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Question: “I work in a floating palace, but I sleep in a rabbit hutch. What happened to my rights under the MLC 2006?” Crew Accommodation in Large Yachts To All news 27 April 2021 Cutting through all the legalese in the MLC definitions, if you work on a commercially registered seagoing palace then you are a seafarer and are fully entitled to accommodation standards as per Title 3 of the Convention. MLC was written by the ILO (International Labour Organization), in accord with its members, in a tripartite setting which included representatives of governments (MCA in the case of the UK), of shipowners (Councils of Shipping), and of seafarers (their Unions). It was developed as a Bill of Rights for seafarers, covering all aspects of their welfare, such as employment contracts (SEAs), social security, leave, medical care, hours of work limits, and also decent and spacious accommodation. MLC was entered into international law in 2006, and implementation was due to follow as soon as a given number of countries holding a given shipping tonnage had entered the IMLC provisions into their own national laws. There was no going back. Paradise on earth was awaiting seafarers after implementation of MLC. So, good question, why are you still living in a rabbit hutch eight years after MLC implementation? Two reasons. The first is that MLC was not retrospective in its application, and would not apply to vessels which were pre-existing or were already in build before 20th. August 2013. The second reason, regarding new yachts, is both very simple and very complex. The simple part you can see for yourself. Go out on deck with your cabin mate and tape out an area of 7 square metres, say 2 m x 3.5m, as specified in Standard A3.1.9 (h) (for officers, the requirement is 7.5 sq.m. per person). Stand in that space and visualize the floor area of your shared cabin. Eureka, you understand. Stand up for full MLC rights, then try looking for owners who are prepared to build a 50, 80m or even 100m yacht with 7 sq.m. of floor space in each double cabin for crew, and 7.5 sq.m. per officer, with whatever volume is left over to be shared between machinery spaces and themselves. Obviously, MLC as written was totally impracticable in yachts, as far as accommodation standards are concerned. Further, the procedure for any amendments to MLC covers three pages of the published Convention, and would obviously be a years-long process. The entire yachting industry was facing the potentially drastic consequences of an indefinite moratorium on any new builds which were intended to operate in the charter market. As soon as the PYA became aware of what lay ahead, a small work group of three PYA Council members took responsibility for pursuing the matter. We flew to Geneva to convey our concerns across the table with top ILO representatives at the ILO headquarter in Geneva. Following this meeting the ILO challenged us to complete two surveys that would help them in assessing any proposals put forward. Those surveys were quantative and qualitative. We flew to London to share our concerns with Nautilus, the seafarers' trade union. We brought the matter to the attention of yacht builders via The Superyacht Builders Association (SYBAss), the Worldwide Yachting Association (MYBA), and the International Council of Marine Industry Associations (ICOMIA), and we called our contacts at the Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA). Subsequently at various times we invited to Antibes representatives from the ILO, Nautilus and the MCA. We walked them round the interiors of a selection of yachts, sail and motor, traditional and modern, of various sizes, and we got their attention. Meanwhile the MCA was anyway starting to realize that although they had been very active in the drafting of MLC, the yachting sector had been totally overlooked, and the clock to implementation date was ticking. To confront the urgency, the MCA assembled a Large Yacht Sub-Group (LYS-G) with a mandate to study and address the impact of MLC on yachts <3000 gt. The LYS-G was made up from representatives from all the Red Ensign Group (REG), SYBAss, ICOMIA, MYBA (to represent yacht owners via their yacht management divisions), Nautilus (as representatives of the interests of seafarers in general) and the PYA (to represent yacht crew). And this brings us to the complex part of the answer as to why the rabbit hutches are still being built into the palaces. We had to find a way to squeeze a quart into a pint pot. The only possible solution lay within Article VI of MLC, allowing “Measures which are substantially equivalent”. All parties in the work group dissected MLC Regulation 3.1 – Accommodation and recreational facilities, and contributed suggestions as to what might be deemed to be substantially equivalent to the legal MLC Standard. ICOMIA wrestled with the reality of the space available in smaller yachts such as Sunseekers. SYBAss contributed their expertise in naval architecture and experience with spaces in larger yachts, and their appointed naval architect carried out the quantative survey for submission to the LYS-G while the PYA carried out the qualitative survey. REG surveyors made