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- Who We Are
The Professional Yachting Association (PYA) is the voice of professional yacht crew worldwide. Since 1991 as a non-profit, trade association, we represent the interests of yacht crew and yachting companies, advocating on their behalf with maritime and other authorities across the globe. Powered by over 10,000 international members, our mission is to promote high standards of qualification, skills and knowledge. With the collaboration of our PYA partners, we strengthen the yachting industry and support its professionals. Our Role in the Industry: PYA attends policy meetings with the UK Maritime Coastguard Agency (MCA) and other administrative bodies, ensuring yacht crew voices are heard in decision-making processes. Beyond advocacy, we play a key role in the industry's development, offering crucial services such as the MCA-approved Service Record, an essential tool for career progression that ensures seamless verification of sea time and compliance with industry regulations. We actively support crew wellbeing across all aspects of their careers providing access to essential resources and safety guidance through our Member Assistance Service and Onboard Safety Group. These services are managed collaboratively by our experienced teams and council members. From our headquarters, the PYA staff... The Professional Yachting Association (PYA) is the voice of professional yacht crew worldwide. Since 1991 as a non-profit, trade association, we represent the interests of yacht crew and yachting companies, advocating on their behalf with maritime and other authorities across the globe. Powered by over 10,000 international members, our mission is to promote high standards of qualification, skills and knowledge. With the collaboration of our PYA partners, we strengthen the yachting industry and support its professionals. Our Role in the Industry: PYA attends policy meetings with the UK Maritime Coastguard Agency (MCA) and other administrative bodies, ensuring yacht crew voices are heard in decision-making processes. Beyond advocacy, we play a key role in the industry's development, offering crucial services such as the MCA-approved Digital Service Record Book (D-SRB) , an essential tool for career progression that ensures seamless verification of sea time and compliance with industry regulations. We actively support crew wellbeing across all aspects of their careers providing access to essential resources and safety guidance through our Member Assistance Service and Onboard Safety Group. These services are managed collaboratively by our experienced teams and council members. From our headquarters, the PYA staff provides daily support to members, offering expert advice on qualifications and career development. We oversee sea service verification , coordinate industry-leading events , and create opportunities for networking and engagement , all while championing yacht crew’s interests on a global scale. See all services for professional yacht crew Behind every PYA initiative is a group of individuals who know the yachting industry inside out. We come from diverse backgrounds — from life at sea to shoreside operations — and combine our skills to keep things running smoothly for our members. Here’s the team that makes it happen: Christophe Bourillon, Chief Executive Officer Christophe Bourillon, with 30 years of experience in senior management, public affairs, and crisis communication at the national and international levels, has founded and led various industry associations, such as Wind Europe. He has also driven other organisations through major transformations, including the World Nuclear Association, the European Biofuels Association and the World Federation of Science Journalists. He has managed government relations campaigns for the oil and gas, nuclear, and other industries. As an accredited expert to the United Nations, he participated in the negotiations of the UN Convention on Climate Change for more than 15 years. Christophe was appointed CEO of the Professional Yachting Association (PYA) in 2021. Sophie Rodrigues, Office & Events Manager Sophie Rodrigues brings over 20 years of administrative and financial experience to her role as Office & Events Manager at the Professional Yachting Association (PYA), where she has been a key team member since 2016. Initially joining as Membership & Accounts Manager, she quickly advanced to overseeing office operations and event organisation. At PYA, Sophie ensures the smooth running of daily operations, from finance management to team coordination, while also planning and delivering successful industry events dedicated to crew networking and development. Fluent in both French and English, Sophie is based in Antibes, where she enjoys contributing to the heart of the yachting industry. Shana Hassoun, Marketing Team Passionate about marketing and communication, Shana Hassoun joined PYA in November 2023 as part of the marketing team, focusing on engagement, visibility, and data analysis. With a background in marketing and business, she is currently pursuing a master's in marketing & AI to integrate innovative approaches into her work. Since joining PYA, she has contributed to expanding social media reach, building strategic partnerships, and supporting key industry events. She