U-Crew is the global app that puts yacht crew first, with more than 3,000 members worldwide. Apply for jobs yourself in just a few minutes, meet up with crew nearby on our map - whether you're dockwalking or exploring a new port - and unlock exclusive perks and career articles to help you take your next step. U-Crew was founded by Ryan Bransome, a former butler to ultra-high-net-worth individuals. Having worked at the top end of private service, Ryan saw first-hand how much the people behind the scenes shape every experience, and how rarely the industry recognises them for it. Too often crew are treated transactionally, judged on a CV and a list of tickets rather than who they are. We believe the certificates and sea time are only the starting point. Who you are, who you know, your mentality and your reputation are what make you great crew, and the skills you might think don't count are often what set you apart from the person next to you. That's why we built U-Crew around the crew member, not the vacancy. Your profile is your chance to show everything a CV leaves out: the skills you've picked up along the way, what drives you and how you approach work and life. When you apply for a job through the app, recruiters can view your profile and posts to get the full picture of who you are, giving you an extra way to stand out and show why you're the right fit. Our crew map shows you who's nearby, so whether you've just arrived in a new port or want people to explore with on your day off, you're never far from your community. Crew spend their working lives creating unforgettable experiences for others, so our offers page gives you exclusive perks and moments of your own, from brands we’ve chosen with crew life in mind. Alongside the app, we host meetups and events across the industry. Because the industry runs on its crew, and it's time crew got as much out of it as they put in. We partnered with the PYA because we share the same belief: crew are the heart of this industry. Together, we want to give more crew the opportunities, connections and recognition they’ve always deserved. List of U-Crew services: - Yacht crew job listings and applications - Crew profiles - Crew networking and community - Crew map - Exclusive crew offers and perks - Career articles and advice - Crew meetups and events - Brand partnerships and advertising Contact information: Email: hello@u-crew.co.uk Website: https://u-crew.co.uk U-Crew U-Crew is the global app that puts yacht crew first, with more than 3,000 members worldwide. Apply for jobs yourself in just a few minutes, meet up with crew nearby on our map - whether you're dockwalking or exploring a new port - and unlock exclusive perks and career articles to help you take your next step. Visit website Back to All Partners Download the U-Crew app for free and unlock two exclusive benefits as a PYA member: - PYA Member badge: show recruiters and crew you're part of a professional association, right on your U-Crew profile - Monthly Member Spotlight: each month, we'll feature a PYA member across U-Crew's social channels, giving them extra visibility with recruiters and crew around the world Become a member and enjoy the exclusive offers from our partners. Become a member

The 33rd edition of the PYA Christmas Ball returns at the iconic Hôtel Martinez in Cannes on Friday 5th December 2025, this year with a glamorous 1960s theme. Join us for a night of celebration with the yachting community — featuring a gourmet dinner, live band, raffle prizes, and plenty of opportunities to connect with fellow professionals from across the industry. A much-loved PYA tradition, the Christmas Ball promises elegance, entertainment, and a touch of vintage sparkle as we come together to close the year in style. The PYA Christmas Ball Returns for Its 33rd Edition To All news 22 October 2025 The Professional Yachting Association’s 33rd Christmas Ball will take place at the iconic Hôtel Martinez in Cannes on Friday, 5 December 2025 . This year, the event invites guests to step back in time with a 1960s theme , celebrating timeless elegance, vintage glamour, and a touch of Riviera sophistication. Guests will begin the evening with a festive cocktail reception before enjoying a gourmet dinner in one of the Riviera’s most prestigious settings. The celebration will continue with the traditional raffle prize draw , featuring a range of exciting gifts donated by our generous donors, followed by live music from an outstanding band to keep everyone dancing late into the night. The PYA Christmas Ball brings together nearly 200 guests , including Captains, crew, and leading professionals from across the yachting sector , for an evening of elegance, entertainment, and festive spirit as the community comes together to celebrate another successful year in yachting. How you can participate? A limited number of tickets are being made available through the PYA for guests to book their seats at one of our dinner tables. Click Here to register your interest. You can also contact Sophie via email to make arrangements for yourself or your company: office@pya.org Tickets are extremely limited, therefore we recommend you to book your place early! We are proud to be supported this year by our valued sponsors: Gourmet Deliveries A family-owned and operated business since 2007, offer luxury provisions for superyachts worldwide, including a wide range of personalised food, wines, bedding, linen and more. They work alongside quality suppliers and ensure they provide clients with only the highest quality products. To save time for Chefs and Chief Stews, Gourmet Deliveries offers a quick and efficient online order service . It lists 10,000 popular products to ensure it can cater to every guest and crew requirement. Gourmet Deliveries offers the widest and the most exclusive catalogue in the world. MYBA – The Worldwide Yachting Association Founded in 1984, MYBA is an internationally renowned professional organisation whose members operate across all levels of the superyacht industry. Represented in brokerage, charter, technical management, and yacht construction, MYBA promotes high standards of professionalism and integrity within the global yachting community. Riviera Wine With more than 15 years of experience, Riviera Wine has become one of the most respected and experienced wine suppliers in the yachting industry. Combining deep expertise and passion with a refined understanding of the luxury sector, their dedicated team provides complete solutions for all wine and spirits needs on board — from supply and bespoke advice to curated tastings. Let Riviera Wine be your trusted partner in fine wine and spirits. Bluewater Bluewater has been training and recruiting crew for over 30 years and is dedicated to ensuring a high level of excellence in the industry. Our comprehensive services cover all aspects of yachting, including yacht management, charter services, and yacht sales. Committed to innovation and service excellence, Bluewater continues to lead the way in the yachting industry, with our recently launched yachting app for everything a seafarer needs to manage their career. How to Sponsor the Ball? As one of the most anticipated events in the yachting calendar, the PYA Christmas Ball offers exclusive sponsorship opportunities for brands looking to stand out within the superyacht sector. From tailored visibility options to bespoke partnership activations, sponsoring the Ball allows your company to engage directly with an influential audience in a refined and festive setting. For more information on sponsorship opportunities, please contact: office@pya.org More news Sea Changes Forum 2026 highlights - Navigating the future of yachting The PYA Sea Changes Forum 2026, held on 24 September at the IHO in Monaco, brought together Flag States, maritime authorities and industry experts to address critical yachting updates, safety compliance, crew training and welfare, and ocean stewardship initiatives. Read more Sea Changes Forum 2026 The PYA is pleased to invite you to the 2026 Sea Changes Forum, taking place on Thursday, 24 September 2026, at the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) in Monaco, during the Monaco Yacht Show. Read more 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

Find out what the first steps are. How to set up an RYA Water Sports Centre on a yacht To All news 14 June 2023 Interested in running a jet ski centre on your yacht? The link below takes you to the RYA Training support site and in particular to the section that introduces the concept of “RYA Training Recognition”. This is what is required to be able to deliver RYA courses – in this case PWC safety courses. You would first need to lodge an expression of interest, which is a simple (free) online process that will put you in direct contact with the RYA Recognition team. You will subsequently be provided with a login to the RYA closed site. The Recognition team will then be able to assist. https://www.rya.org.uk/club-centre-support/training/recognition/apply https://www.rya.org.uk/club-centre-support/training/thinking-of-running-a-centre For any questions, please contact: recognition@rya.org.uk More news Sea Changes Forum 2026 highlights - Navigating the future of yachting The PYA Sea Changes Forum 2026, held on 24 September at the IHO in Monaco, brought together Flag States, maritime authorities and industry experts to address critical yachting updates, safety compliance, crew training and welfare, and ocean stewardship initiatives. Read more Sea Changes Forum 2026 The PYA is pleased to invite you to the 2026 Sea Changes Forum, taking place on Thursday, 24 September 2026, at the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) in Monaco, during the Monaco Yacht Show. Read more 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

