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How to obtain certified copies of your documents Certified copies of documents For PYA purposes The certification of your documents can be done by anyone holding a C o C, a management company, a training provider, or other professionals such as doctors, lawyers or teachers, who declare that the copies are true copies of the originals. W e cannot process your testimonials without confirming your identity so your file will remain pending until you upload a certified copy of your passport . --- Text sample: "I certify that this/these is a/are true copy/ies of the original/s." Full name, COC number and issuing authority (if available), stamp (if available), signature. --- Whoever is certifying your doc uments can: write the declaration on each copy; send an email to certificates@pya.org with the above text , mentioning each certificate, while you upload simple copies of your certificates to your profile; write the declaration in a Word/PDF document and mention each certificate and upload it together with the simple copies of your documents to your profile. For MCA purposes (applying for an NoE) Please note that for us to issue certified copies that are accepted by the MCA we must see the originals first. We cannot make certified copies from certified copies unless they come from one of our Agents. If you are in the Antibes area, we can arrange an appointment for you to come with your certificates . Please contact certificates@pya.org . Alternatively, you can go to any notary public or MCA-approved nautical colleges or IYT , or Your Maritime Administration or MCA Surveyors or other MCA-approved organisations (you must contact the MCA directly for these). Certified Copies How to obtain certified copies of your documents

The PYA takes privacy seriously and is committed to providing you with clear and comprehensive information on how your personal data is collected and used. When using our sea service verification process, you agree to let us use your personal data in accordance with our Privacy Policy. You also agree to let us share certain data with the person who has signed the testimonial in order to verify its contents. It is your responsibility to ensure that when somebody signs your testimonial, they agree to pass on their personal data to the PYA (name, address, email, phone number, company/yacht, job title, CoC number) so that we can lawfully process it for the purpose of verifying your sea service. Our new GDPR-compliant testimonial templates include this statement as standard. We require users to agree to this policy before using our services, so we recommend that you take the time to read this document carefully. If you have any questions, please contact the PYA at info@pya.org . New Privacy Policy and Terms of Use 2024 - final .pdf Download PDF • 305KB Privacy Policy The PYA takes privacy seriously and is committed to providing you with clear and comprehensive information on how your personal data is collected and used.

What is a Seaman Discharge Book (SDB), how to obtain one and what makes it different Discharge Books are not a primary identity document. They are initially issued by the flag state of the vessel on which a seafarer is employed or the flag state of the country of origin and are intended to be a record of service. Application for the first issuance of a Discharge Book has to be passed through an owner’s representative, such as a captain or appointed manager. You must have a contract to apply . The entries record the dates and ports of joining and leaving the vessel. It cannot be filled in retroactively. Unless otherwise proscribed by the issuing flag state, a Discharge Book can be carried by the seafarer onto other vessels under different flags , and the entries will still be valid as a record of service on all vessels recorded in the Book. It is essential to understand that in the context of a Discharge Book issued by a Red Ensign Group flag state, “service” relates only to the period of employment in a vessel . The nature of service is not attested to, except that it was performed in a certain rank. That is why you will still need to obtain Sea Service testimonials . A Discharge Book is a valid record of a seafarer’s employment as required under MLC, 2006, and may form part of the evidence to be submitted for validation of sea service at various stages of a yacht crew member’s career. As stated above, it is not intended to be an identity document with the same international acceptance as a passport. It may be useful when travelling on a seaman’s ticket to attest to an airline representative that the ticket holder is a genuine seafarer. Some non-European immigration authorities may prefer to see a Discharge Book before issuance of a local shore pass. If you are a UK citizen or you work on a UK-flagged yacht, you can apply for an MCA Seaman's Book . If you work on a Malta (TM) -flagged yacht, you can apply for a Transport Malta Seaman's Book . If you work on a Cayman Islands (CI) -flagged yacht, you can apply for a Cayman Islands Seaman's Book . If you work on a Marshall Islands (MI) -flagged yacht, you can apply for a Marshall Islands Seaman's Book . If you work on an Isle of Man (IOM) -flagged yacht, they are no longer issuing Seaman's Books. They now offer the Seafarer's Record of Sea Service . If you work on a British Virgin Islands ( BVI )-flagged yacht, you can apply for a British Virgin Islands Seaman's Book . If you work on a Cook Islands -flagged yacht, you can apply for a Cook Islands Seaman's Book . The application is to be sent electronically to seafarers@maritimecookislands.com The Digital Service Record Book (D-SRB) is intended to provide detailed evidence of approved courses taken, qualifications obtained, and the associated specific types of sea service , such as actual sea service, stand-by service, yard service, etc. The D-SRB is issued by the PYA only. All entries are made only after testimonials regarding the service to be entered have been scrutinized and checked. It can be filled in retroactively . The OOW 3000 GT Training Record Book for Deck is published by the MCA and locally printed by the PYA for members and is part of the requirements for obtaining an OOW 3000 Yacht CoC. Entries are certified by the Captain or Chief Officer on board. It contains a detailed record of each task required. Latest update: 09/08/2023 Seaman Discharge Book (SDB) and others To Knowledge Base

