Search on page

The 2024 Sea Changes Forum at the Monaco Yacht Show brought together a diverse group of stakeholders from across the yachting industry to tackle key issues such as training, welfare, safety, and new & upcoming regulations.  Held at the International Hydrographic Organisation (IHO) headquarters in Monaco on September 26th, this year’s forum featured insightful presentations from leading maritime policymakers and industry experts. With a full auditorium of international guests, this year’s event continued the PYA’s tradition of fostering important discussions that shape the future of yachting.  Sea changes Forum 2024 Highlights To All news 23 October 2024 The 2024 Sea Changes Forum at the Monaco Yacht Show brought together a diverse group of stakeholders from across the yachting industry to tackle key issues such as training, welfare, safety, and new & upcoming regulations.  Held at the International Hydrographic Organisation (IHO) headquarters in Monaco on September 26th, this year’s forum featured insightful presentations from leading maritime policymakers and industry experts. With a full auditorium of international guests, this year’s event continued the PYA’s tradition of fostering important discussions that shape the future of yachting. Christophe Bourillon, CEO of the PYA commented: "One of the key proceedings from this year’s Sea Changes is that the yachting industry is at a crossroads ". Said Christophe Bourillon, CEO of the PYA. "Much is happening in our industry, which is becoming more professional than ever. Further evolution will be required, including cultural changes " he added." Conference presentations from guest speakers: Below you can view and download a list of presentations from some of our speakers this year. These can be used for research and educational purposes. If you would like to request permission for commercial use, please get in contact with us at info@pya.org 16.00 Christophe Bourillon,   CEO of the Professional Yachting Association (PYA) & Kim Llorente,  Operations Manager (PYA)  - who welcomed speakers and guests and introduced new PYA services such as the new Onboard Safety Group a platform open to Captains, ETOs, Engineers, DPAs, Managers, Insurers, Auditors and Trainers to ask questions or create awareness of current and emerging safety concerns/risks to crew on yachts. You can contact the group at onboardsafety@pya.org or join the Telegram Group here https://t.me/+Fr1UrdTNIzw2NjE0 . Also introduced is  the new app for getting Digital Sea Service Testimonials through the N-Cap Wallet, secured on blockchain and easily verified by the PYA. The launch date is expected in the coming weeks. An email notification will be sent out to inform our members.   16:03 John Wyborn,  International Association of Maritime Institutions (IAMI) Board member, Superyacht Alliance - who introduced the new AV/IT level 1 and 2 courses (Audio Visual & Information Technology), centered on AV and IT technologies relevant to Superyacht operations under the IAMI-GUEST Program. First classes are expected to be opened in Spring 2025. He also reminded us of the importance of the E-TRB (Electronic Training Record Book) for yacht crew’s professional development and the progress its made so far. 16:11 Joey Meen,  IAMI Guest Program Director - gave updates on the Superyacht Alliance , the importance of accredited training, and industry-led training. Introduced the new Yacht Mental Health & Wellbeing course “a conduit towards a long-term solution to Mental Health issues within the Yachting Industry” also under the IAMI-GUEST Program.   16:19 Angela Wallace,   Director of Interior Training, Head of Welfare Group, PYA  - who shared insights on the welfare of the yachting industry through statistics from Yacht Crew Help .   16:27 Ajit Jacob,   Chief Examiner, Head of Seafarers Technical Delivery, UK Seafarer Services, Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA ) - discussed the modernization program the MCA has gone through, updating a lot of the syllabuses with current needs. The consultation for the Approved Electric propulsion course (AEPC), covering batteries, electronics on electric and hybrid vessels, appropriate first actions in case of failure, etc., has been approved. A draft Merchant Shipping Notice (MSN) on the modernization of the Master 500 Restricted CoC transferability to other sectors is available for consultation. The MCA also announced that they are creating a pathway to a Master Yacht Unlimited size , removing the 3000 GT limitation. Developments will be followed closely by the PYA because it is of particular interest to long term career Deck Officers. Finally, in consultation with the PYA, they are going to simplify sea service definitions and requirements, with the use of the E-TRB and Simulator time. 16:42 Julian Smith, Principal Surveyor - Cayman Islands Ship Registry  - shared insights on the recently updated REG Yacht Code . Significant changes will be summarized and promulgated in a further PYA advisory.   16:57 Gerard Griffiths, Professional in maritime safety and training, delivering STCW courses, Seascope France   - who highlighted how lithium-ion fires can easily be triggered on board and the importance of knowing how to deal with batteries and avoid potential issues through training.   17:02 Mark Savona,   Safety Coordinator, Technical Department, Transport Malta (TM) - who presented the origin of the different Maltese Codes. What the advantages are under the Maltese Flag. What certification is currently available for crew under the Maltese scheme.   