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The UK’s cadet syllabus has undergone a landmark review which could set future standards for yacht crew training worldwide. © MCA Landmark Review of UK Cadet Syllabus Could Transform Global Yacht Crew Training To All news 13 December 2023 The UK’s cadet syllabus has undergone a landmark review which could set future standards for yacht crew training worldwide. Completed by the Cadet Training & Modernisation (CT&M) Programme, the updated UK cadet syllabus is an integral part of training for seafarers. It has been many years since we’ve seen the seafarer officer qualifications syllabus undergo a significant overhaul and initial results have already been met with encouragement from across the yachting industry. The updated syllabus was completed by the CT&M Programme - led and coordinated by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA). It was one of the recommendations of the Seafarer Cadet Review bringing together key stakeholders, including the Merchant Navy Training Board, in order to improve cadet training. It is believed to be the first time a maritime regulator has teamed up with industry experts in this format to help improve cadet training. Following the important overhaul with industry participation, this will now be presented to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) with the aim of achieving positive change for seafarers on an international scale. Syllabus modules have been delivered to nautical colleges since the start of December and are set to be introduced by September 2025 for future training. MCA Chief Examiner, Ajit Jacob, who recently spoke at the PYA Sea Changes Forum in Monaco said: “We were very clear from the outset that we wanted this syllabus review to be industry-led and for it not to be the MCA dictating what is needed. “No other maritime nation has performed a review like this in conjunction with industry and what we have produced is a new collaborative model that delivers the training requirements of every sector within the industry. We will present it to the IMO next year as we are proud of what we have produced and know that other nations will benefit from this too. Well-educated and well-prepared seafarers benefit everyone, and we are happy to share our knowledge globally. “The pace of technological change shows no signs of slowing and a new, continuous review approach will help us to stay ahead and ensure that our cadets are offered the most modern training we can give.” The comprehensive review, which included all relevant modules across Nautical, Engineering and Electro-Technical disciplines, was undertaken throughout 2022 by a working group of representatives from nautical colleges and shipping companies, including seafarers in their fleets. The content of the syllabuses has been updated and improved to reflect the current practices and technology used on board vessels to ensure cadets have the very latest industry knowledge and the skills they need to operate safely at sea. Part of the review has also implemented crucial ’Human element’ skills, embedded throughout the syllabus to improve their practical application on board, boost the wellbeing of seafarers, and help them to understand how their lives could be impacted on a day-to-day basis if they are implemented effectively. The PYA is authorised by the UK Maritime Coastguard Agency to issue Yacht Rating Certificates which are needed by some vessels to comply with their safe manning requirements. We also verify yacht sea service testimonials for all yacht crew worldwide. If you are looking to get a Yacht Rating Certificate or Sea Service testimonial verified, explore our services , or as a full member , you can access these for free. More news Upcoming Webinar: Water Safety On Yachts The Professional Yachting Association is pleased to invite yacht crew and industry professionals to an upcoming live webinar dedicated to Water Safety On Yachts, taking place on 10 June 2026 from 15:00 to 16:00CET. Led by recognised experts in water management and regulatory compliance, this session will explore the common bacteria found in vessel water systems, the risks they pose to crew, guests and operations, and the practical measures that can be implemented to maintain safe onboard water standards. Read more 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

Find out more about the social security rights and obligations yachts and crew have within the EU. Know your EU Social Security Rights and Obligations To All news 1 March 2022 Within the EU, Seafarers, like other EU Nationals are entitled to social protection. Those crew (who are EU nationals) working on board vessels flying the flag of an EU country, by virtue of Article 11.4 of EU Regulation 883/2004, shall be subject to be insured in the Flag State. The only exception for crew to be insured in the Member State where the employer has their business/registered office, is if he/she has their residency in the same Member State. It is important to know that, although there are various private schemes offered to yachts that, along with insurance policies, claim to provide private alternatives to a state social security scheme, none of these private