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If you’re in-between seasons or taking the winter off, then you might be looking at developing your career with some additional training or certification to ensure that you can take the next step up the ladder. Looking to take a step up the ladder? To All news 22 November 2019 If you’re in-between seasons or taking the winter off, then you might be looking at developing your career with some additional training or certification to ensure that you can take the next step up the ladder. Whilst the career path for some might look simple, we’ve found that most yacht crew are unsure about the best way to progress in their career and are particularly unsure about the right path on certification and training - especially due the large amount of inaccurate information that can be found online. One-to-one careers advice The PYA aims to solve this problem by offering all members one-to-one careers advice that helps yacht professionals, worldwide, take their careers to the next level with tailored careers, training and certification advice. In particular, our careers advisor can provide detailed information on applying for your NOE (for OOW, EOOW, Master, SV Engineer, etc.) or Engineering as well as recording your sea service into the Digital Service Record Book (D-SRB) and verifying the information on your testimonials, specifically if you’re an aspiring Engineer or Deckhand looking to move into a senior position. Interior crew advice We can also provide career mapping and training advice to interior crew looking to upskill with one of the IAMI GUEST training programs. By mapping out the best routes to acquiring your certification and training, our careers service can save you valuable time and money and help you progress into a leadership role easier and faster. Book an appointment To speak to our careers advice team email srb@pya.org . For advice specific to interior careers, please email interior@pya.org . More news Launch of a New AV/IT Training Programme to Address Growing Skills Gap Onboard Superyachts The Professional Yachting Association (PYA) spearheaded the development of a series of courses to deliver fit-for-purpose AV/IT training, aligned with real onboard needs. The courses will be provided through IAMI GUEST Accredited training providers. Antibes (France), 21 Jan. 2026 - Yacht agents and captains are reporting a growing demand for crew with Electrical Technical Officer (ETO) certification. However, while an ETO Certificate of Competency is a degree-level qualification focused primarily on high-voltage electrical systems, the operational reality onboard many yachts tells a different story. Read more Real Life On Board Competition - Superyacht Reality Project The PYA, with the backing of the Raising The Bar think tank, invites yacht crew worldwide to contribute to Superyacht Reality – Real Life On Board, a global photo and video competition designed to reflect the authentic experience of working on superyachts. This initiative aims to support career awareness, promote realistic expectations of life at sea, and share the everyday moments that define professional yachting — from teamwork and skills development to the challenges and rewards of working on board. The competition starts on 19th January 2026, ends on 22nd March 2026, and the winners will be announced the following week. Read more PYA Christmas Ball 2025 Highlights The 2025 PYA Christmas Ball took place on 5 December at the Hotel Martinez in Cannes, bringing Captains, crew and well-known leading industry professionals together for a 1960s-themed evening. We started with a cocktail reception, with live musicians playing as guests arrived in retro attire. After months of preparation, we were truly delighted to see how much our members and partners enjoyed this special night. The PYA Christmas Ball remains a cherished tradition, bringing our community together to celebrate, connect, and create lasting memories. Read more

"There is no second shift" perfectly summarises the growing challenge in the yachting industry: balancing unlimited guest expectations with limited crew resources. As yachts get smaller, the ability to deliver exceptional experiences while adhering to the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) becomes increasingly difficult. Even on larger yachts, extended guest occupancy and short turnaround times strain compliance with work and rest regulations. PYA response to ISS From the Bridge article To All news 22 October 2024 "There is No Second Shift": A Key Industry Mantra All the content of the article is valid , but its message is actually delivered by a simple brilliant statement: “ There is no second shift” . This is a great choice of words to sum up the situation of unlimited guest expectations versus finite crew numbers. It should become an industry mantra, embedded in the day-to-day