delivered encouraging updates for the sector and inspiring insights into how we can continue to evolve and improve as a community. Below, you will find a summary of the presentations shared by our expert panelists, along with access to each full presentation for further details. Read more The PYA Christmas Ball Returns for Its 33rd Edition The 33rd edition of the PYA Christmas Ball returns at the iconic Hôtel Martinez in Cannes on Friday 5th December 2025, this year with a glamorous 1960s theme. Join us for a night of celebration with the yachting community — featuring a gourmet dinner, live band, raffle prizes, and plenty of opportunities to connect with fellow professionals from across the industry. A much-loved PYA tradition, the Christmas Ball promises elegance, entertainment, and a touch of vintage sparkle as we come together to close the year in style. Read more

PYA Board Director Captain Rod Hatch writes this opinion piece regarding the ISPS Code’s current relevance in relation to the safety of yacht crew. Is the ISPS Code still suitable for yacht crew safety? To All news 27 December 2023 PYA Board Director Captain Rod Hatch writes this opinion piece regarding the ISPS Code’s current relevance in relation to the safety of yacht crew. Safety Management Systems developed with reference to the ISPS Code are not up to the task of providing yacht crew with protection from threats of increasingly aggressive tactics by environmental activists. This applies to potential physical harm which could result from attempting to confront or deter activist actions, and also to potential legal jeopardy arising from physical contact with activists. The PYA was recently contacted about this issue by The Nautical Institute (NI) and CHIRP (Confidential Human Factors Incident Reporting Programme). The NI focus is on marina security. This is reasonably well covered in marinas which are ISPS compliant, but only from landward attacks, as emphasized in the Onboard Online article. CHIRP sees a change in public perception across the maritime luxury sector, including cruise ships. They advocate sector-wide security protocols to address the risks which are not covered by the ISPS Code (such as from environmentalist activism). They also asked if there is any relevant form of ISPS Code ready for implementation, which there is not. Anecdotally, one security company contacted about this issue reported that when the subject of such activism crops up during Shipboard Security Officer training, then in general crew attitudes are that activists should be met hands-on, which in fact would produce a disastrous outcome. There is a serious gap in crew preparedness which needs to be plugged here. It appears that captains have no clear directives regarding how they and their crew should respond, both during an incident and then during its negative PR aftermath. The NI and CHIRP are keen to open discussion with the PYA about how to address the twin issues of (i) yachting’s negative image with the wider public, following the oligarch debacle early in 2023, and (ii) the environmentalists’ campaign to “ban superyachts”. We look forward to having our colleagues at Italian Yachtmasters (IYM), Hellenic Yachtmasters’ Club (HYMC), and Groupement des equipages professionels du yachting (GEPY) with us during the discussions with the NI and CHIRP. A further factor has very recently made it clear that the ISPS Code has stagnated to the point whereby it is partly the Irrelevant Ship and Port Facility Security Code. Defensive measures such as armed guards and creating an onboard citadel, which were relevant and effective when high seas piracy was a daily threat in some areas, are of reduced usefulness in the present situation in the Red Sea. The Houthi group based in North Yemen has used drones and ballistic missiles to attack 12 ships in the Red Sea and adjacent waters in the past month. Only dedicated defensive equipment on warships can detect and counter such attacks. A targeted commercial vessel would receive little or no warning of such an attack, and anyway would have no defensive capability. There would be no time to shoot, and no time to retire to a citadel. Any realistic defence can only come at inter-governmental level with deployment of military assets. This week, on 18th December the formation of a joint naval task force was announced. In response, on the 19th December the Houthis announced their capacity and intent to deliver attacks every 12 hours against shipping. This is all hot news, but outside of shipping circles the general public is so far not stirred up about rockets being fired at bulk carriers or container ships. To the Houthis, yachts may look like small fry, not worth the expenditure of ammunition. But if the connection were to be made about the propaganda value of the destruction of such a despised symbol of plutocrat wealth as a superyacht, then for an indeterminate period it would be game over for a link between Mediterranean yachting and any place East of Suez. The yachting industry has the resources to deal with its image problem, and to take corrective action in all areas where it is open to valid criticism on environmental grounds (Part 1: SuperyachtNews - Unmanaged risk ; Part 2: Unmanaged risk ). Effective implementation will require a time frame of several years. In the interim, the PYA and its partner groups representing crew interests will be active in formulating guidelines for crew in handling environmental protests, in conjunction with other industry bodies. Regarding the new form of maritime threat affecting the Red Sea, we shall provide regular advisories through our contacts with flag states and involved maritime security companies. It is actually very unlikely that any yacht owners would send their vessel on a Red Sea transit at the moment. Calls to maritime insurers, and reports from on-board security providers, indicate: (i) many yacht owners have cancelled their plans to proceed East of Suez for this winter: (ii) a rise in insurance rates is anticipated for those who wish to make the transit: and (iii) notwithstanding its current news dominance, Houthi terrorism has not supplanted piracy as the major risk to shipping in the Red Sea and adjacent waters, but has piled another serious risk on top. This