Search on page

Yachting and Public Opinion - Rough Seas Ahead? To All news 6 October 2022 The yachting industry has always been very discreet, largely unknown to the general public. The seizing of yachts of Russian oligarchs has placed our industry on the front page of mainstream media, from CNN to the FT, opening it up to public scrutiny. Since then, a number of initiatives have recently been launched which will impact the way we operate: In 2023, the Maritime industry will be included in the EU Emissions Trading Scheme. Yachts are - for the time being - excluded. However, powerful environmental NGOs are lobbying the European Commission to include yachting in the new scheme. In July 2022, a private initiative to track the routes of superyachts and calculate their greenhouse gas emissions was launched. It is drawing much interest and public support (this follows a similar initiative tracking private jets owned by Elon Musk , other businessmen and artists). On 24thSeptember 2022, climate activists blocked a quayside in Port Vauban (Antibes) - one of the most popular superyacht marinas in the Mediterranean, to protest against what they deem to be ultra-rich ‘climate criminals'. The above projects/actions are firmly establishing Yachting in the "court of public opinion". Collectively, we cannot ignore these issues and requests for public accountability. Individually, we are all custodians of the image of our industry and there is much we can do to improve the public image of yachting, thus consolidating our “license to operate.” Watch my interview with Yachting International Radio https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7G42Wzp9b-E Photo credit: Courrier Picard More news Our annual Christmas Ball is Back Again! Get ready for an unforgettable evening at the 2024 PYA Christmas Ball, returning to the iconic Martinez in Cannes December 6th! Join us as we celebrate a year of incredible industry achievements, bringing together delegates and leaders from across the yachting world to honour progress, connect, and set our sights on the future. Read more PYA response to ISS From the Bridge article "There is no second shift" perfectly summarises the growing challenge in the yachting industry: balancing unlimited guest expectations with limited crew resources. As yachts get smaller, the ability to deliver exceptional experiences while adhering to the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) becomes increasingly difficult. Even on larger yachts, extended guest occupancy and short turnaround times strain compliance with work and rest regulations. Read more Fatigue in Captaincy and PYA initiatives An Update From The Bridge - an article written by the Captain's Committee of the ISS. The PYA’s mission is “to represent the interests of Professional Yacht Crew and to encourage and maintain the highest professional standards”. For this reason, we have been talking with Captains and crew in the yachting industry to better understand some of the current issues we are facing: Read more

Taking care of lithium batteries to avoid fire on board a yacht To All news 25 July 2023 Following a number of reported lithium battery fires in the past several months, yacht crew have been asking for a more in-depth look at how to minimise the risks, and what to do should you experience a fire. With so much technology running on lithium batteries, now more than ever, yacht owners and crew need to understand the best practices. We want to thank Adrian Coetsee, PYA Board Director for Engineering Training, for sharing with us these unique insights on how to properly handle lithium batteries onboard and some of the things to look into for safer use and storage. A guide to lithium batteries With the advances in lithium batteries we are now finding them in more and more interesting applications, but this new flexibility brings its own challenges. One of these new risks is fire, the MCA has noted this and released MGN 681 to give some guidance on best practices on how to store, charge and maintain these new systems. Where we once used petrol engines, we now have batteries, from large tenders to smaller water toys like Dive bobs or efoil boards down to the batteries in your phone or laptop; they all use the same chemistry and all have the same increased risk of fire. This MGN is specifically aimed at batteries over 100Wh, but not forgetting smaller batteries from laptops and phones, which are less risky due to their size but still have increased risk of fire. For reference, a large drill battery would be around the 100Wh lower limit, if being stored ideally in a battery/fire box (if being charged or in a vehicle then in a REG yacht space A space.) Around page 97 (depending on version) Chapter 14 fire safety is where you can look. Stages of a Lithium battery fire Let us explore some of the stages of a lithium battery fire and why this occurs: Overheating leading to thermal