17:17 Pierre-Luc Lecompte,   Senior Maritime Affairs Administrator,   Division of “State Action at Sea”, Head of the Marine Protection and Sustainable Development Unit, French Maritime Administration (Préfet Maritime de la Méditerranée) - who discussed the origin and issues that the Administration faces regarding the implementation of certain restrictions in the South of France, including the Posidonia and speed limitations in certain areas.   17:32 Richard Falk FRIN,   Director of Training and Qualifications, Royal Yachting Association (RYA) (By video Link)  – gave an update on the Superyacht Personal Watercraft Safety Scheme that continues to grow, with around 450 yachts now using this scheme to ensure their guests are well equipped to use their onboard PWC’s safely and confidently. Port State authorities are not formally obliged to accept these certificates for use in their waters, but to date, they are unaware of any which do not, other than on rare occasions where anti-social behaviour has been demonstrated by the operators of the craft. The RYA Yachtmaster celebrated its 50th anniversary last year, which also saw the 100,000th RYA Yachtmaster Certificate of Competence issued, a fitting milestone for such a special year. The RYA continues the evolution from traditional navigation towards more emphasis on the electronic navigational tools available across all manner of craft. “Digital First”, is the name given to the strategy that supports the push from hydrographic offices around the world to move (eventually) away from paper charts.   17:42 Gregory Romano,  Managing Director, Romano Energy - introduced how their biofuel is produced and how it can easily replace traditional fuel to diminish a yacht’s carbon footprint. To see the full presentation of this year’s Sea Changes Forum 2024, please refer to the PDF document attached below. SEA CHANGES PWP .pdf Download PDF • 12.12MB After the forum, we hosted a networking cocktail reception in the same room as the conference at the IHO. It offered a great opportunity for attendees to continue discussions and connect with fellow industry professionals in a relaxed setting. We want to say another big thank you to our supporters and partners : including the IHO , VSF Group , Macor & Yachtelec (Amarix Group) , Bluewater , IAMI / Guest Program , MYBA , Romano Energy , Seascope France , Amico & CO for making this event possible. More news PYA Christmas Ball 2025 Highlights The 2025 PYA Christmas Ball took place on 5 December at the Hotel Martinez in Cannes, bringing Captains, crew and well-known leading industry professionals together for a 1960s-themed evening. We started with a cocktail reception, with live musicians playing as guests arrived in retro attire. After months of preparation, we were truly delighted to see how much our members and partners enjoyed this special night. The PYA Christmas Ball remains a cherished tradition, bringing our community together to celebrate, connect, and create lasting memories. Read more Summary of the Sea Changes Forum 2025 In September, we hosted our annual Sea Changes Forum, bringing together key voices from across the yachting industry. The event delivered encouraging updates for the sector and inspiring insights into how we can continue to evolve and improve as a community. Below, you will find a summary of the presentations shared by our expert panelists, along with access to each full presentation for further details. Read more The PYA Christmas Ball Returns for Its 33rd Edition The 33rd edition of the PYA Christmas Ball returns at the iconic Hôtel Martinez in Cannes on Friday 5th December 2025, this year with a glamorous 1960s theme. Join us for a night of celebration with the yachting community — featuring a gourmet dinner, live band, raffle prizes, and plenty of opportunities to connect with fellow professionals from across the industry. A much-loved PYA tradition, the Christmas Ball promises elegance, entertainment, and a touch of vintage sparkle as we come together to close the year in style. Read more

It’s that time of year in the Mediterranean and other northern hemisphere yachting locations when many vessels are lined up in ports for the winter whilst a portion of their crew stay onboard to undertake the important task of ‘winterising’, as well as other key maintenance jobs which didn’t get addressed during the busy summer months of chartering. Important tasks for your crew this winter To All news 3 December 2020 It’s that time of year in the Mediterranean and other northern hemisphere yachting locations when many vessels are lined up in ports for the winter whilst a portion of their crew stay onboard to undertake the important task of ‘winterising’, as well as other key maintenance jobs which didn’t get addressed during the busy summer months of chartering. Whilst most crew recognise the importance of the maintenance and refit work that vessels undergo during the winter, many forget the importance of crew management, planning and team building. In fact, the winter months are a great opportunity to reflect on the peak periods during the summer season and put in place new structures in crew leadership, management and wellbeing to ensure the long-term success of your team onboard. Here are some key tasks to add to your winter schedule: Leadership Has your leadership team completed HELM training? The 2010 ’Manila’ amendments to the STCW