As we near the end of the Mediterranean season, the pressure of working long hours under demanding conditions might be causing tension or conflict onboard amongst crew membes. This conflict can, in turn, lead to additional stress, tiredness and severed relationships.  10 Tips for Conflict Resolution Onboard To All news 4 September 2020 As we near the end of the Mediterranean season, the pressure of working long hours under demanding conditions might be causing tension or conflict onboard amongst crew membes. This conflict can, in turn, lead to additional stress, tiredness and severed relationships. If you find yourself caught up in a dispute with a fellow crew member, or are struggling with a tense and strained working environment, you can follow our ten tips for conflict resolution onboard. Nip it in the bud, quick: The best step to easing conflict onboard is to confront all crew members involved, as quickly as possible to ensure a solution is reached. Not addressing conflict quickly might allow tensions to rise and worsen the situation further. Listen: Captains or senior crew members need to discuss the conflict with all parties to understand what has happened, when did it happen, why has it happened, how can it be fixed? Come together: all crew need to be brought together to voice their concerns or frustrations in a professional manner. Common ground: Senior members need to encourage those involved to find common ground and agree on workable solutions to all problems. Find a compromise: For the sake of working together, each crew member must be willing to give in a little. Explaining the detrimental effect of conflict onboard should hopefully defuse tensions and push those involved towards concession. Confront negative feelings: Crew might be feeling a range of emotions, including hurt, frustration or anger. These feelings should be discussed and diffused. Leadership: Senior crew members can help ease tensions and defuse conflict by reminding crew of their role onboard and mentoring those crew members who might need extra support or assistance. Teamwork: Remind crew about the importance of teamwork onboard and provide them with tools to improve how they work together. Time out: If possible, allow crew members to take a few minutes of time out each day to improve their ability to manage stress and tension onboard. The bigger picture : Encourage crew to focus on the bigger picture, including why they joined the industry and the areas of their role they enjoy the most. It's always worth reminding crew that simply saying 'sorry' and demonstrating mutual respect for other crew members is vital to a professional and happy work environment. 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 is partnering with Genoa Superyacht Hub (GSH) to develop a number of initiatives in support of yacht crew commencing in March 2024. PYA and Genoa Superyacht Hub to launch joint initiatives in 2024 To All news 26 February 2024 The PYA is partnering with Genoa Superyacht Hub (GSH) to develop a number of initiatives in support of yacht crew commencing in March 2024. As part of the new partnership, the PYA and GSH will work together on a new event, Yachties Career Day, specifically designed for crew in the Genoa region of Italy. The event will bring together prominent recruiters and trainers in the sector, providing unique networking opportunities for yacht crew and expert educators where they will be able to meet face-to-face. “Our new joint event in Genoa, Italy is just the beginning as we look forward to bringing crew together for Yachties Career Day. This new initiative will support Italian as well as international crew across the region,” said Kim Llorente, Operations Manager for the PYA. Attendees of the event will benefit from: Speed dating to get matched up with employment opportunities. Advice and career progression from the PYA and training providers in attendance. Specialist information on training: Learning about training programmes that can elevate career prospects. Amico & Co and Pesto Sea Group, part of GSH, aim to establish Genoa as an international hub for yachts in the coming years ahead. Genoa Superyacht Hub, offers one of the leading refit shipyards in the world, located next to a brand new marina, the Waterfront Marina, an integral part of Renzo Piano’s Waterfront city development and minutes away from the city’s historical centre, an Unesco World Heritage Site. The world renowned yacht agency also organizes events, a wide array of industry-specific courses, and provides assistance to crew in town. This new partnership underlines Genoa's strategic role as a Mediterranean hub of international excellence in the yachting industry with PYA and GSH seeking to support yacht crew through career development and networking in the region. The first Yachties Career Day is scheduled for Tuesday, 19 March, from 8.30am to 4.30pm, taking place at the Genova Waterfront Marina – P.le John Fitzgerald Kennedy, 1, Genoa. Registrations are now open for the event which can be booked online . 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

