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Luise Group is a group of companies based in Italy operating in the yachting industry since 1847. Being first and foremost a registered yacht agency, its main goal is to provide assistance to vessels cruising italian waters by dealing with local authorities in order to issue any necessary paperwork/clearances in the most timely, professional and efficient way. Luise Group is a group of companies based in Italy operating in the yachting industry since 1847. Being first and foremost a registered yacht agency, its main goal is to provide assistance to vessels cruising italian waters by dealing with local authorities in order to issue any necessary paperwork/clearances in the most timely, professional and efficient way. Furthermore, Luise Group is able to take care of anything crew and guests might need during their cruise, with itineraries suggestions tapping into our deep local knowledge of the main yachting hotspots such as Sardinia, Portofino, Capri, Sicily, Venice: This is where our customers might rely on our local teams and offices! Our wide range of services includes concierge arrangements such as luxury guests transfers, guests activities organization, restaurants and port bookings, APA/cash to master, bunkering ops and much more... a truly encompassing 24/7 local assistance! Over the years Luise Group has developed a provisioning and technical departments as well, which aim at providing our clients with the finest local provisions and the most professional technical assistance ever, which are always needed especially during a busy charter! And last but not least Luise Group directly manage several facilities across Italy such as in Sardinia, Sicily, Naples area, Puglia (Brindisi) where we are able to accomodate very large vessels. Through this marina division we are able to offer our customers with a full package between both marina and agency services at a very competitive and cost-effective rates! OUR CLAIM: Professional yachting services at its Best Services Luxury guests transfers Guests activities organization Restaurants and port bookings APA/cash to master Bunkering ops and much more Contact Information Ottavio Luise Mobile +39 3484764512 Email: ottavio.luise@luise.com Website www.luise.com Luise Group Luise Group is a group of companies based in Italy operating in the yachting industry since 1847. Being first and foremost a registered yacht agency, its main goal is to provide assistance to vessels cruising italian waters by dealing with local authorities in order to issue any necessary paperwork/clearances in the most timely, professional and efficient way. Visit website Back to All Partners Become a member and enjoy the exclusive offers from our partners. Become a member

GEPY – Association of Professional Yachting Crew – is the French organisation representing yachting professionals. Their mission is to inform, advise, and bring people together in order to ensure the voice of seafarers is heard within French institutions. The Groupement des Équipages Professionnels du Yachting (GEPY) has been uniting and representing crew, professionals, and businesses in the yachting sector for over 20 years. Founded in 2002, the association played a key role in the creation of the French STCW certificates, enabling French seafarers to access internationally recognised positions. Today, GEPY’s mission is to provide information on regulatory and social developments, to bring the community together through events, and to act as a bridge between its members and the relevant institutions. A new agreement of trust with DIRM Méditerranée now allows us to support our members in the renewal of their certificates and to facilitate communication with the French authorities – an assistance close to our heart, aimed at simplifying procedures that are often complex for seafarers. Contact Information 470 Promenade des Anglais, Air Promenade Flex-O, 06200 Nice website : www.gepy.org LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/gepy-yachting/ mail : contact@gepy.org GEPY GEPY – Association of Professional Yachting Crew – is the French organisation representing yachting professionals. Their mission is to inform, advise, and bring people together in order to ensure the voice of seafarers is heard within French institutions. Visit website Back to All Partners Become a member and enjoy the exclusive offers from our partners. Become a member

Aquator Marine was founded based on the belief that the power of yacht management software is becoming increasingly more essential. Its mission is to revolutionise the way people manage their yachts in a safer, more cost-effective and interactive way. New PYA Partner - Aquator Marine To All news 25 July 2022 The PYA would like to welcome our newest partner Aquator Marine , headquartered in Singapore, which develops Yacht Management Software with a fully configurable, collaborative and digitally secure web and mobile application. It consists of extensively customisable components that can be seamlessly imported, edited and organised. The application allows for personalisation so you can make requests, plan projects, assign tasks and collaborate to track progress and more. Everything can be managed through