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The PYA provides many different services. Become a member to get access to Sea Service Verification, Yacht Rating Certificate, Yacht Training Record Book and more. Learn more 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. Learn more Career Advice & support Support and Advice are available to members and potential new members to provide professional advice and one-to-one support to seafarers in yachting. Support and Advice to obtaining your NOE, CoC, Action Plan, Revalidation and Conversion. Learn more 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. Learn more OOW 3000 Deck Training Record Book The OOW 3000 Deck Training Record Book (TRB) is part of the requirements for the Officer of the Watch (Yachts) Certification – OOW 3000 (Y). Learn more Research & Insights Research and surveys are carried out on a regular basis by the PYA to learn about yachting industry issues from crew retention and recruitment through to safety, welfare and new technologies. Learn more Member Assistance Service The Member Assistance Service is a confidential support service that offers practical support to PYA members facing difficulties or challenges in their professional lives, including all work-related issues. Services we offer Join the PYA membership to get access to the services listed below.

Know more about regulations and guidelines including Sea Service Verification, Seaman Discharge Book, French Anchorage regulations and more. Superyacht Qualification Framework The Superyacht Qualification Framework (SYQF) is an Erasmus+ cooperation partnership in Vocational Education and Training (VET), co-funded by the European Union. Read more Superyacht Alliance The Professional Yachting Association, is proud to sit on the Board of Directors of the Superyacht Alliance, a collective of key industry organisations working together to strengthen professional standards and support the global yachting community. The Superyacht Alliance is a non-profit organisation based in Malta, founded by MYBA, SYBAss, and IAMI, with the shared objective of elevating industry standards, promoting collaboration, and enhancing professionalism through member-led initiatives. Read more French Anchorage Regulations France has introduced anchorage regulations (enforced in March 2021) which prevent yachts over 24m (78ft) from anchoring within areas containing protected Posidonia seagrass beds. Last update: 12/06/2024 Read more Webinars View all the webinars we've hosted Read more Employment contracts Learn about contracts for seafarers and use our template 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 Knowledge Base Explore the world of yachting and its regulations

The PYA offers paid partnership to highlight your organisation or business in its webpage. Load more A1 Group A1: Your yachting experts in Greece Read more Go to partner's website Yacht Management, Brokerage / Charter, Shipyard, Legal Services ASSET V Asset V is the quintessential management company, with a 150-year legacy in the marine industry. Our integrity heightens the best interests of our clients and partners. We offer seamless solutions through extensive experience and expertise for superior technical and operational management of a wide variety of vessels. Read more Go to partner's website Crew Recruitment Agency, Yacht Management, Services to yachts or crew BWA Yachting BWA Yachting is a worldwide yacht agency and yachting services provider formed to support captains, managers and crew, making their lives easier, assisting with the increasing demands of managing a modern superyacht. Our global office network stretches throughout the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the Caribbean and the Americas, providing a unique and seamless experience, wherever our clients are cruising. Read more Go to partner's website Yacht Agent, Services to yachts or crew Centralized intercountry general information shared to our members. Blue Oceans Yachting powered by Crew Unlimited Blue Oceans Yachting powered by Crew Unlimited, is your all-in-one yachting solution. From sales, charters, management, crew placement and crew training, we are here to optimize your yachting experience, one department at a time. Read more Go to partner's website Brokerage / Charter, Crew Recruitment Agency, Training Provider, Yacht Management 10% OFF crew placement fees for new clients and 25% OFF for existing clients, for all crew hired to start before November 1ST 2024. Our partners Brokerage / Charter Crew Recruitment Agency Digital Transformation Consultant Helpline Law firm Legal Services Marina / Port Services to yachts or crew Shipyard Supplier Training Provider Water Treatment Yacht Agent Yacht Insurance Yacht Management Yacht Media Yachting Association Explore our partners and the special offers they provide for PYA members. Or become a partner now to promote your brand to the PYA members.