A few months ago, the PYA announced that the MCA would start recognising Maltese Yacht-restricted CoCs. Some of our members contacted the MCA without receiving any concrete information. We have reached out to the MCA several times and finally received the following statement: The MCA & Red Ensign Group recognise Maltese Yacht-Restricted Certificates of Competence To All news 24 May 2024 A few months ago, the PYA announced that the MCA would start recognising Maltese Yacht-restricted CoCs. Some of our members contacted the MCA without receiving any concrete information. We have reached out to the MCA several times and finally received the following statement: The United Kingdom Administrations shall issue Flag State Endorsements (FSE) issued against the Maritime Administration of Malta Yacht CoCs providing the training and assessment has been conducted by the approved training centres listed. The United Kingdom Administrations shall issue FSEs against the following Maltese Yacht CoCs : • Officer of the Watch (Yachts) <3000GT (STCW II/1) • Master of Yachts <3000GT (STCW II/2) • Master of Yachts <500 (STCW II/2) Maritime Administration of Malta approved Training Centres : 1. Maritime MT, Hal Far Industrial Estate, Birzebbugia, Malta 2. XONE Superyacht, Skyway Offices Block C, 179 Marina Road, Pieta, Malta Candidates with Maltese Yacht CoCs applying for a Flag State Endorsement (STCW I/10) to the Red Ensign members must, in addition to mandatory requirements submit a course completion certificate from one of the above-named approved centres. The Cayman Islands Ship Registry has also confirmed that the " REG now have an agreement in place and yes we are accepting specific Yacht-restricted CoCs issued by Malta. We will be issuing a new version of our STCW CISN in the near future to confirm this and provide the necessary details ". The PYA is authorised to carry out sea service verification on behalf of Transport Malta. The PYA D-SRB can be used to prove your sea time. If you want to apply for a Maltese Yacht CoC, don't hesitate to contact us. If you have any questions or experience any issues, please don’t hesitate to contact us at srb@pya.org More news Sea Changes Forum 2026 highlights - Navigating the future of yachting The PYA Sea Changes Forum 2026, held on 24 September at the IHO in Monaco, brought together Flag States, maritime authorities and industry experts to address critical yachting updates, safety compliance, crew training and welfare, and ocean stewardship initiatives. Read more Sea Changes Forum 2026 The PYA is pleased to invite you to the 2026 Sea Changes Forum, taking place on Thursday, 24 September 2026, at the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) in Monaco, during the Monaco Yacht Show. Read more 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

Find out the details of the recently reported yacht job scam. Yacht Job Scam Alert To All news 16 June 2021 The PYA recently became aware of an online job scam aimed particularly at new entrants in the yachting industry. The modus operandi of the scam is to advertise what seems like enticing jobs, which then require applicants to take online courses at their own expense, with a promise of reimbursement once they take the position advertised. The markers of this operation which make it obviously a scam, include: A fancy online brochure with faulty English copy; Inconsistencies between the job title and job description (e.g. Interior roles are listed with deck or engineering duties in the description); The inclusion of ‘‘accredited’’ organisation logos, such as Lloyd’s Register or the ILO, which actually do not accredit training courses; Logos which do not link out to the organisations website when clicked on; Statements against course content such as “meets the requirements of ….”, which means that the courses are not actually recognised by the authority or institution referred to; Phone numbers which are unobtainable or never answer calls; The fact that upfront payment for employment is illegal in all reputable jurisdictions. Continuous professional development is strongly encouraged by the PYA as it enhances career prospects, safety at work from increased awareness of different facets of the industry, and as a path towards transferring to shore-based opportunities. However, we strongly advise all crew to be aware of any training courses which are not fully accredited by recognised bodies and to never part with any money, credit card numbers, bank account information, or personal details if it is a prerequisite for a job offer. The PYA offers personalised training and career advice to all our members. Therefore, should you be in doubt about a job offer or training course, do contact our team who will be able to provide further advice, information or assurance. We immediately check on any reports of apparent fraudulent schemes aimed at seafarers and are regularly sharing the details of these scams via our newsletter, website and social media. More news Sea Changes Forum 2026 highlights - Navigating the future of yachting The PYA Sea Changes Forum 2026, held on 24 September at the IHO in Monaco, brought together Flag States, maritime authorities and industry experts to address critical yachting updates, safety compliance, crew training and welfare, and ocean stewardship initiatives. Read more Sea Changes Forum 2026 The PYA is pleased to invite you to the 2026 Sea Changes Forum, taking place on Thursday, 24 September 2026, at the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) in Monaco, during the Monaco Yacht Show. Read more 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

