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The PYA and MaritimeMT held a round of discussions at this year’s Monaco Yacht Show on the topic of training for yacht crew and the changes taking place in the industry. PYA and MaritimeMT discuss training for yacht crew at the Monaco Yacht Show To All news 5 October 2023 The PYA and MaritimeMT held a round of discussions at this year’s Monaco Yacht Show on the topic of training for yacht crew and the changes taking place in the industry. MaritimeMT, a leading maritime training centre based in Malta, launched their event to coincide with their strategic collaboration with Gente di Mare, a training centre based in Livorno and Genova, Italy, that forms part of the global shipping organisation’s Fratelli Cosulich Group. The event was a big success, bringing together key industry stakeholders to discuss important issues on training and maritime licences. “It was a great honour for the PYA to be invited to participate in MaritimeMT’s launch event at this year’s Monaco Yacht Show. The opportunities to extend training to yacht crew in Italy with in-depth STCW courses will lead to more qualified seafarers entering the industry and upskilling during a key time where our industry is in need of more qualified crew members,” said Christophe Bourillon, CEO for the PYA. MaritimeMT extended their operations to Greece’s capital, Athens, last year as part of its strategy for international expansion, which is now opening its doors to other neighbouring ports. The synergies have brought considerable opportunities for growth across Europe where Maltese certification and licences are increasingly sought after. The Malta Flag Registry is currently one of the most in-demand licences for seafarers globally. Pauline Micallef, CEO of MaritimeMT said: “MaritimeMT chooses to partner with organisations on the same wavelength that share a common strategy, that of providing excellence in seafarers education.” Elena di Tizio, Managing Director at Gente di Mare SRL, added: “Bringing the Maltese certification to Italy will create an opportunity for maritime professionals including seafarers and crew to further their studies and climb up the ranks.” “Our standard processes and quality management system has helped us kickstart operations in different locations,” said Captain Edwin Vella, Principal at MaritimeMT. The new cooperation will provide STCW courses to yacht crew with a focus on yachting certification in particular with the anticipation that as the partnership develops, unique courses and specially designed programmes will become available. Both MaritimeMT and Gente di Mare Italy are committed to improving the skills of maritime professionals around the world. Seafarers can access courses that meet their needs whether they are already working in the maritime sector or want to. The global standard for marine education and services is expected to rise as a result of this collaboration. Have you considered undertaking an STCW course? Learn more about how you can access training here . More news Schengen EES Update: Guidance for Yacht Crew The new Schengen Entry/Exit System (EES) replaces passport stamps with digital records for non-Schengen nationals. While procedures remain largely unchanged for yacht crew, entries and exits are now tracked electronically—with no physical proof provided—making it essential for crew to monitor their own Schengen days. Read more 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

The Professional Yachting Association, is proud to sit on the Board of Directors of the Superyacht Alliance, a collective of key industry organisations working together to strengthen professional standards and support the global yachting community. The Superyacht Alliance is a non-profit organisation based in Malta, founded by MYBA, SYBAss, and IAMI, with the shared objective of elevating industry standards, promoting collaboration, and enhancing professionalism through member-led initiatives. The Professional Yachting Association, is proud to sit on the Board of Directors of the Superyacht Alliance, a collective of key industry organisations working together to strengthen professional standards and support the global yachting community. The Superyacht Alliance is a non-profit organisation based in Malta, founded by MYBA, SYBAss, and IAMI, with the shared objective of elevating industry standards, promoting collaboration, and enhancing professionalism through member-led initiatives. The PYA works alongside members and industry bodies, including ICOMIA, IYBA, and other participating associations that share a common commitment to advancing professionalism, consistency, and sustainable growth across the superyacht sector. Through the Superyacht Alliance’s role as a coordinating platform, PYA actively contributes to and participates in "Alliance think tanks" and "working groups", aligning our projects, expertise, and advocacy with agreed guidelines. This collaborative structure enables