thinking and actions of all regulators, designers, builders, brokers and managers. If everybody spoke like that, and acted accordingly without exception, then owners and charterers would no longer be surprised and frustrated when confronting reality. What everybody knows about and talks about eventually gets baked into expectations. Challenges of Meeting Expectations with Limited Crew It is commonplace that delivering the yachting experience beyond guest expectations, while still complying with MLC hours of work and rest stipulations, becomes less and less feasible the smaller the yacht and the number of its crew. Generally speaking, above 55m the crew size is sufficient to schedule compliant work and rest hours, but even then, compliance starts to become problematical over extended periods of guest occupancy and/or short turnaround times. Rotation is not a get-out-of-jail-free card. Even a cycle of one month on and two months off would not exempt a yacht crew from full MLC compliance with working hours during the period on board. Non-compliance is actionable by flag and port states. That “there is no second shift” is no legal defence. Addressing the Issue of the Absent Second Shift What actions can be taken to address the issue of the absent second shift? Delivering a fit-for-purpose yacht would be a good place to start. However, “ The crew are brought on too late in construction to provide an operational perspective and then are instructed to ‘make it work’. A series of innocuous compromises in construction combine to make a workplace that is physically improbable to operate efficiently. " This is another commonplace, and there are endless anecdotes about design deficiencies that can directly affect crew performance and fatigue. When a yacht is delivered, it is too late to make changes to physical features which impede operational efficiency and even safety. Familiar complaints include: obstructed bridge visibility; yachts of 50m with no office; 40-45m yachts expected to operate 24/7 on charter with two engineers and no UMS; 48m production yachts with the captain's cabin in the crew area, opposite the mess and at the entrance to the crew alleyway; and over-integrated bridge electronics meaning that one centralised computer with drop-down menus has replaced individual keyboards, thereby making bridge teamwork impossible. Moving Beyond Complaints: Taking Action Captains venting to other captains will achieve nothing. It is time to stop griping about these problems and instead take action to fix them. The leverage point is the REG Yacht Code, which was established to improve safety in yacht design by prescribing minimum standards. Its weakness is that many operational design deficiencies are allowed to pass unchallenged through the design approval process because there is nothing in the Code to prevent them. To illustrate the fix: in order to address issues with bridge layouts, the REG has accepted a proposal from the PYA (which sits on the REG steering group) that one section of the next version of the LYC should be changed from “Bridge Visibility” to “Bridge Functionality”. This will cover all aspects of safe bridge operations and allow for discussions on matters such as a captain’s access time and route to the bridge in the event of an emergency. Any other operational design deficiencies affecting any department can be added to the agenda, provided that we give sufficient lead time. The Superyacht Alliance: A Platform for Change It should further be noted that with the establishment of the Superyacht Alliance (SYA) in October 2023, with the imminent inclusion of the PYA, there now exists an umbrella body to disseminate and address any issues of general concern to yacht designers, builders, managers and crew, with further outreach to flag and Class surveyors, and also owners. The REG has made it clear that in order to justify any amendment to the REG Yacht Code, it is essential to back up each proposed change with data. How You Can Help: Providing Evidence Accordingly, the PYA is now asking captains and department heads for as many examples as possible of operational design deficiencies which can be described, photographed, or video-recorded, in order to compile an illustrated dossier. This dossier will be presented to the appropriate bodies to argue for applicable changes in yacht design. Please address any relevant examples to info@pya.org . Rod Hatch PYA Director for Training (Deck) More news Launch of a New AV/IT Training Programme to Address Growing Skills Gap Onboard Superyachts The Professional Yachting Association (PYA) spearheaded the development of a series of courses to deliver fit-for-purpose AV/IT training, aligned with real onboard needs. The courses will be provided through IAMI GUEST Accredited training providers. Antibes (France), 21 Jan. 2026 - Yacht agents and captains are reporting a growing demand for crew