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The PYA recently took part in this year’s first Engineering Sub Group meeting at the Warsash Maritime Academy in Southampton, UK to discuss recent developments. PYA attends Engineering Sub Group Meeting in Southampton with the MCA To All news 29 February 2024 The PYA recently took part in this year’s first Engineering Sub Group meeting at the Warsash Maritime Academy in Southampton, UK to discuss recent developments. The meeting served as a platform for the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA), PYA, and IAMI training providers to exchange information, address current issues, and raise concerns. “We received important feedback from the industry which was discussed during our latest meeting with all parties. The PYA is in regular contact with yacht crew to understand issues affecting certification and training and we want to thank our members for their valuable contributions,” said Kim Llorente, Operations Manager for the PYA. Below are a number of key areas discussed in the latest meeting and the updates we received: Oral Exam Booking System : The MCA acknowledged the challenges faced with booking oral exam dates. They are exploring alternative software solutions which will also prevent unauthorized individuals from booking exams on behalf of others. E-TR(B) Pilot: A pilot program for the E-TR(B) will soon involve 50 cadets. This mobile app will allow for completing tasks with the additional ability to include photos, videos, and other phone-generated information. Video guides will also be available, making the overall TR completion experience smoother. After the pilot, the app will be rolled out to all cadets and eventually to SV Engineers. Watchkeeping Service for CoC: The MCA may consider including watchkeeping service, beyond traditional seagoing service, towards the Certificate of Competency (CoC) requirements. However, comprehensive documentation of onboard activities is crucial in such cases. It is recommended to consistently follow this practice to avoid any complications with sea service verification. AEPC1 Course Update: The working group on the Approved Electric Propulsion Course (AEPC1) has held several meetings, with another one scheduled for early March. While the MCA confirmed that this course will not be mandatory for obtaining a CoC, it might become a requirement for working on vessels utilizing future fuels. SV Alternative Route and Exemptions: The MCA reiterated that IAMI holds the delegated authority to assess exemption requests for MCA exams. The MCA regularly audits IAMI to ensure that this process is conducted with strict adherence to established criteria, ensuring exemption is granted only to individuals with demonstrably relevant knowledge. To access the latest guidance from the PYA, you can subscribe to our newsletter or become a registered member to get the very latest industry insights. 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

Blue Oceans Yachting powered by Crew Unlimited, is your all-in-one yachting solution. From sales, charters, management, crew placement and crew training, we are here to optimize your yachting experience, one department at a time. Blue Oceans is a new brand name for an old company established more than 42 years ago in 1982 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Crew Unlimited was the first ever dedicated yacht crew agency world-wide. In 2002, we introduced the first online crew recruitment portal and in 2004, recognizing that it is the crew that makes the charter, we expanded into charter management and brokerage becoming the first to allow guests to search for charter yachts by the crew who work onboard. In 2016, we expanded further into yacht brokerage, management and crew training through a partnership with Blue Water in Antibes and re-branded as Bluewater USA. In March of 2021, we terminated our affiliation. It was then that our beautiful Blue Oceans name and brand was born, from the need for a name that encompasses the full scope of our services. By the end of 2021, Blue Oceans sold our first two yachts, a 26m $6m Italian Dreamline, and a 40m $10m Benetti, providing yacht management services to both. Fast forward to 2024, Blue Oceans now has luxurious offices in both Antibes, France in the Galerie du Port and on Las Olas Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale, Florida with a culinary and interior training center in Fort Lauderdale to assess chefs for their Ship’s Cook Certificate and train Cook/Stewardesses. We offer yacht brokerage, yacht management, charter management, charter vacations, galley and stewardess training, as well as crew recruitment and placement. Through our wide array of services, brought to you by experienced, knowledgeable, and friendly recruiters and brokers, Blue Oceans Yachting powered by Crew Unlimited continues to thrive and grow by ensuring owners and crew the optimal yachting experience. Services: Optimizing your yachting experience, one department at a time. YACHT SALES CHARTER VACATIONS CHARTER MANAGEMENT CREW PLACEMENT YACHT MANAGEMENT INTERIOR TRAINING Contact information: https://www.blueoceansyachting.com/company/facilities Blue Oceans Yachting powered by Crew Unlimited Blue Oceans Yachting powered by Crew Unlimited, is your all-in-one yachting solution. From sales, charters, management, crew placement and crew training, we are here to optimize your yachting experience, one department at a time. Visit website Back to All Partners 10% OFF crew placement fees for new clients and 25% OFF for existing clients, for all crew hired to start before November 1ST 2024. Become a member and enjoy the exclusive offers from our partners. Become a member

