Over the past year there have been a number of newly released Marine Guidance Notices (MGNs) providing highly relevant information to the maritime industry. Maritime Safety Guidances: A look back at MGNs on Critical Maritime Safety Issues To All news 2 January 2024 Over the past year there have been a number of newly released Marine Guidance Notices (MGNs) providing highly relevant information to the maritime industry. The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) has issued these MGNs to provide comprehensive guidance on crucial aspects of maritime safety. You can discover some of the latest MGNs below to become familiar with important issues that are affecting seafarers today: 1. Fatigue and Fitness for Duty for Seafarers (MGN 505) This MGN provides comprehensive guidance on managing fatigue and ensuring seafarers are fit for duty to maintain vessel safety and efficiency. It outlines effective fatigue management strategies, rest requirements, and monitoring procedures to prevent fatigue-related incidents. Download this MGN 2. Interference with Safe Navigation through Inappropriate Use of Mobile Phones (MGN 299) MGN 299 emphasizes the critical role of mobile phones in maritime safety and the importance of their responsible use. It highlights the potential for distractions and interference with safe navigation caused by inappropriate mobile phone usage. The MGN provides recommendations for minimizing distractions and maintaining focus during critical operations. Download this MGN 3. 12 Significant People Factors in Maritime Safety (the Deadly Dozen) (MGN 520) Recognizing human factors as a significant contributing factor to maritime accidents, MGN 520 identifies 12 critical human behaviors that pose potential hazards to maritime safety. It provides insights into these behaviors and effective strategies to address them, promoting a culture of safety and vigilance among seafarers. Download this MGN Reassessing the Relevance of MGN Guidance Today While these MGNs may not be recent publications, their insights into fatigue management, mobile phone usage, and human factors remain highly relevant today. As technology evolves and maritime operations become more complex, these guidelines can help seafarers and maritime professionals adopt practices that enhance safety and minimize the risk of accidents. Seeking Feedback and Collaboration We encourage you to review these MGNs and provide your feedback on their continued relevance and effectiveness. Your input is valuable in ensuring that these guidelines remain applicable to the evolving maritime landscape. You can contact us at info@pya.org with any questions or further comments. Stay updated on future maritime developments The PYA team remains committed to providing you with relevant maritime information and guidance. You can become a PYA member or subscribe to our newsletter today to get the latest important developments in the maritime industry. 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

This year’s Sea Changes Forum in Monaco is set to be the PYA’s biggest year yet with a host of guest speakers confirmed for the 2023 edition. PYA announces official lineup for Sea Changes Forum 2023 To All news 21 September 2023 This year’s Sea Changes Forum in Monaco is set to be the PYA’s biggest year yet with a host of guest speakers confirmed for the 2023 edition. Among the topics of debate for this year’s Sea Changes Forum include updates on industry certification, digitisation, career progression including recruitment, retention, soft skill training and the importance of mapping the oceans. Taking place at the International Hydrographic Organisation’s HQ during this year’s Monaco Yacht Show, the Sea Changes Forum speakers include Capt. Rodney A. Hatch, PYA Director of Deck Training Mr Ajit Jacob, Chief Examiner for the Maritime and Coastguard Agency Mr Richard Falk, Director of Training and Qualifications for the Royal Yachting Association Miss Joey Meen, IAMI Guest Program Director Mr John Wyborn, Co-founder and Director of Bluewater Miss Angela Wallace, PYA Director of Interior Training and Head of the PYA Welfare Group Mr Jo Assael, Republic of Marshall Islands (RMI) Yacht Register, International Registries Inc Mr John Everett Nyberg, Technical Director of the International Hydrographic Organisation (IHO) Following on from the success of last year’s event , the PYA has held a number of discussions with the industry to formulate this year’s agenda with the aim of improving the welfare of yacht crew around the world and to address pressing issues including recruitment and retention. Christophe Bourillon, CEO for the PYA said: “We are grateful to have the ongoing support of the industry for our Sea Changes Forum. This is a great opportunity to explore and discuss the various issues that will shape the future of our industry, and we would like to thank all our participating guest speakers and sponsors who will be taking part this year.” This year’s Sea Changes Forum also welcomes a record number of sponsors with strong support from across the industry. These include: Ocean Drive IAMI GUEST PROGRAM Bluewater IHO MYBA YPI Crew Seascope Following this year’s conference there will be a special event taking place on the rooftop of the IHO venue, providing networking opportunities for guests in attendance. To access the full agenda view the PDF below: Sea Changes 2023 Agenda .pdf Download PDF • 419KB 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 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. 