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The préfet Maritime de la Méditerranée has updated their guidance on anchorage regulations, in line with its strategy to protect maritime ecosystems, including Posidonia. Posidonia regulations from Le préfet Maritime de la Méditerranée – July 2023 update To All news 31 July 2023 The préfet Maritime de la Méditerranée has updated their guidance on anchorage regulations, in line with its strategy to protect maritime ecosystems, including Posidonia. The latest regulations address anchorage of 24+ meter LOA vessels in Western Corsica (Arrêté # 168/2023) and in the Bay of Calvi (Arrêté # 189/2023). Areas of interest include: Considering that the action of anchoring and stopping French and foreign vessels in the French internal and territorial waters of the Mediterranean is a matter for the navigation police and public order at sea - which is the responsibility of the Maritime Prefect. Anchoring or stopping is the responsibility of the ship's captain, the skipper, or any person in charge or in control of the vessel. The rules governing the safe passage of foreign vessels in French territorial waters defined by the Préfet Maritime. France's obligations to preserve the good ecological status of its waters. Considering the scientific studies communicated to the Préfet Maritime showing the worsening degradation of Posidonia meadows linked to the anchoring of large vessels (over 24 meters in length overall). Considering the need to regulate the anchoring and stopping of vessels with French or foreign flags in French inland and territorial Mediterranean waters, in order to defend the sovereign rights and interests of the Nation, maintain public order, safeguard people and property, and protect the environment. Copies of the regulations with maps can be accessed here: Arrêté # 168/2023 - Western Corsica Arrêté # 189/2023 - Bay of Calvi More news Schengen EES Update: Guidance for Yacht Crew The new Schengen Entry/Exit System (EES) replaces passport stamps with digital records for non-Schengen nationals. While procedures remain largely unchanged for yacht crew, entries and exits are now tracked electronically—with no physical proof provided—making it essential for crew to monitor their own Schengen days. Read more Launch of a New AV/IT Training Programme to Address Growing Skills Gap Onboard Superyachts The Professional Yachting Association (PYA) spearheaded the development of a series of courses to deliver fit-for-purpose AV/IT training, aligned with real onboard needs. The courses will be provided through IAMI GUEST Accredited training providers. Antibes (France), 21 Jan. 2026 - Yacht agents and captains are reporting a growing demand for crew with Electrical Technical Officer (ETO) certification. However, while an ETO Certificate of Competency is a degree-level qualification focused primarily on high-voltage electrical systems, the operational reality onboard many yachts tells a different story. Read more Real Life On Board Competition - Superyacht Reality Project The PYA, with the backing of the Raising The Bar think tank, invites yacht crew worldwide to contribute to Superyacht Reality – Real Life On Board, a global photo and video competition designed to reflect the authentic experience of working on superyachts. This initiative aims to support career awareness, promote realistic expectations of life at sea, and share the everyday moments that define professional yachting — from teamwork and skills development to the challenges and rewards of working on board. The competition starts on 19th January 2026, ends on 22nd March 2026, and the winners will be announced the following week. Read more

Four buoys are now operational in Cannes and Antibes and available to book through the DONIA App. This new device avoids the immersion of concrete blocks and limits the impact on the bottom. UPDATE - Installation of Mooring Buoys To All news 9 August 2022 Four buoys are now operational in Cannes and Antibes and available to book through the DONIA App. The Donia Mooring boxes are designed to support 10 tons of forces (the tension exerted by a 70m yacht undergoing a 50km/h wind). The anchoring system is composed of a metallic frame fixed on the bottom. This new device avoids the immersion of concrete blocks and limits the impact on the bottom. They are located: • Buoy N°1 - NW of Sainte-Marguerite island under the Royal Fort • Buoy N°2 - SW of Sainte-Marguerite island in front of the “Pointe du Dragon ” • Buoys N°3 and N°4 are located in the Gulf of Juan The installation of 11 mooring buoys is still planned for the near future. These buoys will be located mainly in the bay of Eze/Beaulieu-sur-Mer and Golfe-Juan. These buoy systems can be booked directly on the Donia application. The booking procedure can be seen here . More news Schengen EES Update: Guidance for Yacht Crew The new Schengen Entry/Exit System (EES) replaces passport stamps with digital records for non-Schengen nationals. While procedures remain largely unchanged for yacht crew, entries and exits are now tracked electronically—with no physical proof provided—making it essential for crew to monitor their own Schengen days. Read more Launch of a New