us to help shape initiatives, share best practices, and direct collective efforts towards promoting self-regulation and the professionalisation of the superyacht industry. Key Initiative Elevate Professional Standards Establish industry-wide standards and guidelines, promote positive business practices and ethics across subsectors. Promote Career Advancement Collaborate with stakeholders to map industry professions, identify key knowledge, and offer career advancement opportunities. Facilitate Education Pathways Engage with educational institutions to develop comprehensive programs for professional development and career transitions. Research & Development Projects Partner on initiatives for industry-driven training, apprenticeship programs, and research to advance sustainability practices. Crew Inclusivity & Welfare Enhance crew welfare through training, signposting and supportive environments onboard, and promote inclusivity for equal opportunities. Advocate Leadership Practices Promote effective leadership through education, enabling leaders to implement strategies and provide guidance. Acknowledge Professional Growth Establish self-regulated education standards, industry certification, and Professional Registers for industry roles. Regulatory Engagement Collaborate with regulatory bodies to champion policies and qualification routes supporting industry professionalisation. Networking Facilitation Unite task forces, organisations, and focus groups under a comprehensive platform to encourage knowledge sharing and collaboration. Public Image Enhance the industry’s public perception through collaboration with organisations promoting positive image, with a focus on unified communication strategies. Superyacht Alliance To Knowledge Base

Find out how you can apply for your Yacht Rating Certificate with our Certification & Membership Manager, Bianca Grosu. Our Guide to Yacht Rating Certificates To All news 15 June 2021 As we head into the start of the Mediterranean summer season for 2021, many deck crew will require a yacht rating certificate (YRC) in order to work onboard larger vessels. The PYA is an authorised issuing body of yacht rating certificates on behalf of the Maritime Coastguard Agency (MCA) and has been providing this certification to crew for many years. We interviewed our Certification and Membership Administrator, Bianca Grosu, who provides some more information about how to apply for your yachting rating certificate with the PYA. Why are Yacht Rating Certificates required? The YRC is required by vessels as part of their safe manning requirements, usually yachts that are over 200GT. In addition to this requirement, YRC are commonly required when applying for experienced/senior deck roles as they provide an assurance to Captains/recruitment agents that a seafarer has advanced deck skills and can deal with greater responsibilities. It is therefore recommended for deck crew to obtain this certification in order to grow within their rank onboard. Which crew are required to have them? All crew working on deck on yachts over 200GT are required to have a yacht rating certificate. This includes Captains, Officers, Mates, Bosuns, Engineers, Deckhands and in some cases they might be required for interior crew who also undertake deck duties or those who want to move into deck positions. Is the certificate issued to the crew member or the vessel? Yacht Rating Certificates are issued to the crew member, not the vessel and are valid for life. When a crew member moves to a new vessel they don’t need to reapply for a new YRC and can use their existing YRC. How to get your Yacht Rating Certificate? You can apply online for your Yacht Rating Certificate. Read our step-by-step guide , including all the requirements and documents needed to get your certificate. Our team should be able to issue your YRC within 2 weeks. If you have a specific question about YRC’s or would like additional information, please email certficates@pya.org . How much does it cost? The great news is that if you’re a PYA member, you can apply for your yacht rating certificate with no additional cost. For all other crew, you can join the PYA now as a full member and get 20% off the cost of your new membership, which is usually €185. You can enjoy all the benefits of being a full member, in addition to receiving your Yacht Rating Certificate. Alternatively, you can apply for your yacht rating certificate as a non-member for €80, or a shore-based member for €40. More news Schengen EES Update: Guidance for Yacht Crew The new Schengen Entry/Exit System (EES) replaces passport stamps with digital records for non-Schengen nationals. While procedures remain largely unchanged for yacht crew, entries and exits are now tracked electronically—with no physical proof provided—making it essential for crew to monitor their own Schengen days. Read more 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

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.

