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If you are looking to apply for a Safe Manning Document for Yachts, the MCA has just released the MSF4208 application form. Updated application for safe manning documents To All news 10 April 2020 If you are looking to apply for a Safe Manning Document for Yachts, the MCA has just released the MSF4208 application form . Applications will need to complete the form and send it (with the appropriate fee and enclosures) to the address in panel 8 on the form. All queries should be sent to large.yachts@mcga.gov.uk . More news PYA - the Voice of yacht crew Discover how our actions go beyond membership to strengthen the entire yachting sector. 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 PYA Christmas Ball 2024 Highlights The PYA Christmas Ball, held on 6 December 2024, was an exceptional evening celebrating the yachting community in style. This year’s theme, Peaky Blinders meets Downton Abbey, provided the perfect blend of elegance and vintage charm, creating a truly memorable atmosphere. Read more

Federagenti, the Italian Federation of Yacht & Ship Agents, shared a new note about the D visa to inform about the current situation in Italy. Federagenti releases a new update on the Italian D Visa To All news 2 February 2023 Federagenti, the Italian Federation of Yacht & Ship Agents, shared a new note about the D visa to inform about the current situation in Italy. The full text is available in the note, but here below you can find the main points: Italian yacht agencies have already helped hundreds of non-EU crew members in obtaining their visas The D visa can be issued by any entitled Italian Consulates/Embassy around the world (we advise you to contact your local yacht agency for confirmation on the entitled offices) The D visa allows the holder not only to stay in Italy for up to 365 days but also to spend up to 90 days every 180 days in other Schengen countries The D visa allows non-EU seafarers to remain in Italian shipyards and marinas and cruise in Italian waters with the possibility of multiple entries Seafarers arriving in Italy by sea are still to be stamped into the EU only at the moment they disembark the yacht, just like in other EU countries We recommend you always contact an Italian yacht agent before travelling to the country. They will ensure you follow the correct procedure and are on track to obtaining your D visa. If you do not already have a local agent, contact us for recommendations . Here's the full note: Thank you to Genova For Yachting for sharing the update. More news PYA - the Voice of yacht crew Discover how our actions go beyond membership to strengthen the entire yachting sector. 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 PYA Christmas Ball 2024 Highlights The PYA Christmas Ball, held on 6 December 2024, was an exceptional evening celebrating the yachting community in style. This year’s theme, Peaky Blinders meets Downton Abbey, provided the perfect blend of elegance and vintage charm, creating a truly memorable atmosphere. Read more

Get access to the PYA's SEA contract templates, specifically designed for crew working on non-commercial vessels. PYA Develops SEA Contract Templates To All news 26 October 2021 From surveys and cases handled by our confidential Member Assistance Service, the PYA has become aware that there are many seafarers, especially those working on smaller yachts, that have inadequate employment contracts or, even, no contract at all. We are also aware that some Captains are not using employment contracts and would like to introduce them but do not know how to do so. It is for these reasons that the PYA is offering two 'contract templates' that can be used to create an employment contract suitable for each particular situation or individual. Please note carefully that these templates are only for use on so-called 'Pleasure Vessels'/yachts not operating commercially. The PYA would very much like to receive feedback from members on these templates. Please send all feedback to advice@pya.org . Download SEA Templates More news PYA - the Voice of yacht crew Discover how our actions go beyond membership to strengthen the entire yachting sector. 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 PYA Christmas Ball 2024 Highlights The PYA Christmas Ball, held on 6 December 2024, was an exceptional evening celebrating the yachting community in style. This year’s theme, Peaky Blinders meets Downton Abbey, provided the perfect blend of elegance and vintage charm, creating a truly memorable atmosphere. Read more

