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Our team at the PYA office in Antibes works continuously to verify sea service testimonials for our members around the world (in peak times, up to 400 per month!). PYA Verification Procedure and MCA Applications To All news 1 October 2020 Our team at the PYA office in Antibes works continuously to verify sea service testimonials for our members around the world (in peak times, up to 400 per month!). Due to the large number of crew and testimonials that we verify, it’s important that to understand and follow the correct process below when submitting your testimonials to us. We have also included some guidelines for submitting your applications to the MCA online. A step-by-step guide to verifying your sea time: 1. Upload your testimonial documents to your member profile on the PYA website, making sure all details are correct, the responsible's person email address is valid and filled-in following our guidelines. 2. When you upload your documents, your file goes into a queue for verification with our Sea Service team. 3. When your file gets to the team, your testimonials are checked for possible issues, including inconsistencies, missing info, errors. To improve the efficiency and speed at which we process your testimonials, make sure all details are correct before uploading your documents to your profile. 4. If errors are found in your testimonials, we contact you for clarification/correction. If not, we contact your signatories by email for verification. This includes summing up the information you’ve submitted and asking them to confirm it. NB: you will receive a notification email when your signatories have been contacted, and one for each reply we receive. 5. Only when we receive all replies for all testimonials in your file do we submit it to an SRB Officer who will review it. If there are any queries from the SRB Officer, your file is flagged up and we will contact you or the signatory to clarify the issue. Once clarified, we have to re-submit your file to the SRB Officer for review and approval. 6. Once all details have been approved by the SRB officer, they appear as VERIFIED on your online profile. 7. Your Digital Service Record Book (D-SRB) will be updated, made available on your profile and you'll get an email to inform you that it's ready for download. (If you are a non-member, you will receive digitally signed copies of your testimonials, that will be available for download as soon as you are notified). NB: From this point on you can apply for an NOE/Revalidation if you fulfil the rest of the requirements. Please note, you will need to have full membership or pay the non-member fee. How long does it take to verify your sea time? Turnaround time varies with our workload and the quality of the testimonials submitted. Generally, it takes less than 2 weeks but the process can take up to 25 working days if there are issues with your documents. Applying for your NOEs/Revalidations with the MCA The MCA accepts online applications (except for first time applicants), so you can apply for NOEs/Revalidations as long as you fulfil all the requirements and you have a copy of your D-SRB (or digitally signed testimonials for non-members). Please read MCA MIN 655 for the latest updates. For NOEs, you'll need to send everything to deck@mcga.gov.uk For Revalidations, you'll need to send everything to revalidation@mcga.gov.uk For further assistance, you can contact us srb@pya.org . Further information More information about PYA membership and sea service verification can be found below: Sea Service Verification process Membership fees and benefits Updated 22/02/2023 More news PYA - the Voice of yacht crew Discover how our actions go beyond membership to strengthen the entire yachting sector. Read more Sea changes Forum 2025 Edition - Everything You Need to Know The PYA is proud to present the 2025 Sea Changes Forum, taking place on Thursday 25 September at the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) in Monaco, during the Monaco Yacht Show. From 16:00 to 20:00, this key industry event will bring together professionals, regulators, and crew representatives to discuss the latest developments in yachting, from regulations and certification to crew welfare and career opportunities. The Forum will conclude with a networking reception, offering a unique opportunity to connect with colleagues and stakeholders in the heart of Monaco. Read more Next Generation in Yachting Forum 2025 - Highlights The PYA Next Generation in Yachting Forum, held on 11 April in Antibes, offered aspiring yacht crew an invaluable insight into the yachting industry. With contributions from leading recruitment agents including Bluewater, Hill Robinson, The Crew Network, and YPI, the event covered essential topics such as CV preparation, interview techniques, and professional etiquette. Attendees also received guidance on visas, welfare support, and career pathways across all departments, with practical advice from Captains, trainers, and experienced crew. The afternoon concluded with focused breakout sessions and networking, providing a unique opportunity to connect with industry professionals and prepare for a successful career at sea. Read more

