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Find out how to upgrade your Air Handling Units (AHU) to stop the spread of COVID-19 onboard. Are Your Air Handling Units Spreading COVID-19? To All news 5 October 2021 Air conditioning and air handling units are one of the most important and comprehensive systems onboard. Snaking around, covering all decks and spaces, these almost-invisible systems keep crew and guests air-conditioned and comfortable. From the whirring, thumping and buzzing compressors, through to the sea-water cooled heat exchangers and individual controls in each cabin - the technology in these systems is designed to keep the air onboard clean and safe. However, it is important to know if these onboard systems are spreading COVID-19 or any other airborne illness and, if there is anything we can do to be safer? The UK government recently released their COVID-19 sanitary recommendations for buildings but they don’t readily translate well to yachts. For example, their suggestion of regularly opening windows and increasing the flow of fresh air would be an Engineer’s worst nightmare and ultimately impossible. So, what potential upgrades to onboard AHU systems can keep crew and our guests safer? HEPA Filters SARS/CoV-2 is a relatively ‘large’ virus, so installing a certified HEPA filter can block up to 99% of the virus particles from passing through your AHU system. But, it’s important to note that these filters have increased costs - not only do they come at an inflated purchase price, but to stop more particles than your standard AHU filter, they will need an increased level of regular changing. To overcome this, vessels can carry sand-changing filters onboard. This is an easy and non-invasive solution that requires no additional cost or time to modify as they slide straight in place of your regular filters. UV Lighting Installing UV lamps on the AHU supply side can provide a 90% reduction in the generalised viral load, plus doubling the time in contact with the virus would increase the potential reduction to over 95%. The downside of adding UV lamps to existing AHU systems is that it is usually an invasive and costly method to retrofit to an already complicated system. However, it is a viable and good option for a new-build vessel. Local Applications Local applicants are the ‘go-to’s’ and standard minimum practice on superyachts. They act as disinfectants and, as an option, emit a fresh scent throughout the yacht. Applicants are applied directly in the AHU or locally within each plenum and come as gels and sprays. Gels sit in small pots or are spread in crucial areas, whereas sprays are applied directly in the baffles to keep the air circulating virus-free. Increased Maintenance A thoroughly clean and disinfection of the AHU system’s piping is recommended on a yearly basis and is usually done by external contractors during shipyard periods. The planned maintenance onboard usually calls for daily, weekly and monthly checks and, if issues are seen, corrective measures can be put into place to help prevent future problems. These checks, when done correctly, are very effective at maintaining the system at its designed optimum. It’s important to regularly check whether or not your AHU system needs an upgrade to the hardware or if changing your PMS will provide increased safety. Small changes can make big differences in the long term for the smooth and safe operation of your onboard system. ----- Article author: Adrian Coetsee, PYA Director of Training (Engineering) 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

How to obtain certified copies of your documents Certified copies of documents For PYA purposes The certification of your documents can be done by anyone holding a C o C, a management company, a training provider, or other professionals such as doctors, lawyers or teachers, who declare that the copies are true copies of the originals. W e cannot process your testimonials without confirming your identity so your file will remain pending until you upload a certified copy of your passport . --- Text sample: "I certify that this/these is a/are true copy/ies of the original/s." Full name, COC number and issuing authority (if available), stamp (if available), signature. --- Whoever is certifying your doc uments can: write the declaration on each copy; send an email to certificates@pya.org with the above text , mentioning each certificate, while you upload simple copies of your certificates to your profile; write the declaration in a Word/PDF document and mention each certificate and upload it together with the simple copies of your documents to your profile. For MCA purposes (applying for an NoE) Please note that for us to issue certified copies that are accepted by the MCA we must see the originals first. We cannot make certified copies from certified copies unless they come from one of our Agents. If you are in the Antibes area, we can arrange an appointment for you to come with your certificates . Please contact certificates@pya.org . Alternatively, you can go to any notary public or MCA-approved nautical colleges or IYT , or Your Maritime Administration or MCA Surveyors or other MCA-approved organisations (you must contact the MCA directly for these). Certified Copies How to obtain certified copies of your documents