You are a Chef? Learn everything you need to know about the MCA's Ships' Cook Certificate What is it? The Ships’ Cook Certificate is a mandatory requirement for all chefs on commercially registered vessels operating more than 60 miles offshore, or with 10 or more crew on board. This qualification is run in accordance with the requirements of MLC (Maritime Labour Convention) and the ILO (International Labour Organisation) with respect to ship’s cooks and other catering personnel to confirm that applicants have the necessary skills and knowledge. Requirements be at least 18 years of age have completed a minimum of 1 month of actual sea service service in any capacity have completed training in accordance with the learning outcomes and assessment criteria set out in annex 1 and annex 2 MSN 1846 (M) MLC 2006 food and catering ship's cooks and catering staff - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) have completed the following standards of training certification and watchkeeping (STCW) basic safety courses: personal survival techniques (STCW Code A-VI/1-1) fire prevention and fire fighting (STCW Code A-VI/1-2) elementary first aid (STCW Code A-VI/1-3) personal safety and social responsibility (STCW Code A-VI/1-4) security awareness hold a current seafarer medical fitness certificate (ENG 1) or equivalent. How to apply Complete the MSF 4395 application form and post it together with the required documentation by post to: Registry of Shipping & Seamen Anchor Court Keen Road Cardiff CF24 5JW Should you not want to send your originals, we are authorised to issue certified copies for the MCA. Ship Cooks Certificate To Knowledge Base

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 9 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 Sea Changes Forum 2026 highlights - Navigating the future of yachting The PYA Sea Changes Forum 2026, held on 24 September at the IHO in Monaco, brought together Flag States, maritime authorities and industry experts to address critical yachting updates, safety compliance, crew training and welfare, and ocean stewardship initiatives. Read more Sea Changes Forum 2026 The PYA is pleased to invite you to the 2026 Sea Changes Forum, taking place on Thursday, 24 September 2026, at the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) in Monaco, during the Monaco Yacht Show. Read more 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

The PYA is proud to present the 2024 Sea Changes Forum, taking place on 26 September at the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) in Monaco. This event will bring together key industry professionals to discuss the latest trends and changes impacting the yachting sector. Join us for insightful discussions and networking opportunities as we navigate the future of yachting together. Sea changes Forum 2024 Edition - Everything You Need to Know To All news 25 September 2024 The PYA is excited to announce the upcoming 2024 Sea Changes Forum, which will be held on 26 September at the prestigious International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) in Monaco. This highly anticipated event brings together a diverse group of professionals, captains, and industry leaders from the global yachting community to address the most pressing challenges and developments in the sector. Whether you're a yacht captain, industry professional, or a passionate advocate for positive change in yachting, this forum offers invaluable insights and a chance to be part of the conversation. Explore the full agenda below, including biographies of this year’s guest speakers and an introduction to our sponsors below: PYA Sea Changes Forum Agenda 2024: 15:30 Forum Registration Open, International Hydrographic Organisation, 4b Quai Antoine 1er, Monaco 16.00 Christophe Bourillon, CEO Professional Yachting Association (PYA) & Kim Llorente, Operations Manager (PYA) “Welcome & Introduction by the PYA” 16:03 John Wyborn, International Association of Maritime Institutions (IAMI) Board member, Superyacht Alliance “One Vision – One Alliance - Why Our Industry Needs Collaboration” 16:11 Joey Meen, IAMI Guest Program Director “Importance & impact of Industry-led Accredited Education” 16:19 Angela Wallace, Director of Interior Training, Head of Welfare Group, PYA “PYA Welfare Group and Wellbeing” 16:27 Ajit Jacob, Chief Examiner, Head of Seafarers Technical Delivery, UK Seafarer Services, Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA ) “Modernisation of Yacht Qualifications” 16:42 Julian Smith, Principal Surveyor - Cayman Islands Ship Registry “Overview of the 2024 edition of the REG Yacht Code” 16:57 Gerard Griffiths, Professional in maritime safety and training, delivering STCW courses, Seascope France “Li-ion Risk Awareness” 17:02 Mark Savona, Safety Coordinator, Technical Department, Transport Malta (TM) “Different needs, Different Codes” 17:17 Pierre-Luc Lecompte, Senior Maritime