Latest latest news from yachting industry and PYA partners. 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. 16 April 2026 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. 22 January 2026 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. 21 January 2026 Read more Latest industry news Last > 1 > First

The PYA is a non-profit association which was founded in 1991, and exists primarily to represent the interests of professional yacht crew around the world. Now with members from over 90 countries worldwide, the PYA is THE body for professional yacht crew. About us Who We Are The Professional Yachting Association (PYA) is the voice of professional yacht crew worldwide. Since 1991 as a non-profit, trade association, we represent the interests of yacht crew and yachting companies, advocating on their behalf with maritime and other authorities across the globe. Powered by over 10,000 international members, our mission is to promote high standards of qualification, skills and knowledge. With the collaboration of our PYA partners, we strengthen the yachting industry and support its professionals. Our Role in the Industry: PYA attends policy meetings with the UK Maritime Coastguard Agency (MCA) and other administrative bodies, ensuring yacht crew voices are heard in decision-making processes. Beyond advocacy, we play a key role in the industry's development, offering crucial services such as the MCA-approved Service Record, an essential tool for career progression that ensures seamless verification of sea time and compliance with industry regulations. We actively support crew wellbeing across all aspects of their careers providing access to essential resources and safety guidance through our Member Assistance Service and Onboard Safety Group. These services are managed collaboratively by our experienced teams and council members. From our headquarters, the PYA staff... Read more Watch a video What does the PYA do for yacht crew? Historical Achievements For over three decades, PYA has driven significant change in the yachting industry. Here are some of our key achievements: 2025: PYA launches its new digital platform, transforming the way Sea Service Testimonials are processed. The entire system is now online — no more paper forms — making the submission and verification process faster and easier for crew and captains alike. 2025: The PYA was granted permission by the MCA to verify sea service carried out in the Amazon Basin, to be used for CoC revalidations. Read more Why Join The PYA 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. Read more

HydroCare is a specialist in water treatment solutions, offering certified & accredited water analysis, filtration systems, water softeners & water makers services and disinfection services tailored for yachting industry. With over 10 years of experience serving the yachting industry, HydroCare is a trusted expert in water treatment and purification solutions. We specialize in certified water analysis (COFRAC ISO 17025), the installation and maintenance of advanced filtration systems, UV and silver ion disinfection technologies, water makers, water softeners, and water dispensers. We also supply high-quality consumables tailored to the specific needs of yachts and the maritime sector. HydroCare, our commitment to quality and sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. We are proud to operate under ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 standards and actively engage in Corporate Social Responsibility (RSE) initiatives to ensure our practices respect both people and the environment. Our mission is to deliver safe, sustainable, and high-performing water solutions that meet the highest standards of reliability and hygiene. We value transparency, technical excellence, and long-term partnerships with a dedicated focus on supporting our clients through innovation, responsiveness, and a deep understanding of the challenges in the marine environment. Services Certified Water Analysis Water Maker Supply & Maintenance Water Filtration Systems UV and Silver Ion Disinfection systems Water Softeners Under-Sink Water Dispensers & filtration Consuma bles Supply Technical Support & Emergency Assistance Consulting & System Optimization Rental Services for Events & Temporary Installations Contact information contact@hydrocare-eu.com https://www.hydrocare-eu.com +33(0)602 041 571 HydroCare HydroCare is a specialist in water treatment solutions, offering certified & accredited water analysis, filtration systems, water softeners & water makers services and disinfection services tailored for yachting industry. Visit website Back to All Partners Offer on Our Water Filtration Systems : enjoy a 10% discount on installation fees & receive a complimentary spare filter set with every set purchased (offer valid with the purchase of a water filtration system). Contact us to find out more. Become a member and enjoy the exclusive offers from our partners. Become a member