solutions are approved by country bodies, such as ENIM in France. There are also significant legal consequences, both civil and criminal for yachts not complying with social security obligations. France In July 2017, France introduced a social security decree, following mandatory obligations under the MLC, requiring all seafarers resident in France, or those who spend more than 181 days in France, to pay into their social security system. The aim of these regulations is to ensure seafarers resident in France are afforded protection (whether the yacht is a pleasure or commercial vessel). During the 2021 Cannes Yachting Festival, PYA Partner, Breaking The Mould Accounting, heard from local lawyers that there are still yacht owners regularly being prosecuted for hidden employment, despite the legislation being in place for 5 years. If you would like to find out more about social security protection in France, contact ENIM. Malta With exception to the above ruling, yacht crew working on vessels registered in Malta have the benefit of registering their social security in another EU member state scheme, allowing greater flexibility to those who reside elsewhere and still receive the same social protection. More information Learn more about EU Crew Employment Services, plus specific advice for social security in Malta, by contacting our partner, Alasdair Milroy, at Breaking the Mould Accounting . More news Upcoming Webinar: Water Safety On Yachts The Professional Yachting Association is pleased to invite yacht crew and industry professionals to an upcoming live webinar dedicated to Water Safety On Yachts, taking place on 10 June 2026 from 15:00 to 16:00CET. Led by recognised experts in water management and regulatory compliance, this session will explore the common bacteria found in vessel water systems, the risks they pose to crew, guests and operations, and the practical measures that can be implemented to maintain safe onboard water standards. Read more 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

Before you can get your sea time entered into your PYA Digital Service Record Book, you’ll need to submit your testimonials to our team for verification. In order to streamline this process and improve the efficiency of how we process your testimonials, we have put together a list of useful tips to follow when preparing and submitting your testimonials. Tips for preparing your testimonials To All news 24 September 2020 Before you can get your sea time entered into your PYA Digital Service Record Book, you’ll need to submit your testimonials to our team for verification. To streamline this process and improve the efficiency of the verification of your testimonials, we have put together a list of useful tips to follow. Tips to follow File: Multiple pages of the same testimonial should be in 1 PDF file. Formatting: Be sure to format all testimonials correctly so that the information is clear and readable. Signature: Unsigned testimonials or testimonials that are self-signed will be declined (this includes Captains who self-sign). Dates: Fill in BOTH dates, even if you are still on board. Definitions of sea time: Take time to check your testimonial is correct against MCA definitions before you submit it. Rotation: If you work on rotation, we advise creating one testimonial for the whole period you worked on the vessel and specify how often you were on/off rotation. You can highlight the dates you were signed off in the “Leave of Absence” field of our testimonials. Additional Information You can get a testimonial anytime, you don't need to wait for your employment to end. We advise getting your sea time verified as soon as you can, in case you lose touch with the signatories and/or their contact details change. Sea time which has been used to get a new CoC cannot be used again (you will need to start a new testimonial from the date of issuance of your latest COC. All new testimonials must start on a subsequent date from the date of your previous one. How to submit your testimonials Upload your testimonials to your profile on the PYA website. If you're unsure about the MCA definitions of sea time, read our guidelines here. Last updated: 22/02/2023 More news Upcoming Webinar: Water Safety On Yachts The Professional Yachting Association is pleased to invite yacht crew and industry professionals to an upcoming live webinar dedicated to Water Safety On Yachts, taking place on 10 June 2026 from 15:00 to 16:00CET. Led by recognised experts in water management and regulatory compliance, this session will explore the common bacteria found in vessel water systems, the risks they pose to crew, guests and operations, and the practical measures that can be implemented to maintain safe onboard water standards. Read more 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