Antibes (France), 26 August 2024 - In light of the recent tragic sinking of the yacht Bayesian and loss of lives, we understand that many are deeply concerned and eager to know the details surrounding this unfortunate event. However, we urge everyone—media, the public, and all interested parties—to refrain from speculating on the causes, responsibilities, or circumstances until the official inquiry is concluded. Statement from the Professional Yachting Association (PYA) regarding the tragic sinking of Bayesian To All news 26 August 2024 Antibes (France), 26 August 2024 - In light of the recent tragic sinking of the yacht Bayesian and loss of lives, we understand that many are deeply concerned and eager to know the details surrounding this unfortunate event. However, we urge everyone—media, the public, and all interested parties—to refrain from speculating on the causes, responsibilities, or circumstances until the official inquiry is concluded. "At this time, all that we know is that we do not know" said Christophe Bourillon, the CEO of the Professional Yachting Association. "We do not yet have all the facts and any theories or assumptions circulating at this stage are purely speculative and risk misleading the public. We emphasize that accurate reporting should be grounded in verified information, not driven by emotion or passion", he added. Vessels such as Sailing Yacht Bayesian are crewed by professional seafarers, who are not only well-trained but are also equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to perform their duties with excellence and care. The yachting industry only accept training standards which have been mandated and verified by the world’s major Maritime authorities, including the EU member states. The PYA’s mission has always been to foster a culture of excellence, responsibility, and safety in yachting. As we reflect on the past 33 years, we reaffirm our commitment to these principles and to the well-being of all those who serve on the water. We ask for patience as the relevant authorities conduct a thorough and meticulous investigation. The truth will be revealed in due course, and it is essential that we allow this process to unfold without the cloud of conjecture. End of Statement Note for editors: Run by yachting professionals, for yachting professionals, the Professional Yachting Association (PYA) is the Voice of professional yacht crew worldwide. With members from more than 90 countries, its mission is to promote high standards of qualification, skills and knowledge amongst professional yachting personnel, training providers, and through the professional Yachting industry generally. For interviews, contact: Christophe Bourillon, CEO of the PYA email: ceo@pya.org Cellphone: + 33 6 26 83 70 58 More news Schengen EES Update: Guidance for Yacht Crew The new Schengen Entry/Exit System (EES) replaces passport stamps with digital records for non-Schengen nationals. While procedures remain largely unchanged for yacht crew, entries and exits are now tracked electronically—with no physical proof provided—making it essential for crew to monitor their own Schengen days. Read more 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

The Red Ensign Group (REG) has released an updated version of its flagship Yacht Code, a comprehensive framework that establishes the benchmark for safety and design standards in the yachting industry. Red Ensign Group releases updated Yacht Code for 2024 To All news 11 January 2024 The Red Ensign Group (REG) has released an updated version of its flagship Yacht Code, a comprehensive framework that establishes the benchmark for safety and design standards in the yachting industry. The new revision, representing the collective expertise gained across nearly three decades of regulatory experience since its initial publication in 1997, marks the first major update since 2019. Developed over a two-year period in close consultation with the REG Yacht Code Industry Working Group, a broad-based forum encompassing shipyards, designers, management companies, and regulatory authorities, the revised Code incorporates substantial changes to reflect recent amendments issued by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and accommodate current trends and innovation in yacht design. To ensure consistent application and a level playing field across the industry, the revision provides further clarification to areas of the Code that were previously open to interpretation. While the updated document is now available, it will not come into full force until July 2024, allowing the industry ample time to familiarise itself with the new guidelines and make any necessary adjustments. A spokesperson for the Red Ensign Group emphasised the Code's dual focus on safety and innovation: "The REG Yacht Code is the international standard for the design, construction, and operation of these vessels. We will never compromise on safety and