AV/IT Training Programme to Address Growing Skills Gap Onboard Superyachts The Professional Yachting Association (PYA) spearheaded the development of a series of courses to deliver fit-for-purpose AV/IT training, aligned with real onboard needs. The courses will be provided through IAMI GUEST Accredited training providers. Antibes (France), 21 Jan. 2026 - Yacht agents and captains are reporting a growing demand for crew with Electrical Technical Officer (ETO) certification. However, while an ETO Certificate of Competency is a degree-level qualification focused primarily on high-voltage electrical systems, the operational reality onboard many yachts tells a different story. Read more Real Life On Board Competition - Superyacht Reality Project The PYA, with the backing of the Raising The Bar think tank, invites yacht crew worldwide to contribute to Superyacht Reality – Real Life On Board, a global photo and video competition designed to reflect the authentic experience of working on superyachts. This initiative aims to support career awareness, promote realistic expectations of life at sea, and share the everyday moments that define professional yachting — from teamwork and skills development to the challenges and rewards of working on board. The competition starts on 19th January 2026, ends on 22nd March 2026, and the winners will be announced the following week. Read more

Each year our PYA advisors spend a large portion of their time helping yacht crew navigate through the large list of information required in support of their Notice of Eligibility Application (NOE) for OOW 3000. Due to the fairly comprehensive list of supporting documents required by the MCA, it often creates a lot of ‘toing and froing’ to ensure.. Your hassle-free guide to applying for an OOW 3000 NOEOOW To All news 16 September 2019 Each year our PYA advisors spend a large portion of their time helping yacht crew navigate through the large list of information required in support of their Notice of Eligibility Application (NOE) for OOW 3000 GT Yachts. Due to the fairly comprehensive list of supporting documents required by the MCA, it often creates a lot of ‘toing and froing’ to ensure all the necessary information is submitted. We encourage all members to plan ahead before the season comes to an end to ensure their application for OOW 3000 NOE goes as smoothly as possible. Documents required All the documents listed below (taken from Section 4A of the OOW 3000 NOE application) need to be submitted alongside your OOW 3000 NOE application. MSF 4343 NOE Application filled in, signed, countersigned and in original Attested Copy of Passport and Visa if applicable Your PYA Digital Service Record Book (must be sent by email to the MCA Deck team at deck@mcga.gov.uk - The D-SRB must NOT be printed. It is a digitally stamped document with an electronic signature that cannot be checked if printed and, therefore, will not be accepted by the MCA) Two countersigned passport photographs (PYA can countersign your photos and also sign the counter-signature in section 6 in your application; alternatively, refer to page 10 of NOE application, for instructions) MCA recognised Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate of Competence/Master of Yachts Limited/Yachtmaster Coastal/Master of Yachts Coastal MCA recognised Yachtmaster Offshore Shore-based Certificate Personal Survival Techniques STCW A-VI/1-1 (after 1st January 2017 updated or issued < 5 years); Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting STCW A-VI/1-2 (after 1st January 2017 updated or issued < 5 years) Elementary First Aid STCW A-VI/1-3 Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities STCW A-VI/1-4 Valid Medical Fitness Certificate (ENG1) MCA approved Training Record Book for OOW 3000 Yachts (PYA Membership includes a free printed and bound TRB) dully filled in and signed Additional documents The following documents can either be sent with your NOE application or later, but need to be sent for the issuance of your CoC: PSC&RB/ PSC&RB(R) (STCW A-VI/2) OR Advanced Sea Survival for Yachtsmen MCA approved Navigational & Radar (OOW Yachts) Training Module and pass certificate (<3 years old) An MCA approved ECDIS course MCA approved General Ship Knowledge (OOW Yachts) and pass certificate (<3 years old) MCA approved Efficient Deck Hand (EDH) Course MCA approved HELM Operational Certificate GMDSS General Operators Certificate or Restricted Operators Certificate Timeline The MCA takes an average of 28 days to process your NOE application, so plan in advance. Our PYA Sea Service team can, if requested, certify photocopies of your passport and certificates if you don’t wish to send your originals to the MCA (provided they have seen originals or certified copies). For this service contact certificates@pya.org For help with your NOE application, questions, or appointmenst with our specialist advisors contact srb@pya.org More news Schengen EES Update: Guidance for Yacht Crew The new Schengen Entry/Exit System (EES) replaces passport stamps with digital records for non-Schengen nationals. While procedures remain largely unchanged for yacht crew, entries and exits are now tracked electronically—with no physical