Maldives Yacht Support provides full agency support throughout the Maldives.From the vessel's first entry point to Maldives, yacht cruising throughout the Maldives receive the highest quality maritime agency service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. From fueling to formalities, cruise permits to provisioning, MYS is there from start to finish. Maldives Yacht Support provides full agency support throughout the Maldives.From the vessel's first entry point to Maldives, yacht cruising throughout the Maldives receive the highest quality maritime agency service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. From fueling to formalities, cruise permits to provisioning, MYS is there from start to finish. Our vision: To ensure the owner enjoy maximum quality time on his yacht while we make sure ongoing process presents no obstacles. Our aim is to offer a seamless service to both principals and guests visiting the Maldives Islands from the initial stages of planning the yacht's stay until departure. Maldives Yacht Support Pvt Ltd Maldives Yacht Support provides full agency support throughout the Maldives.From the vessel's first entry point to Maldives, yacht cruising throughout the Maldives receive the highest quality maritime agency service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. From fueling to formalities, cruise permits to provisioning, MYS is there from start to finish. Visit website Back to All Partners Become a member and enjoy the exclusive offers from our partners. Become a member

Read our guide with the latest Brexit regulations for yacht crew and watch our latest webinar recording. Guide - Brexit regulations for yacht crew To All news 14 January 2021 Your Brexit questions answered During our recent webinar on 12/01/2021, our panel of yachting agents answered the following questions. General regulations The UK left the EU on 31/12/2020 UK citizens can now only stay in the EU for ‘tourist’ purposes (unless official resident status has been obtained) for 90-days within a 180-day period. If you were in the EU before the Brexit date (31/12/2020), you should consider your 90-day period to have started on 01/01/2021. UK citizens need to have their passport stamped IN & OUT upon entering & exiting the EU borders UK citizens need a valid passport, no older than 10 years with at least 6 months left before it expires. UK citizens are not legally allowed to work in the EU, unless they have a valid work visa. Please note, although working onboard a vessel is permitted as it’s seen as work offshore, some EU-flagged vessels (e.g. France and Spain) require crew who work onboard these vessels to have the legal right to work in the EU. Therefore, UK citizens would require an EU work visa to work on these vessels. NB: Although immigration and travel rules are the same throughout Europe, every country and port might have slightly different requirements, so we urge crew to work with local yacht agents to assist them with their immigration. What are the immigration rules for UK crew who arrived in the EU and were working onboard vessels before Brexit 31/12/2020? FRANCE Update 18/01/2021 Crew having arrived prior 1/1/21 not having a Schengen entry stamp, cannot be stamped ‘out'. These crew are considered to be in transit. UK citizens can only get stamped ‘out’ if you have an entry stamp. Crew departing to fly out of France can get stamped 'in' prior to leaving the boat and will get stamped out at the last Schengen airport. However, should you fly out prior to 31/3/21 there is no obligation to get stamped ‘in’ first as you will be in same case as any odd tourist using his 90 days from 1/1/21. When leaving after 31/3/21 it is compulsory to get stamped ‘in’ to the Schengen area (EU) to avoid suspicion of overstay. Documents required Valid passport: Must be valid for at least 6 months longer than the planned stay in Schengen and less than 10 years old. Seaman's book: A Seaman's discharge book can be used to prove seafarer status, without which no ‘out’ stamp will/should be granted by port immigrations. We must insist, especially for yachts not using agents, that the crew hold a seaman book in order to handle the immigration matters on a legal basis. 90 days allowance: per any 180 days running period. Prior stamp request in ports: Most immigration offices can stamp with 24h notice or even less. Some immigration points will ask for 5 workdays notice which is the maximum legal notice time. [Answer supplied by Mark Ravnholt, Catalano Shipping France 12/01/2021] SPAIN Unlike France, Spain is not automatically counting the entry date of crew members who arrived before Brexit as 01/01/2021 and the start of their 90-day allowance. Crew will need to be stamped ‘in’ to Spain by a local yachting agent for their 90-day period to start. Due to current COVID regulations, UK crew will need to have proof of departure in order to get stamped ‘In’. This might include flights or supporting documentation from the vessel or management company proving their departure. Immigration/ Border Police Appointment Times: Must have an appointment & be accompanied by an authorised agent. Regular appointment times: Monday-Friday from 08.30 - 14,00 (Palma from 08:00 and occasionally available in the evening). Emergency appointments are available under exceptional circumstances. Documentation needed: Certificate of Registry (if the boat's not already a BWA Yachting client). Passport. Seaman's Book (or documentation from the boat proving employment, plus professional certificates etc). An updated crew list including the crew member’s name. Copy of the travel details (where relevant). [Answer supplied by Antonella Della Pietra, BWA Yachting Spain 12/01/2021] What if a UK citizen (crew member) has residency in an EU country? UK crew/citizens who hold a valid EU residency card or passport have the same residency and immigration rights as EU citizens. They can live, work and travel within the EU and not face the restrictions that standard UK citizens are now