This year’s PYA Christmas Ball took place at the Martinez in Cannes and welcomed esteemed guests from across the yachting industry. PYA Christmas Ball 2023 Highlights To All news 14 December 2023 This year’s PYA Christmas Ball took place at the Martinez in Cannes and welcomed esteemed guests from across the yachting industry. With a night packed full of entertainment and networking, the 2023 PYA Christmas Ball brought together international yacht crews, captains of industry and leading institutions for an evening of celebration after a year of exciting developments in yachting. Set in the ballroom of the Martinez, guests arrived in style for the themed masquerade evening with a photocall capturing the elegance and fashionable attire of this year’s attendees. A host of media interviews also took place on the sidelines of the event. Following a drinks reception, the evening got underway with a gourmet dinner followed by dancing and live music into the early hours of the morning. Christophe Bourillon, CEO for the PYA said, “It’s been a tremendous year of change for the yachting industry and we are delighted to have been able to welcome guests from around the world in Cannes for our annual Christmas Ball gala. In addition to being a festive event, the setting offered many opportunities for bilateral discussions.” Ksenia Kokoshkina, Crewing Manager for The Crew Network added, “We truly enjoyed another PYA ball! It was a success. Great networking opportunity, amazing venue and meals this year were exceptional. Thank you very much for your time organising this beautiful event!” “Thank you to the PYA for organizing a splendid Christmas gathering, bringing together the Seascope Team for our festive work celebration. From entering the impressive Martinez, elegantly dressed in glamorous attire, balancing in our high heels, into a tastefully decorated dining room, where we enjoyed delicious cuisine, an endless array of drinks, and an incredible band that kept us on our feet dancing until we were ready to drop,” said Sophie Sevier, Director for Seascope France. Adrien Rizzi, Business Development for Riviera Radio in Monaco said, “I would like to thank all the team at PYA for organising such a fantastic Christmas ball at the Martinez! It was a perfect moment for connecting with colleagues and celebrating the end of the year together in style. Can’t wait for next year’s edition. Thanks again!” As in previous years, the PYA also unveiled its special Christmas ball raffle, offering a number of exciting prizes and unique experiences for lucky winners of the 2023 draw. This year’s event could not have been made possible without the generous support of our sponsors including Fort Insurance , whose contribution enabled the PYA to make this year’s ball an extra special occasion. We also want to thank this year’s guest of honour, the Italian Yacht Masters , an association which aims to promote and develop activities related to seafaring and boating. With the impact of our industry being felt around the world, we are coming up to the end of the calendar year, and what a year it’s been. We wish everyone a Happy Christmas and we look forward to seeing you again in the New Year! Christmas Ball Sponsors This year’s event could not have been made possible without the support of our sponsors. Learn more about their important work below and be sure to consider collaborating with them for your future projects and events: Premium Yacht Sponsor: Fort Insurance Fort Insurance is an Independent Superyacht Insurance Broker. They are committed to finding their clients the best possible cover at the most competitive prices. Their team of industry-leading experts combines decades of experience allowing them to help you choose the insurance policies suited for you by doing a thorough assessment of your specific needs. Their global panel of insurers allows them to find the best solutions available in the insurance market, whether it’s in continental Europe, Lloyd’s of London, the Americas, the Middle East or Asia. Burgess Founded in 1975 and now with 14 offices worldwide, Burgess is the global superyacht industry leader, uniquely specialising in yachts of over 30m (100ft). Renowned for its professional yachting services, the company leverages its expertise to guide clients through every aspect of the yachting experience, including sale and purchase, new construction, charter and operational yacht management. Nautech Group Shipyard Founded in 1998 in Marseille, Nautech is one of the oldest shipyards in France, dedicated to the refit and repair of luxury yachts and superyachts. The foundations of Nautech in Marseille were laid in 1998 when the opportunity was taken to create a refit and repair Shipyard at a location of strategic and commercial importance. Marseille has the most westerly drydocks in the South of France and is a genuine centre of maritime maintenance operations. Over the years, Nautech has continued to expand. Nautech has developed a loyal superyacht clientele who are looking for convenient and flexible shipyard services in the South of France and the Caribbean. MYBA MYBA , The Worldwide Yachting Association is an internationally renowned professional organisation, founded in 1984, whose Members are involved at all levels within the Superyacht Industry. Members of MYBA are widely represented in all fields of brokerage, charter, technical management and construction of large yachts. GWS Global Wine Solutions are the leading supplier of fine wines and spirits to the yachting industry, with offices in all the major yachting hubs worldwide. They understand the unique requirements of the superyacht community and have an unwavering commitment to excellence, an extensive global network of suppliers and producers, and a passionate team of experts who can curate a portfolio of wines that rival the most exclusive cellars in the world. Christmas Ball 2024 Next Year’s Christmas Ball will take place on 6 December and return to the Martinez in Cannes. Stay tuned for more details when tickets become available. 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