your phone! The Yacht Management Software helps with the day-to-day management of a vessel, accounting, insurance, crew, and ISM advice. It is also possible to manage all your crew's information in one place and generate reports to export all your data. Yacht Management software reimagined is here! Aquator is designed for yacht owners, captains, crew and companies to support complex workflows. Contact them by email for more information or a free demo. More news PYA - the Voice of yacht crew Discover how our actions go beyond membership to strengthen the entire yachting sector. Read more Sea changes Forum 2025 Edition - Everything You Need to Know The PYA is proud to present the 2025 Sea Changes Forum, taking place on Thursday 25 September at the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) in Monaco, during the Monaco Yacht Show. From 16:00 to 20:00, this key industry event will bring together professionals, regulators, and crew representatives to discuss the latest developments in yachting, from regulations and certification to crew welfare and career opportunities. The Forum will conclude with a networking reception, offering a unique opportunity to connect with colleagues and stakeholders in the heart of Monaco. Read more Next Generation in Yachting Forum 2025 - Highlights The PYA Next Generation in Yachting Forum, held on 11 April in Antibes, offered aspiring yacht crew an invaluable insight into the yachting industry. With contributions from leading recruitment agents including Bluewater, Hill Robinson, The Crew Network, and YPI, the event covered essential topics such as CV preparation, interview techniques, and professional etiquette. Attendees also received guidance on visas, welfare support, and career pathways across all departments, with practical advice from Captains, trainers, and experienced crew. The afternoon concluded with focused breakout sessions and networking, providing a unique opportunity to connect with industry professionals and prepare for a successful career at sea. Read more

The GUEST Program, governed by the International Association of Maritime Institutions (IAMI) representing maritime educators and regulators and are experts in developing and delivering maritime education globally, is recognized internationally within the superyacht industry. The GUEST Program, governed by the International Association of Maritime Institutions (IAMI), stands as a hallmark of excellence in superyacht education. IAMI, representing maritime educators and regulators, is renowned for its expertise in developing and delivering maritime education worldwide. The GUEST program is internationally recognized within the superyacht industry as the definitive standard for the Large Yacht qualifications and assessments for industry led education. It offers a comprehensive portfolio of short courses that align with the regulatory requirements for seafarers' qualifications. GUEST training is meticulously designed to provide targeted education tailored to the diverse responsibilities and activities crew members are expected to perform. The program equips professionals with the technical skills and attributes necessary to excel in their roles, enhancing their careers both onboard and ashore. These courses not only align with the mandatory aspects of superyacht operations but primarily focus on developing the advanced skills required for high-level performance in this specialized industry. In addition, the IAMI CoC is achievable for GUEST students working within the various Interior department’s onboard, where superyacht professionals can demonstrate their commitment to excellence and adherence to the highest standards of safety, service, and operational competence, as well as enhancing their career prospects. The GUEST Program utilizes blended learning platforms to offer flexible and accessible training. This approach allows students across different time zones to progress at their own pace, ensuring that the education is accommodating and effective. With a network of approved GUEST trainers and specialists located worldwide, students receive consistent support and guidance throughout their training journey. This personalized mentorship ensures a high level of engagement and provided a deeper understanding of the course material. On successful completion of each course, students earn the industry-recognized IAMI GUEST Certification, highly regarded to enhance their career progression and professional journey within the superyacht sector. To ensure that GUEST courses remain current, effective, and of the highest quality, they are regularly inspected and updated by teams of professional experts and qualified trainers. IAMI plays a critical role in upholding these standards through ongoing audits of its Training Providers, meticulously reviewing and monitoring course delivery, qualification standards, and learning outcomes. This rigorous quality assurance process guarantees that the education provided across IAMI GUEST Accredited Training Providers continues to be a valuable investment for students, contributing to their professional growth and advancing the standards of superyacht education. By maintaining this high level of oversight, the GUEST Program not only benefits individual