Get involved with PYA and help shape the future of the yachting industry. By joining the PYA, you will not only be taking your career to the next level but also helping to shape the future of yachting. Your involvement strengthens the community and ensures the professional growth of the industry.  - Career Development: Access expert guidance, and networking opportunities.  - Verified Sea Service: Ensure your records meet MCA standards.  - Industry Representation: Have your voice heard in key regulatory discussions.  - Events & Community: Join exclusive events that connect you with peers and industry leaders.  If your are a yacht crew By joining the PYA, you will not only be taking your career to the next level but also helping to shape the future of yachting . Your involvement strengthens the community and ensures the professional growth of the industry. Career Development: Access expert guidance , and networking opportunities. Verified Sea Service: Ensure your records meet MCA standards . Industry Representation: Have your voice heard in key regulatory discussions . Events & Community: Join exclusive events that connect you with peers and industry leaders. See all services for crew For Industry Partners Collaborate with PYA to strengthen your presence in the yachting industry and support its professionals: Access to professionals – Connect with skilled yacht crew and other industry leaders. Brand Visibility – Increase exposure through event sponsorships and partnerships. Industry Influence – Play a role in shaping professional standards and crew welfare. Join the Network – Engage with key players driving the future of yachting. See all benefits for Industry Partners Make an Impact As an industry partner, your collaboration with PYA supports the growth and evolution of the yachting sector. Together, we drive high standards and create new opportunities for crew and companies alike. Ready to Get Started? PYA is here to support you. If you need more information, feel free to reach out – we are happy to help! Contact us at pya@pya.org To About us Why Join The PYA

Have you started working onboard a vessel flying the Maltese flag and noticed approximately €50 per week taken out of your salary? No need for alarm, this is your Malta Social Security contribution. Understanding Social Security on a Malta Flagged Vessel To All news 1 September 2022 Have you started working onboard a vessel flying the Maltese flag and noticed approximately €50 per week taken out of your salary? No need for alarm, this is your Malta Social Security contribution. Do I have to pay it? If you are an EU/EEA or Swiss citizen or resident, then the short answer is yes! EU Regulation 883/2004, states seafarers who are either EU/EEA or Swiss citizens or residents and are employed on board a vessel flying the flag of Malta must be insured under Malta’s social security system. However, there are two exceptions to this ruling. For EU/EEA/Switzerland citizens or residents, if the employer and employee reside in the same Member State, and the seafarer is affiliated in that State for social security, they do not need to pay the contribution as seafarers can only be subject to a social security system of one Member State. For non-residents of the EU/EEA/Switzerland working on a Malta-flagged vessel, there is the possibility to opt for the social security system of their non-EU/EEA/Switzerland country of residence. What do I have to do? You don’t have to do anything! The employer submits the registration application on the seafarer’s behalf, who is then issued a PE number and an income tax number and is registered in Malta for social security. The registration and the payment of social security contributions for the seafarer is done by the employer who remits both the employer and employee's share of social security contributions. Therefore, there is a deduction from your salary. Some yachts cover this cost for the seafarer in which case you won’t even notice, but your benefits are still accumulating . The method of calculation of social security contributions is based on a percentage of the weekly salary and is capped. In 2022, the capped rate for both employer and employee is €49.97 per week with a €1.50 Maternity Contribution. Please note that your weekly contribution starts on a Monday, so if you start on a Tuesday, you won’t contribute for that first week. What do I get? The benefits a person insured in Malta enjoy include: A European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or/and a S1 form (UK Healthcare) Unemployment benefits in their country of residence (if EU/EEA/Switzerland) Pensions with portability of rights – e.g. A person has worked for more than one year in two or more of any EU/EEA state or in Switzerland, then the EU Regulation 883/2004 requires each of these states to pay a rate of benefit proportional to the length of insurance periods in such states. (EU/EEA/Switzerland) A Social Security number - Seafarer residents in the EU, who are citizens of non-EU countries often find it difficult to obtain a social security number in the EU state of residence. So, obtaining an EU social security number in Malta allows them to be recognised in the EU. In conclusion, the Maltese Social Security System is one of the most cost-effective jurisdictions for social security contributions and can be used in all EU/EEA states and Switzerland. If you are a seafarer on a Malta-registered yacht, know that you are paying contributions and can benefit from the contributions paid! More news 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 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