You may remember that, together with our friends from ECPY and GEPY, the PYA has been working with the French Minister and lobbying the French administration, to seek alternative solutions to the Posidonia anchorage ban. Installation of mooring buoys approved in Cannes, Golfe-Juan and Eze/Beaulieu To All news 17 May 2022 We are pleased to announce that the decision to install mooring buoys for yachting is now being implemented. The French administration has approved 5 buoys in the bay of Eze/Beaulieu-sur-Mer, 6 in Golfe-Juan and 4 in Cannes (see link to maps below). However, at this stage, we do not know when the buoys will be available, or the procedure, duration and cost of anchorage. We will keep you informed as soon as information becomes available. Do not hesitate to contact our CEO, should you require additional information on this situation at ceo@pya.org or +33 (0)6 26 83 70 58. Download maps here. 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

Luise Group is a group of companies based in Italy operating in the yachting industry since 1847. Being first and foremost a registered yacht agency, its main goal is to provide assistance to vessels cruising italian waters by dealing with local authorities in order to issue any necessary paperwork/clearances in the most timely, professional and efficient way. Luise Group is a group of companies based in Italy operating in the yachting industry since 1847. Being first and foremost a registered yacht agency, its main goal is to provide assistance to vessels cruising italian waters by dealing with local authorities in order to issue any necessary paperwork/clearances in the most timely, professional and efficient way. Furthermore, Luise Group is able to take care of anything crew and guests might need during their cruise, with itineraries suggestions tapping into our deep local knowledge of the main yachting hotspots such as Sardinia, Portofino, Capri, Sicily, Venice: This is where our customers might rely on our local teams and offices! Our wide range of services includes concierge arrangements such as luxury guests transfers, guests activities organization, restaurants and port bookings, APA/cash to master, bunkering ops and much more... a truly encompassing 24/7 local assistance! Over the years Luise Group has developed a provisioning and technical departments as well, which aim at providing our clients with the finest local provisions and the most professional technical assistance ever, which are always needed especially during a busy charter! And last but not least Luise Group directly manage several facilities across Italy such as in Sardinia, Sicily, Naples area, Puglia (Brindisi) where we are able to accomodate very large vessels. Through this marina division we are able to offer our customers with a full package between both marina and agency services at a very competitive and cost-effective rates! OUR CLAIM: Professional yachting services at its Best Services Luxury guests transfers Guests activities organization Restaurants and port bookings APA/cash to master Bunkering ops and much more Contact Information Ottavio Luise Mobile +39 3484764512 Email: ottavio.luise@luise.com Website www.luise.com Luise Group Luise Group is a group of companies based in Italy operating in the yachting industry since 1847. Being first and foremost a registered yacht agency, its main goal is to provide assistance to vessels cruising italian waters by dealing with local authorities in order to issue any necessary paperwork/clearances in the most timely, professional and efficient way. Visit website Back to All Partners Become a member and enjoy the exclusive offers from our partners. Become a member

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 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

