Following the mailing we sent out earlier this year which called for our members to join the war against the use of single-use plastic, the not-for-profit organisation, Clear Ocean Pact, has received a positive increase in the number of yachts and crew who signed up. Included, was a well-known 107m yacht which the organisation is hoping will have.. Join the war on single-use plastic with Clear Ocean Pact To All news 7 October 2019 Following the mailing we sent out earlier this year which called for our members to join the war against the use of single-use plastic, the not-for-profit organisation, Clear Ocean Pact, has received a positive increase in the number of yachts and crew who signed up. Included, was a well-known 107m yacht which the organisation is hoping will have a strong influence on other vessels joining the PACT. The organisation’s Founder, Richard Orme, is hoping to get 1,000 superyachts signed up to the initiative by November 2020. With 52 yachts and >575 crew already committed, the organisation still has some work to do before reaching their goal. By joining the PACT, yachts and crew commit themselves to a set of 5 common goals to help reduce the industry’s dependence on single-use plastics, to share information about viable alternatives to single-use plastic and to inspire other industries to take on the same approach. Do you want to join the fight against single-use plastic? Follow these simple steps: Visit their website clearoceanpact.org Sign-up to the PACT Inspire other yachts and crew to do the same Contribute to Clear Ocean Pact’s Blog If you’d like to contribute to raising awareness against single-use plastic by becoming a guest writer on their blog, please contact Richard Orme at richard@clearoceanpact.org . More news Sea Changes Forum 2026 The PYA is pleased to invite you to the 2026 Sea Changes Forum, taking place on Thursday, 24 September 2026, at the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) in Monaco, during the Monaco Yacht Show. Read more Upcoming Webinar: Water Safety On Yachts The Professional Yachting Association is pleased to invite yacht crew and industry professionals to an upcoming live webinar dedicated to Water Safety On Yachts, taking place on 10 June 2026 from 15:00 to 16:00CET. Led by recognised experts in water management and regulatory compliance, this session will explore the common bacteria found in vessel water systems, the risks they pose to crew, guests and operations, and the practical measures that can be implemented to maintain safe onboard water standards. Read more Schengen EES Update: Guidance for Yacht Crew The new Schengen Entry/Exit System (EES) replaces passport stamps with digital records for non-Schengen nationals. While procedures remain largely unchanged for yacht crew, entries and exits are now tracked electronically—with no physical proof provided—making it essential for crew to monitor their own Schengen days. Read more

Become Research Partner The PYA launched a groundbreaking study to explore the impact of sexual harassment on yachting crew across the industry. The survey was conducted with PYA members and provided an insight into prevalent wellbeing issues that have been affecting a number of yacht crew professionals over the past several years. Sexual harassment has been one of the difficult subjects to tackle in the industry where there have been diverging standards and practices on how to address it. There are misconceptions on what constitutes as sexual harassment, what the procedures are and many yacht crew are unaware of their rights - or how they can seek help. Explore some of the key takeaway findings from our Sexual Harassment in Yachting 2018 study below. (Research partners can request access to full statistics by contacting their PYA representative. If you would like to partner with us on an upcoming research project, explore our research opportunities here.) Exploring the impact of sexual harassment in the yachting industry A number of fielding questions was asked to respondents to learn more about their current yachting experience and the types of yachts they had been working on: How long have you worked on board a yacht? 44% of respondents said they had worked on board a yacht for less than 1 year. 39% of respondents said they had worked on board a yacht for 1-5 years. 11% of respondents said they had worked on board a yacht for 6-10 years. 5% of respondents said they had worked on board a yacht for 10-20 years. 1% of respondents said they had worked on board a yacht for 20+ years. What is the length of the yacht? 12% of respondents said they had worked on board a yacht that was less than 30m in length. 46% of respondents said they had worked on board a yacht that was between 30 to 50m in length. 26% of respondents said they had worked on board a yacht that was between 50 to 75m in length. 13% of respondents said they had worked on board a yacht that was between 75m to 100m in length. 