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The PYA has undertaken to work with the MCA and other relevant partners to re-write the Deck Training Record Book in its entirety to bring it up to date with the skills required by today’s yacht crew. Help the PYA improve on board learning opportunities for crew today To All news 11 January 2023 On board training and mentoring survey 2023 THE PROBLEM The yachting industry has experienced incredible growth over the last 20 years and more recently, sometimes unwelcome publicity, which all employers and senior crew will know, has resulted in a great shortage of individuals with the right mind set, qualifications, knowledge and career background to fill many of their vacancies on board . The pace of yachting is faster, the demands higher and time shorter, which has meant that many crew do not today benefit from the on-board training & mentoring which was the staple method of learning for many senior crew when they first entered the industry. Shore based courses can only provide a certain amount of knowledge. There is nothing to compare with the broad spectrum of practical skills which can be gained by experience and passed down by senior crew to those starting in the industry. THE TRAINING RECORD BOOK In addition, the MCA Training Record Book (TRB), which Deck crew need to complete at the beginning of their careers to prove knowledge of practical skills, last revised in 2004 , is woefully out of date with modern yachting practice and fast moving current technology. SOME SOLUTIONS The board of the PYA has voted that one of its main aims for 2023 will be to encourage a return to the age-old practice of on-board training and mentoring of junior crew by their more senior fellow crew.The PYA has also undertaken to work with the MCA and other relevant partners to re-write the Deck Training Record Book in its entirety to bring it up to date with the skills required by today’s yacht crew. The first step of the journey is to discover current practices in the industry so that we can assess how to move forward with this aim. PLEASE HELP US BY COMPLETING THE SHORT PYA SURVEY HERE With your help, we can improve the learning outcomes for many crew and help re-build the pool of qualified, knowledgeable and professional crew in our great industry. Thank you. The PYA Team More news Launch of a New AV/IT Training Programme to Address Growing Skills Gap Onboard Superyachts The Professional Yachting Association (PYA) spearheaded the development of a series of courses to deliver fit-for-purpose AV/IT training, aligned with real onboard needs. The courses will be provided through IAMI GUEST Accredited training providers. Antibes (France), 21 Jan. 2026 - Yacht agents and captains are reporting a growing demand for crew with Electrical Technical Officer (ETO) certification. However, while an ETO Certificate of Competency is a degree-level qualification focused primarily on high-voltage electrical systems, the operational reality onboard many yachts tells a different story. Read more Real Life On Board Competition - Superyacht Reality Project The PYA, with the backing of the Raising The Bar think tank, invites yacht crew worldwide to contribute to Superyacht Reality – Real Life On Board, a global photo and video competition designed to reflect the authentic experience of working on superyachts. This initiative aims to support career awareness, promote realistic expectations of life at sea, and share the everyday moments that define professional yachting — from teamwork and skills development to the challenges and rewards of working on board. The competition starts on 19th January 2026, ends on 22nd March 2026, and the winners will be announced the following week. Read more PYA Christmas Ball 2025 Highlights The 2025 PYA Christmas Ball took place on 5 December at the Hotel Martinez in Cannes, bringing Captains, crew and well-known leading industry professionals together for a 1960s-themed evening. We started with a cocktail reception, with live musicians playing as guests arrived in retro attire. After months of preparation, we were truly delighted to see how much our members and partners enjoyed this special night. The PYA Christmas Ball remains a cherished tradition, bringing our community together to celebrate, connect, and create lasting memories. Read more