The PYA do not just act on behalf of yacht crew. We represent the whole industry, from brokers to crew agents, to training providers and beyond. Help us continue to do so by becoming a partner of the PYA (previously known as corporate membership). In exchange for your support, we are able to promote your brand to our members, who are made up of over 90 nationalities. Looking for a powerful way to showcase your brand and connect with the yachting industry? Look no further than partnering with the Professional Yachting Association (PYA)! Our partner program offers a range of benefits designed to maximize your exposure and connect you with our diverse, international audience. As a partner, you'll receive a range of benefits, including press releases announcing your partnership with the PYA, a dedicated company page on our website linking to your own website, and a logo prominently featured on our PYA homepage. You'll also receive a social media spotlight post, ensuring maximum exposure to our followers on all of our social media channels. In addition, you'll receive all PYA publications and have the opportunity to be featured as a partner in our newsletter. But that's not all - as a partner of the PYA, you'll also have the opportunity to display your marketing materials in our office and enjoy reduced or free entry to PYA events. This gives you the opportunity to showcase your brand and connect with our members face-to-face. By becoming a partner of the PYA, you'll not only be promoting your brand to our members, but you'll also be supporting an organization that is committed to protecting and promoting the yachting industry as a whole. We attend policy meetings to stay informed on the latest news and policies, and we fight on the front line of industry battles to keep the industry thriving. Join the PYA partner program today and start enjoying the benefits of a strong, engaged partnership! The Benefits of PYA Partnership The PYA do not just act on behalf of yacht crew. We represent the whole industry, from brokers to crew agents, to training providers and beyond. Help us continue to do so by becoming a partner of the PYA (previously known as corporate membership). In exchange for your support, we are able to promote your brand to our members, who are made up of over 90 nationalities.

Life is for Living is an organisation created by a community of yacht-related individuals who wanted to create awareness around the emotional and mental wellbeing support services available in the yachting industry.  Update from the Life is for Living team To All news 23 July 2020 Life is for Living is an organisation created by a community of yacht-related individuals who wanted to create awareness around the emotional and mental wellbeing support services available in the yachting industry. Due to addiction being incredibly prevalent within the yachting industry and a struggle for many crew, the organisation decided to partner with a specialist team, EMA, to provide accurate and informative guidance during their debut event earlier this year. EMA is run by a psychologist and counsellor duo, Enrique and Marta, who are based in Porto Portals, Mallorca, and specialise in addiction. Unfortunately, EMA already has many clients who are yacht crew. During the event, Enrique and Marta illustrated the workings of the mind through addiction, including how the prolonged use of substances can permanently alter the mind. Captains, crew and yacht managers were taught actionable skills to help recognise the signs of addiction and mental health issues. They were also given handouts of resources so they can accurately direct affected fellow crew. If you need support or would like access to some useful resources, head over to the Life is for Living Facebook page for a list of emotional health and wellbeing services and resources, or join the EMA support group in Mallorca for addiction-related matters. See the full details below. EMA Support Group Jeremy, Enrique and Marta have set up EMA Entorno de Soporte Terapeutico, a professional group therapy support network in English. They meet every Wednesday in Portals Nous and the sessions are open to anyone (in yachting or not) who is struggling with life, addiction, mental instability or can see themselves heading in that direction. Everything discussed within the group is completely confidential and all they ask is that you send them a WhatsApp message beforehand so that they have an idea of numbers. Meet with EMA When: Every Wednesday 6:45pm Where: Portals de Yoga Carretera Andratx 43 Local 12 Portals Nous Mallorca Contact: WhatsApp +34 608 418 863 The EMA Team Enrique Balasch Torres Therapist at EMA and Instituto Hipocrates Mallorca. Specialist in the treatment of addictions to