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The PYA Welfare Group will chair a new webinar on crew rights and wellbeing, bringing together experts from key Flag states to discuss important issues affecting seafarers globally. © Chris Gouvernelle PYA Welfare Group to launch new webinar on crew rights and wellbeing To All news 23 October 2023 The PYA Welfare Group will chair a new webinar on crew rights and wellbeing, bringing together experts from key Flag states to discuss important issues affecting seafarers globally. The latest webinar follows a series of discussions in the past year including a forum held by the PYA Welfare Group with key Flag states that covered how to deal with bullying, harassment and other workplace issues. With many yacht crew unfamiliar with local and international support resources available to them, the Flag states discussion was well received by the community. It also provided the opportunity for participants to ask questions as well as learn about regulations. Building on that success, our latest webinar, chaired by Angela Wallace, Director of Interior Training for the PYA Welfare Group, will welcome the Flag states back to explore further areas of crew rights and wellbeing. The following guests will attend: Guest speakers Ivan Tabone - Deputy Chief Officer at the Merchant Shipping Directorate at Transport Malta Authority Martyn Oates - Technical Policy Manager, Isle of Man Ship Registry Holly Griffin - Seafarer Living and Working Conditions Policy Manager, UK Maritime and - Coastguard Agency James Hatcher - Senior Maritime Policy Adviser and Shipping Master, Cayman Islands Shipping Registry Alexander von Stein - Advisor / Special Agent / Certified Trainer of trainers and maritime inspectors MLC 2006, Marshall Islands Registry France representative (DIRM MED/RIF) - To be confirmed To take part in this webinar, you can reserve your place by booking via our event page . If you would like to host a webinar with the PYA, please contact us on info@pya.org with the subject ‘Webinar Partner’. We look forward to welcoming you to our latest webinar hosted by the PYA Welfare Group! To access our previous webinars, you can visit our website to see the latest discussions in the archive . 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

Support and Advice are available to members and potential new members to provide professional advice and one-to-one support to seafarers in yachting. Support and Advice to obtaining your NOE, CoC, Action Plan, Revalidation and Conversion. The PYA offers one-to-one advice on matters relating to sea service, certification, and examination. The PYA encourages and mentors new entrants into professional yachting, as well as offers career advice to experienced crew. The PYA staff can assist crew at all stages of their careers, including updates on qualifications, career mapping, CV advice, help with applications for NoEs, Training Record Books, Action Plans, Registering into the SV Program, and more. If you need such support, then please contact the Antibes office to discuss your situation. Email: srb@pya.org Need to apply for an MCA NOE, CoC, Conversion, Flag State Endorsement, Revalidation, or Action Plan? We can help you. If you are a Full or Associate member, this service is included in your membership and you can contact the Sea Service team at srb@pya.org to help you. If you are in Antibes and would like to make an appointment, please contact srb@pya.org Send your applications to the Engineering team at the MCA. Processing times for new applications are: NOE - 35 days NOE Resits - 35 days CoC - 21 days Ratings - 35 days Existing applications on hold: If you have sent us additional documents following your application being assessed, they aim to reprocess your application within 7-10 days. Included in all paid memberships Become a member Career Advice & support Support and Advice are available to members and potential new members to provide professional advice and one-to-one support to seafarers in yachting. Support and Advice to obtaining your NOE, CoC, Action Plan, Revalidation and Conversion. To All services Discover our plans to get access to all the services we provide. Become a member

As part of its members' assistance service, the PYA has seen a marked increase in the number of incidents of sexual harassment reported by crew members.  The PYA has therefore conducted an industry survey to give crew members a voice to bring forward their own experiences of sexual harassment in yachting. Sexual harassment of seafarers To All news 14 October 2018 As part of its members' assistance service, the PYA has seen a marked increase in the number of incidents of sexual harassment reported by crew members. The PYA has therefore conducted an industry survey to give crew members a voice to bring forward their own experiences of sexual harassment in yachting. Our results were reported at the Sea Changes Forum at the Monaco Yacht Show and produced some shocking statistics and personal testimony. A huge thank you to all the people who bravely reported information in our survey. What's next? The PYA in conjunction with other partners in this sector of the maritime industry are joining forces to continue to highlight this subject and to campaign on behalf of crew in establishing improvements in their working environment and in promoting better understanding of the issues raised. If you want to get involved then let us know - possibly consider becoming a PYA Councillor and representing colleagues in future forum dealing with such issues? Contact us at welfare@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