article was first published on OnboardOnline on the 13th December, 2023. More news PYA Christmas Ball 2025 Highlights The 2025 PYA Christmas Ball took place on 5 December at the Hotel Martinez in Cannes, bringing Captains, crew and well-known leading industry professionals together for a 1960s-themed evening. We started with a cocktail reception, with live musicians playing as guests arrived in retro attire. After months of preparation, we were truly delighted to see how much our members and partners enjoyed this special night. The PYA Christmas Ball remains a cherished tradition, bringing our community together to celebrate, connect, and create lasting memories. Read more Summary of the Sea Changes Forum 2025 In September, we hosted our annual Sea Changes Forum, bringing together key voices from across the yachting industry. The event delivered encouraging updates for the sector and inspiring insights into how we can continue to evolve and improve as a community. Below, you will find a summary of the presentations shared by our expert panelists, along with access to each full presentation for further details. Read more The PYA Christmas Ball Returns for Its 33rd Edition The 33rd edition of the PYA Christmas Ball returns at the iconic Hôtel Martinez in Cannes on Friday 5th December 2025, this year with a glamorous 1960s theme. Join us for a night of celebration with the yachting community — featuring a gourmet dinner, live band, raffle prizes, and plenty of opportunities to connect with fellow professionals from across the industry. A much-loved PYA tradition, the Christmas Ball promises elegance, entertainment, and a touch of vintage sparkle as we come together to close the year in style. Read more

Under UK flag jurisdiction these are placed into law by a Statutory Instrument (Act of Parliament) in the UK Merchant Shipping Acts - as amended. These standards are therefore international in application and NOT subject to changes in the political membership of the EU. Brexit and UK CoCs To All news 14 February 2018 The PYA is aware of concerns now being articulated in the maritime press regarding the possible future validity of UK certificates of competency. Crew should be aware and will appreciate that their UK MCA Certificate of Competency is strictly governed under an IMO Convention - Standards of Training and Watch keeping Certification (STCW). Under UK flag jurisdiction these are placed into law by a Statutory Instrument (Act of Parliament) in the UK Merchant Shipping Acts - as amended. These standards are therefore international in application and NOT subject to changes in the political membership of the EU . Separately, the EU Directives (regulations) governing employment within the EU may be affected by BREXIT negotiations. The PYA will continue to monitor the ongoing discussion between the EU and the UK on maritime related issues and advise members of any significant developments. More news PYA Christmas Ball 2025 Highlights The 2025 PYA Christmas Ball took place on 5 December at the Hotel Martinez in Cannes, bringing Captains, crew and well-known leading industry professionals together for a 1960s-themed evening. We started with a cocktail reception, with live musicians playing as guests arrived in retro attire. After months of preparation, we were truly delighted to see how much our members and partners enjoyed this special night. The PYA Christmas Ball remains a cherished tradition, bringing our community together to celebrate, connect, and create lasting memories. Read more Summary of the Sea Changes Forum 2025 In September, we hosted our annual Sea Changes Forum, bringing together key voices from across the yachting industry. The event delivered encouraging updates for the sector and inspiring insights into how we can continue to evolve and improve as a community. Below, you will find a summary of the presentations shared by our expert panelists, along with access to each full presentation for further details. Read more The PYA Christmas Ball Returns for Its 33rd Edition The 33rd edition of the PYA Christmas Ball returns at the iconic Hôtel Martinez in Cannes on Friday 5th December 2025, this year with a glamorous 1960s theme. Join us for a night of celebration with the yachting community — featuring a gourmet dinner, live band, raffle prizes, and plenty of opportunities to connect with fellow professionals from across the industry. A much-loved PYA tradition, the Christmas Ball promises elegance, entertainment, and a touch of vintage sparkle as we come together to close the year in style. Read more

“Virtual Pursers have grown and developed in so many unexpected ways since conception and we are thrilled to have a number of exciting projects in the pipeline”, says Dominique Smit, Co-founder. Virtual Pursers Six Month Milestone To All news 9 March 2021 Since their official launch on the 1st of September 2020, Virtual Pursers have realised the importance of cultivating relationships. With 20 years combined industry experience, and an impressive professional network, the founders had a clear vision on which affiliates to reach out to for possible brand alignment. Quickly establishing themselves as the leading experts in outsourced yachting administration, they have no plans to slow down. “Virtual Pursers have grown and developed in so many unexpected ways since conception and we are thrilled to have a number of exciting projects in the pipeline”, says Dominique Smit, Co-founder. In a nutshell they: Have partnered with: Blue Marine Travel Pelion Consulting Luxury Hospitality Deep Blue Soft Are proud to be a part of: She of the Sea The PYA International Super Yacht Society Are listed in: The Yachting Pages The Superyacht Group Have written for and been featured in: Onboard Online Boat International The Islander Dockwalk Onboard Magazine Yacht International Radio PYA The Yachting Pages Company news: Yacht management companies and Pursers go hand-in-hand. Which is why teaming up with Invisible Crew was a highlight in the company’s early stages. The synergy provides worry-free Pocket Superyacht ownership, through the placement of quality crew. Working behind the scenes, offering administrative expertise and support, Virtual Pursers couldn’t be happier to be a part of the Invisible Crew