substances. Experience: Former recovered addict with many years of experience conducting group therapy at Instituto Hipocrates. Marta de la Cruz Clinical psychologist Specialist in the treatment of addictions at the Instituto Hipocrates Specialist in floral therapy applied to emotional processes Psychosocial analyst in freelosophy Experience: Psychologist for EMA with 3 year's experience treating patients at Instituto Hippocrates Mallorca. More than 10 years of experience as a clinical psychologist in different areas and more than 20 years in the area of qualitative market research with a psychosocial approach. Jeremy Hance Engineer and Captain, recovered with Instituto Hipocrates a year and a half ago. Promoter of the group in Portals Nous. More news PYA - the Voice of yacht crew Discover how our actions go beyond membership to strengthen the entire yachting sector. Read more Sea changes Forum 2025 Edition - Everything You Need to Know The PYA is proud to present the 2025 Sea Changes Forum, taking place on Thursday 25 September at the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) in Monaco, during the Monaco Yacht Show. From 16:00 to 20:00, this key industry event will bring together professionals, regulators, and crew representatives to discuss the latest developments in yachting, from regulations and certification to crew welfare and career opportunities. The Forum will conclude with a networking reception, offering a unique opportunity to connect with colleagues and stakeholders in the heart of Monaco. Read more Next Generation in Yachting Forum 2025 - Highlights The PYA Next Generation in Yachting Forum, held on 11 April in Antibes, offered aspiring yacht crew an invaluable insight into the yachting industry. With contributions from leading recruitment agents including Bluewater, Hill Robinson, The Crew Network, and YPI, the event covered essential topics such as CV preparation, interview techniques, and professional etiquette. Attendees also received guidance on visas, welfare support, and career pathways across all departments, with practical advice from Captains, trainers, and experienced crew. The afternoon concluded with focused breakout sessions and networking, providing a unique opportunity to connect with industry professionals and prepare for a successful career at sea. Read more

Have you started working onboard a vessel flying the Maltese flag and noticed approximately €50 per week taken out of your salary? No need for alarm, this is your Malta Social Security contribution. Understanding Social Security on a Malta Flagged Vessel To All news 1 September 2022 Have you started working onboard a vessel flying the Maltese flag and noticed approximately €50 per week taken out of your salary? No need for alarm, this is your Malta Social Security contribution. Do I have to pay it? If you are an EU/EEA or Swiss citizen or resident, then the short answer is yes! EU Regulation 883/2004, states seafarers who are either EU/EEA or Swiss citizens or residents and are employed on board a vessel flying the flag of Malta must be insured under Malta’s social security system. However, there are two exceptions to this ruling. For EU/EEA/Switzerland citizens or residents, if the employer and employee reside in the same Member State, and the seafarer is affiliated in that State for social security, they do not need to pay the contribution as seafarers can only be subject to a social security system of one Member State. For non-residents of the EU/EEA/Switzerland working on a Malta-flagged vessel, there is the possibility to opt for the social security system of their non-EU/EEA/Switzerland country of residence. What do I have to do? You don’t have to do anything! The employer submits the registration application on the seafarer’s behalf, who is then issued a PE number and an income tax number and is registered in Malta for social security. The registration and the payment of social security contributions for the seafarer is done by the employer who remits both the employer and employee's share of social security contributions. Therefore, there is a deduction from your salary. Some yachts cover this cost for the seafarer in which case you won’t even notice, but your benefits are still accumulating . The method of calculation of social security contributions is based on a percentage of the weekly salary and is capped. In 2022, the capped rate for both employer and employee is €49.97 per week with a €1.50 Maternity Contribution. Please note that your weekly contribution starts on a Monday, so if you start on a Tuesday, you won’t contribute for that first week. What do I get? The benefits a person insured in Malta enjoy include: A European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or/and a S1 form (UK Healthcare) Unemployment benefits in their country of residence (if EU/EEA/Switzerland) Pensions with portability of rights – e.g. A person has worked for more than one year in two or more of any EU/EEA state or in Switzerland, then the EU