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Amico & Co and Pesto Sea Group have joined forces to create Genoa Superyacht Hub, a brand meant to deliver the highest quality services to our Genoa-based customers: training, events, refit shipyard, yacht agency, marinas, bunkering, chandlery. Genoa Superyacht Hub – a brand with two souls – is an initiative by Amico & Co and Pesto Sea Group. Genoa Superyacht Hub’s mission is to let the world know how attractive this location is and, at the same time, improve what Genoa offers to superyachts and their crew. Not only do superyachts have on hand Amico & Co, one of the world’s most modern and most capable superyacht refit and maintenance yards – complete with 4,000-ton ShipLift – and the expertise of Pesto Sea Group, one of Italy’s most renowned yacht and ship agents, but also more than 50 other superyacht related businesses in the immediate area together with easy access to superyacht contractors, services and suppliers in the nearby yacht building district. There’s much more to Genoa Superyacht Hub than those supplemental services. Our brand includes two marinas: Marina Molo Vecchio, right in the city center, can host yachts up to 150 meters LOA, while Waterfront Marina can welcome vessels up to 110 meters LOA and offers crew sports and leisure facilities. At Genoa Superyacht Hub, we go beyond providing a great place to stay. We aim to create a home away from home for crews. We organize crew socials and events, fostering a sense of community. Moreover, we offer crew training courses to help crew members stay on top of their core skills. Our training center, in collaboration with the best professional training providers, offers a wide range of specialist crew courses, ensuring personal and professional growth for all. Genoa Superyacht Hub is not just a home port, it’s a vibrant community. From our top-notch facilities and opportunities for upskilling to the world-class superyacht services on offer, we strive to create a sense of belonging. Isn’t it about time you considered making Genoa your new home port? Services: Training Events and community Refit shipyard Yacht agency Marinas Bunkering Chandlery Contact information: Address: Calata Molo Vecchio Mod. 3, 16128 Genova GE info@genoasuperyachthub.com Phone: +39 010 270 1305 https://genoasuperyachthub.com/ Genoa Superyacht Hub Amico & Co and Pesto Sea Group have joined forces to create Genoa Superyacht Hub, a brand meant to deliver the highest quality services to our Genoa-based customers: training, events, refit shipyard, yacht agency, marinas, bunkering, chandlery. Visit website Back to All Partners Become a member and enjoy the exclusive offers from our partners. Become a member

Get involved with PYA and help shape the future of the yachting industry. By joining the PYA, you will not only be taking your career to the next level but also helping to shape the future of yachting. Your involvement strengthens the community and ensures the professional growth of the industry.  - Career Development: Access expert guidance, and networking opportunities.  - Verified Sea Service: Ensure your records meet MCA standards.  - Industry Representation: Have your voice heard in key regulatory discussions.  - Events & Community: Join exclusive events that connect you with peers and industry leaders.  If your are a yacht crew By joining the PYA, you will not only be taking your career to the next level but also helping to shape the future of yachting . Your involvement strengthens the community and ensures the professional growth of the industry. Career Development: Access expert guidance , and networking opportunities. Verified Sea Service: Ensure your records meet MCA standards . Industry Representation: Have your voice heard in key regulatory discussions . Events & Community: Join exclusive events that connect you with peers and industry leaders. See all services for crew For Industry Partners Collaborate with PYA to strengthen your presence in the yachting industry and support its professionals: Access to professionals – Connect with skilled yacht crew and other industry leaders. Brand Visibility – Increase exposure through event sponsorships and partnerships. Industry Influence – Play a role in shaping professional standards and crew welfare. Join the Network – Engage with key players driving the future of yachting. See all benefits for Industry Partners Make an Impact As an industry partner, your collaboration with PYA supports the growth and evolution of the yachting sector. Together, we drive high standards and create new opportunities for crew and companies alike. Ready to Get Started? PYA is here to support you. If you need more information, feel free to reach out – we are happy to help! Contact us at pya@pya.org To About us Why Join The PYA

