The PYA is authorised by the UK Maritime Coastguard Agency (MCA) and by Transport Malta to verify yacht sea service testimonials for all yacht crew worldwide. Your sea service is reviewed by the PYA’s Sea Service Department to ensure all the MCA’s definitions have been adhered to. This may require further information or evidence from the seafarer. Once everything is deemed reasonably true and correct, the testimonial will achieve it’s verified status. Step 1 – Why You Need It Sea Service verification is required for: Notice of Eligibility (NoE) applications, Certificate of Competency (CoC) revalidation and can be used to display your experience in your employment profile. PYA is authorised by the MCA (UK) and Transport Malta. Step 2 – Choose Your Option Full Members Get a PYA Service Record an official document displaying all you verified sea service. Unlimited testimonial and certificate verification. Non-Members Get digitally signed testimonials (not a PYA Service Record). €50 per testimonial (a minimum purchase of two is required for the first submission). See all services Step 3 – Upload Your Documents Join or log in to your PYA profile and upload: Complete your profile (passport style photo, basic information, contact information, billing address) Certified copy of passport (.pdf) Certified certificates (optional) Step 4 – Use the Definitions Download and print the sea service definitions for Engineers. Download and print the sea service definitions for Deck. Step 5 – Allow for Processing The process is fully digital and can take up to 25 working days: A. Fill the testimonial form on your profile and send to your signatory (Captain, Chief Officer, Chief Engineer, Owner or Manager). B. Once the testimonial is digitally signed and confirmed by the signatory , it will go to the Sea Service Department to be reviewed . C. The sea service will either be approved by the Sea Service team or sent back with a request for more information or review. We remain available to you at this point if you wish to discuss the comments. D. Once approved by the sea service team, the testimonial will go to the SRB Officers who will give it a final review and verification. E. Verified testimonials will be show on your service record or be officially stamped . Sea Service Definitions : Free with Full Membership €50 (minimum 2) For non-members Become a member or pay for an individual testimonial Sea Service Verification The PYA is authorised by the UK Maritime Coastguard Agency (MCA) and by Transport Malta to verify yacht sea service testimonials for all yacht crew worldwide. To All services Discover our plans to get access to all the services we provide. Become a member

The PYA Welfare Group will chair a new webinar on crew rights and wellbeing, bringing together experts from key Flag states to discuss important issues affecting seafarers globally. © Chris Gouvernelle PYA Welfare Group to launch new webinar on crew rights and wellbeing To All news 23 October 2023 The PYA Welfare Group will chair a new webinar on crew rights and wellbeing, bringing together experts from key Flag states to discuss important issues affecting seafarers globally. The latest webinar follows a series of discussions in the past year including a forum held by the PYA Welfare Group with key Flag states that covered how to deal with bullying, harassment and other workplace issues. With many yacht crew unfamiliar with local and international support resources available to them, the Flag states discussion was well received by the community. It also provided the opportunity for participants to ask questions as well as learn about regulations. Building on that success, our latest webinar, chaired by Angela Wallace, Director of Interior Training for the PYA Welfare Group, will welcome the Flag states back to explore further areas of crew rights and wellbeing. The following guests will attend: Guest speakers Ivan Tabone - Deputy Chief Officer at the Merchant Shipping Directorate at Transport Malta Authority Martyn Oates - Technical Policy Manager, Isle of Man Ship Registry Holly Griffin - Seafarer Living and Working Conditions Policy Manager, UK Maritime and - Coastguard Agency James Hatcher - Senior Maritime Policy Adviser and Shipping Master, Cayman Islands Shipping Registry Alexander von Stein - Advisor / Special Agent / Certified Trainer of trainers and maritime inspectors MLC 2006, Marshall Islands Registry France representative (DIRM MED/RIF) - To be confirmed To take part in this webinar, you can reserve your place by booking via our event page . If you would like to host a webinar with the PYA, please contact us on info@pya.org with the subject ‘Webinar Partner’. We look forward to welcoming you to our latest webinar hosted by the PYA Welfare Group! To access our previous webinars, you can visit our website to see the latest discussions in the archive . 