View all the webinars we've hosted Explore our recent webinars and discover insights and perspectives from yachting profesionals across the industry. Below you will find a list of our recently hosted webinars with guests sharing their knowledge and expertise as well as providing guidance and advice for yacht crews in different parts of the world. If you are interested in hosting a webinar with the PYA, please get in contact with us. Webinar 31: Working in Enclosed Spaces Webinar 30: Sexual Harassment, Bullying, Harassment and Abuse-Know Your Rights! Webinar 29: Morocco & Tunisia Yachting Destination Webinar 28: STCW Endorsements & Global Acceptance - Clearing the Myths and Misconceptions Webinar 27: Yacht New Builds & Refits Webinar 26: Social Security and Crew Insurance Webinar 25: Greece Yachting Destination Webinar 24: Crew Welfare Mental Wellbeing and Trauma Webinar 23: Visas and Crew Immigration Webinar 22: Lithium-Ion Battery Solutions and Safety Management on Your Yacht Webinar 21: What is the meaning of "Leadership" In The Yachting Industry? Webinar 20: Lithium-ion Batteries Safety Awareness with Seascope France Webinar 19: PYA Welfare Group & the Flag States Webinar 18: Scandinavia Yachting Destination Webinar 17: Introducing the PYA Welfare Group & talking about Bullying and Harassment Webinar 16: Advice for crew on Russian-linked vessels Webinar 15: EU Immigration Regulations for Crew Webinar 14: Women in Yachting Webinar 13: Medical Onboard Webinar 12: Posidonia anchoring regulations in French waters Webinar 11: Brexit advice for yacht crew Webinar 10: Caribbean Travel Regulations Webinar 9: Yacht Crew Training Update Webinar 8: Preparing to work in the USA & Caribbean Webinar 7: The Benefits of Service Record Book & Seaman's Books Webinar 6: Conflict Resolution & Leadership Onboard 9th September 2020 Webinar 5: Mediterranean Season Update 18th June 2020 Webinar 4: PYA Seachanges Webinar Webinar 3: Yachting Post Lockdown Update 14th May Webinar 2: Yachting Post lockdown 30th April Webinar 1: COVID 19 Situation update Webinars To Knowledge Base

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 Launch of a New AV/IT Training Programme to Address Growing Skills Gap Onboard Superyachts The Professional Yachting Association (PYA) spearheaded the development of a series of courses to deliver fit-for-purpose AV/IT training, aligned with real onboard needs. The courses will be provided through IAMI GUEST Accredited training providers. Antibes (France), 21 Jan. 2026 - Yacht agents and captains are reporting a growing demand for crew with Electrical Technical Officer (ETO) certification. However, while an ETO Certificate of Competency is a degree-level qualification focused primarily on high-voltage electrical systems, the operational reality onboard many yachts tells a different story. Read more Real Life On Board Competition - Superyacht Reality Project The PYA, with the backing of the Raising The Bar think tank, invites yacht crew worldwide to contribute to Superyacht Reality – Real Life On Board, a global photo and video competition designed to reflect the authentic experience of working on superyachts. This initiative aims to support career awareness, promote realistic expectations of life at sea, and share the everyday moments that define professional yachting — from teamwork and skills development to the challenges and rewards of working on board. The competition starts on 19th January 2026, ends on 22nd March 2026, and the winners will be announced the following week. Read more PYA Christmas Ball 2025 Highlights The 2025 PYA Christmas Ball took place on 5 December at the Hotel Martinez in Cannes, bringing Captains, crew and well-known leading industry professionals together for a 1960s-themed evening. We started with a cocktail reception, with live musicians playing as guests arrived in retro attire. After months of preparation, we were truly delighted to see how much our members and partners enjoyed this special night. The PYA Christmas Ball remains a cherished tradition, bringing our community together to celebrate, connect, and create lasting memories. Read more

Read about the MCA's updates on manning tables, conversion from foreign licenses, dual role, and training record book Hello I am a new text. Update from the MCA on Engineering To All news 14 June 2023 The PYA Sea Service team attended the latest IAMI Subgroup meeting for engineering on 13th June 2023, together with the MCA, Colleges and Training Providers that offer MCA engineering training. The MCA announced that manning tables and conversions from foreign CoCs to SV ones will be published next week on the UK Government website. The SETO (Senior Electrical Technical Officer) modernisation workgroup is discussing questions for exams and aims to make the first one available in December. The same modernisation process will then happen for the ETO after the SETO exam is finalised. The MCA is working on a new non-mandatory course that will focus on alternative fuels for the domestic market. Clarification on the SV entry requirements for the dual role and the filling in of the Engineering Training Record Book was provided. For those working in a dual role , who have been doing a minimum of 4h daily duty in the engine room (on average) while the vessel is at sea, their time will be accepted at 100% ( evidence might