Discover how the SENTIO NAAT (PCR) test kits can provide easy onboard Covid-19 testing for your crew and guests. SENTIO Offers Next-Generation Onboard NAAT(PCR) Testing To All news 11 August 2021 Since the start of the pandemic, the gold standard molecular NAAT (Nucleic Acid Amplification Test) commonly known as PCR, has been required by multiple countries for travel and, with the introduction of the health pass in France, Monaco and Italy, a negative NAAT test will be required by crew and guests who have not been vaccinated or recently recovered from Covid-19 in order to access multiple venues, including restaurants, bars and long-distance travel. PYA Partner, SENTIO Protect, part of the wider SENTIO Group, is at the vanguard of maritime occupational health, safety & sustainability innovating solutions using the very latest technologies from leading diagnostic manufacturers. SENTIO Protect is offering all vessels the opportunity to take control of their testing by conducting Covid-19 testing onboard with their rapid molecular NAAT from cue health based in San Diego. This advanced testing platform has been authorized by the FDA, Health Canada, European Union and Ministry of Health India. It only requires a non-invasive lower nose sample, has absolutely no sample preparation and delivers results within 20 minutes through the Cue Health app on the mobile device. To increase testing speed, up to 6 Cue readers can be linked to the mobile device, which would then allow all 12 guests to be tested in 40mins. This can provide a huge amount of efficiency for yachts worldwide, as it allows for onboard testing upon guest and crew arrival and departure. How does it work? The Covid-19 test is part of the wider Cue Health genetic health monitoring platform, so it provides benefits fit for Covid-19 and beyond. The platform includes the digital reader device, the Covid-19 testing cartridge with swab and mobile tablet device pre-loaded with Cue Health app. The app guides the medical officer through every stage of the test and the result is displayed with a test certificate. Meet Cue... Follow this link to view a short video to see how easy the test is to use. “The phrase game changer can be overused, but this technology really does deserve the accolade,” asserts James Hammond, Chief Executive of SENTIO Protect. “We can now bring that accuracy right to the passerelle and have reliable results in real-time.” This technology provides a huge amount of convenience and assurance to guests and crew as they travel to different destinations and are subject to multiple immigration checks. For a short consultation to determine your vessel’s test profile and receive a tailored quotation contact SENTIO Protect: T. +44 207 1110817 E. cue@sentioprotect.com WhatsApp +447833292760 PYA Member Discount PYA member-exclusive arrangement, quote your PYA membership number and SENTIO Protect will include a digital reader at no cost for all orders of 150+ test cartridges. 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

Major changes have been announced for the European Schengen Visa, which is used by the citizens of 104 nations, including South Africa, Russia, Egypt and the Philippines. Schengen Visa Changes to Benefit Seafarers To All news 31 January 2020 Major changes have been announced for the European Schengen Visa, which is used by the citizens of 104 nations, including South Africa, Russia, Egypt and the Philippines. The Schengen zone includes 26 European countries and is home to some of the most popular Mediterranean cruising ports, so these changes are set to benefit multiple yacht crew transiting through the region. From 2 February 2020, new revisions will see seafarers granted with an extended period to submit their visa applications and frequent visitors will be given lengthier stays. Extended application submission periods: seafarers can apply up to 9 months before their trip (as opposed to 3 months), with standard applicants also granted an application submission extension of up to 6 months. Extended visa lengths: Those who frequently travel to EU member states with a good history of returning to their country of origin within the confines of previous visas will be eligible to receive multiple-entry visas for 5 years. Online applications: Member States should also allow applications to be submitted electronically, where possible. On the downside, the Schengen Visa will be getting more expensive and costing around €80 per application. Travel and medical insurance will also still remain mandatory. For more information, visit the Schengen Visa Info website. Please note: The information provided in this article is believed to be correct at the time of publishing (31.01.2020) and has been verified to be the best of the PYA's ability, however, cannot be guaranteed. 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

GEPY – Association of Professional Yachting Crew – is the French organisation representing yachting professionals. Their mission is to inform, advise, and bring people together in order to ensure the voice of seafarers is heard within French institutions. The Groupement des Équipages Professionnels du Yachting (GEPY) has been uniting and representing crew, professionals, and businesses in the yachting sector for over 20 years. Founded in 2002, the association played a key role in the creation of the French STCW certificates, enabling French seafarers to access internationally recognised positions. Today, GEPY’s mission is to provide information on regulatory and social developments, to bring the community together through events, and to act as a bridge between its members and the relevant institutions. A new agreement of trust with DIRM Méditerranée now allows us to support our members in the renewal of their certificates and to facilitate communication with the French authorities – an assistance close to our heart, aimed at simplifying procedures that are often complex for seafarers. Contact Information 470 Promenade des Anglais, Air Promenade Flex-O, 06200 Nice website : www.gepy.org LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/gepy-yachting/ mail : contact@gepy.org GEPY GEPY – Association of Professional Yachting Crew – is the French organisation representing yachting professionals. Their mission is to inform, advise, and bring people together in order to ensure the voice of seafarers is heard within French institutions. Visit website Back to All Partners Become a member and enjoy the exclusive offers from our partners. Become a member