proof provided—making it essential for crew to monitor their own Schengen days. Read more Launch of a New AV/IT Training Programme to Address Growing Skills Gap Onboard Superyachts The Professional Yachting Association (PYA) spearheaded the development of a series of courses to deliver fit-for-purpose AV/IT training, aligned with real onboard needs. The courses will be provided through IAMI GUEST Accredited training providers. Antibes (France), 21 Jan. 2026 - Yacht agents and captains are reporting a growing demand for crew with Electrical Technical Officer (ETO) certification. However, while an ETO Certificate of Competency is a degree-level qualification focused primarily on high-voltage electrical systems, the operational reality onboard many yachts tells a different story. Read more Real Life On Board Competition - Superyacht Reality Project The PYA, with the backing of the Raising The Bar think tank, invites yacht crew worldwide to contribute to Superyacht Reality – Real Life On Board, a global photo and video competition designed to reflect the authentic experience of working on superyachts. This initiative aims to support career awareness, promote realistic expectations of life at sea, and share the everyday moments that define professional yachting — from teamwork and skills development to the challenges and rewards of working on board. The competition starts on 19th January 2026, ends on 22nd March 2026, and the winners will be announced the following week. Read more

Find out how you can access confidential and anonymous email support for sexual harassment whilst onboard. Safer Waves offers crew sexual harassment support To All news 6 July 2021 PYA Councillor, Lynne Edwards, recently wrote an article highlighting the prevalence of sexual harassment in the yachting industry, which included some of the findings from our survey on sexual harassment, conducted in 2018. Since then, multiple yachting organisations developed services to offer crew more support in this area, including Safer Waves - an organisation set up in 2019 offering support services for seafarers who have experienced sexual assault, sexual harassment or gender discrimination on board. Safer Waves is a UK registered charity and has recently introduced their anonymous email support service, run by a team of volunteers who have received training from Rape Crisis South London in how to respond to emails about sexual violence, providing emotional support and information. What to do if you’ve been a victim of sexual harassment? Crew should always report instances of sexual harassment or assault to their HOD’s or Captain onboard. If no action has been taken, we advise crew to report all incidents to their management company and organisations such as the PYA or ISWAN who can provide confidential assistance and put you in touch with legal professionals and counseling services, such as Safer Waves. For more information about Safer Waves, click here . To read Lynne Edwards' article via OnboardOnline, click here. More news Schengen EES Update: Guidance for Yacht Crew The new Schengen Entry/Exit System (EES) replaces passport stamps with digital records for non-Schengen nationals. While procedures remain largely unchanged for yacht crew, entries and exits are now tracked electronically—with no physical proof provided—making it essential for crew to monitor their own Schengen days. Read more Launch of a New AV/IT Training Programme to Address Growing Skills Gap Onboard Superyachts The Professional Yachting Association (PYA) spearheaded the development of a series of courses to deliver fit-for-purpose AV/IT training, aligned with real onboard needs. The courses will be provided through IAMI GUEST Accredited training providers. Antibes (France), 21 Jan. 2026 - Yacht agents and captains are reporting a growing demand for crew with Electrical Technical Officer (ETO) certification. However, while an ETO Certificate of Competency is a degree-level qualification focused primarily on high-voltage electrical systems, the operational reality onboard many yachts tells a different story. Read more Real Life On Board Competition - Superyacht Reality Project The PYA, with the backing of the Raising The Bar think tank, invites yacht crew worldwide to contribute to Superyacht Reality – Real Life On Board, a global photo and video competition designed to reflect the authentic experience of working on superyachts. This initiative aims to support career awareness, promote realistic expectations of life at sea, and share the everyday moments that define professional yachting — from teamwork and skills development to the challenges and rewards of working on board. The competition starts on 19th January 2026, ends on 22nd March 2026, and the winners will be announced the following week. Read more

