Antibes, 20th June 2022 - Last Thursday, the Prefecture Maritime issued a new regulation regulating the mooring time for ships in French Med territorial waters (link to the regulation in the article). Anchoring in the French Med - New regulation (16/06/22) To All news 20 June 2022 Antibes, 20th June 2022 - Last Thursday, the Prefecture Maritime issued a new regulation regulating the mooring time for ships in French Med territorial waters The Regulation According to existing regulation (Art.3): - All yachts exceeding 80 meters are required to seek anchoring authorisation by calling the CROSS. These authorisations are provided for 24 hour periods, renewable. - All yachts exceeding 45 meters but less than 80 meters are required to declare anchoring intentions. Art. 4 introduces the new regulation: Art. 4.1 and 4.2 indicate that yachts smaller than 45 meters are not required to seek authorisations or declare anchoring intentions. They can anchor for up to 72 hours, renewable. They must maintain appropriate watch. What should be Art.4.3 (there are two Art. 4.2. - obviously a typo) introduces the real important matter: "The duration of the anchoring can be reduced by maritime authorities for reasons related to maritime safety, traffic or environmental protection". Analysis of the new regulation by the PYA CEO We understand that this new regulation is not targeted at professional yachts but to smaller vessels owned by holidaymakers who leave their boat at anchor for weeks or months with no crew or no watch. This is also targeted at a number of well-known vessels at anchor for months or years on end (there is one of these in the bay of Golfe Juan). For the past couple of years, the PYA has been developing and cultivating a very good working relationship with French authorities in general and with the Prefecture Maritime in Toulon in particular. PYA members may remember that, during the last summer season, a number of yachts anchored in prohibited areas, mainly contravening the recent Posidonia anchoring regulation. Several of these yachts were repeat offenders, anchoring many times over a few days, in prohibited areas. During this period, the PYA and the Prefecture Maritime held a number of informal discussions on the matter. It appears that there were a fairly large number of instances when the authorities attempted to contact contravening yachts and found the yachts were not maintaining a proper listening watch. This new regulation may be used to prevent yachts not maintaining appropriate watch (e.g. not responding to VHF calls), from staying in the areas. Recommendation from the PYA Whenever possible, the PYA contacts yachts identified by the Prefecture Maritime as contravening regulations, to seek “their side of the story”. We did obtain confirmation from a number of captains that they “did not hear the radio calls”. One of the captains received a warning from the Gendarmerie Maritime who informed him that should he be caught re-offending repeatedly the Posidonia anchoring regulation OR not maintaining a proper watch, he would be banned from working in French waters. France is a country known for many things, one being the fact that they keep churning out new laws and regulations on a constant basis. This makes it sometimes very difficult for business, industry or operators to ensure compliance. However, in our case, it should be very easy for yachts to be compliant with Art. 4.2 of this new regulation. We urge all yachts to maintain appropriate watch, and ensure they anchor in authorised and safe areas. Link to the regulation More news Sea Changes Forum 2026 highlights - Navigating the future of yachting The PYA Sea Changes Forum 2026, held on 24 September at the IHO in Monaco, brought together Flag States, maritime authorities and industry experts to address critical yachting updates, safety compliance, crew training and welfare, and ocean stewardship initiatives. Read more 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