particularly values the international nature of yachting and the opportunity to collaborate with professionals from diverse backgrounds. Axel Danel, Marketing Team Axel Danel joined PYA in November 2023 as part of the marketing team, contributing to communication strategies, digital content creation, and social media management. Currently pursuing a master’s degree in business engineering, Axel combines strategic thinking with hands-on marketing skills to support PYA’s visibility and outreach efforts. With experience in B2B client prospection, logistics coordination, and digital marketing, Axel plays an active role in developing campaigns and strengthening PYA’s presence across digital platforms. His passion for international business, combined with a creative and analytical approach, allows him to effectively promote PYA’s services to the global yachting community. Bianca Grosu, Sea Service & Training Manager With a solid background in administration and customer service, Bianca Grosu is part of the Sea Service Team at the Professional Yachting Association (PYA), where she supports yacht crew in navigating certification processes and regulatory requirements. Prior to joining PYA, Bianca gained experience in corporate environments such as Deloitte and Orange, specializing in administrative coordination, client service, and operational support. Organized and detail-oriented, Bianca manages sea service verifications and provides guidance to crew on compliance and career pathways. Fluent in Romanian, English, and Spanish, she combines a strong analytical mindset with a customer-focused approach, contributing to PYA’s mission of supporting crew worldwide. Bianca is based in the South of France and enjoys being part of the vibrant international yachting industry. Alicia Jordan, Sea Service & Development Manager Alicia has a 13-year background of working with and onboard superyachts up to 55m and recently made the transition to land. Currently, she holds the role of Sea Service Manager at the Professional Yachting Association helping crew navigate the MCA regulations to log their sea service, give career advice, and remain up to date with industry news, events and relevant topics of discussion. Kim LLorente, Sea Service & Projects Manager To About us Who We Are
- BWA Yachting
BWA Yachting is a worldwide yacht agency and yachting services provider formed to support captains, managers and crew, making their lives easier, assisting with the increasing demands of managing a modern superyacht. Our global office network stretches throughout the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the Caribbean and the Americas, providing a unique and seamless experience, wherever our clients are cruising. BWA Yachting is a worldwide yachting services provider established to support captains, managers and crew. We aim to make their lives easier, assisting with the increasing demands of managing a modern superyacht. Our global office network stretches throughout the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, The Caribbean and the Americas, providing a unique and seamless experience, wherever our clients are cruising. BWA Yachting can assist with a broad range of services from planning a complicated, multi-country itinerary to just a single port call. We can cover everything from clearance procedures to berthing reservations, bunkering, provisioning, itinerary advice, logistics, technical assistance, travel arrangements, and many more. With central and local points of reference, a ground breaking system developed in-house, that provides streamlined business workflows amongst our offices and enables seamless intercountry communication of your preferences, we plan to save you time and a whole lot of hassle. We consider ourselves to be a people company - we prefer relationships to transactions, friendships over deals and building trusted partnerships with our clients from the very first meeting. We are a dedicated yachting service provider; we don’t manage, sell or charter superyachts. We strive to deliver smart, reliable, transparent solutions to superyachts. Our offices will provide expert local knowledge in each port customising each client’s approach, looking after your entire trip; from pre-arrival and arrival to departure formalities, drawing upon the insight and capabilities that come from our unique global presence. Essentially, We speak your language. Services Arrival & Departure formalities Berth bookings in the most exclusive ports Berthing application assistance for major events (Monaco Grand Prix, Cannes & Venice Film Festival,…) Divers, Pilots & Moorings arrangements Clearance with local authorities Local information including anchorage area, Covid 19 regulations (if any), cruising rules (permits, Posidonia & anchorage, local PWC regulations,…) Bunkering arrangements (Duty Free bunker available in some specific areas, even if you are private) Grey & black waters pumping arrangements Garbage disposal Technical Support (International technical department based in Greece or local assistance to arrange the best support according to unexpected situations) Day workers organization Local and International Provisioning (we have provisioning companies, preferred partners or our own provisioning departments in several destinations) Flowers arrangements Laundry & general