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Currently the IMO requires all Yachts over 500 gross tons to have a cybersecurity plan in their ISM, but the guidelines aren’t very clear. We asked Alex Bayeux, founder of YachtCyberSafe to shed some light on the subject. Clarifying CyberSecurity for Yachts To All news 17 August 2022 Currently the IMO requires all Yachts over 500 gross tons to have a cybersecurity plan in their ISM, but the guidelines aren’t very clear. We asked Alex Bayeux, founder of YachtCyberSafe to shed some light on the subject. Cybersecurity for Yachts and Crews Regulation in 2022 Digital security needs to be addressed and managed as the IMO has made it mandatory [1] . It starts with an assessment of the yacht's digital perimeter as the IMO requires a holistic assessment, i.e., not just technology-centered but also on organization and human factors. IMO Requirements 1. Have clear and operational documentation about the yacht’s digital perimeter, systems’ accesses, sensitive applications, emergency situations, and back-ups. 2. An awareness training session for the crew and management-oriented training for captains and first officers are mandatory under the IMO regulation. You do not need IT security training or IT skills. Guidelines for Captains If you are starting the season within less than 1 month , do the essentials: a 1-day digital review mission and awareness training will be very profitable. Do you feel far from those basic practices for digital hygiene? Do not panic! The best defense against cybercrime is common sense. Just be very careful with phishing, attached files… and never hesitate to call someone you know to confirm bank details before ordering significant money transfers (fraudulent money transfer is a very profitable activity for cybercriminals). If you are finishing the season or in the maintenance period , it is time to act. Below is a “holistic” overview to assess and protect your digital security. Examples of easy and critical actions to implement onboard: Technology : Isolate your virtual networks, including Wi-Fi access. If a criminal gains access to a network (like “guests” or “crew”), he cannot reach sensitive networks (like “audio-video”, “CCTV”, “work”, “owner” …). Organization : Use a password manager to manage and share passwords onboard (Bitwarden, LastPass, 1password…). With a password manager, you will never need to reuse the same password. Moreover, you will not write any more passwords to share access with a crewmate: your password manager allows password sharing and keeps audit tracking of access and changes. For many groups, an experienced consultant is useful to create the appropriate setting, security and change practices within the crew. Human : Consider your smartphone as the most exposed cyber equipment of the yacht. Indeed, if corrupted, criminals can read your WhatsApp, listen to discussions in cabins, control your email box, spoof your identity, and get codes you are receiving by text… Basic good practice is to install only apps with an excellent reputation and from official stores and to regularly review access granted to apps(from the settings of the smartphone). If you really like playing, downloading, watching videos, etc., use a second device for leisure. This enables you to control your digital life, including who is allowed to access your data. Procedures : Update your essential procedures. Be aware, if you are using a standardized procedure, that you check they really apply to your real situation: yacht, crewmates, external contractors, and suppliers. It would be unfortunate to implement procedures you do not comply with. Security : Add digital security to your management practices: briefing with crewmates and suppliers, use a simple appropriated dashboard that also shows the owner you are protecting his interests. Training : Train your crew on best practices. Training Awareness sessions are available from several providers and offer the required crew awareness (2hr) and management-orientated training for captains and first officers (2-3hr) required by the IMO. Training centres offer training on site, on board or even remotely, i.e., at La Belle Classe Academy – Yacht Club de Monaco you can join courses from anywhere online and interact as if you were in the classroom. Awareness : Spend time with your crewmates to discuss digital security situations. Sharing experiences, debriefing criminal attempts or incidents are excellent easy practices to start a culture of cyber risk awareness at all levels: crew, suppliers, and yacht managers. The next step is to bring appropriate solutions, that’s where you will probably need a specialized consultant. A cybersecurity assessment on yachts is not like a Penetration Test IT technicians use on IT servers for companies. Experts in cybersecurity for yachts must analyse the whole attack surface of the yacht. Of course, the crew and external contractors are part of the attack surface. YachtCyberSafe (based in Monaco and Nice) has developed