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. The PYA works alongside members and industry bodies, including ICOMIA, IYBA, and other participating associations that share a common commitment to advancing professionalism, consistency, and sustainable growth across the superyacht sector. Through the Superyacht Alliance’s role as a coordinating platform, PYA actively contributes to and participates in "Alliance think tanks" and "working groups", aligning our projects, expertise, and advocacy with agreed guidelines. This collaborative structure enables us to help shape initiatives, share best practices, and direct collective efforts towards promoting self-regulation and the professionalisation of the superyacht industry. Key Initiative Elevate Professional Standards Establish industry-wide standards and guidelines, promote positive business practices and ethics across subsectors. Promote Career Advancement Collaborate with stakeholders to map industry professions, identify key knowledge, and offer career advancement opportunities. Facilitate Education Pathways Engage with educational institutions to develop comprehensive programs for professional development and career transitions. Research & Development Projects Partner on initiatives for industry-driven training, apprenticeship programs, and research to advance sustainability practices. Crew Inclusivity & Welfare Enhance crew welfare through training, signposting and supportive environments onboard, and promote inclusivity for equal opportunities. Advocate Leadership Practices Promote effective leadership through education, enabling leaders to implement strategies and provide guidance. Acknowledge Professional Growth Establish self-regulated education standards, industry certification, and Professional Registers for industry roles. Regulatory Engagement Collaborate with regulatory bodies to champion policies and qualification routes supporting industry professionalisation. Networking Facilitation Unite task forces, organisations, and focus groups under a comprehensive platform to encourage knowledge sharing and collaboration. Public Image Enhance the industry’s public perception through collaboration with organisations promoting positive image, with a focus on unified communication strategies. Superyacht Alliance To Knowledge Base

Find out how you can contribute towards the conservation of the Mediterranean by joining the GHOST FADS flotilla. Join the MED GHOST FADS Flotilla To All news 29 January 2021 MED GHOST FADS was launched by the SAVE THE MED foundation to address the threat of ghost fishing to our marine environment. It consists of a network of navigators, vessels, rescue centres, port authorities, dive centres, research organizations and more, which is committed to creating a safer, cleaner and healthier sea. Whoever signs-up to the network immediately becomes part of a wider collaboration. What are Ghost FADS? Ghost gear is any lost, abandoned and otherwise discarded fishing gear and fish aggregating devices (FADs). It is estimated that over 800.000 tons of ghost gear enter the marine ecosystems, threatening vulnerable species and habitats. Learn more about FADS Join the GHOST FADS Flotilla The PYA has joined the GHOST FADS network and is encouraging all of our members working on vessels in the Mediterranean to join the flotilla. Vessels that sign-up to the flotilla learn to: 1) safely retrieve ghost FADs & other illegal fishing gear which are also a navigation hazard 2) ensure entangled wildlife is properly taken care of and directed to the appropriate rescue center for treatment and further release 3) collect and submit essential data which is shared and studied to understand the issue at the source There are many ways that the superyacht industry can assist in this endeavour and it all starts by visiting http://www.ghostfads.org and learning more. Yacht crew in conservation Find out how Captain Ivan volunteered for Save The Med during the Summer of 2020. https://vimeo.com/489349391 Image source: www.ghostfads.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

Our recent Leadership in Yachting webinar has been released, revealing insights into industry practices and expert opinions from a host of guest speakers. Leadership in Yachting 2024 - Webinar now available To All news 1 February 2024 Our recent Leadership in Yachting webinar has been released, revealing insights into industry practices and expert opinions from a host of guest speakers. Our latest webinar focused on the strength of leadership as a force for good in the wider industry, with perspectives shared from our guests who have a range of experiences in crew management, welfare, working onboard vessels, and within the education sector. “We want to thank our members and participating guest speakers for sharing their industry knowledge during our Leadership in Yachting 2024 webinar. We look forward to furthering these discussions in the near future on the important topic of leadership in our industry,” said Kim Llorente, Office Manager for the PYA. The PYA regularly engages with the industry in order to highlight evolving standards, new technologies and the latest training for yacht crews. You can see who was involved in our latest webinar below. The speakers Marianne Danissen, Camper & Nicholsons Head of Management. Captain Micheál Pierse, PYA