crew welfare and maintain the highest maritime regulatory standards. However, we do recognise that it's important to support innovation and technological developments in a rapidly changing industry." This commitment to both safety and innovation reflects the REG's dedication to fostering a thriving and responsible superyacht sector that prioritises the well-being of seafarers and upholds the highest standards of maritime safety. The updated Yacht Code serves as a testament to the REG's commitment to ensuring the continued success of the global yachting industry. To stay updated with the latest industry developments, be sure to sign up to our newsletter . You can also join the PYA as a member and access numerous services including our MCA and Transport Malta approved Sea Service Verification . More news Schengen EES Update: Guidance for Yacht Crew The new Schengen Entry/Exit System (EES) replaces passport stamps with digital records for non-Schengen nationals. While procedures remain largely unchanged for yacht crew, entries and exits are now tracked electronically—with no physical proof provided—making it essential for crew to monitor their own Schengen days. Read more 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

This is the first forum ever created for the next generation of yacht crew. Representatives from top recruitment agencies and other yacht professionals, will be joining to answer your questions and guide you on your yachting journey. Kickstart Your Yachting Career: Next Generation in Yachting Forum on May 3rd, 2024 To All news 12 April 2024 The Professional Yachting Association (PYA), together with top crew recruitment agencies ( Bluewater , Hill Robinson Recruitment , The Crew Network and YPI CREW ), is launching a brand new event in Antibes, designed specifically for YOU! This is the first forum ever created for the next generation of yacht crew. Meet the experts! Representatives from top recruitment agencies and other yacht professionals, will be joining to answer your questions and guide you on your yachting journey. This forum is your chance to learn everything you need to know to get started. Get expert advice on: Crafting killer CVs that get noticed Mastering yacht etiquette (because first impressions count!) Dockwalking like a pro Exploring all the exciting career paths available on yachts Finding out what skills are required on board Demystifying the visa and crew immigration process Gaining valuable insights from experienced crew members And more! The recruitment agencies and the PYA will be there to guide you. This is a FREE event. Spaces are limited, so don't miss out! Date : Friday, May 3rd, 2024 Time : 2:30 PM - 5:30 PM (14:30 - 17:30) Location : Salle du 8 mai, Antibes Link to Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/qz1di8GaWodjc1Eo8 Register now to secure your spot: https://form.jotform.com/240873421328354 Ongoing initiatives and tools for new yacht crew: Hill Robinson Recruitment: Introduction to yachting meetings every Wednesday from April 10th onwards (email recruitment@hillrobinson.com to book) The Crew Network: Newcomers meetings every Thursday at 9:00 AM (email antibes@crewnetwork.com with subject: "Newcomers meeting on Thursday [Desired Date]" to book) YPI CREW: Sign up to their newsletter for future initiatives. Bluewater: Upcoming webinars on Deck v Engineer routes and New to Yachting ( sign up to their newsletter for details ). PYA: Webinars, employment contract resources, news, and more: explore https://www.pya.org/ Lat update: 17/04/2024 More news Schengen EES Update: Guidance for Yacht Crew The new Schengen Entry/Exit System (EES) replaces passport stamps with digital records for non-Schengen nationals. While procedures remain largely unchanged for yacht crew, entries and exits are now tracked electronically—with no physical proof provided—making it essential for crew to monitor their own Schengen days. Read more 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

Crew retention is generally perceived to be one of the biggest headaches in the yachting industry, yet cited as one of the most important factors in maintaining an efficient and happy ship. Crew retention - How to build and keep a great team To All news 9 April 2021 We spoke to leading industry figures in recruitment, training and operations to ascertain the fundamental issues surrounding crew retention – and identify the best strategies for improving longevity. One stumbling block which is universally agreed upon is lack of leadership, with Luxury Hospitality founder Peter Vogel citing poor leadership as the number one reason for crew moving on. "If you are not led in a professional manner that feels fair and just, why would you remain?" he asks. Continue reading here . Author: Karen Hockney More news Schengen EES Update: Guidance for Yacht Crew The new Schengen Entry/Exit System (EES) replaces passport stamps with digital records for non-Schengen nationals. While procedures remain largely unchanged for yacht crew, entries and exits are now tracked electronically—with no physical proof provided—making it essential for crew to monitor their own Schengen days. Read more 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