an approach that fully complies with IMO’s requirements and provides results easy to implement and essential: good practices, procedures, awareness, a toolkit for crewmates, and a captain’s dashboard. Most common mistakes to avoid Be careful, the first common mistake is to focus on the usual computer equipment (navigation, PC, servers, CCTV ...), but the entry points for criminals are generally on everyday applications or common objects: smartphones, audio-video on board, Wi-Fi, emails, connected objects ... So, spending money to strongly secure your servers or systems will be useless if criminals can easily access critical information on crewmates’ smartphones (countless ways for criminals to access information thanks to smartphones; the most popular and cheapest way is phishing) or if crewmates or suppliers are using weak passwords (don’t smile, in 2022, most popular passwords remain “qwerty”, “password”, “0000”, “12345”, “11111”). How to act - Be pragmatic You have many powerful quick actions on board to digitally secure the yacht and crew without buying new IT services and devices. In other words, before adding a new lock on the armored front door, start checking if there are windows open, and close them. You’ll probably need support or consulting to guide you, but not IT technicians. When you are selecting your advisor, pay attention to choose someone who is independent of your systems or technology managers on board. For IMO, personnel conducting internal audits of the security activities shall be independent of the activities being audited (Source ISPS Code, Part A / 9. Ship Security Plan). Digital security is first and foremost a management issue As masters of the yacht and crew, captains need to have a global and precise understanding of the digital perimeter of their yachts and to have a simple dashboard to monitor the situation. Captains will probably delegate the implementation of solutions to other officers or external contractors. Yet, it is critical for them to monitor and challenge people dealing with digital systems. Digital management does not require IT skills, but a culture of digital security and good practices. This is essential to meet IMO’s requirements. For IMO : “Effective cyber risk management should start at the senior management level. Senior management should embed a culture of cyber risk awareness into all levels of an organization and ensure a holistic and flexible cyber risk management regime that is in continuous operation” [2] Strength of the IMO approach If you decide to implement the holistic approach that IMO requests, you will have full coverage of the cyber threats, be compliant with the IMO 2021 regulation, and will optimise your budget and resources for the best result for the owner and guests’ cyber protection. You will realize that Holistic Digital Management is based on common sense, much more efficient and less expensive than buying IT Security devices or services. If you have any questions or are interested in an assessment, please contact Alex Bayeux on https://yachtcybersafe.com | +33 616 99 21 00 | contact@yachtcybersafe.com . [1] no later than the first annual verification of the company's Document of Compliance after 1 January 2021 (source IMO / RESOLUTION MSC.428(98) / MARITIME CYBER RISK MANAGEMENT IN SAFETY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS [2] source IMO Guidelines / MSC-FAL.1 /Circ.3, 5 July 2017, § 3.3 More news Schengen EES Update: Guidance for Yacht Crew 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. Read more Launch of a New AV/IT Training Programme to Address Growing Skills Gap Onboard Superyachts The Professional Yachting Association (PYA) spearheaded the development of a series of courses to deliver fit-for-purpose AV/IT training, aligned with real onboard needs. The courses will be provided through IAMI GUEST Accredited training providers. Antibes (France), 21 Jan. 2026 - Yacht agents and captains are reporting a growing demand for crew with Electrical Technical Officer (ETO) certification. However, while an ETO Certificate of Competency is a degree-level qualification focused primarily on high-voltage electrical systems, the operational reality onboard many yachts tells a different story. Read more Real Life On Board Competition - Superyacht Reality Project The PYA, with the backing of the Raising The Bar think tank, invites yacht crew worldwide to contribute to Superyacht Reality – Real Life On Board, a global photo and video competition designed to reflect the authentic experience of working on superyachts. This initiative aims to support career awareness, promote realistic expectations of life at sea, and share the everyday moments that define professional yachting — from teamwork and skills development to the challenges and rewards of working on board. The competition starts on 19th January 2026, ends on 22nd March 2026, and the winners will be announced the following week. Read more