The recent Yachting Aftersales and Refit Experience (YARE) event in Italy brought captains, yacht managers and other stakeholders, together for a lively discussion on a critical topic: The Human Capital – Finding the Right People. YARE 2024: Captains Brainstorm Solutions for Finding the Right People To All news 3 April 2024 The recent Yachting Aftersales and Refit Experience (YARE) event in Italy brought captains, yacht managers and other stakeholders, together for a lively discussion on a critical topic: The Human Capital – Finding the Right People . The session, hosted by CEO Christophe Bourillon and Operations Manager Kim Llorente from the Professional Yachting Association (PYA), tackled challenges faced by captains who are increasingly responsible for managing complex crew needs, but may not have all the necessary resources. The 90-minute session proved to be an excellent discussion that brought up not only issues that seem to be more and more recurring among captains, but also some innovative ideas and solutions. Here are the key takeaways: Standardization is Needed: Captains are calling for a more standardized approach to everything from crew recruitment and training to crew and yacht management. This would help streamline processes and ensure a higher level of professionalism across the industry. Captains Need More Support: The role of captains has grown significantly, and they often lack the proper training and tools to manage crew effectively. The industry needs to invest in education (for both crew and owners), workshops and training on self-development and mental health, and clearer communication to manage expectations. The PYA will build on the YARE discussions and initiate some of these ideas starting from the participants in the room and sharing the projects with anyone in the industry who wishes to be involved and be part of the change. If you want to join these discussions, please email us at info@pya.org If you want to bring substantial contribution, please consider becoming a member or partner of the PYA here https://www.pya.org/plans More news Schengen EES Update: Guidance for Yacht Crew The new Schengen Entry/Exit System (EES) replaces passport stamps with digital records for non-Schengen nationals. While procedures remain largely unchanged for yacht crew, entries and exits are now tracked electronically—with no physical proof provided—making it essential for crew to monitor their own Schengen days. Read more Launch of a New AV/IT Training Programme to Address Growing Skills Gap Onboard Superyachts The Professional Yachting Association (PYA) spearheaded the development of a series of courses to deliver fit-for-purpose AV/IT training, aligned with real onboard needs. The courses will be provided through IAMI GUEST Accredited training providers. Antibes (France), 21 Jan. 2026 - Yacht agents and captains are reporting a growing demand for crew with Electrical Technical Officer (ETO) certification. However, while an ETO Certificate of Competency is a degree-level qualification focused primarily on high-voltage electrical systems, the operational reality onboard many yachts tells a different story. Read more Real Life On Board Competition - Superyacht Reality Project The PYA, with the backing of the Raising The Bar think tank, invites yacht crew worldwide to contribute to Superyacht Reality – Real Life On Board, a global photo and video competition designed to reflect the authentic experience of working on superyachts. This initiative aims to support career awareness, promote realistic expectations of life at sea, and share the everyday moments that define professional yachting — from teamwork and skills development to the challenges and rewards of working on board. The competition starts on 19th January 2026, ends on 22nd March 2026, and the winners will be announced the following week. Read more

Capt. Schofield, who commands the yacht WHITE ROSE OF DRACHS, has been President of the PYA since 2008 and has played a significant role in bringing the PYA to its current position as the only world-wide body devoted exclusively to the interests of seafarers working on superyachts. Award of Merchant Navy Medal to PYA President To All news 9 October 2018 Capt. Schofield, who commands the yacht WHITE ROSE OF DRACHS, has been President of the PYA since 2008 and has played a significant role in bringing the PYA to its current position as the only world-wide body devoted exclusively to the interests of seafarers working on superyachts. Following the award ceremony, Captain Schofield stated “The success of the PYA’s initiatives is the result of the hard work of many people who volunteer their time to make them a reality along with the diligence of our staff. I would like to acknowledge this and accept the honour on behalf of this collective effort”. In addition, Capt. Schofield is one of main instigators of the IHO’s scheme to collect ‘crowd-sourced’ bathymetric data from yachts in order to improve chart data in areas infrequently, or never, surveyed. This Queen’s award, presented by Princess Anne on her behalf, is welcome proof that the United Kingdom acknowledges the importance and value of super-yachts to the Red Ensign group of flag administrations. More news Schengen EES Update: Guidance for Yacht Crew The new Schengen Entry/Exit System (EES) replaces passport stamps with digital records for non-Schengen nationals. While procedures remain largely unchanged for yacht crew, entries and exits are now tracked electronically—with no physical proof provided—making it essential for crew to monitor their own Schengen days. Read more Launch of a New AV/IT