Search on page

The préfet Maritime de la Méditerranée has updated their guidance on anchorage regulations, in line with its strategy to protect maritime ecosystems, including Posidonia. Posidonia regulations from Le préfet Maritime de la Méditerranée – July 2023 update To All news 31 July 2023 The préfet Maritime de la Méditerranée has updated their guidance on anchorage regulations, in line with its strategy to protect maritime ecosystems, including Posidonia. The latest regulations address anchorage of 24+ meter LOA vessels in Western Corsica (Arrêté # 168/2023) and in the Bay of Calvi (Arrêté # 189/2023). Areas of interest include: Considering that the action of anchoring and stopping French and foreign vessels in the French internal and territorial waters of the Mediterranean is a matter for the navigation police and public order at sea - which is the responsibility of the Maritime Prefect. Anchoring or stopping is the responsibility of the ship's captain, the skipper, or any person in charge or in control of the vessel. The rules governing the safe passage of foreign vessels in French territorial waters defined by the Préfet Maritime. France's obligations to preserve the good ecological status of its waters. Considering the scientific studies communicated to the Préfet Maritime showing the worsening degradation of Posidonia meadows linked to the anchoring of large vessels (over 24 meters in length overall). Considering the need to regulate the anchoring and stopping of vessels with French or foreign flags in French inland and territorial Mediterranean waters, in order to defend the sovereign rights and interests of the Nation, maintain public order, safeguard people and property, and protect the environment. Copies of the regulations with maps can be accessed here: Arrêté # 168/2023 - Western Corsica Arrêté # 189/2023 - Bay of Calvi More news PYA - the Voice of yacht crew Discover how our actions go beyond membership to strengthen the entire yachting sector. 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 PYA Christmas Ball 2024 Highlights 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. Read more

Resolutions, detoxes and diets...How's it going? Are you living in a haze of green smoothies and dawn yoga sessions, or have you fallen off the wagon and eaten half the crew mess Pringles? The Weight of Expectations - Yacht crew & eating disorders To All news 8 April 2021 If you’re locked down in a port or shipyard, maybe getting fit is the only thing you can do right now, but fad diets are ever present, aren't they? In this privileged world of yachting, food is abundant, there are lunch and dinner buffets, crew mess cupboards bursting with snacks, leftover guest lobster… and it’s ironic that amidst all this glorious food, many of us are trying very hard not to eat it. Continue reading here . Author: The K Flag More news PYA - the Voice of yacht crew Discover how our actions go beyond membership to strengthen the entire yachting sector. 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 PYA Christmas Ball 2024 Highlights 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. Read more

For over three decades, PYA has driven significant change in the yachting industry. Here are some of our key achievements: 2025: PYA launches its new digital platform, transforming the way Sea Service Testimonials are processed. The entire system is now online — no more paper forms — making the submission and verification process faster and easier for crew and captains alike. 2025: The PYA was granted permission by the MCA to verify sea service carried out in the Amazon Basin, to be used for CoC revalidations. For over three decades, PYA has driven significant change in the yachting industry. Here are some of our key achievements: 2025 PYA launches its new digital platform, transforming the way Sea Service Testimonials are processed. The entire system is now online — no more paper forms — making the submission and verification process faster and easier for crew and captains alike. The PYA was granted permission by the MCA to verify sea service carried out in the Amazon Basin, to be used for CoC revalidations. 2024 Record number of files processed in a month. 2021+ Initiated and built a close working relationships with French Authorities and Government Authorities. 2016 Signed a collaboration agreement with World Chefs Society to recognise yacht chefs. 2015 The PYA consulted with the MCA for the development of MSN1859 and 1858, engineering and deck. This included the new Commercial Engineering qualifications (for yachts, tugs, workboats etc.). 2013 Developed the Ships Cook Assessment route in response to MLC regulations. 2011 The PYA created the GUEST Program (now the IAMI GUEST Program), developing bespoke industry standards of training and certification for crew. GUEST accredited courses are now offered by training providers worldwide. 2004 Developed the MCA OOW (Yacht) Training Record Book, in consultation with the MCA. This included the Yacht Rating Training Record Book, leading to Yacht Rating Certification, which assisted the manning regulations for yacht crew. 1994 Created the PYA Service Record Book (SRB), validating sea service for MCA. 1991 Lobbied with the MCA (the Maritime Safety Agency) for the LY1 “Yacht” qualifications for Deck Officers. To About us Historical Achievements

