Crew retention is generally perceived to be one of the biggest headaches in the yachting industry, yet cited as one of the most important factors in maintaining an efficient and happy ship. Crew retention - How to build and keep a great team To All news 9 April 2021 We spoke to leading industry figures in recruitment, training and operations to ascertain the fundamental issues surrounding crew retention – and identify the best strategies for improving longevity. One stumbling block which is universally agreed upon is lack of leadership, with Luxury Hospitality founder Peter Vogel citing poor leadership as the number one reason for crew moving on. "If you are not led in a professional manner that feels fair and just, why would you remain?" he asks. Continue reading here . Author: Karen Hockney More news Sea Changes Forum 2026 The PYA is pleased to invite you to the 2026 Sea Changes Forum, taking place on Thursday, 24 September 2026, at the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) in Monaco, during the Monaco Yacht Show. Read more Upcoming Webinar: Water Safety On Yachts The Professional Yachting Association is pleased to invite yacht crew and industry professionals to an upcoming live webinar dedicated to Water Safety On Yachts, taking place on 10 June 2026 from 15:00 to 16:00CET. Led by recognised experts in water management and regulatory compliance, this session will explore the common bacteria found in vessel water systems, the risks they pose to crew, guests and operations, and the practical measures that can be implemented to maintain safe onboard water standards. Read more 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

IMO Resolution MSC,428 (98) requires all SNS systems to include measures to ensure cyber security by the 2021 annual verification date. The paper side of this requirement, namely the insertion of new procedures into a current SMS, or the writing of a separate cyber SMS, only goes part way to meeting the intent of the IMO Resolution. The operational aspect is another story. AV/IT Advisory To All news 27 March 2021 IMO Resolution MSC,428 (98) requires all SNS systems to include measures to ensure cyber security by the 2021 annual verification date. The paper side of this requirement, namely the insertion of new procedures into a current SMS, or the writing of a separate cyber SMS, only goes part way to meeting the intent of the IMO Resolution. The operational aspect is another story. Yachting is a special sector of the maritime industry, in that the onboard entertainment systems, wifi stability, and uninterrupted connectivity, are deemed of equal importance as, for example, essential navigational data and machinery monitoring. One of the yacht’s entertainment channels may display position, route, speed, ETA, weather and other associated information. So essential data becomes mixed into entertainment, creating an infotainment scenario. Coming into this mix is whatever unmonitored external data streams are being sucked in by crew and guests. Accordingly, whoever has responsibility for a yacht’s AV/IT systems has two tasks. The first is to maintain the functioning of all units associated with entertainment and with communications/connectivity. The second is to detect and prevent malicious interference with such functioning. There is at present no recognised training programme nor any flag-approved qualification for AV/IT personnel in any sector. The IMO has published guidelines on achieving cyber security, but there are at present no flag-approved cyber security qualifications. The UK MCA has published a Code of Practice, but there is no mandatory training. The MCA’s ETO COC for the merchant service is totally irrelevant to the peculiarities of the yachting AV/IT field. All that is available at present is an ad hoc assortment of online self-learning, onboard induction by equipment manufacturers or installers, and some useful classroom courses which have no official sanction. The PYA, approached the Merchant Navy Training Board (MNTB) two years ago with a proposal to submit a non-mandatory AV/IT training matrix for yacht personnel, with sufficient credibility to attain formal MNTB recognition. Early work was interrupted by the C-19 pandemic. Recently a well-attended Zoom meeting was chaired by PYA Director John Wyborn to invite industry players to contribute ideas towards giving a recognised status to yacht AV/IT personnel. A small focus work group has now been assembled to produce a draft proposal for yacht AV/IT training and recognition. There is a general consensus that some core knowledge will be essential, but the time and monetary commitment required for mandatory classroom courses should be circumvented by using an online modular approach, incorporating some of the initiatives referred to above. For many positions on board yachts, AV/IT skills are a sine qua non for employment. The immediate intent of the PYA and partners in this enterprise is to give AV/IT yacht personnel official recognition of their skills, thereby enhancing career prospects and providing a negotiating base for appropriate salary compensation. In the longer term, the speed of technological advance and its concomitant vulnerabilities will force the IMO to mandate formal training to cover the AV/ITsystems on maritime mobile platforms. By that time, we intend to have in place an empirically tried and tested effective training system which