with Electrical Technical Officer (ETO) certification. However, while an ETO Certificate of Competency is a degree-level qualification focused primarily on high-voltage electrical systems, the operational reality onboard many yachts tells a different story. Read more Real Life On Board Competition - Superyacht Reality Project The PYA, with the backing of the Raising The Bar think tank, invites yacht crew worldwide to contribute to Superyacht Reality – Real Life On Board, a global photo and video competition designed to reflect the authentic experience of working on superyachts. This initiative aims to support career awareness, promote realistic expectations of life at sea, and share the everyday moments that define professional yachting — from teamwork and skills development to the challenges and rewards of working on board. The competition starts on 19th January 2026, ends on 22nd March 2026, and the winners will be announced the following week. Read more PYA Christmas Ball 2025 Highlights The 2025 PYA Christmas Ball took place on 5 December at the Hotel Martinez in Cannes, bringing Captains, crew and well-known leading industry professionals together for a 1960s-themed evening. We started with a cocktail reception, with live musicians playing as guests arrived in retro attire. After months of preparation, we were truly delighted to see how much our members and partners enjoyed this special night. The PYA Christmas Ball remains a cherished tradition, bringing our community together to celebrate, connect, and create lasting memories. Read more

The flag states are essentially the ‘nationality’ of the yacht. For example, if it is registered in the Isle of Man, the yacht will be governed by the laws of the Isle of Man, so it’s a relatively important decision for the owner to make, not to mention the fiscal implications of the country that they choose. The Flag State and the Seafarer To All news 20 June 2022 For those of you that have been in yachting for a while, you’ll know all about the flag states. But for those that need an introduction, this is essentially the ‘nationality’ of the yacht. For example, if it is registered in the Isle of Man, the yacht will be governed by the laws of the Isle of Man, so as you can imagine, it’s a relatively important decision for the owner to make, not to mention the fiscal implications of the country that they choose. The flag state holds a lot of power because they can govern the legislature and regulations that are likely to influence the yacht and international maritime issues. As early as the Roman Greek empire, flag states have played a role, often being selected for protection and benefits for that specific port when it came to trading. Obviously, these days, the more important issues such as regulations, tax and general standards dictate how flag states are chosen. What were once known as “open registers”, which back in the day were chosen for their trading advantages, are now known as “flags of convenience” which are generally laxer with their regulations, standards and often have sanctions to trade in contrabands and dangerous goods. Additional points that attract ship owners to these registries is the ability to hire crew of any nationality, freedom from tax & fiscal control and the mere simplicity of the registration procedure. However, what’s in the interest of the owner, is not necessarily in the interest of the seafarer. Fortunately, the majority of yachts tend to register with the red ensign group, which are a group of British Shipping Registries which are well known for their high standards and strict adherence to rules and regulations that provide safe work environments for seafarers as well as the protection of the marine environment. SOLAS, the IMO, MARPOL, the STCW and other conventions also contribute to these objectives. The red ensign group, along with any registries of the Paris White List, are registries under which you would be wanting to work. The Paris MoU Annual Report gives an extensive list of registries ranked in order from quality to poor performance flags. With your HOD, Captain and DPA all being points of contact for any contentious issues onboard, the flag state is also responsible for seafarers that are working under its jurisdiction and are not to be ruled out when issues onboard arise. As with their responsibility to protect seafarers, so it is the responsibility of the seafarer to report any incidents to the flag state. Failing to do so not only skew any reporting but also has a knock-on effect to potential flaws in registration and protection of seafarers in the long term, so it is important to take this responsibility seriously. Flag states are considered a bit of a weak point when it comes to the protection of seafarers, as they are one of the highest authority figures to go to. There is work being conducted to illuminate ways in which to improve the