2% of respondents said they had worked on board a yacht that was between 100m to 125m in length. Less than 1% of respondents said they had worked on board a yacht that was in excess of 125m in length. Respondents were then asked a series of questions relating to sexual harassment and complaint procedures in the yachting industry. (Some questions have been redacted. Please contact us if you wish to access the full data which includes over 30 questions and responses): Were you given a copy of the yacht's Complaint Procedure when you joined? 51% of respondents said they had been given a copy of the yacht's Complaint Procedure when joining. 49% of respondents said they had not been given a copy of the yacht's Complaint Procedure when joining. Does the yacht have a written policy regarding sexual harassment? 34% of respondents said the yacht had a written policy regarding sexual harassment. 36% of respondents said the yacht didn’t have a policy regarding sexual harassment. 30% of respondents said they were unsure whether the yacht had a policy regarding sexual harassment. Are you aware of the rights of you and your fellow crewmembers and the current flag-state legislation covering sexual harassment on board your yacht? 44% of respondents said they were aware of their rights and those of their fellow crew members and the current flag-state legislation covering sexual harassment on board their yacht. 56% of respondents said they were not aware of their rights and those of their fellow crew members and the current flag-state legislation covering sexual harassment on board their yacht. Have you ever personally been the recipient of unwanted physical contact whilst working on board? 39% of respondents said they had personally been the recipient of unwanted physical contact whilst working on board. 61% of respondents said they hadn’t personally been the recipient of unwanted physical contact whilst working on board. Research conducted by the Professional Yachting Association Dates: March 13th - September 25th 2018 Sample size: 633 Estimated margin of error: 4% Sexual Harassment in Yachting 2018 Study Become Research Partner Carry out research

Yachting Pages Media Group is an award-winning superyacht services directory and specialised digital marketing agency. We connect owners, captains, and crew with trusted suppliers around the world and provide a range of resources and valuable information on the yachting industry. For more than two decades, Yachting Pages has connected marine businesses with the global superyacht fleet. With our printed directories on board 97% of superyachts, thousands of captains using our online directory and Ports & Marinas Hub, and 2M+ monthly AI mentions referencing Yachting Pages content and suppliers, we place trusted companies directly in front of the industry’s key decision-makers. Operating from the UK, France, Spain, Italy, and the USA, our multilingual team delivers results-driven marketing campaigns across print, digital, on-board, and AI search channels. By combining deep industry insight with advanced marketing technologies, we help marine businesses increase visibility, generate enquiries, and grow their presence across the superyacht sector. Our services include: • Strategic marketing campaigns tailored to the yachting industry • Digital advertising including SEO, PPC, and social media • Generative Engine Optimisation (GEO) to position brands in AI-driven search results • Editorial, video, and visual content designed to convert • Targeted email marketing campaigns • Custom website development and hosting • Trusted print visibility on board superyachts and at major industry events • Yachting Pages Delivers – direct distribution of marketing materials to yachts worldwide We have supported more than 10,000 marine businesses, from shipyards and refit specialists to luxury service providers and equipment manufacturers. Whether launching a new service or expanding into new markets, Yachting Pages builds tailored marketing solutions that help brands grow within the superyacht industry. Contact Details: Yachting Pages Liberty House, South Liberty Lane Bristol BS3 2ST UK +44 (0)117 316 0560 Info@yachtingpages.com Facebook: @captainsbible Instagram: @yachtingpages X: @yachtingpages YouTube: @yachtingpages1 Yachting Pages Yachting Pages Media Group is an award-winning superyacht services directory and specialised digital marketing agency. We connect owners, captains, and crew with trusted suppliers around the world and provide a range of resources and valuable information on the yachting industry. Visit website Back to All Partners Become a member and enjoy the exclusive offers from our partners. Become a member