will defend the yachting sector from such IMO over-reach as occurred during the drafting of MLC, 2006. Accordingly, any input from any crew member in any department about how to develop an approved AV/IT (Yacht) Certificate of Proficiency (COP) will be welcome. Think big, think outside the passive classroom setting, think about any personal lessons you may have learned from online instruction during the past 12 months, think for example about ways in which you can demonstrate and upload your skills, or record and transmit a successful solution to a technical AV/IT problem, to a remote monitor/instructor who can credit your work towards issuance of such COP. Any recommendations to make about online or classroom courses you have already attended? All submissions will be acknowledged, with a follow-up acknowledgement if any suggestion is incorporated into the final approved matrix. Captain Rod Hatch PYA Director deck.engineering@pya.org More news Sea Changes Forum 2026 The PYA is pleased to invite you to the 2026 Sea Changes Forum, taking place on Thursday, 24 September 2026, at the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) in Monaco, during the Monaco Yacht Show. Read more Upcoming Webinar: Water Safety On Yachts The Professional Yachting Association is pleased to invite yacht crew and industry professionals to an upcoming live webinar dedicated to Water Safety On Yachts, taking place on 10 June 2026 from 15:00 to 16:00CET. Led by recognised experts in water management and regulatory compliance, this session will explore the common bacteria found in vessel water systems, the risks they pose to crew, guests and operations, and the practical measures that can be implemented to maintain safe onboard water standards. Read more 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

The PYA Welfare Group will chair a new webinar on crew rights and wellbeing, bringing together experts from key Flag states to discuss important issues affecting seafarers globally. © Chris Gouvernelle PYA Welfare Group to launch new webinar on crew rights and wellbeing To All news 23 October 2023 The PYA Welfare Group will chair a new webinar on crew rights and wellbeing, bringing together experts from key Flag states to discuss important issues affecting seafarers globally. The latest webinar follows a series of discussions in the past year including a forum held by the PYA Welfare Group with key Flag states that covered how to deal with bullying, harassment and other workplace issues. With many yacht crew unfamiliar with local and international support resources available to them, the Flag states discussion was well received by the community. It also provided the opportunity for participants to ask questions as well as learn about regulations. Building on that success, our latest webinar, chaired by Angela Wallace, Director of Interior Training for the PYA Welfare Group, will welcome the Flag states back to explore further areas of crew rights and wellbeing. The following guests will attend: Guest speakers Ivan Tabone - Deputy Chief Officer at the Merchant Shipping Directorate at Transport Malta Authority Martyn Oates - Technical Policy Manager, Isle of Man Ship Registry Holly Griffin - Seafarer Living and Working Conditions Policy Manager, UK Maritime and - Coastguard Agency James Hatcher - Senior Maritime Policy Adviser and Shipping Master, Cayman Islands Shipping Registry Alexander von Stein - Advisor / Special Agent / Certified Trainer of trainers and maritime inspectors MLC 2006, Marshall Islands Registry France representative (DIRM MED/RIF) - To be confirmed To take part in this webinar, you can reserve your place by booking via our event page . If you would like to host a webinar with the PYA, please contact us on info@pya.org with the subject ‘Webinar Partner’. We look forward to welcoming you to our latest webinar hosted by the PYA Welfare Group! To access our previous webinars, you can visit our website to see the latest discussions in the archive . More news Sea Changes Forum 2026 The PYA is pleased to invite you to the 2026 Sea Changes Forum, taking place on Thursday, 24 September 2026, at the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) in Monaco, during the Monaco Yacht Show. Read more Upcoming Webinar: Water Safety On Yachts The Professional Yachting Association is pleased to invite yacht crew and industry professionals to an upcoming live webinar dedicated to Water Safety On Yachts, taking place on 10 June 2026 from 15:00 to 16:00CET. Led by recognised experts in water management and regulatory compliance, this session will explore the common bacteria found in vessel water systems, the risks they pose to crew, guests and operations, and the practical measures that can be implemented to maintain safe onboard water standards. Read more 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

