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The new rules will apply to all yacht crew, regardless of the vessel’s flag - without exception. Non-EU yacht crew arriving in Mallorca now require a seaman’s discharge book following new regulation To All news 24 January 2024 In a significant policy shift, Mallorcan authorities have now mandated that non-EU yacht crew members arriving in the region must have a seaman's discharge book to be stamped out of the EU and not run out of days. This new requirement, effective from January 1, 2024, overrules the previously accepted practice of relying on employment contracts as evidence of seafarer status. Those without their seaman's discharge book will be subject to regular visa checks and their remaining Schengen days will be closely monitored. To ensure a smooth entry into Mallorca, non-EU yacht crew members are strongly advised to obtain a valid seaman's discharge book before arriving. It is also important to note that according to the latest guidance, the new rules will apply to all yacht crew, regardless of the vessel’s flag - without exception. To learn more about this new requirement on arrival to Mallorca, get in contact with BWA Yachting for further information. Correction: The article previously incorrectly stated that yacht crew members arriving in the region must have a seaman's discharge book to be granted permission to embark on their assigned vessels. Thank you to ESTELA for providing this update. More news PYA - the Voice of yacht crew Discover how our actions go beyond membership to strengthen the entire yachting sector. Read more Sea changes Forum 2025 Edition - Everything You Need to Know The PYA is proud to present the 2025 Sea Changes Forum, taking place on Thursday 25 September at the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) in Monaco, during the Monaco Yacht Show. From 16:00 to 20:00, this key industry event will bring together professionals, regulators, and crew representatives to discuss the latest developments in yachting, from regulations and certification to crew welfare and career opportunities. The Forum will conclude with a networking reception, offering a unique opportunity to connect with colleagues and stakeholders in the heart of Monaco. Read more Next Generation in Yachting Forum 2025 - Highlights 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. 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 PYA - the Voice of yacht crew Discover how our actions go beyond membership to strengthen the entire yachting sector. Read more Sea changes Forum 2025 Edition - Everything You Need to Know The PYA is proud to present the 2025 Sea Changes Forum, taking place on Thursday 25 September at the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) in Monaco, during the Monaco Yacht Show. From 16:00 to 20:00, this key industry event will bring together professionals, regulators, and crew representatives to discuss the latest developments in yachting, from regulations and certification to crew welfare and career opportunities. The Forum will conclude with a networking reception, offering a unique opportunity to connect with colleagues and stakeholders in the heart of Monaco. Read more Next Generation in Yachting Forum 2025 - Highlights 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. Read more

The PYA would like to advise all seafarers that the MCA has published MIN 543 to implement new arrangements for the verification of Sea Service Testimonials (SSTs) in the yachting sector. MIN 543 - Changes to sea service verification by the MCA To All news 13 April 2017 The PYA would like to advise all seafarers that the MCA has published MIN 543 to implement new arrangements for the verification of Sea Service Testimonials (SSTs) in the yachting sector. The MCA is transferring the task of verifying SSTs from their own staff to an approved 'Verifying Organisation', which the PYA has been since 1994 - when it was first approved by the MCA to verify sea service on its behalf. As from the 24th May 2017, all seafarers in the yachting sector who wish to apply for an NoE or for the renewal of a CoC will be expected to have their SSTs verified PRIOR TO SUBMISSION to the MCA. What does this mean for crew and how can the PYA help both members and non-members? There will be no change in the procedures for PYA members who are already using a PYA Service Record Book and who, as at present, will need to submit only a correctly entered SRB to the MCA. However, the PYA is now approved by the MCA to verify sea service for non-members , for which there will be a charge of €50 per testimonial. Both members and non-members can upload their sea service testimonials directly to a secure online area, where they can log in to see the status of verification for each piece of sea service. A preferred method of sea service verification by the MCA MIN 543 also requires compliance with quality management protocols and makes the processes undertaken on its behalf now subject to strict audit and control measures by the MCA. Note that the PYA has been authorised by the MCA to verify sea service on its behalf for 23 years - no other verifying organisation has this track record. The MCA has stated in the MIN that failure to submit pre-verified sea service under these revised arrangements "will cause severe processing delays of around 160 days." They have strongly recommended that seafarers in this industry use the services of the PYA (or other verifying organisation), as a "preferred method of sea service verification of the MCA" . More news PYA - the Voice of yacht crew Discover how our actions go beyond membership to strengthen the entire yachting sector. Read more Sea changes Forum 2025 Edition - Everything You Need to Know The PYA is proud to present the 2025 Sea Changes Forum, taking place on Thursday 25 September at the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) in Monaco, during the Monaco Yacht Show. From 16:00 to 20:00, this key industry event will bring together professionals, regulators, and crew representatives to discuss the latest developments in yachting, from regulations and certification to crew welfare and career opportunities. The Forum will conclude with a networking reception, offering a unique opportunity to connect with colleagues and stakeholders in the heart of Monaco. Read more Next Generation in Yachting Forum 2025 - Highlights 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. Read more