Find out what the first steps are. How to set up an RYA Water Sports Centre on a yacht To All news 14 June 2023 Interested in running a jet ski centre on your yacht? The link below takes you to the RYA Training support site and in particular to the section that introduces the concept of “RYA Training Recognition”. This is what is required to be able to deliver RYA courses – in this case PWC safety courses. You would first need to lodge an expression of interest, which is a simple (free) online process that will put you in direct contact with the RYA Recognition team. You will subsequently be provided with a login to the RYA closed site. The Recognition team will then be able to assist. https://www.rya.org.uk/club-centre-support/training/recognition/apply https://www.rya.org.uk/club-centre-support/training/thinking-of-running-a-centre For any questions, please contact: recognition@rya.org.uk 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

For over three decades, PYA has driven significant change in the yachting industry. Here are some of our key achievements: 2025: PYA launches its new digital platform, transforming the way Sea Service Testimonials are processed. The entire system is now online — no more paper forms — making the submission and verification process faster and easier for crew and captains alike. 2025: The PYA was granted permission by the MCA to verify sea service carried out in the Amazon Basin, to be used for CoC revalidations. For over three decades, PYA has driven significant change in the yachting industry. Here are some of our key achievements: 2025 PYA launches its new digital platform, transforming the way Sea Service Testimonials are processed. The entire system is now online — no more paper forms — making the submission and verification process faster and easier for crew and captains alike. The PYA was granted permission by the MCA to verify sea service carried out in the Amazon Basin, to be used for CoC revalidations. 2024 Record number of files processed in a month. 2021+ Initiated and built a close working relationships with French Authorities and Government Authorities. 2016 Signed a collaboration agreement with World Chefs Society to recognise yacht chefs. 2015 The PYA consulted with the MCA for the development of MSN1859 and 1858, engineering and deck. This included the new Commercial Engineering qualifications (for yachts, tugs, workboats etc.). 2013 Developed the Ships Cook Assessment route in response to MLC regulations. 2011 The PYA created the GUEST Program (now the IAMI GUEST Program), developing bespoke industry standards of training and certification for crew. GUEST accredited courses are now offered by training providers worldwide. 2004 Developed the MCA OOW (Yacht) Training Record Book, in consultation with the MCA. This included the Yacht Rating Training Record Book, leading to Yacht Rating Certification, which assisted the manning regulations for yacht crew. 1994 Created the PYA Service Record Book (SRB), validating sea service for MCA. 1991 Lobbied with the MCA (the Maritime Safety Agency) for the LY1 “Yacht” qualifications for Deck Officers. To About us Historical Achievements

France has introduced anchorage regulations (enforced in March 2021) which prevent yachts over 24m (78ft) from anchoring within areas containing protected Posidonia seagrass beds. Last update: 12/06/2024 Posidonia - sometimes referred to as the lung of the ocean - plays a vital role in the production of oxygen and purification of our ocean. Unfortunately, Posidonia is incredibly fragile and anchoring in the Posidonia seabed can cause significant destruction which could take up to one thousand years to restore. The maritime authorities recognise the positive economic impact of the yachting industry on the Mediterranean coasts, as well as the efforts of yachting professionals to protect the environment. They will, therefore, encourage the creation of organised buoy fields and moorings with public as well as private funding. These facilities will be under the responsibility of land-based authorities and local communities. Key facts Anchorage regulations are applicable to yachts over 24m (78ft); Infringement of the new regulations could result in fines of up to €150,000 and also possible banishment of the vessel from French waters. The Captain is ultimately responsible; All restricted zones are clearly indicated within the maps (below), which are a part of the new decrees issued by the Maritime Prefecture; The maritime authorities are attempting to speed up the update of the new charts published by SHOM; It is also understood that messages regarding the anchoring rules will be broadcast through CROSSMED, in both French and in English; All restricted areas will be displayed on the Donia app; In case of adverse weather, the authorities have confirmed that safety and security will take precedence. Vessels that may take shelter in forbidden zones (Posidonia meadows) but may be required to provide justification for their decision; The authorities have indicated that, in future