convention introduced a requirement for management and leadership training for all ships’ officers. HELM training can be beneficial to all leadership roles onboard and teaches crew the knowledge and skills needed to be an effective team member and team leader. Leadership structures and training In addition to HELM training, Captains should use the winter to reassess the leadership structures onboard their vessel. There should be clearly-defined leadership roles and reporting structures onboard, so that all crew understand the management structure of the vessel. It’s also important that your management team is aligned to a unified leadership strategy and have the skills necessary to enforce this leadership strategy onboard. Luxury Hospitality runs onboard or video conference leadership coaching for vessels and can teach crew the key skills to manage their team onboard. Impact Crew can also work with your senior crew onboard to develop their skills and turn them into the leaders. ‘The leadership team must be united and equipped with the tools to deal with the challenges that crew throw at them, from dealing with discipline and conflicts, to being empathetic and supportive, all while being consistent and fair. Crew need their leaders to motivate and inspire them, as well as empower and help them grow. And then they need to be flexible to adapt to crew’s different ages, nationalities and drivers. Its not easy developing the culture you want, but it's most definitely worth it. With success comes your dream team! - Karen Passman, Impact Crew. Conflict resolution We previously ran the ‘Leadership & Conflict Resolution’ webinar providing some guidance to leaders onboard. The winter is a great time to conduct annual reviews with your crew where underlying issues and conflicts can be addressed. To get some more tips and advice on conflict resolution, watch our webinar . Crew Wellbeing & Mental Health Crew mental health can often get pushed aside during the busy summer months, but it's important for leaders to use downtime to address their crew mental health and put in place some safeguarding structures which ensure crew wellbeing is maintained. This can include reassessing work/rest schedules to ensure that crew have enough downtime to recuperate from the high season and focus on their mental health. In addition, Captains should ensure all crew have taken their required holiday or have the ability to leave the vessel to visit family and friends. Many crew can benefit onboard mental health coaching. ISWAN and The Crew Coach currently offer courses on mental health and wellbeing. Team building Captains can use the extra time during the winter to invest in onboard team building activities. This includes a range of activities, including taking your crew out for joint activity such as bowling, golf, skiing or simply a crew dinner. In addition, running onboard training exercises which boost team bonding and morale are incredibly valuable. We previously published some onboard training exercises from our Director of Training, Captain Rod Hatch. You can view these training guides here: Surprise Fire Drills - How to Spice up Fire Drills Onboard Onboard First Aid Training - How to Run Engaging First Aid Training Onboard Recruitment Captains and team leaders can also plan and prepare for new crew that need to be hired for next season. Defining clear job descriptions and hiring schedule with the help of specialised recruitment personnel can ensure you attract the best talent for your team next season. More news PYA Christmas Ball 2025 Highlights The 2025 PYA Christmas Ball took place on 5 December at the Hotel Martinez in Cannes, bringing Captains, crew and well-known leading industry professionals together for a 1960s-themed evening. We started with a cocktail reception, with live musicians playing as guests arrived in retro attire. After months of preparation, we were truly delighted to see how much our members and partners enjoyed this special night. The PYA Christmas Ball remains a cherished tradition, bringing our community together to celebrate, connect, and create lasting memories. Read more Summary of the Sea Changes Forum 2025 In September, we hosted our annual Sea Changes Forum, bringing together key voices from across the yachting industry. The event delivered encouraging updates for the sector and inspiring insights into how we can continue to evolve and improve as a community. Below, you will find a summary of the presentations shared by our expert panelists, along with access to each full presentation for further details. Read more The PYA Christmas Ball Returns for Its 33rd Edition The 33rd edition of the PYA Christmas Ball returns at the iconic Hôtel Martinez in Cannes on Friday 5th December 2025, this year with a glamorous 1960s theme. Join us for a night of celebration with the yachting community — featuring a gourmet dinner, live band, raffle prizes, and plenty of opportunities to connect with fellow professionals from across the industry. A much-loved PYA tradition, the Christmas Ball promises elegance, entertainment, and a touch of vintage sparkle as we come together to close the year in style. Read more