Regulation 883/2004 requires each of these states to pay a rate of benefit proportional to the length of insurance periods in such states. (EU/EEA/Switzerland) A Social Security number - Seafarer residents in the EU, who are citizens of non-EU countries often find it difficult to obtain a social security number in the EU state of residence. So, obtaining an EU social security number in Malta allows them to be recognised in the EU. In conclusion, the Maltese Social Security System is one of the most cost-effective jurisdictions for social security contributions and can be used in all EU/EEA states and Switzerland. If you are a seafarer on a Malta-registered yacht, know that you are paying contributions and can benefit from the contributions paid! More news PYA - the Voice of yacht crew Discover how our actions go beyond membership to strengthen the entire yachting sector. Read more Sea changes Forum 2025 Edition - Everything You Need to Know The PYA is proud to present the 2025 Sea Changes Forum, taking place on Thursday 25 September at the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) in Monaco, during the Monaco Yacht Show. From 16:00 to 20:00, this key industry event will bring together professionals, regulators, and crew representatives to discuss the latest developments in yachting, from regulations and certification to crew welfare and career opportunities. The Forum will conclude with a networking reception, offering a unique opportunity to connect with colleagues and stakeholders in the heart of Monaco. Read more Next Generation in Yachting Forum 2025 - Highlights The PYA Next Generation in Yachting Forum, held on 11 April in Antibes, offered aspiring yacht crew an invaluable insight into the yachting industry. With contributions from leading recruitment agents including Bluewater, Hill Robinson, The Crew Network, and YPI, the event covered essential topics such as CV preparation, interview techniques, and professional etiquette. Attendees also received guidance on visas, welfare support, and career pathways across all departments, with practical advice from Captains, trainers, and experienced crew. The afternoon concluded with focused breakout sessions and networking, providing a unique opportunity to connect with industry professionals and prepare for a successful career at sea. Read more

Global Fuel Supply specialises in the worldwide trading of marine/bunker fuel for yachts and cruise lines. Our worldwide presence allows us to provide our yachting clients with year-round services, covering all seasons and regions. Global Fuel Supply, founded in Copenhagen, Denmark, is an independent global marine fuel specialist dedicated to providing comprehensive fuel services to the shipping industry. With shipping knowledge ingrained in our DNA, we strive to bring transparency and certainty to the volatile bunker market. Our worldwide presence in the global marine/bunker fuel market enables us to supply our customers with the right products at competitive rates anywhere in the world. Our mission is to empower the global shipping industry by providing innovative and reliable fuel solutions, ensuring operational efficiency, cost control, and increased revenue for our customers. Our vision is to become the leading global marine fuel specialist, setting the benchmark for quality, innovation, and environmental responsibility in the bunkering industry. We aim to redefine the future of marine fuel procurement by implementing cutting-edge technology and delivering exceptional customer experiences. Services Global Marine/Bunker Fuel Supply Agency Assistance Risk Management 24/7/365 Support Lubricants Methods of Delivery: By Truck By Ex-pipe By Barge Contact information awais@globalfuelsupply.com Tel : +971 54 388 5511 https://globalfuelsupply.com/ Global Fuel Supply Global Fuel Supply specialises in the worldwide trading of marine/bunker fuel for yachts and cruise lines. Our worldwide presence allows us to provide our yachting clients with year-round services, covering all seasons and regions. Visit website Back to All Partners We are delighted to be part of the PYA Team! So all PYA members are encouraged to confirm their PYA membership with us upon the enquiry for quotation on fuels so we can apply the appropriate group pricing dependent on location, volume and payment terms. Become a member and enjoy the exclusive offers from our partners. Become a member