cleaning arrangements (Carpet cleaning included) Any kind of supplies & purchase on behalf including interior products, toiletries and any kind of guests’ requests Courier arrangements & packages reception and deliveries Postal address and storage of items Custom clearance Immigration assistance (Stamp-in/out of EU, Transit Visa, B1/B2 application assistance) VIP conciergerie assistance (exclusive restaurants, hotels and nightclubs suggestions & bookings, …) Entertainment arrangements (Catering, magicians & music performances, extra staffs, security,…) Tour guide & local experience (vineyards, museum, customized experiences according to guests’ preferences and local options) Beauty & Wellness arrangements (massage onboard included) Private Jet & Heli bookings Transportation (Limo and Taxi services, tender transfer, goods deliveries) Power Water Craft renting and purchase organization (including jet ski & tenders) General assistance to crew (medical appointment including) Insurance arrangements (through preferred contacts) Cash To Master arrangements and deliveries (according to local legislation) Book keeping & suppliers’ payment on behalf (one final consolidated invoice per country with credit line) Special offer for members Centralized intercountry general information shared to our members. Contact information BWA Yachting 22 Boulevard Princesse Charlotte, 98000 Monaco Tel.+377 93 500 277 info@bwayachting.com https://www.bwayachting.com/offices/ BWA Yachting BWA Yachting is a worldwide yacht agency and yachting services provider formed to support captains, managers and crew, making their lives easier, assisting with the increasing demands of managing a modern superyacht. Our global office network stretches throughout the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the Caribbean and the Americas, providing a unique and seamless experience, wherever our clients are cruising. Visit website Back to All Partners Centralized intercountry general information shared to our members. Become a member and enjoy the exclusive offers from our partners. Become a member
- PYA to launch quarterly leadership networking event in Antibes, France
The PYA will hold its latest leadership networking event in the bustling city of Antibes in France this November. PYA to launch quarterly leadership networking event in Antibes, France To All news 31 October 2023 The PYA will hold its latest leadership networking event in the bustling city of Antibes in France this November. The quarterly leadership meetup will bring together a host of crew from across the industry including yacht captains, first officers, engineers, chief stewardesses, chefs and the various heads of departments. The event will provide opportunities for networking and yacht crew to share their perspectives and reflections on the past year’s important milestones. “We are delighted to be welcoming esteemed yacht crew from across France and Europe at our latest networking event in Antibes. What better place to have important industry conversations that will shape how we work together in the future. A special thanks to everyone that has contacted the PYA about this upcoming event and pledged their support to make it a truly memorable occasion. We look forward to meeting you all,” said Christophe Bourillon, CEO for the PYA. DWD Dolphin Wear & Deckers , Riviera Wine , Luxury Hospitality and MS Yachts by Edge Ship are sponsors for our latest quarterly event where attending guests will be provided with drinks and canapes at the opening reception. We would like to say a big thank you to all our partners for their continuous support and helping to facilitate important networking events. Event details and how to participate L'AUTHENTIK 1 Boulevard d'Aguillon, 06600, Antibes, France Thu, 16 Nov 2023 17:00 - 19:00 CET To reserve your place, visit our event page and book your tickets. If you would like to know more about PYA events and stay informed of the latest yachting industry developments, explore our membership options to learn more. Among the benefits include gaining early access to exclusive industry meetups and a wide range of services to support your career. More news 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 Summary of the Sea Changes Forum 2025 In September, we hosted our annual Sea Changes Forum, bringing together key voices from across the yachting industry. The event delivered encouraging updates for the sector and inspiring insights into how we can continue to evolve and improve as a community. Below, you will find a summary of the presentations shared by our expert panelists, along with access to each full presentation for further details. Read more The PYA Christmas Ball Returns for Its 33rd Edition The 33rd edition of the PYA Christmas Ball returns at the iconic Hôtel Martinez in Cannes on Friday 5th December 2025, this year with a glamorous 1960s theme. Join us for a night of celebration with the yachting community — featuring a gourmet dinner, live band, raffle prizes, and plenty of opportunities to connect with fellow professionals from across the industry. A much-loved PYA tradition, the Christmas Ball promises elegance, entertainment, and a touch of vintage sparkle as we come together to close the year in style. Read more
- Completing your EDH before your OOW