The flag states are essentially the ‘nationality’ of the yacht. For example, if it is registered in the Isle of Man, the yacht will be governed by the laws of the Isle of Man, so it’s a relatively important decision for the owner to make, not to mention the fiscal implications of the country that they choose. The Flag State and the Seafarer To All news 20 June 2022 For those of you that have been in yachting for a while, you’ll know all about the flag states. But for those that need an introduction, this is essentially the ‘nationality’ of the yacht. For example, if it is registered in the Isle of Man, the yacht will be governed by the laws of the Isle of Man, so as you can imagine, it’s a relatively important decision for the owner to make, not to mention the fiscal implications of the country that they choose. The flag state holds a lot of power because they can govern the legislature and regulations that are likely to influence the yacht and international maritime issues. As early as the Roman Greek empire, flag states have played a role, often being selected for protection and benefits for that specific port when it came to trading. Obviously, these days, the more important issues such as regulations, tax and general standards dictate how flag states are chosen. What were once known as “open registers”, which back in the day were chosen for their trading advantages, are now known as “flags of convenience” which are generally laxer with their regulations, standards and often have sanctions to trade in contrabands and dangerous goods. Additional points that attract ship owners to these registries is the ability to hire crew of any nationality, freedom from tax & fiscal control and the mere simplicity of the registration procedure. However, what’s in the interest of the owner, is not necessarily in the interest of the seafarer. Fortunately, the majority of yachts tend to register with the red ensign group, which are a group of British Shipping Registries which are well known for their high standards and strict adherence to rules and regulations that provide safe work environments for seafarers as well as the protection of the marine environment. SOLAS, the IMO, MARPOL, the STCW and other conventions also contribute to these objectives. The red ensign group, along with any registries of the Paris White List, are registries under which you would be wanting to work. The Paris MoU Annual Report gives an extensive list of registries ranked in order from quality to poor performance flags. With your HOD, Captain and DPA all being points of contact for any contentious issues onboard, the flag state is also responsible for seafarers that are working under its jurisdiction and are not to be ruled out when issues onboard arise. As with their responsibility to protect seafarers, so it is the responsibility of the seafarer to report any incidents to the flag state. Failing to do so not only skew any reporting but also has a knock-on effect to potential flaws in registration and protection of seafarers in the long term, so it is important to take this responsibility seriously. Flag states are considered a bit of a weak point when it comes to the protection of seafarers, as they are one of the highest authority figures to go to. There is work being conducted to illuminate ways in which to improve the situation, however, there is very little action that can be taken to ensure flag states are taking every measure possible to oversee the good of the maritime industry. They like to remain diplomatic with other flag states and IMO sanctions have many legal and fiscal effects that make it an unattractive solution. Not to mention the numerous different regulations within the commercial sector that they need to oversee which is time-consuming and requires specific expertise which can be a strain on resources. This brings us back to the point of taking every action as a maritime professional to work together with the authorities towards creating improvements, which includes the reporting of incidents. There are many organisations that can also assist seafarers in need and can facilitate communication in difficult circumstances, namely Nautilus , the PYA , The Seafarers Rights International (SRI) and it’s important to make use of these organisations and the flag states to strive for better conditions in the maritime industry throughout. Dominique Smit Founder VIRTUAL PURSERS More news PYA - the Voice of yacht crew Discover how our actions go beyond membership to strengthen the entire yachting sector. 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 PYA Christmas Ball 2024 Highlights The PYA Christmas Ball, held on 6 December 2024, was an exceptional evening celebrating the yachting community in style. This year’s theme, Peaky Blinders meets Downton Abbey, provided the perfect blend of elegance and vintage charm, creating a truly memorable atmosphere. Read more

If you’re in-between seasons or taking the winter off, then you might be looking at developing your career with some additional training or certification to ensure that you can take the next step up the ladder. Looking to take a step up the ladder? To All news 22 November 2019 If you’re in-between seasons or taking the winter off, then you might be looking at developing your career with some additional training or certification to ensure that you can take the next step up the ladder. Whilst the career path for some might look simple, we’ve found that most yacht crew are unsure about the best way to progress in their career and are particularly unsure about the right path on certification and training - especially due the large amount of inaccurate information that can be found online. One-to-one careers advice The PYA aims to solve this problem by offering all members one-to-one careers advice that helps yacht professionals, worldwide, take their careers to the next level with tailored careers, training and certification advice. In particular, our careers advisor can provide detailed information on applying for your NOE (for OOW, EOOW, Master, SV Engineer, etc.) or Engineering as well as recording your sea service into the Digital Service Record Book (D-SRB) and verifying the information on your testimonials, specifically if you’re an aspiring Engineer or Deckhand looking to move into a senior position. Interior crew advice We can also provide career mapping and training advice to interior crew looking to upskill with one of the IAMI GUEST training programs. By mapping out the best routes to acquiring your certification and training, our careers service can save you valuable time and money and help you progress into a leadership role easier and faster. Book an appointment To speak to our careers advice team email srb@pya.org . For advice specific to interior careers, please email interior@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 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 PYA Christmas Ball 2024 Highlights The PYA Christmas Ball, held on 6 December 2024, was an exceptional evening celebrating the yachting community in style. This year’s theme, Peaky Blinders meets Downton Abbey, provided the perfect blend of elegance and vintage charm, creating a truly memorable atmosphere. Read more