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 has undertaken to work with the MCA and other relevant partners to re-write the Deck Training Record Book in its entirety to bring it up to date with the skills required by today’s yacht crew. Help the PYA improve on board learning opportunities for crew today To All news 11 January 2023 On board training and mentoring survey 2023 THE PROBLEM The yachting industry has experienced incredible growth over the last 20 years and more recently, sometimes unwelcome publicity, which all employers and senior crew will know, has resulted in a great shortage of individuals with the right mind set, qualifications, knowledge and career background to fill many of their vacancies on board . The pace of yachting is faster, the demands higher and time shorter, which has meant that many crew do not today benefit from the on-board training & mentoring which was the staple method of learning for many senior crew when they first entered the industry. Shore based courses can only provide a certain amount of knowledge. There is nothing to compare with the broad spectrum of practical skills which can be gained by experience and passed down by senior crew to those starting in the industry. THE TRAINING RECORD BOOK In addition, the MCA Training Record Book (TRB), which Deck crew need to complete at the beginning of their careers to prove knowledge of practical skills, last revised in 2004 , is woefully out of date with modern yachting practice and fast moving current technology. SOME SOLUTIONS The board of the PYA has voted that one of its main aims for 2023 will be to encourage a return to the age-old practice of on-board training and mentoring of junior crew by their more senior fellow crew.The PYA has also undertaken to work with the MCA and other relevant partners to re-write the Deck Training Record Book in its entirety to bring it up to date with the skills required by today’s yacht crew. The first step of the journey is to discover current practices in the industry so that we can assess how to move forward with this aim. PLEASE HELP US BY COMPLETING THE SHORT PYA SURVEY HERE With your help, we can improve the learning outcomes for many crew and help re-build the pool of qualified, knowledgeable and professional crew in our great industry. Thank you. The PYA Team 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 GUEST Program, governed by the International Association of Maritime Institutions (IAMI) representing maritime educators and regulators and are experts in developing and delivering maritime education globally, is recognized internationally within the superyacht industry. The GUEST Program, governed by the International Association of Maritime Institutions (IAMI), stands as a hallmark of excellence in superyacht education. IAMI, representing maritime educators and regulators, is renowned for its expertise in developing and delivering maritime education worldwide. The GUEST program is internationally recognized within the superyacht industry as the definitive standard for the Large Yacht qualifications and assessments for industry led education. It offers a comprehensive portfolio of short courses that align with the regulatory requirements for seafarers' qualifications. GUEST training is meticulously designed to provide targeted education tailored to the diverse responsibilities and activities crew members are expected to perform. The program equips professionals with the technical skills and attributes necessary to excel in their roles, enhancing their careers both onboard and ashore. These courses not only align with the mandatory aspects of superyacht operations but primarily focus on developing the advanced skills required for high-level performance in this specialized industry. In addition, the IAMI CoC is achievable for GUEST students working within the various Interior department’s onboard, where superyacht professionals can demonstrate their commitment to excellence and adherence to the highest standards of safety, service, and operational competence, as well as enhancing their career prospects. The GUEST Program utilizes blended learning platforms to offer flexible and accessible training. This approach allows students across different time zones to progress at their own pace, ensuring that the education is accommodating and effective. With a network of approved GUEST trainers and specialists located worldwide, students receive consistent support and guidance throughout their training journey. This personalized mentorship ensures a high level of engagement and provided a deeper understanding of the course material. On successful completion of each course, students earn the industry-recognized IAMI GUEST Certification, highly regarded to enhance their career progression and professional journey within the superyacht sector. To ensure that GUEST courses remain current, effective, and of the highest quality, they are regularly inspected and updated by teams of professional experts and qualified trainers. IAMI plays a critical role in upholding these standards through ongoing audits of its Training Providers, meticulously reviewing and monitoring course delivery, qualification standards, and learning outcomes. This rigorous quality assurance process guarantees that the education provided across IAMI GUEST Accredited Training Providers continues to be a valuable investment for students, contributing to their professional growth and advancing the standards of superyacht education. By maintaining this high level of oversight, the GUEST Program not only benefits individual learners but also contributes to elevating the overall professionalism and competence within the superyacht industry. Services Accredited Training Programs: Providing a comprehensive portfolio of accredited short courses designed to meet the unique demands of the superyacht industry, covering areas such as onboard operations, hospitality, and safety. Certification and Qualifications: Issuing internationally recognized IAMI GUEST Certifications upon successful course completion, which are highly regarded in the superyacht industry for enhancing professional credentials. With the completion of a GUEST Hospitality Program leading to the issue of an IAMI Yacht Hospitality Certificate of Competency. Approved Trainers and Specialists: Connecting