their technical design contributions. The undersigned PYA council member was delegated to write the preliminary draft proposals, collate all additions and corrections in further drafts, and prepare the final draft. The MCA acted as a moderator throughout, using their experience at the ILO to set out parameters for what would or would not be politically acceptable at ILO level. After requisite adjustments for approval by the MCA upper echelons, who had to convince the ILO that they were acting in good faith, the proposals for substantial equivalency were submitted, were accepted, and are embedded within the MCA Large Yacht Code. Similar work was done for another category, the Large Passenger Yachts. You now occupy the outcome of the PYA’s sounding of the alarm bell and the LYS-G’s consequent work: living in old rabbit hutches in pre-existing yachts, and in much nicer rabbit hutches in yachts built post-implementation. However, the story does not end there. It was assumed that provision had been made to cover builders’ future needs for the very large yacht which were beginning to appear on the scene at that period. But since then, owners have been challenging builders with demands for super-mega-giga yachts of >5000 gt, and again there are problems with MLC compliance even at that size. The reasons are twofold. Firstly, these huge yachts cannot operate safely or effectively as pleasure palaces without a significant number of crew. Secondly, even at their size, they remain the wrong shape for MLC accommodation. On a typical merchantman, the crew accommodation is contained in a rectangular box above main deck level. In yachts, the crew quarters are below main deck within a space which narrows significantly towards the bow and shrinks in width with distance below the main deck. Accordingly, the MCA has reinstituted the LYS-G, and the PYA is once again a member. We shall be contributing to the search for a solution to recognition of the ambitions of a new generation of ultra-wealthy owners and the effect of MLC strictures on realizing those ambitions. The first step will be for the PYA to participate in the distribution of a survey to record crew attitudes and preferences in various equivalency permutations of cabin layout. Once again the goal is to achieve an acceptable balance between the desirable and the practicable. Notwithstanding the outcome of the work of the LYS-G, there remains an issue which is peculiar to yachting and to no other sector of the shipping industry. In the merchant service, officers generally are in single-occupancy cabins and may exceptionally be permitted to have a shore-based partner with them during voyages, which is of no consequence to MLC compliance. Due to the nature of yacht accommodations and crew makeup, the sharing of a cabin between seafarers of different genders or different sexual orientations is not uncommon. For MLC compliance it is essential that, given the number and genders of the crew on board, the overall number of cabins and of berths (beds) is sufficient for full separation of genders theoretically to obtain. If that requirement is met, then the actual occupancy of cabins and berths is not a matter for flag or Port State Control (PSC) to comment on or become involved with, as long as the shared cabin arrangements are acceptable to the parties concerned. The situation often arises where a captain has a partner who is a crew member, and they share a cabin and a berth (i.e. bed) together. Of itself, this situation does not fall within the remit of MLC. However, what is mandated under MLC Standard A3.1.9(c) is that “a separate berth for each seafarer shall in all circumstances be provided”. In other words, in a strict interpretation of MLC< there must exist a berth on board for the captain’s partner within a cabin which is compliant with MLC or with the LY Code or LYP Code. If at a given time the captain’s berth is a shared one, and all other approved berths on board are occupied, the yacht is not in compliance. The existence of an unoccupied nanny cabin, for instance, would not correct the situation if such cabin was not itself compliant with MLC or with the LY Code or LYP Code. Guest cabins would normally be more than compliant, but again if they were all occupied, they do not offer an acceptable alternative. The above situation would probably not be considered by flag during the design stage, as it is an operational matter. However, it could theoretically be challenged by a PSC officer as a major non-compliance, as it offends against an essential right under an MLC Standard. It could lead to a detention until corrected. In practice, as long as the yacht has a valid Maritime Labour Certificate and Declaration of Maritime Labour Compliance and there are no obvious causes for concern, a PSC officer will not investigate beyond sighting these Certificates. So it is a scenario not to lose sleep over, but which should be borne in mind by captains and managers so that a Plan B can be immediately implemented in the event of a PSC challenge. Captain Rod Hatch ILO certified trainer of MLC inspectors and PYA Director Training (Deck & Engineering) In consultation with John Cook (Lesia Group, Guernsey) 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