Following the article recently published in OnboardOnline about sexual harassment in yachting (link below), written by one of our PYA Directors, Lynne Edwards, we have put together the following guidelines on what exactly constitutes as 'sexual harassment' and the steps to follow if you are, unfortunately, a victim. What constitutes as sexual harassment? To All news 24 July 2020 Following the article recently published in OnboardOnline about sexual harassment in yachting (link below), written by one of our PYA Directors, Lynne Edwards, we have put together the following guidelines on what exactly constitutes as 'sexual harassment' and the steps to follow if you are, unfortunately, a victim. What procedure should be taken when a crew member feels that they have been sexually harassed from both their point of view & that of the captain? Quite simply, any incident should be immediately reported to the HoD or Captain – and these incidents recorded, using a clear, standardised reporting procedure stating time and circumstances etc., so that fear of reprisals is minimised/ eliminated. It will also alert anyone in authority to both serial offenders and to those crew members who may be (unwittingly) attracting sexual harassment, perhaps because of their behaviour/demeanour - or who are being unnecessarily sensitive (perhaps to gain attention). Management companies should be immediately alerted and the perpetrator dismissed, if the accusations are valid. There should be zero tolerance of Sexual Harassment on any yacht and a standardised procedure for authentic complaints to be reported and recorded without recrimination. So, it begins with awareness of what Sexual Harassment is Enforced implementation of procedures and policies to be followed for reporting and recording incidents in order to minimise the occurrences of sexual harassment (and bullying) and a zero tolerance policy put in place. Have a dedicated person on the crew who can review any allegations What constitutes as sexual harassment? Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination. The legal definition of sexual harassment is: “Unwelcome verbal, visual, or physical conduct of a sexual nature that is severe or pervasive and affects working conditions or creates a hostile work environment.” Now, let's break this down: "Unwelcome" First of all, conduct is not sexual harassment if it is welcome! For this reason, it is important to communicate (either verbally, in writing, or by your own actions) to the harasser that their conduct makes you uncomfortable and that you want it to stop. In other words make a stand for yourself if you feel you are being sexually harassed. But by the same token, be aware of your own behaviour, passing remarks, glances and so on which might be interpreted by others as signals from you welcoming attention. "Conduct Of A Sexual Nature" There are three different kinds of conduct - verbal, visual or physical - which, if it is of a sexual nature, may be sexual harassment, IF the behaviour is unwelcome and if it is severe or pervasive. Some examples might be: "Verbal or written" Suggestive comments about someone's clothing, personal behaviour or a person’s body; sexual or sex-based jokes; requesting of sexual favours or repeatedly asking a person out; sexual innuendoes; spreading rumours about a person’s personal or sexual life; threatening someone. "Physical" Assault; impeding or blocking movement; inappropriate touching of a person or a person’s clothing; kissing, hugging, patting, stroking, pinching. "Nonverbal" Looking up and down a person’s body; derogatory gestures or facial expressions of a sexual nature; following someone. "Visual" Posters, drawings, pictures, screensavers or emails of a sexual nature. NB: It is also interesting to note that non-sexual conduct may also be sexual harassment if you are harassed because you are female, rather than male, or because you are male, rather than female. For example, it may be sexual harassment if you are a young woman working as a deckhand in an otherwise all-male deck crew and you are the only one whose tools and equipment are frequently hidden by your male co-workers, or similarly for a steward working in an all-female interior crew department. “Severe or Pervasive” The conduct of the harasser must either be severe or it must be pervasive to be sexual harassment. A single incident is probably not sexual harassment unless it is severe. For example, a single incident of rape or attempted rape would be sexual harassment (and would also violate criminal laws). Although a single unwanted request for a date or one sexually suggestive comment might offend you and/or be