Antibes (France), 11 September 2024 - The PYA and other representatives of the yachting industry, met with the new Prefect Maritime (PREMAR) responsible for French Med operations, as well as with officials from French Maritime affairs. The objective of the meeting was to discuss the yachting season and any relevant topics. PYA meets with Prefect Maritime To All news 12 September 2024 Antibes (France), 11 September 2024 - The PYA and other representatives of the yachting industry, met with the new Prefect Maritime (PREMAR) responsible for French Med operations, as well as with officials from French Maritime affairs. The objective of the meeting was to discuss the yachting season and any relevant topics. Vice Amiral d’Escadre Christophe Lucas was nominated on 2 September 2024. The fact that he agreed to meet with the yachting industry only 9 days after being appointed, is an indication of how important he realises professional yachting is for the region. This was confirmed during the 5-hour meeting in Cannes. Among the issues raised by the PYA, these will be followed by concrete actions: - Over the season, a number of captains complained about the situation in the congested St Tropez area, where tenders and other vessels were going at unsafe speeds. Additional speed limits and/or more frequent maritime police patrols will be implemented. - A number of captains highlighted the fact that their vessel was boarded by Customs and Immigration officers several times over a set period and how inconvenient this can be, especially with guests on board. A registry of "cleared vessels" will be considered. - Yacht crew using the official and continuously updated application Nav & Co have raised concerns about the fact that, when zooming in, the app was cluttered with too much information. The PREMAR agreed to review the content of the App. Should you be using Nav & Co, please do send us any suggestions for improvement which we will incorporate in our discussions with the PREMAR ); - Last year, a number of captains were prosecuted for infringing anchoring regulations in French waters. Having been in contact with several of these captains - who, for the most part, were acting in good faith - I know how upsetting this experience was. I urged the PREMAR that, in the future, they order the maritime police to be more lenient with first offenders but, be very severe with repeat offenders - such as those vessels seen at anchor in prohibited areas 5 or 6 times over a 4-day period. Together with the various administrations, we will seek to organise a 1/2 day meeting with the office of the maritime prosecutor, to "inform and educate" them about superyacht operations. As seen above, the PYA will continue to be exchanging regularly with the PREMAR and his office. Should there be any issues you would like us to raise during our discussions, please send an email to info@pya.org and we will act on your suggestions . Christophe Bourillon PYA's CEO. More news PYA - the Voice of yacht crew Discover how our actions go beyond membership to strengthen the entire yachting sector. Read more Sea changes Forum 2025 Edition - Everything You Need to Know The PYA is proud to present the 2025 Sea Changes Forum, taking place on Thursday 25 September at the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) in Monaco, during the Monaco Yacht Show. From 16:00 to 20:00, this key industry event will bring together professionals, regulators, and crew representatives to discuss the latest developments in yachting, from regulations and certification to crew welfare and career opportunities. The Forum will conclude with a networking reception, offering a unique opportunity to connect with colleagues and stakeholders in the heart of Monaco. Read more Next Generation in Yachting Forum 2025 - Highlights The PYA Next Generation in Yachting Forum, held on 11 April in Antibes, offered aspiring yacht crew an invaluable insight into the yachting industry. With contributions from leading recruitment agents including Bluewater, Hill Robinson, The Crew Network, and YPI, the event covered essential topics such as CV preparation, interview techniques, and professional etiquette. Attendees also received guidance on visas, welfare support, and career pathways across all departments, with practical advice from Captains, trainers, and experienced crew. The afternoon concluded with focused breakout sessions and networking, providing a unique opportunity to connect with industry professionals and prepare for a successful career at sea. Read more

Read here to find the answers to all of your questions and more on our new Digital Service Record Book. Learn everything you need to know about our new DIGITAL SRB To All news 10 March 2021 When will the D-SRB be released to me? Since the official release date, we will be generating the D-SRB to members files being processed and to those we have handled since Covid, by reviewing each file individually. How will I know when it is ready for me to download? You will receive an email notification and you will see an orange banner on your documents tab in your PYA profile. Where will I see it? It will be the first line in the documents list, in the documents tab, in your PYA profile. What are the requirements for the D-SRB to be issued successfully? Only PDF type files are accepted; Documents in multiple pages need to be in one file; Different certificates/testimonials need to be separated into different files (one document per file); Upload a passport photo to your profile; The text in the documents must be clear and visible. Failure of complying