In the past five years, many yachting companies have announced well-intentioned sustainability programmes, commitments, and initiatives... Sustainability in the Yachting Industry To All news 27 April 2021 These have launched with the hopes of developing effective designs and practices to minimise yachting’s impact on the world’s resources, but also to combat the perception that the industry isn’t committed to protecting the very environment that it depends on. As the Covid-19 pandemic has affected the daily realities of the market, how many of these initiatives have continued and had a genuine impact? And is there space for newer programmes to fill in the gaps that still exist in the superyacht industry? Read the full story 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 November, the PYA will launch a webinar with the BWA to discuss important seafaring issues specific to the Bahamas and surrounding island communities. © Ryan Geller PYA to launch Webinar on Yachting in the Bahamas with the BWA To All news 30 October 2023 This November, the PYA will launch a webinar with the BWA to discuss important seafaring issues specific to the Bahamas and surrounding island communities. The Bahamas is considered one of the world’s most seductive yachting destinations, offering more than 700 breath-taking islands and cays to explore, both for those seeking an adventurous yachting vacation or one of total seclusion. “We are welcoming a host of guest speakers from across the yachting industry to take part in this important conversation on yachting in the Bahamas. Attendees will be able to learn about industry-specific issues by getting involved in this conversation and sharing various perspectives,” said Kim Llorente, Operations Manager for the PYA. BWA Yachting is a worldwide yacht agency and yachting services provider set up to support captains, managers and crew - making their lives easier and assisting with the increasing demands of managing a modern superyacht. Their global office network stretches throughout the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the Caribbean and the Americas, providing a unique and seamless experience, wherever clients are cruising. We want to say a big thank you to BWA and all our guest speakers for supporting our latest webinar and taking part in this year’s discussion centred on the Bahamas. Guest speakers Daniel Persaud: Operations Manager at BWA Yachting Bahamas Chrislyn Stubbs: crew member and operator of Palm Winds (shore support) Jonathan Lord: Bahamas Tourism ambassador Safwene Guilouchi: Captain M/Y Centurion 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 Yachting in the Bahamas webinar! To access our previous webinars, you can visit our website to see the latest discussions in the archive . 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

Many crew might find themselves in a position where they have extra time on their hands as they wait for lockdown restrictions to be lifted. With this in mind, now is the perfect time to get your sea service testimonials up to date before the summer season.  Top tips on getting a valid Sea Service Testimonial To All news 18 April 2020 Many crew might find themselves in a position where they have extra time on their hands as they wait for lockdown restrictions to be lifted. With this in mind, now is the perfect time to get your sea service testimonials up to date before the summer season. What do I need to do to get my testimonials verified? All members should upload copies of their documents (certified by the captain) and their testimonials into their PYA Profile. These will be processed, verified and digitally signed in your profile by SRB officers in the usual way. As the office is currently closed, we are not updating SRBs. However, we will let you know as soon as our team is back in the office and it's possible to update your physical SRB. Follow these top tips before requesting your testimonials Kim Llorente, one of our PYA advisors and former crew member, has put together some top tips to requesting testimonials which will be valid for future employment: Why ask for a testimonial? If you’ve only been hired on a seasonal contract, or would like to leave your current vessel, it’s a good idea to get proof of your sea service before you leave. Employers can refuse to give you a reference, but they have to give you a Sea Service testimonial if you request it. This will validate your sea time on that vessel and is a credible reference when looking for employment on other vessels in the future. Who can provide a testimonial? Testimonials should be signed by the vessel’s Master, Owner or Manager. For Masters looking to get a testimonial, only the vessel’s Owner or Manager can sign - self-declarations aren’t valid. Important details to remember It’s best to use the PYA’s testimonial template as this includes all the required information. Remember to always put down start and end dates. This is important as it determines the reference period of your sea time, even if you are still on board, or on a non-seasonal contract. Make sure the dates on your testimonials don’t overlap. If your employment is continuous, the new testimonial should start after the last entry in your SRB or after your last testimonial. If the dates on your testimonials overlap in any way you will be asked to submit new correct testimonials. We don’t need the original testimonials. Upload digital copies to your PYA profile. Remember to check your calculations and add your numbers up. Your recorded sea service should never exceed your employment period. To access the PYA on-line Testimonials for Deck & Engineers or if you have any doubts or questions about testimonials or sea service, please read our guidelines or contact us at srb@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