With the number of yachties in the industry growing year-on-year, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to stand out when applying for a job. When starting out, the majority of green crew already hold the basic required courses, so it’s important to continue your professional development - especially if you have a number of years’ experience... Top 10 Courses to Boost your Yachting Career To All news 5 December 2019 With the number of yachties in the industry growing year-on-year, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to stand out when applying for a job. When starting out, the majority of green crew already hold the basic required courses, so it’s important to continue your professional development - especially if you have a number of years’ experience - to work your way up the yachting ranks. We’ve put together a list of some of the best complimentary courses to develop your yachting career and help your CV stand out when applying for your next job. These include: 1. Tender or Powerboat handling Get the skills and background knowledge needed to drive a powerboat, including launching and recovery, boat handling, securing to a buoy, anchoring, leaving and coming alongside and man overboard. 2. Personal watercraft (PWC) courses PWC courses are mandatory for crew to handle PWCs (jet ski’s) for recreational and transport purposes. Many yachts also become certified as RYA PWC training schools to ensure all jet ski operation for guests is legitimate. 3. Helicopter training (Heli-ops) There’s a wide range of safety and operational challenges for crew working on yachts with helipads. These courses teach the firefighting and helipad procedure skills that are necessary to ensure maximum safety. 4. Diving certificate All-encompassing diving courses are a great addition to yacht crew CVs and can be beneficial for recreation and rescue purposes. 5. AEC (Approved Engine Course) This introductory engineering course can open doors and get your foot on the passerelle as it’s useful for crew who have non-yachting engineering qualifications. 6. Yacht Rating Certificate (YRC) Some vessels require crew to have a Yacht Rating Certificate as part of their safe manning requirements. The PYA issues these certificates to verify basic safety training as well as yacht and sea service time. To get one read here. 7. Wind and kite surfing course Wind and kite surfing are excellent recreational activities due to the small size they pack down to. They also allow crew and guests to access secluded seaside spots. 8. Beverage courses Complimentary beverage courses are a great way to add arsenal to any interior crew’s CV, including cocktails/mixology, wine appreciation and barista training. 9. Leadership/management courses Learn how to prioritise tasks, motivate individuals and foster an effective team ethic - applicable to all interior and exterior crew roles. 10. International car driving license Many superyachts have their own vehicles to transport guests to and from ports. Having an international driving license can be a big advantage as it allows crew to collect provisions and transport guests to restaurants, tourist spots and airports. For more information about training and certification, please contact srb@pya . org . For tailored advice to interior training and certification, contact interior@pya.org . More news Sea Changes Forum 2026 The PYA is pleased to invite you to the 2026 Sea Changes Forum, taking place on Thursday, 24 September 2026, at the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) in Monaco, during the Monaco Yacht Show. Read more Upcoming Webinar: Water Safety On Yachts The Professional Yachting Association is pleased to invite yacht crew and industry professionals to an upcoming live webinar dedicated to Water Safety On Yachts, taking place on 10 June 2026 from 15:00 to 16:00CET. Led by recognised experts in water management and regulatory compliance, this session will explore the common bacteria found in vessel water systems, the risks they pose to crew, guests and operations, and the practical measures that can be implemented to maintain safe onboard water standards. Read more 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

Find out how you can access confidential and anonymous email support for sexual harassment whilst onboard. Safer Waves offers crew sexual harassment support To All news 6 July 2021 PYA Councillor, Lynne Edwards, recently wrote an article highlighting the prevalence of sexual harassment in the yachting industry, which included some of the findings from our survey on sexual harassment, conducted in 2018. Since then, multiple yachting organisations developed services to offer crew more support in this area, including Safer Waves - an organisation set up in 2019 offering support services for seafarers who have experienced sexual assault, sexual harassment or gender discrimination on board. Safer Waves is a UK registered charity and has recently introduced their anonymous email support service, run by a team of volunteers who have received training from Rape Crisis South London in how to respond to emails about sexual violence, providing emotional support and information. What to do if you’ve been a victim of sexual harassment? Crew should always report instances of sexual harassment or assault to their HOD’s or Captain onboard. If no action has been taken, we advise crew to report all incidents to their management company and organisations such as the PYA or ISWAN who can provide confidential assistance and put you in touch with legal professionals and counseling services, such as Safer Waves. For more information about Safer Waves, click here . To read Lynne Edwards' article via OnboardOnline, click here. More news Sea Changes Forum 2026 The PYA is pleased to invite you to the 2026 Sea Changes Forum, taking place on Thursday, 24 September 2026, at the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) in Monaco, during the Monaco Yacht Show. Read more Upcoming Webinar: Water Safety On Yachts The Professional Yachting Association is pleased to invite yacht crew and industry professionals to an upcoming live webinar dedicated to Water Safety On Yachts, taking place on 10 June 2026 from 15:00 to 16:00CET. Led by recognised experts in water management and regulatory compliance, this session will explore the common bacteria found in vessel water systems, the risks they pose to crew, guests and operations, and the practical measures that can be implemented to maintain safe onboard water standards. Read more 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