PYA members and the general public can access our Sea Changes Forum 2023 conference video and presentations from today. Sea Changes Forum 2023 - Full conference video and presentations released To All news 28 November 2023 PYA members and the general public can access our Sea Changes Forum 2023 conference video and presentations from today. This year’s Sea Changes Forum at the Monaco Yacht Show brought together stakeholders from across the yachting industry to discuss important issues from crew welfare to the mapping of the seas. Our conference was held at the IHO HQ in Monaco, with a packed auditorium of guests who had travelled from around the world to participate in the PYA’s annual event. This year was a particularly special occasion to highlight some of the emerging technologies that will be changing our industry in the coming years ahead. We also gained insights into how yachts are being equipped to map the ocean floors, advancing our knowledge of the world’s marine ecosystem - further cementing how yachting is playing a key role in scientific discovery. Video conference - Full length version We would like to thank Bluewater for supporting our event and putting together this production of the conference. To access it, please see our Youtube video to watch the full conference . Conference presentations from guest speakers Below you can view and download a list of presentations from some of our speakers this year. These can be used for research and educational purposes. If you would like to request permission for commercial use, please get in contact with us: info@pya.org Mr Ajit Jacob, Chief Examiner, Maritime and Coast Guard Agency View the full presentation Mr John Wyborn, IAMI Board member - who discussed the work IAMI does for yacht training including the Deck Certification Report. View the full presentation Miss Joey Meen, IAMI Guest Program Director - who shared insights on the importance of soft skill training & the CPD opportunities of bespoke (non-mandatory) education to support yachting careers – with the Yacht Owners Representative Program being provided as an example. View the full presentation Mr Richard Falk, Director of Training and Qualifications, Royal Yachting Association - who introduced “RYA Training and Qualifications, Rising to the Challenges of the Future”. View the full presentation Miss Angela Wallace, PYA Director of Interior Training, PYA Welfare Group - who discussed current issues in the industry regarding crew including recruitment and retention. Mr Jo Assael, Republic of Marshall Islands (RMI) Yacht Register, International Registries Inc - who introduced the RMI’s Master (Yachts) Unlimited Tonnage Certificate of Competency (CoC). Mr John Everett Nyberg, Technical Director, IHO - who discussed the IHO’s international mapping project. View the full presentation To see the full presentation of this year’s Sea Changes Forum 2023, please view this document for further details. We want to say another big thank you to our supporters and partners including the IHO , Ocean Drive , IAMI , Guest Program , Bluewater , MYBA , Seascope France and YPI Crew for making this event possible. We look forward to seeing you at next year’s event in 2024! 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

Joint Concentrated Inspection Campaign (CIC) on STCW by the Tokyo and Paris MOU starts 1 Sept 22 Reminder - The CIC on STCW Port State Inspections will begin 1 September To All news 24 August 2022 The Paris and Tokyo MoU joint Concentrated Inspection Campaign (CIC) on STCW will begin on 1 September 22 during Port State Control Inspections. The Port State Control Officer will focus on 3 basic issues. Seafarer certification Manning Hours of Rest For the specific campaign questions, download the CIC inspections questionnaire . The CIC inspections will be applicable for all ships, and conducted in conjunction with the regular Port State Control inspection. This campaign will be held for three months, commencing on 1 September 2022, and ending on 30 November 2022. 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 International Seafarers' Welfare and Assistance Network promotes seafarers welfare worldwide and directly serves seafarers by providing a 24 hour helpline - Seafarers Help Seafarers are frequently overlooked and forgotten about. Seafarers face long periods away from family and friends with limited or no communication for weeks on end. Shore ... ISWAN - welfare support to seafarers To All news 19 April 2019 The International Seafarers' Welfare and Assistance Network promotes seafarers welfare worldwide and directly serves seafarers by providing a 24 hour helpline - Seafarers Help. Seafarers are frequently overlooked and forgotten about. Seafarers face long periods away from family and friends with limited or no communication for weeks on end. Shore leave can be severely restricted, particularly for certain