students with a network of approved GUEST trainers and specialists worldwide, providing expert guidance and support throughout their training journey. Curriculum Development: Developing and regularly updating course content to align with industry standards and regulatory requirements, ensuring that training remains relevant and effective. Quality Assurance and Auditing: Conducting ongoing audits and inspections of IAMI GUEST Accredited Training Providers to ensure consistent delivery of high-quality education and adherence to established standards. Industry Standards Alignment: Ensuring that the GUEST Program aligns with regulatory mandatory seafarers' qualifications and industry best practices, maintaining a high level of professionalism in superyacht training. Career Enhancement and Professional Growth: Providing targeted training that supports career advancement for superyacht professionals, enhancing their skill sets and improving job prospects within the industry. Blended Learning Platforms : Offering flexible learning options through blended learning platforms, allowing students to study at their own pace and in various time zones, with both online and in-person components. Skills and Competency Development: Focusing on the development of technical skills and attributes required for a broad range of responsibilities within the superyacht sector, both onboard and ashore. Networking and Professional Community: Offering opportunities for students and trainers to connect with industry professionals, creating a network of peers and mentors within the superyacht sector. Contact information Joey Meen International Association of Maritime Institutions IAMI Director (BoD), IAMI GUEST Sub Group Sec & IAMI GUEST Director +44 7399 662408 guest@iami.org.uk www.guest-program.com Guest Program The GUEST Program, governed by the International Association of Maritime Institutions (IAMI) representing maritime educators and regulators and are experts in developing and delivering maritime education globally, is recognized internationally within the superyacht industry. Visit website Back to All Partners Become a member and enjoy the exclusive offers from our partners. Become a member

The PYA sponsored GUEST training program developed over the last several years together with wider maritime hospitality training standards, has now successfully transferred from the PYA to IAMI. IAMI is the association of maritime training colleges and training providers for seafarers. Interior Training Standards for crew To All news 14 February 2019 The PYA sponsored GUEST training program developed over the last several years together with wider maritime hospitality training standards, has now successfully transferred from the PYA to IAMI. IAMI is the association of maritime training colleges and training providers for seafarers. IAMI has formed a Maritime Hospitality sub group with its first meeting planned later this month in Southampton, UK. Associate Membership of IAMI is now available to any training provider offering courses in hospitality training for interior crew. This forum will consider the standards of training and development for all interior departments. IAMI is managing the GUEST interior training programme. Joey Meen is the newly appointed Director of Interior Training at IAMI. More news 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 more about the social security rights and obligations yachts and crew have within the EU. Know your EU Social Security Rights and Obligations To All news 1 March 2022 Within the EU, Seafarers, like other EU Nationals are entitled to social protection. Those crew (who are EU nationals) working on board vessels flying the flag of an EU country, by virtue of Article 11.4 of EU Regulation 883/2004, shall be subject to be insured in the Flag State. The only exception for crew to be insured in the Member State where the employer has their business/registered office, is if he/she has their residency in the same Member State. It is important to know that, although there are various private schemes offered to yachts that, along with insurance policies, claim to provide private alternatives to a state social security scheme, none of these private solutions are approved by country bodies, such as ENIM in France. There are also significant legal consequences, both civil and criminal for yachts not complying with social security obligations. France In July 2017, France introduced a social security decree, following mandatory obligations under the MLC, requiring all seafarers resident in France, or those who spend more than 181 days in France, to pay into their social security system. The aim of these regulations is to ensure seafarers resident in France are afforded protection (whether the yacht is a pleasure or commercial vessel). During the 2021 Cannes Yachting Festival, PYA Partner, Breaking The Mould Accounting, heard from local lawyers that there are still yacht owners regularly being prosecuted for hidden employment, despite the legislation being in place for 5 years. If you would like to find out more about social security protection in France, contact ENIM. Malta With exception to the above ruling, yacht crew working on vessels registered in Malta have the benefit of registering their social security in another EU member state scheme, allowing greater flexibility to those who reside elsewhere and still receive the same social protection. More information Learn more about EU Crew Employment Services, plus specific advice for social security in Malta, by contacting our partner, Alasdair Milroy, at Breaking the Mould Accounting . More news 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