Find out the full details about the launch of our PYA Digital Service Record Book. PYA Launch Digital Service Record Book (D-SRB) To All news 22 February 2021 The world has seen a rapid acceleration towards the use of online and digital systems across multiple industries, with yachting being no exception. Due to the international nature of the yachting industry and the constant movement of crew across multiple locations worldwide, the PYA recognised early on the need to move more and more of its services online to increase the ease and efficiency of how our members can access them. On 22 February 2021, the PYA launched its PYA Digital Service Record Book (D-SRB) now available to all members and yacht crew who need to get their sea service time verified. The MCA has agreed to a permanent switch over to this PYA D-SRB, which will result in a huge increase in speed, time and efficiency of recording sea service time and applying for NoEs, CoCs and other certification moving forward. “The D-SRB replaces our well-established Service Record Book (SRB). Crew are able to upload key information into their online profile and visualise their verified sea-time and qualifications with the D-SRB – anywhere, at any time, said Christophe Bourillon”, CEO of the PYA. Over the last twelve months, the PYA team has been hard at work developing and testing this ground-breaking digital system which includes a secure digital stamp, so ensuring it meets the expectations and standards of the MCA.” It's great to launch such an innovative service as we reach our 30-year anniversary, which is an important milestone for our organisation and valued members. ------ For more information on the D-SRB click here . Are you looking to get your sea time verified? You can have your sea service time verified by becoming a PYA member for €185 per year, or alternatively you can verify your sea time as a non-member for €50 per testimonial. Register here: https://www.pya.org/Register.aspx Already a member? Learn more about the process of verifying your sea service time with the PYA: https://www.pya.org/Membership-Benefits/Service-Record-Book.aspx 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 most effective means of consistently safeguarding the potable water supply is through the use of a comprehensive risk assessment and risk management approach, known as the Water Safety Plan (WSP). Safe water onboard – the importance of the Fresh Water Safety Plan To All news 22 May 2023 The MLC holds tight regulations relating to freshwater loading and fresh water produced on board, including supply, disinfection and storage arrangements, distribution systems and maintenance. It is aimed at ensuring high-quality drinking water onboard ships to protect crew, guests and owners from waterborne health risks. Yachts and marine vessels must provide an adequate supply of safe water for drinking, personal hygiene, washing, preparing food, supplying recreational water facilities such as pools and spas, fire control systems, steam production, dishwashers, laundry, deck washing and toilets. The most effective means of consistently safeguarding the potable water supply is through the use of a comprehensive risk assessment and risk management approach, known as the Water Safety Plan (WSP). The WHO Guide to Ship Sanitation, 2011 advises that a WSP is an effective overarching management approach to assure the safety of the drinking-water supply. The aim is very simple, to make sure that the fresh water on board does not pose risks to health in either use or consumption, and is of sufficient quality to satisfy both those who use it and the requirements of the current rules, regulations and guidelines. The WHO Guide to Ship Sanitation advises that there are 3 components to a WSP: System Assessments (including a description of the supply system up to the point of consumption) Operational Monitoring (including identification and monitoring of the control measures applied on board the vessel) Management and communication (including verification and programs to manage people and processes). To establish the WSP a water technician and the engineer onboard will work together to establish what equipment is onboard (water makers, softeners, sterilization systems, filtration systems), assess the equipment condition (maintenance plans, regular replacement of consumables etc), ensure there is no potential redundant pipework or deadlegs, and prepare a detailed plan of maintenance and accountability for the crew to follow. This will also identify critical equipment that should be repaired or installed, with emphasis on sterilization equipment. Bacterial water analysis should be carried out on a regular basis to establish any potential bacterial infections (Legionella, Pseudomonas, Coliforms including E. coli, Enterococci) allowing them to be treated before they become established within the freshwater system. A minimum of 2 analysis per year is required for the ship’s sanitation certificate, however 4 analysis per year does provide a clearer overview of any