Alcohol and drug addictions have been prevalent in the yachting industry for many years now, although with addiction still heavily stigmatised, many crew have suffered in silence without access to adequate help.  The Crew Mess Launches to Offer Support for Crew with Addiction To All news 29 October 2020 Alcohol and drug addictions have been prevalent in the yachting industry for many years now, although with addiction still heavily stigmatised, many crew have suffered in silence without access to adequate help. The high-pressured nature of the working onboard for extended periods of time at sea, plus the presence of large cash tips at the end of charters, has led many crew to turn to drugs and alcohol as a means of coping and ‘letting off steam’. With this in mind, a group of industry professionals has recently launched The Crew Mess , providing a free and direct support service for drug and alcohol addiction amongst crew. The team comprise of experienced and ex yachting professionals, so they’re able to relate to the struggles of crew in need and can arrange for a drug or alcohol intervention on board a vessel or at a crew member's home. Andrew Roch, director of The Crew Academy and one of the founders of The Crew Mess, explained that his own path to recovery had inspired him to offer the same, free-of-charge ‘hand holding’ service to those crew suffering from addiction. He also noted that the website had been motivated by a series of lockdown wellbeing sessions that The Crew Academy had carried out during the summer, where it had uncovered many worrying stories of addiction and realised that there wasn’t enough support for crew in need. 'The industry has a tendency to stigmatise those suffering with addiction or mental health and wellbeing, so we hope by providing a free direct service for yacht crew suffering from addiction, those who are suffering are encouraged to reach out and make a change’. The team aims to get crew back to the point where they’re able to return to work under captains who would sponsor them. At the same time, they would provide fellow crew members with training on how best to support them as they settle back into working life. If you or someone you know is suffering from addiction, please contact the team at The Crew Mess to get help: helpinghand@thecrewmess.org and secondchance@thecrewmess.org . More news Upcoming Webinar: Water Safety On Yachts The Professional Yachting Association is pleased to invite yacht crew and industry professionals to an upcoming live webinar dedicated to Water Safety On Yachts, taking place on 10 June 2026 from 15:00 to 16:00CET. Led by recognised experts in water management and regulatory compliance, this session will explore the common bacteria found in vessel water systems, the risks they pose to crew, guests and operations, and the practical measures that can be implemented to maintain safe onboard water standards. Read more 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

Question: “I work in a floating palace, but I sleep in a rabbit hutch. What happened to my rights under the MLC 2006?” Crew Accommodation in Large Yachts To All news 27 April 2021 Cutting through all the legalese in the MLC definitions, if you work on a commercially registered seagoing palace then you are a seafarer and are fully entitled to accommodation standards as per Title 3 of the Convention. MLC was written by the ILO (International Labour Organization), in accord with its members, in a tripartite setting which included representatives of governments (MCA in the case of the UK), of shipowners (Councils of Shipping), and of seafarers (their Unions). It was developed as a Bill of Rights for seafarers, covering all aspects of their welfare, such as employment contracts (SEAs), social security, leave, medical care, hours of work limits, and also decent and spacious accommodation. MLC was entered into international law in 2006, and implementation was due to follow as soon as a given number of countries holding a given shipping tonnage had entered the IMLC provisions into their own national laws. There was no going back. Paradise on earth was awaiting seafarers after implementation of MLC. So, good question, why are you still living in a rabbit hutch eight years after MLC implementation? Two reasons. The first is that MLC was not retrospective in its application, and would not apply to vessels which were pre-existing or were already in build before 20th. August 2013. The second reason, regarding new yachts, is both very simple and very complex. The simple part you can see for yourself. Go out on deck with your cabin mate and tape out an area of 7 square metres, say 2 m x 3.5m, as specified in Standard A3.1.9 (h) (for officers, the requirement is 7.5 sq.m. per person). Stand in that space and visualize the floor area of your shared cabin. Eureka, you understand. Stand up for full MLC rights, then try looking for owners who are prepared to build a 50, 80m or even 100m yacht with 7 sq.m. of floor space in each double cabin for crew, and 7.5 sq.m. per officer, with whatever volume is left over to be shared between machinery spaces and themselves. Obviously, MLC as written was totally impracticable in yachts, as far as accommodation standards are concerned. Further, the procedure for any amendments to MLC covers three pages of the published Convention, and would obviously be a years-long process. The entire yachting industry was facing the potentially drastic consequences of an indefinite moratorium on any new builds which were intended to operate in the charter market. As soon as the PYA became aware of what lay ahead, a small work