Hill Robinson and Sanlorenzo are concluding the/2021 Sanlorenzo Crew Academy, which has seen eight cadets complete 600hrs of classroom and on-board crew training. The next stage is gaining valuable operational experience on board, either assisting the Interior or Deck departments. Hill Robinson and Sanlorenzo Academy seek yachts to take students To All news 24 March 2021 We are seeking yachts in the Ligurian Region (due to travel restrictions) who can take our students on and provide an opportunity for Deck/Interior role experience under the relevant Head of Department during normal crew working hours. Note that yachts are not expected to pay the students – this is part of an Internship Placement which will assist them in attaining necessary hours towards graduation from the Sanlorenzo Crew Academy. Students are between the ages of 24-35yrs, have their own accommodation, are trained across all areas of working on-board, plus have all necessary qualifications. While the Academy benefits greatly from your kind assistance, we also hope to benefit your current crew and yacht should you be willing to take on an extra hand (or two!) in preparation for the coming season. The dates of availability of our students is between 20th April – 31st May. Please contact Peta Rook at Hill Robinson Italia for further information: peta.rook@hillrobinson.com Published by: Hill Robinson More news PYA - the Voice of yacht crew Discover how our actions go beyond membership to strengthen the entire yachting sector. 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 PYA Christmas Ball 2024 Highlights The PYA Christmas Ball, held on 6 December 2024, was an exceptional evening celebrating the yachting community in style. This year’s theme, Peaky Blinders meets Downton Abbey, provided the perfect blend of elegance and vintage charm, creating a truly memorable atmosphere. Read more

The Red Ensign Group (REG) has released an updated version of its flagship Yacht Code, a comprehensive framework that establishes the benchmark for safety and design standards in the yachting industry. Red Ensign Group releases updated Yacht Code for 2024 To All news 11 January 2024 The Red Ensign Group (REG) has released an updated version of its flagship Yacht Code, a comprehensive framework that establishes the benchmark for safety and design standards in the yachting industry. The new revision, representing the collective expertise gained across nearly three decades of regulatory experience since its initial publication in 1997, marks the first major update since 2019. Developed over a two-year period in close consultation with the REG Yacht Code Industry Working Group, a broad-based forum encompassing shipyards, designers, management companies, and regulatory authorities, the revised Code incorporates substantial changes to reflect recent amendments issued by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and accommodate current trends and innovation in yacht design. To ensure consistent application and a level playing field across the industry, the revision provides further clarification to areas of the Code that were previously open to interpretation. While the updated document is now available, it will not come into full force until July 2024, allowing the industry ample time to familiarise itself with the new guidelines and make any necessary adjustments. A spokesperson for the Red Ensign Group emphasised the Code's dual focus on safety and innovation: "The REG Yacht Code is the international standard for the design, construction, and operation of these vessels. We will never compromise on safety and crew welfare and maintain the highest maritime regulatory standards. However, we do recognise that it's important to support innovation and technological developments in a rapidly changing industry." This commitment to both safety and innovation reflects the REG's dedication to fostering a thriving and responsible superyacht sector that prioritises the well-being of seafarers and upholds the highest standards of maritime safety. The updated Yacht Code serves as a testament to the REG's commitment to ensuring the continued success of the global yachting industry. To stay updated with the latest industry developments, be sure to sign up to our newsletter . You can also join the PYA as a member and access numerous services including our MCA and Transport Malta approved Sea Service Verification . More news PYA - the Voice of yacht crew Discover how our actions go beyond membership to strengthen the entire yachting sector. 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 PYA Christmas Ball 2024 Highlights The PYA Christmas Ball, held on 6 December 2024, was an exceptional evening celebrating the yachting community in style. This year’s theme, Peaky Blinders meets Downton Abbey, provided the perfect blend of elegance and vintage charm, creating a truly memorable atmosphere. Read more