member and MCA Master / HELM instructor for Bluewater. Karen Passman, Founder of Impact Crew. Captain Kelly Gordon, an advocate of strong leadership and a spokeswoman for mental health awareness. Robin Weninger, Co-Founder and Managing Director of the executive education company Global Institute of Leadership and Technology (GILT). The core safety leadership qualities Confidence and authority Instil respect and command authority Lead the team by example Draw on knowledge and experience Remain calm in a crisis Empathy and understanding Practise “tough empathy” Be sensitive to different cultures Recognise the crew’s limitations Motivation and commitment Motivate and create a sense of community Place the safety of crew and passengers above everything Openness and clarity Communicate and listen clearly Leading for Safety: Additional resource This a comprehensive guide published by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA). It aims to assist leaders and senior officers in the maritime industry in improving their leadership and people management skills to ensure safety on board. This resource emphasises the critical role of leaders in developing and maintaining a safe maritime environment. For more details, you can refer to the official guide https://www.gov.uk/guidance/leading-for-safety To access the full webinar visit: https://youtu.be/6wrwByg6JNY 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

Italian Parliament approves new ruling to ease entry of non-EU seafarers. Yacht crew who arrive in Italy now have the opportunity to obtain a long-term entry visa for reasons of work. UPDATE - EU Stamping In and Out To All news 31 May 2022 Over the past few months, yacht crew entering Italy have been experiencing real difficulties to be "stamped out" to board their vessels. This was due to the strict application of a February 2020 decision of the European Court of Justice by Italian port authorities. Thanks to successful government relations actions by a number of yachting and cruising organisations (Genova for Yachting, Federagenti, Confindustria Nautica, Assarmatori and Confitarma), the Italian Parliament has recently adopted a rule whereby non-EU yacht crew arriving in Italy will be able to obtain a long-term work visa for up to 365 days. The details of the visa issuance procedures are still being developed and the PYA will keep you informed as soon as we know more. 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

Nearly 5 years ago, the IMO issued guidelines to all its member states aimed at introducing Electronic Certificates to the maritime industry. The aim was to reduce the administrative burdens caused by reliance on traditional paper certificates. e-Certificates are intended to eventually replace paper certificates across the industry. Blockchain - Coming soon to a certificate near you? To All news 11 April 2021 Nearly 5 years ago, the IMO issued guidelines to all its member states aimed at introducing Electronic Certificates to the maritime industry. The aim was to reduce the administrative burdens caused by reliance on traditional paper certificates. e-Certificates are intended to eventually replace paper certificates across the industry. Even 5 years ago there were questions about the security of digital certificates. Paper certificates have always been somewhat susceptible to falsification in one way or another. Over the years these risks had been managed down to a level that the industry and our regulators were willing to accept. The security challenge for e-Certificates was, and is still, twofold. The first was to ensure that any e-Certificate replacing an existing paper certificate provided at least the same level of security as the old paper certificate and, quite frankly, this was always relatively easy to see happening. The second challenge is to future-proof the e-Certificate system to make it truly transformational. The key to the security of e-Certificates is the concept of trust. How can we trust that an e-Certificate is authentic, is what it says it is and has not been altered in any way? There are several approaches to this – most of us have come across Digital Signatures on digital documents or attached to emails. Indeed, the PYA has already started issuing a Digital Service Record Book secured by a Digital Signature and this has been approved by the United Kingdom’s Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA). For context, it should be pointed out that this is a long way from a simple picture of a written signature added to a document – Digital Signatures are complex algorithms that are unique to the original document. Some of us will have heard of the term Blockchain, most probably in connection with Cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin and Ethereum etc., that use the technology to secure the records at their core. Cryptocurrencies are just a very tiny subset of Blockchain technology and, although we might have a view about the speculative nature of cryptocurrency, the undeniable fact is that the records in the Blockchain can be trusted. Trust is the key to how they work. The simplest way to look at Blockchain is as software with special features to distribute data in a trusted manner. To do this, Blockchain fundamentally addresses the issue of provisioning trust in a process between parties, even parties that may be completely unknown to each other and/or non-trusted by the other. It is this trust