The PYA received a list of 70 yachts that infringed on the new French Mediterranean Posidonia regulation. Find out the full details from our latest meeting with the French Prefecture Maritime (PREMAR). Infringement on Posidonia Regulation - French Mediterranean To All news 26 July 2021 The PYA is actively involved with the French Prefecture Maritime (PREMAR) to try to develop alternative solutions to the Posidonia Anchoring regulation, which has considerably restricted mooring locations for yachts on the Riviera. Last week, the PREMAR sent us a list of close to 70 yachts that infringed the regulation between 6-20 July 2021 - with dates, locations, name of the boat and whether they responded to VHF calls (most did not). Several of these yachts infringed the regulation several times. Out of the 29 repeat offenses, only three VHF calls from the authorities were answered. However, none of the yachts moved to alternative locations. Even though the PREMAR has indicated that, during this season, the regulation will be enforced with leniency, the prosecution of 11 repeat offenders will be considered by the authorities. Last Friday, the PREMAR reported to us that two repeat-repeat offender yachts, will be prosecuted. One of these yachts (Cayman flag) is currently located in Northern Sardinia. The other (UK flag) is in the Balearic Islands. In addition to a €150.000 fine, yachts could be banned from French waters. Feel free to contact our CEO, Christophe Bourillon, by phone or email, should you require additional information on the situation. Christophe Bourillon: (Tel: +33 626 837 058) or (Email: ceo@pya.org ) More news Sea Changes Forum 2026 The PYA is pleased to invite you to the 2026 Sea Changes Forum, taking place on Thursday, 24 September 2026, at the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) in Monaco, during the Monaco Yacht Show. Read more Upcoming Webinar: Water Safety On Yachts The Professional Yachting Association is pleased to invite yacht crew and industry professionals to an upcoming live webinar dedicated to Water Safety On Yachts, taking place on 10 June 2026 from 15:00 to 16:00CET. Led by recognised experts in water management and regulatory compliance, this session will explore the common bacteria found in vessel water systems, the risks they pose to crew, guests and operations, and the practical measures that can be implemented to maintain safe onboard water standards. Read more Schengen EES Update: Guidance for Yacht Crew The new Schengen Entry/Exit System (EES) replaces passport stamps with digital records for non-Schengen nationals. While procedures remain largely unchanged for yacht crew, entries and exits are now tracked electronically—with no physical proof provided—making it essential for crew to monitor their own Schengen days. Read more

The International Seafarers' Welfare and Assistance Network promotes seafarers welfare worldwide and directly serves seafarers by providing a 24 hour helpline - Seafarers Help Seafarers are frequently overlooked and forgotten about. Seafarers face long periods away from family and friends with limited or no communication for weeks on end. Shore ... ISWAN - welfare support to seafarers To All news 20 April 2019 The International Seafarers' Welfare and Assistance Network promotes seafarers welfare worldwide and directly serves seafarers by providing a 24 hour helpline - Seafarers Help. Seafarers are frequently overlooked and forgotten about. Seafarers face long periods away from family and friends with limited or no communication for weeks on end. Shore leave can be severely restricted, particularly for certain nationalities. Welfare facilities and services both on board and ashore can be a lifeline for seafarers. ISWAN provides direct welfare services to seafarers. The 24 hour multilingual helpline, Seafarer Help, runs every day of the year and is free for seafarers to call from anywhere in the world. ISWAN also runs an emergency welfare fund for seafarers in dire need, produces health information for seafarers, and provides information on the location of seafarer centres. ISWAN works to support the welfare of seafarers all over the world. We work in support of organisations and bodies that provide direct welfare services to seafarers. We work to enable the establishment of welfare facilities and services in port and on ships. ISWAN brings together and supports our members to share learning and experiences to improve seafarers' welfare both on board and ashore. In particular, ISWAN works for the implementation of the ILO Maritime Labour Convention 2006. They work with companies, unions, governments, welfare organisations (secular and faith based), and ports for the benefit of seafarers' welfare. “Maritime welfare organisations are used to dealing with seafarers on cargo and cruise ships. The number of seafarers in the yacht sector has grown to around 35,000, and we need to know more about the challenges which are specific to the superyacht sector. As seafarers on super yachts are covered by the provisions of the ILO Maritime Labour Convention their welfare needs - at sea and ashore - should be better known and provided for,” said Roger Harris, Executive Director of ISWAN. More news Sea Changes Forum 2026 The PYA is pleased to invite you to the 2026 Sea Changes Forum, taking place on Thursday, 24 September 2026, at the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) in Monaco, during the Monaco Yacht Show. Read more Upcoming Webinar: Water Safety On Yachts The Professional Yachting Association is