Discover amazing yachting experiences in Costa Rica, Panama and Galapagos! Webinar - Emerging Superyacht Destinations in Latin America To All news 26 October 2021 The New Proposal For Emerging Superyacht Destinations In Latin America PYA Partners, Galapagos Yacht Services join Origen Escapes, Norton Lilly International (Panama) and Maritima Interoceanica to introduce the Latin American Alliance and the wonders of each of their three destinations. Learn more about these emerging yachting destinations - Panama, Galapagos Islands and Costa Rica. Discover Galapagos away from the ordinary If you are considering cruising in the region, Galapagos Yacht Services , a Yacht Support Agency, can design individual itineraries according to a client’s brief. They work closely and exclusively with the National Park officials and the most experienced highly-qualified guides, allowing them to consider areas and experiences off the beaten track. More news PYA Christmas Ball 2025 Highlights The 2025 PYA Christmas Ball took place on 5 December at the Hotel Martinez in Cannes, bringing Captains, crew and well-known leading industry professionals together for a 1960s-themed evening. We started with a cocktail reception, with live musicians playing as guests arrived in retro attire. After months of preparation, we were truly delighted to see how much our members and partners enjoyed this special night. The PYA Christmas Ball remains a cherished tradition, bringing our community together to celebrate, connect, and create lasting memories. Read more Summary of the Sea Changes Forum 2025 In September, we hosted our annual Sea Changes Forum, bringing together key voices from across the yachting industry. The event delivered encouraging updates for the sector and inspiring insights into how we can continue to evolve and improve as a community. Below, you will find a summary of the presentations shared by our expert panelists, along with access to each full presentation for further details. Read more The PYA Christmas Ball Returns for Its 33rd Edition The 33rd edition of the PYA Christmas Ball returns at the iconic Hôtel Martinez in Cannes on Friday 5th December 2025, this year with a glamorous 1960s theme. Join us for a night of celebration with the yachting community — featuring a gourmet dinner, live band, raffle prizes, and plenty of opportunities to connect with fellow professionals from across the industry. A much-loved PYA tradition, the Christmas Ball promises elegance, entertainment, and a touch of vintage sparkle as we come together to close the year in style. Read more

Find out the details of the recently reported yacht job scam. Yacht Job Scam Alert To All news 16 June 2021 The PYA recently became aware of an online job scam aimed particularly at new entrants in the yachting industry. The modus operandi of the scam is to advertise what seems like enticing jobs, which then require applicants to take online courses at their own expense, with a promise of reimbursement once they take the position advertised. The markers of this operation which make it obviously a scam, include: A fancy online brochure with faulty English copy; Inconsistencies between the job title and job description (e.g. Interior roles are listed with deck or engineering duties in the description); The inclusion of ‘‘accredited’’ organisation logos, such as Lloyd’s Register or the ILO, which actually do not accredit training courses; Logos which do not link out to the organisations website when clicked on; Statements against course content such as “meets the requirements of ….”, which means that the courses are not actually recognised by the authority or institution referred to; Phone numbers which are unobtainable or never answer calls; The fact that upfront payment for employment is illegal in all reputable jurisdictions. Continuous professional development is strongly encouraged by the PYA as it enhances career prospects, safety at work from increased awareness of different facets of the industry, and as a path towards transferring to shore-based opportunities. However, we strongly advise all crew to be aware of any training courses which are not fully accredited by recognised bodies and to never part with any money, credit card numbers, bank account information, or personal details if it is a prerequisite for a job offer. The PYA offers personalised training and career advice to all our members. Therefore, should you be in doubt about a job offer or training course, do contact our team who will be able to provide further advice, information or assurance. We immediately check on any reports of apparent fraudulent schemes aimed at seafarers and are regularly sharing the details of these scams via our newsletter, website and social media. More news PYA Christmas Ball 2025 Highlights The 2025 PYA Christmas Ball took place on 5 December at the Hotel Martinez in Cannes, bringing Captains, crew and well-known leading industry professionals together for a 1960s-themed evening. We started with a cocktail reception, with live musicians playing as guests arrived in retro attire. After months of preparation, we were truly delighted to see how much our members and partners enjoyed this special night. The PYA Christmas Ball remains a cherished tradition, bringing our community together to celebrate, connect, and create lasting memories. Read more Summary of the Sea Changes Forum 2025 In September, we hosted our annual Sea Changes Forum, bringing together key voices from across the yachting industry. The event delivered encouraging updates for the sector and inspiring insights into how we can continue to evolve and improve as a community. Below, you will find a summary of the presentations shared by our expert panelists, along with access to each full presentation for further details. Read more The PYA Christmas Ball Returns for Its 33rd Edition The 33rd edition of the PYA Christmas Ball returns at the iconic Hôtel Martinez in Cannes on Friday 5th December 2025, this year with a glamorous 1960s theme. Join us for a night of celebration with the yachting community — featuring a gourmet dinner, live band, raffle prizes, and plenty of opportunities to connect with fellow professionals from across the industry. A much-loved PYA tradition, the Christmas Ball promises elegance, entertainment, and a touch of vintage sparkle as we come together to close the year in style. Read more

