Before you can get your sea time entered into your PYA Digital Service Record Book, you’ll need to submit your testimonials to our team for verification. In order to streamline this process and improve the efficiency of how we process your testimonials, we have put together a list of useful tips to follow when preparing and submitting your testimonials. Tips for preparing your testimonials To All news 25 September 2020 Before you can get your sea time entered into your PYA Digital Service Record Book, you’ll need to submit your testimonials to our team for verification. To streamline this process and improve the efficiency of the verification of your testimonials, we have put together a list of useful tips to follow. Tips to follow File: Multiple pages of the same testimonial should be in 1 PDF file. Formatting: Be sure to format all testimonials correctly so that the information is clear and readable. Signature: Unsigned testimonials or testimonials that are self-signed will be declined (this includes Captains who self-sign). Dates: Fill in BOTH dates, even if you are still on board. Definitions of sea time: Take time to check your testimonial is correct against MCA definitions before you submit it. Rotation: If you work on rotation, we advise creating one testimonial for the whole period you worked on the vessel and specify how often you were on/off rotation. You can highlight the dates you were signed off in the “Leave of Absence” field of our testimonials. Additional Information You can get a testimonial anytime, you don't need to wait for your employment to end. We advise getting your sea time verified as soon as you can, in case you lose touch with the signatories and/or their contact details change. Sea time which has been used to get a new CoC cannot be used again (you will need to start a new testimonial from the date of issuance of your latest COC. All new testimonials must start on a subsequent date from the date of your previous one. How to submit your testimonials Upload your testimonials to your profile on the PYA website. If you're unsure about the MCA definitions of sea time, read our guidelines here. Last updated: 22/02/2023 More news Sea Changes Forum 2026 highlights - Navigating the future of yachting The PYA Sea Changes Forum 2026, held on 24 September at the IHO in Monaco, brought together Flag States, maritime authorities and industry experts to address critical yachting updates, safety compliance, crew training and welfare, and ocean stewardship initiatives. Read more 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

This MIN details a new route for applicants looking to gain an UK OOW yachts, less than 3000 GT, unlimited area, II/1 Certificate of Competency. New route to Officer of the Watch To All news 13 October 2018 This MIN details a new route for applicants looking to gain an UK OOW yachts, less than 3000 GT, unlimited area, II/1 Certificate of Competency. MIN 580 can be found here. It essentially is a new route for Seafarers wanting to gain an OOW Yachts Licence but don’t have the relevant service on smaller yachts due to the nature of the industry. More news Sea Changes Forum 2026 highlights - Navigating the future of yachting The PYA Sea Changes Forum 2026, held on 24 September at the IHO in Monaco, brought together Flag States, maritime authorities and industry experts to address critical yachting updates, safety compliance, crew training and welfare, and ocean stewardship initiatives. Read more 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

As everyone knows the IMO regulations for cyber risk management came into force on 1 January 2021. So what have we found so far? Cyber Security 2021 - The Story So Far To All news 11 May 2021 Without exception, every yacht we have visited this year had failed to take cyber security into consideration up until that point. Our findings are similar in each case although the overall awareness and competency of the crew varies from yacht to yacht. Read the full story More news Sea Changes Forum 2026 highlights - Navigating the future of yachting The PYA Sea Changes Forum 2026, held on 24 September at the IHO in Monaco, brought together Flag States, maritime authorities and industry experts to address critical yachting updates, safety compliance, crew training and welfare, and ocean stewardship initiatives. Read more 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

Media Kit The Professional Yachting Association (PYA) is the global voice representing over 11,000 professional yacht crew and industry partners from more than 90 countries. Journalists can contact the media team on marketing@pya.org The PYA has an extensive archive of photography for media use. Media Kit The Professional Yachting Association (PYA) is the global voice representing over 11,000 professional yacht crew and industry partners from more than 90 countries. Journalists can contact the media team on marketing@pya.org The PYA has an extensive archive of photography for media use. Please email marketing@pya.org for more details. By using our multimedia you agree to PYA’s terms and conditions . Downloads are available below. These links will download zip files containing .png logos. The blue PYA logo without background is the primary version for most print applications, when in doubt this is what you should be using. For digital (and some print pieces) choose based on the specific case at hand. Logos PYA Logo .zip Download ZIP • 162KB Press kit PYA MEDIA KIT -1 .pdf Download PDF • 11.05MB To About us Media Kit