pleased to invite yacht crew and industry professionals to an upcoming live webinar dedicated to Water Safety On Yachts, taking place on 10 June 2026 from 15:00 to 16:00CET. Led by recognised experts in water management and regulatory compliance, this session will explore the common bacteria found in vessel water systems, the risks they pose to crew, guests and operations, and the practical measures that can be implemented to maintain safe onboard water standards. Read more Schengen EES Update: Guidance for Yacht Crew The new Schengen Entry/Exit System (EES) replaces passport stamps with digital records for non-Schengen nationals. While procedures remain largely unchanged for yacht crew, entries and exits are now tracked electronically—with no physical proof provided—making it essential for crew to monitor their own Schengen days. Read more

The yachting industry has always been very discreet, largely unknown to the general public. The seizing of yachts of Russian oligarchs has placed our industry on the front page of mainstream media, from CNN to the FT, opening it up to public scrutiny. Yachting and Public Opinion - Rough Seas Ahead? To All news 6 October 2022 The yachting industry has always been very discreet, largely unknown to the general public. The seizing of yachts of Russian oligarchs has placed our industry on the front page of mainstream media, from CNN to the FT, opening it up to public scrutiny. Since then, a number of initiatives have recently been launched which will impact the way we operate: In 2023, the Maritime industry will be included in the EU Emissions Trading Scheme. Yachts are - for the time being - excluded. However, powerful environmental NGOs are lobbying the European Commission to include yachting in the new scheme. In July 2022, a private initiative to track the routes of superyachts and calculate their greenhouse gas emissions was launched. It is drawing much interest and public support (this follows a similar initiative tracking private jets owned by Elon Musk , other businessmen and artists). On 24thSeptember 2022, climate activists blocked a quayside in Port Vauban (Antibes) - one of the most popular superyacht marinas in the Mediterranean, to protest against what they deem to be ultra-rich ‘climate criminals'. The above projects/actions are firmly establishing Yachting in the "court of public opinion". Collectively, we cannot ignore these issues and requests for public accountability. Individually, we are all custodians of the image of our industry and there is much we can do to improve the public image of yachting, thus consolidating our “license to operate.” Watch my interview with Yachting International Radio https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7G42Wzp9b-E Photo credit: Courrier Picard More news Sea Changes Forum 2026 The PYA is pleased to invite you to the 2026 Sea Changes Forum, taking place on Thursday, 24 September 2026, at the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) in Monaco, during the Monaco Yacht Show. Read more Upcoming Webinar: Water Safety On Yachts The Professional Yachting Association is pleased to invite yacht crew and industry professionals to an upcoming live webinar dedicated to Water Safety On Yachts, taking place on 10 June 2026 from 15:00 to 16:00CET. Led by recognised experts in water management and regulatory compliance, this session will explore the common bacteria found in vessel water systems, the risks they pose to crew, guests and operations, and the practical measures that can be implemented to maintain safe onboard water standards. Read more Schengen EES Update: Guidance for Yacht Crew The new Schengen Entry/Exit System (EES) replaces passport stamps with digital records for non-Schengen nationals. While procedures remain largely unchanged for yacht crew, entries and exits are now tracked electronically—with no physical proof provided—making it essential for crew to monitor their own Schengen days. Read more

Westminster Hotel, Nice, France - Thursday, 9th March 2023 Improving Yacht Crew Retention Conference To All news 15 February 2023 We are excited to share that the 2nd Annual Improving Yacht Crew Retention Conference will be held at The Westminster Hotel in Nice, France on Thursday, March 9th 2023. Following the success of its debut in 2022, this one-day event will bring together an international audience to address one of the most pressing questions in the industry: how can superyachts retain their crew? Captains, Senior Crew, Yacht Managers, Associations, Crew Managers and Agencies, Crew Training companies, Superyacht lawyers, Crew Pension Providers, Tax Specialists, and more will gather in the south of France, a hub for yachting and crew, to address the thorny issues impacting yacht crew retention. We are proud to support this event, and as a member, you can enjoy a 15% discount on your ticket by entering " PYA " in the discount box on the registration page. To find out more and register for the conference, please visit https://quaynote.com/conference/improving-yacht-crew-retention-conference-2nd-annual-conference/ . We are eagerly anticipating this conference and hope to see you there! More news Sea Changes Forum 2026 The PYA is pleased to invite you to the 2026 Sea Changes Forum, taking place on Thursday, 24 September 2026, at the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) in Monaco, during the Monaco Yacht Show. Read more Upcoming Webinar: Water Safety On Yachts The Professional Yachting Association is pleased to invite yacht crew and industry professionals to an upcoming live webinar dedicated to Water Safety On Yachts, taking place on 10 June 2026 from 15:00 to 16:00CET. Led by recognised experts in water management and regulatory compliance, this session will explore the common bacteria found in vessel water systems, the risks they pose to crew, guests and operations, and the practical measures that can be implemented to maintain safe onboard water standards. Read more Schengen EES Update: Guidance for Yacht Crew The new Schengen Entry/Exit System (EES) replaces passport stamps with digital records for non-Schengen nationals. While procedures remain largely unchanged for yacht crew, entries and exits are now tracked electronically—with no physical proof provided—making it essential for crew to monitor their own Schengen days. Read more

The PYA and MaritimeMT held a round of discussions at this year’s Monaco Yacht Show on the topic of training for yacht crew and the changes taking place in the industry. PYA and MaritimeMT discuss training for yacht crew at the Monaco Yacht Show To All news 5 October 2023 The PYA and MaritimeMT held a round of discussions at this year’s Monaco Yacht Show on the topic of training for yacht crew and the changes taking place in the industry. MaritimeMT, a leading maritime training centre based in Malta, launched their event to coincide with their strategic collaboration with Gente di Mare, a training centre based in Livorno and Genova, Italy, that forms part of the global shipping organisation’s Fratelli Cosulich Group. The event was a big success, bringing together key industry stakeholders to discuss important issues on training and maritime licences. “It was a great honour for the PYA to be invited to participate in MaritimeMT’s launch event at this year’s Monaco Yacht Show. The opportunities to extend training to yacht crew in Italy with in-depth STCW courses will lead to more qualified seafarers entering the industry and upskilling during a key time where our industry is in need of more qualified crew members,” said Christophe Bourillon, CEO for the PYA. MaritimeMT extended their operations to Greece’s capital, Athens, last year as part of its strategy for international expansion, which is now opening its doors to other neighbouring ports. The synergies have brought considerable opportunities for growth across Europe where Maltese certification and licences are increasingly sought after. The Malta Flag Registry is currently one of the most in-demand licences for seafarers globally. Pauline Micallef, CEO of MaritimeMT said: “MaritimeMT chooses to partner with organisations on the same wavelength that share a common strategy, that of providing excellence in seafarers education.” Elena di Tizio, Managing Director at Gente di Mare SRL, added: “Bringing the Maltese certification to Italy will create an opportunity for maritime professionals including seafarers and crew to further their studies and climb up the ranks.” “Our standard processes and quality management system has helped us kickstart operations in different locations,” said Captain Edwin Vella, Principal at MaritimeMT. The new cooperation will provide STCW courses to yacht crew with a focus on yachting certification in particular with the anticipation that as the partnership develops, unique courses and specially designed programmes will become available. Both MaritimeMT and Gente di Mare Italy are committed to improving the skills of maritime professionals around the world. Seafarers can access courses that meet their needs whether they are already working in the maritime sector or want to. The global standard for marine education and services is expected to rise as a result of this collaboration. Have you considered undertaking an STCW course? Learn more about how you can access training here . More news Sea Changes Forum 2026 The PYA is pleased to invite you to the 2026 Sea Changes Forum, taking place on Thursday, 24 September 2026, at the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) in Monaco, during the Monaco Yacht Show. Read more Upcoming Webinar: Water Safety On Yachts The Professional Yachting Association is pleased to invite yacht crew and industry professionals to an upcoming live webinar dedicated to Water Safety On Yachts, taking place on 10 June 2026 from 15:00 to 16:00CET. Led by recognised experts in water management and regulatory compliance, this session will explore the common bacteria found in vessel water systems, the risks they pose to crew, guests and operations, and the practical measures that can be implemented to maintain safe onboard water standards. Read more Schengen EES Update: Guidance for Yacht Crew The new Schengen Entry/Exit System (EES) replaces passport stamps with digital records for non-Schengen nationals. While procedures remain largely unchanged for yacht crew, entries and exits are now tracked electronically—with no physical proof provided—making it essential for crew to monitor their own Schengen days. Read more