be required ) towards the entry requirements for the SV Experienced Route (minimum 24 months onboard service, of which at least 6 months at sea on vessels > 200 kW). Post registration, this rule won’t apply , therefore the sea service requirements as stated in MSN 1904 will be doubled for anyone working in a dual role. Regarding the completion of certain tasks that may prove difficult, the MCA will not make any exceptions unless the candidate can prove the impossibility of doing so otherwise. The MCA explained that the SV CoC will enable the engineer to work on a variety of yachts and other vessels that will have the equipment mentioned in the TRB on board, therefore the lack of it on the boat that they are serving on will not justify the non-completion of related tasks. The candidate must find alternative ways to complete the requirements. An example of this is inviting a Senior Engineer on board who will mentor the candidate, followed by a detailed report on what was learned showing one understands the principles. The burden of proof relies on the candidate and the workbook is an imperative tool that must record the essence of the tasks and show they’ve been done correctly. Incomplete tasks are likely to be the subject of examination during the oral assessment. The matter showed the potential need for training providers and colleges to fill in the gaps. We advise you to contact your college/training provider should you not find alternative ways to complete some of the tasks. We also suggest creating a detailed sheet for every piece of equipment on board for each boat that you’ve worked on and that a copy be sent to us . This will allow the PYA to start a dossier to submit to the MCA for tasks requiring review based on what equipment is commonly found on board and what isn’t. Concerning the signing off tasks by a captain, if the captain has engineering competence that can be proven, then his/her signatures will be fully accepted, if not, they will need to be countersigned by someone with an engineering background/license. Specific circumstances will always be assessed on an individual basis by contacting engineering@mcga.gov.uk More news Launch of a New AV/IT Training Programme to Address Growing Skills Gap Onboard Superyachts The Professional Yachting Association (PYA) spearheaded the development of a series of courses to deliver fit-for-purpose AV/IT training, aligned with real onboard needs. The courses will be provided through IAMI GUEST Accredited training providers. Antibes (France), 21 Jan. 2026 - Yacht agents and captains are reporting a growing demand for crew with Electrical Technical Officer (ETO) certification. However, while an ETO Certificate of Competency is a degree-level qualification focused primarily on high-voltage electrical systems, the operational reality onboard many yachts tells a different story. Read more Real Life On Board Competition - Superyacht Reality Project The PYA, with the backing of the Raising The Bar think tank, invites yacht crew worldwide to contribute to Superyacht Reality – Real Life On Board, a global photo and video competition designed to reflect the authentic experience of working on superyachts. This initiative aims to support career awareness, promote realistic expectations of life at sea, and share the everyday moments that define professional yachting — from teamwork and skills development to the challenges and rewards of working on board. The competition starts on 19th January 2026, ends on 22nd March 2026, and the winners will be announced the following week. Read more PYA Christmas Ball 2025 Highlights The 2025 PYA Christmas Ball took place on 5 December at the Hotel Martinez in Cannes, bringing Captains, crew and well-known leading industry professionals together for a 1960s-themed evening. We started with a cocktail reception, with live musicians playing as guests arrived in retro attire. After months of preparation, we were truly delighted to see how much our members and partners enjoyed this special night. The PYA Christmas Ball remains a cherished tradition, bringing our community together to celebrate, connect, and create lasting memories. Read more