regulation, they will adopt a limitation of mooring time to 72 hours. This will not apply to yachts in routine operation, with crew on board, but rather to vessels left without supervision and presenting a risk of stranding. To enable this management of mooring times, the Maritime Prefecture has agreed to establish a list of yachts (24-45m) benefiting from an implicit renewal every 72 hours, for the whole season. Infringement Unlike the Spanish or Italian authorities, France elected to sanction the position of the vessel itself. This can lead to serious consequences as yachts in breach of these regulations can be fined up to 150,000€ and receive a possible ban from French waters, whereas the environmental infraction is ''only" a hundred euros. In addition, several of the means to be used to establish potential offenses, such as human observation from aircraft, boats or land-based platforms can lead to arbitrary decisions. Read our news article on the infringement of these regulations during the summer season of 2021. Read our news article on how to avoid infringement. Latest news May 2024 update: release of the latest regulation applicable to vessels longer than 45 meters, wishing to anchor or stop in the French Mediterranean. As indicated by the maritime authorities, "this new regulation does not provide major changes but a few modifications on some anchoring zones". Arret 157-2024 may 23 2024 .pdf Download PDF • 2.95MB To make absolutely sure that you will be anchoring in the right area, we strongly encourage captains to speak to the relevant sémaphore (radio station) on Channel 16 or better still - on the phone - asking them to confirm that you are in the right area. All sémaphore's conversations are recorded and, just in case, it could be relevant for the captain to record the conversation as well. A list of all semaphores , with their area coverage, telephone numbers and email addresses are provided on Annex 1, page 9 of the regulation. The following information is also provided in this regulation: Annex II and III (pages 10, 11): Information to provide to the sémaphore when seeking anchoring or Dynamic Positioning authorisation. Annex IV (pages 12-13): List of regulations (Arrêtés) relevant to anchoring for vessels of >24 meters. Annex V: (pages 14-47): list of mandatory anchoring areas (with charts). Anchorage maps To view the maps released by the maritime prefecture, click below. Decree 159/2016 : Côte Bleue Marine, Martigue, Sausset-les-Pins, Carry-le-Rouet Decree 204/2020 : Cap Ferrat, Cap Martin Decree 205/2020 : Pointe de l’Aiguille, Embouchure fleuve Var, Golfe de la Napoule, Golfe Juan Decree 245/2020 : Point Fauconnière, Cap Cépet, Baie de Bandol Decree 246/2020 : Cap Carqueiranne, Cap Bénat, Golfe de Giens, La Badine Decree 247/2020 : Cap Bénat, Pointe de Bonne-Terrasse, Baise de Briande, Baie de Bon-Porté Decree 248/2020 : Cap Pinet, Pointe de Saint-Aygulf, Saint Tropez, Plage des Cigales, Plage de la Nartelle, Plage de la Gaillarde Decree 249/2020 : Saint-Raphaël, Pointe de l’Aiguille Decree 020/2021 : Hérault, Cap d’Agde, Frontignan, Palavas-les-Flots Decree 095/2021 : Haute-Corse, Plage de Saleccia, Plage du Loto, Centuri, Barcaggio, Erbalunga Decree 099/2021 : Baie de la Ciotat, Baie de Cassis, Baie de Lecques Decree 101/2021 : Baie de Cassis, Plage de Bestouan, Plage de la Grande Mer, Cal. De Port Miou Decree 197/2022 : Port d'Argelès-sur-Mer, Cap Béar, Cap d'Osne, Port de Banyuls, Cap l'Abeille, Cap Cerbère (Cervera), Port-Vendres, Collioure Decree 319/2022 : Est-Corse, Port de Bastia, Sud Bastia, Lucciana-Venzolasca, Golfe de Porto-Vecchio Decree 168/2023 : Western Corsica Decree 189/2023 : Bay of Calvi Decree 087/2024 : Bay of Pampelonne Decree 156/2024 : Réserve naturelle des Bouches de Bonifacio, Les Moines – Ventilègne, Bonifacio-Pertusato, Sant’Amanza-Lavezzi, Porto-Vecchio – Santa Giulia, Baie de Figari, Golfe de Ventilegne, Secteur de la Madonetta, Secteur de l’Escalier du roi d’Aragon, Île Piana, Punta de Sperone, Îles Lavezzi, Cala di Grecu, Golfe de Sant’Amanza Decree 157/2024 : Modifications on some anchoring zones Nav & Co app In addition to your normal means of navigations to seek anchorage areas, do use the cellphone application "Nav & Co" (download link below). This is the official application produced by the French maritime authorities and it is constantly updated with new regulations as they are adopted. Android https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.navco&hl=fr IOS https://apps.apple.com/fr/app/nav-co/id1642742060 ‎ Additional resources Yachting Pages hosts several articles here: https://www.yachting-pages.com/articles/french-anchoring-regulations-posidonia For further information, please visit the website of the Préfecture Maritime de la Mediterranée : https://www.premar-mediterranee.gouv.fr . Last update: 12/06/2024 French Anchorage Regulations To Knowledge Base

Joint Concentrated Inspection Campaign (CIC) on STCW by the Tokyo and Paris MOU starts 1 Sept 22 Reminder - The CIC on STCW Port State Inspections will begin 1 September To All news 24 August 2022 The Paris and Tokyo MoU joint Concentrated Inspection Campaign (CIC) on STCW will begin on 1 September 22 during Port State Control Inspections. The Port State Control Officer will focus on 3 basic issues. Seafarer certification Manning Hours of Rest For the specific campaign questions, download the CIC inspections questionnaire . The CIC inspections will be applicable for all ships, and conducted in conjunction with the regular Port State Control inspection. This campaign will be held for three months, commencing on 1 September 2022, and ending on 30 November 2022. 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