Training Programme to Address Growing Skills Gap Onboard Superyachts The Professional Yachting Association (PYA) spearheaded the development of a series of courses to deliver fit-for-purpose AV/IT training, aligned with real onboard needs. The courses will be provided through IAMI GUEST Accredited training providers. Antibes (France), 21 Jan. 2026 - Yacht agents and captains are reporting a growing demand for crew with Electrical Technical Officer (ETO) certification. However, while an ETO Certificate of Competency is a degree-level qualification focused primarily on high-voltage electrical systems, the operational reality onboard many yachts tells a different story. Read more Real Life On Board Competition - Superyacht Reality Project The PYA, with the backing of the Raising The Bar think tank, invites yacht crew worldwide to contribute to Superyacht Reality – Real Life On Board, a global photo and video competition designed to reflect the authentic experience of working on superyachts. This initiative aims to support career awareness, promote realistic expectations of life at sea, and share the everyday moments that define professional yachting — from teamwork and skills development to the challenges and rewards of working on board. The competition starts on 19th January 2026, ends on 22nd March 2026, and the winners will be announced the following week. Read more

The superyacht industry has been paying closer attention to diversity and inclusion, with a focus on equality and creating a more sustainable industry. However few articles have reported on navigating the barriers and successes of building diversity and inclusion strategies into yachting companies. The status of diversity and inclusion in yachting To All news 25 March 2021 The superyacht industry has been paying closer attention to diversity and inclusion, with a focus on equality and creating a more sustainable industry. We see roles such as 'chief diversity officer' or 'diversity and inclusion manager” in luxury retail, healthcare, private aviation or sport, yet few articles have reported about navigating the barriers and successes of building diversity and inclusion strategies into yachting companies. Diversity includes but isn’t limited to age, disability, gender, race, religion or faith, sexual orientation, pregnancy and parental considerations, marriage and civil partnership or social status. Inclusivity is ensuring your employees feel accepted, valued and at ease to share their ideas and perspectives. For present purposes, diversity is the ‘what’ and inclusion is the ‘how’. Corporate benefits of diversity and inclusion strategies include improved workplace culture, a wider talent pool and social cohesion that facilitates better communication, creativity and innovation. According to a recent Facebook report of 1200 consumers, 71 per cent of respondents expect brands to promote diversity and inclusion in their online advertising and 59 per cent said they prefer to buy from brands that “stand for diversity and inclusion” in their ads. Shifts in global sentiment will leave a mark on brand longevity and customer engagement. Isn’t it high time to uncover diversity and inclusion in the yachting industry and have honest discussions about something that impacts all of us? Continue reading here . Author: Rebecca Whitlocke More news Schengen EES Update: Guidance for Yacht Crew The new Schengen Entry/Exit System (EES) replaces passport stamps with digital records for non-Schengen nationals. While procedures remain largely unchanged for yacht crew, entries and exits are now tracked electronically—with no physical proof provided—making it essential for crew to monitor their own Schengen days. Read more Launch of a New AV/IT Training Programme to Address Growing Skills Gap Onboard Superyachts The Professional Yachting Association (PYA) spearheaded the development of a series of courses to deliver fit-for-purpose AV/IT training, aligned with real onboard needs. The courses will be provided through IAMI GUEST Accredited training providers. Antibes (France), 21 Jan. 2026 - Yacht agents and captains are reporting a growing demand for crew with Electrical Technical Officer (ETO) certification. However, while an ETO Certificate of Competency is a degree-level qualification focused primarily on high-voltage electrical systems, the operational reality onboard many yachts tells a different story. Read more Real Life On Board Competition - Superyacht Reality Project The PYA, with the backing of the Raising The Bar think tank, invites yacht crew worldwide to contribute to Superyacht Reality – Real Life On Board, a global photo and video competition designed to reflect the authentic experience of working on superyachts. This initiative aims to support career awareness, promote realistic expectations of life at sea, and share the everyday moments that define professional yachting — from teamwork and skills development to the challenges and rewards of working on board. The competition starts on 19th January 2026, ends on 22nd March 2026, and the winners will be announced the following week. Read more