As everyone knows the IMO regulations for cyber risk management came into force on 1 January 2021. So what have we found so far? Cyber Security 2021 - The Story So Far To All news 11 May 2021 Without exception, every yacht we have visited this year had failed to take cyber security into consideration up until that point. Our findings are similar in each case although the overall awareness and competency of the crew varies from yacht to yacht. Read the full story More news 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 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

The 2023 PYA Christmas Ball is returning to the Martinez in Cannes on December 8th to celebrate industry-wide achievements over the last 12 months, attended by delegates from across the yachting world. PYA to launch annual Christmas Ball at the Martinez in Cannes To All news 27 November 2023 The 2023 PYA Christmas Ball is returning to the Martinez in Cannes on December 8th to celebrate industry-wide achievements over the last 12 months, attended by delegates from across the yachting world. This year, we are recognising the significant progress made by the industry to address crew and wellbeing issues, technological innovations and wider initiatives that are shaping the future of yachting. More than 200 representatives from around the world including no fewer than 60 yacht captains will attend. The PYA is also welcoming for the first time the participation of the Italian Yacht Masters , an association which aims to promote and develop activities related to seafaring and boating. This includes the professional tradition of the Italian Mega Yachts Captains and educating new generations to a high standard of professionalism and an impeccable code of honour. Some of our special guests from IYM include Captains Luca Triggiani, Pietro Giordano, Paolo Bozzo Costa, Roberto Sanna, Marco Nocenti, Alessandro Flora, Manuel Mariotti and Pierluigi Ippoliti. Additionally, Captain Matthaios Gaitis from the Hellenic Yacht Masters’ Club (HYM) will join us for this year’s celebration. Crew members, business leaders, pioneers of maritime exploration and engineering will also gather at our event in Cannes for this year’s special masquerade-themed evening and black-tie dinner. “We are grateful for all the support we have received throughout the year as the PYA prepares its annual gala event - the Christmas Ball. Following the success of our recent Sea Changes Forum and industry networking events, we’re especially excited to be welcoming guests who are representing the yachting industry from all corners of the world. This year we have made tremendous progress as an industry, and we will be commemorating those achievements as we prepare for bigger and more ambitious initiatives to come in the New Year,” said Christophe Bourillon, CEO for the PYA. Set in the prestigious ballroom of the Hotel Martinez on the Croisette, our esteemed guests and partners will enjoy a night of entertainment including our opening cocktail reception with a photocall and networking followed by a dinner with gourmet food, live music, a dancing party and our annual raffle competition - offering unique prizes from our partners to lucky guests. Christmas Ball Sponsors We would like to take this opportunity to thank all our sponsors this year for their continued support - enabling PYA to put together this unique event and making it a truly memorable occasion. Premium Yacht Sponsor : Fort Insurance Fort Insurance is an Independent Superyacht Insurance Broker. They are committed to finding their clients the best possible cover at the most competitive prices. Their team of industry-leading experts combines decades of experience allowing them to help you choose the insurance policies suited for you by doing a thorough assessment of your specific needs. Their global panel of insurers allows them to find the best solutions available in the insurance market, whether it’s in continental Europe, Lloyd’s of London, the Americas, the Middle East or Asia. Burgess Founded in 1975 and now with 14 offices worldwide, Burgess is the global superyacht industry leader, uniquely specialising in yachts of over 30m (100ft). Renowned for its professional yachting services, the company leverages its expertise to guide clients through every aspect of the yachting experience, including sale and purchase, new construction, charter and operational yacht management. Nautech Group Shipyard Founded in 1998 in Marseille, Nautech is one of the oldest shipyards in France, dedicated to the refit and repair of luxury yachts and superyachts. The foundations of Nautech in Marseille were laid in 1998 when the opportunity was taken to create a refit and repair Shipyard at a location of strategic and commercial importance. Marseille has the most westerly drydocks in the South of France and is a genuine centre of maritime maintenance operations. Over the years, Nautech has continued to expand. Nautech has developed a loyal superyacht clientele who are looking for convenient and flexible shipyard services in the South of France and the Caribbean. MYBA MYBA , The Worldwide Yachting Association is an internationally renowned professional organisation, founded in 1984, whose Members are involved at all levels within the Superyacht Industry. Members of MYBA are widely represented in all fields of brokerage, charter, technical management and construction of large yachts. GWS Global Wine Solutions are the leading supplier of fine wines and spirits to the yachting industry, with offices in all the major yachting hubs worldwide. They understand the unique requirements of the superyacht community and have an unwavering commitment to excellence, an extensive global network of suppliers and producers, and a passionate team of experts who can curate a portfolio of wines that rival the most exclusive cellars in the world. 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. To register your interest, please contact office@pya.org with the subject ‘PYA Christmas Ball’. Tickets are extremely limited therefore we recommend you contact us early to book your place. Sponsors can also get in touch if interested in having a presence at our event this year. More news 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 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