The EDH (Efficient Deckhand) requirement came into play as of the end of June 2015 when the new M-notice was published. This means that as from 01 January 2017, the EDH certificate must have been issued within 18 months prior to the issue of the Certificate of Competency for the OOW. Completing your EDH before your OOW To All news 8 June 2015 The EDH (Efficient Deckhand) requirement came into play as of the end of June 2015 when the new M-notice was published. This means that as from 01 January 2017, the EDH certificate must have been issued within 18 months prior to the issue of the Certificate of Competency for the OOW. So if you are planning to do your OOW in the future, please bear this information in mind. More news 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 Summary of the Sea Changes Forum 2025 In September, we hosted our annual Sea Changes Forum, bringing together key voices from across the yachting industry. The event delivered encouraging updates for the sector and inspiring insights into how we can continue to evolve and improve as a community. Below, you will find a summary of the presentations shared by our expert panelists, along with access to each full presentation for further details. Read more The PYA Christmas Ball Returns for Its 33rd Edition The 33rd edition of the PYA Christmas Ball returns at the iconic Hôtel Martinez in Cannes on Friday 5th December 2025, this year with a glamorous 1960s theme. Join us for a night of celebration with the yachting community — featuring a gourmet dinner, live band, raffle prizes, and plenty of opportunities to connect with fellow professionals from across the industry. A much-loved PYA tradition, the Christmas Ball promises elegance, entertainment, and a touch of vintage sparkle as we come together to close the year in style. Read more
- Virtual Pursers Launch Shoreside Services for Superyachts
With the ever-increasing burden of yacht administration and a growing demand for remote support, today sees the launch of Virtual Pursers, a bespoke shoreside purser service for yacht owners, captains and management companies. Virtual Pursers Launch Shoreside Services for Superyachts To All news 1 October 2020 With the ever-increasing burden of yacht administration and a growing demand for remote support, today sees the launch of Virtual Pursers, a bespoke shoreside purser service for yacht owners, captains and management companies. Founded by experienced yacht pursers Bec McKeever and Dominique Smit, Virtual Pursers can confidently assume all the responsibilities of a purser on board, relieving captains of the need to employ a full-time crew member when space is limited. Managing vessel and crew administration, accounting, logistics and provisioning, Virtual Pursers offer a flexible and cost-effective solution either full time, project-based, or whenever additional support is required. With extensive knowledge and years of experience working onboard world cruisers, Bec and Dominique are also experts in itinerary planning and guest concierge, providing a meticulous service at the height of any charter season. Not only a boon for captains, Virtual Pursers offer a solution to the industry brain-drain when female pursers eventually move ashore taking their skills and expertise with them. Describing themselves as ‘‘The Purser You’ll Never Lose’, a key part of their vision is to provide an opportunity for other yacht pursers to continue their careers ashore, accommodating lifestyle changes and family commitments. “We believe the purser role can be achieved just as effectively ashore and in many cases it has already proved to be very successful,” said Dominique Smit. “We know how time-pressured captains are and how much they have to do in a day, and we can alleviate their stress by taking care of all the administration that they don’t have time for.” Full time pursers will also appreciate the additional support available from Virtual Pursers ashore. “As pursers ourselves, we know first-hand of the pressures and time constraints that pursers face,” said Bec McKeever. “We can take care of any over-flow of work such as itineraries or general administration and we can also cover periods of sick leave, holiday and rotations.” The growing trend for remote working coupled with huge advances in communications and management software make it easier than ever for experienced pursers to provide a professional and secure service from a distance. “Technology makes it easy to communicate and operate remotely and at Virtual Pursers we use secure cloud-based systems with top of the range cyber security implementations to ensure the safety and privacy of all client data,” assures Bec. Conscious of the ongoing impact of the pandemic on top of the existing complexities of yacht administration Dom said, “The feedback we’ve received from peers and the wider yachting community has been very positive, and we’re proud and excited to launch our new business in the industry that we know and love.” For further information please visit the website: https://virtualpursers.com/ Or you can contact Bec and Dominique directly: Email: info@virtualpursers.com . Tel: +44 (0)203 5140413 More news 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 Summary of the Sea Changes Forum 2025 In September, we hosted our annual Sea Changes Forum, bringing together key voices from across the yachting