Affairs Administrator, Division of “State Action at Sea”, Head of the Marine Protection and Sustainable Development Unit, French Maritime Administration (Préfet Maritime de la Méditerranée) “The juridical framework of anchoring and mooring of yachts in the French Mediterranean” 17:32 Richard Falk FRIN, Director of Training and Qualifications, Royal Yachting Association (RYA) (By video Link) “RYA Qualifications and Course Developments” 17:42 Gregory Romano, Managing Director, Romano Energy “No Petrol” we did it and you? 17:47 Samuel Harper, Assistant Director for Survey and Operations and the Secretary to the Crowdsourced Bathymetry Working Group, International Hydrographic Organisation (IHO) “Update on the IHO Crowdsourced Bathymetry Initiative” 18:00 Social gathering on the IHO Rooftop overlooking the port Official Guest Speakers: Christophe Bourillon, CEO Professional Yachting Association 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. Currently, Christophe serves as the CEO of the Professional Yachting Association (PYA). Kim Llorente, Operations Manager Professional Yachting Association With a Master's in Maritime Law, Kim has several years of experience working on yachts. Starting at the PYA as a Sea Service Administrator, she now leads all major operations at the PYA. Overseeing the daily activities of the Sea Service team and providing expert guidance for yacht crew facing complex challenges. Kim is responsible for maintaining strong relationships with key partners and crew, Maritime Administrations and the PYA Agents network, while also driving new business development and IT initiatives. Her dedication to the yachting industry is evident through her active participation in local and international events as a PYA Ambassador and host and guest of numerous webinars. John Wyborn, Co-founder and Director of Bluewater John is the Director of Crew and Training at Bluewater Yachting, a yacht brokerage, charter, and management company, as well as a provider of crew training and placement services. He is also a board member of the Professional Yachting Association (PYA) and the International Association of Maritime Institutions (IAMI), where he serves as Chairman of IAMI’s influential Small Ship subgroup. Additionally, John sits on the boards of both the Merchant Navy Training Board and the Maritime Skills Alliance. After university, John joined the Royal Navy as a seaman officer and served on various vessels, including frigates and destroyers, eventually commanding HMS Mentor, a navigation and seamanship training vessel, where he trained Royal Navy personnel and foreign navies. Joey Meen, Director of the International Association of Maritime Institutions (IAMI), Director of the IAMI GUEST Program, and President of the Superyacht Alliance for Professional Standards. With over 30 years of experience, Joey is a prominent figure in the yachting industry, having been instrumental in advancing yacht education and training, managing RYA and MCA training schools in the UK and France, and later serving for 15 years as the Director of Training Development & Certification at the Professional Yachting Association (PYA). Joey founded the GUEST Program (Guidelines for Excellence in Superyacht Training) launched in 2013 and under IAMI's governance, with over 36 accredited training providers offering more than 40 courses globally. She has also spearheaded initiatives like the RYA Personal Water Craft for Super Yachts, the RYA Super Yacht Tender Operators course, and the SYBAss-led Yacht Owners Representative Program. Actively engaged in shaping yacht education, Joey's motivation extends to influencing industry standards through collaborations with key associations such as PYA, MCA, RYA, IAMI, and SYBAss. Angela Wallace, Director of Purser Trainer Purser Trainer offers one-to-one, blended online VLE training for Pursers onboard Super Yachts. The Purser program is fully accredited under IAMI & GUEST, and Angie is shortly launching the new IAMI GUEST Accredited Mental Wellbeing Course. Angie is also the PYA Director of Interior Training volunteers as head of the PYA Welfare Group. Her passion is not only for training present and aspiring Pursers, but also for supporting and ensuring crew welfare across the board. Ajit Jacob, Chief Examiner, UK Seafarer Services, and Head of Seafarer Technical Policy for the maritime and Coastguard Agency Ajit is the Chief Examiner for MCA and has been in the role since 2018. He joined the Maritime and Coastguard Agency in 2013, after spending 17 years in the Merchant Navy. During his career at sea, he served as Officer on Aframax Tankers and VLCC’s and as Chief Officer and Master on Ro-Pax Ferries. He joined MCA as Examiner of Mates and Masters with the Seafarer Training Branch. Thereafter, he joined the Marine Office as a Surveyor, carrying out Surveys, Audits, and Port State Control Inspections on a broad range of vessels. In his current role as Chief Examiner, Ajit is actively involved in the Seafarer training modernisation programme being coordinated by the MCA. Ajit has a master's in international