runaway. Stored batteries shouldn’t be kept in an area that is above 45C. While charging batteries get warmer, the potential for thermal runaway starts between 60-70C. In best practice, linking these temperature alarms to the ship's monitoring system is essential. If caught early enough this can be stopped by halting charging or if in use, then preventing the battery from discharging. Once they’ve reached this temperature these cells shouldn’t be used or charged again as the thermal runway will continue and these batteries need to be disembarked - either repaired or replaced by their manufacturers. Off gassing Let’s take a closer look at what’s physically happening in the battery: Battery packs that have a way of venting instead of exploding and fire are of lower risk. Off gassing is a sudden release of carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and other volatile organic compounds - these gasses are difficult to predict and could gather at head height or deck level, complicating matters. These gasses also contain hydrogen cyanide, soot, oxides, lithium, cobalt amongst others these vapor clouds are hazardous and potentially explosive.If off gassing doesn’t occur this might be shown as a deformed or bulging battery pack. Hissing and popping and then fire Some of the warning signs: A damaged battery at this stage will need appropriate fire fighting measures. The “smoke” released will have a sweet chemical smell which is made up of nanoparticles of heavy metals. The temperature will have risen and the heat load in the battery pack is now substantial. Water dousing will eventually stop the fire and after that reduce the runaway temperature rise. This will take a surprisingly long time, all the time emitting gas and smoke and causing heat damage. Best practice to extinguish. How to extinguish a battery fire and taking steps to protect electrical supplies: For smaller fires a dedicated fire extinguisher could work if caught early enough but water dousing larger fires is the most effective. The residual temperature from the exothermic reactions is considerable and once thermal runaway - it won’t abate spontaneously. The area would need to be vented as the off gasses are noxious and dangerous. If in a garage, water mist is very effective at reducing the heat load released from the thermal runaway of the pack. Remote isolation of the electrical supply is paramount too. The bilge pumping arrangement should be overspecc’ed sufficiently to remove the continued water needed. Remote or manual opening of the garage to vent should be considered too. Storage and charging If the yacht is under construction following the full MGN this would be considerably easier but nonetheless existing ships should try as far as is practicable. Storage of smaller batteries should be in a dedicated box meeting international standards but not limited to EN14470, EN 16121, EN16122 and this be kept in a REG yacht PART A space. On yachts over 500Gt all batteries over 100Wh should be stored and charged in a REG yacht part: “Ideally” an A60 garage as far as practical from petrol tenders, charging outdoors is an option too. NOT forward of the collision bulkhead, NOT in a technical space like engine rooms and back backed onto or in a switchboard rooms. Vented directly overboard with intrinsically safe fans and sensors linked to the ship’s monitoring and fire systems. The chargers should be powered from outside the area. Ideally the area, switches, light and extraction should be intrinsically safe. Storage area should be more than 45 deg. Manual ways of opening or venting the area, that are outside the area e.g. a remote shell door opening if kept in a garage. Battery plan Identification of batteries onboard Batteries larger than 100wh should have certificates of compliance and their own dedicated chargers, where possible similar systems should be used to help prevent the accidental use of the wrong chargers. If a large selection of smaller batteries is kept in one area these should be noted e.g. If a charge station for many UHF batteries is kept in the radio room, if laptops, phones, and battery banks are kept in the bridge. Locations of those batteries Locations of the larger batteries over 100wh could be noted and shown on a GA. Extractions could be shown too. Training and maintenance All crew should be made aware of the basics of battery maintenance and care and the steps to be taken e.g. If a battery is found to be overheating or worse if one is on fire. The batteries and their respective chargers should be kept in top condition, any defaults noted, if some are seen to be damaged, how to remove or who to call. Plans in case of emergencies (SOP) Examples of things that could be included. Manual release of misting or water deluge. “How to” Bilge pumping arrangements for the specific zone. Consider manual operation of garage doors to vent the off gassing. Remote access to