inappropriate, it may not be sexual harassment. However, a number of relatively minor separate incidents may add up to sexual harassment if the incidents affect your work environment. Some questions you can ask yourself to determine whether the conduct is pervasive are: How many times did the incidents occur? How long has the harassment been going on? How many other people were also sexually harassed? "Affects Working Conditions or Creates a Hostile Work Environment" If you are fired, refused a promotion, demoted, given a poor performance evaluation, or reassigned to a less desirable position because you reject a sexual advance, that almost certainly is sexual harassment. Even if the conduct does not result in economic injury or change of status to your job, it may be sexual harassment if the conduct unreasonably interferes with your work performance or creates an “intimidating, hostile, or offensive work environment.” For example, it may be illegal sexual harassment if repeated sexual comments make you so uncomfortable at work that your performance suffers or if you decline professional opportunities because it will put you in contact with the harasser. Remember that sexual harassment is against the law in accordance with the 1964 Civil Rights Act. Laws against sexual harassment are designed to protect you from your boss, (yacht owner/captain), your co-workers or the guests who come aboard – and note – both men and women can be sexually harassed. Someone of the same or opposite sex can sexually harass you. NB: Retaliation is also against the Law Not only is sexual harassment against the law, but so is retaliating against someone for complaining about sexual harassment or for participating in an investigation of sexual harassment. Examples of retaliation include the example whereby you complain about sexual harassment and you then lose your job, although the harasser continues to work; or your employer (owner or captain) retaliates against you for complaining about sexual harassment or for participating as a witness in an investigation of sexual harassment. Read more : OnboardOnline article by Lynne Edwards. Please note, this article is intended to provide guidance to yacht crew and is not legal advice. For personalised advice based on your unique situation, we advise consulting a legal professional. Please contact the PYA if you would like to be put in touch with a legal adviser. Email: welfare@pya.org More news Schengen EES Update: Guidance for Yacht Crew The new Schengen Entry/Exit System (EES) replaces passport stamps with digital records for non-Schengen nationals. While procedures remain largely unchanged for yacht crew, entries and exits are now tracked electronically—with no physical proof provided—making it essential for crew to monitor their own Schengen days. Read more 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

Have questions about the PYA or the services it provides? You can check the frequently asked cuestions about the organisation, Sea Service Testimonials, Yacht Rating Certificate, Training Record Book and more. Frequently asked questions General Questions Digital Service Record Book (D-SRB) What is an NOE or Notice of Eligibility? NOE stands for Notice of Eligibility. The MCA issues this document and it means you have met all the requirements to sit an oral examination with the MCA for a Certificate of Competence (CoC). Before you can book a date for an oral exam, you must have obtained an NOE. It will come with instructions on how to book an oral and details on how the oral exam works. What is a testimonial? Why can’t Reference Letters or Seaman Discharge Books be accepted instead? A testimonial is documentary proof of your onboard yacht service and sea service. It contains the details of the yacht, your position, and your detailed sea service, with days at sea, standby, shipyard, and watchkeeping (whichever applicable). Most of the time, letters do not contain all the necessary information related to your sea service, so even if they can serve as a reference, they will not qualify as a testimonial as well. The same applies to Seaman Discharge Book (SDB) entries. They refer only to your dates and role on board but do not specify the sea service you acquired. Testimonials must be signed by the Master of the vessel on board which the qualifying service has been performed, or can also be signed by the Chief Officer or Chief Engineer (where engineers are concerned). In the case of service as Master, the testimonials must be signed by the owner or a responsible person from the Yacht Management Company such as a company director or yacht manager. When should I get a testimonial? The best would be to get a testimonial every 6 months or seasonal. You can always ask for a testimonial afterwards but it may prove more complicated as people might move on to other jobs in the meantime and not necessarily have access to the required information later. You