It is now official that the increase of Tolls for the Panama Canal transit starts in January 1st, 2023 and is divided into 3 parts (January 1st, 2023, January 1st, 2024 and January 1st, 2025). Increase in Tolls for the Panama Canal transit To All news 20 July 2022 It is now official that the increase of Tolls for the Panama Canal transit starts on January 1st, 2023 and is divided into 3 parts (January 1st, 2023, January 1st, 2024 and January 1st, 2025). Adjustments to small vessels tolls: Modifications to small vessel tolls involve adjustments to the maximum limits of displacement tonnage established by tolls based on length overall. These tolls apply to all small vessels (length overall up to 125 feet). Vessels of length overall greater than 125 feet, of any market segment, with PC/UMS tonnage up to 999 as the maximum limit, will be applied the small vessels tolls in the length overall range greater than 100 feet, in addition to all related charges for other maritime services. The proposed modifications to small vessel tolls involve adjustments to the maximum limits of displacement tonnage established by tolls based on length overall (1,000 displacement tons). Vessels with a displacement tonnage greater than 1,000 will be assessed tolls based on the proposed displacement tolls. Below is the table that shows the tolls increase for the 3 years for vessels/boats that pay Tolls based on their length and not tonnage: Yachts that pay tolls based on PC/UMS tonnage fall in the segment of "Others". There will be a substantial increase in Tolls to be paid for vessels/boats that pay based on their tonnages or PC/UMS tonnage as per the table. The total tolls to be paid will be a combination of a Fixed Fee plus the PC/UMS of the vessel times $2.00 on 2023, $2.50 in 2024 and $3.00 in 2025. However, most yachts up to 180 ft and some close to 200 ft would still pay based on their length because of their PC/UMS tonnages. Associated Yacht Services recommends sending them an email ( yachts@shipsagent.com ) and they can make the calculations for you. For more information, download the Adjustment to Tolls from the Panama Canal. More news 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 week, the PYA is launching a new webinar for captains, crew members, yacht managers and recruiters to discuss visa and immigration in Europe. PYA to launch new Visa and Crew Immigration Webinar To All news 27 February 2024 This week, the PYA is launching a new webinar for captains, crew members, yacht managers and recruiters to discuss visa and immigration in Europe. The webinar will bring together a panel of experts from leading companies to cover key issues affecting seafarers operating in the EU. With changing regulations for yacht crew and more stringent visa requirements in the Schengen area, we’ve brought together experts from a number of countries to go more in-depth on emerging topics: France & Monaco : Get expert guidance from Catalano Shipping Services on the recent regulations and procedures for smooth entry and operations. Italy (Genoa, Viareggio, Sardinia & Naples) : Learn from Luise Group's specialists about navigating the latest visa requirements and processes for your crew in key Italian ports. Spain : BWA Yachting's experts will offer valuable information on visa regulations and efficient immigration procedures for Spain. In this webinar, you will be able to: Stay informed on the latest visa requirements and changes in policy Learn best practices for smooth crew immigration processes Get expert advice from leading companies in the industry Ask questions and address any specific concerns you may have The Visa and Immigration webinar will be launched on Wednesday 28th of February, at 15:00 CET. You can register your attendance now to secure your spot here: http://tinyurl.com/46ynddju Contact us at info@pya.org for any questions you'd like us to answer in our upcoming webinar. 