electrical isolation. The full MCA Guidance Note can be found here . More news Our annual Christmas Ball is Back Again! Get ready for an unforgettable evening at the 2024 PYA Christmas Ball, returning to the iconic Martinez in Cannes December 6th! Join us as we celebrate a year of incredible industry achievements, bringing together delegates and leaders from across the yachting world to honour progress, connect, and set our sights on the future. Read more PYA response to ISS From the Bridge article "There is no second shift" perfectly summarises the growing challenge in the yachting industry: balancing unlimited guest expectations with limited crew resources. As yachts get smaller, the ability to deliver exceptional experiences while adhering to the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) becomes increasingly difficult. Even on larger yachts, extended guest occupancy and short turnaround times strain compliance with work and rest regulations. Read more Fatigue in Captaincy and PYA initiatives An Update From The Bridge - an article written by the Captain's Committee of the ISS. The PYA’s mission is “to represent the interests of Professional Yacht Crew and to encourage and maintain the highest professional standards”. For this reason, we have been talking with Captains and crew in the yachting industry to better understand some of the current issues we are facing: Read more

Yacht Captains Nick Sevier and Charlie Bettell formed Expersea Yacht Management based in Antibes in the South of France in response to the specific needs of a group of superyacht owners who felt their requirements were being overlooked. With over 30 years of yachting experience between them they have since led the company to provide a range of luxury yacht services including Charter, Management and Brokerage. Services YACHT MANAGEMENT: Yacht Finance Administration, Technical Support, Insurance Services, Crew Management, Services Safety Management (SMS) YACHT CENTRAL AGENT CHARTER & SALES Contact information office@expersea.com 0033(0)492931743 Expersea Yacht Management Yacht Captains Nick Sevier and Charlie Bettell formed Expersea Yacht Management based in Antibes in the South of France in response to the specific needs of a group of superyacht owners who felt their requirements were being overlooked. Visit website Back to All Partners Become a member and enjoy the exclusive offers from our partners. Become a member

New VAT Rules for Italian Charters Now in Effect To All news 19 November 2020 Following the European Commission’s announcement in 2019 on the new VAT Directive for charters, Italian authorities announced they would be charging a VAT rate of 22%, unless it is proven that the superyacht sailed outside of EU waters. On 15 June 2020, the Italian Tax Authority issued Provision n.234483 which clarifies how vessels can prove sailing outside of EU waters, however, the implementation of these rules was postponed until November 2020. From November 1, 2020, the “lump sum VAT criteria” related to the length of the yachts (ex. 6.6% VAT for the charter of yachts over 24 meters) will be no longer applicable, and ordinary VAT rate of 22% will be due unless it will be proved the navigation outside EU waters. On October 29, 2020, Agenzia delle Entrate issued Provision n. 341339/2020, which clarifies the means of proof necessary to prove the effective use of the vessel outside the EU waters, to enjoy the VAT exemption. Disclaimer: The advice provided above should be confirmed with a local Italian yacht agent before making any travel plans or charter bookings. The PYA does not take any responsibility for any losses associated. More news Our annual Christmas Ball is Back Again! Get ready for an unforgettable evening at the 2024 PYA Christmas Ball, returning to the iconic Martinez in Cannes December 6th! Join us as we celebrate a year of incredible industry achievements, bringing together delegates and leaders from across the yachting world to honour progress, connect, and set our sights on the future. Read more PYA response to ISS From the Bridge article "There is no second shift" perfectly summarises the growing challenge in the yachting industry: balancing unlimited guest expectations with limited crew resources. As yachts get smaller, the ability to deliver exceptional experiences while adhering to the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) becomes increasingly difficult. Even on larger yachts, extended guest occupancy and short turnaround times strain compliance with work and rest regulations. Read more Fatigue in Captaincy and PYA initiatives An Update From The Bridge - an article written by the Captain's Committee of the ISS. The PYA’s mission is “to represent the interests of Professional Yacht Crew and to encourage and maintain the highest professional standards”. For this reason, we have been talking with Captains and crew in the yachting industry to better understand some of the current issues we are facing: Read more