YPI CREW is Europe’s leading yacht crew recruitment agency founded in 2002, dedicated to connecting talented professionals with premier superyacht careers worldwide, guided by the values of partnership and trust. Founded in 2002 and part of the Schulte Group—one of the maritime industry’s longest-standing players—YPI CREW specialises in personalised yacht crew recruitment. Our expert recruiters champion candidates for positions aboard the world’s finest superyachts, ensuring a seamless match between talent and team. Guided by the core values of partnership and trust, we strive to build high-performing, united crew teams capable of delivering exceptional guest experiences, while fostering meaningful career development and new life opportunities across generations. Services Yacht crew recruitment and placement (specialist-focused, personalised service) Market intelligence (salary guidance and recruitment trend reports) Career support (CV templates, interview preparation, role insights, visa information) Consultation on wages, contracts, and competitive staffing strategies Industry advocacy and participation in professional forums and events Contact Information Website: www.ypicrew.com Email: info@ypicrew.com Phone: +33 (0)4 92 90 46 10 YPI CREW YPI CREW is Europe’s leading yacht crew recruitment agency founded in 2002, dedicated to connecting talented professionals with premier superyacht careers worldwide, guided by the values of partnership and trust. Visit website Back to All Partners Become a member and enjoy the exclusive offers from our partners. Become a member

All vessels of 300 gt and above must use a route that passes 2 miles S of Île du Porquerolles (43 degrees 00.01N 6 degrees13.63E), Île de Port-Cros (43 degrees 00.31N 6 degrees 23.67E) and Ile du Levant (43 degrees 01.90N 6 degrees 28.20E). South of France - Vessel Route Restrictions To All news 3 February 2019 Regulations 3.9a All vessels of 300 gt and above must use a route that passes 2 miles S of Île du Porquerolles (43 degrees 00.01N 6 degrees13.63E), Île de Port-Cros (43 degrees 00.31N 6 degrees 23.67E) and Ile du Levant (43 degrees 01.90N 6 degrees 28.20E). If the wind exceeds 20 kn and the swell exceeds 2 m; or if the firing practice areas S of the islands are active, vessels may use Petite Passe, after reporting to the signal station located on Île du Porquerolles. Speed through Petite Passe is limited to 12 kn. Vessels may also use Grande Passe provided they maintain a distance of at least 2 miles from the coast. The speed limit within Grande Passe is 16kn. Between the mainland and Port-Cros National Park (3.16) the speed limit is 20kn. UKHO; H102 Benjamin Heslop 01/19[NP46-No 29-Wk 06/19] More news Schengen EES Update: Guidance for Yacht Crew 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. Read more Launch of a New AV/IT Training Programme to Address Growing Skills Gap Onboard Superyachts The Professional Yachting Association (PYA) spearheaded the development of a series of courses to deliver fit-for-purpose AV/IT training, aligned with real onboard needs. The courses will be provided through IAMI GUEST Accredited training providers. Antibes (France), 21 Jan. 2026 - Yacht agents and captains are reporting a growing demand for crew with Electrical Technical Officer (ETO) certification. However, while an ETO Certificate of Competency is a degree-level qualification focused primarily on high-voltage electrical systems, the operational reality onboard many yachts tells a different story. Read more Real Life On Board Competition - Superyacht Reality Project The PYA, with the backing of the Raising The Bar think tank, invites yacht crew worldwide to contribute to Superyacht Reality – Real Life On Board, a global photo and video competition designed to reflect the authentic experience of working on superyachts. This initiative aims to support career awareness, promote realistic expectations of life at sea, and share the everyday moments that define professional yachting — from teamwork and skills development to the challenges and rewards of working on board. The competition starts on 19th January 2026, ends on 22nd March 2026, and the winners will be announced the following week. Read more

This year's PYA Sea Changes Forum took place on 29 September at the International Hydrographic Organisation at the Monaco Yacht Show. It was a fantastic forum with a lot of information shared about Regulations and Qualifications from leading Maritime Policymakers. Summary of the PYA Sea Changes Forum 2022 To All news 20 October 2022 This year's PYA Sea Changes Forum took place on 29 September at the International Hydrographic Organisationat the Monaco Yacht Show. It was a fantastic forum with a lot of information shared about Regulations and Qualifications from leading Maritime Policymakers. Below you will find a short summary of the proceedings along with links to each speaker’s presentation video. PYA Board Member Rod Hatch kicked off the forum discussing the new AV/IT certification currently under development, with input from Rod and from