learners but also contributes to elevating the overall professionalism and competence within the superyacht industry. Services Accredited Training Programs: Providing a comprehensive portfolio of accredited short courses designed to meet the unique demands of the superyacht industry, covering areas such as onboard operations, hospitality, and safety. Certification and Qualifications: Issuing internationally recognized IAMI GUEST Certifications upon successful course completion, which are highly regarded in the superyacht industry for enhancing professional credentials. With the completion of a GUEST Hospitality Program leading to the issue of an IAMI Yacht Hospitality Certificate of Competency. Approved Trainers and Specialists: Connecting students with a network of approved GUEST trainers and specialists worldwide, providing expert guidance and support throughout their training journey. Curriculum Development: Developing and regularly updating course content to align with industry standards and regulatory requirements, ensuring that training remains relevant and effective. Quality Assurance and Auditing: Conducting ongoing audits and inspections of IAMI GUEST Accredited Training Providers to ensure consistent delivery of high-quality education and adherence to established standards. Industry Standards Alignment: Ensuring that the GUEST Program aligns with regulatory mandatory seafarers' qualifications and industry best practices, maintaining a high level of professionalism in superyacht training. Career Enhancement and Professional Growth: Providing targeted training that supports career advancement for superyacht professionals, enhancing their skill sets and improving job prospects within the industry. Blended Learning Platforms : Offering flexible learning options through blended learning platforms, allowing students to study at their own pace and in various time zones, with both online and in-person components. Skills and Competency Development: Focusing on the development of technical skills and attributes required for a broad range of responsibilities within the superyacht sector, both onboard and ashore. Networking and Professional Community: Offering opportunities for students and trainers to connect with industry professionals, creating a network of peers and mentors within the superyacht sector. Contact information Joey Meen International Association of Maritime Institutions IAMI Director (BoD), IAMI GUEST Sub Group Sec & IAMI GUEST Director +44 7399 662408 guest@iami.org.uk www.guest-program.com Guest Program The GUEST Program, governed by the International Association of Maritime Institutions (IAMI) representing maritime educators and regulators and are experts in developing and delivering maritime education globally, is recognized internationally within the superyacht industry. Visit website Back to All Partners Become a member and enjoy the exclusive offers from our partners. Become a member

Sirius Maritime Group provides bespoke yacht management solutions, seamlessly integrating professionalism, safety, and innovation. Our proactive approach ensures smooth operations and delivers exceptional experiences for owners, guests, and crew alike. Sirius Maritime Group is a dedicated yacht management company providing bespoke services that uphold the highest standards of safety, sustainability, and client satisfaction. Independent from brokerage activities, we offer unbiased guidance to yacht owners, captains and crew ensuring efficient, transparent, and reliable operations. Driven by our core values—Passion, Integrity, Collaboration, and Progress—we strive to redefine excellence in the yachting sector. Our vision is a future where safety, environmental responsibility, and well-being are paramount. By leveraging advanced technologies, rigorous compliance, and a commitment to positive change, we create exceptional experiences for owners and guests, setting new standards for the future of yachting. We excel at delivering seamless yacht management solutions across diverse locations and cultures. Backed by a team with over 200 years of combined maritime experience—including the management, new builds and extensive refits of yachtsranging from 30 to 140 meters—we bring the expertise and assurance our clients expect. Our professionals blend technical expertise, comprehensive crew management solutions, and innovative administrative practices to ensure every yacht is managed with the highest level of professionalism and care—treating each vessel as if it were our own. Services : Crew Management & Recruitment – recruitment, training, certification, appraisals, and HR support, etc. Operational Management - comprehensive oversight and coordination of all activities required to ensure the safe, efficient, and compliant yachts. Maritime Compliance – ISM, ISPS, MLC and all other applicable rules and regulations. Accounting & Financial Management – transparent budgeting, reporting, and cost control. Technical and Dry Dock Management – continuous remote assistance, preventive / planned maintenance and shipyard projects supervision. New Build & Refit Project Management – from design review to final delivery. Interior Setup Services – Interior setup, provisioning, maintenance and logistics