nationalities. Welfare facilities and services both on board and ashore can be a lifeline for seafarers. ISWAN provides direct welfare services to seafarers. The 24 hour multilingual helpline, Seafarer Help, runs every day of the year and is free for seafarers to call from anywhere in the world. ISWAN also runs an emergency welfare fund for seafarers in dire need, produces health information for seafarers, and provides information on the location of seafarer centres. ISWAN works to support the welfare of seafarers all over the world. We work in support of organisations and bodies that provide direct welfare services to seafarers. We work to enable the establishment of welfare facilities and services in port and on ships. ISWAN brings together and supports our members to share learning and experiences to improve seafarers' welfare both on board and ashore. In particular, ISWAN works for the implementation of the ILO Maritime Labour Convention 2006. They work with companies, unions, governments, welfare organisations (secular and faith based), and ports for the benefit of seafarers' welfare. “Maritime welfare organisations are used to dealing with seafarers on cargo and cruise ships. The number of seafarers in the yacht sector has grown to around 35,000, and we need to know more about the challenges which are specific to the superyacht sector. As seafarers on super yachts are covered by the provisions of the ILO Maritime Labour Convention their welfare needs - at sea and ashore - should be better known and provided for,” said Roger Harris, Executive Director of ISWAN. 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

Have you found yourself in dispute between your current or old employers after being fired or voluntarily leaving? Unfortunately, far too many yacht crew are still finding themselves in the situation of being treated unfairly or aren't paid after leaving a vessel and aren't quite sure what their rights are. What to do when things go wrong... To All news 26 August 2019 Have you found yourself in dispute between your current or old employers after being fired or voluntarily leaving? Unfortunately, far too many yacht crew are still finding themselves in the situation of being treated unfairly or aren't paid after leaving a vessel and aren't quite sure what their rights are. Long standing PYA Director and Captain, Richard Le Quesne, who has been providing guidance to our members on what to look out for in their work contract and what to do in the instance of being fired, has given the following advice: Terms of your contract... If you're working on a commercial or charter yacht, you should have been given, before you joined the vessel, a contract, now known as a Seafarers Employment Agreement (SEA) which conforms to the Maritime Labour Convention 2006 (MLC 2006), which is an international convention regulating the employment of seafarers. This convention has created the benchmark for private ‘pleasure' vessels and meant many crew are now being employed under SEA-type contracts, even though this still doesn’t provide the same legal protection and employment terms as MLC 2006. Because crew on private vessels aren’t required to be contracted under this convention, their employment terms are usually governed by the national laws of the Flag States. Far too many crew are still finding themselves in situations where their contract doesn’t meet any of these standards, or they’re given no contract at all – especially if they're hired for a temporary period. Here are some steps you can take if you find yourself in one of the following situations: If you leave voluntarily... In most cases, notice of one month is required but longer notice periods are sometimes used for senior crew. Always give notice in writing, even if you have first done so verbally. Regardless of the contractual notice period, it’s desirable to give as much notice as possible so as to make the task of finding your replacement easier for the Captain and so increase the chances of getting a good reference. Do not, except under the most extreme circumstances, quit without giving notice. Not only does this put you in breach of contract and so possibly liable for expenses incurred in replacing you but it will be a blot on your record and may make finding a job harder in the future. When the time comes to leave the yacht, you may be asked to sign a document setting out the financial details (salary owed, accrued holiday pay, etc.) of your departure. If you are, insist on being given a signed copy. Also, remember to ask the Captain or the Mate to make an entry in your Discharge Book and to give you a Certificate of Discharge – in the form of a Sea Service Testimonial, ideally on the PYA’s template, as this covers all required information. They can refuse to give you a reference but they must give you a Certificate of Discharge if you ask for it. If you are fired... In reality, there is no job protection in yachting and anyone can be fired at any time, without reason. Your SEA or Crew Agreement will have a list of serious faults that can lead to instant dismissal but it’s very unusual, in yachting, for these to be invoked. Much more common is for the Captain to tell you that you are to be fired for some other reason – but he does not have to specify