industry. The event delivered encouraging updates for the sector and inspiring insights into how we can continue to evolve and improve as a community. Below, you will find a summary of the presentations shared by our expert panelists, along with access to each full presentation for further details. Read more The PYA Christmas Ball Returns for Its 33rd Edition The 33rd edition of the PYA Christmas Ball returns at the iconic Hôtel Martinez in Cannes on Friday 5th December 2025, this year with a glamorous 1960s theme. Join us for a night of celebration with the yachting community — featuring a gourmet dinner, live band, raffle prizes, and plenty of opportunities to connect with fellow professionals from across the industry. A much-loved PYA tradition, the Christmas Ball promises elegance, entertainment, and a touch of vintage sparkle as we come together to close the year in style. Read more
- Sirius Maritime Group
Sirius Maritime Group provides bespoke yacht management solutions, seamlessly integrating professionalism, safety, and innovation. Our proactive approach ensures smooth operations and delivers exceptional experiences for owners, guests, and crew alike. Sirius Maritime Group is a dedicated yacht management company providing bespoke services that uphold the highest standards of safety, sustainability, and client satisfaction. Independent from brokerage activities, we offer unbiased guidance to yacht owners, captains and crew ensuring efficient, transparent, and reliable operations. Driven by our core values—Passion, Integrity, Collaboration, and Progress—we strive to redefine excellence in the yachting sector. Our vision is a future where safety, environmental responsibility, and well-being are paramount. By leveraging advanced technologies, rigorous compliance, and a commitment to positive change, we create exceptional experiences for owners and guests, setting new standards for the future of yachting. We excel at delivering seamless yacht management solutions across diverse locations and cultures. Backed by a team with over 200 years of combined maritime experience—including the management, new builds and extensive refits of yachtsranging from 30 to 140 meters—we bring the expertise and assurance our clients expect. Our professionals blend technical expertise, comprehensive crew management solutions, and innovative administrative practices to ensure every yacht is managed with the highest level of professionalism and care—treating each vessel as if it were our own. Services : Crew Management & Recruitment – recruitment, training, certification, appraisals, and HR support, etc. Operational Management - comprehensive oversight and coordination of all activities required to ensure the safe, efficient, and compliant yachts. Maritime Compliance – ISM, ISPS, MLC and all other applicable rules and regulations. Accounting & Financial Management – transparent budgeting, reporting, and cost control. Technical and Dry Dock Management – continuous remote assistance, preventive / planned maintenance and shipyard projects supervision. New Build & Refit Project Management – from design review to final delivery. Interior Setup Services – Interior setup, provisioning, maintenance and logistics Consultancy / Corporate Services / Legal Support – ownership structures, insurance, VAT regimes, registration, and choice of flag state jurisdiction advices. As part of our commitment to the professional yachting community, Sirius Maritime is pleased to extend an exclusive offer to PYA members—designed to enhance both yacht operations and crew welfare. We could offer: 10% Discount on all yacht management and compliance services for PYA members. Complimentary Initial Consultation covering operational, technical, and regulatory aspects. Crew placement and onboarding support. Complimentary access to one online training module per crew member through our training platform A tailored crew assessment and personalized career development session for each crew member. One free legal advisory session focused on maritime employment contracts, compliance, and crew rights, provided by legal advisors. Full access to our experienced team for guidance on MLC compliance, payroll administration, and dispute resolution. Contact information: Email: operations@sirmargroup.com Telephone: +34 608 971 224 Website: www.siriusmaritimegroup.com Office: World Trade Centre, Edificio Sur, Moll de Barcelona, S/N, 2nd floor, Ciutat Vella, 08039 Barcelona Sirius Maritime Group Sirius Maritime Group provides bespoke yacht management solutions, seamlessly integrating professionalism, safety, and innovation. Our proactive approach ensures smooth operations and delivers exceptional experiences for owners, guests, and crew alike. Visit website Back to All Partners As part of our commitment to the professional yachting community, Sirius Maritime is pleased to extend an exclusive offer to PYA members—designed to enhance both yacht operations and crew welfare. Scroll down for more details. Become a member and enjoy the exclusive offers from our partners. Become a member
- PYA Crew Contracts Survey Report 2020