Consultancy / Corporate Services / Legal Support – ownership structures, insurance, VAT regimes, registration, and choice of flag state jurisdiction advices. As part of our commitment to the professional yachting community, Sirius Maritime is pleased to extend an exclusive offer to PYA members—designed to enhance both yacht operations and crew welfare. We could offer: 10% Discount on all yacht management and compliance services for PYA members. Complimentary Initial Consultation covering operational, technical, and regulatory aspects. Crew placement and onboarding support. Complimentary access to one online training module per crew member through our training platform A tailored crew assessment and personalized career development session for each crew member. One free legal advisory session focused on maritime employment contracts, compliance, and crew rights, provided by legal advisors. Full access to our experienced team for guidance on MLC compliance, payroll administration, and dispute resolution. Contact information: Email: operations@sirmargroup.com Telephone: +34 608 971 224 Website: www.siriusmaritimegroup.com Office: World Trade Centre, Edificio Sur, Moll de Barcelona, S/N, 2nd floor, Ciutat Vella, 08039 Barcelona Sirius Maritime Group Sirius Maritime Group provides bespoke yacht management solutions, seamlessly integrating professionalism, safety, and innovation. Our proactive approach ensures smooth operations and delivers exceptional experiences for owners, guests, and crew alike. Visit website Back to All Partners As part of our commitment to the professional yachting community, Sirius Maritime is pleased to extend an exclusive offer to PYA members—designed to enhance both yacht operations and crew welfare. Scroll down for more details. Become a member and enjoy the exclusive offers from our partners. Become a member

The International Superyacht Society (ISS) exists to advance the global superyacht industry through connection, collaboration, and recognition. When you join ISS, you become part of a dynamic, international network with over 1,200 members representing more than 600 companies across 50+ countries—all committed to shaping the future of yachting. Their Mission is to Promote Excellence and Ensure Sustainability in the Global Yachting Industry. Founded in 1989, ISS is the representative organisation of the large yacht industry. Their mission is to build alliances worldwide, serve as the collective voice on issues affecting the industry, recognise achievement, and further strengthen the industry overall through regional and global committees, educational opportunities, and networking events. The International Superyacht Society is a member-driven organisation with a marketing and administrative staff that is reliant on the volunteer efforts of its Board and members. Services Global Reach with Local Insight Their 14 Ambassadors around the globe provide vital regional perspectives, offer on-the-ground support to members, and represent ISS at key events—boosting your brand visibility and connecting you with the right people wherever you operate. Meet the Fleet This unique initiative connects ISS members with captains and department heads to discuss how their services function onboard. It’s not a sales pitch—it’s a valuable two-way exchange that creates real product insight, honest feedback, and meaningful relationships. Leadership Series Seminars Their seminars, held in global yachting hubs like West Palm Beach, Monaco, Newport, and Fort Lauderdale regularly host over 100 attendees. These sessions offer education, insight, and connection—including a special crew-focused event in Fort Lauderdale. Membership Receptions ISS hosts elegant, well-attended receptions around the world, offering members the chance to connect with top professionals in the industry—yacht builders, designers, brokers, suppliers, and innovators—all in a relaxed, welcoming setting that fosters genuine relationships. Members will receive a discount to attend events. Design & Leadership Awards The annual gala celebrates excellence across yacht design, refit, interior innovation, and industry leadership. Attendees range from builders and designers to sponsors and company leaders—this high-profile event is a cornerstone of the superyacht calendar. Distinguished Crew Award ISS members have the opportunity to nominate exceptional crew members for our annual Distinguished Crew Award—recognizing outstanding service, leadership, and professionalism onboard. This is your chance to shine a light on those who go above and beyond. Contact Information info@superyachtsociety.org www.superyachtsociety.org Follow us on LinkedIn International Superyacht Society (ISS) The International Superyacht Society (ISS) exists to advance the global superyacht industry through connection, collaboration, and recognition. When you join ISS, you become part of a dynamic, international network with over 1,200 members representing more than 600 companies across 50+ countries—all committed to shaping the future of yachting. Visit website Back to All Partners As an additional benefit to being a member of the Professional Yachting Association, the International Superyacht Society (ISS) is kindly offering complimentary membership to all paid crew-based members of the PYA. For the duration of your membership with the PYA, crew can enjoy reciprocal 'individual membership' with ISS. This would usually cost $200 per year. When filling out the membership form, please select “crew” under membership type. Under credit card information (name on card), please input your PYA membership number. Become a member and enjoy the exclusive offers from our partners. Become a member