it. Commercial yachts and larger pleasure vessels will have a set disciplinary procedure with a series of formal warnings before you are dismissed. If fired, you should insist on being provided with transport back to the agreed repatriation destination and are entitled to ask to be paid in full on the day you leave, but, if you have confidence in the Captain, you can, instead, accept a written undertaking that you will be paid a stated amount by a stated date. As mentioned above, ask for your Discharge Book to be completed and for a signed Sea Service Testimonial /Certificate of Discharge. Once off the yacht, don’t bad-mouth the owner, the yacht or the crew because it makes you look unprofessional and could rebound on you in the future. If you have a complaint... On commercial yachts you should have been given a copy of the complaints procedure when you joined. Many pleasure vessels, especially the larger ones, also have a formal complaints procedure. On a commercial vessel, if you are not satisfied with the outcome of your formal complaint, you have the right under MLC 2006 to take it to the shoreside management and, ultimately, to a Port State Control inspector or a Flag State representative. On a pleasure vessel you may have the right to take your complaint to shoreside management. What your contract should include As stated above, crew on commercial yachts are supposed to have been given, before they joined the vessel, an MLC 2006 compliant Seafarer’s Employment Agreement . This SEA must include the following: The seafarer’s name, date of birth and place of birth The name and address of the ship owner (or employer) Date and place of signing the SEA The seafarer’s job on board Details of the seafarer’s pay including, if relevant, how it’s calculated. The seafarer’s entitlement to paid holidays Termination arrangements. Note: The notice period for the employer cannot be shorter than the notice period for the seafarer. Health and social security benefits to be provided by the employer Repatriation details Reference to the Collective Bargaining Agreement, if any Any other particulars required by the law of the Flag State Important inclusions in the Convention Reg. 1.4 – A seafarer must not be made to pay in any way for obtaining a job. Reg. 2.2 – Wages must be paid, in full, at least every month. Reg. 2.3 – Hours of work / Hours of rest must comply with international rules and must be recorded. Reg. 2.4 – In general, all seafarers must be given at least 2.5 days of paid holiday per month worked. Reg. 2.5 – In most circumstances, a seafarer leaving a ship must be given free transport back to his/her home. Reg. 4.1 – In most circumstances, a seafarer must be provided with free medical care. Reg. 5.1.5 – There must be an established on-board complaints procedure and every seafarer must be given a copy of it when joining. Reg. 5.2.2 – Seafarers have the right to make a complaint to a shore official and this official must follow set procedures in dealing with it. For more information or assistance contact advice@pya.org Image credit: Photo by Simon Lund on Unsplash 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

One year ago, we launched our Digital Service Record Book (D-SRB), allowing yacht crew to download a digital verified record of their sea service, which they can email directly to the MCA when applying for certification and revalidation. PYA Issues Over 2,000 Digital Service Record Books (D-SRBs) One Year Since Launch To All news 1 March 2022 One year ago, we launched our Digital Service Record Book (D-SRB) – the first tool of its kind in our industry – allowing yacht crew to download a digital verified record of their sea service, which they can email directly to the MCA when applying for certification and revalidation. We also reached another important milestone this week, issuing over 2,000 D-SRBs to our members since the launch, proving the success of this pioneering tool. Our team has made a number of significant additions and improvements to the D-SRB since its launch, including adding fields in the D-SRB for: A member’s dual nationality; The Yachtmaster Commercial Endorsement expiration date (for Deck); The days with Guests On Board (for interior); Engineering watchkeeping. During a recent review of the D-SRB with the MCA, they commended the PYA on the success of the D-SRB and provided only positive feedback, securing this format of sea service verification for years to come. To verify your most recent sea service with the PYA, follow these simple steps , or contact the sea service team for personlised support: srb@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