journey. “I was introduced to VP as a solution when my admin assistant was forced to focus solely on our marketing. Today I have a scalable team of assistants with in depth yachting knowledge which - apart from handling the mundane admin tasks - are capable of solving every challenge thrown at them. This has decreased my personal workload and further increased the quality and scope of our services. Now our Pocket Superyacht owners have Invisible Superyacht Pursers on board!” Not only catering to management companies, newbuilds are also in the mix with one of their innovative developments – The Purser Template. Virtual Pursers understand that setting up a Newbuild is no easy feat. The administration side of things may be an initial requirement, however it does not necessarily warrant a full time resource. Simplifying matters, Virtual Pursers offer a flexible, cost-effective solution which involves; streamlining the administration setup from the get-go, making sure that all of the information and documentation is in logical order. Expansion is definitely on the horizon for this dynamic duo. Virtual Pursers are extremely humbled to be in the position of accepting CV’s from potential candidates. “We’re excited about those interested in joining our journey”, says Bec, Co-founder. If you think you’d be the right fit for the team, please head over to the careers section on the website to submit your CV. Introducing a new Q & A section to their repartee, the ladies interview leaders in the industry every month to gain some first-hand perspective on an array of issues. Their latest interview with Liz Brasler focuses on her journey from deckhand to Captain, and is filled with ups, downs and gems of wisdom. Visit https://virtualpursers.com/ for more. More news PYA Christmas Ball 2025 Highlights The 2025 PYA Christmas Ball took place on 5 December at the Hotel Martinez in Cannes, bringing Captains, crew and well-known leading industry professionals together for a 1960s-themed evening. We started with a cocktail reception, with live musicians playing as guests arrived in retro attire. After months of preparation, we were truly delighted to see how much our members and partners enjoyed this special night. The PYA Christmas Ball remains a cherished tradition, bringing our community together to celebrate, connect, and create lasting memories. Read more Summary of the Sea Changes Forum 2025 In September, we hosted our annual Sea Changes Forum, bringing together key voices from across the yachting industry. The event delivered encouraging updates for the sector and inspiring insights into how we can continue to evolve and improve as a community. Below, you will find a summary of the presentations shared by our expert panelists, along with access to each full presentation for further details. Read more The PYA Christmas Ball Returns for Its 33rd Edition The 33rd edition of the PYA Christmas Ball returns at the iconic Hôtel Martinez in Cannes on Friday 5th December 2025, this year with a glamorous 1960s theme. Join us for a night of celebration with the yachting community — featuring a gourmet dinner, live band, raffle prizes, and plenty of opportunities to connect with fellow professionals from across the industry. A much-loved PYA tradition, the Christmas Ball promises elegance, entertainment, and a touch of vintage sparkle as we come together to close the year in style. Read more

The ACP have issued a new Advisory for shipping as an extended period of drought hits normal operations in the Panama Canal. © Michael D. Camphin Panama Canal limits shipping due to low water levels affecting yacht transition times To All news 10 August 2023 The ACP have issued a new Advisory for shipping as an extended period of drought hits normal operations in the Panama Canal. Yachts that have not booked their transit will find delays running between 2 to 7 days. Unbooked larger vessels are also seeing very high delays of more than 2 weeks in certain cases. It is therefore recommended to book transit slots for specific days following the updated guidance. In particular yachts should plan ahead despite experiencing less disruption at present as the situation is changing daily. A limit of only 32 vessels on average per day is now in place until September 2024. Yachts that are over 125 feet which use Locomotives and Panama Canal Lineholders are also encouraged to book their transit for a specific day as August and September availability has almost run out. Delays could also worsen in the coming months with an increasing backlog of vessels due to the restrictions affecting yachts that have not yet made a decision on their transit booking dates. The new ACP Advisory is in effect since July 30th, and low water levels at the Gatun Lake as a result of the current drought means that measures are being taken now to avoid further restrictions. Due to the unpredictably dry season, additional action could be taken at short notice to restrict transits further. The Panama Canal Authority communiqué can be reviewed here for additional guidance. More news PYA Christmas Ball 2025 Highlights The 2025 PYA Christmas Ball took place on 5 December at the Hotel Martinez in Cannes, bringing Captains, crew and well-known leading industry professionals together for a 1960s-themed evening. We started with a cocktail reception, with live musicians playing as guests arrived in retro attire. After months of preparation, we were truly delighted to see how much our members and partners enjoyed this special night. The PYA Christmas Ball remains a cherished tradition, bringing our community together to celebrate, connect, and create lasting memories. Read more Summary of the Sea Changes Forum 2025 In September, we hosted our annual Sea Changes Forum, bringing together key voices from across the yachting industry. The event delivered encouraging updates for the sector and inspiring insights into how we can continue to evolve and improve as a community. Below, you will find a summary of the presentations shared by our expert panelists, along with access to each full presentation for further details. Read more The PYA Christmas Ball Returns for Its 33rd Edition The 33rd edition of the PYA Christmas Ball returns at the iconic Hôtel Martinez in Cannes on Friday 5th December 2025, this year with a glamorous 1960s theme. Join us for a night of celebration with the yachting community — featuring a gourmet dinner, live band, raffle prizes, and plenty of opportunities to connect with fellow professionals from across the industry. A much-loved PYA tradition, the Christmas Ball promises elegance, entertainment, and a touch of vintage sparkle as we come together to close the year in style. Read more