Learn about contracts for seafarers and use our template The PYA has become aware, from surveys and cases handled by our confidential Member Assistance Service, that there are many seafarers, especially those working on smaller yachts, that have inadequate employment contracts or, often, no contract at all. We are also aware that some Captains are not using employment contracts and would like to introduce them but don't know how to do so. It is for these reasons that the PYA decided, as a service to our industry, to offer two 'contract templates' that can be used to create an employment contract suitable for each particular situation. Please note carefully that these templates are only for use on so-called 'Pleasure Vessels'/yachts not operating commercially, but can be read as a guideline on what a seafarer needs to look out for when signing a contract. The PYA would very much like to receive feedback from members on these templates. Please send all feedback to advice@pya.org . Download SEA templates PYA SEA for Pleasure Vessels - Basic (Word) PYA SEA for Pleasure Vessels - Comprehensive - With notes (Word) PYA SEA for Pleasure Vessels - Comprehensive - Without notes (Word) Employment contracts To Knowledge Base

The PYA is a non-profit making association, registered at the Sub Prefecture in Grasse, France with number 9648 in accordance with the Law of 1st July 1901, and the decree of 16th August 1901. The PYA is a non-profit making association, registered at the Sub Prefecture in Grasse, France with number 9648 in accordance with the Law of 1st July 1901, and the decree of 16th August 1901. The PYA shall not support with its funds any object, or any endeavour to impose it, by its members or others, any regulation, restriction or condition which would make the object of the PYA a Trades Union. The income and property of the PYA whence so ever derived shall be applied solely towards the promotion of the objects of the PYA and no part of it shall be paid or transferred, directly or indirectly, by way of dividends, bonus or otherwise by way of profits, to members of the PYA, unless otherwise agreed at any Council meeting where a quorum of members is present. Legal Status The PYA is a non-profit making association, registered at the Sub Prefecture in Grasse, France with number 9648 in accordance with the Law of 1st July 1901, and the decree of 16th August 1901.