situation, however, there is very little action that can be taken to ensure flag states are taking every measure possible to oversee the good of the maritime industry. They like to remain diplomatic with other flag states and IMO sanctions have many legal and fiscal effects that make it an unattractive solution. Not to mention the numerous different regulations within the commercial sector that they need to oversee which is time-consuming and requires specific expertise which can be a strain on resources. This brings us back to the point of taking every action as a maritime professional to work together with the authorities towards creating improvements, which includes the reporting of incidents. There are many organisations that can also assist seafarers in need and can facilitate communication in difficult circumstances, namely Nautilus , the PYA , The Seafarers Rights International (SRI) and it’s important to make use of these organisations and the flag states to strive for better conditions in the maritime industry throughout. Dominique Smit Founder VIRTUAL PURSERS More news Launch of a New AV/IT Training Programme to Address Growing Skills Gap Onboard Superyachts The Professional Yachting Association (PYA) spearheaded the development of a series of courses to deliver fit-for-purpose AV/IT training, aligned with real onboard needs. The courses will be provided through IAMI GUEST Accredited training providers. Antibes (France), 21 Jan. 2026 - Yacht agents and captains are reporting a growing demand for crew with Electrical Technical Officer (ETO) certification. However, while an ETO Certificate of Competency is a degree-level qualification focused primarily on high-voltage electrical systems, the operational reality onboard many yachts tells a different story. Read more Real Life On Board Competition - Superyacht Reality Project The PYA, with the backing of the Raising The Bar think tank, invites yacht crew worldwide to contribute to Superyacht Reality – Real Life On Board, a global photo and video competition designed to reflect the authentic experience of working on superyachts. This initiative aims to support career awareness, promote realistic expectations of life at sea, and share the everyday moments that define professional yachting — from teamwork and skills development to the challenges and rewards of working on board. The competition starts on 19th January 2026, ends on 22nd March 2026, and the winners will be announced the following week. Read more PYA Christmas Ball 2025 Highlights The 2025 PYA Christmas Ball took place on 5 December at the Hotel Martinez in Cannes, bringing Captains, crew and well-known leading industry professionals together for a 1960s-themed evening. We started with a cocktail reception, with live musicians playing as guests arrived in retro attire. After months of preparation, we were truly delighted to see how much our members and partners enjoyed this special night. The PYA Christmas Ball remains a cherished tradition, bringing our community together to celebrate, connect, and create lasting memories. Read more

MaritimeMT is dedicated to delivering top-tier maritime training to students, professionals, and seafarers. Through the Superyacht Academy, it offers comprehensive educational solutions, from entry-level training to advanced programs for Masters on board. Whether you aspire to be a deckhand, steward, officer, captain, engineer, entertainer, or chef, MaritimeMT provides the pathways to excel in the yachting industry. Take advantage of the Transport Malta CoC and chart your course to success! MaritimeMT's Superyacht Academy offers unparalleled training that sets the standard for excellence in maritime education. Yachties worldwide choose MaritimeMT for its state-of-the-art facilities, including advanced simulators equipped with the latest technology for realistic, hands-on learning. The academy's instructors are experienced maritime professionals passionate about imparting their knowledge to the next generation. MaritimeMT's courses meet STCW certification standards, ensuring that students receive top-quality qualifications recognized globally. It is accredited by Transport Malta, whose CoCs offer a certification that opens doors to global opportunities. MaritimeMT proudly stands as the first and sole institution in Malta offering yacht courses leading to the Transport Malta Master on Yacht <3000GT CoC. Our certification is now also internationally recognized on MCA and Red Ensign flagged superyachts, setting a new standard for excellence in yacht training. Join us to unlock unparalleled opportunities and propel your yachting career to new horizons. The academy's commitment to professionalism, respect, collaboration, and continuous improvement has driven its exponential growth and high student satisfaction rates. Choosing MaritimeMT means embarking on a rewarding journey toward a