Following the PYA’s support to help boost the uptake of Clear Ocean Pact’s war on single-use plastic, the organisation has been recognised at the People. Environment. Achievement (P.E.A) awards, for their contributions towards forging an ecologically-conscious blueprint for businesses and organisations within the yachting industry.  Clear Ocean Pact wins UK award for being involved in changing the face of the planet To All news 14 November 2019 Following the PYA’s support to help boost the uptake of Clear Ocean Pact’s war on single-use plastic, the organisation has been recognised at the People. Environment. Achievement (P.E.A) awards, for their contributions towards forging an ecologically-conscious blueprint for businesses and organisations within the yachting industry. The green-carpet event, held at Greenwich Peninsula, London, invited a range of businesses committed to promoting ecologically-friendly and conscious lifestyles. Clear Ocean Pact was honoured to win the award within the ‘Travel’ category, which the organisation’s founder said ‘is a step in the right direction to represent how the yachting industry is leading the change and working towards becoming more sustainable.’ The climate emergency is fast becoming a topic high up the agenda within the yachting industry, so it has been a positive step to see a large number of high-profile yachts join the PACT. We recently called upon our members to join the organisation’s PACT, which includes removing the use of single-use plastic and adopting alternative products. Do you want to join the fight against single-use plastic? Follow these simple steps: Visit their website clearoceanpact.org Sign-up to the PACT Inspire other yachts and crew to do the same More news Sea Changes Forum 2026 The PYA is pleased to invite you to the 2026 Sea Changes Forum, taking place on Thursday, 24 September 2026, at the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) in Monaco, during the Monaco Yacht Show. Read more Upcoming Webinar: Water Safety On Yachts The Professional Yachting Association is pleased to invite yacht crew and industry professionals to an upcoming live webinar dedicated to Water Safety On Yachts, taking place on 10 June 2026 from 15:00 to 16:00CET. Led by recognised experts in water management and regulatory compliance, this session will explore the common bacteria found in vessel water systems, the risks they pose to crew, guests and operations, and the practical measures that can be implemented to maintain safe onboard water standards. Read more 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

Watch CHIRP Maritime's latest video which explains how the use of mobile phones and other personal electronics can lead to serious safety issues whilst on duty. Mobile phone use onboard poses safety risk To All news 7 July 2021 It's no surprise that the use of mobile phones whilst operating a vehicle or machinery poses a major safety risk and has led to multiple accidents globally. CHIRP Maritime has created this safety initiative for the maritime industry, which is centred on the misuse of personal devices (mob phones, mp4 players, tablets) whilst on duty, that may cause a distraction with potentially serious safety implications. CHIRP Maritime's 'SEA OF DISTRACTIONS' video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7JJcDNVIIXE More news Sea Changes Forum 2026 The PYA is pleased to invite you to the 2026 Sea Changes Forum, taking place on Thursday, 24 September 2026, at the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) in Monaco, during the Monaco Yacht Show. Read more Upcoming Webinar: Water Safety On Yachts The Professional Yachting Association is pleased to invite yacht crew and industry professionals to an upcoming live webinar dedicated to Water Safety On Yachts, taking place on 10 June 2026 from 15:00 to 16:00CET. Led by recognised experts in water management and regulatory compliance, this session will explore the common bacteria found in vessel water systems, the risks they pose to crew, guests and operations, and the practical measures that can be implemented to maintain safe onboard water standards. Read more 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