“The minimum required STCW kW limitation for engine officers (as listed on the MSMC) will be determined based on the single highest rated engine power in kW.” Streamlined Certification for Yacht Engineers: New RMI Policy Clarifies Requirements To All news 8 March 2024 The Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) has recently formalized an existing policy that simplifies engineer certification requirements for yachts with multiple engines. This change benefits both yacht owners and engineers by aligning RMI standards with the practicalities of multi-engine configurations. Previously, some flag states might have required engineers on a yacht with two powerful engines (say, 3,000kW each) to hold a combined 6,000kW certification. However, the RMI recognizes that the single most powerful engine on board dictates the skillset needed for operation and maintenance. This update is now reflected in the Marine Notice (MN) 7-038-2, Section A 2.19 . It clearly states: “ The minimum required STCW kW limitation for engine officers (as listed on the MSMC) will be determined based on the single highest rated engine power in kW. ” In simpler terms, the engineer's qualification is based on the power of the yacht's strongest engine, not the sum of all engines . This means that for our example yacht with dual 3,000kW engines, engineers only require a 3,000kW certification, reducing potential certification hurdles. This change streamlines the certification process for engineers working on multi-engine yachts under the RMI flag, while still maintaining safety standards. It allows qualified professionals to operate within their expertise while ensuring efficient operations for yacht owners. For any further information, please do not hesitate to contact us at info@pya.org More news PYA Christmas Ball 2025 Highlights The 2025 PYA Christmas Ball took place on 5 December at the Hotel Martinez in Cannes, bringing Captains, crew and well-known leading industry professionals together for a 1960s-themed evening. We started with a cocktail reception, with live musicians playing as guests arrived in retro attire. After months of preparation, we were truly delighted to see how much our members and partners enjoyed this special night. The PYA Christmas Ball remains a cherished tradition, bringing our community together to celebrate, connect, and create lasting memories. Read more Summary of the Sea Changes Forum 2025 In September, we hosted our annual Sea Changes Forum, bringing together key voices from across the yachting industry. The event delivered encouraging updates for the sector and inspiring insights into how we can continue to evolve and improve as a community. Below, you will find a summary of the presentations shared by our expert panelists, along with access to each full presentation for further details. Read more The PYA Christmas Ball Returns for Its 33rd Edition The 33rd edition of the PYA Christmas Ball returns at the iconic Hôtel Martinez in Cannes on Friday 5th December 2025, this year with a glamorous 1960s theme. Join us for a night of celebration with the yachting community — featuring a gourmet dinner, live band, raffle prizes, and plenty of opportunities to connect with fellow professionals from across the industry. A much-loved PYA tradition, the Christmas Ball promises elegance, entertainment, and a touch of vintage sparkle as we come together to close the year in style. Read more

In a recent report released by the UK Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA), it was announced that a UK Ship Register (UKSR) office will soon be launched in Piraeus, Greece.  UKSR to launch office in Piraeus, Greece To All news 2 July 2020 In a recent report released by the UK Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA), it was announced that a UK Ship Register (UKSR) office will soon be launched in Piraeus, Greece. Greece is one of the Mediterranean's most active yachting regions, with many idyllic islands and seaside destinations attracting yachts from all corners of the globe. The opening of this new office will allow the Greece yachting community who are UK flag registered to benefit from a dedicated support service. Skip to full report. Our PYA Greece agent, A1 Yacht Trade Consortium , commented on the announcement, saying 'it is very welcome news! Athens already has representatives for a number of international registries, so we feel that the MCA will make a great contribution by adding to the available choice in Greece.' To contact A1 Yacht Trade Consortium, whose staff can provide information on our PYA membership services and help with a wide range of local information and yachting related services. Contact details: Rhodes - Call +30 22410 01000 or email: rhodes@a1yachting.com Piraeus - Call +30 21045 87100 or email: piraeus@a1yachting.com ----- The UKSR has announced it is to open its first overseas sales hub as part of