Amico & Co is a full-service refit shipyard servicing and refitting superyachts <140m LOA. Amongst the leading companies in the sector globally, founded in 1991, with a 90% international clientele, on average 130 projects are completed every year. With in-house departments and a 4000T ShipLift, it offers covered dry-docking for yachts <100m LOA and operates a 26-berth facility, Waterfront Marina. Amico & Co is a full service refit shipyard operating in the service and refit of superyachts from 30 to 140 metres in length. Founded in 1991, it boasts a 90% international clientele with more than 130 projects executed on average each year, ranking among the leading companies in the sector worldwide. The shipyard operates in the Port of Genoa at the heart of the nautical district. With in-house departments and a 4000T ShipLift, the yard is able to accommodate large yachts without length limits, offering covered dry-docking for yachts up to 100 m in length. Since 2021, Amico & Co has operated its own 26-berth marina facility, Waterfront Marina. Services Structural modification – hull lengthening, deck modifications Painting – from primer application to topcoat refinishing Surface preparation – hull and tanks cleaning, including hydro blasting, shot and grit blasting, disencrusting and remediation works Engineering – shaft alignment, repowering, engines and generator servicing and reconditioning, ship’s technical systems plus an electrical workshop service Metal work – working closely with highly specialized companies who share our values, such as Sarimi , entirely owned by Amico & Co Joinery – all works, including teak deck construction and bespoke deck furniture construction Interiors – design, construction and refurbishment Contact Information Adress: Amico & Co SpA, Via dei Pescatori snc, 16128 Genoa, Italy Tel: +39 010 2470067 Website : www.amicoshipyard.com E-mail: technical.sales@amicoshipyard.com Amico & Co Amico & Co is a full-service refit shipyard servicing and refitting superyachts <140m LOA. Amongst the leading companies in the sector globally, founded in 1991, with a 90% international clientele, on average 130 projects are completed every year. With in-house departments and a 4000T ShipLift, it offers covered dry-docking for yachts <100m LOA and operates a 26-berth facility, Waterfront Marina. Visit website Back to All Partners Become a member and enjoy the exclusive offers from our partners. Become a member

There are some excellent opportunities throughout the year to sponsor a PYA event and showcase your company. With members from over 90 countries around the world, as well as connections with all the top management, charter, training and recruitment companies, not to mention the yachting press, the PYA is in a unique position to be able to promote your brand within the yachting industry. Our events are always extremely well-attended, and receive excellent feedback, so sponsoring a PYA event is a sure-fire way to get yourself noticed by the right people. In exchange for your support, we are able to offer you promotional coverage before, during and after the event. As our events receive a lot of attention in the press and on social media, your brand will receive a lot of circulation. The specifics of what is included will vary from event to event, but generally we can offer our sponsors: Banners displayed during the event Brochures on display Option to distribute promotional 'goodies' at event Logo on printed backdrop behind speakers/ photos Logo on any takeaways from the event (e.g. photos, goody bags) Company name and logo in event write up in Yachting Matters magazine (10,000 copies distributed to yachting industry) Written profile of your company on PYA website and social media before event Logo and company name promoted via PYA's active and engaged social media platforms Logo sent out via email to PYA members Free entry Networking with attendees, invitees and speakers As we are a non-profit association, we rely on the support of other companies in the industry to be able to continue the huge amount of work we do on behalf of the yachting industry and the people who work in it. None of our events, or our involvement at seminars and meetings around the world would be possible without the help of our generous sponsors. So a partnership is very much of mutual benefit! Depending on your budget and target audience, we can recommend the right event and package for you to get involved with. We seek sponsorship for both our educational and our social events. As well as financial sponsorship, you can also help out by providing drinks and/or food, prizes and other services. To enquire about sponsorship, please contact us. Event sponsorship There are some excellent opportunities throughout the year to sponsor a PYA event and showcase your company.