Before you can get your sea time entered into your PYA Digital Service Record Book, you’ll need to submit your testimonials to our team for verification. In order to streamline this process and improve the efficiency of how we process your testimonials, we have put together a list of useful tips to follow when preparing and submitting your testimonials. Tips for preparing your testimonials To All news 24 September 2020 Before you can get your sea time entered into your PYA Digital Service Record Book, you’ll need to submit your testimonials to our team for verification. To streamline this process and improve the efficiency of the verification of your testimonials, we have put together a list of useful tips to follow. Tips to follow File: Multiple pages of the same testimonial should be in 1 PDF file. Formatting: Be sure to format all testimonials correctly so that the information is clear and readable. Signature: Unsigned testimonials or testimonials that are self-signed will be declined (this includes Captains who self-sign). Dates: Fill in BOTH dates, even if you are still on board. Definitions of sea time: Take time to check your testimonial is correct against MCA definitions before you submit it. Rotation: If you work on rotation, we advise creating one testimonial for the whole period you worked on the vessel and specify how often you were on/off rotation. You can highlight the dates you were signed off in the “Leave of Absence” field of our testimonials. Additional Information You can get a testimonial anytime, you don't need to wait for your employment to end. We advise getting your sea time verified as soon as you can, in case you lose touch with the signatories and/or their contact details change. Sea time which has been used to get a new CoC cannot be used again (you will need to start a new testimonial from the date of issuance of your latest COC. All new testimonials must start on a subsequent date from the date of your previous one. How to submit your testimonials Upload your testimonials to your profile on the PYA website. If you're unsure about the MCA definitions of sea time, read our guidelines here. Last updated: 22/02/2023 More news PYA Christmas Ball 2025 Highlights The 2025 PYA Christmas Ball took place on 5 December at the Hotel Martinez in Cannes, bringing Captains, crew and well-known leading industry professionals together for a 1960s-themed evening. We started with a cocktail reception, with live musicians playing as guests arrived in retro attire. After months of preparation, we were truly delighted to see how much our members and partners enjoyed this special night. The PYA Christmas Ball remains a cherished tradition, bringing our community together to celebrate, connect, and create lasting memories. Read more Summary of the Sea Changes Forum 2025 In September, we hosted our annual Sea Changes Forum, bringing together key voices from across the yachting industry. The event delivered encouraging updates for the sector and inspiring insights into how we can continue to evolve and improve as a community. Below, you will find a summary of the presentations shared by our expert panelists, along with access to each full presentation for further details. Read more The PYA Christmas Ball Returns for Its 33rd Edition The 33rd edition of the PYA Christmas Ball returns at the iconic Hôtel Martinez in Cannes on Friday 5th December 2025, this year with a glamorous 1960s theme. Join us for a night of celebration with the yachting community — featuring a gourmet dinner, live band, raffle prizes, and plenty of opportunities to connect with fellow professionals from across the industry. A much-loved PYA tradition, the Christmas Ball promises elegance, entertainment, and a touch of vintage sparkle as we come together to close the year in style. Read more

The truth is that many people don’t fully appreciate the value of working with a good yacht manager. They are often perceived as an interference and sometimes even as a threat but they are actually there for a good reason. The Merit of Working with a Good Yacht Manager To All news 10 October 2022 The truth is that many people don’t fully appreciate the value of working with a good yacht manager. They are often perceived as an interference and sometimes even as a threat but they are actually there for a good reason. Growing vessel sizes, fiscal issues and changing regulations are making the smooth functioning of a superyacht increasingly complex and having a professional partner that complements the work of the crew can make the difference between good and great results. Yacht managers should be the go-to person when there is a problem but that is not their only role. They are there to clarify, simplify, synthesise, unify and ultimately forge relationships. In order to successfully manage and maintain a superyacht everyone must trust and believe in each other. It’s a matter of connection, contribution and constantly asking oneself “how can we do this better?”