ambitious growth plans for the UK Flag. The new venture, which will see the launch of a sales office in Piraeus, Greece – a country with a rich Maritime heritage – will allow UKSR to build valuable long-term partnerships with local ship owners as well as strengthen the presence of the Flag in the Greek shipping industry. Late last year, UKSR launched a brand-new operating model with a focus on world-class customer service and commitment to expand its operations outside of the UK. With the Flag’s renewed focus on partnership working and international representation, Katy Ware, Director of UK Maritime Services at the MCA, said connecting with Greek Ship owners locally was a top priority. “We recognise the importance and influence of Greek shipping owners and believe as a flag we can add real value to their operations. “There is a long history of Anglo-Greek collaboration in the maritime industry and that’s why we’ve chosen Greece as the location for our first overseas sales hub.” Maritime Minister Kelly Tolhurst said: “For centuries, the UK flag has provided protection, identity and kinship to all bearers across the seas. “This is now more important than ever, with the UK leading the repatriation of seafarers around the world through Covid-19. “This new venture will enhance the flag’s appeal and extend our ability to demonstrate how the UK can benefit shipping companies.” Currently, around 30 per cent of the world's shipping companies are Greek-owned and have strong ties with Piraeus. The UKSR have appointed Andriani Vodena, a sales executive with an extensive background in shipping, to oversee UKSR’s flag services on the ground in Piraeus. She will take an active lead on meeting with new and existing customers, giving the Greek and Cypriot market dedicated support and information on the advantages of the UK Flag. Andriani previously worked for Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA Europe) and has vast amounts of experience communicating closely with ship owners, Port Authorities and Government Bodies, “I am proud and delighted to serve as the first UKSR Sales Executive in Greece and I look forward to contributing to the UK Ship Register’s mission to become the world’s best-performing international flag,” Andriani said. “I am confident that the Greek Shipping Community will embrace the UK Flag and its world-class standards.” The exact timing of the opening of the sales office will be subject to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. More news PYA Christmas Ball 2025 Highlights The 2025 PYA Christmas Ball took place on 5 December at the Hotel Martinez in Cannes, bringing Captains, crew and well-known leading industry professionals together for a 1960s-themed evening. We started with a cocktail reception, with live musicians playing as guests arrived in retro attire. After months of preparation, we were truly delighted to see how much our members and partners enjoyed this special night. The PYA Christmas Ball remains a cherished tradition, bringing our community together to celebrate, connect, and create lasting memories. Read more Summary of the Sea Changes Forum 2025 In September, we hosted our annual Sea Changes Forum, bringing together key voices from across the yachting industry. The event delivered encouraging updates for the sector and inspiring insights into how we can continue to evolve and improve as a community. Below, you will find a summary of the presentations shared by our expert panelists, along with access to each full presentation for further details. Read more The PYA Christmas Ball Returns for Its 33rd Edition The 33rd edition of the PYA Christmas Ball returns at the iconic Hôtel Martinez in Cannes on Friday 5th December 2025, this year with a glamorous 1960s theme. Join us for a night of celebration with the yachting community — featuring a gourmet dinner, live band, raffle prizes, and plenty of opportunities to connect with fellow professionals from across the industry. A much-loved PYA tradition, the Christmas Ball promises elegance, entertainment, and a touch of vintage sparkle as we come together to close the year in style. Read more

Antibes (France), 26 August 2024 - In light of the recent tragic sinking of the yacht Bayesian and loss of lives, we understand that many are deeply concerned and eager to know the details surrounding this unfortunate event. However, we urge everyone—media, the public, and all interested parties—to refrain from speculating on the causes, responsibilities, or circumstances until the official inquiry is concluded. Statement from the Professional Yachting Association (PYA) regarding the tragic sinking of Bayesian To All news 26 August 2024 Antibes (France), 26 August 2024 - In light of the recent tragic sinking of the yacht Bayesian and loss of lives, we understand that many are deeply concerned and eager to know the details surrounding this unfortunate event. However, we urge everyone—media, the public, and all interested parties—to refrain from speculating on the causes, responsibilities, or circumstances until the official inquiry is concluded. "At this time, all that we know is that we do not know" said Christophe Bourillon, the CEO of the Professional Yachting Association. "We do not yet have all the facts and any theories or assumptions circulating at this stage are purely speculative and risk misleading the public. We emphasize that accurate reporting should be grounded in verified information, not driven by emotion or passion", he