other PYA contributors. Mr. Ajit Jacob, Chief Examiner of the MCA presented the UK Hydrographic Office’s (UKHO) plans for the phased exit of paper charts to be compliant for digital navigation by 2026, and the MCA’s shift toward digital and the modernisation of training, including immersive training tools. The MCA is looking to overhaul its suite of student training and assessment criteria by end of 2023. Updates included the status of the amended STCW regulations, electronic training record book, online oral exams and streamlining pathways in OOW less than 500gt. Mr. Mauro Peresso, Technical Director at Transport Malta focused on the rules, regulations and flexibility of the Malta Commercial Yacht Code and the Passenger Yacht Code. He presented Crew Qualifications accepted on Malta Flagged Vessels and spoke about future trends such as green ships and the reality of the volume required for different types of fuel. Ms. Amelie Delamarre-Chardin and Ms. Ornella Valls, Head & Deputy Head of Marine Environment, Mediterranean Maritime Prefecture spoke about current French regulations (anchoring, light & sound, and the protection of marine mammals) and their enforcement in French Waters. Part of Ms. Valls presentation is cut off due to a technical glitch however Ms. Delamarre-Chardin revisits her points in the Q&A. Captain Luca Triggiani, Founding Member and Director of Training of the Italian YachtMasters spoke of taking action and accountability for managing yachting professionals through advanced training (leadership, behavioral analysis, sustainability practices, etc), networking and coaching. Italian YachtMasters path to a sustainable future is through zero tolerance of easy certification, following environmental regulations and advanced crew training for both practical and professional development. Mr. Richard Falk, RYA Director of Training and Qualifications spoke of the RYA’s efforts to improve digital offerings, focus more on practical learning, streamline yacht inspections, and broadly implement the Personal Watercraft (PWC) Safety Scheme. He touched on the confusion following Brexit and cleared up some misinformation. In addition, he asked to spread the word about the annual Trinity House RYA Yachtmaster Scholarship . Emma Baggett, Director of OM and Chair of the IAMI GUEST Program, focused on crew retention, why crew leave, the impact on the industry and ways we can redress the balance through personal and professional development. The GUEST Program (Guidelines for Excellence in Superyacht Training) is the recognised yacht qualification body for non-mandatory training & professional development and in addition to interior-based training, is now offering owner representative, new build and administration programs. Thank you to our valued sponsors for making the PYA Sea Changes 2022 possible: Burgess , MYBA , Maritime MT and VSF . More news Schengen EES Update: Guidance for Yacht Crew 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. Read more Launch of a New AV/IT Training Programme to Address Growing Skills Gap Onboard Superyachts The Professional Yachting Association (PYA) spearheaded the development of a series of courses to deliver fit-for-purpose AV/IT training, aligned with real onboard needs. The courses will be provided through IAMI GUEST Accredited training providers. Antibes (France), 21 Jan. 2026 - Yacht agents and captains are reporting a growing demand for crew with Electrical Technical Officer (ETO) certification. However, while an ETO Certificate of Competency is a degree-level qualification focused primarily on high-voltage electrical systems, the operational reality onboard many yachts tells a different story. Read more Real Life On Board Competition - Superyacht Reality Project The PYA, with the backing of the Raising The Bar think tank, invites yacht crew worldwide to contribute to Superyacht Reality – Real Life On Board, a global photo and video competition designed to reflect the authentic experience of working on superyachts. This initiative aims to support career awareness, promote realistic expectations of life at sea, and share the everyday moments that define professional yachting — from teamwork and skills development to the challenges and rewards of working on board. The competition starts on 19th January 2026, ends on 22nd March 2026, and the winners will be announced the following week. Read more