This week, the PYA is launching a new webinar for captains, crew members, yacht managers and recruiters to discuss visa and immigration in Europe. PYA to launch new Visa and Crew Immigration Webinar To All news 27 February 2024 This week, the PYA is launching a new webinar for captains, crew members, yacht managers and recruiters to discuss visa and immigration in Europe. The webinar will bring together a panel of experts from leading companies to cover key issues affecting seafarers operating in the EU. With changing regulations for yacht crew and more stringent visa requirements in the Schengen area, we’ve brought together experts from a number of countries to go more in-depth on emerging topics: France & Monaco : Get expert guidance from Catalano Shipping Services on the recent regulations and procedures for smooth entry and operations. Italy (Genoa, Viareggio, Sardinia & Naples) : Learn from Luise Group's specialists about navigating the latest visa requirements and processes for your crew in key Italian ports. Spain : BWA Yachting's experts will offer valuable information on visa regulations and efficient immigration procedures for Spain. In this webinar, you will be able to: Stay informed on the latest visa requirements and changes in policy Learn best practices for smooth crew immigration processes Get expert advice from leading companies in the industry Ask questions and address any specific concerns you may have The Visa and Immigration webinar will be launched on Wednesday 28th of February, at 15:00 CET. You can register your attendance now to secure your spot here: http://tinyurl.com/46ynddju Contact us at info@pya.org for any questions you'd like us to answer in our upcoming webinar. More news Sea Changes Forum 2026 The PYA is pleased to invite you to the 2026 Sea Changes Forum, taking place on Thursday, 24 September 2026, at the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) in Monaco, during the Monaco Yacht Show. Read more Upcoming Webinar: Water Safety On Yachts The Professional Yachting Association is pleased to invite yacht crew and industry professionals to an upcoming live webinar dedicated to Water Safety On Yachts, taking place on 10 June 2026 from 15:00 to 16:00CET. Led by recognised experts in water management and regulatory compliance, this session will explore the common bacteria found in vessel water systems, the risks they pose to crew, guests and operations, and the practical measures that can be implemented to maintain safe onboard water standards. Read more Schengen EES Update: Guidance for Yacht Crew The new Schengen Entry/Exit System (EES) replaces passport stamps with digital records for non-Schengen nationals. While procedures remain largely unchanged for yacht crew, entries and exits are now tracked electronically—with no physical proof provided—making it essential for crew to monitor their own Schengen days. Read more

The new Schengen Entry/Exit System (EES) replaces passport stamps with digital records for non-Schengen nationals. While procedures remain largely unchanged for yacht crew, entries and exits are now tracked electronically—with no physical proof provided—making it essential for crew to monitor their own Schengen days. Schengen EES Update: Guidance for Yacht Crew To All news 16 April 2026 New Schengen Immigration Entry/Exit System (EES) for non-Schengen nationals: What does it mean for yacht crew? Date: 15 April 2026 As you may know, the new Schengen Immigration Entry/Exit System (EES) for non-Schengen nationals entered into force on 10 April 2026. This new digital EES registration replaces the system of manually stamping passports when visitors arrive in the EU. It is a European database in which the Member States record the data of nationals of non-EU and non-Schengen Area countries, who cross the borders into the Schengen Area. It has been gradually implemented since 12 October 2025 and has been "fully" operational since 10 April 2026. The PYA reached out to EU officials to discuss the situation of non-Schengen nationals joining a vessel in a port in the Schengen Area, and I met with officials from the French Immigration administration, to discuss how the system would be implemented. In theory, nothing has changed for Non-Schengen nationals, other than the fact that they are digitally stamped in (not in their passport) when they enter a Schengen border and digitally stamped out (not in their passport) when they board their vessel, and vice versa. Individuals who require a visa will still need a visa and their passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond the planned end of stay in the Schengen Area. A new