The PYA is a non-profit making association, registered at the Sub Prefecture in Grasse, France with number 9648 in accordance with the Law of 1st July 1901, and the decree of 16th August 1901. The PYA is a non-profit making association, registered at the Sub Prefecture in Grasse, France with number 9648 in accordance with the Law of 1st July 1901, and the decree of 16th August 1901. The PYA shall not support with its funds any object, or any endeavour to impose it, by its members or others, any regulation, restriction or condition which would make the object of the PYA a Trades Union. The income and property of the PYA whence so ever derived shall be applied solely towards the promotion of the objects of the PYA and no part of it shall be paid or transferred, directly or indirectly, by way of dividends, bonus or otherwise by way of profits, to members of the PYA, unless otherwise agreed at any Council meeting where a quorum of members is present. Legal Status The PYA is a non-profit making association, registered at the Sub Prefecture in Grasse, France with number 9648 in accordance with the Law of 1st July 1901, and the decree of 16th August 1901.

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 PYA - the Voice of yacht crew Discover how our actions go beyond membership to strengthen the entire yachting sector. Read more Sea changes Forum 2025 Edition - Everything You Need to Know The PYA is proud to present the 2025 Sea Changes Forum, taking place on Thursday 25 September at the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) in Monaco, during the Monaco Yacht Show. From 16:00 to 20:00, this key industry event will bring together professionals, regulators, and crew representatives to discuss the latest developments in yachting, from regulations and certification to crew welfare and career opportunities. The Forum will conclude with a networking reception, offering a unique opportunity to connect with colleagues and stakeholders in the heart of Monaco. Read more Next Generation in Yachting Forum 2025 - Highlights 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. Read more

Italian Parliament approves new ruling to ease entry of non-EU seafarers. Yacht crew who arrive in Italy now have the opportunity to obtain a long-term entry visa for reasons of work. UPDATE - EU Stamping In and Out To All news 31 May 2022 Over the past few months, yacht crew entering Italy have been experiencing real difficulties to be "stamped out" to board their vessels. This was due to the strict application of a February 2020 decision of the European Court of Justice by Italian port authorities. Thanks to successful government relations actions by a number of yachting and cruising organisations (Genova for Yachting, Federagenti, Confindustria Nautica, Assarmatori and Confitarma), the Italian Parliament has recently adopted a rule whereby non-EU yacht crew arriving in Italy will be able to obtain a long-term work visa for up to 365 days. The details of the visa issuance procedures are still being developed and the PYA will keep you informed as soon as we know more. More news PYA - the Voice of yacht crew Discover how our actions go beyond membership to strengthen the entire yachting sector. Read more Sea changes Forum 2025 Edition - Everything You Need to Know The PYA is proud to present the 2025 Sea Changes Forum, taking place on Thursday 25 September at the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) in Monaco, during the Monaco Yacht Show. From 16:00 to 20:00, this key industry event will bring together professionals, regulators, and crew representatives to discuss the latest developments in yachting, from regulations and certification to crew welfare and career opportunities. The Forum will conclude with a networking reception, offering a unique opportunity to connect with colleagues and stakeholders in the heart of Monaco. Read more Next Generation in Yachting Forum 2025 - Highlights 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. Read more