This MIN provides information on the change to the format of STCW Certificates of Competency and Flag State Endorsement / Certificates of Equivalent Competency issued by the MCA, including sample images of the new certificates as well as information on changes to the application process that seafarers should follow to obtain and revalidate certification from the MCA. MCA releases MIN 655 To All news 22 March 2021 Commencing in January 2021 the MCA will begin issuing full certificates with a five-year validity. The certificates will be issued in the new format, as shown in Annex A, and will be a resumption in the issuance of physical certification by the MCA. All NOE and Revalidation applications need to be sent to the MCA by email. You need to have your Digital SRB available in your profile before you can apply, so that you can download it and include it in your email to the MCA (please do not copy PYA in the emails). If all your required sea time (or part of it) is in a physical SRB, please contact us for a digitally stamped copy of your physical SRB so you can send that by email instead of by post. If you are applying for your first NOE (first MCA CoC), then you need to send your original documents to the MCA by post as well (except the D-SRB of course) to the address that follows. If your application requires the submission of a Training Record Book (TRB), the original physical TRB will need to be submitted to the MCA. Supporting documents must be attached to the ‘application email’ directly, or within a ‘.zip file’. They are unable to accept ‘.rar extensions’ or links to file-sharing services such as OneDrive, Google Drive or Dropbox. Your application may be selected for screening. In that case, you will be contacted requesting the submission of original documentation. Physical documents should be sent to: The Maritime and Coastguard Agency Seafarer Services (Bay 2/11) Spring Place105 Commercial Road Southampton SO15 1EG UK View now: MIN 655 More news 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

Under UK flag jurisdiction these are placed into law by a Statutory Instrument (Act of Parliament) in the UK Merchant Shipping Acts - as amended. These standards are therefore international in application and NOT subject to changes in the political membership of the EU. Brexit and UK CoCs To All news 14 February 2018 The PYA is aware of concerns now being articulated in the maritime press regarding the possible future validity of UK certificates of competency. Crew should be aware and will appreciate that their UK MCA Certificate of Competency is strictly governed under an IMO Convention - Standards of Training and Watch keeping Certification (STCW). Under UK flag jurisdiction these are placed into law by a Statutory Instrument (Act of Parliament) in the UK Merchant Shipping Acts - as amended. These standards are therefore international in application and NOT subject to changes in the political membership of the EU . Separately, the EU Directives (regulations) governing employment within the EU may be affected by BREXIT negotiations. The PYA will continue to monitor the ongoing discussion between the EU and the UK on maritime related issues and advise members of any significant developments. More news 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

What is a Seaman Discharge Book (SDB), how to obtain one and what makes it different Discharge Books are not a primary identity document. They are initially issued by the flag state of the vessel on which a seafarer is employed or the flag state of the country of origin and are intended to be a record of service. Application for the first issuance of a Discharge Book has to be passed through an owner’s representative, such as a captain or appointed manager. You must have a contract to apply . The entries record the dates and ports of joining and leaving the vessel. It cannot be filled in retroactively. Unless otherwise proscribed by the issuing flag state, a Discharge Book can be carried by the seafarer onto other vessels under different flags , and the entries will still be valid as a record of service on all vessels recorded in the Book. It is essential to understand that in the context of a Discharge Book issued by a Red Ensign Group flag state, “service” relates only to the period of employment in a vessel . The nature of service is not attested to, except that it was performed in a certain rank. That is why you will still need to obtain Sea Service testimonials . A Discharge Book is a valid record of a seafarer’s employment as required under MLC, 2006, and may form part of the evidence to be submitted for validation of sea service at various stages of a yacht crew member’s career. As stated above, it is not intended to be an identity document with the same international acceptance as a passport. It may be useful when travelling on a seaman’s ticket to attest to an airline representative that the ticket holder is a genuine seafarer. Some non-European immigration authorities may prefer to see a Discharge Book before issuance of a local shore pass. If you are a UK citizen or you work on a UK-flagged yacht, you can apply for an MCA Seaman's Book . If you work on a Malta (TM) -flagged yacht, you can apply for a Transport Malta Seaman's Book . If you work on a Cayman Islands (CI) -flagged yacht, you can apply for a Cayman Islands Seaman's Book . If you work on a Marshall Islands (MI) -flagged yacht, you can apply for a Marshall Islands Seaman's Book . If you work on an Isle of Man (IOM) -flagged yacht, they are no longer issuing Seaman's Books. They now offer the Seafarer's Record of Sea Service . If you work on a British Virgin Islands ( BVI )-flagged yacht, you can apply for a British Virgin Islands Seaman's Book . If you work on a Cook Islands -flagged yacht, you can apply for a Cook Islands Seaman's Book . The application is to be sent electronically to seafarers@maritimecookislands.com The Digital Service Record Book (D-SRB) is intended to provide detailed evidence of approved courses taken, qualifications obtained, and the associated specific types of sea service , such as actual sea service, stand-by service, yard service, etc. The D-SRB is issued by the PYA only. All entries are made only after testimonials regarding the service to be entered have been scrutinized and checked. It can be filled in retroactively . The OOW 3000 GT Training Record Book for Deck is published by the MCA and locally printed by the PYA for members and is part of the requirements for obtaining an OOW 3000 Yacht CoC. Entries are certified by the Captain or Chief Officer on board. It contains a detailed record of each task required. Latest update: 09/08/2023 Seaman Discharge Book (SDB) and others To Knowledge Base