successful yachting career, supported by a dedicated team and cutting-edge resources. Yachties looking to excel in their careers will find MaritimeMT the ideal place to get qualified and advance in the yachting industry. Services Efficient Deckhand (EDH Transport Malta) Ratings Forming Part of Navigational Watch (Deck Watchkeeping) STCW II/4 - TM CoC Master on Yachts <200GT (TM - MSD) Master on Yachts <500GT / Chief Mate <3000GT STCW II/2 – TM CoC Officer of the Watch (Yachts) <3000GT STCW Reg II/1 – TM CoC Master on Yachts <3000GT STCW Reg II/2 – TM CocRatings Forming part of an Engineering Watch (Engine Watch Rating) STCW Reg III/4 - TM CoCAccredited Engine Course (TM AEC) Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats, other than Fast Rescue Boats (PSCRB) FULL STCW A-VI/2-1 Advanced Fire Fighting STCW A-VI/3.5 Medical First Aid STCW A-VI/4.1-3 Leadership and Teamwork – STCW A-II/1 GMDSS GOC STCW A-IV/2 ECDIS – Generic STCW A-II/1; A-II/2 and A-II/3 RADAR / ARPA Operational Level STCW A-II/1 RADAR / ARPA Management Level STCW A-II/2 Medical Care on Board Ships – STCW A VI/4.2 Use of Leadership & Managerial Skills – STCW A-II/2; A-III/2 Contact information MaritimeMT HHF041A Qasam Industrijali, Hal Far, B’Bugia Malta BBG 3000 https://goo.gl/maps/c8aPxqro5682 Email: info@maritimemt.edu.mt Phone: +356 2123 9170 MaritimeMT MaritimeMT is dedicated to delivering top-tier maritime training to students, professionals, and seafarers. Through the Superyacht Academy, it offers comprehensive educational solutions, from entry-level training to advanced programs for Masters on board. Whether you aspire to be a deckhand, steward, officer, captain, engineer, entertainer, or chef, MaritimeMT provides the pathways to excel in the yachting industry. Take advantage of the Transport Malta CoC and chart your course to success! Visit website Back to All Partners 10% discount on all the courses for all PYA members. Please quote your PYA membership number and expire date with your purchase. Become a member and enjoy the exclusive offers from our partners. Become a member

Get involved with PYA and help shape the future of the yachting industry. By joining the PYA, you will not only be taking your career to the next level but also helping to shape the future of yachting. Your involvement strengthens the community and ensures the professional growth of the industry.  - Career Development: Access expert guidance, and networking opportunities.  - Verified Sea Service: Ensure your records meet MCA standards.  - Industry Representation: Have your voice heard in key regulatory discussions.  - Events & Community: Join exclusive events that connect you with peers and industry leaders.  If your are a yacht crew By joining the PYA, you will not only be taking your career to the next level but also helping to shape the future of yachting . Your involvement strengthens the community and ensures the professional growth of the industry. Career Development: Access expert guidance , and networking opportunities. Verified Sea Service: Ensure your records meet MCA standards . Industry Representation: Have your voice heard in key regulatory discussions . Events & Community: Join exclusive events that connect you with peers and industry leaders. See all services for crew For Industry Partners Collaborate with PYA to strengthen your presence in the yachting industry and support its professionals: Access to professionals – Connect with skilled yacht crew and other industry leaders. Brand Visibility – Increase exposure through event sponsorships and partnerships. Industry Influence – Play a role in shaping professional standards and crew welfare. Join the Network – Engage with key players driving the future of yachting. See all benefits for Industry Partners Make an Impact As an industry partner, your collaboration with PYA supports the growth and evolution of the yachting sector. Together, we drive high standards and create new opportunities for crew and companies alike. Ready to Get Started? PYA is here to support you. If you need more information, feel free to reach out – we are happy to help! Contact us at pya@pya.org To About us Why Join The PYA