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 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 PYA Christmas Ball 2024 Highlights The PYA Christmas Ball, held on 6 December 2024, was an exceptional evening celebrating the yachting community in style. This year’s theme, Peaky Blinders meets Downton Abbey, provided the perfect blend of elegance and vintage charm, creating a truly memorable atmosphere. Read more

Due to the ongoing drought conditions at the Panama Canal, the local authorities have updated their guidance on restrictions for yachts seeking to transit over the coming months. Yachts and small boats to experience extensive delays transiting Panama Canal To All news 11 October 2023 Due to the ongoing drought conditions at the Panama Canal, the local authorities have updated their guidance on restrictions for yachts seeking to transit over the coming months. A shipping advisory has been released warning vessels under 125 feet in length (38.1M) that they will experience significant delays with an extended period of the dry season now forecast to last an additional 2 months in the region. For yachts that are using the Panama Canal Linehandlers, locomotives and Canal transit over 125 feet in length, they can book their transit ahead of time. However, delays are also forecast due to the limited capacity for shipping. As of 1st November, the number of vessels being allowed to transit through the Panama Canal will be reduced to 31 per day (a reduction from 32 currently). Yachts are being encouraged to book their transit as early as possible so that they can avoid extensive delays. The unusual dry season caused by El Niño has been affecting the world’s busiest shipping lane which accounts for 40% of global cargo transit at sea. Opening in 1914, the Panama Canal transformed global shipping routes, reducing the time it took to transport goods from the Pacific to the Atlantic by up to 5 months. Following the expansion of global shipping lanes post WW1 and WW2, today the Panama Canal plays a vital role in the world economy. To get the latest guidance see the resources below to prepare your transit: Yacht and Small Craft Transits While Water Conservation Measures are in Effect / A-44-2023: Download Modifications to the Rules that Govern the Transit Reservation System / A-42-2023: Download More news PYA - the Voice of yacht crew Discover how our actions go beyond membership to strengthen the entire yachting sector. 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 PYA Christmas Ball 2024 Highlights The PYA Christmas Ball, held on 6 December 2024, was an exceptional evening celebrating the yachting community in style. This year’s theme, Peaky Blinders meets Downton Abbey, provided the perfect blend of elegance and vintage charm, creating a truly memorable atmosphere. 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 - the Voice of yacht crew Discover how our actions go beyond membership to strengthen the entire yachting sector. 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 PYA Christmas Ball 2024 Highlights The PYA Christmas Ball, held on 6 December 2024, was an exceptional evening celebrating the yachting community in style. This year’s theme, Peaky Blinders meets Downton Abbey, provided the perfect blend of elegance and vintage charm, creating a truly memorable atmosphere. Read more

Romano Energy is a leader in the production of sustainable synthetic fuels from recycled waste, including plastics and used oils. Since 2020, we have eliminated the use of fossil petroleum products, promoting a circular economy with low-carbon biofuels. Founded in 1896, Romano Energy initially served as a supplier of fodder for the Palace of Monaco's carriage horses. After transitioning to fossil fuels, we began a radical transformation in 2009 with the ZERO FOSSIL '22 program, which allowed us to completely eliminate fossil fuels by 2020. Today, Romano Energy converts complex waste such as non-recyclable plastics, used oils, and other residues into high-quality synthetic fuels. Our products offer a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels, and our solutions significantly reduce CO2 emissions while supporting a circular economy. Romano Energy is proud to provide synthetic fuels to various industries, including the maritime sector and heavy vehicles, adhering to high sustainability standards. Services Production of synthetic biofuels from recycled waste (plastics, used oils, animal fats, etc.). Distribution of sustainable fuels for various sectors: maritime, road transport, aviation. Decarbonization solutions for yachts, truck fleets, and other polluting industries. Technical support and consulting to integrate synthetic fuels into existing infrastructures without major modifications. Carbon footprint management through our LibertyFLEX platform for the tracking, management, and certification of CO2 emissions. Contact Information Email: contact@romanoenergy.com Website: https://romanoenergy.com/ Telephone: +377 92 05 69 79 Romano Energy Romano Energy is a leader in the production of sustainable synthetic fuels from recycled waste, including plastics and used oils. Since 2020, we have eliminated the use of fossil petroleum products, promoting a circular economy with low-carbon biofuels. Visit website Back to All Partners Become a member and enjoy the exclusive offers from our partners. Become a member