"There is no second shift" perfectly summarises the growing challenge in the yachting industry: balancing unlimited guest expectations with limited crew resources. As yachts get smaller, the ability to deliver exceptional experiences while adhering to the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) becomes increasingly difficult. Even on larger yachts, extended guest occupancy and short turnaround times strain compliance with work and rest regulations. PYA response to ISS From the Bridge article To All news 22 October 2024 "There is No Second Shift": A Key Industry Mantra All the content of the article is valid , but its message is actually delivered by a simple brilliant statement: “ There is no second shift” . This is a great choice of words to sum up the situation of unlimited guest expectations versus finite crew numbers. It should become an industry mantra, embedded in the day-to-day thinking and actions of all regulators, designers, builders, brokers and managers. If everybody spoke like that, and acted accordingly without exception, then owners and charterers would no longer be surprised and frustrated when confronting reality. What everybody knows about and talks about eventually gets baked into expectations. Challenges of Meeting Expectations with Limited Crew It is commonplace that delivering the yachting experience beyond guest expectations, while still complying with MLC hours of work and rest stipulations, becomes less and less feasible the smaller the yacht and the number of its crew. Generally speaking, above 55m the crew size is sufficient to schedule compliant work and rest hours, but even then, compliance starts to become problematical over extended periods of guest occupancy and/or short turnaround times. Rotation is not a get-out-of-jail-free card. Even a cycle of one month on and two months off would not exempt a yacht crew from full MLC compliance with working hours during the period on board. Non-compliance is actionable by flag and port states. That “there is no second shift” is no legal defence. Addressing the Issue of the Absent Second Shift What actions can be taken to address the issue of the absent second shift? Delivering a fit-for-purpose yacht would be a good place to start. However, “ The crew are brought on too late in construction to provide an operational perspective and then are instructed to ‘make it work’. A series of innocuous compromises in construction combine to make a workplace that is physically improbable to operate efficiently. " This is another commonplace, and there are endless anecdotes about design deficiencies that can directly affect crew performance and fatigue. When a yacht is delivered, it is too late to make changes to physical features which impede operational efficiency and even safety. Familiar complaints include: obstructed bridge visibility; yachts of 50m with no office; 40-45m yachts expected to operate 24/7 on charter with two engineers and no UMS; 48m production yachts with the captain's cabin in the crew area, opposite the mess and at the entrance to the crew alleyway; and over-integrated bridge electronics meaning that one centralised computer with drop-down menus has replaced individual keyboards, thereby making bridge teamwork impossible. Moving Beyond Complaints: Taking Action Captains venting to other captains will achieve nothing. It is time to stop griping about these problems and instead take action to fix them. The leverage point is the REG Yacht Code, which was established to improve safety in yacht design by prescribing minimum standards. Its weakness is that many operational design deficiencies are allowed to pass unchallenged through the design approval process because there is nothing in the Code to prevent them. To illustrate the fix: in order to address issues with bridge layouts, the REG has accepted a proposal from the PYA (which sits on the REG steering group) that one section of the next version of the LYC should be changed from “Bridge Visibility” to “Bridge Functionality”. This will cover all aspects of safe bridge operations and allow for discussions on matters such as a captain’s access time and route to the bridge in the event of an emergency. Any other operational design deficiencies affecting any department can be added to the agenda, provided that we give sufficient lead time. The Superyacht Alliance: A Platform for Change It should further be noted that with the establishment of the Superyacht Alliance (SYA) in October 2023, with the imminent inclusion of the PYA, there now exists an umbrella body to disseminate and address any issues of general concern to yacht designers, builders, managers and crew, with further outreach to flag and Class surveyors, and also owners. The REG has made it clear that in order to justify any amendment to the REG Yacht Code, it is essential to back up each proposed change with data. How You Can Help: Providing Evidence Accordingly, the PYA is now asking captains and department heads for as many examples as possible of operational design deficiencies which can be described, photographed, or video-recorded, in order to compile an illustrated dossier. This dossier will be presented to the appropriate bodies to argue for applicable changes in yacht design. Please address any relevant examples to info@pya.org . Rod Hatch PYA Director for Training (Deck) 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