You can find both links here PYA Welfare Group Webinar Recording & Crew Wellbeing Survey for Management Companies To All news 31 January 2023 You can watch the webinar recording here . Additionally, we have prepared a survey for Management Companies on crew wellbeing. With the focus on mental wellbeing and welfare issues, we are asking for your assistance to see where we can guide crew further. After all, in many cases better communication between parties, awareness and training can help avoid certain situations. It is the PYA's aim to raise awareness of these issues in our high-stress industry and encourage professionalism. Your feedback will help us do this. Please fill out the survey here. More news Launch of a New AV/IT Training Programme to Address Growing Skills Gap Onboard Superyachts The Professional Yachting Association (PYA) spearheaded the development of a series of courses to deliver fit-for-purpose AV/IT training, aligned with real onboard needs. The courses will be provided through IAMI GUEST Accredited training providers. Antibes (France), 21 Jan. 2026 - Yacht agents and captains are reporting a growing demand for crew with Electrical Technical Officer (ETO) certification. However, while an ETO Certificate of Competency is a degree-level qualification focused primarily on high-voltage electrical systems, the operational reality onboard many yachts tells a different story. Read more Real Life On Board Competition - Superyacht Reality Project The PYA, with the backing of the Raising The Bar think tank, invites yacht crew worldwide to contribute to Superyacht Reality – Real Life On Board, a global photo and video competition designed to reflect the authentic experience of working on superyachts. This initiative aims to support career awareness, promote realistic expectations of life at sea, and share the everyday moments that define professional yachting — from teamwork and skills development to the challenges and rewards of working on board. The competition starts on 19th January 2026, ends on 22nd March 2026, and the winners will be announced the following week. Read more PYA Christmas Ball 2025 Highlights The 2025 PYA Christmas Ball took place on 5 December at the Hotel Martinez in Cannes, bringing Captains, crew and well-known leading industry professionals together for a 1960s-themed evening. We started with a cocktail reception, with live musicians playing as guests arrived in retro attire. After months of preparation, we were truly delighted to see how much our members and partners enjoyed this special night. The PYA Christmas Ball remains a cherished tradition, bringing our community together to celebrate, connect, and create lasting memories. Read more

The PYA do not just act on behalf of yacht crew. We represent the whole industry, from brokers to crew agents, to training providers and beyond. The Benefits of a PYA Partnership Becoming a PYA partner is more than just a collaboration, it is an opportunity to join an esteemed network of professionals driving excellence in the yachting industry. Whether you are looking to enhance your brand visibility, connect with key stakeholders, or promote your services to a global audience, our tailored partnership packages are designed to help you achieve your goals. From spotlight features to bespoke collaborations, your success is at the heart of everything we do. Below, you will find an overview of our partnership: Support, Core, and Strategic. Each package offers unique benefits tailored to meet your business objectives and deliver maximum value. Whether you are a small business seeking visibility or an established company aiming to solidify your industry leadership, we have the perfect solution for you. Partners benefits: Support Annual partnership fee €500 Dedicated page on the PYA website Options to promote special offers for PYA members Spotlight post Story feature Story reshare 1 1 1 10% off on our Full Membership Marketing material displayed in our office Reduced / Free entry to PYA events Showcase your PYA affiliation Core Annual partnership fee €1000 Dedicated page on the PYA website Options to promote special offers for PYA members Promotion spotlight on the PYA website Article feature on PYA website Spotlight post Story feature Story reshare LinkedIn reshare Instagram collaboration Interactive poll Co-written educational content Proactive social media support PYA logo for your events campaigns 1 1 3 3 2 1 1 1 Regular 2 Your company logo in PYA newsletter 15% off on our Full Membership Marketing material displayed in our office Reduced / Free entry to PYA events Showcase your PYA affiliation Strategic Annual partnership fee €2000 Dedicated page on the PYA website Options to promote special offers for PYA members Promotion spotlight on the PYA website Article feature on PYA website Spotlight reel Story feature Story reshare LinkedIn reshare Instagram collaboration Interactive poll Co-written educational content Proactive social media support Instagram story highlight PYA logo for your events campaigns 1 1 5 Unlimited 3 2 1 1 Regular Ad hoc 4 Your company logo in PYA newsletter 20% off on our Full Membership Marketing material displayed in our office Reduced / Free entry to PYA events Showcase your PYA affiliation Your company logo on the PYA homepage Ready to elevate your business? Explore our detailed partnership options and find the right fit for your business here: Presentation Partnership opportunities . Take the next step towards becoming a valued partner today! Simply register via this link: Become a Member . We look forward to welcoming you to the PYA community.