This MIN details a new route for applicants looking to gain an UK OOW yachts, less than 3000 GT, unlimited area, II/1 Certificate of Competency. New route to Officer of the Watch To All news 12 October 2018 This MIN details a new route for applicants looking to gain an UK OOW yachts, less than 3000 GT, unlimited area, II/1 Certificate of Competency. MIN 580 can be found here. It essentially is a new route for Seafarers wanting to gain an OOW Yachts Licence but don’t have the relevant service on smaller yachts due to the nature of the industry. More news Schengen EES Update: Guidance for Yacht Crew 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. Read more Launch of a New AV/IT Training Programme to Address Growing Skills Gap Onboard Superyachts The Professional Yachting Association (PYA) spearheaded the development of a series of courses to deliver fit-for-purpose AV/IT training, aligned with real onboard needs. The courses will be provided through IAMI GUEST Accredited training providers. Antibes (France), 21 Jan. 2026 - Yacht agents and captains are reporting a growing demand for crew with Electrical Technical Officer (ETO) certification. However, while an ETO Certificate of Competency is a degree-level qualification focused primarily on high-voltage electrical systems, the operational reality onboard many yachts tells a different story. Read more Real Life On Board Competition - Superyacht Reality Project The PYA, with the backing of the Raising The Bar think tank, invites yacht crew worldwide to contribute to Superyacht Reality – Real Life On Board, a global photo and video competition designed to reflect the authentic experience of working on superyachts. This initiative aims to support career awareness, promote realistic expectations of life at sea, and share the everyday moments that define professional yachting — from teamwork and skills development to the challenges and rewards of working on board. The competition starts on 19th January 2026, ends on 22nd March 2026, and the winners will be announced the following week. Read more

The PYA office in Antibes is open from Monday to Friday. To contact you can use the following number: +33 (0) 493349116 For one-to-one advice on work-related issues such as employment contracts (SEAs) or unpaid medical bills, our Member Assistance Service (MAS) is here to help at advice@pya.org Sea Service Testimonials, Deck / Engineering queries, NOEs, Revalidations, Conversions, etc.: srb@pya.org Yacht Rating Certificate : certificates@pya.org Marketing & Communication: pya@pya.org Accounting, Office Administration, Partnerships & Events: office@pya.org For all other enquiries: pya@pya.org Helpline for welfare: Sailors’ Society can offer you around-the-clock support, 365 days a year, whenever and wherever you need it. Call +1 938 222 8181 You can also call or instant chat by clicking on the blue icon on the website https://sailors-society.org/seafarers/helpline PYA Head Office 23 Rue du Général d'Andréossy 06600 Antibes, France Telephone: +33 (0)4 93 34 91 16 Working hours: 09:00 - 17:00 From Monday to Friday (Closed Saturday, Sunday) Agents BWA Yachting Antigua Antigua Start Now BWA Yachting Caribbean Caribbean, St Maarten Start Now BWA Yachting Corsica Corsica Start Now BWA Yachting Croatia Croatia Start Now BWA Yachting Gibraltar Gibraltar Start Now A1 Group Greece, Corfu Start Now BWA Yachting Greece Greece, Corfu Start Now A1 Group Greece, Piraeus Start Now BWA Yachting Greece Greece, Piraeus Start Now A1 Group Greece, Rhodes Start Now BWA Yachting Greece Greece, Rhodes Start Now Luise Group Italy, Naples Start Now Top Sail Italy Italy, Olbia Start Now Acquera Yachting Italy, Venice Start Now Thirty Seven South Ltd New Zealand, Auckland Start Now Professional Yachtmaster Training (PYT) South Africa, Cape Town Start Now Island Sailors Maldives South East Asia, Maldives Start Now BWA Yachting Spain Spain, Barcelona Start Now BWA Yachting Spain Spain, Palma de Mallorca Start Now Bluewater, Palma Spain, Palma de Mallorca Start Now BWA Yachting Turkey Turkey, Bodrum & Yalikavak Start Now UKSA UK, Isle of Wight Start Now JPMA & Hoylake Sailing School UK, Liverpool Start Now Warsash Superyacht Academy UK, Southampton Start Now BWA Yachting Florida USA, Florida Start Now BWA Yachting New England USA, New England Start Now Please contact our PYA Agents if you cannot come to Antibes and would like to join PYA or want to have your documents certified Open in Google Maps Please, send your enquiries directly to the appropriate department: Contact & Offices

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 Schengen EES Update: Guidance for Yacht Crew 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. Read more Launch of a New AV/IT Training Programme to Address Growing Skills Gap Onboard Superyachts The Professional Yachting Association (PYA) spearheaded the development of a series of courses to deliver fit-for-purpose AV/IT training, aligned with real onboard needs. The courses will be provided through IAMI GUEST Accredited training providers. Antibes (France), 21 Jan. 2026 - Yacht agents and captains are reporting a growing demand for crew with Electrical Technical Officer (ETO) certification. However, while an ETO Certificate of Competency is a degree-level qualification focused primarily on high-voltage electrical systems, the operational reality onboard many yachts tells a different story. Read more Real Life On Board Competition - Superyacht Reality Project The PYA, with the backing of the Raising The Bar think tank, invites yacht crew worldwide to contribute to Superyacht Reality – Real Life On Board, a global photo and video competition designed to reflect the authentic experience of working on superyachts. This initiative aims to support career awareness, promote realistic expectations of life at sea, and share the everyday moments that define professional yachting — from teamwork and skills development to the challenges and rewards of working on board. The competition starts on 19th January 2026, ends on 22nd March 2026, and the winners will be announced the following week. Read more