with the requirements will lead to the documents being declined and your file being put into pending until the issue is solved. What documents will be in the new D-SRB? Any certificates or testimonials that have NOT already been entered into the physical SRB and that have been approved by an SRB Officer.We are not transferring information from the old SRB to the new system. What will happen to the physical SRB? If your SRB is currently stored in our office, you will be contacted by staff to arrange the delivery of your SRB to you. You can accelerate the process by contacting certificates@pya.org directly. If you are in possession of your SRB, you can keep it and use it together with the Digital SRB when necessary. If I already have a physical SRB, will I always need to use both SRB and D-SRB when applying to the MCA (Maritime and Coastguard Agency)? No, you will not. For those members who have not recently applied for a new COC or Revalidation, they might have entries both in the SRB and D-SRB that are relevant to their next application, but once they have been used, all future relevant entries will be in the D-SRB only. How do I apply for an NOE or Revalidation now? All NOE and Revalidation applications need to be sent to the MCA by email as per MIN 655. You need to have your Digital SRB available in your profile before you can apply to the MCA for an NOE, so that you can download it and include it in your email to the MCA. Please do not copy PYA in the emails. If you are applying for your first NOE (first CoC with the MCA) then you need to send your original documents to the MCA by post as well (except the D-SRB of course).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. Is the D-SRB safe? The D-SRB is protected by a digital seal that safeguards the document from changes and contains PYA information so that for whoever receives the document is authentic and valid. Will I have access to the D-SRB even if my membership expires? By GDPR regulation we are allowed to retain copies of your documents on our system for a maximum of 5 years since your membership has expired. If you will require a copy of your D-SRB during that period, we can send you one by email by contacting certificates@pya.org . After the deadline, all your records (the D-SRB as well) will be deleted. We advise you always download a copy of your most recent D-SRB, but you will be notified 30-days before your account and records will be deleted. More news PYA - the Voice of yacht crew Discover how our actions go beyond membership to strengthen the entire yachting sector. Read more Sea changes Forum 2025 Edition - Everything You Need to Know The PYA is proud to present the 2025 Sea Changes Forum, taking place on Thursday 25 September at the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) in Monaco, during the Monaco Yacht Show. From 16:00 to 20:00, this key industry event will bring together professionals, regulators, and crew representatives to discuss the latest developments in yachting, from regulations and certification to crew welfare and career opportunities. The Forum will conclude with a networking reception, offering a unique opportunity to connect with colleagues and stakeholders in the heart of Monaco. Read more Next Generation in Yachting Forum 2025 - Highlights The PYA Next Generation in Yachting Forum, held on 11 April in Antibes, offered aspiring yacht crew an invaluable insight into the yachting industry. With contributions from leading recruitment agents including Bluewater, Hill Robinson, The Crew Network, and YPI, the event covered essential topics such as CV preparation, interview techniques, and professional etiquette. Attendees also received guidance on visas, welfare support, and career pathways across all departments, with practical advice from Captains, trainers, and experienced crew. The afternoon concluded with focused breakout sessions and networking, providing a unique opportunity to connect with industry professionals and prepare for a successful career at sea. Read more

It’s mid-season and you feel like you’ve got much more than you’ve bargained for. The idea of a glamorous, well-paid career on a luxurious yacht have long gone. You’re working long hours, jumping through every hoop imaginable and tensions onboard are at an all time boiling point. But unlike everyone else, you’re feeling on edge, trapped without... Struggling to keep your head above water? To All news 23 August 2019 It’s mid-season and you feel like you’ve got much more than you’ve bargained for. The idea of a glamorous, well-paid career on a luxurious yacht have long gone. You’re working long hours, jumping through every hoop imaginable and tensions onboard are at an all time boiling point. But unlike everyone else, you’re feeling on edge, trapped without anyone to talk to or so wound up and exhausted that you can’t sleep at night... You're not alone. Depression, anxiety and other mental health conditions aren’t unique to the yachting industry, but working long hours