Find out more about the social security rights and obligations yachts and crew have within the EU. Know your EU Social Security Rights and Obligations To All news 1 March 2022 Within the EU, Seafarers, like other EU Nationals are entitled to social protection. Those crew (who are EU nationals) working on board vessels flying the flag of an EU country, by virtue of Article 11.4 of EU Regulation 883/2004, shall be subject to be insured in the Flag State. The only exception for crew to be insured in the Member State where the employer has their business/registered office, is if he/she has their residency in the same Member State. It is important to know that, although there are various private schemes offered to yachts that, along with insurance policies, claim to provide private alternatives to a state social security scheme, none of these private solutions are approved by country bodies, such as ENIM in France. There are also significant legal consequences, both civil and criminal for yachts not complying with social security obligations. France In July 2017, France introduced a social security decree, following mandatory obligations under the MLC, requiring all seafarers resident in France, or those who spend more than 181 days in France, to pay into their social security system. The aim of these regulations is to ensure seafarers resident in France are afforded protection (whether the yacht is a pleasure or commercial vessel). During the 2021 Cannes Yachting Festival, PYA Partner, Breaking The Mould Accounting, heard from local lawyers that there are still yacht owners regularly being prosecuted for hidden employment, despite the legislation being in place for 5 years. If you would like to find out more about social security protection in France, contact ENIM. Malta With exception to the above ruling, yacht crew working on vessels registered in Malta have the benefit of registering their social security in another EU member state scheme, allowing greater flexibility to those who reside elsewhere and still receive the same social protection. More information Learn more about EU Crew Employment Services, plus specific advice for social security in Malta, by contacting our partner, Alasdair Milroy, at Breaking the Mould Accounting . More news Sea Changes Forum 2026 highlights - Navigating the future of yachting The PYA Sea Changes Forum 2026, held on 24 September at the IHO in Monaco, brought together Flag States, maritime authorities and industry experts to address critical yachting updates, safety compliance, crew training and welfare, and ocean stewardship initiatives. Read more 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

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

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. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cXLPKZKmwb0 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 Sea Changes Forum 2026 highlights - Navigating the future of yachting The PYA Sea Changes Forum 2026, held on 24 September at the IHO in Monaco, brought together Flag States, maritime authorities and industry experts to address critical yachting updates, safety compliance, crew training and welfare, and ocean stewardship initiatives. Read more 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

Octo Marine is the market leader in the design, supply, and maintenance of water treatment products and services for the marine industry. We offer watermakers, softeners, drinking systems, pumps, water sterilization services, water analysis, and more. Accredited to ISO 9001:2015 and 14001:2015 standards, Octo Marine is the market leader in the design, supply, and maintenance of water treatment products and services for the marine industry. We offer watermakers, softeners, drinking systems, pumps, water sterilisation services, water analysis, and more. With our headquarters in the South of France, our technicians can intervene from Marseille to Genoa, and further afield by request. We also have an office in Barcelona, and we have agents in Palma de Mallorca, Fort Lauderdale, Greece and Thailand. Services Water analysis Watermaker supply, maintenance and repair Water Softeners Drinking systems Sterilisation systems Consumables Special offer for members With the purchase of the Octo Marine Slimline drinking system, we offer PYA members 1 free set of the 5 replacement filters. Please quote your PYA member number and expiry date with your purchase. Contact information Octo Marine International info@octomarine.net +33(0) 4 93 65 04 84 www.octomarine.com Octo Marine Barcelona tom@octomarine.net +33 (0)6 74 70 60 96 Octo Marine Octo Marine is the market leader in the design, supply, and maintenance of water treatment products and services for the marine industry. We offer watermakers, softeners, drinking systems, pumps, water sterilization services, water analysis, and more. Visit website Back to All Partners With the purchase of the Octo Marine Slimline drinking system, we offer PYA members 1 free set of the 5 replacement filters. Please quote your PYA member number and expiry date with your purchase. Become a member and enjoy the exclusive offers from our partners. Become a member

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. Upcoming Webinar: Water Safety On Yachts To All news 8 June 2026 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. The webinar will also cover key topics such as Legionella awareness , safe water management practices , and the importance of proactive prevention on board. Register here: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_v29NUuVeSCmdah0PHKZapQ#/registration Speakers We are pleased to welcome our expert speakers for this webinar, who will share their professional insights and practical experience on water safety, regulatory compliance and onboard risk prevention. Ashleigh West Managing Director of Octo Marine - Octo Marine With over 26 years of experience, I serve as the Managing Director of Octo Marine, a company I co-founded to revolutionise water safety within the yachting industry in the year 2000. My core focus lies in creating innovative solutions for safe and high-quality onboard drinking water through operational safety plans, advanced equipment, and water analysis services. Driven by a commitment to excellence, I prioritise sustainability and adhere to ISO 9001 and 14001 standards, ensuring our team delivers exceptional results to meet the unique needs of our clients. Paul Walsh Global Business lead for Roam Technology - Roam Technology A member of the UK Water Management Society and with over 15 years of global experience in the water industry, Paul is the Global Business lead for Roam Technology and has supported companies, organisations, and governments worldwide in implementing sustainable water treatment technologies. He has also assisted in the designing and implementation of legionella compliance guidance documents trusted by private and public organisations around the world. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain practical insight and strengthen your understanding of water safety in the yachting industry. More news Sea Changes Forum 2026 highlights - Navigating the future of yachting The PYA Sea Changes Forum 2026, held on 24 September at the IHO in Monaco, brought together Flag States, maritime authorities and industry experts to address critical yachting updates, safety compliance, crew training and welfare, and ocean stewardship initiatives. Read more 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