Seafarers UK, the charity for those who work at sea, has released its new ten-point manifesto which sets out the charity’s commitment for seafarers’ safety and welfare before, during and after their careers. Does the welfare of your crew align with the Seafarers UK manifesto? To All news 9 January 2020 The Seafarers' Charity , the UK charity for those who work at sea, has released its new ten-point manifesto which sets out the charity’s commitment for seafarers’ safety and welfare before, during and after their careers. According to Seafarers UK CEO, Catherine Spencer, ‘This manifesto summarises what we are working on and what we want the maritime industry to consider, putting seafarers at the heart of decision-making.’ The Seafarers' Charity asks that seafarers: Be kept safe and return from their seafaring voyages without experiencing accidents or harm Be supported to train and develop careers working at sea Take care of their families and dependants during long periods away from home Feel less lonely or isolated when working at sea, through maintaining connections with family and dependents ashore, as well as having access to onboard initiatives Access free, high-quality welfare services, which respond to seafarers' and their families’ needs with respect and dignity and engage their views on the design and development of services Access independent advice, information and support via their preferred delivery channels such as face-to-face, telephone, web chat, digital tools, social media or self-help literature Be provided with regular welfare breaks in respect of hours of work, shore leave, length of journey, etc. in order to reduce fatigue and to maintain their health and wellbeing Thrive and have their uniqueness respected within a culturally diverse working environment without fear of bullying or harassment. This includes equality of opportunity and respecting language, food, religion, and behavioural differences Transition from sea to shore. This includes supporting the provision of short-term accommodation and other welfare and support services aimed at adjusting from working at sea Obtain dignity in retirement through access to financial security, appropriate accommodation and a network of support from maritime welfare charities. Each year, the charity provides vital support to seafarers in need by giving grants to organisations and projects that make a real difference to their lives. If you are a charity or project seeking funding or looking for further information about how the sponsored organisations help individuals, visit the Seafarers website for more information. Photo caption Catherine Spencer, Chief Executive Officer, Seafarers UK More news 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 MCA have updated their list of approved ENG1 doctors based internationally. © Mateo Hernandez Reyes The MCA updates its list of approved ENG1 doctors outside of the UK To All news 12 October 2023 The MCA have updated their list of approved ENG1 doctors based internationally. Seafarer's which are currently employed on vessels will need to have their seafarer medical fitness certificate approved, which in the UK is called the ENG1. The certificate is confirmation that an individual is deemed medically fit to work on sea-going ships and they do not have a pre-existing medical condition that could pose a risk to themselves or others while carrying out their duties. It is important to know that the MCA will accept seafarer medical certificates that are approved by international maritime administrations as well. Among the list of countries which are recognised by the MCA for the issuance of medical certificates include: France, Malta, Spain and Norway. To get the full list, you can explore the resource here for further information. For seafarers that are based internationally, national maritime authorities will also have their own list of approved doctors. One particular example is the Norwegian Maritime Authority that has published its approved list of doctors operating outside of the country which can be viewed here . To understand more about ENG1 or other medical certificates such as the ML5, you can explore the MCA’s guidance on obtaining one. To see the current list of approved overseas doctors by the MCA, please explore this resource . 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

Get access to the PYA's SEA contract templates, specifically designed for crew working on non-commercial vessels. PYA Develops SEA Contract Templates To All news 26 October 2021 From surveys and cases handled by our confidential Member Assistance Service, the PYA has become aware that there are many seafarers, especially those working on smaller yachts, that have inadequate employment contracts or, even, no contract at all. We are also aware that some Captains are not using employment contracts and would like to introduce them but do not know how to do so. It is for these reasons that the PYA is offering two 'contract templates' that can be used to create an employment contract suitable for each particular situation or individual. Please note carefully that these templates are only for use on so-called 'Pleasure Vessels'/yachts not operating commercially. The PYA would very much like to receive feedback from members on these templates. Please send all feedback to advice@pya.org . Download SEA Templates 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

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 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