The PYA has undertaken to work with the MCA and other relevant partners to re-write the Deck Training Record Book in its entirety to bring it up to date with the skills required by today’s yacht crew. Help the PYA improve on board learning opportunities for crew today To All news 11 January 2023 On board training and mentoring survey 2023 THE PROBLEM The yachting industry has experienced incredible growth over the last 20 years and more recently, sometimes unwelcome publicity, which all employers and senior crew will know, has resulted in a great shortage of individuals with the right mind set, qualifications, knowledge and career background to fill many of their vacancies on board . The pace of yachting is faster, the demands higher and time shorter, which has meant that many crew do not today benefit from the on-board training & mentoring which was the staple method of learning for many senior crew when they first entered the industry. Shore based courses can only provide a certain amount of knowledge. There is nothing to compare with the broad spectrum of practical skills which can be gained by experience and passed down by senior crew to those starting in the industry. THE TRAINING RECORD BOOK In addition, the MCA Training Record Book (TRB), which Deck crew need to complete at the beginning of their careers to prove knowledge of practical skills, last revised in 2004 , is woefully out of date with modern yachting practice and fast moving current technology. SOME SOLUTIONS The board of the PYA has voted that one of its main aims for 2023 will be to encourage a return to the age-old practice of on-board training and mentoring of junior crew by their more senior fellow crew.The PYA has also undertaken to work with the MCA and other relevant partners to re-write the Deck Training Record Book in its entirety to bring it up to date with the skills required by today’s yacht crew. The first step of the journey is to discover current practices in the industry so that we can assess how to move forward with this aim. PLEASE HELP US BY COMPLETING THE SHORT PYA SURVEY HERE With your help, we can improve the learning outcomes for many crew and help re-build the pool of qualified, knowledgeable and professional crew in our great industry. Thank you. The PYA Team More news PYA - the Voice of yacht crew Discover how our actions go beyond membership to strengthen the entire yachting sector. Read more Sea changes Forum 2025 Edition - Everything You Need to Know The PYA is proud to present the 2025 Sea Changes Forum, taking place on Thursday 25 September at the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) in Monaco, during the Monaco Yacht Show. From 16:00 to 20:00, this key industry event will bring together professionals, regulators, and crew representatives to discuss the latest developments in yachting, from regulations and certification to crew welfare and career opportunities. The Forum will conclude with a networking reception, offering a unique opportunity to connect with colleagues and stakeholders in the heart of Monaco. Read more Next Generation in Yachting Forum 2025 - Highlights The PYA Next Generation in Yachting Forum, held on 11 April in Antibes, offered aspiring yacht crew an invaluable insight into the yachting industry. With contributions from leading recruitment agents including Bluewater, Hill Robinson, The Crew Network, and YPI, the event covered essential topics such as CV preparation, interview techniques, and professional etiquette. Attendees also received guidance on visas, welfare support, and career pathways across all departments, with practical advice from Captains, trainers, and experienced crew. The afternoon concluded with focused breakout sessions and networking, providing a unique opportunity to connect with industry professionals and prepare for a successful career at sea. Read more

Question: “I work in a floating palace, but I sleep in a rabbit hutch. What happened to my rights under the MLC 2006?” Crew Accommodation in Large Yachts To All news 27 April 2021 Cutting through all the legalese in the MLC definitions, if you work on a commercially registered seagoing palace then you are a seafarer and are fully entitled to accommodation standards as per Title 3 of the Convention. MLC was written by the ILO (International Labour Organization), in accord with its members, in a tripartite setting which included representatives of governments (MCA in the case of the UK), of shipowners (Councils of Shipping), and of seafarers (their Unions). It was developed as a Bill of Rights for seafarers, covering all aspects of their welfare, such as employment contracts (SEAs), social security, leave, medical care, hours of work limits, and also decent and spacious accommodation. MLC was entered into international law in 2006, and implementation was due to follow as soon as a given number of countries holding a given shipping tonnage had entered the IMLC provisions into their own national laws. There was no going back. Paradise on earth was awaiting seafarers after implementation of MLC. So, good question, why are you still living in a rabbit hutch eight years after MLC implementation? Two reasons. The first is that MLC was not retrospective in its application, and would not apply to vessels