You might have seen the news that South Africans who earn income abroad will be liable for 45% tax on all of their earnings after the ZAR1million threshold from March 2020. If you’re a South African yachtie and think you might be exempt from declaring your income because you fall within this exemption bracket, or haven’t bothered registering with.. Think you’re exempt from South African tax due to the 'days out of South Africa' rule? Think again... To All news 4 August 2019 You might have seen the news that South Africans who earn income abroad will be liable for 45% tax on all of their earnings after the ZAR 1 million threshold from March 2020. If you’re a South African yachtie and think you might be exempt from declaring your income because you fall within this exemption bracket, or haven’t bothered registering with the South African Revenue Service (SARS) because you think you don’t meet the residency requirements...think again. According to United Advisers Group, unless you are a resident and registered taxpayer in another country, it’s important that you declare your income to SARS to avoid being liable for tax evasion. ‘South African expatriate workers have relied upon the ‘days out of South Africa’ to negate any tax payable on their remuneration. This will no longer be the case, and no matter the period of time you spend outside of SA, tax will be payable.’ It’s important to know that there are a few exemptions affecting international yacht crew earnings, and you might fall into this bracket, however, your status is heavily scrutinised by SARS and it’s important to consult professional tax advice to ensure you are following the correct process. According to an article recently published by Super Yacht News, ‘Something as simple as the mere position held by the seafarer, or the title on the vessel can affect this. Thus, seafarers need to understand the law and how it applies to their individual circumstances to be able to protect their foreign earned income.’ If you’re unsure about how these new tax laws affect you, we advise you to seek help from a professional tax advisor. Alternatively, you can contact Seafarers Global: www.seafarersglobal.com . You can also learn if the new tax law affects your situation by reading the Tax Smart Solutions Personal Guide. Image Credit: Photo by Captureson on Unsplash More news PYA - the Voice of yacht crew Discover how our actions go beyond membership to strengthen the entire yachting sector. 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 PYA Christmas Ball 2024 Highlights 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. Read more

Octo Marine is the market leader in the design, supply, and maintenance of water treatment products and services for the marine industry. We offer watermakers, softeners, drinking systems, pumps, water sterilization services, water analysis, and more. Accredited to ISO 9001:2015 and 14001:2015 standards, Octo Marine is the market leader in the design, supply, and maintenance of water treatment products and services for the marine industry. We offer watermakers, softeners, drinking systems, pumps, water sterilisation services, water analysis, and more. With our headquarters in the South of France, our technicians can intervene from Marseille to Genoa, and further afield by request. We also have an office in Barcelona, and we have agents in Palma de Mallorca, Fort Lauderdale, Greece and Thailand. Services Water analysis Watermaker supply, maintenance and repair Water Softeners Drinking systems Sterilisation systems Consumables Special offer for members With the purchase of the Octo Marine Slimline drinking system, we offer PYA members 1 free set of the 5 replacement filters. Please quote your PYA member number and expiry date with your purchase. Contact information Octo Marine International info@octomarine.net +33(0) 4 93 65 04 84 www.octomarine.com Octo Marine Barcelona tom@octomarine.net +33 (0)6 74 70 60 96 Octo Marine Octo Marine is the market leader in the design, supply, and maintenance of water treatment products and services for the marine industry. We offer watermakers, softeners, drinking systems, pumps, water sterilization services, water analysis, and more. Visit website Back to All Partners With the purchase of the Octo Marine Slimline drinking system, we offer PYA members 1 free set of the 5 replacement filters. Please quote your PYA member number and expiry date with your purchase. Become a member and enjoy the exclusive offers from our partners. Become a member