. In a nutshell, yacht managers are there to offer their support and expert guidance so that captains and crew can excel and owners can enjoy. Among the many advantages of working with an experienced yacht manager, is their foresight. Due to their solid experience, they can anticipate and effectively deal with matters before they turn into a crisis. A high level of proactivity is needed when running a yacht as it allows owners to enjoy their asset whilst remaining confident of their personal safety and the vessel’s compliance with standards and regulations. Owning a yacht is a luxury that comes with a lot of responsibilities but working with a good yacht manager means that they can be met without having to be involved in day to day tasks. Yacht managers are usually responsible for a fleet of vessels and, over time, have accumulated an excellent working knowledge of flag state laws. They are well versed with the International Safety Management (ISM), International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Codes, Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Convention and Port State Control. They are aware of the manner in which relevant bodies and authorities interact and have resolved multiple issues ranging from the unpleasant such as repairs due to accidents to the more attractive such as planning improvements and working towards reducing impact on the environment. Managing a fleet means that there are long standing and trustworthy relationships in place with shipyards, suppliers and vendors, and this can lead to an economy of scale. Whether it concerns a refit due to age or change of ownership, planned maintenance or urgently needed spare parts, they have the contacts and connections to ensure cost savings and as little downtime as possible. Which brings us to the matter of financial control and accounting. Yachts usually proceed with a very large number of transactions in a variety of currencies and this requires experienced bookkeepers. They may require debit cards for their day to day expenditures, processing of purchase orders and verification of invoices. Superyacht crew are not trained accountants and appreciate the contribution of a yacht manager in this area as it allows them to concentrate on their principal task: to offer services that exceed the owner’s and their own expectations. Good yacht managers are also multitaskers and team players with strong communication skills. They know how to listen, maintain their composure under pressure and look out for others. These skills allow them to execute and oversee the tasks associated with the overall functioning of a yacht and which require cooperation with a wide range of personalities and job descriptions. All things considered, choosing to work with an experienced and skilled yacht manager is key to stress-free yachting. MYBA recognises the importance of yacht managers to the smooth operation of a yacht and has long established a Yacht Management Committee (YMC) whose actions are guided by MYBA’s commitment to establishing and maintaining the highest quality of standards and service. The aim of the YMC is to connect the world’s superyacht professionals in an endeavour to create a sustainable future for the superyacht industry. By working collaboratively to open and maintain dialogues with relevant bodies & authorities, raise industry-wide concerns, address common challenges and foster the exchange of information and expertise, it strives to lead an industry transformation towards environmentally friendly and socially responsible practices and attitudes. Trusted by authorities and regulatory bodies, MYBA possesses a strong voice which it uses to represent and defend the interests of the superyacht sector. The strength of this voice also brings with it the responsibility to promote education and that is why the YMC, in cooperation with The Training Academy , decided to add a Yacht Management Seminar to the annual agenda to follow the successful MYBA Superyacht Brokers' Seminars. The new Seminar is currently taking place in the South of France (October 10-12, 2022) and offers a basic introduction to the world of yacht management including subjects such as registration, VAT, ownership structure and safety management. More news PYA Christmas Ball 2025 Highlights The 2025 PYA Christmas Ball took place on 5 December at the Hotel Martinez in Cannes, bringing Captains, crew and well-known leading industry professionals together for a 1960s-themed evening. We started with a cocktail reception, with live musicians playing as guests arrived in retro attire. After months of preparation, we were truly delighted to see how much our members and partners enjoyed this special night. The PYA Christmas Ball remains a cherished tradition, bringing our community together to celebrate, connect, and create lasting memories. Read more Summary of the Sea Changes Forum 2025 In September, we hosted our annual Sea Changes Forum, bringing together key voices from across the yachting industry. The event delivered encouraging updates for the sector and inspiring insights into how we can continue to evolve and improve as a community. Below, you will find a summary of the presentations shared by our expert panelists, along with access to each full presentation for further details. Read more The PYA Christmas Ball Returns for Its 33rd Edition The 33rd edition of the PYA Christmas Ball returns at the iconic Hôtel Martinez in Cannes on Friday 5th December 2025, this year with a glamorous 1960s theme. Join us for a night of celebration with the yachting community — featuring a gourmet dinner, live band, raffle prizes, and plenty of opportunities to connect with fellow professionals from across the industry. A much-loved PYA tradition, the Christmas Ball promises elegance, entertainment, and a touch of vintage sparkle as we come together to close the year in style. Read more

The GUEST Program, governed by the International Association of Maritime Institutions (IAMI) representing maritime educators and regulators and are experts in developing and delivering maritime education globally, is recognized internationally within the superyacht industry. The GUEST Program, governed by the International Association of Maritime Institutions (IAMI), stands as a hallmark of excellence in superyacht education. IAMI, representing maritime educators and regulators, is renowned for its expertise in developing and delivering maritime education worldwide. The GUEST program is internationally recognized within the superyacht industry as the definitive standard for the Large Yacht qualifications and assessments for industry led education. It offers a comprehensive portfolio of short courses that align with the regulatory requirements for seafarers' qualifications. GUEST training is meticulously designed to provide targeted education tailored to the diverse responsibilities and activities crew members are expected to perform. The program equips professionals with the technical skills and attributes necessary to excel in their roles, enhancing their careers both onboard and ashore. These courses not only align with the