France has introduced anchorage regulations (enforced in March 2021) which prevent yachts over 24m (78ft) from anchoring within areas containing protected Posidonia seagrass beds. Last update: 12/06/2024 Posidonia - sometimes referred to as the lung of the ocean - plays a vital role in the production of oxygen and purification of our ocean. Unfortunately, Posidonia is incredibly fragile and anchoring in the Posidonia seabed can cause significant destruction which could take up to one thousand years to restore. The maritime authorities recognise the positive economic impact of the yachting industry on the Mediterranean coasts, as well as the efforts of yachting professionals to protect the environment. They will, therefore, encourage the creation of organised buoy fields and moorings with public as well as private funding. These facilities will be under the responsibility of land-based authorities and local communities. Key facts Anchorage regulations are applicable to yachts over 24m (78ft); Infringement of the new regulations could result in fines of up to €150,000 and also possible banishment of the vessel from French waters. The Captain is ultimately responsible; All restricted zones are clearly indicated within the maps (below), which are a part of the new decrees issued by the Maritime Prefecture; The maritime authorities are attempting to speed up the update of the new charts published by SHOM; It is also understood that messages regarding the anchoring rules will be broadcast through CROSSMED, in both French and in English; All restricted areas will be displayed on the Donia app; In case of adverse weather, the authorities have confirmed that safety and security will take precedence. Vessels that may take shelter in forbidden zones (Posidonia meadows) but may be required to provide justification for their decision; The authorities have indicated that, in future regulation, they will adopt a limitation of mooring time to 72 hours. This will not apply to yachts in routine operation, with crew on board, but rather to vessels left without supervision and presenting a risk of stranding. To enable this management of mooring times, the Maritime Prefecture has agreed to establish a list of yachts (24-45m) benefiting from an implicit renewal every 72 hours, for the whole season. Infringement Unlike the Spanish or Italian authorities, France elected to sanction the position of the vessel itself. This can lead to serious consequences as yachts in breach of these regulations can be fined up to 150,000€ and receive a possible ban from French waters, whereas the environmental infraction is ''only" a hundred euros. In addition, several of the means to be used to establish potential offenses, such as human observation from aircraft, boats or land-based platforms can lead to arbitrary decisions. Read our news article on the infringement of these regulations during the summer season of 2021. Read our news article on how to avoid infringement. Latest news May 2024 update: release of the latest regulation applicable to vessels longer than 45 meters, wishing to anchor or stop in the French Mediterranean. As indicated by the maritime authorities, "this new regulation does not provide major changes but a few modifications on some anchoring zones". Arret 157-2024 may 23 2024 .pdf Download PDF • 2.95MB To make absolutely sure that you will be anchoring in the right area, we strongly encourage captains to speak to the relevant sémaphore (radio station) on Channel 16 or better still - on the phone - asking them to confirm that you are in the right area. All sémaphore's conversations are recorded and, just in case, it could be relevant for the captain to record the conversation as well. A list of all semaphores , with their area coverage, telephone numbers and email addresses are provided on Annex 1, page 9 of the regulation. The following information is also provided in this regulation: Annex II and III (pages 10, 11): Information to provide to the sémaphore when seeking anchoring or Dynamic Positioning authorisation. Annex IV (pages 12-13): List of regulations (Arrêtés) relevant to anchoring for vessels of >24 meters. Annex V: (pages 14-47): list of mandatory anchoring areas (with charts). Anchorage maps To view the maps released by the maritime prefecture, click below. Decree 159/2016 : Côte Bleue Marine, Martigue, Sausset-les-Pins, Carry-le-Rouet Decree 204/2020 : Cap Ferrat, Cap Martin Decree 205/2020 : Pointe de l’Aiguille, Embouchure fleuve Var, Golfe de la Napoule, Golfe Juan Decree 245/2020 : Point Fauconnière, Cap Cépet, Baie de Bandol Decree 246/2020 : Cap Carqueiranne, Cap Bénat, Golfe de Giens, La Badine Decree 247/2020 : Cap Bénat, Pointe de Bonne-Terrasse, Baise de Briande, Baie de Bon-Porté Decree 248/2020 : Cap Pinet, Pointe de Saint-Aygulf, Saint Tropez, Plage des Cigales, Plage de la Nartelle, Plage de la Gaillarde Decree 249/2020 : Saint-Raphaël, Pointe de l’Aiguille Decree 020/2021 : Hérault, Cap d’Agde, Frontignan, Palavas-les-Flots Decree 095/2021 : Haute-Corse, Plage de Saleccia, Plage du Loto, Centuri, Barcaggio, Erbalunga Decree 099/2021 : Baie de la Ciotat, Baie de Cassis, Baie de Lecques Decree 101/2021 : Baie de Cassis, Plage de Bestouan, Plage de la Grande Mer, Cal. De Port Miou Decree 197/2022 : Port d'Argelès-sur-Mer, Cap Béar, Cap d'Osne, Port de Banyuls, Cap l'Abeille, Cap Cerbère (Cervera), Port-Vendres, Collioure Decree 319/2022 : Est-Corse, Port de Bastia, Sud Bastia, Lucciana-Venzolasca, Golfe de Porto-Vecchio Decree 168/2023 : Western Corsica Decree 189/2023 : Bay of Calvi Decree 087/2024 : Bay of Pampelonne Decree 156/2024 : Réserve naturelle des Bouches de Bonifacio, Les Moines – Ventilègne, Bonifacio-Pertusato, Sant’Amanza-Lavezzi, Porto-Vecchio – Santa Giulia, Baie de Figari, Golfe de Ventilegne, Secteur de la Madonetta, Secteur de l’Escalier du roi d’Aragon, Île Piana, Punta de Sperone, Îles Lavezzi, Cala di Grecu, Golfe de Sant’Amanza Decree 157/2024 : Modifications on some anchoring zones Nav & Co app In addition to your normal means of navigations to seek anchorage areas, do use the cellphone application "Nav & Co" (download link below). This is the official application produced by the French maritime authorities and it is constantly updated with new regulations as they are adopted. Android https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.navco&hl=fr IOS https://apps.apple.com/fr/app/nav-co/id1642742060 ‎ Additional resources Yachting Pages hosts several articles here: https://www.yachting-pages.com/articles/french-anchoring-regulations-posidonia For further information, please visit the website of the Préfecture Maritime de la Mediterranée : https://www.premar-mediterranee.gouv.fr . Last update: 12/06/2024 French Anchorage Regulations To Knowledge Base