group of three PYA Council members took responsibility for pursuing the matter. We flew to Geneva to convey our concerns across the table with top ILO representatives at the ILO headquarter in Geneva. Following this meeting the ILO challenged us to complete two surveys that would help them in assessing any proposals put forward. Those surveys were quantative and qualitative. We flew to London to share our concerns with Nautilus, the seafarers' trade union. We brought the matter to the attention of yacht builders via The Superyacht Builders Association (SYBAss), the Worldwide Yachting Association (MYBA), and the International Council of Marine Industry Associations (ICOMIA), and we called our contacts at the Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA). Subsequently at various times we invited to Antibes representatives from the ILO, Nautilus and the MCA. We walked them round the interiors of a selection of yachts, sail and motor, traditional and modern, of various sizes, and we got their attention. Meanwhile the MCA was anyway starting to realize that although they had been very active in the drafting of MLC, the yachting sector had been totally overlooked, and the clock to implementation date was ticking. To confront the urgency, the MCA assembled a Large Yacht Sub-Group (LYS-G) with a mandate to study and address the impact of MLC on yachts <3000 gt. The LYS-G was made up from representatives from all the Red Ensign Group (REG), SYBAss, ICOMIA, MYBA (to represent yacht owners via their yacht management divisions), Nautilus (as representatives of the interests of seafarers in general) and the PYA (to represent yacht crew). And this brings us to the complex part of the answer as to why the rabbit hutches are still being built into the palaces. We had to find a way to squeeze a quart into a pint pot. The only possible solution lay within Article VI of MLC, allowing “Measures which are substantially equivalent”. All parties in the work group dissected MLC Regulation 3.1 – Accommodation and recreational facilities, and contributed suggestions as to what might be deemed to be substantially equivalent to the legal MLC Standard. ICOMIA wrestled with the reality of the space available in smaller yachts such as Sunseekers. SYBAss contributed their expertise in naval architecture and experience with spaces in larger yachts, and their appointed naval architect carried out the quantative survey for submission to the LYS-G while the PYA carried out the qualitative survey. REG surveyors made their technical design contributions. The undersigned PYA council member was delegated to write the preliminary draft proposals, collate all additions and corrections in further drafts, and prepare the final draft. The MCA acted as a moderator throughout, using their experience at the ILO to set out parameters for what would or would not be politically acceptable at ILO level. After requisite adjustments for approval by the MCA upper echelons, who had to convince the ILO that they were acting in good faith, the proposals for substantial equivalency were submitted, were accepted, and are embedded within the MCA Large Yacht Code. Similar work was done for another category, the Large Passenger Yachts. You now occupy the outcome of the PYA’s sounding of the alarm bell and the LYS-G’s consequent work: living in old rabbit hutches in pre-existing yachts, and in much nicer rabbit hutches in yachts built post-implementation. However, the story does not end there. It was assumed that provision had been made to cover builders’ future needs for the very large yacht which were beginning to appear on the scene at that period. But since then, owners have been challenging builders with demands for super-mega-giga yachts of >5000 gt, and again there are problems with MLC compliance even at that size. The reasons are twofold. Firstly, these huge yachts cannot operate safely or effectively as pleasure palaces without a significant number of crew. Secondly, even at their size, they remain the wrong shape for MLC accommodation. On a typical merchantman, the crew accommodation is contained in a rectangular box above main deck level. In yachts, the crew quarters are below main deck within a space which narrows significantly towards the bow and shrinks in width with distance below the main deck. Accordingly, the MCA has reinstituted the LYS-G, and the PYA is once again a member. We shall be contributing to the search for a solution to recognition of the ambitions of a new generation of ultra-wealthy owners and the effect of MLC strictures on realizing those ambitions. The first step will be for the PYA to participate in the distribution of a survey to record crew attitudes and preferences in various equivalency permutations of cabin layout. Once again the goal is to achieve an acceptable balance between the desirable and the practicable. Notwithstanding the outcome of the work of the LYS-G, there remains an issue which is peculiar to yachting and to no other sector of the shipping industry. In the merchant service, officers generally are in single-occupancy cabins and may exceptionally be permitted to have a shore-based partner with them during voyages, which is of no consequence to MLC compliance. Due