mandatory aspects of superyacht operations but primarily focus on developing the advanced skills required for high-level performance in this specialized industry. In addition, the IAMI CoC is achievable for GUEST students working within the various Interior department’s onboard, where superyacht professionals can demonstrate their commitment to excellence and adherence to the highest standards of safety, service, and operational competence, as well as enhancing their career prospects. The GUEST Program utilizes blended learning platforms to offer flexible and accessible training. This approach allows students across different time zones to progress at their own pace, ensuring that the education is accommodating and effective. With a network of approved GUEST trainers and specialists located worldwide, students receive consistent support and guidance throughout their training journey. This personalized mentorship ensures a high level of engagement and provided a deeper understanding of the course material. On successful completion of each course, students earn the industry-recognized IAMI GUEST Certification, highly regarded to enhance their career progression and professional journey within the superyacht sector. To ensure that GUEST courses remain current, effective, and of the highest quality, they are regularly inspected and updated by teams of professional experts and qualified trainers. IAMI plays a critical role in upholding these standards through ongoing audits of its Training Providers, meticulously reviewing and monitoring course delivery, qualification standards, and learning outcomes. This rigorous quality assurance process guarantees that the education provided across IAMI GUEST Accredited Training Providers continues to be a valuable investment for students, contributing to their professional growth and advancing the standards of superyacht education. By maintaining this high level of oversight, the GUEST Program not only benefits individual learners but also contributes to elevating the overall professionalism and competence within the superyacht industry. Services Accredited Training Programs: Providing a comprehensive portfolio of accredited short courses designed to meet the unique demands of the superyacht industry, covering areas such as onboard operations, hospitality, and safety. Certification and Qualifications: Issuing internationally recognized IAMI GUEST Certifications upon successful course completion, which are highly regarded in the superyacht industry for enhancing professional credentials. With the completion of a GUEST Hospitality Program leading to the issue of an IAMI Yacht Hospitality Certificate of Competency. Approved Trainers and Specialists: Connecting students with a network of approved GUEST trainers and specialists worldwide, providing expert guidance and support throughout their training journey. Curriculum Development: Developing and regularly updating course content to align with industry standards and regulatory requirements, ensuring that training remains relevant and effective. Quality Assurance and Auditing: Conducting ongoing audits and inspections of IAMI GUEST Accredited Training Providers to ensure consistent delivery of high-quality education and adherence to established standards. Industry Standards Alignment: Ensuring that the GUEST Program aligns with regulatory mandatory seafarers' qualifications and industry best practices, maintaining a high level of professionalism in superyacht training. Career Enhancement and Professional Growth: Providing targeted training that supports career advancement for superyacht professionals, enhancing their skill sets and improving job prospects within the industry. Blended Learning Platforms : Offering flexible learning options through blended learning platforms, allowing students to study at their own pace and in various time zones, with both online and in-person components. Skills and Competency Development: Focusing on the development of technical skills and attributes required for a broad range of responsibilities within the superyacht sector, both onboard and ashore. Networking and Professional Community: Offering opportunities for students and trainers to connect with industry professionals, creating a network of peers and mentors within the superyacht sector. Contact information Joey Meen International Association of Maritime Institutions IAMI Director (BoD), IAMI GUEST Sub Group Sec & IAMI GUEST Director +44 7399 662408 guest@iami.org.uk www.guest-program.com Guest Program The GUEST Program, governed by the International Association of Maritime Institutions (IAMI) representing maritime educators and regulators and are experts in developing and delivering maritime education globally, is recognized internationally within the superyacht industry. Visit website Back to All Partners Become a member and enjoy the exclusive offers from our partners. Become a member

In September, we hosted our annual Sea Changes Forum, bringing together key voices from across the yachting industry. The event delivered encouraging updates for the sector and inspiring insights into how we can continue to evolve and improve as a community. Below, you will find a summary of the presentations shared by our expert panelists, along with access to each full presentation for further details. Summary of the Sea Changes Forum 2025 To All news 25 September 2025 In September, we hosted our annual Sea Changes Forum , bringing together key voices from across the yachting industry. The event delivered encouraging updates for the sector and inspiring insights into how we can continue to evolve and improve as a community. Below, you will find a summary of the presentations shared by our expert panelists, along with access to each full presentation for further details. Pierre-Luc Lecompte, French Maritime Administration (Préfecture maritime de la Méditerranée) Pierre-Luc outlined recent developments in France’s yachting framework, focusing on updated mooring and anchoring rules across the Mediterranean. Presentation PowerPoint: Update on buoys: The Bay of Pampelonne now includes 60 new buoys for yachts. The Bay of Cavalière, in the central part of the Var (Le Lavandou), now includes 2 of 71 buoys dedicated to yachts. Area adjustments: Extension