Christophe Bourillon, the CEO of the Professional Yachting Association (PYA) will be moderating a panel on “Environment and Sustainability” at the upcoming NextGen Owner: Managing Tomorrow's Superyacht conference, to be held in Monaco on 27th June 2024. The event will bring together industry leaders and experts to discuss the future of superyacht ownership. PYA CEO to Moderate “Environment and Sustainability” Panel at Superyacht Conference in Monaco on 27 June To All news 17 May 2024 Christophe Bourillon, the CEO of the Professional Yachting Association (PYA) will be moderating a panel on “Environment and Sustainability” at the upcoming NextGen Owner: Managing Tomorrow's Superyacht conference, to be held in Monaco on 27th June 2024. The event will bring together industry leaders and experts to discuss the future of superyacht ownership. A Focus on Sustainability with Fresh Perspectives The panel will delve into the critical topic of environmental responsibility within the superyacht industry. Recognizing the need for a broader perspective, the panel will feature a sustainable development expert from outside the yachting industry , fostering a fresh exchange of ideas. This commitment to fresh voices reflects PYA's belief that true progress requires collaboration beyond traditional industry circles. Sustainable development strategies and reporting are very codified, very much like financial reporting. Undertaken with due consideration to all external requirements and expectations, “Sustainability” is an important pillar for the future of the superyacht industry. Christophe’s analysis of the future of the superyacht industry and its implementation of sustainable development activities, were published in a two-part article by Superyacht News (links below). Unmanaged risk: Part 1 https://www.superyachtnews.com/opinion/unmanaged-risk Unmanaged risk: Part 2 https://www.superyachtnews.com/opinion/part-2-unmanaged-risk- Conference Details Date: Thursday 27th June 2024 Location: Le Meridien Beach Plaza, Monaco Website: https://quaynote.com/conference/nextgen-owner-managing-tomorrows-superyacht/ More news Launch of a New AV/IT Training Programme to Address Growing Skills Gap Onboard Superyachts The Professional Yachting Association (PYA) spearheaded the development of a series of courses to deliver fit-for-purpose AV/IT training, aligned with real onboard needs. The courses will be provided through IAMI GUEST Accredited training providers. Antibes (France), 21 Jan. 2026 - Yacht agents and captains are reporting a growing demand for crew with Electrical Technical Officer (ETO) certification. However, while an ETO Certificate of Competency is a degree-level qualification focused primarily on high-voltage electrical systems, the operational reality onboard many yachts tells a different story. Read more Real Life On Board Competition - Superyacht Reality Project The PYA, with the backing of the Raising The Bar think tank, invites yacht crew worldwide to contribute to Superyacht Reality – Real Life On Board, a global photo and video competition designed to reflect the authentic experience of working on superyachts. This initiative aims to support career awareness, promote realistic expectations of life at sea, and share the everyday moments that define professional yachting — from teamwork and skills development to the challenges and rewards of working on board. The competition starts on 19th January 2026, ends on 22nd March 2026, and the winners will be announced the following week. Read more PYA Christmas Ball 2025 Highlights The 2025 PYA Christmas Ball took place on 5 December at the Hotel Martinez in Cannes, bringing Captains, crew and well-known leading industry professionals together for a 1960s-themed evening. We started with a cocktail reception, with live musicians playing as guests arrived in retro attire. After months of preparation, we were truly delighted to see how much our members and partners enjoyed this special night. The PYA Christmas Ball remains a cherished tradition, bringing our community together to celebrate, connect, and create lasting memories. Read more

The PYA sponsored GUEST training program developed over the last several years together with wider maritime hospitality training standards, has now successfully transferred from the PYA to IAMI. IAMI is the association of maritime training colleges and training providers for seafarers. Interior Training Standards for crew To All news 13 February 2019 The PYA sponsored GUEST training program developed over the last several years together with wider maritime hospitality training standards, has now successfully transferred from the PYA to IAMI. IAMI is the association of maritime training colleges and training providers for seafarers. IAMI has formed a Maritime Hospitality sub group with its first meeting planned later this month in Southampton, UK. Associate Membership of IAMI is now available to any training provider offering courses in hospitality training for interior crew. This forum will consider the standards of training and development for all interior departments. IAMI is managing the GUEST interior training programme. Joey Meen is the newly appointed Director of Interior Training at IAMI. More news Launch of a New AV/IT Training Programme to Address Growing Skills Gap Onboard Superyachts The Professional Yachting Association (PYA) spearheaded the development of a series of courses to deliver fit-for-purpose AV/IT training, aligned with real onboard needs. The courses will be provided through