Last month’s news was that the crew on the 31m M/Y La Dolce Vita had to abandon their burning yacht off the Florida Keys before fire totally gutted it and the yacht sank. Other than the watches on their wrists and the smartphones in their pockets, they may not have managed to take many other of their personal belongings with them when they abandoned the yacht. Repatriation of Personal Possessions To All news 13 April 2021 Last month’s news was that the crew on the 31m M/Y La Dolce Vita had to abandon their burning yacht off the Florida Keys before fire totally gutted it and the yacht sank. Other than the watches on their wrists and the smartphones in their pockets, they may not have managed to take many other of their personal belongings with them when they abandoned the yacht. This was not a unique occasion when yacht crew have been unexpectedly separated from their personal effects in a traumatic manner. A brief online search will reveal a series of other yacht fires and founderings, including some very large yachts. Recently, the 75m S/Y Enigma burned out and sank off Langkawi. The 60m M/Y Yogi sank in heavy weather in the Aegean in February 2012. The Yogi episode was spread over several hours before the crew were lifted off by helicopter, and they reportedly had time to assemble all their belongings to take with them. In other incidents, the speed of abandonment was such that few of the crew members’ personal effects left with their owners. Bicycles, surfboards, parachute packs, and even laptops are unwelcome candidates as survival equipment in a life raft. The above examples illustrate one category of separations between crew and their possessions, namely accidents to vessels. Accidents to individuals, leading to unexpected hospitalization and/or repatriation, are another category. Fatalities, occurring either onboard or during the period of service, are a third category. The Covid-19 crisis has brought to our attention a fourth category of enforced separation of seafarers from their belongings. A combination of quarantine/isolation/lockdown restrictions, plus limited or total unavailability of air travel to particular destinations, has meant that some of our PYA members have been unable to rejoin their yachts after a period of leave and have consequently been paid off. The return of their belongings has not always gone smoothly. The foregoing serves to show that there exists a niche area of crew welfare that is often overlooked and unprepared for until a critical situation arises. Whenever seafarers are separated from their onboard personal possessions for whatever reason, there are specific regulations and protocols to follow. The particular duties and responsibilities of owners/managers and masters, and the rights of the seafarer concerned, will be found in the flag state shipping regulations (for instance the UK Merchant Shipping (Maritime Labour Convention) (Minimum Requirements for Seafarers etc.) Regulations 2014, Part6). In some instances the seafarer’s rights under such regulations may be embodied in, appended to, or referred to in the SEA. With regard to the UK Statutory Instrument referred to above, note the following paragraph: (13) The seafarer or the next of kin, as the case may be, must reimburse the shipowner for the reasonable delivery costs if demanded. A similar clause may be found in the regulations of other flag registries. There is no guidance as to the grounds for reimbursement of such delivery costs. Justifiable grounds could be extreme misconduct on board, leading to instant dismissal and police escort to the airport, or criminal conduct leading to imprisonment under the regime of the port being visited, such as possession of drugs or pornography. No matter who pays for the shipment, a proper accounting of all left-behind possessions is called for in all circumstances. In the event of personal belongings having to be shipped to a former crew member, or their next of kin, the circumstances leading to separation from those belongings, whether fire, foundering, sickness, injury or death are certain to create stress for those involved. The last thing that anybody needs is to compound the stress by controversy over the belongings which have been left behind on board. The best precaution to take in order to avoid a dispute over such possessions is to maintain onboard an electronic register into which each crew member can enter all relevant details regarding their personal belongings. Entries should include a photograph of each item (face and back of the case of expensive watches,) photograph of proof of purchase, make, model, serial number, a brief description, and any other pertinent information (such as provenance). The electronic format allows for easy updates as crew change or they buy themselves new toys, and remote cloud storage safeguards the list in the event of catastrophic annihilation of onboard records. The full list should be password protected, with at least one person ashore, possibly the DPA, having access. With this data always retrievable, appropriate action can be taken in the event of shipment of one person’s belongings, or a post-loss insurance claim by all crew members. If no central registry is kept on board, it would behove each individual crew member to maintain their own personal inventory in a similar remotely stored manner. In all instances, the Master or a delegated officer should verify the existence of all items listed. More news Sea Changes Forum 2026 highlights - Navigating the future of yachting The PYA Sea Changes Forum 2026, held on 24 September at the IHO in Monaco, brought together Flag States, maritime authorities and industry experts to address critical yachting updates, safety compliance, crew training and welfare, and ocean stewardship initiatives. Read more 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

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 highlights - Navigating the future of yachting The PYA Sea Changes Forum 2026, held on 24 September at the IHO in Monaco, brought together Flag States, maritime authorities and industry experts to address critical yachting updates, safety compliance, crew training and welfare, and ocean stewardship initiatives. Read more 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

What is the Automatic Renewal and how it works If you pay by Stripe (only) , you can choose to renew your membership automatically every year. This feature is unfortunately, unavailable for other payment methods. You can change this setting at any time in the Payments tab in your profile. You will receive an email notification from Stripe about the upcoming renewal 7 days before your card will be charged. You will receive an email reminder if your card is going to expire within a month. You will receive an email if the payment has failed. If you need more information, please contact office@pya.org Automatic Renewal What is the Automatic Renewal and how it works