Commercial Law, is an Associate Fellow of the Nautical Institute, Member of the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers and Younger Brother of the Trinity House. Julian Smith, Principal Surveyor - Cayman Islands Shipping Registry After graduating from University, Julian joined Lloyd’s Register in 2004 as a Surveyor in the Yacht and Special Service Craft Department. In 2014, he joined the Fire & Safety Plan Appraisal Department as Lead Specialist (Yachts) and was responsible for the appraisal of plans and documentation for various superyacht projects. In 2017, he joined the Cayman Islands Shipping Registry and is now responsible for the survey and certification of superyachts from both a new build and in-service perspective and specialises in passenger yachts. He also acts in the capacity of Code Secretariat for the REG Yacht Codes and participates in various industry working groups regarding regulatory development. Julian is a Chartered Engineer and Member of the Royal Institute of Naval Architects. Gerard Griffiths, Professional in maritime safety and training, delivering STCW courses, Seascope France Ged Griffiths is a seasoned professional in maritime safety and training, delivering STCW (Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping) courses for Seascope France. His extensive background includes service in the Navy and a distinguished career in the UK firefighting service, where he was based at one of the busiest stations in the country. Drawing on his wealth of experience and expertise, Ged now dedicates himself to educating future seafarers, sharing the critical knowledge and skills he has acquired throughout his career. Mark Savona, Safety Coordinator, Technical Department, Transport Malta (TM) Mark Savona is a Safety Coordinator at the Technical Department of Transport Malta’s Merchant Shipping Directorate. His focus and responsibility for the last nine years has been in ensuring that Maltese registered commercial yachts comply with the required safety standards established in Malta’s Commercial Yacht Codes, as well as assisting with the implementation and development of the Codes with Classification Societies, Government Surveyors, Yacht Builders and Managers. Pierre Luc-Lecompte, Senior Maritime Affairs Administrator, Division of “State Action at Sea”, Head of the Marine Protection and Sustainable Development Unit, French Maritime Administration (Préfet Maritime de la Méditerranée) Pierre-Luc Lecompte is a distinguished maritime administrator, currently serving as Deputy to the Head of the State Action at Sea Division for the Maritime Prefecture of the Mediterranean in Toulon, since July 2023. In this role, he leads the regulatory, maritime activities, and marine environment offices, overseeing strategic dossiers for the entire Mediterranean coast. His responsibilities include managing teams of both military and civilian personnel, and steering the revision of the Mediterranean strategic plan, offshore wind farm planning for 2033 and 2050, and expanding protected marine zones. Richard Falk, Director of Training and Qualifications for the Royal Yachting Association Born in Australia, Richard spent much of his childhood in, on or under the water. He continued with his passion for the sea as he moved into adulthood before finally giving up a successful corporate management career 24 years ago to turn his passion for the sea into a career, becoming a commercial master for both sail and power vessels under 200 gt. He went on to work in various parts of the world and has skippered many of the major international yacht races, including around-the-world events. For the last 12 years, he has had responsibility for the management of the RYA’s Training schemes and publications business globally as the Director of Training and Qualifications. Richard works closely with the government, both in the UK and abroad, as well as with other boating governing bodies, making sure their qualifications are as widely recognised abroad as possible. Gregory Romano, Managing Director, Romano Energy Gregory Romano is a visionary entrepreneur and president of Romano Energy, a pioneering company in the production of sustainable synthetic biofuels. Founded in Monaco in 1896, the company has evolved from the fossil fuel sector to become a 100% petroleum-free fuel producer. In 2009, under Gregory's leadership, Romano Energy launched the "ZEROFOSSIL`22" program, aiming to eliminate all use of fossil fuels by 2020, a goal successfully achieved. Today, Romano Energy transforms various waste materials, such as recycled plastics and used oils, into synthetic biofuels, contributing to CO2 reduction and the circular economy. Gregory is firmly committed to combating climate change by promoting energy solutions that eliminate dependence on fossil resources. Under his leadership, the company continues to innovate, providing clean and sustainable fuel solutions to meet the current and future needs of industries. Samuel Harper, IHO assistant director for Survey and Operations and the Secretary to the Crowdsourced Bathymetry Working