The PYA is authorised by the UK Maritime Coastguard Agency (MCA) and by Transport Malta to verify yacht sea service testimonials for all yacht crew worldwide. Your sea service is reviewed by the PYA’s Sea Service Department to ensure all the MCA’s definitions have been adhered to. This may require further information or evidence from the seafarer. Once everything is deemed reasonably true and correct, the testimonial will achieve it’s verified status. Step 1 – Why You Need It Sea Service verification is required for: Notice of Eligibility (NoE) applications, Certificate of Competency (CoC) revalidation and can be used to display your experience in your employment profile. PYA is authorised by the MCA (UK) and Transport Malta. Step 2 – Choose Your Option Full Members Get a Digital Service Record Book (D-SRB) an official document displaying all you verified sea service. Unlimited testimonial and certificate verification. Non-Members Get digitally signed testimonials (not a D-SRB). €50 per testimonial (a minimum purchase of two is required for the first submission). See all services Step 3 – Upload Your Documents Join or log in to your PYA profile and upload: Complete your profile (passport style photo, basic information, contact information, billing address) Certified copy of passport (.pdf) Certified Certificates (optional) Step 4 – Use the Definitions Download and print the official MCA guidelines to complete your testimonials. Engineering : Sea service definitions for engineering department .pdf Download PDF • 198KB Deck : Sea service definitions for deck department .pdf Download PDF • 196KB Step 5 – Allow for Processing The process is fully digital and can take up to 25 working days: A. Fill the testimonial form on your profile and send to your signatory (Captain, Chief Officer, Chief Engineer, Owner or Manager). B. Once the testimonial is digitally signed and confirmed by the signatory , it will go to the Sea Service Department to be reviewed . C. The sea service will either be approved by the Sea Service team or sent back with a request for more information or review. We remain available to you at this point if you wish to discuss the comments. D. Once approved by the sea service team, the testimonial will go to the SRB Officers who will give it a final review and verification. E. Verified testimonials will be show on your DSRB or be officially stamped . Sea Service Definitions : Free with Full Membership €50 (minimum 2) For non-members Become a member or pay for an individual testimonial Sea Service Verification The PYA is authorised by the UK Maritime Coastguard Agency (MCA) and by Transport Malta to verify yacht sea service testimonials for all yacht crew worldwide. To All services Discover our plans to get access to all the services we provide. Become a member

Find out the latest details regarding the recent job scam alert, including information about the companies involved. Yacht Job Scam Alert - Disclaimer To All news 22 June 2021 Following the recent notification by the PYA (direct email and blog post ) which revealed the modus operandi of an entity seeking to defraud people looking for positions in the yachting industry, more information has come to light as the PYA pursued further investigations and received feedback from other parties concerned. It appears that an Eastern European cyberspace entity calling itself TMT Yachts Holding, has compiled a fake web profile by stripping parts from the web pages of an authentic yacht management company, TWW Yachts, using their logo, and an authentic commercial ship company C-bed Holding A/S, and illegally displaying the logos of other prime organizations such as Lloyd’s, on their material. In addition, they have been pushing out crudely butchered employment “contracts”, purporting to come from Lesia Group in Guernsey, or from the PYA. Presumably such false contracts are intended to serve as bait when offering nonsensical courses, to be paid for upfront by job candidates as a pre-condition of employment. This Disclaimer is to affirm that the PYA does not issue crew contracts, and that any and all implied or overt affiliations between TMT Yachts Holding and the PYA, or Lesia Group, or TWW Yachts, or YPI, or any individual yacht named by TMT Yachts Holding, or any other legitimate body which may have been targeted by TMT Yachts Holding, are totally spurious and invalid. Our members are advised to ignore all postings, job offers, training courses, and any other online content emanating from TMT Yachts Holding. If any direct contact has already been made, the safe approach is to sever it forthwith, and change passwords to all personal and financial records. More news PYA - the Voice of yacht crew Discover how our actions go beyond membership to strengthen the entire yachting sector. 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 PYA Christmas Ball 2024 Highlights 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. Read more

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

The EDH (Efficient Deckhand) requirement came into play as of the end of June 2015 when the new M-notice was published. This means that as from 01 January 2017, the EDH certificate must have been issued within 18 months prior to the issue of the Certificate of Competency for the OOW. Completing your EDH before your OOW To All news 8 June 2015 The EDH (Efficient Deckhand) requirement came into play as of the end of June 2015 when the new M-notice was published. This means that as from 01 January 2017, the EDH certificate must have been issued within 18 months prior to the issue of the Certificate of Competency for the OOW. So if you are planning to do your OOW in the future, please bear this information in mind. More news PYA - the Voice of yacht crew Discover how our actions go beyond membership to strengthen the entire yachting sector. 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 PYA Christmas Ball 2024 Highlights 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. Read more

A1: Your yachting experts in Greece Knowledgeable, aware, and intent on client satisfaction, A1 offers the entire range of yachting services from its own shipyard facility to legal services, charter, brokerage, and yacht management. A1 offers boutique services in all aspects of yachting in Greece, aiming to make every aspect of yachting, simple for you. Services Shipyard Yacht Charter Brokerage and sales Yacht management Legal Services Marina Consultancy Contact information Athens Akti Themistokleous 8, Marina Zeas, Piraeus Rhodes, 2nd Klm. Rhodes – Kallithea Av., Kanamat, Rhodes www.a1yachting.com a1@a1yachting.com +30 22410 01000 A1 Group A1: Your yachting experts in Greece Visit website Back to All Partners Become a member and enjoy the exclusive offers from our partners. Become a member