potential problems and allows for remediable action to be taken, reducing the risk of biofilm buildup. Legionella infections cause the highest health burden of all waterborne pathogens in the EU. In 2022, Hydrus Laboratory, which work closely with Octo Marine, processed 1716 legionella samples. An average of 56% of the samples came back positive for legionella, and of this percentage an average of 24% samples showed levels of legionella above the legal limit of 1000 cfu/l. In some instances, this problematic result had serious impacts, not only with the potential health hazards for those onboard, but also delaying the sale of vessels and cancelling charters, the vessel being unfit to receive guests onboard or scaring potential buyers. This can easily be avoided with a carefully managed WSP. Assess, analyze, sterilize, and filter so you can use and drink in confidence, compliance, and comfort. The Octo Marine WSP is designed to enable yachts to conform with MLC2006, WHO, IWA, IHR, ILO, IMO, USEPA, European Council Directive 98/83/EC and MCA guidelines and regulations. Accredited to ISO 9001 and 14001 standards we prioritize professional integrity, client confidentiality and customer satisfaction. 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 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. 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. 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. To About us Who We Are

The Maritime Police have boarded several yachts recently and issued Masters with a summons to appear at the French Maritime Affairs office in Nice . They are applying two new local laws. Roquebrune Anchoring Laws To All news 2 October 2018 The Maritime Police have boarded several yachts recently and issued Masters with a summons to appear at the French Maritime Affairs office in Nice . They are applying two new local laws: Anchoring in the fish haven Anchoring in waters less than 30 metres deep On the Monaco and Roquebrune border (RED shaded area) a 30 metres depth limit and on the Roquebrune and Menton border (GREEN shaded area) it’s a 20 metres depth limit. These depth related anchoring laws came out the same time as the speed restriction around Cap d’Antibes. 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 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 - 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

South African Crew are warned against purchasing false boat papers to travel to the EU to look for work. South African Crew – Beware of this False Papers Scam To All news 5 October 2021 The PYA has recently learned that a Cape Town-based crew agent has been providing job seekers, for a substantial fee, with a clutch of documents that purport to show the holder is employed as a crew member onboard a yacht called S/Y ‘Malcolm Miller' (which is actually a UK-based Sail Training vessel). Due to the COVID-19 travel regulations, this documentation is issued to allow the job seeker to enter the EU and look for a real yacht-based job. A member of the PYA's confidential Member Assistance Service (MAS) has said, "Crew who try to use these false papers are risking not just their hard-earned cash but also legal problems. We know of one South African seafarer who was detained on arrival in France and deported. And, on top of this, there is the possibility that this person could be black-listed in the EU's passport control system." If you would like to report a scam targeted at yacht crew, please send this directly to our MAS team at advice@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

Crew mental health and wellbeing have come to the forefront of many conversations within the yachting industry, with more and more yacht crew coming forward to share their struggles and multiple yachting organisations responding with services to support them. Crew Mental Wellbeing in the Spotlight To All news 5 November 2020 Crew mental health and wellbeing have come to the forefront of many conversations within the yachting industry, with more and more yacht crew coming forward to share their struggles and multiple yachting organisations responding with services to support them. Due to the increased pressure and uncertainty placed on crew this year due to the pandemic, mental health and wellbeing has never been so important. One of the organisations leading the response to crew wellbeing and providing a 24-hour helpline for seafarers all over the world, is ISWAN. ISWAN's Yacht Crew Help - Launching Soon In addition to their general helpline for seafarers, ISWAN will be launching an additional 24/7 helpline via their 'Yacht Crew Help' website which will provide specialised wellbeing support for yacht crew worldwide. The PYA is dedicated to improving the mental health and wellbeing support available to yacht crew, so we have been working closely with ISWAN as a supporting organisation behind the development of this service. This website is due to go live in November 2020, so we will follow-up with the full details on how you can access this service. Sailor's Society Launches Wellbeing Petition The Sailor's Society is a charity offering welfare, chaplaincy, mental health support and crisis response to seafarers and their families around the world. They too run a 24/7 helpline for seafarers, plus a number of chaplains situated in ports worldwide. In addition to this support, they run a number of campaigns to advocate on behalf of seafarers and raise awareness of the issues they face to promote their welfare within the maritime industry and to the general public. #Notonmywatch Recently, the Sailor's Society launched a petition to make wellbeing training a mandatory part of the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC). By providing wellbeing training to seafarers, they hope that this will reduce the prevalence of depression and suicide amongst seafarers. The PYA is supporting this initiative and intends to be proactive as it develops. Sign the petition. 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