Group Sam Harper is IHO assistant director for Survey and Operations and the Secretary to the Crowdsourced Bathymetry Working Group. He was previously Head of Hydrographic Programmes at the UK Hydrographic Office and has worked in international development and policy-making in the UK government. He has helped over 25 nations globally to build their national hydrographic infrastructure. As part of his current role, he is also the permanent secretary to GEBCO and the IHO representative to the Hydrographic Surveys Working Group. Supporting sponsors for the 2024 Sea Changes Forum VSF Group VSF has been providing the finest wines to the yachting community for 30 years. With over 30,000 bottles in stock, we offer immediate availability of many of the world’s finest wines. Our wine experts work around the clock to answer your enquiries and we have our own fleet of vans and drivers to ensure that the wines get to you on time and in perfect condition. Macor & Yachtelec (Amarix Group) Yachtelec & Macor Yacht Repairs are part of the Amarix Group and trusted partners of the PYA and of prestigious brands in the yachting industry. With 800m² workshops in La Ciotat shipyard and 30 skilled collaborators, including a design office and project managers, they handle extensive refit projects with expertise. Bluewater Bluewater has been training and recruiting crew for over 30 years and is dedicated to ensuring a high level of excellence in the industry. Our comprehensive services cover all aspects of yachting, including yacht management, charter services, and yacht sales. Committed to innovation and service excellence, Bluewater continues to lead the way in the yachting industry, with our recently launched yachting app for everything a seafarer needs to manage their career. IAMI / Guest Program The International Association of Maritime Institutions (IAMI) is the largest network of maritime colleges and universities, with a century-long history of collaboration. While it began in the UK, IAMI has expanded globally in the past decade, and now welcomes maritime education and training providers worldwide. Its core mission is to facilitate communication and collaboration across all maritime industries between regulators, employers, and educational bodies involved in delivering maritime training. MYBA MYBA is an international professional organisation, founded in 1984, with both Corporate and Individual Members. The Association's mission is to inspire, support and empower people in the superyacht industry to be their best: by maintaining business at the highest level of ethical conduct, committing to equality and diversity, protecting the environment, sharing knowledge and combining strengths, building strong relationships, and continuously developing, both professionally and personally. Romano Energy Romano Energy specialises in bespoke designs for the yachting industry. Provide your yachts with clean energy, free of smoke and odor, while preserving the marine environment. Seascope France Seascope France, an award-winning superyacht crew training centre based in Antibes, offers high-quality MCA, RYA, and IAMI / GUEST approved entry-level and advanced courses for new and experienced crew. Amico & CO Amico & Co is a full-service refit shipyard servicing and refitting superyachts <140m LOA. Amongst the leading companies in the sector globally, founded in 1991, with a 90% international clientele, on average 130 projects are completed every year. With in-house departments and a 4000T ShipLift, it offers covered dry-docking for yachts <100m LOA and operates a 26-berth facility, Waterfront Marina. The PYA will be sharing various updates and insights throughout the day using the #SeaChanges hashtag across all social media platforms. Internet users can participate in discussions using the hashtag to share various perspectives on yachting. We look forward to welcoming you to Monaco for a day of meaningful discussion, networking, and collaboration at the 2024 Sea Changes Forum. If you have any questions related to this year’s event please contact us: office@pya.org More news Sea Changes Forum 2026 highlights - Navigating the future of yachting The PYA Sea Changes Forum 2026, held on 24 September at the IHO in Monaco, brought together Flag States, maritime authorities and industry experts to address critical yachting updates, safety compliance, crew training and welfare, and ocean stewardship initiatives. Read more Sea Changes Forum 2026 The PYA is pleased to invite you to the 2026 Sea Changes Forum, taking place on Thursday, 24 September 2026, at the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) in Monaco, during the Monaco Yacht Show. Read more 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