IAMI GUEST Accredited training providers. Antibes (France), 21 Jan. 2026 - Yacht agents and captains are reporting a growing demand for crew with Electrical Technical Officer (ETO) certification. However, while an ETO Certificate of Competency is a degree-level qualification focused primarily on high-voltage electrical systems, the operational reality onboard many yachts tells a different story. Read more Real Life On Board Competition - Superyacht Reality Project The PYA, with the backing of the Raising The Bar think tank, invites yacht crew worldwide to contribute to Superyacht Reality – Real Life On Board, a global photo and video competition designed to reflect the authentic experience of working on superyachts. This initiative aims to support career awareness, promote realistic expectations of life at sea, and share the everyday moments that define professional yachting — from teamwork and skills development to the challenges and rewards of working on board. The competition starts on 19th January 2026, ends on 22nd March 2026, and the winners will be announced the following week. Read more PYA Christmas Ball 2025 Highlights The 2025 PYA Christmas Ball took place on 5 December at the Hotel Martinez in Cannes, bringing Captains, crew and well-known leading industry professionals together for a 1960s-themed evening. We started with a cocktail reception, with live musicians playing as guests arrived in retro attire. After months of preparation, we were truly delighted to see how much our members and partners enjoyed this special night. The PYA Christmas Ball remains a cherished tradition, bringing our community together to celebrate, connect, and create lasting memories. Read more

Register online Upcoming events in November & December 2023 To All news 18 October 2023 Webinar on Yachting in the Bahamas 2nd November 2023, h15:00 CET PYA Welfare Group meets Flag States Webinar 7th November 2023, h12:00 CET PYA Leadership Meetup 16th November 2023, h17:00 CET Webinar on Lithium-ion Battery Safety Awareness on Superyachts 28th November 2023, h15:00 CET PYA Christmas Ball 8th December 2023, h19:00 CET Last update: 03/11/2023 More news Launch of a New AV/IT Training Programme to Address Growing Skills Gap Onboard Superyachts The Professional Yachting Association (PYA) spearheaded the development of a series of courses to deliver fit-for-purpose AV/IT training, aligned with real onboard needs. The courses will be provided through IAMI GUEST Accredited training providers. Antibes (France), 21 Jan. 2026 - Yacht agents and captains are reporting a growing demand for crew with Electrical Technical Officer (ETO) certification. However, while an ETO Certificate of Competency is a degree-level qualification focused primarily on high-voltage electrical systems, the operational reality onboard many yachts tells a different story. Read more Real Life On Board Competition - Superyacht Reality Project The PYA, with the backing of the Raising The Bar think tank, invites yacht crew worldwide to contribute to Superyacht Reality – Real Life On Board, a global photo and video competition designed to reflect the authentic experience of working on superyachts. This initiative aims to support career awareness, promote realistic expectations of life at sea, and share the everyday moments that define professional yachting — from teamwork and skills development to the challenges and rewards of working on board. The competition starts on 19th January 2026, ends on 22nd March 2026, and the winners will be announced the following week. Read more PYA Christmas Ball 2025 Highlights The 2025 PYA Christmas Ball took place on 5 December at the Hotel Martinez in Cannes, bringing Captains, crew and well-known leading industry professionals together for a 1960s-themed evening. We started with a cocktail reception, with live musicians playing as guests arrived in retro attire. After months of preparation, we were truly delighted to see how much our members and partners enjoyed this special night. The PYA Christmas Ball remains a cherished tradition, bringing our community together to celebrate, connect, and create lasting memories. Read more