The PYA would like to advise all seafarers that the MCA has published MIN 543 to implement new arrangements for the verification of Sea Service Testimonials (SSTs) in the yachting sector. MIN 543 - Changes to sea service verification by the MCA To All news 14 April 2017 The PYA would like to advise all seafarers that the MCA has published MIN 543 to implement new arrangements for the verification of Sea Service Testimonials (SSTs) in the yachting sector. The MCA is transferring the task of verifying SSTs from their own staff to an approved 'Verifying Organisation', which the PYA has been since 1994 - when it was first approved by the MCA to verify sea service on its behalf. As from the 24th May 2017, all seafarers in the yachting sector who wish to apply for an NoE or for the renewal of a CoC will be expected to have their SSTs verified PRIOR TO SUBMISSION to the MCA. What does this mean for crew and how can the PYA help both members and non-members? There will be no change in the procedures for PYA members who are already using a PYA Service Record Book and who, as at present, will need to submit only a correctly entered SRB to the MCA. However, the PYA is now approved by the MCA to verify sea service for non-members , for which there will be a charge of €50 per testimonial. Both members and non-members can upload their sea service testimonials directly to a secure online area, where they can log in to see the status of verification for each piece of sea service. A preferred method of sea service verification by the MCA MIN 543 also requires compliance with quality management protocols and makes the processes undertaken on its behalf now subject to strict audit and control measures by the MCA. Note that the PYA has been authorised by the MCA to verify sea service on its behalf for 23 years - no other verifying organisation has this track record. The MCA has stated in the MIN that failure to submit pre-verified sea service under these revised arrangements "will cause severe processing delays of around 160 days." They have strongly recommended that seafarers in this industry use the services of the PYA (or other verifying organisation), as a "preferred method of sea service verification of the MCA" . More news 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 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

The PYA is proud to present the 2025 Sea Changes Forum, taking place on Thursday 25 September at the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) in Monaco, during the Monaco Yacht Show. From 16:00 to 20:00, this key industry event will bring together professionals, regulators, and crew representatives to discuss the latest developments in yachting, from regulations and certification to crew welfare and career opportunities. The Forum will conclude with a networking reception, offering a unique opportunity to connect with colleagues and stakeholders in the heart of Monaco. Sea changes Forum 2025 Edition - Everything You Need to Know To All news 23 September 2025 The Professional Yachting Association (PYA) is delighted to announce the 2025 edition of the Sea Changes Forum, to be held on Thursday 25 September 2025 , at the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) in Monaco, as part of the Monaco Yacht Show. Bringing together leading professionals, regulators, and crew representatives, the Sea Changes Forum provides a platform to explore the latest developments in the industry. Topics include regulatory updates, certification pathways, crew welfare, and career progression, offering valuable insights for all those working in yachting. Since its launch in 2011, the Sea Changes Forum has become a cornerstone of the Monaco Yacht Show calendar, offering a platform for open dialogue, knowledge sharing, and collaboration across the yachting community. We warmly invite all industry stakeholders to join us for an afternoon of insight and exchange, and an evening of meaningful connections in the heart of Monaco. PYA Sea Changes Forum Agenda 2025: 15:30 Forum Registration Open, International Hydrographic Organisation, 4b Quai Antoine 1er, Monaco 16:00 Christophe Bourillon, CEO Professional Yachting Association (PYA) “Welcome & Introduction by the PYA” 16:05 Mathias Jonas, Secretary-General International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) “Welcome to the IHO” 16:10 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 Mediterranee) “Main evolutions of the juridical framework of yachting in the French Mediterranean in 2025, with focus on mooring and anchoring regulations” 16:20 Rachel Andrews, Chief Instructor for the RYA Power schemes “RYA Update from Training and Qualifications” 16:35 John Wyborn, Co-founder and Director of Bluewater “Training doesn’t have to