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

MHG Insurance introduced crew benefits to the marine industry in 1991 and have since grown into a multi-discipline marine insurance brokerage and adviser. MHG is now recognized internationally for developing innovative crew insurance programs for cruise lines, superyachts and commercial vessels worldwide. Our expertise in this specialised area is regularly utilised as a resource by clients, helping them interpret and stay up to date on regulations and legislation affecting the marine industry, especially in crew employment matters. While we are very proud of this, we believe that what sets us apart is the excellence of service provided to each client from inquiry stage, through the claims process and beyond. Our close relationship with the world’s leading insurance markets, combined with an outstanding service team, has positioned MHG as the marine industry’s authority on crew insurance. With offices located in Ft. Lauderdale, Isle of Man, and Hamburg, we are well placed to support vessel owners’ insurance requirements in major centres of marine activity. MHG Insurance MHG Insurance introduced crew benefits to the marine industry in 1991 and have since grown into a multi-discipline marine insurance brokerage and adviser. MHG is now recognized internationally for developing innovative crew insurance programs for cruise lines, superyachts and commercial vessels worldwide. Visit website Back to All Partners Become a member and enjoy the exclusive offers from our partners. Become a member

Last month’s news was that the crew on the 31m M/Y La Dolce Vita had to abandon their burning yacht off the Florida Keys before fire totally gutted it and the yacht sank. Other than the watches on their wrists and the smartphones in their pockets, they may not have managed to take many other of their personal belongings with them when they abandoned the yacht. Repatriation of Personal Possessions To All news 13 April 2021 Last month’s news was that the crew on the 31m M/Y La Dolce Vita had to abandon their burning yacht off the Florida Keys before fire totally gutted it and the yacht sank. Other than the watches on their wrists and the smartphones in their pockets, they may not have managed to take many other of their personal belongings with them when they abandoned the yacht. This was not a unique occasion when yacht crew have been unexpectedly separated from their personal effects in a traumatic manner. A brief online search will reveal a series of other yacht fires and founderings, including some very large yachts. Recently, the 75m S/Y Enigma burned out and sank off Langkawi. The 60m M/Y Yogi sank in heavy weather in the Aegean in February 2012. The Yogi episode was spread over several hours before the crew were lifted off by helicopter, and they reportedly had time to assemble all their belongings to take with them. In other incidents, the speed of abandonment was such that few of the crew members’ personal effects left with their owners. Bicycles, surfboards, parachute packs, and even laptops are unwelcome candidates as survival equipment in a life raft. The above examples illustrate one category of separations between crew and their possessions, namely accidents to vessels. Accidents to individuals, leading to unexpected hospitalization and/or repatriation, are another category. Fatalities, occurring either onboard or during the period of service, are a third category. The Covid-19 crisis has brought to our attention a fourth category of enforced separation of seafarers from their belongings. A combination of quarantine/isolation/lockdown restrictions, plus limited or total unavailability of air travel to particular destinations, has meant that some of our PYA members have been unable to rejoin their yachts after a period of leave and have consequently been paid off. The return of their belongings has not always gone smoothly. The foregoing serves to show that there exists a niche area of crew welfare that is often overlooked and unprepared for until a critical situation arises. Whenever seafarers are separated from their onboard personal possessions for whatever reason, there are specific regulations and protocols to follow. The particular duties and responsibilities of owners/managers and masters, and the rights of the seafarer concerned, will be found in the flag state shipping regulations (for instance the UK Merchant Shipping (Maritime Labour Convention) (Minimum Requirements for Seafarers etc.) Regulations 2014, Part6). In some instances the seafarer’s rights under such regulations may be embodied in, appended to, or referred to in the SEA. With regard to the UK Statutory Instrument referred to above, note the following paragraph: (13) The seafarer or the next of kin, as the case may be, must reimburse the shipowner for the reasonable delivery costs if demanded. A similar clause may be found in the regulations of other flag registries. There is no guidance as to the grounds for reimbursement of such delivery costs. Justifiable grounds could be extreme misconduct on board, leading to instant dismissal and police escort to the airport, or criminal conduct leading to imprisonment under the regime of the port being visited, such as possession of drugs or pornography. No matter who pays for the shipment, a proper accounting of all left-behind possessions is called for in all circumstances. In the event of personal belongings having to be shipped to a former crew member, or their next of kin, the circumstances leading to separation from those belongings, whether fire, foundering, sickness, injury or death are certain to create stress for those involved. The last thing that anybody needs is to compound the stress by controversy over the belongings which have been left behind on board. The best precaution to take in order to avoid a dispute over such possessions is to maintain onboard an electronic register into which each crew member can enter all relevant details regarding their personal belongings. Entries should include a photograph of each item (face and back of the case of expensive watches,) photograph of proof of purchase, make, model, serial number, a brief description, and any other pertinent information (such as provenance). The electronic format allows for easy updates as crew change or they buy themselves new toys, and remote cloud storage safeguards the list in the event of catastrophic annihilation of onboard records. The full list should be password protected, with at least one person ashore, possibly the DPA, having access. With this data always retrievable, appropriate action can be taken in the event of shipment of one person’s belongings, or a post-loss insurance claim by all crew members. If no central registry is kept on board, it would behove each individual crew member to maintain their own personal inventory in a similar remotely stored manner. In all instances, the Master or a delegated officer should verify the existence of all items listed. More news PYA - the Voice of yacht crew Discover how our actions go beyond membership to strengthen the entire yachting sector. 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 PYA Christmas Ball 2024 Highlights The PYA Christmas Ball, held on 6 December 2024, was an exceptional evening celebrating the yachting community in style. This year’s theme, Peaky Blinders meets Downton Abbey, provided the perfect blend of elegance and vintage charm, creating a truly memorable atmosphere. Read more