to the nature of yacht accommodations and crew makeup, the sharing of a cabin between seafarers of different genders or different sexual orientations is not uncommon. For MLC compliance it is essential that, given the number and genders of the crew on board, the overall number of cabins and of berths (beds) is sufficient for full separation of genders theoretically to obtain. If that requirement is met, then the actual occupancy of cabins and berths is not a matter for flag or Port State Control (PSC) to comment on or become involved with, as long as the shared cabin arrangements are acceptable to the parties concerned. The situation often arises where a captain has a partner who is a crew member, and they share a cabin and a berth (i.e. bed) together. Of itself, this situation does not fall within the remit of MLC. However, what is mandated under MLC Standard A3.1.9(c) is that “a separate berth for each seafarer shall in all circumstances be provided”. In other words, in a strict interpretation of MLC< there must exist a berth on board for the captain’s partner within a cabin which is compliant with MLC or with the LY Code or LYP Code. If at a given time the captain’s berth is a shared one, and all other approved berths on board are occupied, the yacht is not in compliance. The existence of an unoccupied nanny cabin, for instance, would not correct the situation if such cabin was not itself compliant with MLC or with the LY Code or LYP Code. Guest cabins would normally be more than compliant, but again if they were all occupied, they do not offer an acceptable alternative. The above situation would probably not be considered by flag during the design stage, as it is an operational matter. However, it could theoretically be challenged by a PSC officer as a major non-compliance, as it offends against an essential right under an MLC Standard. It could lead to a detention until corrected. In practice, as long as the yacht has a valid Maritime Labour Certificate and Declaration of Maritime Labour Compliance and there are no obvious causes for concern, a PSC officer will not investigate beyond sighting these Certificates. So it is a scenario not to lose sleep over, but which should be borne in mind by captains and managers so that a Plan B can be immediately implemented in the event of a PSC challenge. Captain Rod Hatch ILO certified trainer of MLC inspectors and PYA Director Training (Deck & Engineering) In consultation with John Cook (Lesia Group, Guernsey) More news Upcoming Webinar: Water Safety On Yachts The Professional Yachting Association is pleased to invite yacht crew and industry professionals to an upcoming live webinar dedicated to Water Safety On Yachts, taking place on 10 June 2026 from 15:00 to 16:00CET. Led by recognised experts in water management and regulatory compliance, this session will explore the common bacteria found in vessel water systems, the risks they pose to crew, guests and operations, and the practical measures that can be implemented to maintain safe onboard water standards. Read more 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

Find out how to upgrade your Air Handling Units (AHU) to stop the spread of COVID-19 onboard. Are Your Air Handling Units Spreading COVID-19? To All news 5 October 2021 Air conditioning and air handling units are one of the most important and comprehensive systems onboard. Snaking around, covering all decks and spaces, these almost-invisible systems keep crew and guests air-conditioned and comfortable. From the whirring, thumping and buzzing compressors, through to the sea-water cooled heat exchangers and individual controls in each cabin - the technology in these systems is designed to keep the air onboard clean and safe. However, it is important to know if these onboard systems are spreading COVID-19 or any other airborne illness and, if there is anything we can do to be safer? The UK government recently released their COVID-19 sanitary recommendations for buildings but they don’t readily translate well to yachts. For example, their suggestion of regularly opening windows and increasing the flow of fresh air would be an Engineer’s worst nightmare and ultimately impossible. So, what potential upgrades to onboard AHU systems can keep crew and our guests safer? HEPA Filters SARS/CoV-2 is a relatively ‘large’ virus, so installing a certified HEPA filter can block up to 99% of the virus particles from passing through your AHU system. But, it’s important to note that these filters have increased costs - not only do they come at an inflated purchase price, but to stop more particles than your standard AHU filter, they will need an increased level of regular changing. To overcome this, vessels can carry sand-changing filters onboard. This is an easy and non-invasive solution that requires no additional cost or time to modify as they slide straight in place of your regular filters. UV Lighting Installing UV lamps on the AHU supply side can provide a 90% reduction in the generalised viral load, plus doubling the time in contact with the virus would increase the potential reduction to over 95%. The downside of adding UV lamps to existing AHU systems is that it is usually an invasive and costly