be in the classroom” 16:50 Jason Collings, Director, Safety & Compliance of the Cayman Island “Regulatory Update & Initiatives - Cayman Islands Shipping Registry” 17:05 Ajit Jacob, Chief Examiner, Head of Seafarers Technical Delivery, UK Seafarer Services, Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA ) “Update on UK Seafaring Training & introduction of the new Yacht Unlimited CoCs” 17:25 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. “Education at the Core - investing in people is not optional, it’s essential” 17:40 Mathias Jonas, Secretary-General International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) “Update on the IHO Crowdsourced Bathymetry Programme” 17:50 Sam Stewart , Founder and Director of Relief Crew Foundation "Connecting skills with purpose; volunteering's positive impact on crew and the yachting industry” 18:00 Social gathering 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). Mathias Jonas , Secretary General International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) Dr Mathias Jonas is the Secretary-General of the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) since 2017. Prior to this appointment he was Vice President of the Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency and National Hydrographer of Germany with responsibility for sea survey and sea cartography. Being originally a mariner, Dr Jonas has been involved in the digital transition of those two disciplines since the beginning of the nineties. As one of his current responsibilities he holds the Chair of the Hydrographic Commission on Antarctica. He is the author of numerous publications on technical aspects of the digital provision of marine geoinformation and strategic considerations on the future of hydrography. 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. Rachel Andrews , Chief Instructor, Power, managing Powerboat, Personal Watercraft and Inland Waterways training schemes, Royal Yachting Association (RYA) Rachel Andrews is the Chief Instructor, Power at the Royal Yachting Association, responsible for managing the RYA’s Powerboat, Personal Watercraft and Inland Waterways training schemes. After spending 15 years in the outdoor and watersports sector as an instructor and professional skipper, Rachel Joined the Royal Yachting Association as Chief Instructor, Power. Her passion is introducing people to outdoor activities and encouraging personal development. She delivered training to a wide spectrum of boaters, from new boat owners to coastguard agencies seeking further training for their boat crews. At the RYA, she has been involved in all aspects of managing the Power Schemes including instructor training, developing courses such as the RYA Powerboat Tender Operator course, and working with national and local government agencies towards safe management of personal watercraft. Outside of work, Rachel is an adventurous outdoor swimmer, seeking out rivers, beaches, waterfalls and interesting events to take part in. 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. Jason Collings , Director, Safety & Compliance, Cayman Island Jason's career started at Warsash, Southampton in 1990, where he trained as a Marine Engineer Cadet. He spent several years at sea, eventually qualifying as an Unlimited Chief Engineer. Seeking further academic advancement, Jason earned an MSc in Marine & Offshore Engineering from Liverpool John Moores University. Following his studies, he transitioned to a shore-based role and joined Lloyd’s Register as a Marine Surveyor. Jason joined the Cayman Islands Shipping Registry as a Marine Surveyor in 2007. He quickly took on the responsibility of managing a portfolio of over thirty new build yachts, including the pioneering Passenger Yacht Code certified vessel. Today, Jason serves as Director of Safety & Compliance (Operations), where he leads regulatory oversight across multiple domains, including STCW compliance, supporting the Registry’s commitment to safety, quality, and innovation in maritime operations. Ajit Jacob , Chief Examiner, Head of Seafarers Technical Delivery, UK Seafarer Services, Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA) 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. 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. Sam Stewart , Founder and Director of Relief Crew Foundation Sam Stewart is the founder and director of Relief Crew Foundation, a non‑profit that taps into the skills and resources of the yachting industry to support communities in genuine need. After spending 10 years working on yachts, in 2025, the first mate left his boat to establish this non-profit organisation that connects crew members with volunteering opportunities around the world. Since starting Relief Crew, Sam has led projects in Morocco, Ghana and Greece with volunteers from more than 10 yachts involved. With a model that benefits communities in need, yacht crew and the yachts they work on, the foundation has had overwhelming support from within the yachting industry during its first year. Our proud sponsors for the 2025 Sea Changes Forum VSF 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. 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. 