coupled with increased feelings of isolation when living out at sea can contribute to mental illness. With the help of our digitally connected world, yacht crew can now access mental health support from any location at any time. If you need urgent support, no matter where you are, here are some mental crisis support services: ISWAN (International Seafarers Network and Assistance) is a charity supporting all seafarers in the world. ISWAN has developed a 24/7, confidential and multilingual support service to deal with urgent emotional issues - Seafarerhelp . BetterHelp is an affordable online service which provides professional counselling and support via video conference, telephone, live chat or messaging. NHS Recommended Apps -The National Health Service UK has recommended a range of mental health support apps which include resources and tools to help manage mental health. In addition to these services, the PYA has been campaigning to raise awareness and remove the stigma associated with mental and emotional issues. We recently joined forces to host the mental health awareness event, ‘Life is for Living’, in Palma Mallorca. Following its success, we would like to host more events to help support global yacht crew in predominant yachting hubs. To find out about our upcoming event in a port near you, join the event’s Facebook page . To learn more about this event and our mental health campaign, read our most recent Yachting Matters article . Image credit: Photo by Ian Espinosa on Unsplash More news PYA - the Voice of yacht crew Discover how our actions go beyond membership to strengthen the entire yachting sector. Read more Sea changes Forum 2025 Edition - Everything You Need to Know The PYA is proud to present the 2025 Sea Changes Forum, taking place on Thursday 25 September at the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) in Monaco, during the Monaco Yacht Show. From 16:00 to 20:00, this key industry event will bring together professionals, regulators, and crew representatives to discuss the latest developments in yachting, from regulations and certification to crew welfare and career opportunities. The Forum will conclude with a networking reception, offering a unique opportunity to connect with colleagues and stakeholders in the heart of Monaco. Read more Next Generation in Yachting Forum 2025 - Highlights The PYA Next Generation in Yachting Forum, held on 11 April in Antibes, offered aspiring yacht crew an invaluable insight into the yachting industry. With contributions from leading recruitment agents including Bluewater, Hill Robinson, The Crew Network, and YPI, the event covered essential topics such as CV preparation, interview techniques, and professional etiquette. Attendees also received guidance on visas, welfare support, and career pathways across all departments, with practical advice from Captains, trainers, and experienced crew. The afternoon concluded with focused breakout sessions and networking, providing a unique opportunity to connect with industry professionals and prepare for a successful career at sea. Read more

Some vessels require crew to have a Yacht Rating Certificate as part of their safe manning requirements. Having this certificate can improve your chances of finding a job. The PYA is authorized to issue Yacht Rating Certificates on behalf of the MCA. Some vessels require crew to have a Yacht Rating Certificate as part of their safe manning requirements. Having this certificate can improve your chances of finding a job. We accept digital applications! Simply email all required documentation to certificates@pya.org - read below for further details. Fees In the case of a seafarer joining the PYA as a full member, the YRC, if required at time of joining, will be included in their first year's membership fee. The charge is €40 to PYA other type members and €80 for non-PYA members. Requirements Be at least 16 years of age Demonstrate at least 6 months of onboard service including 2 months of seagoing service , all of which must be on vessels of 15 metres and over in load line length Have the Basic STWC training: Personal Survival Techniques (STCW Code Ref A-VI/1-1), or RYA Basic Sea Survival Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting (STCW Code Ref A-VI/1-2) Elementary First Aid (STCW Code Ref A-VI/1-3) Personal Safety & Social Responsibility (STCW Code Ref AVI/1-4) Complete the Yacht Rating Training Record Book* *You can be exempted from the TRB, and the requirement for 6 months’ onboard service may be reduced to 2 months’ seagoing service on vessels of at least 15 metres, if you hold one of the following: Watch Leader Certificate, together with a Competent Crew certificate; or Day Skipper Certificate together, with a Competent Crew certificate; or Yacht Rating course completion certificate. Documentation You will need to submit to us the following - in person (originals) or by email (certified copies): Yacht Rating Application form (filled in, signed and countersigned*) Please do