The ACP have issued a new Advisory for shipping as an extended period of drought hits normal operations in the Panama Canal. © Michael D. Camphin Panama Canal limits shipping due to low water levels affecting yacht transition times To All news 10 August 2023 The ACP have issued a new Advisory for shipping as an extended period of drought hits normal operations in the Panama Canal. Yachts that have not booked their transit will find delays running between 2 to 7 days. Unbooked larger vessels are also seeing very high delays of more than 2 weeks in certain cases. It is therefore recommended to book transit slots for specific days following the updated guidance. In particular yachts should plan ahead despite experiencing less disruption at present as the situation is changing daily. A limit of only 32 vessels on average per day is now in place until September 2024. Yachts that are over 125 feet which use Locomotives and Panama Canal Lineholders are also encouraged to book their transit for a specific day as August and September availability has almost run out. Delays could also worsen in the coming months with an increasing backlog of vessels due to the restrictions affecting yachts that have not yet made a decision on their transit booking dates. The new ACP Advisory is in effect since July 30th, and low water levels at the Gatun Lake as a result of the current drought means that measures are being taken now to avoid further restrictions. Due to the unpredictably dry season, additional action could be taken at short notice to restrict transits further. The Panama Canal Authority communiqué can be reviewed here for additional guidance. More news PYA - the Voice of yacht crew Discover how our actions go beyond membership to strengthen the entire yachting sector. 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 PYA Christmas Ball 2024 Highlights The PYA Christmas Ball, held on 6 December 2024, was an exceptional evening celebrating the yachting community in style. This year’s theme, Peaky Blinders meets Downton Abbey, provided the perfect blend of elegance and vintage charm, creating a truly memorable atmosphere. Read more