The PYA will be attending this year’s 2023 Superyacht Forum in Amsterdam as part of wider industry discussions to improve standards and wellbeing for seafarers. PYA heads to Amsterdam for industry discussions at The Superyacht Forum 2023 To All news 9 November 2023 The PYA will be attending this year’s 2023 Superyacht Forum in Amsterdam as part of wider industry discussions to improve standards and wellbeing for seafarers. The Superyacht Forum 2023 is an important event in the calendar for anyone in the superyacht industry, and this year, the streamlined concept of ‘TSF: Connect’ will be focusing on fostering connections, sharing knowledge, and driving innovation within the industry. Meeting and connecting with the key players in our industry continues to be one of the most important and anticipated aspects of The Superyacht Forum. “We would like to thank the Superyacht Group for inviting us to participate in this year’s event. These important industry discussions at TSF will enable us to better understand emerging trends in the yachting industry and learn perspectives of yacht owners and crew,” said Kim Llorente, Operations Manager at the PYA. Over the course of the 3 days, The Superyacht Forum (TSF: Connect) will bring together representatives from across the industry. The lineup of events includes networking sessions, partner roundtables, strategic workshops, and one definitive Keynote Debate each day, bringing together a diverse range of speakers and experts to share their insights and perspectives. Covering a wide range of topics, including sustainability, technology, design, and business strategy, The Superyacht Forum is anticipated to provide important networking opportunities where the future of the yachting business will be discussed. More than 800 delegates from around the world are attending with 30 keynote speeches set to take place. More news Sea Changes Forum 2026 highlights - Navigating the future of yachting The PYA Sea Changes Forum 2026, held on 24 September at the IHO in Monaco, brought together Flag States, maritime authorities and industry experts to address critical yachting updates, safety compliance, crew training and welfare, and ocean stewardship initiatives. Read more 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

Following the PYA’s support to help boost the uptake of Clear Ocean Pact’s war on single-use plastic, the organisation has been recognised at the People. Environment. Achievement (P.E.A) awards, for their contributions towards forging an ecologically-conscious blueprint for businesses and organisations within the yachting industry.  Clear Ocean Pact wins UK award for being involved in changing the face of the planet To All news 14 November 2019 Following the PYA’s support to help boost the uptake of Clear Ocean Pact’s war on single-use plastic, the organisation has been recognised at the People. Environment. Achievement (P.E.A) awards, for their contributions towards forging an ecologically-conscious blueprint for businesses and organisations within the yachting industry. The green-carpet event, held at Greenwich Peninsula, London, invited a range of businesses committed to promoting ecologically-friendly and conscious lifestyles. Clear Ocean Pact was honoured to win the award within the ‘Travel’ category, which the organisation’s founder said ‘is a step in the right direction to represent how the yachting industry is leading the change and working towards becoming more sustainable.’ The climate emergency is fast becoming a topic high up the agenda within the yachting industry, so it has been a positive step to see a large number of high-profile yachts join the PACT. We recently called upon our members to join the organisation’s PACT, which includes removing the use of single-use plastic and adopting alternative products. Do you want to join the fight against single-use plastic? Follow these simple steps: Visit their website clearoceanpact.org Sign-up to the PACT Inspire other yachts and crew to do the same More news Sea Changes Forum 2026 highlights - Navigating the future of yachting The PYA Sea Changes Forum 2026, held on 24 September at the IHO in Monaco, brought together Flag States, maritime authorities and industry experts to address critical yachting updates, safety compliance, crew training and welfare, and ocean stewardship initiatives. Read more 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

It is now official that the increase of Tolls for the Panama Canal transit starts in January 1st, 2023 and is divided into 3 parts (January 1st, 2023, January 1st, 2024 and January 1st, 2025). Increase in Tolls for the Panama Canal transit To All news 20 July 2022 It is now official that the increase of Tolls for the Panama Canal transit starts on January 1st, 2023 and is divided into 3 parts (January 1st, 2023, January 1st, 2024 and January 1st, 2025). Adjustments to small vessels tolls: Modifications to small vessel tolls involve adjustments to the maximum limits of displacement tonnage established by tolls based on length overall. These tolls apply to all small vessels (length overall up to 125 feet). Vessels of length overall greater than 125 feet, of any market segment, with PC/UMS tonnage up to 999 as the maximum limit, will be applied the small vessels tolls in the length overall range greater than 100 feet, in addition to all related charges for other maritime services. The proposed modifications to small vessel tolls involve adjustments to the maximum limits of displacement tonnage established by tolls based on length overall (1,000 displacement tons). Vessels with a displacement tonnage greater than 1,000 will be assessed tolls based on the proposed displacement tolls. Below is the table that shows the tolls increase for the 3 years for vessels/boats that pay Tolls based on their length and not tonnage: Yachts that pay tolls based on PC/UMS tonnage fall in the segment of "Others". There will be a substantial increase in Tolls to be paid for vessels/boats that pay based on their tonnages or PC/UMS tonnage as per the table. The total tolls to be paid will be a combination of a Fixed Fee plus the PC/UMS of the vessel times $2.00 on 2023, $2.50 in 2024 and $3.00 in 2025. However, most yachts up to 180 ft and some close to 200 ft would still pay based on their length because of their PC/UMS tonnages. Associated Yacht Services recommends sending them an email ( yachts@shipsagent.com ) and they can make the calculations for you. For more information, download the Adjustment to Tolls from the Panama Canal. More news Sea Changes Forum 2026 highlights - Navigating the future of yachting The PYA Sea Changes Forum 2026, held on 24 September at the IHO in Monaco, brought together Flag States, maritime authorities and industry experts to address critical yachting updates, safety compliance, crew training and welfare, and ocean stewardship initiatives. Read more 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