Captain Thomas Auckland shares his first-hand account of the rescue of 16 migrants at sea off the coast of St Kitts & Nevis SY Genevieve crew rescue 16 migrants at sea off the coast of St Kitts & Nevis To All news 5 April 2023 16 migrants have been rescued at sea off the coast of St Kitts & Nevis after their fishing skiff capsized. Another 16 are presumed dead. Genevieve was en-route from Antigua to Saint Maarten when the faint sound of a woman’s scream was heard at around 11.30pm. The sail-yacht Captain immediately slowed and backtracked and at first found a man in the water clinging to a damaged lifejacket who became unconscious once on board, and, sure of a woman’s presence, they carried on the search to find her 400m away clinging to a plastic barrel. After being pulled from the water she mentioned an upturned boat that a further 30 persons had been onboard. She was in a very distressed state. The small boat had been heading for St. Thomas and broken down causing it to take on water that caused it to capsize in the 20kt winds and 2m seas. Captain Thomas Auckland, then coordinated his crew’s efforts to locate and rescue anyone else that could be close to them in the water. He discharged two red parachute flares to alert anyone in the area of their presence and sent out alerts to all of the required search and rescue organizations close by, including shipping. “With no knowledge of whether or not the vessel was still afloat, we decided to continue slowly downwind towards the brightest looms of St Kitts which would be visible from the water,” said Captain Thomas. The boat crew would soon encounter more objects floating in the water leading them to more survivors. “At around 00:28, the crew started spotting plastic drums floating in the water, and shortly afterwards they noticed a light coming in and out of sight, which later proved to be the light of a mobile phone being waved around. On approach we discovered the upturned fishing skiff, “La Belle Michelle” with 15 persons straddled on the hull, approximately 1.1nm from the first casualty.” “All the crew assembled on the aft deck, and together we quickly constructed a plan of how best to remove the individuals from the capsized vessel. This was a solid-hulled boat with two upturned outboards, so bringing it alongside in the given prevailing sea state was never a viable option. We therefore used the floating line and fender attached to a long Dyneema tail, which was floated downwind to them; then the line was tied around the leg of one of the outboards by one of the casualties, under instruction from our crew. We brought this to our STB stern and on to a primary winch for control. This line was at once under several tonnes of load, so once it was affixed we were very reluctant to move it. We then used a rescue sling with a thick Dyneema tail for grip and additional safety line attached. This rescue sling proved invaluable.” 