in a process that differentiates it from Digital Signatures and similar approaches. It is also the key to making e-Certificates transformational. At the heart of any Blockchain implementation are the concepts of a Distributed Network, Immutable Records and Transparency. A distributed network – one where each point on the network has multiple paths to every other point on the network – is incredibly resilient. Copies of the entire Blockchain are kept at multiple points in the network and, by design, the Blockchain is Immutable (Nothing can be changed). Finally, transparency is built-in as many users (or sometimes, all) can see what is happening in real-time. In the maritime world, Blockchain use cases that are already commonplace include Container Documents (TradeLens), and Marine Insurance (Insurwave). Over a billion transactions monthly are being done via these platforms! Blockchain solutions are now being introduced for processes as diverse as Ship Registration, Port Clearances, Crew Certification and even MARPOL. All these processes share complex steps with multiple inputs from many authorities and other stakeholders. Blockchain works best in collaborative settings, even between parties who are not normally collaborators or who might even be completely unknown to each other, and the emphasis on trust in a process makes it an ideal glue to bind the entire process together – in real-time and in an automated way. Blockchain-enabled E-Certificates are dynamically generated in real-time by connecting to authentic data sources. Every data field of the certificate is verified from its original source. The benefits are instantaneous Fraud Detection, the highest level of data security, Regulatory Compliance and Data Privacy (GDPR Compliance can be built-in). For seafarers, a Blockchained Crew Certification process that is as automated as possible, and which is at least as secure as the current process is an attractive proposition. The Philippines is very close to going live with such a system “N-CAP” that combines inputs from Training Providers, Medical Examiners and National Authorities, checks that all is correct and issues the necessary certificates. The Seafarer has everything on an App on a smartphone or similar device. A Blockchain implementation of the Port Clearance process reduces the administrative burden on Ship’s Officers at what is usually a hectic and stressful time. A pilot scheme “N-MAP” has been completed in two Spanish ports and a full rollout is imminent in both as well as in a number of other Spanish ports. The Spanish authorities are also carrying out a pilot study of a Blockchained MARPOL reporting process whilst Denmark and Singapore both are working on pilot implementations of the Ship Registration process. In summary, Blockchain offers the potential of a step change across the industry. The PYA will continue to watch closely as the various pilot schemes develop towards fruition. Captain Stephen Thomas is a PYA Council Member and a member of the Advisory Board of Navozyme, who are active in the field of maritime implementation of Blockchain solutions. https://navozyme.com 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

This year’s Superyacht Forum in Amsterdam saw more than 800 guests participate in the 31st edition with a host of impactful panels and workshops held over the course of the 3 days. Superyacht Forum 2023 Highlights To All news 23 November 2023 This year’s Superyacht Forum in Amsterdam saw more than 800 guests participate in the 31st edition with a host of impactful panels and workshops held over the course of the 3 days. The PYA along with other industry organisations took part in discussions on a wide range of issues from technological innovations to crew welfare. Keynote speeches and sessions included insightful anecdotes of an industry that is changing rapidly and adapting to a new reality where environmental concerns and protecting maritime ecosystems is top of the agenda. Regulations and technology debates at this year’s event along with networking sessions fostered new collaborations between governing bodies and the wider industry - highlighting key issues that we will face in the coming years ahead. “The Superyacht Forum is a fantastic event that brings together people from all sides of the industry to discuss crucial matters. Our take is that most of the issues are related to a lack of professionalism and training. The PYA is working on various initiatives to tackle some of these problems through collaboration with stakeholders. The feedback on this was positive, and we look forward to launching these initiatives next year. We would like to extend our sincere thanks to Martin from The Superyacht Group for inviting the PYA to such an important event, ” said Kim Llorente, Operations Manager for the PYA. Industries also collaborated outside of the yachting space with delegates from luxury hospitality, business aviation and ocean conservation discussing important sector-wide issues that will impact all stakeholders. This year’s attendees were also reminded of the precarious position that the yachting industry is in with a renewed focus on environmental concerns - echoed by PYA’s CEO, Christophe Bourillon, who highlighted this new reality in his latest position paper . With protest movements such as Extinction Rebellion evidently visible at this year’s event, delegates were keen to unveil ambitious reforms that will help yachting become more sustainable in future years. Part of the focus on sustainability has also been to unify various metrics to measure efforts and present evidence of binding reductions of carbon emissions as well as increasing protection for fragile maritime ecosystems. The openness of this year’s event showcased how much progress is being made across sectors and internationally to address the various issues impacting yacht crews. Gallery Highlights See some of our photos from this year’s event. 