which were pre-existing or were already in build before 20th. August 2013. The second reason, regarding new yachts, is both very simple and very complex. The simple part you can see for yourself. Go out on deck with your cabin mate and tape out an area of 7 square metres, say 2 m x 3.5m, as specified in Standard A3.1.9 (h) (for officers, the requirement is 7.5 sq.m. per person). Stand in that space and visualize the floor area of your shared cabin. Eureka, you understand. Stand up for full MLC rights, then try looking for owners who are prepared to build a 50, 80m or even 100m yacht with 7 sq.m. of floor space in each double cabin for crew, and 7.5 sq.m. per officer, with whatever volume is left over to be shared between machinery spaces and themselves. Obviously, MLC as written was totally impracticable in yachts, as far as accommodation standards are concerned. Further, the procedure for any amendments to MLC covers three pages of the published Convention, and would obviously be a years-long process. The entire yachting industry was facing the potentially drastic consequences of an indefinite moratorium on any new builds which were intended to operate in the charter market. As soon as the PYA became aware of what lay ahead, a small work group of three PYA Council members took responsibility for pursuing the matter. We flew to Geneva to convey our concerns across the table with top ILO representatives at the ILO headquarter in Geneva. Following this meeting the ILO challenged us to complete two surveys that would help them in assessing any proposals put forward. Those surveys were quantative and qualitative. We flew to London to share our concerns with Nautilus, the seafarers' trade union. We brought the matter to the attention of yacht builders via The Superyacht Builders Association (SYBAss), the Worldwide Yachting Association (MYBA), and the International Council of Marine Industry Associations (ICOMIA), and we called our contacts at the Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA). Subsequently at various times we invited to Antibes representatives from the ILO, Nautilus and the MCA. We walked them round the interiors of a selection of yachts, sail and motor, traditional and modern, of various sizes, and we got their attention. Meanwhile the MCA was anyway starting to realize that although they had been very active in the drafting of MLC, the yachting sector had been totally overlooked, and the clock to implementation date was ticking. To confront the urgency, the MCA assembled a Large Yacht Sub-Group (LYS-G) with a mandate to study and address the impact of MLC on yachts <3000 gt. The LYS-G was made up from representatives from all the Red Ensign Group (REG), SYBAss, ICOMIA, MYBA (to represent yacht owners via their yacht management divisions), Nautilus (as representatives of the interests of seafarers in general) and the PYA (to represent yacht crew). And this brings us to the complex part of the answer as to why the rabbit hutches are still being built into the palaces. We had to find a way to squeeze a quart into a pint pot. The only possible solution lay within Article VI of MLC, allowing “Measures which are substantially equivalent”. All parties in the work group dissected MLC Regulation 3.1 – Accommodation and recreational facilities, and contributed suggestions as to what might be deemed to be substantially equivalent to the legal MLC Standard. ICOMIA wrestled with the reality of the space available in smaller yachts such as Sunseekers. SYBAss contributed their expertise in naval architecture and experience with spaces in larger yachts, and their appointed naval architect carried out the quantative survey for submission to the LYS-G while the PYA carried out the qualitative survey. REG surveyors made their technical design contributions. The undersigned PYA council member was delegated to write the preliminary draft proposals, collate all additions and corrections in further drafts, and prepare the final draft. The MCA acted as a moderator throughout, using their experience at the ILO to set out parameters for what would or would not be politically acceptable at ILO level. After requisite adjustments for approval by the MCA upper echelons, who had to convince the ILO that they were acting in good faith, the proposals for substantial equivalency were submitted, were accepted, and are embedded within the MCA Large Yacht Code. Similar work was done for another category, the Large Passenger Yachts. You now occupy the outcome of the PYA’s sounding of the alarm bell and the LYS-G’s consequent work: living in old rabbit hutches in pre-existing yachts, and in much nicer rabbit hutches in yachts built post-implementation. However, the story does not end there. It was assumed that provision had been made to cover builders’ future needs for the very large yacht which were beginning to appear on the scene at that period. But since then, owners have been challenging builders with demands for super-mega-giga yachts of >5000 gt, and again there are problems with MLC compliance even at that size. The reasons are twofold. Firstly, these huge yachts cannot operate safely or effectively as pleasure palaces without a significant number of crew. Secondly, even at their size, they remain the wrong shape for