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 management consultant, Peter Drucker, famously said: "Management is doing things right; leadership is doing the right things." Captains - Common Leadership Issues On Board To All news 11 May 2021 Putting this into context, leadership coach Martin Mainey steps on board to answer some common questions raised by captains in relation to their crew. Read the full story 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 Next Generation in Yachting Forum, held on 11 April in Antibes, offered aspiring yacht crew an invaluable insight into the yachting industry. With contributions from leading recruitment agents including Bluewater, Hill Robinson, The Crew Network, and YPI, the event covered essential topics such as CV preparation, interview techniques, and professional etiquette. Attendees also received guidance on visas, welfare support, and career pathways across all departments, with practical advice from Captains, trainers, and experienced crew. The afternoon concluded with focused breakout sessions and networking, providing a unique opportunity to connect with industry professionals and prepare for a successful career at sea. Next Generation in Yachting Forum 2025 - Highlights To All news 15 April 2025 The PYA Next Generation in Yachting Forum , held on 11 April in Antibes, provided aspiring yacht crew with an invaluable insight into the world of professional yachting. Organised by the Professional Yachting Association (PYA), the event brought together leading industry experts to offer practical guidance, career advice, and networking opportunities for those looking to take their first steps into a career at sea. This is the second edition of the forum created specifically for the next generation of yacht crew. Beyond recruitment, attendees benefitted from sessions covering welfare support (with ISWAN ), visa and immigration advice (from Catalano Shipping Services ), and training pathways in the galley, interior, and deck departments. Insightful talks were delivered by experienced captains, instructors, and ex-crew now working in training and product services—offering a 360° view of life on board. This event would not have been such a success without the invaluable support and participation of these top recruitment agencies: YPI CREW YPI CREW , established in 2002, has been connecting people with their dream careers on board superyachts for over two decades. The purpose is to allow new generations to discover yachting, whilst also helping seasoned crew to advance their career and develop their talents. Hill Robinson Hill Robinson is a leading yacht management company offering a full range of services including crew recruitment, operational support, technical management, and new build supervision for luxury yachts worldwide. The Crew Network The Crew Network (TCN) is the longest serving professional and fully MLC compliant Crew Recruitment and Placement Agency in the world today. In 35 years, the multinational, multilingual teams have successfully filled over 10,000 positions ranging from Deckhands to Master Mariners, across all departments including the engine room and interiors, on vessels from 24m (79′) to over 216m (709′). Bluewater Bluewater has been training and recruiting crew for over 30 years and is dedicated to ensuring a high level of excellence in the industry. Their comprehensive services cover all aspects of yachting, including yacht management, charter services, and yacht sales. Learn more For further information about the participating companies, available training opportunities, or forthcoming events, please contact pya@pya.org Whether you are just beginning your yachting journey or considering your next steps, the professional yachting community is here to support you every step of the way. 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 superyacht industry has been paying closer attention to diversity and inclusion, with a focus on equality and creating a more sustainable industry. However few articles have reported on navigating the barriers and successes of building diversity and inclusion strategies into yachting companies. The status of diversity and inclusion in yachting To All news 25 March 2021 The superyacht industry has been paying closer attention to diversity and inclusion, with a focus on equality and creating a more sustainable industry. We see roles such as 'chief diversity officer' or 'diversity and inclusion manager” in luxury retail, healthcare, private aviation or sport, yet few articles have reported about navigating the barriers and successes of building diversity and inclusion strategies into yachting companies. Diversity includes but isn’t limited to age, disability, gender, race, religion or faith, sexual orientation, pregnancy and parental considerations, marriage and civil partnership or social status. Inclusivity is ensuring your employees feel accepted, valued and at ease to share their ideas and perspectives. For present purposes, diversity is the ‘what’ and inclusion is the ‘how’. Corporate benefits of diversity and inclusion strategies include improved workplace culture, a wider talent pool and social cohesion that facilitates better communication, creativity and innovation. According to a recent Facebook report of 1200 consumers, 71 per cent of respondents expect brands to promote diversity and inclusion in their online advertising and 59 per cent said they prefer to buy from brands that “stand for diversity and inclusion” in their ads. Shifts in global sentiment will leave a mark on brand longevity and customer engagement. Isn’t it high time to uncover diversity and inclusion in the yachting industry and have honest discussions about something that impacts all of us? Continue reading here . Author: Rebecca Whitlocke 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

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 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