French regulations regarding anchorage and Posidonia – Updated To All news 1 April 2021 After two years of discussions, the main orders prohibiting mooring in the French protected areas of the Mediterranean have been published. This means that yachts will have to anchor further from the shore and beaches. The three main yachting associations: PYA, ECPY and GEPY met recently with the services of the Maritime Prefecture, to discuss the new regulation and its implementation. The maritime authorities The maritime authorities recognise, the positive economic impact of the yachting industry on the Mediterranean coasts, as well as the efforts of yachting professionals to protect the environment.The three associations raised concerns regarding the complexity of the new rules and the need to implement clear information campaigns about the implementation of the rules (up-to-date charts, etc.). Key facts The maritime authorities will encourage the creation of organized buoy fields and moorings, with public as well as private funding. These facilities will be under the responsibility of land-based authorities and local communities. In case of adverse weather, the authorities have confirmed that safety and security will take precedence. Vessels that may take shelter in forbidden zones (Posidonia meadows) may be required to provide justification for their decision. The maritime authorities are attempting to speed up the update of the new charts published by SHOM. It is also understood that messages regarding the anchoring rules will be broadcasted through CROSSMED, both in French and in English. It is understood that the restricted areas will also be displayed on the Donia application. There are areas such as the beach of Pampelonne in Saint Tropez/Ramatuelle where the regulations are not yet clarified. The authorities have indicated that, in future regulation, they will adopt a limitation of mooring time to 72 hours. This will not apply to yachts in routine operation, with crew on board, but rather to vessels left without supervision and presenting a risk of stranding. To enable this management of mooring times, the Maritime Prefecture has agreed to establish a list of yachts (24-45m) benefiting from an implicit renewal every 72 hours, for the whole season. Unlike the Spanish or Italian authorities, France elected to sanction the position of the vessel itself. This can lead to serious consequences as the maritime infraction can amount to 150,000€, whereas the environmental infraction is "only" a hundred euros. In addition, several of the means to be used to establish potential offences, such as human observation from aircrafts, boats or land-based platforms can lead to arbitrary decisions. PYA, ECPY and GEPY will continue to work closely with the maritime authorities (Préfecture maritime de Méditerranée), to propose a joint Préfecture maritime / Yachting professionals observatory to monitor incidents during the season. Anchorage regulations: Doc 1 .pdf Download PDF • 2.76MB Doc 2 .pdf Download PDF • 2.71MB Doc 3 .pdf Download PDF • 2.82MB Doc 4 .pdf Download PDF • 3.57MB Doc 5 .pdf Download PDF • 2.01MB Doc 6 .pdf Download PDF • 600KB For further information, please visit the website of the Préfecture Maritime de la Mediterranée: https://www.premar-mediterranee.gouv.fr Watch our webinar now: More news Our annual Christmas Ball is Back Again! Get ready for an unforgettable evening at the 2024 PYA Christmas Ball, returning to the iconic Martinez in Cannes December 6th! Join us as we celebrate a year of incredible industry achievements, bringing together delegates and leaders from across the yachting world to honour progress, connect, and set our sights on the future. Read more PYA response to ISS From the Bridge article "There is no second shift" perfectly summarises the growing challenge in the yachting industry: balancing unlimited guest expectations with limited crew resources. As yachts get smaller, the ability to deliver exceptional experiences while adhering to the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) becomes increasingly difficult. Even on larger yachts, extended guest occupancy and short turnaround times strain compliance with work and rest regulations. Read more Fatigue in Captaincy and PYA initiatives An Update From The Bridge - an article written by the Captain's Committee of the ISS. The PYA’s mission is “to represent the interests of Professional Yacht Crew and to encourage and maintain the highest professional standards”. For this reason, we have been talking with Captains and crew in the yachting industry to better understand some of the current issues we are facing: Read more