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

We require PYA members, users of our services, registrants to our events and users of our website to agree to our Privacy Policy before using our services We require PYA members, users of our services, registrants to our events and users of our website to agree to our Privacy Policy before using our services, so we recommend that you take the time to read this document carefully. If you have any questions, please contact the PYA at info@pya.org . When using our sea service verification process, you agree to let us use your personal data in accordance with our Privacy Policy . You also agree to let us share certain data with the person who has signed the testimonial in order to verify its contents. It is your responsibility to ensure that when somebody signs your testimonial, they agree to pass on their personal data to the PYA (name, address, email, phone number, company/yacht, job title, CoC number) so that we can lawfully process it for the purpose of verifying your sea service. Our new GDPR-compliant testimonial templates include this statement as a standard. PYA Terms and Conditions We require PYA members, users of our services, registrants to our events and users of our website to agree to our Privacy Policy before using our services

You are a Chef? Learn everything you need to know about the MCA's Ships' Cook Certificate What is it? The Ships’ Cook Certificate is a mandatory requirement for all chefs on commercially registered vessels operating more than 60 miles offshore, or with 10 or more crew on board. This qualification is run in accordance with the requirements of MLC (Maritime Labour Convention) and the ILO (International Labour Organisation) with respect to ship’s cooks and other catering personnel to confirm that applicants have the necessary skills and knowledge. Requirements be at least 18 years of age have completed a minimum of 1 month of actual sea service service in any capacity have completed training in accordance with the learning outcomes and assessment criteria set out in annex 1 and annex 2 MSN 1846 (M) MLC 2006 food and catering ship's cooks and catering staff - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) have completed the following standards of training certification and watchkeeping (STCW) basic safety courses: personal survival techniques (STCW Code A-VI/1-1) fire prevention and fire fighting (STCW Code A-VI/1-2) elementary first aid (STCW Code A-VI/1-3) personal safety and social responsibility (STCW Code A-VI/1-4) security awareness hold a current seafarer medical fitness certificate (ENG 1) or equivalent. How to apply Complete the MSF 4395 application form and post it together with the required documentation by post to: Registry of Shipping & Seamen Anchor Court Keen Road Cardiff CF24 5JW Should you not want to send your originals, we are authorised to issue certified copies for the MCA. Ship Cooks Certificate To Knowledge Base

View all the webinars we've hosted Explore our recent webinars and discover insights and perspectives from yachting profesionals across the industry. Below you will find a list of our recently hosted webinars with guests sharing their knowledge and expertise as well as providing guidance and advice for yacht crews in different parts of the world. If you are interested in hosting a webinar with the PYA, please get in contact with us. Webinar 31: Working in Enclosed Spaces Webinar 30: Sexual Harassment, Bullying, Harassment and Abuse-Know Your Rights! Webinar 29: Morocco & Tunisia Yachting Destination Webinar 28: STCW Endorsements & Global Acceptance - Clearing the Myths and Misconceptions Webinar 27: Yacht New Builds & Refits Webinar 26: Social Security and Crew Insurance Webinar 25: Greece Yachting Destination Webinar 24: Crew Welfare Mental Wellbeing and Trauma Webinar 23: Visas and Crew Immigration Webinar 22: Lithium-Ion Battery Solutions and Safety Management on Your Yacht Webinar 21: What is the meaning of "Leadership" In The Yachting Industry? Webinar 20: Lithium-ion Batteries Safety Awareness with Seascope France Webinar 19: PYA Welfare Group & the Flag States Webinar 18: Scandinavia Yachting Destination Webinar 17: Introducing the PYA Welfare Group & talking about Bullying and Harassment Webinar 16: Advice for crew on Russian-linked vessels Webinar 15: EU Immigration Regulations for Crew Webinar 14: Women in Yachting Webinar 13: Medical Onboard Webinar 12: Posidonia anchoring regulations in French waters Webinar 11: Brexit advice for yacht crew Webinar 10: Caribbean Travel Regulations Webinar 9: Yacht Crew Training Update Webinar 8: Preparing to work in the USA & Caribbean Webinar 7: The Benefits of Service Record Book & Seaman's Books Webinar 6: Conflict Resolution & Leadership Onboard 9th September 2020 Webinar 5: Mediterranean Season Update 18th June 2020 Webinar 4: PYA Seachanges Webinar Webinar 3: Yachting Post Lockdown Update 14th May Webinar 2: Yachting Post lockdown 30th April Webinar 1: COVID 19 Situation update Webinars To Knowledge Base