The Yacht Deck Career path under the Maltese Flag is now complete with Transport Malta announcing the publication of the Master on Yachts less than 3000GT Reg. II/2. Malta now issuing CoC's for Master under 3000 GT To All news 10 August 2022 The Yacht Deck Career path under the Maltese Flag is now complete with Transport Malta announcing the publication of the Master on Yachts less than 3000GT Reg. II/2. In order to be eligible to undergo examinations leading to a certificate of competency as Master on Yachts less than 3000 GT (STCW Regulation II/2) you will need to hold one of the following recognised qualifications: A recognised Certificate of Competency as Chief Mate on yachts less than 3000 GT (STCW Regulation II/2) or A recognised Certificate of Competency as Master on yachts less than 500 GT (STCW Regulation II/2) or A recognised Certificate of Competency attesting a higher capacity than those mentioned above. In addition, the sea service required to be eligible for the CoC MoY <300GT, at a minimum, the individual must have accumulated either: A total of 24 Months of approved seagoing service 24 months as Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch on vessels not less than 24 m LOA or 80 GT in length whilst holding a certificate of competency as Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch on yachts less than 3000 GT or a higher qualification, of which, at least *3 months in the capacity of Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch on vessels over 500 GT or A total of 15 Months of approved seagoing service 12 months as Chief Mate on vessels not less than 24 m LOA or 80 GT whilst holding a certificate of competency as Chief Mate on yachts less than 3000 GT or as Master on yachts less than 500 GT or a higher qualification; and *3 months in the capacity of Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch or Chief Mate on vessels over 500 GT, whilst holding a certificate of competency as Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch on yachts less than 3000 GT or higher or A total of 12 Months of approved seagoing service 12 months as Chief Officer on vessels over 500 GT whilst holding a certificate of competency as Chief Mate on yachts less than 3000 GT or Master on yachts less than 500 GT or a higher qualification or A total of 15 Months of approved seagoing service 12 months as Master on yachts not less than 24 m LOA or 80 GT whilst holding a certificate of competency as Master on yachts less than 500 GT; and *3 months in the capacity of Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch or Chief Mate on vessels over 500 GT, whilst holding a certificate as Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch less than 3000 GT or higher. The above-mentioned seagoing service required for the qualification should be interpreted as onboard service (the time spent signed on a yacht , irrespective of the vessel activity ). *Seagoing service shall be accumulated within 5 years preceding the submission of an application for the issue of a certificate of competency as Master on Yachts less than 3000 GT. All courses on the Yacht Deck Career path under the Maltese Flag are available at MaritimeMT . If you have further questions, please contact info@maritimemt.edu.mt More news Sea Changes Forum 2026 The PYA is pleased to invite you to the 2026 Sea Changes Forum, taking place on Thursday, 24 September 2026, at the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) in Monaco, during the Monaco Yacht Show. Read more Upcoming Webinar: Water Safety On Yachts The Professional Yachting Association is pleased to invite yacht crew and industry professionals to an upcoming live webinar dedicated to Water Safety On Yachts, taking place on 10 June 2026 from 15:00 to 16:00CET. Led by recognised experts in water management and regulatory compliance, this session will explore the common bacteria found in vessel water systems, the risks they pose to crew, guests and operations, and the practical measures that can be implemented to maintain safe onboard water standards. Read more 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

The maritime industry was once an industry heavily dominated by men, but, for a long time now, the industry has relied on the dedication and leadership of many women. So, why are the stereotypes of multiple roles in yachting still so closely tied to men? Why are the stereotypes of so many roles in yachting still tied to men? To All news 20 September 2019 The maritime industry was once an industry heavily dominated by men, but, for a long time now, the industry has relied on the dedication and leadership of many women. So, why are the stereotypes of multiple roles in yachting still so closely tied to men? Jenny Mattews, who is a qualified and working Chief Mate 3000, has created the ‘She of the Sea’ platform to cultivate equality, realise potential and celebrate diversity by connecting and championing each other towards excellence. Jenny is following a wider effort to promote equality and challenge gender-based stereotypes that hinder women from moving into leadership roles in Maritime. On May 1st, 2019, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) held a special event that brought together five high-level female leaders within the maritime industry to discuss some of the issues challenging females within a predominantly male-dominated industry. These discussions are crucial to challenging and changing these stereotypes. By creating this platform, She of the Sea is giving women in yachting a space to promote their voices and share their stories and achievements. The platform also aims to give women the tools to build fulfilling, rewarding, and inspiring careers in maritime. Jenny is committed to encouraging more women to realise their potential and take on leadership roles, such as captaining vessels, which were previously male-dominated. She encourages all women in the industry - no matter your location - to join her in inspiring and moulding the culture within the