of the area forbidden to dynamic positioning around the islands of Porquerolles and Port-Cros. Reduction of the south-eastern part of the mandatory mooring area for yachts over 80 meters in the east of Cannes. Extension of the area forbidden to anchoring for vessels over 20 meters around Cap d’Ail to include the entire MPA (Marine Protected Area) perimeter. Main references updated: Rules for nautical activities within 300m from shore: arrêté n°109/2024 du 30 avril 2024 – Anchoring/mooring of yachts > 45m & 80m, mandatory areas for all French Med: arrêté n°157/2024 modifié du 23 mai 2024 – Duration of anchoring: arrêté n°077/2025 du 15 avril 2025. All local regulations from the Maritime Prefect (incl. 16 on anchoring limits > 20–24 m) are available at: https://premar-mediterranee.gouv.fr/arretes . Case study — “Divide the space”: East Golfe-Juan (Baie du Croûton) shows how segmentation balances access, protects sensitive areas, and improves safety. Rachel Andrews, Chief Instructor, RYA Power Schemes Rachel’s “Digital First” update encouraged trusted digital navigation with built-in redundancy and verification, plus efficiency gains from virtual inspections. Presentation PowerPoint: Small-Vessel Electronic Chart System: SV-ECS is the first formally recognised small-vessel electronic chart system. Key Principle: Do not rely on a single source of information. Whilst using multi-function displays is practical, they should always be backed up with methods to give you an overall picture. Training: Yachtmaster (YM) recovered to pre-pandemic levels (~7,000 certificates so far in September 2025). Undertaking work to develop a YM apprenticeship route (MCA Master 200) with the Maritime Skills Alliance for UK nationals. Need to standardise onboard RYA Personal Water Craft (PWC) training for guests for safety purposes. Post-Brexit recognition: Since Brexit, only Spain initially refused RYA qualifications, but most decisions were reversed by mid-2021. Despite contacting all European maritime authorities before Brexit, no formal responses have been received. However, anecdotal evidence shows that, apart from a few isolated cases, RYA certificate holders continue to operate as they did pre-Brexit. John Wyborn, Co-founder & Director, Bluewater John discussed flexible, practical approaches that embed learning within real operations. Jason Collings, Director, Safety & Compliance, Cayman Islands Shipping Registry (CISR) Jason outlined CISR’s latest yacht regulatory updates, clarifying contracts, safety expectations, and operational limits in line with international standards. Presentation powerpoint: Employment contracts for Cayman Islands ship (pleasure vessels): Written contracts now required ( Guidance Note 05/2024 ) issued to raise awareness and provide clearer guidance on how to respond if subjected to harassment or inappropriate sexual behaviour. MLC vessels still require approved SEAs. The minimum requirements include : the amount of wages and method of payment; the production of monthly wage accounts; any wage deductions permitted by the Act; the entitlement to repatriation and medical expenses; any entitlement to leave; any notice period required; the agreed place for the return of the seafarer; and the governing law. Harassment/sexual misconduct: STCW Basic Training – Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities (PSSR) updated, enters force 01 Jan 2026. Will include training on the prevention of and response to violence and harassment, including sexual harassment, bullying, and sexual assault. MLC B 4.3 requires Companies to ensure H&S policies include bullying and harassment. Seafarer feedback and complaints will be a focus area during DoC audits IMO discussing ISM Code amendments specifically to deal with sexual harassment, bullying and sexual assault. REG Yacht Code : REG Yacht Code Part A (Large Yachts) now permits twin occupancy crew cabins for seafarers who are not performing the duties of officers on yachts up to 10,000GT. Following additional requirements apply: cabins to have ensuite facilities, officer’s lounge, crew lounge, crew gym. Case by case above 10,000GT. Additional guests: Shipping Notice 01/2025 refers. ISM managed yachts in private use certified under the REG Yacht Code may carry additional guests with no need to request a dispensation letter. Capped at 36 for Large Yachts and 60 Passenger for Passenger Yachts. See presentation for all capacity. Auxiliary tenders: CIGN 01/2025 refers An Auxiliary Tender has its own COBR solely for tender activities. Record of Auxiliary tender (ROAT) to assist with charter licensing. Guest transfer ashore only, <3 NM, up to 12 guests. Small Commercial Vessel cert or Cayman Islands Auxiliary Tender SoC. Record of Lifeboats, Tenders and Other Appurtenances (ROLTA). Stowed onboard, no separate COBR or safety cert Electro Technical Officers (ETO): Sect.19 Electro Technical Officers (ETO) now includes when we would expect an ETO to be recorded on the MSMD. For all vessels with high voltage (HV) i.e. generated/distributed at more than 1kV it’s expected that an ETO will be required. ETO shall hold a STCW III/6 CoC. It’s recommended that Engineer Officers serving onboard diesel electric vessels with voltage less than 1KV complete HV training. Propulsion power basis: Determined by the single highest-rated engine/pod. Steerable propulsion: Familiarisation mandatory before duties and before sailing. Non-STCW CoCs: These Certificates are not eligible for Flag State Endorsements: RYA Yacht Master Coastal; IYT Master of Yachts Coastal; RYA Yachtmaster Offshore; IYT Master of Yachts Limited; RYA Yachtmaster Ocean; IYT Master of Yachts Unlimited Fully online STCW (with practical elements): Not accepted. Pilot boarding arrangements: SOLAS V/23 – ‘Pilot Transfer Arrangements’ applies to ALL “ships engaged on voyages in the course of which pilots may be employed” A pilot may refuse boarding, thus preventing the vessel’s entry into port, and the Port State authority may take enforcement action (i.e.a detention or fine). From 1 Jan 2028 - pilot ladders secured deckhead no longer permitted. Ajit Jacob, Chief Examiner & Head of Seafarers Technical Delivery, MCA Ajit outlined the MCA’s modernisation of UK Yacht Certificates of Competency (CoCs) to support clear, sector-specific progression while upholding STCW standards. Presentation powerpoint : Cadet Training & Modernisation Programme (Sept 2025): ECDIS simulator will now be used in workshop training and can contribute towards sea service requirements. The programme will include data skills and cybersecurity training. Small Vessel Pathway: Updated syllabuses (outdated content removed; current tech added); written exams moving to MCA digital platform. Yacht-restricted Unlimited kW CoC for Engineers: New CoC with updated syllabuses for Oral & Engineering Knowledge exams for large yachts; flexible sea-service; digital exams to progress from 3000 GT/9000 kW Chief Engineer. AEPC1: Addressing the need for training on electrical propulsion. 