can ask the Captain, Chief Officer, Chief Engineer (if you were working in an engineering role and weren't the Chief Engineer onboard), yacht manager, owner or owner's representative to sign your testimonials and verify them. What happens if my Captain no longer works on the boat where I was employed? You can still use the captain as a signatory, as long as you have their contact information (email). When can a testimonial be ‘declined’? This can happen for various reasons: • If the definitions of sea service have been disregarded, i.e. standby time exceeds days at sea, sea service totals are higher than employment period, etc. • If the testimonial is self-signed • If the testimonial for a Master is signed by another Master and does not fall in an exceptional situation. See guidelines.(https://www.pya.org/services/sea-service-verification) What is the procedure to issue/update my D-SRB? How do my testimonials get verified? How do I know the status of my testimonials’ verification? Log into your PYA profile and upload your testimonials/certificates to ‘your documents’. The documents will then go through our verification process. (https://www.pya.org/services/sea-service-verification) You can verify the status of your documents in your profile under ‘your documents’. How does the sea service verification work? Please read here. (https://www.pya.org/services/sea-service-verification) How does the PYA D-SRB work? Please go back to the D-SRB FAQ here. (https://www.pya.org/faq) What is Seaman's Discharge Book (SDB)? What is the difference between the SDB and the PYA D-SRB (Digital Service Record Book)? A Seaman's Book / Seaman's Discharge Book / Discharge Book is a physical booklet, issued by maritime authorities all around the world, which, traditionally, has two purposes: • Identity document, and • Record of your employment history Additionally, a Seaman's Book can be useful when passing through an airport or when taking shore leave. You can read more about SDBs here. (https://www.pya.org/knowledge-base/seaman-discharge-book-(sdb)--and-others) A D-SRB (Digital Service Record Book) is a PYA-generated electronic document that replaced the PYA's physical Service Record Book (SRB). The PYA's SRB (now D-SRB) was introduced to make it easier for yacht crew to prove to the MCA their experience and that they held the relevant qualifications required to apply for a Certificate of Competency (CoC). It is recognized by the MCA and Transport Malta but not necessarily by the maritime authorities of other countries. We recommend that you have BOTH. As they serve different purposes. You can read more about the PYA D-SRB by going back to the FAQs here. (https://www.pya.org/faq) What is a TRB or Training Record Book? TRB stands for Training Record Book. For deck, the OOW 3000 Yachts MCA Training Record Book is a requirement that must completed before you can apply for an OOW 3000 Yachts CoC. You can download this online on the MCA website or ask us for a free bound copy when you are a PYA member. (https://www.pya.org/services/oow-3000-deck-training-record-book) For engineers going through the Small Vessel Route, the Engineering TRB can only be obtained after you've registered into the Program and from Training Providers or Colleges that offer SV courses. To register, you have to prove you satisfy all the entry requirements. How can I get certified copies of documents? Who can certify documents that I need to submit to the PYA? Do they all (testimonials and certificates) need to be certified? The certification of your documents for PYA use can be done by anyone holding a CoC, 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. Only certificates need to be certified as true copies, not testimonials. We 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 documents can: - write the declaration on each copy; Alternatively, you can go to one of our Agents listed in the Contacts section, or any notary public, or MCA-approved nautical colleges, or IYT NOE Application documents and certificated are send to the MCA via EMAIL ONLY at deck@mcga.g.uk (deck@mcga.g.uk)or engineering@mcga.g.uk (engineering@mcga.g.uk) Is the Y route still available to engineers? No, the Y route was closed at the end of December 2022. Now, the route has been completely replaced by the Small Vessel Program. To learn more about it you can read MCA's MSN 1904 (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/msn-1904-mf-uk-requirements-for-engineer-officer-small-vessel-certificate-of-competency)or contact us at srb@pya.org.(mailto:srb@pya.org) Does the MEOL still exist? Yes, it is the new SV MEOL CoC. You can learn more about it by reading the MCA's MSN 1904 (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/msn-1904-mf-uk-requirements-for-engineer-officer-small-vessel-certificate-of-competency)or contacting srb@pya.org (srb@pya.org) Want to get personalised support? Choose the plan that fits you. Become a member