IMO Resolution MSC,428 (98) requires all SNS systems to include measures to ensure cyber security by the 2021 annual verification date. The paper side of this requirement, namely the insertion of new procedures into a current SMS, or the writing of a separate cyber SMS, only goes part way to meeting the intent of the IMO Resolution. The operational aspect is another story. AV/IT Advisory To All news 27 March 2021 IMO Resolution MSC,428 (98) requires all SNS systems to include measures to ensure cyber security by the 2021 annual verification date. The paper side of this requirement, namely the insertion of new procedures into a current SMS, or the writing of a separate cyber SMS, only goes part way to meeting the intent of the IMO Resolution. The operational aspect is another story. Yachting is a special sector of the maritime industry, in that the onboard entertainment systems, wifi stability, and uninterrupted connectivity, are deemed of equal importance as, for example, essential navigational data and machinery monitoring. One of the yacht’s entertainment channels may display position, route, speed, ETA, weather and other associated information. So essential data becomes mixed into entertainment, creating an infotainment scenario. Coming into this mix is whatever unmonitored external data streams are being sucked in by crew and guests. Accordingly, whoever has responsibility for a yacht’s AV/IT systems has two tasks. The first is to maintain the functioning of all units associated with entertainment and with communications/connectivity. The second is to detect and prevent malicious interference with such functioning. There is at present no recognised training programme nor any flag-approved qualification for AV/IT personnel in any sector. The IMO has published guidelines on achieving cyber security, but there are at present no flag-approved cyber security qualifications. The UK MCA has published a Code of Practice, but there is no mandatory training. The MCA’s ETO COC for the merchant service is totally irrelevant to the peculiarities of the yachting AV/IT field. All that is available at present is an ad hoc assortment of online self-learning, onboard induction by equipment manufacturers or installers, and some useful classroom courses which have no official sanction. The PYA, approached the Merchant Navy Training Board (MNTB) two years ago with a proposal to submit a non-mandatory AV/IT training matrix for yacht personnel, with sufficient credibility to attain formal MNTB recognition. Early work was interrupted by the C-19 pandemic. Recently a well-attended Zoom meeting was chaired by PYA Director John Wyborn to invite industry players to contribute ideas towards giving a recognised status to yacht AV/IT personnel. A small focus work group has now been assembled to produce a draft proposal for yacht AV/IT training and recognition. There is a general consensus that some core knowledge will be essential, but the time and monetary commitment required for mandatory classroom courses should be circumvented by using an online modular approach, incorporating some of the initiatives referred to above. For many positions on board yachts, AV/IT skills are a sine qua non for employment. The immediate intent of the PYA and partners in this enterprise is to give AV/IT yacht personnel official recognition of their skills, thereby enhancing career prospects and providing a negotiating base for appropriate salary compensation. In the longer term, the speed of technological advance and its concomitant vulnerabilities will force the IMO to mandate formal training to cover the AV/ITsystems on maritime mobile platforms. By that time, we intend to have in place an empirically tried and tested effective training system which will defend the yachting sector from such IMO over-reach as occurred during the drafting of MLC, 2006. Accordingly, any input from any crew member in any department about how to develop an approved AV/IT (Yacht) Certificate of Proficiency (COP) will be welcome. Think big, think outside the passive classroom setting, think about any personal lessons you may have learned from online instruction during the past 12 months, think for example about ways in which you can demonstrate and upload your skills, or record and transmit a successful solution to a technical AV/IT problem, to a remote monitor/instructor who can credit your work towards issuance of such COP. Any recommendations to make about online or classroom courses you have already attended? All submissions will be acknowledged, with a follow-up acknowledgement if any suggestion is incorporated into the final approved matrix. Captain Rod Hatch PYA Director deck.engineering@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