The Interior Training Academy is a certified training provider of the IAMI GUEST Interior Courses. Super yacht interior trainers with extensive previous experience are available to teach hospitality crew the essential skills required in order for you to develop and succeed in the yachting industry. Our team can train you in a variety of areas such as interior management, food and wine service, cocktail & barista service, interior attention to detail, housekeeping, flower arranging and laundry. ITA Training has recently became an Approved Highfield Qualifications Centre for delivering Food & Hygiene training L2 & L3. ITA Training Academy The Interior Training Academy is a certified training provider of the IAMI GUEST Interior Courses. Visit website Back to All Partners Become a member and enjoy the exclusive offers from our partners. Become a member

RYA certificates now valid for Spanish registered vessels To All news 16 June 2021 Since the UK left the EU on 31 December 2020, it has officially been listed as a ‘third country’ by the EU. This has resulted in some RYA certificates no longer being recognised by the Spanish Government for use on Spanish flagged boats, as this UK certification was seen as coming from outside the EU. Following persistent and coordinated consultations by the RYA through the UK Government with Spain’s General Directorate for Merchant Marine (DGMM), they have received confirmation that its International Certificates of Competence (ICC) and several of its course completion certificates and other Certificates of Competence remain valid for skippering Spanish flagged boats. The British titles now valid for sailing in Spain are as follows: RYA Yachtmaster Ocean Certificate of Competence; RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate of Competence; RYA Yachtmaster Coastal Certificate of Competence; RYA Day Skipper; RYA Powerboat Level 2; RYA International Certificate for Operators of Pleasure Craft (ICC). For full details, visit the RYA website. Article source: wwww.rya.org.uk More news Our annual Christmas Ball is Back Again! Get ready for an unforgettable evening at the 2024 PYA Christmas Ball, returning to the iconic Martinez in Cannes December 6th! Join us as we celebrate a year of incredible industry achievements, bringing together delegates and leaders from across the yachting world to honour progress, connect, and set our sights on the future. Read more PYA response to ISS From the Bridge article "There is no second shift" perfectly summarises the growing challenge in the yachting industry: balancing unlimited guest expectations with limited crew resources. As yachts get smaller, the ability to deliver exceptional experiences while adhering to the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) becomes increasingly difficult. Even on larger yachts, extended guest occupancy and short turnaround times strain compliance with work and rest regulations. Read more Fatigue in Captaincy and PYA initiatives An Update From The Bridge - an article written by the Captain's Committee of the ISS. The PYA’s mission is “to represent the interests of Professional Yacht Crew and to encourage and maintain the highest professional standards”. For this reason, we have been talking with Captains and crew in the yachting industry to better understand some of the current issues we are facing: Read more

PYA and Genoa Superyacht Hub to launch joint initiatives in 2024 To All news 26 February 2024 The PYA is partnering with Genoa Superyacht Hub (GSH) to develop a number of initiatives in support of yacht crew commencing in March 2024. As part of the new partnership, the PYA and GSH will work together on a new event, Yachties Career Day, specifically designed for crew in the Genoa region of Italy. The event will bring together prominent recruiters and trainers in the sector, providing unique networking opportunities for yacht crew and expert educators where they will be able to meet face-to-face. “Our new joint event in Genoa, Italy is just the beginning as we look forward to bringing crew together for Yachties Career Day. This new initiative will support Italian as well as international crew across the region,” said Kim Llorente, Operations Manager for the PYA. Attendees of the event will benefit from: Speed dating to get matched up with employment opportunities. Advice and career progression from the PYA and training providers in attendance. Specialist information on training: Learning about training programmes that can elevate career prospects. Amico & Co and Pesto Sea Group, part of GSH, aim to establish Genoa as an international hub for yachts in the coming years ahead. Genoa Superyacht Hub, offers one of the leading refit shipyards in the world, located next to a brand new marina, the Waterfront Marina, an integral part of Renzo Piano’s Waterfront city development and minutes away from the city’s historical centre, an Unesco World Heritage Site. The world renowned yacht agency also organizes events, a wide array of industry-specific courses, and provides assistance to crew in town. This new partnership underlines Genoa's