If you’re an aspiring crew member looking to work in the small commercial vessel sector, then the Trinity House RYA Yachtmaster™ Scholarship could help fund your career progression.  Advance your career with the Trinity House RYA Yachtmaster Scholarship To All news 28 February 2020 If you’re an aspiring crew member looking to work in the small commercial vessel sector, then the Trinity House RYA Yachtmaster™ Scholarship could help fund your career progression. Since its launch in 2018, the scholarship has helped 12 candidates further their careers by funding further training in one of the eligible RYA courses and qualifications . This training in navigation and seamanship is a vital part of many crew members’ maritime education and mandatory for career progression. Due to the high level of employment opportunities in this area, the RYA and Trinity House hope to boost the careers of many aspiring boaters across a wide variety of activities, including those working in the superyacht industry. The RYA’s Director of Training, Richard Falk, said, ‘it has long been the case that RYA qualifications form the cornerstone of the small commercial vessel sector and it’s essential for the marine industry to invest in top talent to remain the highly regarded industry it is today. With the deadline for applications for the next scholarship coming up soon, we encourage all yacht crew (UK citizens) who can demonstrate exceptional boating, navigation or leadership skills to apply. More details about the scholarship and eligibility criteria. More news PYA - the Voice of yacht crew Discover how our actions go beyond membership to strengthen the entire yachting sector. Read more Sea changes Forum 2025 Edition - Everything You Need to Know The PYA is proud to present the 2025 Sea Changes Forum, taking place on Thursday 25 September at the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) in Monaco, during the Monaco Yacht Show. From 16:00 to 20:00, this key industry event will bring together professionals, regulators, and crew representatives to discuss the latest developments in yachting, from regulations and certification to crew welfare and career opportunities. The Forum will conclude with a networking reception, offering a unique opportunity to connect with colleagues and stakeholders in the heart of Monaco. Read more Next Generation in Yachting Forum 2025 - Highlights 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. Read more

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The PYA and MaritimeMT held a round of discussions at this year’s Monaco Yacht Show on the topic of training for yacht crew and the changes taking place in the industry. PYA and MaritimeMT discuss training for yacht crew at the Monaco Yacht Show To All news 5 October 2023 The PYA and MaritimeMT held a round of discussions at this year’s Monaco Yacht Show on the topic of training for yacht crew and the changes taking place in the industry. MaritimeMT, a leading maritime training centre based in Malta, launched their event to coincide with their strategic collaboration with Gente di Mare, a training centre based in Livorno and Genova, Italy, that forms part of the global shipping organisation’s Fratelli Cosulich Group. The event was a big success, bringing together key industry stakeholders to discuss important issues on training and maritime licences. “It was a great honour for the PYA to be invited to participate in MaritimeMT’s launch event at this year’s Monaco Yacht Show. The opportunities to extend training to yacht crew in Italy with in-depth STCW courses will lead to more qualified seafarers entering the industry and upskilling during a key time where our industry is in need of more qualified crew members,” said Christophe Bourillon, CEO for the PYA. MaritimeMT extended their operations to Greece’s capital, Athens, last year as part of its strategy for international expansion, which is now opening its doors to other neighbouring ports. The synergies have brought considerable opportunities for growth across Europe where Maltese certification and licences are increasingly sought after. The Malta Flag Registry is currently one of the most in-demand licences for seafarers globally. Pauline Micallef, CEO of MaritimeMT said: “MaritimeMT chooses to partner with organisations on the same wavelength that share a common strategy, that of providing excellence in seafarers education.” Elena di Tizio, Managing Director at Gente di Mare SRL, added: “Bringing the Maltese certification to Italy will create an opportunity for maritime professionals including seafarers and crew to further their studies and climb up the ranks.” “Our standard processes and quality management system has helped us kickstart operations in different locations,” said Captain Edwin Vella, Principal at MaritimeMT. The new cooperation will provide STCW courses to yacht crew with a focus on yachting certification in particular with the anticipation that as the partnership develops, unique courses and specially designed programmes will become available. Both MaritimeMT and Gente di Mare Italy are committed to improving the skills of maritime professionals around the world. Seafarers can access courses that meet their needs whether they are already working in the maritime sector or want to. The global standard for marine education and services is expected to rise as a result of this collaboration. Have you considered undertaking an STCW course? Learn more about how you can access training here . More news PYA - the Voice of yacht crew Discover how our actions go beyond membership to strengthen the entire yachting sector. Read more Sea changes Forum 2025 Edition - Everything You Need to Know The PYA is proud to present the 2025 Sea Changes Forum, taking place on Thursday 25 September at the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) in Monaco, during the Monaco Yacht Show. From 16:00 to 20:00, this key industry event will bring together professionals, regulators, and crew representatives to discuss the latest developments in yachting, from regulations and certification to crew welfare and career opportunities. The Forum will conclude with a networking reception, offering a unique opportunity to connect with colleagues and stakeholders in the heart of Monaco. Read more Next Generation in Yachting Forum 2025 - Highlights 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. Read more