European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) for nationals not subject to a visa, will be implemented towards the end of 2026. The system in practice From now on, when a non-Schengen national arrives at a Schengen border, their passport will be scanned into the system with the date of entry. The very fact that the immigration officer will let the individual into the Schengen Area, serves as a proof that they are legally allowed to remain in the Schengen Area. As with the old system, the individual should then go to the immigration office, local to their vessel, to present their passport. It will be scanned again and the immigration officer will make a digital note in the system (not in their passport) that the yacht crew has been “stamped out” to join the vessel. The reverse should be implemented when the crew leaves the yacht to fly outside the Schengen Area. A very important matter, with huge consequences, is the fact that only Customs & Immigration and the Border Police have access to the Digital system. The individual will have no visible proof to show that they are legally in the Schengen Area and within the number of allocated days. Serious implications 1. The responsibility lies with the crew member, to make sure that they are operating within the confines of the immigration law. 2. They will have no official means to prove the above to the yacht captain or to the management company. This is the reason why we recommend to all non-Schengen nationals to keep a record of their Schengen entry & exit dates (this could be on a loose sheet of paper, copies of their boarding passes and any other means to document their coming in and out of Schengen borders, such as dated photos at airports, etc.). 3. Should a non-Schengen national exceed their number of days in the Schengen area, they may face a number of possibilities: If trying to be stamped back into the country to leave the boat, the immigration officer is likely to refuse and ask the captain to sail the vessel to a non-Schengen country, in order for the crew member to disembark; If going straight to the airport or to any other Schengen border to exit, a note will be inserted into their file and this may adversely affect their next attempt to enter the Schengen area. They can be declined re-entry or, at the very least, the individual will have to wait 90 days outside the Schengen Area before they can re-enter for another short stay. In theory, the above is the way the system should be implemented in the whole of the Schengen area. The situation in Italy We understand that Italy is implementing a different procedure than described above, requesting vessels to depart Italian waters within 10 days, in order for crew to be stamped out. We are told by non-Italian officials that this country’s “application of the new EES is not in line with the Schengen Code”. Food for thought 1. As is often the case, administrations are not best at communicating new regulations. We understand that the information should have been communicated “Top-Down”, from central administrations to regional administrations, then to harbour authorities, etc. We understand from local Immigration officers that not many stakeholders are aware of the workings of the new EES. For this reason, please feel free to distribute this email widely to your own network , management and other companies, other vessels, Harbour masters, etc. 2. As we have seen in the past, crew may face different situations when addressing immigration officials, depending on the port or even sometimes depending on the individual they are addressing. Should crew encounter any problems or issues with the implementation of the new EES, please contact me at ceo@pya.org , as we would like to gather, and document, real-life experience to provide feedback to administrations and to maritime authorities. Best regards Christophe Bourillon CEO, PYA More news Sea Changes Forum 2026 The PYA is pleased to invite you to the 2026 Sea Changes Forum, taking place on Thursday, 24 September 2026, at the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) in Monaco, during the Monaco Yacht Show. Read more Upcoming Webinar: Water Safety On Yachts The Professional Yachting Association is pleased to invite yacht crew and industry professionals to an upcoming live webinar dedicated to Water Safety On Yachts, taking place on 10 June 2026 from 15:00 to 16:00CET. Led by recognised experts in water management and regulatory compliance, this session will explore the common bacteria found in vessel water systems, the risks they pose to crew, guests and operations, and the practical measures that can be implemented to maintain safe onboard water standards. Read more Schengen EES Update: Guidance for Yacht Crew The new Schengen Entry/Exit System (EES) replaces passport stamps with digital records for non-Schengen nationals. While procedures remain largely unchanged for yacht crew, entries and exits are now tracked electronically—with no physical proof provided—making it essential for crew to monitor their own Schengen days. Read more