“The minimum required STCW kW limitation for engine officers (as listed on the MSMC) will be determined based on the single highest rated engine power in kW.” Streamlined Certification for Yacht Engineers: New RMI Policy Clarifies Requirements To All news 8 March 2024 The Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) has recently formalized an existing policy that simplifies engineer certification requirements for yachts with multiple engines. This change benefits both yacht owners and engineers by aligning RMI standards with the practicalities of multi-engine configurations. Previously, some flag states might have required engineers on a yacht with two powerful engines (say, 3,000kW each) to hold a combined 6,000kW certification. However, the RMI recognizes that the single most powerful engine on board dictates the skillset needed for operation and maintenance. This update is now reflected in the Marine Notice (MN) 7-038-2, Section A 2.19 . It clearly states: “ The minimum required STCW kW limitation for engine officers (as listed on the MSMC) will be determined based on the single highest rated engine power in kW. ” In simpler terms, the engineer's qualification is based on the power of the yacht's strongest engine, not the sum of all engines . This means that for our example yacht with dual 3,000kW engines, engineers only require a 3,000kW certification, reducing potential certification hurdles. This change streamlines the certification process for engineers working on multi-engine yachts under the RMI flag, while still maintaining safety standards. It allows qualified professionals to operate within their expertise while ensuring efficient operations for yacht owners. For any further information, please do not hesitate to contact us at info@pya.org More news Sea Changes Forum 2026 highlights - Navigating the future of yachting The PYA Sea Changes Forum 2026, held on 24 September at the IHO in Monaco, brought together Flag States, maritime authorities and industry experts to address critical yachting updates, safety compliance, crew training and welfare, and ocean stewardship initiatives. Read more Sea Changes Forum 2026 The PYA is pleased to invite you to the 2026 Sea Changes Forum, taking place on Thursday, 24 September 2026, at the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) in Monaco, during the Monaco Yacht Show. Read more 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

The PYA is dedicated to equality and diversity within the yachting industry. To further contribute to the development of diversity within the industry, we have decided to sign the She of the Sea Pledge and have committed to diversity not only within the industry but internally within the PYA. PYA Becomes She of the Sea Signatory To All news 13 November 2020 She of the Sea was founded by Jenny Matthews, a qualified Officer of the Watch, who aims to connect and empower women working in yachting and those who support them. In addition, she hopes that She of the Sea will cultivate equality, realise potential and celebrate diversity. She of the Sea has collaborated with organisations and schools engaging young women, such as the 1851 Trust, the official charity of INEOS Team UK, delivering science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) events to young women. They are regularly invited to speak publicly including speaking at UK’s women's Trade and Union Congress 2019, with frequent contributions to leading industry publications and their growing community of followers, She of the Sea is uniting the industry behind its vision. What is the She of the Sea Pledge? The Pledge is a commitment by She of the Sea and signatory organisations to work together to build a diverse and inclusive Yachting industry. Organisations that sign the pledge represent the industry's early adopters and leaders within this global movement? The Pledge reflects global aspiration to see diversity and inclusion at all levels realised. A diverse workforce is widely recognised to significantly outperform any other. Areas of particular relevance to our industry include economic performance, improved work cultures, innovation and return on invested capital. From all corners of yachting, these individuals and organisations are utilising their unique platforms to create an increasingly diverse industry, both ashore and at sea. By combining efforts from both the shore side and crew sectors, She of the Sea hopes to see widespread change that benefits us all.? She of the Sea welcomes interest in the Yachting Diversity & Inclusion Pledge from all organisations and vessels of any type and size. If you would like more information on the Pledge, or if f you would like to speak to the She of the Sea team about your potential involvement, please contact: jmatthews@sheofthesea.com More news Sea Changes Forum 2026 highlights - Navigating the future of yachting The PYA Sea Changes Forum 2026, held on 24 September at the IHO in Monaco, brought together Flag States, maritime authorities and industry experts to address critical yachting updates, safety compliance, crew training and welfare, and ocean stewardship initiatives. Read more Sea Changes Forum 2026 The PYA is pleased to invite you to the 2026 Sea Changes Forum, taking place on Thursday, 24 September 2026, at the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) in Monaco, during the Monaco Yacht Show. Read more 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