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. Superyacht References Superyacht References is an innovative new platform set to revolutionise the yacht crew recruitment process. Built by a captain, for captains, senior crew and agents, it’s a pioneering solution to the challenges of undertaking background checks, verifying crew references alongside a mentoring and career guidance program. Hill Robinson Hill Robinson was specifically created to manage the operational complexities of the world’s largest superyachts, bringing technical excellence to a full spectrum of services. Today, Hill Robinson offers specialised yacht management, project management for new builds and refit, charter management, corporate services, crew placement, payroll and recruitment, plus a host of other services from VSAT to aviation. Yacht Purser The Yacht Purser team at The White Admin Company delivers discreet shoreside support to vessels from 40m to 80m operating worldwide —streamlining administrative, logistical, and compliance tasks. With over 20 years of purser experience, they provide proven systems, flexible service packages, and PAYG options that save time, optimise crew efficiency, and reduce onboard workload. Guest Program GUEST provides a portfolio of Programs and Courses, delivered by IAMI GUEST Accredited Training Providers, offering tailored training to support the careers of Superyacht Professionals both onboard and ashore. IAMI 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. Want to sponsor the Next Sea Changes Forum? Sponsorship opportunities are now available for organisations wishing to demonstrate their support for the professional yachting sector. Partnering with the Sea Changes Forum offers valuable visibility before, during, and after the event, ensuring your brand is seen by key decision-makers and industry stakeholders. To find out more, please contact Sophie at office@pya.org 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 2025 Sea Changes Forum. If you have any questions related to this year’s event please contact us: pya@pya.org More news 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 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

The 2024 Sea Changes Forum at the Monaco Yacht Show brought together a diverse group of stakeholders from across the yachting industry to tackle key issues such as training, welfare, safety, and new & upcoming regulations.  Held at the International Hydrographic Organisation (IHO) headquarters in Monaco on September 26th, this year’s forum featured insightful presentations from leading maritime policymakers and industry experts. With a full auditorium of international guests, this year’s event continued the PYA’s tradition of fostering important discussions that shape the future of yachting.  Sea changes Forum 2024 Highlights To All news 23 October 2024 The 2024 Sea Changes Forum at the Monaco Yacht Show brought together a diverse group of stakeholders from across the yachting industry to tackle key issues such as training, welfare, safety, and new & upcoming regulations.  Held at the International Hydrographic Organisation (IHO) headquarters in Monaco on September 26th, this year’s forum featured insightful presentations from leading maritime policymakers and industry experts. With a full auditorium of international guests, this year’s event continued the PYA’s tradition of fostering important discussions that shape the future of yachting. Christophe Bourillon, CEO of the PYA commented: "One of the key proceedings from this year’s Sea Changes is that the yachting industry is at a crossroads ". Said Christophe Bourillon, CEO of the PYA. "Much is happening in our industry, which is becoming more professional than ever. Further evolution will be required, including cultural changes " he added." Conference presentations from guest speakers: Below you can view and download a list of presentations from some of our speakers this year. These can be used for research and educational purposes. If you would like to request permission for commercial use, please get in contact with us at info@pya.org 16.00 Christophe Bourillon,   CEO of the Professional Yachting Association (PYA) & Kim Llorente,  Operations Manager (PYA)  - who welcomed speakers and guests and introduced new PYA services such as the new Onboard Safety Group a platform open to Captains, ETOs, Engineers, DPAs, Managers, Insurers, Auditors and Trainers to ask questions or create awareness of current and emerging safety concerns/risks to crew on yachts. You can contact the group at onboardsafety@pya.org or join the Telegram Group here https://t.me/+Fr1UrdTNIzw2NjE0 . Also introduced is  the new app for getting Digital Sea Service Testimonials through the N-Cap Wallet, secured on blockchain and easily verified by the PYA. The launch date is expected in the coming weeks. An email notification will be sent out to inform our members.   16:03 John Wyborn,  International Association of Maritime Institutions (IAMI) Board member, Superyacht Alliance - who introduced the new AV/IT level 1 and 2 courses (Audio Visual & Information Technology), centered on AV and IT technologies relevant to Superyacht operations under the IAMI-GUEST Program. First classes are expected to be opened in Spring 2025. He also reminded us of the importance of the E-TRB (Electronic Training Record Book) for yacht crew’s professional development and the progress its made so far. 16:11 Joey Meen,  IAMI Guest Program Director - gave updates on the Superyacht Alliance , the importance of accredited training, and industry-led training. Introduced the new Yacht Mental Health & Wellbeing course “a conduit towards a long-term solution to Mental Health issues within the Yachting Industry” also under the IAMI-GUEST Program.   16:19 Angela Wallace,   Director of Interior Training, Head of Welfare Group, PYA  - who shared insights on the welfare of the yachting industry through statistics from Yacht Crew Help .   