added. Vessels such as Sailing Yacht Bayesian are crewed by professional seafarers, who are not only well-trained but are also equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to perform their duties with excellence and care. The yachting industry only accept training standards which have been mandated and verified by the world’s major Maritime authorities, including the EU member states. The PYA’s mission has always been to foster a culture of excellence, responsibility, and safety in yachting. As we reflect on the past 33 years, we reaffirm our commitment to these principles and to the well-being of all those who serve on the water. We ask for patience as the relevant authorities conduct a thorough and meticulous investigation. The truth will be revealed in due course, and it is essential that we allow this process to unfold without the cloud of conjecture. End of Statement Note for editors: Run by yachting professionals, for yachting professionals, the Professional Yachting Association (PYA) is the Voice of professional yacht crew worldwide. With members from more than 90 countries, its mission is to promote high standards of qualification, skills and knowledge amongst professional yachting personnel, training providers, and through the professional Yachting industry generally. For interviews, contact: Christophe Bourillon, CEO of the PYA email: ceo@pya.org Cellphone: + 33 6 26 83 70 58 More news PYA Christmas Ball 2025 Highlights The 2025 PYA Christmas Ball took place on 5 December at the Hotel Martinez in Cannes, bringing Captains, crew and well-known leading industry professionals together for a 1960s-themed evening. We started with a cocktail reception, with live musicians playing as guests arrived in retro attire. After months of preparation, we were truly delighted to see how much our members and partners enjoyed this special night. The PYA Christmas Ball remains a cherished tradition, bringing our community together to celebrate, connect, and create lasting memories. Read more Summary of the Sea Changes Forum 2025 In September, we hosted our annual Sea Changes Forum, bringing together key voices from across the yachting industry. The event delivered encouraging updates for the sector and inspiring insights into how we can continue to evolve and improve as a community. Below, you will find a summary of the presentations shared by our expert panelists, along with access to each full presentation for further details. Read more The PYA Christmas Ball Returns for Its 33rd Edition The 33rd edition of the PYA Christmas Ball returns at the iconic Hôtel Martinez in Cannes on Friday 5th December 2025, this year with a glamorous 1960s theme. Join us for a night of celebration with the yachting community — featuring a gourmet dinner, live band, raffle prizes, and plenty of opportunities to connect with fellow professionals from across the industry. A much-loved PYA tradition, the Christmas Ball promises elegance, entertainment, and a touch of vintage sparkle as we come together to close the year in style. Read more

You might have seen the news that South Africans who earn income abroad will be liable for 45% tax on all of their earnings after the ZAR1million threshold from March 2020. If you’re a South African yachtie and think you might be exempt from declaring your income because you fall within this exemption bracket, or haven’t bothered registering with.. Think you’re exempt from South African tax due to the 'days out of South Africa' rule? Think again... To All news 4 August 2019 You might have seen the news that South Africans who earn income abroad will be liable for 45% tax on all of their earnings after the ZAR 1 million threshold from March 2020. If you’re a South African yachtie and think you might be exempt from declaring your income because you fall within this exemption bracket, or haven’t bothered registering with the South African Revenue Service (SARS) because you think you don’t meet the residency requirements...think again. According to United Advisers Group, unless you are a resident and registered taxpayer in another country, it’s important that you declare your income to SARS to avoid being liable for tax evasion. ‘South African expatriate workers have relied upon the ‘days out of South Africa’ to negate any tax payable on their remuneration. This will no longer be the case, and no matter the period of time you spend outside of SA, tax will be payable.’ It’s important to know that there are a few exemptions affecting international yacht crew earnings, and you might fall into this bracket, however, your status is heavily scrutinised by SARS and it’s important to consult professional tax advice to ensure you are following the correct process. According to an article recently published by Super Yacht News, ‘Something as simple as the mere position held by the seafarer, or the title on the vessel can affect this. Thus, seafarers need to understand the law and how it applies to their individual circumstances to be able to protect their foreign earned income.’ If you’re unsure about how these new tax laws affect you, we advise you to seek help from a professional tax advisor. Alternatively, you can contact Seafarers Global: www.seafarersglobal.com . You can also learn if the new tax law affects your situation by reading the Tax Smart Solutions Personal Guide. Image Credit: Photo by Captureson on Unsplash More news PYA Christmas Ball 2025 Highlights The 2025 PYA Christmas Ball took place on 5 December at the Hotel Martinez in Cannes, bringing Captains, crew and well-known leading industry professionals together for a 1960s-themed evening. We started with a cocktail reception, with live musicians playing as guests arrived in retro attire. After months of preparation, we were truly delighted to see how much our members and partners enjoyed this special night. The PYA Christmas Ball remains a cherished tradition, bringing our community together to celebrate, connect, and create lasting memories. Read more Summary of the Sea Changes Forum 2025 In September, we hosted our annual Sea Changes Forum, bringing together key voices from across the yachting industry. The event delivered encouraging updates for the sector and inspiring insights into how we can continue to evolve and improve as a community. Below, you will find a summary of the presentations shared by our expert panelists, along with access to each full presentation for further details. Read more The PYA Christmas Ball Returns for Its 33rd Edition The 33rd edition of the PYA Christmas Ball returns at the iconic Hôtel Martinez in Cannes on Friday 5th December 2025, this year with a glamorous 1960s theme. Join us for a night of celebration with the yachting community — featuring a gourmet dinner, live band, raffle prizes, and plenty of opportunities to connect with fellow professionals from across the industry. A much-loved PYA tradition, the Christmas Ball promises elegance, entertainment, and a touch of vintage sparkle as we come together to close the year in style. Read more

MaritimeMT is dedicated to delivering top-tier maritime training to students, professionals, and seafarers. Through the Superyacht Academy, it offers comprehensive educational solutions, from entry-level training to advanced programs for Masters on board. Whether you aspire to be a deckhand, steward, officer, captain, engineer, entertainer, or chef, MaritimeMT provides the pathways to excel in the yachting industry. Take advantage of the Transport Malta CoC and chart your course to success! MaritimeMT's Superyacht Academy offers unparalleled training that sets the standard for excellence in maritime education. Yachties worldwide choose MaritimeMT for its state-of-the-art facilities, including advanced simulators equipped with the latest technology for realistic, hands-on learning. The academy's instructors are experienced maritime professionals passionate about imparting their knowledge to the next generation. MaritimeMT's courses meet STCW certification standards, ensuring that students receive top-quality qualifications recognized globally. It is accredited by Transport Malta, whose CoCs offer a certification that opens doors to global opportunities. MaritimeMT proudly stands as the first and sole institution in Malta offering yacht courses leading to the Transport Malta Master on Yacht <3000GT CoC. Our certification is now also internationally recognized on MCA and Red Ensign flagged superyachts, setting a new standard for excellence in yacht training. Join us to unlock unparalleled opportunities and propel your yachting career to new horizons. The academy's commitment to professionalism, respect, collaboration, and continuous improvement has driven its exponential growth and high student satisfaction rates. Choosing MaritimeMT means embarking on a rewarding journey toward a successful yachting career, supported by a dedicated team and cutting-edge resources. Yachties looking to excel in their careers will find MaritimeMT the ideal place to get qualified and advance in the yachting industry. Services Efficient Deckhand (EDH Transport Malta) Ratings Forming Part of Navigational Watch (Deck Watchkeeping) STCW II/4 - TM CoC Master on Yachts <200GT (TM - MSD) Master on Yachts <500GT / Chief Mate <3000GT STCW II/2 – TM CoC Officer of the Watch (Yachts) <3000GT STCW Reg II/1 – TM CoC Master on Yachts <3000GT STCW Reg II/2 – TM CocRatings Forming part of an Engineering Watch (Engine Watch Rating) STCW Reg III/4 - TM CoCAccredited Engine Course (TM AEC) Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats, other than Fast Rescue Boats (PSCRB) FULL STCW A-VI/2-1 Advanced Fire Fighting STCW A-VI/3.5 Medical First Aid STCW A-VI/4.1-3 Leadership and Teamwork – STCW A-II/1 GMDSS GOC STCW A-IV/2 ECDIS – Generic STCW A-II/1; A-II/2 and A-II/3 RADAR / ARPA Operational Level STCW A-II/1 RADAR / ARPA Management Level STCW A-II/2 Medical Care on Board Ships – STCW A VI/4.2 Use of Leadership & Managerial Skills – STCW A-II/2; A-III/2 Contact information MaritimeMT HHF041A Qasam Industrijali, Hal Far, B’Bugia Malta BBG 3000 https://goo.gl/maps/c8aPxqro5682 Email: info@maritimemt.edu.mt Phone: +356 2123 9170 MaritimeMT MaritimeMT is dedicated to delivering top-tier maritime training to students, professionals, and seafarers. Through the Superyacht Academy, it offers comprehensive educational solutions, from entry-level training to advanced programs for Masters on board. Whether you aspire to be a deckhand, steward, officer, captain, engineer, entertainer, or chef, MaritimeMT provides the pathways to excel in the yachting industry. Take advantage of the Transport Malta CoC and chart your course to success! Visit website Back to All Partners 10% discount on all the courses for all PYA members. Please quote your PYA membership number and expire date with your purchase. Become a member and enjoy the exclusive offers from our partners. Become a member

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