In 2019, the PYA was approached by more than 135 members of crew requesting urgent advice from the PYA Members’ Assistance Team, with numbers increasing in 2020. Many of the issues were contract-related or due to the crew member not having a contract at all, particularly those working on private yachts. PYA Crew Contracts Survey Report 2020 To All news 8 October 2020 In 2019, the PYA was approached by more than 135 members of crew requesting urgent advice from the PYA Members’ Assistance Team, with numbers increasing in 2020. Many of the issues were contract-related or due to the crew member not having a contract at all, particularly those working on private yachts. Due to the prevalence of these issues, we decided to conduct a survey and ask crew a range of questions to get a better understanding of how widespread the problems are within the industry, the types of contracts being issued, the quality of those contracts and the conditions under which they had been provided. Having no contract at all, or only an inadequate one, can result in misunderstandings on both sides. Sometimes crew don’t know what is expected of them or in some cases may end up being treated unfairly by their employers. The PYA’s aim is to promote the use of fair and equitable contracts which are adhered to, thus ensuring protection for both parties. Look at the results of the Crew Contract Survey: Crew Contracts Survey - EN .pdf Download PDF • 4.50MB More news 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 Summary of the Sea Changes Forum 2025 In September, we hosted our annual Sea Changes Forum, bringing together key voices from across the yachting industry. The event delivered encouraging updates for the sector and inspiring insights into how we can continue to evolve and improve as a community. Below, you will find a summary of the presentations shared by our expert panelists, along with access to each full presentation for further details. Read more The PYA Christmas Ball Returns for Its 33rd Edition The 33rd edition of the PYA Christmas Ball returns at the iconic Hôtel Martinez in Cannes on Friday 5th December 2025, this year with a glamorous 1960s theme. Join us for a night of celebration with the yachting community — featuring a gourmet dinner, live band, raffle prizes, and plenty of opportunities to connect with fellow professionals from across the industry. A much-loved PYA tradition, the Christmas Ball promises elegance, entertainment, and a touch of vintage sparkle as we come together to close the year in style. Read more
- Avoiding disaster: How a yacht fire was averted at the last minute
A recent incident on a yacht could have led to a catastrophic fire but thanks to proper procedures and training, the situation was quickly dealt with by its crew and averted. Avoiding disaster: How a yacht fire was averted at the last minute To All news 7 February 2024 A recent incident on a yacht could have led to a catastrophic fire but thanks to proper procedures and training, the situation was quickly dealt with by its crew and averted. It is no secret that yacht fires have become more prevalent in recent years. With the increased use of lithium-ion batteries, the degree of risk for crews is elevated and training is essential for dealing with and averting potentially catastrophic fires. A recent incident, highlighted by CHIRP , an independent organisation that enhances maritime safety, showed how during a routine inspection on board a yacht, one of two charged lithium-ion batteries were found to be abnormally warm. After monitoring, its temperature rose to alarming levels, leading to its disposal at sea due to a suspected thermal runaway, potentially caused by a faulty cell. This case, one of many, demonstrates the importance of having an awareness of battery conditions, what to look for, and how to deal with an impending crisis. With lithium-ion batteries having been the established cause of numerous fires in recent years, there’s a growing need to implement proper procedures and checks on batteries onboard vessels. The complexities of safe battery operation and disposal are also a factor in being able to manage risk - especially when crews are unfamiliar with the setup. We recently released a resource on how to identify potential issues relating to lithium-ion batteries, which covers thermal runaway, off gassing, hissing and popping among other observations that illustrate the condition of the battery. Access our webinars Our latest webinar on risk management will be taking place this February 15th. Stay tuned for further details on how to take part. In the meantime, you can see our archive of webinars to explore our previous discussions covering issues from crew welfare to lithium-ion battery safety onboard yachts. More news 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 Summary of the Sea Changes Forum 2025 In September, we hosted our annual Sea Changes Forum, bringing together key voices from across the yachting industry. The event delivered encouraging updates for the sector and inspiring insights into how we can continue to evolve and improve as a community. Below, you will find a summary of the presentations shared by our expert panelists, along with access to each full presentation for further details. Read more The PYA Christmas Ball Returns for Its 33rd Edition The 33rd edition of the PYA Christmas Ball returns at the iconic Hôtel Martinez in Cannes on Friday 5th December 2025, this year with a glamorous 1960s theme. Join us for a night of celebration with the yachting community — featuring a gourmet dinner, live band, raffle prizes, and plenty of opportunities to connect with fellow professionals from across the industry. A much-loved PYA tradition, the Christmas Ball promises elegance, entertainment, and a touch of vintage sparkle as we come together to close the year in style. Read more