16:27 Ajit Jacob,   Chief Examiner, Head of Seafarers Technical Delivery, UK Seafarer Services, Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA ) - discussed the modernization program the MCA has gone through, updating a lot of the syllabuses with current needs. The consultation for the Approved Electric propulsion course (AEPC), covering batteries, electronics on electric and hybrid vessels, appropriate first actions in case of failure, etc., has been approved. A draft Merchant Shipping Notice (MSN) on the modernization of the Master 500 Restricted CoC transferability to other sectors is available for consultation. The MCA also announced that they are creating a pathway to a Master Yacht Unlimited size , removing the 3000 GT limitation. Developments will be followed closely by the PYA because it is of particular interest to long term career Deck Officers. Finally, in consultation with the PYA, they are going to simplify sea service definitions and requirements, with the use of the E-TRB and Simulator time. 16:42 Julian Smith, Principal Surveyor - Cayman Islands Ship Registry  - shared insights on the recently updated REG Yacht Code . Significant changes will be summarized and promulgated in a further PYA advisory.   16:57 Gerard Griffiths, Professional in maritime safety and training, delivering STCW courses, Seascope France   - who highlighted how lithium-ion fires can easily be triggered on board and the importance of knowing how to deal with batteries and avoid potential issues through training.   17:02 Mark Savona,   Safety Coordinator, Technical Department, Transport Malta (TM) - who presented the origin of the different Maltese Codes. What the advantages are under the Maltese Flag. What certification is currently available for crew under the Maltese scheme.   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) - who discussed the origin and issues that the Administration faces regarding the implementation of certain restrictions in the South of France, including the Posidonia and speed limitations in certain areas.   17:32 Richard Falk FRIN,   Director of Training and Qualifications, Royal Yachting Association (RYA) (By video Link)  – gave an update on the Superyacht Personal Watercraft Safety Scheme that continues to grow, with around 450 yachts now using this scheme to ensure their guests are well equipped to use their onboard PWC’s safely and confidently. Port State authorities are not formally obliged to accept these certificates for use in their waters, but to date, they are unaware of any which do not, other than on rare occasions where anti-social behaviour has been demonstrated by the operators of the craft. The RYA Yachtmaster celebrated its 50th anniversary last year, which also saw the 100,000th RYA Yachtmaster Certificate of Competence issued, a fitting milestone for such a special year. The RYA continues the evolution from traditional navigation towards more emphasis on the electronic navigational tools available across all manner of craft. “Digital First”, is the name given to the strategy that supports the push from hydrographic offices around the world to move (eventually) away from paper charts.   17:42 Gregory Romano,  Managing Director, Romano Energy - introduced how their biofuel is produced and how it can easily replace traditional fuel to diminish a yacht’s carbon footprint. To see the full presentation of this year’s Sea Changes Forum 2024, please refer to the PDF document attached below. SEA CHANGES PWP .pdf Download PDF • 12.12MB After the forum, we hosted a networking cocktail reception in the same room as the conference at the IHO. It offered a great opportunity for attendees to continue discussions and connect with fellow industry professionals in a relaxed setting. We want to say another big thank you to our supporters and partners : including the IHO , VSF Group , Macor & Yachtelec (Amarix Group) , Bluewater , IAMI / Guest Program , MYBA , Romano Energy , Seascope France , Amico & CO for making this event possible. More news 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 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

Currently the IMO requires all Yachts over 500 gross tons to have a cybersecurity plan in their ISM, but the guidelines aren’t very clear. We asked Alex Bayeux, founder of YachtCyberSafe to shed some light on the subject. Clarifying CyberSecurity for Yachts To All news 17 August 2022 Currently the IMO requires all Yachts over 500 gross tons to have a cybersecurity plan in their ISM, but the guidelines aren’t very clear. We asked Alex Bayeux, founder of YachtCyberSafe to shed some light on the subject. Cybersecurity for Yachts and Crews Regulation in 2022 Digital security needs to be addressed and managed as the IMO has made it mandatory [1] . It starts with an assessment of the yacht's digital perimeter as the IMO requires a holistic assessment, i.e., not just technology-centered but also on organization and human factors. IMO Requirements 1. Have clear and operational documentation about the yacht’s digital perimeter, systems’ accesses, sensitive applications, emergency situations, and back-ups. 2. An awareness training session for the crew and management-oriented training for captains and first officers are mandatory under the IMO regulation. You do not need IT security training or IT skills. Guidelines for Captains If you are starting the season within less than 1 month , do the essentials: a 1-day digital review mission and awareness training will be very profitable. Do you feel far from those