Each year our PYA advisors spend a large portion of their time helping yacht crew navigate through the large list of information required in support of their Notice of Eligibility Application (NOE) for OOW 3000. Due to the fairly comprehensive list of supporting documents required by the MCA, it often creates a lot of ‘toing and froing’ to ensure.. Your hassle-free guide to applying for an OOW 3000 NOEOOW To All news 16 September 2019 Each year our PYA advisors spend a large portion of their time helping yacht crew navigate through the large list of information required in support of their Notice of Eligibility Application (NOE) for OOW 3000 GT Yachts. Due to the fairly comprehensive list of supporting documents required by the MCA, it often creates a lot of ‘toing and froing’ to ensure all the necessary information is submitted. We encourage all members to plan ahead before the season comes to an end to ensure their application for OOW 3000 NOE goes as smoothly as possible. Documents required All the documents listed below (taken from Section 4A of the OOW 3000 NOE application) need to be submitted alongside your OOW 3000 NOE application. MSF 4343 NOE Application filled in, signed, countersigned and in original Attested Copy of Passport and Visa if applicable Your PYA Digital Service Record Book (must be sent by email to the MCA Deck team at deck@mcga.gov.uk - The D-SRB must NOT be printed. It is a digitally stamped document with an electronic signature that cannot be checked if printed and, therefore, will not be accepted by the MCA) Two countersigned passport photographs (PYA can countersign your photos and also sign the counter-signature in section 6 in your application; alternatively, refer to page 10 of NOE application, for instructions) MCA recognised Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate of Competence/Master of Yachts Limited/Yachtmaster Coastal/Master of Yachts Coastal MCA recognised Yachtmaster Offshore Shore-based Certificate Personal Survival Techniques STCW A-VI/1-1 (after 1st January 2017 updated or issued < 5 years); Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting STCW A-VI/1-2 (after 1st January 2017 updated or issued < 5 years) Elementary First Aid STCW A-VI/1-3 Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities STCW A-VI/1-4 Valid Medical Fitness Certificate (ENG1) MCA approved Training Record Book for OOW 3000 Yachts (PYA Membership includes a free printed and bound TRB) dully filled in and signed Additional documents The following documents can either be sent with your NOE application or later, but need to be sent for the issuance of your CoC: PSC&RB/ PSC&RB(R) (STCW A-VI/2) OR Advanced Sea Survival for Yachtsmen MCA approved Navigational & Radar (OOW Yachts) Training Module and pass certificate (<3 years old) An MCA approved ECDIS course MCA approved General Ship Knowledge (OOW Yachts) and pass certificate (<3 years old) MCA approved Efficient Deck Hand (EDH) Course MCA approved HELM Operational Certificate GMDSS General Operators Certificate or Restricted Operators Certificate Timeline The MCA takes an average of 28 days to process your NOE application, so plan in advance. Our PYA Sea Service team can, if requested, certify photocopies of your passport and certificates if you don’t wish to send your originals to the MCA (provided they have seen originals or certified copies). For this service contact certificates@pya.org For help with your NOE application, questions, or appointmenst with our specialist advisors contact srb@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

The MCA has issued MIN 535 to update MIN 520 and so reduce the confusion in some parts of our industry about the requirements for seafarers to undergo what is known as 'refresher' training. Clarification regarding STCW 'refresher' training To All news 22 January 2017 The MCA has issued MIN 535 to update MIN 520 and so reduce the confusion in some parts of our industry about the requirements for seafarers to undergo what is known as 'refresher' training. In particular, it: Shows the extent to which training certificates from other flag administrations will be accepted by the MCA States clearly that everyone applying for a new CoC or upgrading/revalidating an existing CoC must submit documentary evidence that they have completed initial training or refresher training for Personal Survival Techniques, Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting, Proficiency in Survival Crafts and Rescue Boats and Advanced Fire Fighting within the last five years. (Some seafarers will also need a certificate for Fast Rescue Boats) Gives details of what evidence seafarers must have with them when aboard. States that you don’t need to refresh Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities, Elementary First Aid and Medical First Aid. Confirms that if crew hold a UK CoC, they do not need to do the full courses again, just the refresher courses Clarifies that the Advanced Sea Survival certificate may be accepted in lieu of Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats, however, your Certificate of Competency will be endorsed with the following limitation: “Not for use on ships equipped with davit launched lifeboats”. States that the non-STCW Advanced Sea Survival must be updated every 5 years in line with Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats. The MCA would recommend all seafarers hold an STCW Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats Certificate of Proficiency, due to potential problems of Port State Control Officers outside of the UK not accepting non-STCW Advanced Sea Survival. Seagoing members are recommended to study this MIN and make sure they are fully compliant with the various requirements. Download the file: MIN_535 - Clarification on STCW refresher training .pdf Download PDF • 628KB 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