- Improving Yacht Crew Retention Conference
Westminster Hotel, Nice, France - Thursday, 9th March 2023 Improving Yacht Crew Retention Conference To All news 15 February 2023 We are excited to share that the 2nd Annual Improving Yacht Crew Retention Conference will be held at The Westminster Hotel in Nice, France on Thursday, March 9th 2023. Following the success of its debut in 2022, this one-day event will bring together an international audience to address one of the most pressing questions in the industry: how can superyachts retain their crew? Captains, Senior Crew, Yacht Managers, Associations, Crew Managers and Agencies, Crew Training companies, Superyacht lawyers, Crew Pension Providers, Tax Specialists, and more will gather in the south of France, a hub for yachting and crew, to address the thorny issues impacting yacht crew retention. We are proud to support this event, and as a member, you can enjoy a 15% discount on your ticket by entering " PYA " in the discount box on the registration page. To find out more and register for the conference, please visit https://quaynote.com/conference/improving-yacht-crew-retention-conference-2nd-annual-conference/ . We are eagerly anticipating this conference and hope to see you there! More news 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 Summary of the Sea Changes Forum 2025 In September, we hosted our annual Sea Changes Forum, bringing together key voices from across the yachting industry. The event delivered encouraging updates for the sector and inspiring insights into how we can continue to evolve and improve as a community. Below, you will find a summary of the presentations shared by our expert panelists, along with access to each full presentation for further details. Read more The PYA Christmas Ball Returns for Its 33rd Edition The 33rd edition of the PYA Christmas Ball returns at the iconic Hôtel Martinez in Cannes on Friday 5th December 2025, this year with a glamorous 1960s theme. Join us for a night of celebration with the yachting community — featuring a gourmet dinner, live band, raffle prizes, and plenty of opportunities to connect with fellow professionals from across the industry. A much-loved PYA tradition, the Christmas Ball promises elegance, entertainment, and a touch of vintage sparkle as we come together to close the year in style. Read more
- genoa superyacht hub
Amico & Co and Pesto Sea Group have joined forces to create Genoa Superyacht Hub, a brand meant to deliver the highest quality services to our Genoa-based customers: training, events, refit shipyard, yacht agency, marinas, bunkering, chandlery. Genoa Superyacht Hub – a brand with two souls – is an initiative by Amico & Co and Pesto Sea Group. Genoa Superyacht Hub’s mission is to let the world know how attractive this location is and, at the same time, improve what Genoa offers to superyachts and their crew. Not only do superyachts have on hand Amico & Co, one of the world’s most modern and most capable superyacht refit and maintenance yards – complete with 4,000-ton ShipLift – and the expertise of Pesto Sea Group, one of Italy’s most renowned yacht and ship agents, but also more than 50 other superyacht related businesses in the immediate area together with easy access to superyacht contractors, services and suppliers in the nearby yacht building district. There’s much more to Genoa Superyacht Hub than those supplemental services. Our brand includes two marinas: Marina Molo Vecchio, right in the city center, can host yachts up to 150 meters LOA, while Waterfront Marina can welcome vessels up to 110 meters LOA and offers crew sports and leisure facilities. At Genoa Superyacht Hub, we go beyond providing a great place to stay. We aim to create a home away from home for crews. We organize crew socials and events, fostering a sense of community. Moreover, we offer crew training courses to help crew members stay on top of their core skills. Our training center, in collaboration with the best professional training providers, offers a wide range of specialist crew courses, ensuring personal and professional growth for all. Genoa Superyacht Hub is not just a home port, it’s a vibrant community. From our top-notch facilities and opportunities for upskilling to the world-class superyacht services on offer, we strive to create a sense of belonging. Isn’t it about time you considered making Genoa your new home port? Services: Training Events and community Refit shipyard Yacht agency Marinas Bunkering Chandlery Contact information: Address: Calata Molo Vecchio Mod. 3, 16128 Genova GE info@genoasuperyachthub.com Phone: +39 010 270 1305 https://genoasuperyachthub.com/ Genoa Superyacht Hub Amico & Co and Pesto Sea Group have joined forces to create Genoa Superyacht Hub, a brand meant to deliver the highest quality services to our Genoa-based customers: training, events, refit shipyard, yacht agency, marinas, bunkering, chandlery. Visit website Back to All Partners Become a member and enjoy the exclusive offers from our partners. Become a member