As part of its members' assistance service, the PYA has seen a marked increase in the number of incidents of sexual harassment reported by crew members.  The PYA has therefore conducted an industry survey to give crew members a voice to bring forward their own experiences of sexual harassment in yachting. Sexual harassment of seafarers To All news 14 October 2018 As part of its members' assistance service, the PYA has seen a marked increase in the number of incidents of sexual harassment reported by crew members. The PYA has therefore conducted an industry survey to give crew members a voice to bring forward their own experiences of sexual harassment in yachting. Our results were reported at the Sea Changes Forum at the Monaco Yacht Show and produced some shocking statistics and personal testimony. A huge thank you to all the people who bravely reported information in our survey. What's next? The PYA in conjunction with other partners in this sector of the maritime industry are joining forces to continue to highlight this subject and to campaign on behalf of crew in establishing improvements in their working environment and in promoting better understanding of the issues raised. If you want to get involved then let us know - possibly consider becoming a PYA Councillor and representing colleagues in future forum dealing with such issues? Contact us at welfare@pya.org More news Schengen EES Update: Guidance for Yacht Crew The new Schengen Entry/Exit System (EES) replaces passport stamps with digital records for non-Schengen nationals. While procedures remain largely unchanged for yacht crew, entries and exits are now tracked electronically—with no physical proof provided—making it essential for crew to monitor their own Schengen days. Read more Launch of a New AV/IT Training Programme to Address Growing Skills Gap Onboard Superyachts The Professional Yachting Association (PYA) spearheaded the development of a series of courses to deliver fit-for-purpose AV/IT training, aligned with real onboard needs. The courses will be provided through IAMI GUEST Accredited training providers. Antibes (France), 21 Jan. 2026 - Yacht agents and captains are reporting a growing demand for crew with Electrical Technical Officer (ETO) certification. However, while an ETO Certificate of Competency is a degree-level qualification focused primarily on high-voltage electrical systems, the operational reality onboard many yachts tells a different story. Read more Real Life On Board Competition - Superyacht Reality Project The PYA, with the backing of the Raising The Bar think tank, invites yacht crew worldwide to contribute to Superyacht Reality – Real Life On Board, a global photo and video competition designed to reflect the authentic experience of working on superyachts. This initiative aims to support career awareness, promote realistic expectations of life at sea, and share the everyday moments that define professional yachting — from teamwork and skills development to the challenges and rewards of working on board. The competition starts on 19th January 2026, ends on 22nd March 2026, and the winners will be announced the following week. Read more

The PYA is excited to announce their participation in a panel discussion on “Crew Careers, Retention, Health and Wellbeing” at the upcoming Superyacht Breakfast Seminars by Estela Superyacht Agency during the Palma Boat Show. PYA to Address Crew Concerns at Palma Boat Show Panel To All news 10 April 2024 The PYA is excited to announce their participation in a panel discussion on “ Crew Careers, Retention, Health and Wellbeing ” at the upcoming Superyacht Breakfast Seminars by Estela Superyacht Agency during the Palma Boat Show . This free event is a great opportunity for crew members, yacht managers, and yacht recruiters to gain insights, contribute and network with industry leaders. Christophe Bourillon , CEO of the PYA, will be contributing to the discussions alongside other experts, including Captain Carsten Franik and Captain William Kaye . The panel will address common misconceptions about working on board, explore challenges faced by crew members, and brainstorm solutions for a better future in the superyacht industry. When: 26th April 2024, between 8:00 - 10:30 Where: Restaurant Varadero, Palma de Mallorca Don't miss this chance to be part of this important conversation. Sign up for the event here: https://bit.ly/ESTELASeminars2024 The full program is available here: https://estelashipping.es/book-your-place-at-estelas-free-breakfast-seminars/ If there is anything you would like us to bring forward, or would like to meet us while in Palma, please send an email to info@pya.org We encourage you to share this event with anyone who might be interested. More news Schengen EES Update: Guidance for Yacht Crew The new Schengen Entry/Exit System (EES) replaces passport stamps with digital records for non-Schengen nationals. While procedures remain largely unchanged for yacht crew, entries and exits are now tracked electronically—with no physical proof provided—making it essential for crew to monitor their own Schengen days. Read more Launch of a New AV/IT Training Programme to Address Growing Skills Gap Onboard Superyachts The Professional Yachting Association (PYA) spearheaded the development of a series of courses to