basic practices for digital hygiene? Do not panic! The best defense against cybercrime is common sense. Just be very careful with phishing, attached files… and never hesitate to call someone you know to confirm bank details before ordering significant money transfers (fraudulent money transfer is a very profitable activity for cybercriminals). If you are finishing the season or in the maintenance period , it is time to act. Below is a “holistic” overview to assess and protect your digital security. Examples of easy and critical actions to implement onboard: Technology : Isolate your virtual networks, including Wi-Fi access. If a criminal gains access to a network (like “guests” or “crew”), he cannot reach sensitive networks (like “audio-video”, “CCTV”, “work”, “owner” …). Organization : Use a password manager to manage and share passwords onboard (Bitwarden, LastPass, 1password…). With a password manager, you will never need to reuse the same password. Moreover, you will not write any more passwords to share access with a crewmate: your password manager allows password sharing and keeps audit tracking of access and changes. For many groups, an experienced consultant is useful to create the appropriate setting, security and change practices within the crew. Human : Consider your smartphone as the most exposed cyber equipment of the yacht. Indeed, if corrupted, criminals can read your WhatsApp, listen to discussions in cabins, control your email box, spoof your identity, and get codes you are receiving by text… Basic good practice is to install only apps with an excellent reputation and from official stores and to regularly review access granted to apps(from the settings of the smartphone). If you really like playing, downloading, watching videos, etc., use a second device for leisure. This enables you to control your digital life, including who is allowed to access your data. Procedures : Update your essential procedures. Be aware, if you are using a standardized procedure, that you check they really apply to your real situation: yacht, crewmates, external contractors, and suppliers. It would be unfortunate to implement procedures you do not comply with. Security : Add digital security to your management practices: briefing with crewmates and suppliers, use a simple appropriated dashboard that also shows the owner you are protecting his interests. Training : Train your crew on best practices. Training Awareness sessions are available from several providers and offer the required crew awareness (2hr) and management-orientated training for captains and first officers (2-3hr) required by the IMO. Training centres offer training on site, on board or even remotely, i.e., at La Belle Classe Academy – Yacht Club de Monaco you can join courses from anywhere online and interact as if you were in the classroom. Awareness : Spend time with your crewmates to discuss digital security situations. Sharing experiences, debriefing criminal attempts or incidents are excellent easy practices to start a culture of cyber risk awareness at all levels: crew, suppliers, and yacht managers. The next step is to bring appropriate solutions, that’s where you will probably need a specialized consultant. A cybersecurity assessment on yachts is not like a Penetration Test IT technicians use on IT servers for companies. Experts in cybersecurity for yachts must analyse the whole attack surface of the yacht. Of course, the crew and external contractors are part of the attack surface. YachtCyberSafe (based in Monaco and Nice) has developed an approach that fully complies with IMO’s requirements and provides results easy to implement and essential: good practices, procedures, awareness, a toolkit for crewmates, and a captain’s dashboard. Most common mistakes to avoid Be careful, the first common mistake is to focus on the usual computer equipment (navigation, PC, servers, CCTV ...), but the entry points for criminals are generally on everyday applications or common objects: smartphones, audio-video on board, Wi-Fi, emails, connected objects ... So, spending money to strongly secure your servers or systems will be useless if criminals can easily access critical information on crewmates’ smartphones (countless ways for criminals to access information thanks to smartphones; the most popular and cheapest way is phishing) or if crewmates or suppliers are using weak passwords (don’t smile, in 2022, most popular passwords remain “qwerty”, “password”, “0000”, “12345”, “11111”). How to act - Be pragmatic You have many powerful quick actions on board to digitally secure the yacht and crew without buying new IT services and devices. In other words, before adding a new lock on the armored front door, start checking if there are windows open, and close them. You’ll probably need support or consulting to guide you, but not IT technicians. When you are selecting your advisor, pay attention to choose someone who is independent of your systems or technology managers on board. For IMO, personnel conducting internal audits of the security activities shall be independent of the activities being audited (Source ISPS Code, Part A / 9. Ship Security Plan). Digital security is first and foremost a management issue As masters of the yacht and crew, captains need to have a global and precise understanding of the digital perimeter of their yachts and to have a simple dashboard to monitor the situation. Captains will probably delegate the implementation of solutions to other officers or external contractors. Yet, it is critical for them to monitor and challenge