Hill Robinson and Sanlorenzo are concluding the/2021 Sanlorenzo Crew Academy, which has seen eight cadets complete 600hrs of classroom and on-board crew training. The next stage is gaining valuable operational experience on board, either assisting the Interior or Deck departments. Hill Robinson and Sanlorenzo Academy seek yachts to take students To All news 24 March 2021 We are seeking yachts in the Ligurian Region (due to travel restrictions) who can take our students on and provide an opportunity for Deck/Interior role experience under the relevant Head of Department during normal crew working hours. Note that yachts are not expected to pay the students – this is part of an Internship Placement which will assist them in attaining necessary hours towards graduation from the Sanlorenzo Crew Academy. Students are between the ages of 24-35yrs, have their own accommodation, are trained across all areas of working on-board, plus have all necessary qualifications. While the Academy benefits greatly from your kind assistance, we also hope to benefit your current crew and yacht should you be willing to take on an extra hand (or two!) in preparation for the coming season. The dates of availability of our students is between 20th April – 31st May. Please contact Peta Rook at Hill Robinson Italia for further information: peta.rook@hillrobinson.com Published by: Hill Robinson More news Launch of a New AV/IT Training Programme to Address Growing Skills Gap Onboard Superyachts The Professional Yachting Association (PYA) spearheaded the development of a series of courses to deliver fit-for-purpose AV/IT training, aligned with real onboard needs. The courses will be provided through IAMI GUEST Accredited training providers. Antibes (France), 21 Jan. 2026 - Yacht agents and captains are reporting a growing demand for crew with Electrical Technical Officer (ETO) certification. However, while an ETO Certificate of Competency is a degree-level qualification focused primarily on high-voltage electrical systems, the operational reality onboard many yachts tells a different story. Read more Real Life On Board Competition - Superyacht Reality Project The PYA, with the backing of the Raising The Bar think tank, invites yacht crew worldwide to contribute to Superyacht Reality – Real Life On Board, a global photo and video competition designed to reflect the authentic experience of working on superyachts. This initiative aims to support career awareness, promote realistic expectations of life at sea, and share the everyday moments that define professional yachting — from teamwork and skills development to the challenges and rewards of working on board. The competition starts on 19th January 2026, ends on 22nd March 2026, and the winners will be announced the following week. Read more PYA Christmas Ball 2025 Highlights The 2025 PYA Christmas Ball took place on 5 December at the Hotel Martinez in Cannes, bringing Captains, crew and well-known leading industry professionals together for a 1960s-themed evening. We started with a cocktail reception, with live musicians playing as guests arrived in retro attire. After months of preparation, we were truly delighted to see how much our members and partners enjoyed this special night. The PYA Christmas Ball remains a cherished tradition, bringing our community together to celebrate, connect, and create lasting memories. Read more

Find out how you can contribute towards the conservation of the Mediterranean by joining the GHOST FADS flotilla. Join the MED GHOST FADS Flotilla To All news 29 January 2021 MED GHOST FADS was launched by the SAVE THE MED foundation to address the threat of ghost fishing to our marine environment. It consists of a network of navigators, vessels, rescue centres, port authorities, dive centres, research organizations and more, which is committed to creating a safer, cleaner and healthier sea. Whoever signs-up to the network immediately becomes part of a wider collaboration. What are Ghost FADS? Ghost gear is any lost, abandoned and otherwise discarded fishing gear and fish aggregating devices (FADs). It is estimated that over 800.000 tons of ghost gear enter the marine ecosystems, threatening vulnerable species and habitats. Learn more about FADS Join the GHOST FADS Flotilla The PYA has joined the GHOST FADS network and is encouraging all of our members working on vessels in the Mediterranean to join the flotilla. Vessels that sign-up to the flotilla learn to: 1) safely retrieve ghost FADs & other illegal fishing gear which are also a navigation hazard 2) ensure entangled wildlife is properly taken care of and directed to the appropriate rescue center for treatment and further release 3) collect and submit essential data which is shared and studied to understand the issue at the source There are many ways that the superyacht industry can assist in this endeavour and it all starts by visiting http://www.ghostfads.org and learning more. Yacht crew in conservation Find out how Captain Ivan volunteered for Save The Med during the Summer of 2020. Image source: www.ghostfads.org More news Launch of a New AV/IT Training Programme to Address Growing Skills Gap Onboard Superyachts The Professional Yachting Association (PYA) spearheaded the development of a series of courses to deliver fit-for-purpose AV/IT training, aligned with real onboard needs. The courses will be provided through IAMI GUEST Accredited training providers. Antibes (France), 21 Jan. 2026 - Yacht agents and captains are reporting a growing demand for crew with Electrical