maritime industry. The PYA is dedicated to supporting equality within yachting and would like to encourage all the women within our community to have their say on the ‘She of the Sea’ yacht crew survey. Take the survey. More news Sea Changes Forum 2026 The PYA is pleased to invite you to the 2026 Sea Changes Forum, taking place on Thursday, 24 September 2026, at the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) in Monaco, during the Monaco Yacht Show. Read more Upcoming Webinar: Water Safety On Yachts The Professional Yachting Association is pleased to invite yacht crew and industry professionals to an upcoming live webinar dedicated to Water Safety On Yachts, taking place on 10 June 2026 from 15:00 to 16:00CET. Led by recognised experts in water management and regulatory compliance, this session will explore the common bacteria found in vessel water systems, the risks they pose to crew, guests and operations, and the practical measures that can be implemented to maintain safe onboard water standards. Read more 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

Find out how to upgrade your Air Handling Units (AHU) to stop the spread of COVID-19 onboard. Are Your Air Handling Units Spreading COVID-19? To All news 5 October 2021 Air conditioning and air handling units are one of the most important and comprehensive systems onboard. Snaking around, covering all decks and spaces, these almost-invisible systems keep crew and guests air-conditioned and comfortable. From the whirring, thumping and buzzing compressors, through to the sea-water cooled heat exchangers and individual controls in each cabin - the technology in these systems is designed to keep the air onboard clean and safe. However, it is important to know if these onboard systems are spreading COVID-19 or any other airborne illness and, if there is anything we can do to be safer? The UK government recently released their COVID-19 sanitary recommendations for buildings but they don’t readily translate well to yachts. For example, their suggestion of regularly opening windows and increasing the flow of fresh air would be an Engineer’s worst nightmare and ultimately impossible. So, what potential upgrades to onboard AHU systems can keep crew and our guests safer? HEPA Filters SARS/CoV-2 is a relatively ‘large’ virus, so installing a certified HEPA filter can block up to 99% of the virus particles from passing through your AHU system. But, it’s important to note that these filters have increased costs - not only do they come at an inflated purchase price, but to stop more particles than your standard AHU filter, they will need an increased level of regular changing. To overcome this, vessels can carry sand-changing filters onboard. This is an easy and non-invasive solution that requires no additional cost or time to modify as they slide straight in place of your regular filters. UV Lighting Installing UV lamps on the AHU supply side can provide a 90% reduction in the generalised viral load, plus doubling the time in contact with the virus would increase the potential reduction to over 95%. The downside of adding UV lamps to existing AHU systems is that it is usually an invasive and costly method to retrofit to an already complicated system. However, it is a viable and good option for a new-build vessel. Local Applications Local applicants are the ‘go-to’s’ and standard minimum practice on superyachts. They act as disinfectants and, as an option, emit a fresh scent throughout the yacht. Applicants are applied directly in the AHU or locally within each plenum and come as gels and sprays. Gels sit in small pots or are spread in crucial areas, whereas sprays are applied directly in the baffles to keep the air circulating virus-free. Increased Maintenance A thoroughly clean and disinfection of the AHU system’s piping is recommended on a yearly basis and is usually done by external contractors during shipyard periods. The planned maintenance onboard usually calls for daily, weekly and monthly checks and, if issues are seen, corrective measures can be put into place to help prevent future problems. These checks, when done correctly, are very effective at maintaining the system at its designed optimum. It’s important to regularly check whether or not your AHU system needs an upgrade to the hardware or if changing your PMS will provide increased safety. Small changes can make big differences in the long term for the smooth and safe operation of your onboard system. ----- Article author: Adrian Coetsee, PYA Director of Training (Engineering) More news Sea Changes Forum 2026 The PYA is pleased to invite you to the 2026 Sea Changes Forum, taking place on Thursday, 24 September 2026, at the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) in Monaco, during the Monaco Yacht Show. Read more Upcoming Webinar: Water Safety On Yachts The Professional Yachting Association is pleased to invite yacht crew and industry professionals to an upcoming live webinar dedicated to Water Safety On Yachts, taking place on 10 June 2026 from 15:00 to 16:00CET. Led by recognised experts in water management and regulatory compliance, this session will explore the common bacteria found in vessel water systems, the risks they pose to crew, guests and operations, and the practical measures that can be implemented to maintain safe onboard water standards. Read more 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