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 Christmas Ball, held on 6 December 2024, was an exceptional evening celebrating the yachting community in style. This year’s theme, Peaky Blinders meets Downton Abbey, provided the perfect blend of elegance and vintage charm, creating a truly memorable atmosphere. PYA Christmas Ball 2024 Highlights To All news 2 January 2025 On the 6th of December 2024, the PYA hosted its highly anticipated Christmas Ball, an evening that has become a cornerstone of the yachting community’s festive season. Held at the Martinez Hotel in Cannes, this year’s event transported attendees back in time with a dazzling theme: Peaky Blinders meets Downton Abbey . The fusion of 1920s grit and Edwardian elegance created an unforgettable atmosphere of vintage charm and sophistication. The evening commenced with a warm welcome as guests arrived dressed impeccably to match the theme, with many showcasing their creativity and flair for period-inspired fashion. From three-piece suits and pocket watches to feathered headbands and floor-length gowns, the costumes alone set the stage for an extraordinary night. Upon arrival, attendees registered and were guided to a delightful cocktail reception where drinks, food, and live musicians set the tone for the evening. The reception was filled with laughter, conversation, and a sense of anticipation as everyone enjoyed the vibrant atmosphere. Afterward, guests moved into the main room, which featured a photo booth for capturing memories of the night. This was followed by the start of the dinner, a highlight of the evening, offering a delicious menu in a stunningly decorated setting. As the dinner progressed, and during the dessert course, the highly anticipated raffle session took place. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our amazing donors for their generous contributions to this year’s raffle prizes – your support truly made the evening unforgettable! Froggy Gourmet , Seguso , Cabin Shop , Riviera Radio , La Fabrique , Blueoceans , Gourmet Deliveries , JP Barber Shop , Riviera Wine , Freedom Maritime , Howden , Blue LadyPub , ATPI , The Crew Network , Fraser Yacht , Ocean Wave Monaco , Harmonie Rock Therapy , Bluewater , Stilla Flower , The Cutting Shop , Savour Venice , La Treille D'or and La Cave Des Epicuriens Following the raffle, the evening reached it's crescendo with a live band performance that had everyone on the dance floor, creating a lively and unforgettable conclusion to the night. “The 2024 PYA Christmas ball reflected the superyacht industry as we know it - vibrant, lively, and dynamic. It was anchored in sophisticated entertainment, and the guests - who all featured the most fantastic and creative costumes - made it a memorable journey” Christophe Bourillon, CEO of the PYA. The Christmas Ball is not only a festive celebration but also an opportunity for the yachting community to come together, strengthen connections, and reflect on the achievements of the past year. It is a moment to express gratitude for the dedication and passion that define our industry. Christmas Ball Sponsors We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all our sponsors for their invaluable support this year. Their commitment has enabled the PYA to bring this exceptional event to life, making it a truly memorable occasion for all involved. Premium Yacht Sponsor : Fort Insurance Fort Insurance is an independent superyacht Insurance Broker, dedicated to securing the best coverage for our clients at the most competitive prices. With a team of industry-leading experts boasting decades of experience, we conduct a comprehensive assessment of your specific needs to recommend the most suitable insurance policies and offer expert claims management services. Your peace of mind is our priority, and we are committed to providing optimal coverage tailored to your unique requirements. Gourmet Deliveries Gourmet Deliveries , a family-owned and operated business since 2007, offer luxury provisions for superyachts worldwide, including a wide range of personalised food, wines, bedding, linen and more. They work alongside quality suppliers and ensure they provide clients with only the highest quality products. To save time for Chefs and Chief Stews, Gourmet Deliveries offers a quick and efficient online order service . It lists 10,000 popular products to ensure it can cater to every guest and crew requirement. Gourmet Deliveries offers the widest and the most exclusive catalogue in the world. MYBA MYBA The Worldwide Yachting Association is an internationally renowned professional organisation, founded in 1984, whose Members are involved at all levels within the Superyacht Industry. Members of MYBA are widely represented in all fields of brokerage, charter, technical management and construction of large yachts. Riviera Wine With more than 15 years of experience, Riviera Wine has grown into one of the most well-renowned and