Technical Officer (ETO) certification. However, while an ETO Certificate of Competency is a degree-level qualification focused primarily on high-voltage electrical systems, the operational reality onboard many yachts tells a different story. Read more Real Life On Board Competition - Superyacht Reality Project The PYA, with the backing of the Raising The Bar think tank, invites yacht crew worldwide to contribute to Superyacht Reality – Real Life On Board, a global photo and video competition designed to reflect the authentic experience of working on superyachts. This initiative aims to support career awareness, promote realistic expectations of life at sea, and share the everyday moments that define professional yachting — from teamwork and skills development to the challenges and rewards of working on board. The competition starts on 19th January 2026, ends on 22nd March 2026, and the winners will be announced the following week. Read more PYA Christmas Ball 2025 Highlights The 2025 PYA Christmas Ball took place on 5 December at the Hotel Martinez in Cannes, bringing Captains, crew and well-known leading industry professionals together for a 1960s-themed evening. We started with a cocktail reception, with live musicians playing as guests arrived in retro attire. After months of preparation, we were truly delighted to see how much our members and partners enjoyed this special night. The PYA Christmas Ball remains a cherished tradition, bringing our community together to celebrate, connect, and create lasting memories. Read more

New MSN 1904 and MIN 642 for Engineers; Updated MSN 1858 for Deck; Updated MSN 1861 for Revalidations, etc. The MCA published new regulations and updates To All news 6 January 2023 The MCA recently released new MSNs and MINs with updates that will surely interest you. NEW! (Engineering) MSN 1904 (M+F) UK Requirements for Engineer Officer Small Vessel Certificate of Competency NEW! (Engineering) MIN 642 (M+F) Engineer Officer Small Vessel Certificate of Competency Guidance Updated (Engineering) MSN 1859 (M+F) – Amendment 1 – UK Requirements for Engineer Officers on Large Yachts (24m and over) Updated (Engineering) MIN 524 (M+F) UK Requirements for Engineer Officer Small Vessel Certificate of Competency Updated (ETO) MSN 1860 (M) - Amendment 1 - UK Requirements For Electro-technical Officers Updated (Deck) MSN 1858 (M) - Amendment 1 - UK Requirements For Electro-technical Officers Updated (Revalidation) MSN 1861 (M) – Amendment 1 – UK Procedure for the Revalidation of Certificates of Competency and Tanker Endorsements Updated (Endorsement) MSN 1867 (M) – Amendment 1 – Recognition of non-UK certification for the issue of a Flag State Endorsement For further information, please click on the links and read the Details section of the page you are redirected to or contact srb@pya.org More news Launch of a New AV/IT Training Programme to Address Growing Skills Gap Onboard Superyachts The Professional Yachting Association (PYA) spearheaded the development of a series of courses to deliver fit-for-purpose AV/IT training, aligned with real onboard needs. The courses will be provided through IAMI GUEST Accredited training providers. Antibes (France), 21 Jan. 2026 - Yacht agents and captains are reporting a growing demand for crew with Electrical Technical Officer (ETO) certification. However, while an ETO Certificate of Competency is a degree-level qualification focused primarily on high-voltage electrical systems, the operational reality onboard many yachts tells a different story. Read more Real Life On Board Competition - Superyacht Reality Project The PYA, with the backing of the Raising The Bar think tank, invites yacht crew worldwide to contribute to Superyacht Reality – Real Life On Board, a global photo and video competition designed to reflect the authentic experience of working on superyachts. This initiative aims to support career awareness, promote realistic expectations of life at sea, and share the everyday moments that define professional yachting — from teamwork and skills development to the challenges and rewards of working on board. The competition starts on 19th January 2026, ends on 22nd March 2026, and the winners will be announced the following week. Read more PYA Christmas Ball 2025 Highlights The 2025 PYA Christmas Ball took place on 5 December at the Hotel Martinez in Cannes, bringing Captains, crew and well-known leading industry professionals together for a 1960s-themed evening. We started with a cocktail reception, with live musicians playing as guests arrived in retro attire. After months of preparation, we were truly delighted to see how much our members and partners enjoyed this special night. The PYA Christmas Ball remains a cherished tradition, bringing our community together to celebrate, connect, and create lasting memories. Read more