method to retrofit to an already complicated system. However, it is a viable and good option for a new-build vessel. Local Applications Local applicants are the ‘go-to’s’ and standard minimum practice on superyachts. They act as disinfectants and, as an option, emit a fresh scent throughout the yacht. Applicants are applied directly in the AHU or locally within each plenum and come as gels and sprays. Gels sit in small pots or are spread in crucial areas, whereas sprays are applied directly in the baffles to keep the air circulating virus-free. Increased Maintenance A thoroughly clean and disinfection of the AHU system’s piping is recommended on a yearly basis and is usually done by external contractors during shipyard periods. The planned maintenance onboard usually calls for daily, weekly and monthly checks and, if issues are seen, corrective measures can be put into place to help prevent future problems. These checks, when done correctly, are very effective at maintaining the system at its designed optimum. It’s important to regularly check whether or not your AHU system needs an upgrade to the hardware or if changing your PMS will provide increased safety. Small changes can make big differences in the long term for the smooth and safe operation of your onboard system. ----- Article author: Adrian Coetsee, PYA Director of Training (Engineering) More news Upcoming Webinar: Water Safety On Yachts The Professional Yachting Association is pleased to invite yacht crew and industry professionals to an upcoming live webinar dedicated to Water Safety On Yachts, taking place on 10 June 2026 from 15:00 to 16:00CET. Led by recognised experts in water management and regulatory compliance, this session will explore the common bacteria found in vessel water systems, the risks they pose to crew, guests and operations, and the practical measures that can be implemented to maintain safe onboard water standards. Read more 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

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 Upcoming Webinar: Water Safety On Yachts The Professional Yachting Association is pleased to invite yacht crew and industry professionals to an upcoming live webinar dedicated to Water Safety On Yachts, taking place on 10 June 2026 from 15:00 to 16:00CET. Led by recognised experts in water management and regulatory compliance, this session will explore the common bacteria found in vessel water systems, the risks they pose to crew, guests and operations, and the practical measures that can be implemented to maintain safe onboard water standards. Read more 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

The PYA's CEO will be addressing this year’s Superyacht Technology Show at the World Trade Center in Barcelona from 20-21 March. PYA heads to Barcelona for Superyacht Technology Show 2024 To All news 28 February 2024 The PYA's CEO will be addressing this year’s Superyacht Technology Show at the World Trade Center in Barcelona from 20-21 March. The show will unveil a wide range of superyacht technologies, including AV, communications, connectivity, engineering, and more. The well-respected TECHtalks will return on both days, featuring presentations in the main auditorium and a dedicated stage for product or company presentations in the Discovery Lab. As the first event dedicated solely to superyacht technology, the Superyacht Technology Show brings together inspiring global speakers, technology thought leaders, and industry experts. Attendees can expect immersive hands-on demonstrations and workshops designed to foster learning, collaboration, and inspiration. As part of our ongoing commitment to improving outcomes for yacht crew, PYA will hold a number of discussions on the sidelines of the event to forge further synergies between key industry companies. Christophe Bourillon, CEO for the PYA, will also address one of the plenary sessions, highlighting the impact of technology in yachting and how it can be used to solve many of the challenges the industry is currently facing. This year’s 3rd edition of the Superyacht Technology Show will welcome experienced crew from a variety of fields. AVIT officers, engineers, technical yacht crew, captains, designers, integrators, shipyard representatives and manufacturers are set to descend on Barcelona for the 2-day conference. Full access is granted to all attendees that participate in the show, allowing them to join debates in the main auditorium including the TECHtalks. Delegates can enjoy the social aspects of the event, including the pre-event networking cocktail reception, daily networking lunch, and gala dinner. This combination of informative sessions and social gatherings positions the Superyacht Technology Show as one of the key networking events in the industry calendar. More news Upcoming Webinar: Water Safety On Yachts The Professional Yachting Association is pleased to invite yacht crew and industry professionals to an upcoming live webinar dedicated to Water Safety On Yachts, taking place on 10 June 2026 from 15:00 to 16:00CET. Led by recognised experts in water management and regulatory compliance, this session will explore the common bacteria found in vessel water systems, the risks they pose to crew, guests and operations, and the practical measures that can be implemented to maintain safe onboard water standards. Read more 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