experienced wine suppliers in the yachting industry, combining the finest wine expertise and passion with a vital focus and understanding of the luxury industry. They have a dedicated and passionate team who offers a complete solution to all your wine & spirits needs on board: be it wine or spirits supply, bespoke expert advice, wine tastings onboard and much more. Let Riviera Wine become your wine & spirits partner! Burgess Burgess has been perfecting its craft since 1975 and today it is the market-leading full-service superyacht company for yachts over 30m (100ft). Charter, sale and purchase, build, operational yacht management, crew recruitment, procurement and any aspect of yacht ownership, we take care of everything to help owners get the very best out of their superyacht experience. Besenzoni Besenzoni designs and manufactures distinctive yacht components, including boarding gangways, pilot chairs, multifunctional ladders, beach area systems, and much more. With a comprehensive portfolio of products and patents, it collaborates with the leading brands in the nautical sector. Its philosophy blends aesthetics, functionality, and innovation, ensuring top quality and a unique user experience. Gusella Venice is known worldwide for her maritime history and for the beauty of its setting, its architecture and its art works. Somebody has wrote that she is “undoubtedly the most beautiful city built by man”. Gusella Yachting Agency looks at Venice like an amazing gateway where yachts arrive or from where they leave thanks to its strategical position. With many years of experience and knowledge of how the Port and City of Venice works, Gusella Yachting Agency is able to guide you through the administrative formalities and customs requirements of the Port Authority to allow docking in Venice. Seguso Seguso is a renowned Murano glassmaking dynasty with a heritage dating back to May 3, 1397. Spanning 23 generations, the family has been dedicated to the art of glassmaking, producing chandeliers, objects, and custom installations. Their creations are featured in over 75 museums worldwide, including the MoMA in New York and the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. How you can sponsor? If you are interested in sponsoring this event, please contact us at office@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

Over the last couple of months, the PYA's Member Assistance Service (MAS) has received a number of reports from crew who have been approached by scammers offering false jobs onboard yachts. Along with these direct reports, there has also been a number of incidents reported via the Yacht Crew Facebook Groups. Yacht Job Scams on the Rise To All news 27 November 2020 Over the last couple of months, t he PYA's Member Assistance Service (MAS) has received a number of reports from crew who have been approached by scammers offering false jobs onboard yachts. Along with these direct reports, there has also been a number of incidents reported via the Yacht Crew Facebook Groups. The motive of these scams is not clear, however, the PYA would like to warn crew that these scams might put them at an increased risk of individuals wanting to commit crimes of human trafficking, identity fraud or sexual assault. We have provided the details of some of these reports below and put together a survey to gather more information on the prevalence of job scams in the industry. Take our short survey now What has been reported in 2020? Majority of the scams reported involve female yacht crew. Report 1 - False job onboard We previously released the following report which gave the details of a job scam where a female crew member was recruited for a Stewardess position and asked to board a private plane to join the yacht. In addition to this individual, we received another report where the same scammer tried to recruit a female Chef under the same circumstances. Report 2 - Sexual assault during a video interview We received reports that young inexperienced Stewardesses had fallen victim to a false job scam. After applying to a Stewardess position in France advertised on social media, a number of girls were interviewed via a video call by an individual posing as the 'Captain' and asked to let their hair down and put on their bikinis during the interview. One reported incident included '8 hours of interview ing in 3 sessions, being asked to mess up her hair for him and get undressed'. Here is a visual of the original job post which appeared on social media: Report 3 - Inappropriate photos requested for interview Recently, it was reported via the yachting social media groups that another young girl had applied for a job online and had been asked for photos of herself in her underwear by the interviewer. 'A young girl who applied for a position on social media was asked to send photos of herself in her underwear, as this is how the industry works, according to the company. Luckily she took some advice and was told absolutely NOT. If ever in doubt when applying for positions pls pls pls ask someone. Trust your gut, not all you see Is as it seems. There are some rotten apples out there.' Here is the visual of the original job advert below: Report a job scam If you have been the victim of a job scam and need advice or support, please report your incident to our team via info@pya.org and we can put you in touch with the best support services. 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