facing after Brexit. These crew need to ensure they travel with their EU residency card and passport at all times to show proof of residency. These individuals are not subject to the 90-day rule and will not have to get their passport stamped in or out when they travel or work on vessels within the EU. How far can crew travel from their vessel (in the port) once stamped out the EU? Some ports, especially larger commercial ports, can have strict policies on crew movement beyond the vessel once they have been stamped out of the EU. At certain times, local authorities can enforce stricter rules. It is therefore important that crew have their Seaman’s Book with them as this will confirm their status as a seafarer and allow them to circulate shoreside in the port of call and the neighbouring touching towns within the same country (If you are based in the last town on a border e.g. Menton, France, this does not allow you to enter the next country e.g. Italy). What about UK crew looking for work or dock walking during their 90-day travel allowance? UK citizens are not allowed to work in the EU (on-land) after Brexit. However, UK citizens are allowed to work onboard vessels within EU waters. But, some EU-flagged vessels (France, Spain) will require non-EU crew to hold a valid work visa. What about crew tax declarations? UK crew who spend long periods of time working on vessels based in EU ports might be liable to pay tax and/or social security charges within the local EU state. We advise all crew to look into the rules and regulations of the individual EU state they are in. How can UK crew get a Seaman’s Book? UK crew (with existing or prospective jobs only) can apply for a UK Seaman’s Book in person (at one of the UK Marine Offices) or via post - see full details here . Please note, the PYA has contacted the MCA and they have confirmed that they currently have a 10-week delay in processing Seaman’s Books and have removed the 24-hour turnaround service, so it’s best to wait until these processing times have improved before making your application. In the meantime, we suggest contacting a yacht agent to advise which other documentation is accepted by your local port customs officials to prove your status as a seafarer. In addition, UK crew can apply for another flag state seaman’s book - this will be determined by the flag state of the vessel on which you are employed. Here are some additional details: Malta is reluctant to issue seaman books to non-Maltese crew if the boat is not based in Malta Sweden only issues seaman’s Books to individuals having had merchant marine or navy experience Panama can issue a seaman book for a great number of nationalities working on a great number of flag states. However, this is a very slow procedure (count 2 months) and the book has only got 4 pages. At some ports, the PYA Service Record Book has been known to be accepted, however, this will need to be confirmed by a local yachting agent. Validity of Certification The below questions have been answered by Richard Falk from the RYA on 12/01/2021. Has the validity of UK (RYA) certificates been affected by Brexit? To date we have not been advised of any changes in the validity of UK and RYA certificates by most EU countries. In Spain, however, we are advised that vessels under 14 meters which are UK flagged are no longer able to obtain a permit to operate commercially. Therefore, crew who hold UK Certificates of Competence (CoC’s) can no longer operate vessels under 14 meters in Spain , regardless of what flag they are registered under. We are still awaiting a response as to whether this ruling applies to holders of MCA STCW 200 gt COC’s also. Are ICCs issued by the UK still valid in the EU? ICCs are still valid , with the exception of Spain. In Spanish waters, UK ICCs are no longer valid on a Spanish vessel, or on a vessel flagged under any member EU state. Spain has not adopted ‘UNEC Resolution 40’ and are therefore not obliged to follow any of the conventions relating to the ICC, whereas most other EU nations have. Please note, the operation of tenders has not been addressed by the Spanish authorities - this will need to be confirmed with local authorities . It is considered good practice however to ensure that tenders to larger vessels are clearly identified as such in order to minimise any risk of problems. What should crew do if they are unsure about the validity of their RYA/UK certificates in individual EU states? Crew should seek confirmation/clarification on the validity of their certificates in individual EU countries. Right now, the RYA has not been informed by any EU member states (other than Spain) that their certification is no longer valid. Will RYA examiner and instructor certificates still be valid with EU training schools? The instructor qualifications are still valid for instructing RYA courses in the EU. Examiner qualifications are also still valid for examining Yachtmasters under exam conditions. However, in Spain, the RYA / MCA Yachtmaster CoC which underpins RYA instructor qualifications is no longer accepted by the authorities there. Instructors would therefore need to hold an appropriate Spanish COC or work under someone who is legally able to be in command of that vessel. Those working on a freelance basis from outside of the EU would be subject to immigration laws and cannot instruct as a tourist. our understanding is that examiners are allowed to continue working in the EU and Spain as they are employed by the RYA and effectively travelling on business in the EU. Looking for more information? Watch our recent webinar . https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RZqNbLtHqgk Please note, this information is only correct at the time of airing 12.01.2021 and may have changed since this date. The PYA accepts no responsibility for any losses associated with this advice. Please consult a local yachting agent to get up-to-date advice based on your individual circumstances. 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