strategic role as a Mediterranean hub of international excellence in the yachting industry with PYA and GSH seeking to support yacht crew through career development and networking in the region. The first Yachties Career Day is scheduled for Tuesday, 19 March, from 8.30am to 4.30pm, taking place at the Genova Waterfront Marina – P.le John Fitzgerald Kennedy, 1, Genoa. Registrations are now open for the event which can be booked online . More news Our annual Christmas Ball is Back Again! Get ready for an unforgettable evening at the 2024 PYA Christmas Ball, returning to the iconic Martinez in Cannes December 6th! Join us as we celebrate a year of incredible industry achievements, bringing together delegates and leaders from across the yachting world to honour progress, connect, and set our sights on the future. Read more PYA response to ISS From the Bridge article "There is no second shift" perfectly summarises the growing challenge in the yachting industry: balancing unlimited guest expectations with limited crew resources. As yachts get smaller, the ability to deliver exceptional experiences while adhering to the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) becomes increasingly difficult. Even on larger yachts, extended guest occupancy and short turnaround times strain compliance with work and rest regulations. Read more Fatigue in Captaincy and PYA initiatives An Update From The Bridge - an article written by the Captain's Committee of the ISS. The PYA’s mission is “to represent the interests of Professional Yacht Crew and to encourage and maintain the highest professional standards”. For this reason, we have been talking with Captains and crew in the yachting industry to better understand some of the current issues we are facing: Read more

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 Our annual Christmas Ball is Back Again! Get ready for an unforgettable evening at the 2024 PYA Christmas Ball, returning to the iconic Martinez in Cannes December 6th! Join us as we celebrate a year of incredible industry achievements, bringing together delegates and leaders from across the yachting world to honour progress, connect, and set our sights on the future. Read more PYA response to ISS From the Bridge article "There is no second shift" perfectly summarises the growing challenge in the yachting industry: balancing unlimited guest expectations with limited crew resources. As yachts get smaller, the ability to deliver exceptional experiences while adhering to the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) becomes increasingly difficult. Even on larger yachts, extended guest occupancy and short turnaround times strain compliance with work and rest regulations. Read more Fatigue in Captaincy and PYA initiatives An Update From The Bridge - an article written by the Captain's Committee of the ISS. The PYA’s mission is “to represent the interests of Professional Yacht Crew and to encourage and maintain the highest professional standards”. For this reason, we have been talking with Captains and crew in the yachting industry to better understand some of the current issues we are facing: Read more

Completing your EDH before your OOW To All news 8 June 2015 The EDH (Efficient Deckhand) requirement came into play as of the end of June 2015 when the new M-notice was published. This means that as from 01 January 2017, the EDH certificate must have been issued within 18 months prior to the issue of the Certificate of Competency for the OOW. So if you are planning to do your OOW in the future, please bear this information in mind. More news Our annual Christmas Ball is Back Again! Get ready for an unforgettable evening at the 2024 PYA Christmas Ball, returning to the iconic Martinez in Cannes December 6th! Join us as we celebrate a year of incredible industry achievements, bringing together delegates and leaders from across the yachting world to honour progress, connect, and set our sights on the future. Read more PYA response to ISS From the Bridge article "There is no second shift" perfectly summarises the growing challenge in the yachting industry: balancing unlimited guest expectations with limited crew resources. As yachts get smaller, the ability to deliver exceptional experiences while adhering to the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) becomes increasingly difficult. Even on larger yachts, extended guest occupancy and short turnaround times strain compliance with work and rest regulations. Read more Fatigue in Captaincy and PYA initiatives An Update From The Bridge - an article written by the Captain's Committee of the ISS. The PYA’s mission is “to represent the interests of Professional Yacht Crew and to encourage and maintain the highest professional standards”. For this reason, we have been talking with Captains and crew in the yachting industry to better understand some of the current issues we are facing: Read more