not make any payment through the MCA website* Original or Certified copy of passport (by a training school or your Captain or Chief Officer with their CoC number included) 2 Passport-size photographs (if applying by email, 1 will suffice) - the back of the photo must be countersigned by the same person countersigning your application . PYA D-SRB or Testimonials + Discharge Book / Discharge Certificate (Annex B) (if you don't have a D-SRB, two forms of proof are required). Originals or Certified copies of your STCW Certificates Original or Certified copy of valid medical fitness certificate, e.g. ENG 1 Yacht Rating Certificate Training Record Book (Annex B of MSN 1862) - not required if you have the certificates listed in par. 4B of the application form For more information, please contact certificates@pya.org Last updated 23/04/2025 Free with Full Membership €40 / €60 Without Full Membership Become a member or buy the service Yacht Rating Certificate Some vessels require crew to have a Yacht Rating Certificate as part of their safe manning requirements. Having this certificate can improve your chances of finding a job. To All services Discover our plans to get access to all the services we provide. Become a member

Read the full investigation report from the UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB). Accident report - MYs Minx and Vision, near Cannes To All news 28 January 2021 Accident Investigation Report 1/2021 On 25 May 2019 at 8:52pm, the Gibraltar registered motor yacht Vision collided with the UK registered motor yacht Minx, which was anchored near Île Sainte-Marguerite, near Cannes, France. Minx’s crewman was on the foredeck and there was nothing he could have done to prevent being fatally struck by Vision’s bow. The accident happened because Vision’s skipper underestimated the risk associated with attempting a fast, close pass by the anchored Minx, a manoeuvre intended to provide an opportunity for the guests to wave goodbye, as the charterer had asked. Vision’s skipper had also consumed cannabis, which is likely to have impaired his judgement. Following the accident, an investigation was conducted by the UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) as a means to ascertain the cause and to prevent future accidents. To read the full accident report here . This includes all the details of what happened, actions taken, and recommendations. Safety issues uncovered in the investigation: It is vital for the safe operation of a commercial motor yacht, that the skipper prioritised the safety of the crew, passengers and the vessel Vision’s surface-drive propulsion system was complex to operate and there were insufficient margins for error in the skipper’s plan to allow for any misjudgement, loss of control or failure. The use of recreational drugs, even in a ‘tolerant’ individual can impair decision-making and responses, which are vital for the safe operation of vessels. The accident took place in an anchorage with a 5-knot speed limit applicable to all vessels; however, Vision was proceeding at over six times that limit. Speed limits exist for a reason and it was unsafe to proceed at high speed in the anchorage. Recommendation A safety recommendation (2021/101) has been made to the Royal Yachting Association and the Professional Yachting Association to promulgate the safety lessons from this accident to owners and operators of commercial motor yachts. More news PYA - the Voice of yacht crew Discover how our actions go beyond membership to strengthen the entire yachting sector. Read more Sea changes Forum 2025 Edition - Everything You Need to Know The PYA is proud to present the 2025 Sea Changes Forum, taking place on Thursday 25 September at the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) in Monaco, during the Monaco Yacht Show. From 16:00 to 20:00, this key industry event will bring together professionals, regulators, and crew representatives to discuss the latest developments in yachting, from regulations and certification to crew welfare and career opportunities. The Forum will conclude with a networking reception, offering a unique opportunity to connect with colleagues and stakeholders in the heart of Monaco. Read more Next Generation in Yachting Forum 2025 - Highlights The PYA Next Generation in Yachting Forum, held on 11 April in Antibes, offered aspiring yacht crew an invaluable insight into the yachting industry. With contributions from leading recruitment agents including Bluewater, Hill Robinson, The Crew Network, and YPI, the event covered essential topics such as CV preparation, interview techniques, and professional etiquette. Attendees also received guidance on visas, welfare support, and career pathways across all departments, with practical advice from Captains, trainers, and experienced crew. The afternoon concluded with focused breakout sessions and networking, providing a unique opportunity to connect with industry professionals and prepare for a successful career at sea. Read more