Seafarers UK, the charity for those who work at sea, has released its new ten-point manifesto which sets out the charity’s commitment for seafarers’ safety and welfare before, during and after their careers. Does the welfare of your crew align with the Seafarers UK manifesto? To All news 9 January 2020 The Seafarers' Charity , the UK charity for those who work at sea, has released its new ten-point manifesto which sets out the charity’s commitment for seafarers’ safety and welfare before, during and after their careers. According to Seafarers UK CEO, Catherine Spencer, ‘This manifesto summarises what we are working on and what we want the maritime industry to consider, putting seafarers at the heart of decision-making.’ The Seafarers' Charity asks that seafarers: Be kept safe and return from their seafaring voyages without experiencing accidents or harm Be supported to train and develop careers working at sea Take care of their families and dependants during long periods away from home Feel less lonely or isolated when working at sea, through maintaining connections with family and dependents ashore, as well as having access to onboard initiatives Access free, high-quality welfare services, which respond to seafarers' and their families’ needs with respect and dignity and engage their views on the design and development of services Access independent advice, information and support via their preferred delivery channels such as face-to-face, telephone, web chat, digital tools, social media or self-help literature Be provided with regular welfare breaks in respect of hours of work, shore leave, length of journey, etc. in order to reduce fatigue and to maintain their health and wellbeing Thrive and have their uniqueness respected within a culturally diverse working environment without fear of bullying or harassment. This includes equality of opportunity and respecting language, food, religion, and behavioural differences Transition from sea to shore. This includes supporting the provision of short-term accommodation and other welfare and support services aimed at adjusting from working at sea Obtain dignity in retirement through access to financial security, appropriate accommodation and a network of support from maritime welfare charities. Each year, the charity provides vital support to seafarers in need by giving grants to organisations and projects that make a real difference to their lives. If you are a charity or project seeking funding or looking for further information about how the sponsored organisations help individuals, visit the Seafarers website for more information. Photo caption Catherine Spencer, Chief Executive Officer, Seafarers UK More news Launch of a New AV/IT Training Programme to Address Growing Skills Gap Onboard Superyachts The Professional Yachting Association (PYA) spearheaded the development of a series of courses to deliver fit-for-purpose AV/IT training, aligned with real onboard needs. The courses will be provided through IAMI GUEST Accredited training providers. Antibes (France), 21 Jan. 2026 - Yacht agents and captains are reporting a growing demand for crew with Electrical Technical Officer (ETO) certification. However, while an ETO Certificate of Competency is a degree-level qualification focused primarily on high-voltage electrical systems, the operational reality onboard many yachts tells a different story. Read more Real Life On Board Competition - Superyacht Reality Project The PYA, with the backing of the Raising The Bar think tank, invites yacht crew worldwide to contribute to Superyacht Reality – Real Life On Board, a global photo and video competition designed to reflect the authentic experience of working on superyachts. This initiative aims to support career awareness, promote realistic expectations of life at sea, and share the everyday moments that define professional yachting — from teamwork and skills development to the challenges and rewards of working on board. The competition starts on 19th January 2026, ends on 22nd March 2026, and the winners will be announced the following week. Read more PYA Christmas Ball 2025 Highlights The 2025 PYA Christmas Ball took place on 5 December at the Hotel Martinez in Cannes, bringing Captains, crew and well-known leading industry professionals together for a 1960s-themed evening. We started with a cocktail reception, with live musicians playing as guests arrived in retro attire. After months of preparation, we were truly delighted to see how much our members and partners enjoyed this special night. The PYA Christmas Ball remains a cherished tradition, bringing our community together to celebrate, connect, and create lasting memories. Read more

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