35 hours within the Small Vessel Approved framework, parallel to AEC1. Training on battery safety (all crew) + operations/technical (Engineers). Alternative fuels: Hydrogen pilot course (delivered Sept 2024) – a 2-day course covering bunkering and risks. Other courses include; ammonia, methanol and IGF 30-day equivalency in development. Chief Mate & Master Yacht Unlimited (Reg II/2): CMYU aligned to modernise syllabus; eligibility and progression per amended MSN 1858. Next steps: Monthly workshops; amendments to MSN 1858 & 1859 targeted by Apr 2026; collaboration via exams@mcga.gov.uk . Joey Meen, IAMI Director; Director, IAMI GUEST; President, Superyacht Alliance for Professional Standards Joey placed the human element at the centre of yacht safety and service. Presentation powerpoint: She highlighted the “expectation gap” between minimum standards and real-world competence and how this is driving fatigue, incidents, turnover and cost. She introduced the Superyacht Alliance’s committee-led Think Tanks and its work towards a Superyacht Qualifications Framework to align onboard and shore-based standards and map clearer careers. Joey closed with IAMI GUEST’s accredited programmes that fill the gaps between minimums and the broader skills needed across areas such as; service aligned with safety, leadership and communication, HR and wellbeing, purser/admin, finance and AV/IT. Dr Mathias Jonas, Secretary-General, International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) Dr Jonas set out where ocean mapping stands today and why the yachting community can meaningfully accelerate it. Presentation PowerPoint: Despite major progress, only about 27% of global ocean depths have been directly measured, and roughly half of waters shallower than 200 metres remain un-surveyed areas infrequently transited by other vessels. Therefore, yachts are well placed to contribute meaningfully to this goal. He framed Crowdsourced Bathymetry (CSB) as “digital philanthropy”: citizen‑science data with scientific, commercial and research value, delivered at no cost to the public sector. The model is already working, more than 500 vessels have contributed hundreds of thousands of depth tracks to the IHO/NOAA Data Centre for Digital Bathymetry, building a dataset used to verify charts, identify uncharted or mis-charted features, and fill gaps along complex, shallow coasts. Notably, new contributors such as Carnival (since March 2025) have visibly densified coverage across the Atlantic within months, illustrating how incremental passages add up to step‑change improvements. His ask to explorer yachts: passively share navigational depth data through existing systems to help verify charts, reveal uncharted features, and make coasts safer - at no extra effort to the crew. Sam Stewart, Founder & Director, Relief Crew Foundation The forum concludes with an initiative led by Sam Stewart, founder of the Relief Crew Foundation, a registered NGO (non-profit) linking the yachting community’s skills and resources with humanitarian projects. Presentation powerpoint : After witnessing asylum seekers crowded on a coastguard boat alongside guests on deck, Sam decided to create his foundation with the aim to turn goodwill into practical action. Relief Crew vets partner NGOs, assembles tailored volunteer teams, organises logistics (flights, accommodation, vaccinations and visas), and secures project materials and funding from supporters, owners and participating yachts. The result is purpose‑driven volunteering that offers owners a trusted, values‑aligned route to philanthropy and enables crew to work alongside communities in need to deliver lasting impact. To take part or support a project, please contact sam@reliefcrewfoundation.org or visit www.reliefcrewfoundation.org . We would like to extend our sincere thanks to our sponsors , whose invaluable support made this event possible. More news PYA Christmas Ball 2025 Highlights The 2025 PYA Christmas Ball took place on 5 December at the Hotel Martinez in Cannes, bringing Captains, crew and well-known leading industry professionals together for a 1960s-themed evening. We started with a cocktail reception, with live musicians playing as guests arrived in retro attire. After months of preparation, we were truly delighted to see how much our members and partners enjoyed this special night. The PYA Christmas Ball remains a cherished tradition, bringing our community together to celebrate, connect, and create lasting memories. Read more Summary of the Sea Changes Forum 2025 In September, we hosted our annual Sea Changes Forum, bringing together key voices from across the yachting industry. The event delivered encouraging updates for the sector and inspiring insights into how we can continue to evolve and improve as a community. Below, you will find a summary of the presentations shared by our expert panelists, along with access to each full presentation for further details. Read more The PYA Christmas Ball Returns for Its 33rd Edition The 33rd edition of the PYA Christmas Ball returns at the iconic Hôtel Martinez in Cannes on Friday 5th December 2025, this year with a glamorous 1960s theme. Join us for a night of celebration with the yachting community — featuring a gourmet dinner, live band, raffle prizes, and plenty of opportunities to connect with fellow professionals from across the industry. A much-loved PYA tradition, the Christmas Ball promises elegance, entertainment, and a touch of vintage sparkle as we come together to close the year in style. Read more