Each crew member was assigned a specific role during the rescue and incredibly 14 of the 15 migrants were brought onboard, unfortunately due to what is thought to be exhaustion, the last casualty fell into the water, and with the crew unable to recover him, was sadly lost. The local coastguard had been informed and by now several vessels were en-route to help. “Events now entered a new phase. I was clearly aware that we had 16 migrants on board, 13 of whom were male, of which we knew nothing other than the fact that they were willing to risk their lives being smuggled across to St Thomas. So we locked down the exterior of the boat and placed the female members of crew up forward, with everyone in direct radio contact. All casualties had been given water, sugary drinks, food and blankets, and were grouped together in the cockpit. The male crew members remained at the helm station, while I ran back and forth on the VOIP line with MRCC Fort du France, who requested that we remain at the scene until air support arrived. As there was evidently a security risk on board, at 03:42 we were given permission to depart the scene and headed directly to Basseterre in St Kitts, which was approximately 34nm away,” added Captain Thomas. “Once the day dawned and we were under coastguard escort, it became quite clear that these terrified Cameroonian nationals were extremely grateful to us and posed no risk to us at all. The female crew came and administered basic first aid; fed, watered and tried to dry out as much of their clothing as possible, before we arrived in Basseterre. On arrival in Basseterre they were transferred via coastguard boat to their base, where I went ashore and made statements to the various authorities.” A former PYA member, Captain Thomas wanted to share his story with seafarers in the hope that they could be better prepared for any incidents and what is now a growing issue globally, especially in both the Mediterranean and English Channel. He also wants to raise awareness for the Cameroonian Nationals stranded in Antigua with the hope of improving their quality of living. Sharing his first-hand account of the night of 27th March, his quick response and coordination with the onboard crew managed to save many lives.
 “I think what I take away most from this is just how well the crew performed under immense pressure: they were all making very sensible and rational decisions in a situation in which they have had very little training. We of course were incredibly lucky to hear a scream in the dark over the wind, and also unbelievably lucky that we were able to save so many people. We have sat together with an industry professional and dissected the night’s events in great detail, and we are also discussing it very openly among ourselves. All of the crew, myself included, are still in a stage of processing all that occurred. It is affecting everybody in a slightly different way, but knowing that there were 32 people on board, and only 16 survived is perhaps the hardest part for us all to comprehend.” Reflecting upon the rescue mission, and having had to come to terms with the fact that not all the migrants were able to survive the incident, Captain Thomas shared the following statement for all sea crews and captains should they ever be in a situation like theirs:

“ I sincerely hope that none of you ever have to encounter such an event during your time at sea, but if you do I hope this account may be of some use. In conclusion, never underestimate the importance of good watch-keeping – and rest assured that the teamwork and professionalism exhibited by your crew will leave you feeling very, very proud.” “I would like to thank, MRCC Fort du France, MV Britannia, Marine Assist Osprey, SY Midnight, St Kitts Coastguard and the numerous other vessels, that came together so selflessly, “it is an honour to sail the waters with you”. The rescue has reminded us how important it is for sea crews to work together during extraordinary circumstances, and to rise to the challenges that come. Thanks to their efforts and this personal account, crews can consider such events and become better prepared for them in the future. We want to thank Captain Thomas Auckland for sharing this extraordinary account with us, and we wish him and his crew all the best. More news Sea Changes Forum 2026 highlights - Navigating the future of yachting The PYA Sea Changes Forum 2026, held on 24 September at the IHO in Monaco, brought together Flag States, maritime authorities and industry experts to address critical yachting updates, safety compliance, crew training and welfare, and ocean stewardship initiatives. Read more 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

The RYA has updated its latest guidance on preparing first aid at sea, a vital skill that every seafarer should seek to acquire at any stage of their career. RYA reveals latest first aid advisory for yacht crew To All news 6 October 2023 The RYA has updated its latest guidance on preparing first aid at sea, a vital skill that every seafarer should seek to acquire at any stage of their career. First aid can become vital in an unexpected situation either on land or onboard a vessel out at sea. This can also be the case in circumstances where another ship may be in distress. Crew members and guests can become unwell despite good sea conditions and first aid can help to manage minor to major incidents. Proper first aid can also prevent medical emergencies in the case of injuries and other unforeseen circumstances. “Most first aid on a boat requires nothing more than people do every day looking after their family. But accidents do happen and knowing what to do first can be very important. This is where some first aid knowledge can help,” said RYA National First Aid Advisor and Yachtmaster Examiner, Sara Hopkinson. Among Sara’s top tips for staying safe at sea include:

 Having both land and sea first aid knowledge to learn how to adapt to situations such as head injuries, water shock, hypothermia and drowning. Packing a first aid kit and having the correct items from bandages to pain relief and motion sickness tablets. Calling for help in an emergency with a handheld VHF radio for out-of-range areas. Being aware of cold-water shock and how to manage an emergency situation. Taking action in an emergency situation when it is better to do something rather than observe. The impact first aid can have in saving lives and providing care to people suffering at sea where there is no immediate access to medical facilities. To learn more about first aid, explore the RYA’s guidance that goes more in-depth on the topic and how seafarers can best prepare. More news Sea Changes Forum 2026 highlights - Navigating the future of yachting The PYA Sea Changes Forum 2026, held on 24 September at the IHO in Monaco, brought together Flag States, maritime authorities and industry experts to address critical yachting updates, safety compliance, crew training and welfare, and ocean stewardship initiatives. Read more 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

The first amendments to MLC, 2016, are about to be implemented, providing guarantees of seafarer financial protection in particular areas of contractual rights and dues. Amendments to MLC To All news 19 January 2017 The first amendments to MLC, 2016, are about to be implemented, providing guarantees of seafarer financial protection in particular areas of contractual rights and dues. As from 18th January 2017, all MLC compliant vessels must display the following certificates: Confirmation from an insurer or other financial security entity that insurance or other coverage is in place to cover the costs of crew repatriation, and up to 4 months wages and other entitlements, consequent upon abandonment; Confirmation of similar coverage for claims arising from death or personal injury. More news Sea Changes Forum 2026 highlights - Navigating the future of yachting The PYA Sea Changes Forum 2026, held on 24 September at the IHO in Monaco, brought together Flag States, maritime authorities and industry experts to address critical yachting updates, safety compliance, crew training and welfare, and ocean stewardship initiatives. Read more 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

The MCA have updated their guidance for applicants looking to gain an UK OOW yachts Certificate of Competency (less than 3000 GT in an unlimited area, II/1 Certificate of Competency). © Mark Harpur MCA introduces new route for UK Officer of the Watch (OOW) yachts Certificate of Competency (CoC) To All news 5 December 2023 The MCA have updated their guidance for applicants looking to gain an UK OOW yachts Certificate of Competency (less than 3000 GT in an unlimited area, II/1 Certificate of Competency). As the size of superyacht vessels continues to grow, acquiring the necessary experience for certifications like the RYA Yachtmaster Offshore or IYT Master of Yachts/Mate Limited 200 GT has become more challenging. In response, the MCA outlined MIN 580, providing a new avenue for individuals engaged on yachts exceeding 24 meters. This route allows them to secure an RYA Yachtmaster Coastal CoC or IYT Master of Yachts Coastal/Mate less than 200 GT CoC as an alternative option. The RYA Yachtmaster Coastal CoC serves as a substitution for the RYA Yachtmaster Offshore CoC when applying for an OOW yachts certification, catering to vessels under 3000 GT, with an unlimited operational area, II/1 classification. Eligibility for the RYA Yachtmaster Coastal examination entails candidates possessing 800 miles and 30 days onboard vessels less than 24m in length. However, completion of an RYA Coastal Skipper Practical Course can lessen this requirement to 400 miles and 20 days aboard vessels of any size. Securing an RYA Yachtmaster Coastal CoC or an IYT Master of Yachts Coastal Mate less than 200 GT CoC allows entry into the EDH course. However, holders of the IYT Master of Yachts Coastal/Mate less than 200 GT CoC are ineligible to acquire a UK Master, II/2, code vessels less than 200 GT CoC. The MCA acknowledges these certificates for manning UK-registered vessels in specific capacities and areas, albeit without assured international recognition. The parameters of this acknowledgement remain subject to continuous evaluation and approval by the MCA and the RYA/IYT. To get further details about the new route you can download the marine information note to find out more. 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. If you are looking to get a Yacht Rating Certificate verified, explore our service , or as a full member you can access this for free. More news Sea Changes Forum 2026 highlights - Navigating the future of yachting The PYA Sea Changes Forum 2026, held on 24 September at the IHO in Monaco, brought together Flag States, maritime authorities and industry experts to address critical yachting updates, safety compliance, crew training and welfare, and ocean stewardship initiatives. Read more 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