people dealing with digital systems. Digital management does not require IT skills, but a culture of digital security and good practices. This is essential to meet IMO’s requirements. For IMO : “Effective cyber risk management should start at the senior management level. Senior management should embed a culture of cyber risk awareness into all levels of an organization and ensure a holistic and flexible cyber risk management regime that is in continuous operation” [2] Strength of the IMO approach If you decide to implement the holistic approach that IMO requests, you will have full coverage of the cyber threats, be compliant with the IMO 2021 regulation, and will optimise your budget and resources for the best result for the owner and guests’ cyber protection. You will realize that Holistic Digital Management is based on common sense, much more efficient and less expensive than buying IT Security devices or services. If you have any questions or are interested in an assessment, please contact Alex Bayeux on https://yachtcybersafe.com | +33 616 99 21 00 | contact@yachtcybersafe.com . [1] no later than the first annual verification of the company's Document of Compliance after 1 January 2021 (source IMO / RESOLUTION MSC.428(98) / MARITIME CYBER RISK MANAGEMENT IN SAFETY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS [2] source IMO Guidelines / MSC-FAL.1 /Circ.3, 5 July 2017, § 3.3 More news 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 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

This year’s Sea Changes Forum at the Monaco Yacht Show was the largest gathering of industry professionals since the annual conference was launched in 2011. © PYA PYA Sea Changes Forum 2023 Highlights To All news 4 October 2023 This year’s Sea Changes Forum at the Monaco Yacht Show was the largest gathering of industry professionals since the annual conference was launched in 2011. Taking place on September 28th, the PYA welcomed a host of international speakers from across the yachting world to discuss important industry issues. Areas including crew hiring, retention, welfare and exploration among others were discussed including new initiatives that have been set up to map the ocean floors - a scientific endeavor that demonstrates how our industry is making a difference to research among other things. With more than 150,000 people directly employed in the yachting industry and a global turnover exceeding 24 billion euros a year, there has never been a more exciting time for yachting with a booming maritime industry that is set to bring economic benefits to many countries. Christophe Bourillion, CEO for the PYA commented: “We want to say another big thank you to all our attending guests, partners and supporters that made this year’s event a big success for everyone involved. We had some great discussions and were introduced to insightful topics that have broadened our perspective about what is happening in the yachting industry today - and what is also to come. It is our hope that this year’s Sea Changes Forum can be the melting pot that helps our industry stay informed while advancing technological innovations. We hope to see you all again next year!” As part of this year’s Sea Changes Forum, the PYA welcomed the following guest speakers: Mr John Wyborn, IAMI Board member - who discussed the work IAMI does for yacht training including the Deck Certification Report. Miss Joey Meen, IAMI Guest Program Director - who shared insights on the importance of soft skill training & the CPD opportunities of bespoke (non-mandatory) education to support yachting careers – with the Yacht Owners Representative Program being provided as an example. Mr Richard Falk, Director of Training and Qualifications, Royal Yachting Association - who introduced “RYA Training and Qualifications, Rising to the Challenges of the Future”. Miss Angela Wallace, PYA Director of Interior Training, PYA Welfare Group - who discussed current issues in the industry regarding crew including recruitment and retention. Mr Jo Assael, Republic of Marshall Islands (RMI) Yacht Register, International Registries Inc - who introduced the RMI’s Master (Yachts) Unlimited Tonnage Certificate of Competency (CoC). Mr John Everett Nyberg, Technical Director, IHO - who discussed the IHO’s international mapping project. Guests in attendance included captains and seafarers from across the industry including representatives from various organisations in yachting. Following the forum, we took part in a cocktail gathering on the roof of the IHO HQ at the Monaco Yacht Show. See some of the gallery highlights below The PYA wants to say a big thank you to our supporting sponsors who made this year’s event possible including the IHO , Ocean Drive , IAMI , Guest Program , Bluewater , MYBA , YPI Crew , SeaScope . We look forward to seeing you all next September for the 2024 Sea Changes Forum! More news 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 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

Register online Upcoming events in November & December 2023 To All news 18 October 2023 Webinar on Yachting in the Bahamas 2nd November 2023, h15:00 CET PYA Welfare Group meets Flag States Webinar 7th November 2023, h12:00 CET PYA Leadership Meetup 16th November 2023, h17:00 CET Webinar on Lithium-ion Battery Safety Awareness on Superyachts 28th November 2023, h15:00 CET PYA Christmas Ball 8th December 2023, h19:00 CET Last update: 03/11/2023 More news 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 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