In a recent report released by the UK Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA), it was announced that a UK Ship Register (UKSR) office will soon be launched in Piraeus, Greece.  UKSR to launch office in Piraeus, Greece To All news 2 July 2020 In a recent report released by the UK Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA), it was announced that a UK Ship Register (UKSR) office will soon be launched in Piraeus, Greece. Greece is one of the Mediterranean's most active yachting regions, with many idyllic islands and seaside destinations attracting yachts from all corners of the globe. The opening of this new office will allow the Greece yachting community who are UK flag registered to benefit from a dedicated support service. Skip to full report. Our PYA Greece agent, A1 Yacht Trade Consortium , commented on the announcement, saying 'it is very welcome news! Athens already has representatives for a number of international registries, so we feel that the MCA will make a great contribution by adding to the available choice in Greece.' To contact A1 Yacht Trade Consortium, whose staff can provide information on our PYA membership services and help with a wide range of local information and yachting related services. Contact details: Rhodes - Call +30 22410 01000 or email: rhodes@a1yachting.com Piraeus - Call +30 21045 87100 or email: piraeus@a1yachting.com ----- The UKSR has announced it is to open its first overseas sales hub as part of ambitious growth plans for the UK Flag. The new venture, which will see the launch of a sales office in Piraeus, Greece – a country with a rich Maritime heritage – will allow UKSR to build valuable long-term partnerships with local ship owners as well as strengthen the presence of the Flag in the Greek shipping industry. Late last year, UKSR launched a brand-new operating model with a focus on world-class customer service and commitment to expand its operations outside of the UK. With the Flag’s renewed focus on partnership working and international representation, Katy Ware, Director of UK Maritime Services at the MCA, said connecting with Greek Ship owners locally was a top priority. “We recognise the importance and influence of Greek shipping owners and believe as a flag we can add real value to their operations. “There is a long history of Anglo-Greek collaboration in the maritime industry and that’s why we’ve chosen Greece as the location for our first overseas sales hub.” Maritime Minister Kelly Tolhurst said: “For centuries, the UK flag has provided protection, identity and kinship to all bearers across the seas. “This is now more important than ever, with the UK leading the repatriation of seafarers around the world through Covid-19. “This new venture will enhance the flag’s appeal and extend our ability to demonstrate how the UK can benefit shipping companies.” Currently, around 30 per cent of the world's shipping companies are Greek-owned and have strong ties with Piraeus. The UKSR have appointed Andriani Vodena, a sales executive with an extensive background in shipping, to oversee UKSR’s flag services on the ground in Piraeus. She will take an active lead on meeting with new and existing customers, giving the Greek and Cypriot market dedicated support and information on the advantages of the UK Flag. Andriani previously worked for Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA Europe) and has vast amounts of experience communicating closely with ship owners, Port Authorities and Government Bodies, “I am proud and delighted to serve as the first UKSR Sales Executive in Greece and I look forward to contributing to the UK Ship Register’s mission to become the world’s best-performing international flag,” Andriani said. “I am confident that the Greek Shipping Community will embrace the UK Flag and its world-class standards.” The exact timing of the opening of the sales office will be subject to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. More news PYA - the Voice of yacht crew Discover how our actions go beyond membership to strengthen the entire yachting sector. 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 PYA Christmas Ball 2024 Highlights The PYA Christmas Ball, held on 6 December 2024, was an exceptional evening celebrating the yachting community in style. This year’s theme, Peaky Blinders meets Downton Abbey, provided the perfect blend of elegance and vintage charm, creating a truly memorable atmosphere. Read more

Aquator Marine was founded based on the belief that the power of yacht management software is becoming increasingly more essential. Its mission is to revolutionise the way people manage their yachts in a safer, more cost-effective and interactive way. New PYA Partner - Aquator Marine To All news 25 July 2022 The PYA would like to welcome our newest partner Aquator Marine , headquartered in Singapore, which develops Yacht Management Software with a fully configurable, collaborative and digitally secure web and mobile application. It consists of extensively customisable components that can be seamlessly imported, edited and organised. The application allows for personalisation so you can make requests, plan projects, assign tasks and collaborate to track progress and more. Everything can be managed through your phone! The Yacht Management Software helps with the day-to-day management of a vessel, accounting, insurance, crew, and ISM advice. It is also possible to manage all your crew's information in one place and generate reports to export all your data. Yacht Management software reimagined is here! Aquator is designed for yacht owners, captains, crew and companies to support complex workflows. Contact them by email for more information or a free demo. More news PYA - the Voice of yacht crew Discover how our actions go beyond membership to strengthen the entire yachting sector. 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 PYA Christmas Ball 2024 Highlights The PYA Christmas Ball, held on 6 December 2024, was an exceptional evening celebrating the yachting community in style. This year’s theme, Peaky Blinders meets Downton Abbey, provided the perfect blend of elegance and vintage charm, creating a truly memorable atmosphere. 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 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 PYA Christmas Ball 2024 Highlights The PYA Christmas Ball, held on 6 December 2024, was an exceptional evening celebrating the yachting community in style. This year’s theme, Peaky Blinders meets Downton Abbey, provided the perfect blend of elegance and vintage charm, creating a truly memorable atmosphere. Read more