MLC accommodation. On a typical merchantman, the crew accommodation is contained in a rectangular box above main deck level. In yachts, the crew quarters are below main deck within a space which narrows significantly towards the bow and shrinks in width with distance below the main deck. Accordingly, the MCA has reinstituted the LYS-G, and the PYA is once again a member. We shall be contributing to the search for a solution to recognition of the ambitions of a new generation of ultra-wealthy owners and the effect of MLC strictures on realizing those ambitions. The first step will be for the PYA to participate in the distribution of a survey to record crew attitudes and preferences in various equivalency permutations of cabin layout. Once again the goal is to achieve an acceptable balance between the desirable and the practicable. Notwithstanding the outcome of the work of the LYS-G, there remains an issue which is peculiar to yachting and to no other sector of the shipping industry. In the merchant service, officers generally are in single-occupancy cabins and may exceptionally be permitted to have a shore-based partner with them during voyages, which is of no consequence to MLC compliance. Due to the nature of yacht accommodations and crew makeup, the sharing of a cabin between seafarers of different genders or different sexual orientations is not uncommon. For MLC compliance it is essential that, given the number and genders of the crew on board, the overall number of cabins and of berths (beds) is sufficient for full separation of genders theoretically to obtain. If that requirement is met, then the actual occupancy of cabins and berths is not a matter for flag or Port State Control (PSC) to comment on or become involved with, as long as the shared cabin arrangements are acceptable to the parties concerned. The situation often arises where a captain has a partner who is a crew member, and they share a cabin and a berth (i.e. bed) together. Of itself, this situation does not fall within the remit of MLC. However, what is mandated under MLC Standard A3.1.9(c) is that “a separate berth for each seafarer shall in all circumstances be provided”. In other words, in a strict interpretation of MLC< there must exist a berth on board for the captain’s partner within a cabin which is compliant with MLC or with the LY Code or LYP Code. If at a given time the captain’s berth is a shared one, and all other approved berths on board are occupied, the yacht is not in compliance. The existence of an unoccupied nanny cabin, for instance, would not correct the situation if such cabin was not itself compliant with MLC or with the LY Code or LYP Code. Guest cabins would normally be more than compliant, but again if they were all occupied, they do not offer an acceptable alternative. The above situation would probably not be considered by flag during the design stage, as it is an operational matter. However, it could theoretically be challenged by a PSC officer as a major non-compliance, as it offends against an essential right under an MLC Standard. It could lead to a detention until corrected. In practice, as long as the yacht has a valid Maritime Labour Certificate and Declaration of Maritime Labour Compliance and there are no obvious causes for concern, a PSC officer will not investigate beyond sighting these Certificates. So it is a scenario not to lose sleep over, but which should be borne in mind by captains and managers so that a Plan B can be immediately implemented in the event of a PSC challenge. Captain Rod Hatch ILO certified trainer of MLC inspectors and PYA Director Training (Deck & Engineering) In consultation with John Cook (Lesia Group, Guernsey) More news PYA - the Voice of yacht crew Discover how our actions go beyond membership to strengthen the entire yachting sector. Read more Sea changes Forum 2025 Edition - Everything You Need to Know The PYA is proud to present the 2025 Sea Changes Forum, taking place on Thursday 25 September at the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) in Monaco, during the Monaco Yacht Show. From 16:00 to 20:00, this key industry event will bring together professionals, regulators, and crew representatives to discuss the latest developments in yachting, from regulations and certification to crew welfare and career opportunities. The Forum will conclude with a networking reception, offering a unique opportunity to connect with colleagues and stakeholders in the heart of Monaco. Read more Next Generation in Yachting Forum 2025 - Highlights The PYA Next Generation in Yachting Forum, held on 11 April in Antibes, offered aspiring yacht crew an invaluable insight into the yachting industry. With contributions from leading recruitment agents including Bluewater, Hill Robinson, The Crew Network, and YPI, the event covered essential topics such as CV preparation, interview techniques, and professional etiquette. Attendees also received guidance on visas, welfare support, and career pathways across all departments, with practical advice from Captains, trainers, and experienced crew. The afternoon concluded with focused breakout sessions and networking, providing a unique opportunity to connect with industry professionals and prepare for a successful career at sea. Read more