The PYA is authorised by the UK Maritime Coastguard Agency (MCA) and by Transport Malta to verify yacht sea service testimonials for all yacht crew worldwide. Your sea service is reviewed by the PYA’s Sea Service Department to ensure all the MCA’s definitions have been adhered to. This may require further information or evidence from the seafarer. Once everything is deemed reasonably true and correct, the testimonial will achieve it’s verified status. Step 1 – Why You Need It Sea Service verification is required for: Notice of Eligibility (NoE) applications, Certificate of Competency (CoC) revalidation and can be used to display your experience in your employment profile. PYA is authorised by the MCA (UK) and Transport Malta. Step 2 – Choose Your Option Full Members Get a Digital Service Record Book (D-SRB) an official document displaying all you verified sea service. Unlimited testimonial and certificate verification. Non-Members Get digitally signed testimonials (not a D-SRB). €50 per testimonial (a minimum purchase of two is required for the first submission). See all services Step 3 – Upload Your Documents Join or log in to your PYA profile and upload: Complete your profile (passport style photo, basic information, contact information, billing address) Certified copy of passport (.pdf) Certified certificates (optional) Step 4 – Use the Definitions Download and print the official MCA guidelines to complete your testimonials. Download and print the sea service definitions for Engineers. Download and print the sea service definitions for Deck. Step 5 – Allow for Processing The process is fully digital and can take up to 25 working days: A. Fill the testimonial form on your profile and send to your signatory (Captain, Chief Officer, Chief Engineer, Owner or Manager). B. Once the testimonial is digitally signed and confirmed by the signatory , it will go to the Sea Service Department to be reviewed . C. The sea service will either be approved by the Sea Service team or sent back with a request for more information or review. We remain available to you at this point if you wish to discuss the comments. D. Once approved by the sea service team, the testimonial will go to the SRB Officers who will give it a final review and verification. E. Verified testimonials will be show on your DSRB or be officially stamped . Sea Service Definitions : Free with Full Membership €50 (minimum 2) For non-members Become a member or pay for an individual testimonial Sea Service Verification The PYA is authorised by the UK Maritime Coastguard Agency (MCA) and by Transport Malta to verify yacht sea service testimonials for all yacht crew worldwide. To All services Discover our plans to get access to all the services we provide. Become a member

Discover how the SENTIO NAAT (PCR) test kits can provide easy onboard Covid-19 testing for your crew and guests. SENTIO Offers Next-Generation Onboard NAAT(PCR) Testing To All news 11 August 2021 Since the start of the pandemic, the gold standard molecular NAAT (Nucleic Acid Amplification Test) commonly known as PCR, has been required by multiple countries for travel and, with the introduction of the health pass in France, Monaco and Italy, a negative NAAT test will be required by crew and guests who have not been vaccinated or recently recovered from Covid-19 in order to access multiple venues, including restaurants, bars and long-distance travel. PYA Partner, SENTIO Protect, part of the wider SENTIO Group, is at the vanguard of maritime occupational health, safety & sustainability innovating solutions using the very latest technologies from leading diagnostic manufacturers. SENTIO Protect is offering all vessels the opportunity to take control of their testing by conducting Covid-19 testing onboard with their rapid molecular NAAT from cue health based in San Diego. This advanced testing platform has been authorized by the FDA, Health Canada, European Union and Ministry of Health India. It only requires a non-invasive lower nose sample, has absolutely no sample preparation and delivers results within 20 minutes through the Cue Health app on the mobile device. To increase testing speed, up to 6 Cue readers can be linked to the mobile device, which would then allow all 12 guests to be tested in 40mins. This can provide a huge amount of efficiency for yachts worldwide, as it allows for onboard testing upon guest and crew arrival and departure. How does it work? The Covid-19 test is part of the wider Cue Health genetic health monitoring platform, so