deliver fit-for-purpose AV/IT training, aligned with real onboard needs. The courses will be provided through IAMI GUEST Accredited training providers. Antibes (France), 21 Jan. 2026 - Yacht agents and captains are reporting a growing demand for crew with Electrical Technical Officer (ETO) certification. However, while an ETO Certificate of Competency is a degree-level qualification focused primarily on high-voltage electrical systems, the operational reality onboard many yachts tells a different story. Read more Real Life On Board Competition - Superyacht Reality Project The PYA, with the backing of the Raising The Bar think tank, invites yacht crew worldwide to contribute to Superyacht Reality – Real Life On Board, a global photo and video competition designed to reflect the authentic experience of working on superyachts. This initiative aims to support career awareness, promote realistic expectations of life at sea, and share the everyday moments that define professional yachting — from teamwork and skills development to the challenges and rewards of working on board. The competition starts on 19th January 2026, ends on 22nd March 2026, and the winners will be announced the following week. Read more

Foreign yacht passengers arriving in the Arab Republic of Egypt will have the option of applying for a new tourist residence permit, which will be valid for three months as opposed to one. © Rafał Danhoffer Foreign yacht tourists to Egypt will be granted new three month visa To All news 14 August 2023 Foreign yacht passengers arriving in the Arab Republic of Egypt will have the option of applying for a new tourist residence permit, which will be valid for three months as opposed to one. The validity term of the tourist visa for foreign boat visitors is being increased from 30 days to 3 months in order to support the efforts made by the Egyptian government to address all the issues and challenges faced by foreign yachts visiting ports and tourist marinas on the Egyptian coastline. The decision was made in response to potential issues that foreign yacht visitors might encounter, such as changes brought on by the environment or unexpected events (e.g., severe weather or mechanical issues that prevent the yacht from leaving), as well as the yacht's inability to commit to leaving the country at the appropriate times to meet the needs of safe sailing for its crew and passengers. His Excellency President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, President of the Republic, announced on 17/5/2023 to maximise the state's resources to the concerned ministries to take the necessary actions regarding the extension of the validity period of the tourist visa for foreign yacht visitors to be 3 months instead of 30 days in an effort to maximise foreign yacht tourism to the Arab Republic of Egypt. In order to put this into action, the Ministry of Interior (General Directorate of Passports, Immigration, and Nationality) made a decision in this regard, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued instructions to all Egyptian embassies and consulates abroad, allowing foreign visitors arriving in the Arab Republic of Egypt on board foreign tourist yachts to stay as tourists for an extended period of three months. Foreign yachts are invited to make their application through Egypt’s online Maritime Transport Sector portal, where visa registrations are managed. You can access this here . More news Schengen EES Update: Guidance for Yacht Crew The new Schengen Entry/Exit System (EES) replaces passport stamps with digital records for non-Schengen nationals. While procedures remain largely unchanged for yacht crew, entries and exits are now tracked electronically—with no physical proof provided—making it essential for crew to monitor their own Schengen days. Read more Launch of a New AV/IT Training Programme to Address Growing Skills Gap Onboard Superyachts The Professional Yachting Association (PYA) spearheaded the development of a series of courses to deliver fit-for-purpose AV/IT training, aligned with real onboard needs. The courses will be provided through IAMI GUEST Accredited training providers. Antibes (France), 21 Jan. 2026 - Yacht agents and captains are reporting a growing demand for crew with Electrical Technical Officer (ETO) certification. However, while an ETO Certificate of Competency is a degree-level qualification focused primarily on high-voltage electrical systems, the operational reality onboard many yachts tells a different story. Read more Real Life On Board Competition - Superyacht Reality Project The PYA, with the backing of the Raising The Bar think tank, invites yacht crew worldwide to contribute to Superyacht Reality – Real Life On Board, a global photo and video competition designed to reflect the authentic experience of working on superyachts. This initiative aims to support career awareness, promote realistic expectations of life at sea, and share the everyday moments that define professional yachting — from teamwork and skills development to the challenges and rewards of working on board. The competition starts on 19th January 2026, ends on 22nd March 2026, and the winners will be announced the following week. Read more