Resolutions, detoxes and diets...How's it going? Are you living in a haze of green smoothies and dawn yoga sessions, or have you fallen off the wagon and eaten half the crew mess Pringles? The Weight of Expectations - Yacht crew & eating disorders To All news 8 April 2021 If you’re locked down in a port or shipyard, maybe getting fit is the only thing you can do right now, but fad diets are ever present, aren't they? In this privileged world of yachting, food is abundant, there are lunch and dinner buffets, crew mess cupboards bursting with snacks, leftover guest lobster… and it’s ironic that amidst all this glorious food, many of us are trying very hard not to eat it. Continue reading here . Author: The K Flag 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

Crew mental health and wellbeing have come to the forefront of many conversations within the yachting industry, with more and more yacht crew coming forward to share their struggles and multiple yachting organisations responding with services to support them. Crew Mental Wellbeing in the Spotlight To All news 5 November 2020 Crew mental health and wellbeing have come to the forefront of many conversations within the yachting industry, with more and more yacht crew coming forward to share their struggles and multiple yachting organisations responding with services to support them. Due to the increased pressure and uncertainty placed on crew this year due to the pandemic, mental health and wellbeing has never been so important. One of the organisations leading the response to crew wellbeing and providing a 24-hour helpline for seafarers all over the world, is ISWAN. ISWAN's Yacht Crew Help - Launching Soon In addition to their general helpline for seafarers, ISWAN will be launching an additional 24/7 helpline via their 'Yacht Crew Help' website which will provide specialised wellbeing support for yacht crew worldwide. The PYA is dedicated to improving the mental health and wellbeing support available to yacht crew, so we have been working closely with ISWAN as a supporting organisation behind the development of this service. This website is due to go live in November 2020, so we will follow-up with the full details on how you can access this service. Sailor's Society Launches Wellbeing Petition The Sailor's Society is a charity offering welfare, chaplaincy, mental health support and crisis response to seafarers and their families around the world. They too run a 24/7 helpline for seafarers, plus a number of chaplains situated in ports worldwide. In addition to this support, they run a number of campaigns to advocate on behalf of seafarers and raise awareness of the issues they face to promote their welfare within the maritime industry and to the general public. #Notonmywatch Recently, the Sailor's Society launched a petition to make wellbeing training a mandatory part of the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC). By providing wellbeing training to seafarers, they hope that this will reduce the prevalence of depression and suicide amongst seafarers. The PYA is supporting this initiative and intends to be proactive as it develops. Sign the petition. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZvaTeUDVX_I 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