it provides benefits fit for Covid-19 and beyond. The platform includes the digital reader device, the Covid-19 testing cartridge with swab and mobile tablet device pre-loaded with Cue Health app. The app guides the medical officer through every stage of the test and the result is displayed with a test certificate. Meet Cue... Follow this link to view a short video to see how easy the test is to use. “The phrase game changer can be overused, but this technology really does deserve the accolade,” asserts James Hammond, Chief Executive of SENTIO Protect. “We can now bring that accuracy right to the passerelle and have reliable results in real-time.” This technology provides a huge amount of convenience and assurance to guests and crew as they travel to different destinations and are subject to multiple immigration checks. For a short consultation to determine your vessel’s test profile and receive a tailored quotation contact SENTIO Protect: T. +44 207 1110817 E. cue@sentioprotect.com WhatsApp +447833292760 PYA Member Discount PYA member-exclusive arrangement, quote your PYA membership number and SENTIO Protect will include a digital reader at no cost for all orders of 150+ test cartridges. More news Schengen EES Update: Guidance for Yacht Crew 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. Read more Launch of a New AV/IT Training Programme to Address Growing Skills Gap Onboard Superyachts The Professional Yachting Association (PYA) spearheaded the development of a series of courses to deliver fit-for-purpose AV/IT training, aligned with real onboard needs. The courses will be provided through IAMI GUEST Accredited training providers. Antibes (France), 21 Jan. 2026 - Yacht agents and captains are reporting a growing demand for crew with Electrical Technical Officer (ETO) certification. However, while an ETO Certificate of Competency is a degree-level qualification focused primarily on high-voltage electrical systems, the operational reality onboard many yachts tells a different story. Read more Real Life On Board Competition - Superyacht Reality Project The PYA, with the backing of the Raising The Bar think tank, invites yacht crew worldwide to contribute to Superyacht Reality – Real Life On Board, a global photo and video competition designed to reflect the authentic experience of working on superyachts. This initiative aims to support career awareness, promote realistic expectations of life at sea, and share the everyday moments that define professional yachting — from teamwork and skills development to the challenges and rewards of working on board. The competition starts on 19th January 2026, ends on 22nd March 2026, and the winners will be announced the following week. Read more

Joint Concentrated Inspection Campaign (CIC) on STCW by the Tokyo and Paris MOU starts 1 Sept 22 Reminder - The CIC on STCW Port State Inspections will begin 1 September To All news 24 August 2022 The Paris and Tokyo MoU joint Concentrated Inspection Campaign (CIC) on STCW will begin on 1 September 22 during Port State Control Inspections. The Port State Control Officer will focus on 3 basic issues. Seafarer certification Manning Hours of Rest For the specific campaign questions, download the CIC inspections questionnaire . The CIC inspections will be applicable for all ships, and conducted in conjunction with the regular Port State Control inspection. This campaign will be held for three months, commencing on 1 September 2022, and ending on 30 November 2022. More news Schengen EES Update: Guidance for Yacht Crew 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. Read more Launch of a New AV/IT Training Programme to Address Growing Skills Gap Onboard Superyachts The Professional Yachting Association (PYA) spearheaded the development of a series of courses to deliver fit-for-purpose AV/IT training, aligned with real onboard needs. The courses will be provided through IAMI GUEST Accredited training providers. Antibes (France), 21 Jan. 2026 - Yacht agents and captains are reporting a growing demand for crew with Electrical Technical Officer (ETO) certification. However, while an ETO Certificate of Competency is a degree-level qualification focused primarily on high-voltage electrical systems, the operational reality onboard many yachts tells a different story. Read more Real Life On Board Competition - Superyacht Reality Project The PYA, with the backing of the Raising The Bar think tank, invites yacht crew worldwide to contribute to Superyacht Reality – Real Life On Board, a global photo and video competition designed to reflect the authentic experience of working on superyachts. This initiative aims to support career awareness, promote realistic expectations of life at sea, and share the everyday moments that define professional yachting — from teamwork and skills development to the challenges and rewards of working on board. The competition starts on 19th January 2026, ends on 22nd March 2026, and the winners will be announced the following week. Read more