The UK’s cadet syllabus has undergone a landmark review which could set future standards for yacht crew training worldwide. © MCA Landmark Review of UK Cadet Syllabus Could Transform Global Yacht Crew Training To All news 13 December 2023 The UK’s cadet syllabus has undergone a landmark review which could set future standards for yacht crew training worldwide. Completed by the Cadet Training & Modernisation (CT&M) Programme, the updated UK cadet syllabus is an integral part of training for seafarers. It has been many years since we’ve seen the seafarer officer qualifications syllabus undergo a significant overhaul and initial results have already been met with encouragement from across the yachting industry. The updated syllabus was completed by the CT&M Programme - led and coordinated by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA). It was one of the recommendations of the Seafarer Cadet Review bringing together key stakeholders, including the Merchant Navy Training Board, in order to improve cadet training. It is believed to be the first time a maritime regulator has teamed up with industry experts in this format to help improve cadet training. Following the important overhaul with industry participation, this will now be presented to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) with the aim of achieving positive change for seafarers on an international scale. Syllabus modules have been delivered to nautical colleges since the start of December and are set to be introduced by September 2025 for future training. MCA Chief Examiner, Ajit Jacob, who recently spoke at the PYA Sea Changes Forum in Monaco said: “We were very clear from the outset that we wanted this syllabus review to be industry-led and for it not to be the MCA dictating what is needed. “No other maritime nation has performed a review like this in conjunction with industry and what we have produced is a new collaborative model that delivers the training requirements of every sector within the industry. We will present it to the IMO next year as we are proud of what we have produced and know that other nations will benefit from this too. Well-educated and well-prepared seafarers benefit everyone, and we are happy to share our knowledge globally. “The pace of technological change shows no signs of slowing and a new, continuous review approach will help us to stay ahead and ensure that our cadets are offered the most modern training we can give.” The comprehensive review, which included all relevant modules across Nautical, Engineering and Electro-Technical disciplines, was undertaken throughout 2022 by a working group of representatives from nautical colleges and shipping companies, including seafarers in their fleets. The content of the syllabuses has been updated and improved to reflect the current practices and technology used on board vessels to ensure cadets have the very latest industry knowledge and the skills they need to operate safely at sea. Part of the review has also implemented crucial ’Human element’ skills, embedded throughout the syllabus to improve their practical application on board, boost the wellbeing of seafarers, and help them to understand how their lives could be impacted on a day-to-day basis if they are implemented effectively. The PYA is authorised by the UK Maritime Coastguard Agency to issue Yacht Rating Certificates which are needed by some vessels to comply with their safe manning requirements. We also verify yacht sea service testimonials for all yacht crew worldwide. If you are looking to get a Yacht Rating Certificate or Sea Service testimonial verified, explore our services , or as a full member , you can access these for free. 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