The PYA sponsored GUEST training program developed over the last several years together with wider maritime hospitality training standards, has now successfully transferred from the PYA to IAMI. IAMI is the association of maritime training colleges and training providers for seafarers. Interior Training Standards for crew To All news 13 February 2019 The PYA sponsored GUEST training program developed over the last several years together with wider maritime hospitality training standards, has now successfully transferred from the PYA to IAMI. IAMI is the association of maritime training colleges and training providers for seafarers. IAMI has formed a Maritime Hospitality sub group with its first meeting planned later this month in Southampton, UK. Associate Membership of IAMI is now available to any training provider offering courses in hospitality training for interior crew. This forum will consider the standards of training and development for all interior departments. IAMI is managing the GUEST interior training programme. Joey Meen is the newly appointed Director of Interior Training at IAMI. More news Upcoming Webinar: Water Safety On Yachts The Professional Yachting Association is pleased to invite yacht crew and industry professionals to an upcoming live webinar dedicated to Water Safety On Yachts, taking place on 10 June 2026 from 15:00 to 16:00CET. Led by recognised experts in water management and regulatory compliance, this session will explore the common bacteria found in vessel water systems, the risks they pose to crew, guests and operations, and the practical measures that can be implemented to maintain safe onboard water standards. Read more 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

Seafarers UK, the charity for those who work at sea, has released its new ten-point manifesto which sets out the charity’s commitment for seafarers’ safety and welfare before, during and after their careers. Does the welfare of your crew align with the Seafarers UK manifesto? To All news 9 January 2020 The Seafarers' Charity , the UK charity for those who work at sea, has released its new ten-point manifesto which sets out the charity’s commitment for seafarers’ safety and welfare before, during and after their careers. According to Seafarers UK CEO, Catherine Spencer, ‘This manifesto summarises what we are working on and what we want the maritime industry to consider, putting seafarers at the heart of decision-making.’ The Seafarers' Charity asks that seafarers: Be kept safe and return from their seafaring voyages without experiencing accidents or harm Be supported to train and develop careers working at sea Take care of their families and dependants during long periods away from home Feel less lonely or isolated when working at sea, through maintaining connections with family and dependents ashore, as well as having access to onboard initiatives Access free, high-quality welfare services, which respond to seafarers' and their families’ needs with respect and dignity and engage their views on the design and development of services Access independent advice, information and support via their preferred delivery channels such as face-to-face, telephone, web chat, digital tools, social media or self-help literature Be provided with regular welfare breaks in respect of hours of work, shore leave, length of journey, etc. in order to reduce fatigue and to maintain their health and wellbeing Thrive and have their uniqueness respected within a culturally diverse working environment without fear of bullying or harassment. This includes equality of opportunity and respecting language, food, religion, and behavioural differences Transition from sea to shore. This includes supporting the provision of short-term accommodation and other welfare and support services aimed at adjusting from working at sea Obtain dignity in retirement through access to financial security, appropriate accommodation and a network of support from maritime welfare charities. Each year, the charity provides vital support to seafarers in need by giving grants to organisations and projects that make a real difference to their lives. If you are a charity or project seeking funding or looking for further information about how the sponsored organisations help individuals, visit the Seafarers website for more information. Photo caption Catherine Spencer, Chief Executive Officer, Seafarers UK More news Upcoming Webinar: Water Safety On Yachts The Professional Yachting Association is pleased to invite yacht crew and industry professionals to an upcoming live webinar dedicated to Water Safety On Yachts, taking place on 10 June 2026 from 15:00 to 16:00CET. Led by recognised experts in water management and regulatory compliance, this session will explore the common bacteria found in vessel water systems, the risks they pose to crew, guests and operations, and the practical measures that can be implemented to maintain safe onboard water standards. Read more 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