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​ Interior Training Standards for crew To All news 13 February 2019 The PYA sponsored GUEST training program developed over the last several years together with wider maritime hospitality training standards, has now successfully transferred from the PYA to IAMI. IAMI is the association of maritime training colleges and training providers for seafarers. IAMI has formed a Maritime Hospitality sub group with its first meeting planned later this month in Southampton, UK. Associate Membership of IAMI is now available to any training provider offering courses in hospitality training for interior crew. This forum will consider the standards of training and development for all interior departments. IAMI is managing the GUEST interior training programme. Joey Meen is the newly appointed Director of Interior Training at IAMI. More news Kickstart Your Yachting Career: Next Generation in Yachting Forum on May 3rd, 2024 This is the first forum ever created for the next generation of yacht crew. Representatives from top recruitment agencies and other yacht professionals, will be joining to answer your questions and guide you on your yachting journey. Read more PYA to Address Crew Concerns at Palma Boat Show Panel The PYA is excited to announce their participation in a panel discussion on “Crew Careers, Retention, Health and Wellbeing” at the upcoming Superyacht Breakfast Seminars by Estela Superyacht Agency during the Palma Boat Show. Read more YARE 2024: Captains Brainstorm Solutions for Finding the Right People The recent Yachting Aftersales and Refit Experience (YARE) event in Italy brought captains, yacht managers and other stakeholders, together for a lively discussion on a critical topic: The Human Capital – Finding the Right People. Read more

​ Boost for Greek Yachting with the Launch of "e-Charter Permission" To All news 10 January 2024 Greece has taken a significant step forward in supporting its yachting industry with the implementation of the new electronic application "e-Charter Permission." This innovative platform, launched in December, marks a pivotal moment in Greece's transition to a digitalized yachting landscape, streamlining the process and opening up new avenues for growth in 2024. At its core, "e-Charter Permission" serves as a one-stop shop for yachting stakeholders, offering a simplified and streamlined approach to navigating the complexities of the industry. This centralised platform seamlessly integrates with existing governmental systems, ensuring seamless data exchange and enhanced efficiency. The introduction of "e-Charter Permission" goes beyond mere streamlining; it establishes a robust mechanism for recording, monitoring, and controlling the activities of vessels operating under this license. This comprehensive oversight contributes to enhanced safety standards and regulatory compliance, aligning Greece with other nations that have also focused on improved outcomes for their respective industries. The implications of this technological advancement also extend far beyond streamlined operations. The release of the potential of maritime tourism is expected to fuel significant growth within the domestic yachting sector, creating new job opportunities and attracting commercial yachts to choose Greek ports as homeports. This, in turn, will drive the overall economic development of the country as Greece seeks to expand its thriving blue economy. The Ministry of Shipping and Island Policy, through the General Secretariat of Shipping and Ports, is at the forefront of this transformation, aligning "e-Charter Permission" with the national maritime development strategy. This commitment to innovation and modernisation underscores Greece's dedication to becoming a global leader in the yachting industry. With the introduction of "e-Charter Permission," Greece has established a modern and transparent framework for the operation of commercial yachts, aptly meeting the evolving demands and challenges of internationalised maritime tourism. This innovative platform marks a new era for Greek yachting, one characterised by efficiency, transparency, and global competitiveness. Details of Charter Permission for Commercial Yachts in Greece The electronic application "e-Charter Permission" issued by the Greek government grants permission for the operation of commercial yachts under a foreign flag of more than 35 meters (excluding wooden vessels) in Greek waters. The application offers two types of licenses: "Charter Permission" for charter contracts entirely within Greek territory and "Charter Permission Plus" for charter contracts with either the start or end point within Greece. The initial license duration is set at twenty-eight (28) days, subject to modification based on specific conditions. Thank you to SOS Yachting Greece for contributing to this announcement. To stay updated with the latest industry developments, be sure to sign up to our newsletter . You can also join the PYA as a member and access numerous services including our MCA and Transport Malta approved Sea Service Verification . More news Kickstart Your Yachting Career: Next Generation in Yachting Forum on May 3rd, 2024 This is the first forum ever created for the next generation of yacht crew. Representatives from top recruitment agencies and other yacht professionals, will be joining to answer your questions and guide you on your yachting journey. Read more PYA to Address Crew Concerns at Palma Boat Show Panel The PYA is excited to announce their participation in a panel discussion on “Crew Careers, Retention, Health and Wellbeing” at the upcoming Superyacht Breakfast Seminars by Estela Superyacht Agency during the Palma Boat Show. Read more YARE 2024: Captains Brainstorm Solutions for Finding the Right People The recent Yachting Aftersales and Refit Experience (YARE) event in Italy brought captains, yacht managers and other stakeholders, together for a lively discussion on a critical topic: The Human Capital – Finding the Right People. Read more

Geio Tischler European Commission continues to recognise Filipino seafarer certificates in maritime sector To All news 23 August 2023 The European Commission recently made the decision to maintain its recognition of seafarer certificates issued by the Philippines, a prominent global supplier of maritime labour. The decision was a testament to the Philippines' commitment to adhering to international standards within the maritime industry. Back in December 2021, the European Commission had raised concerns over the training and certification procedures within the Philippines' seafarer system which put into doubt the future of seafarer certificates. It had signaled that the recognition of these certificates might be revoked unless tangible measures were taken to align with the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) - which could have impacted a significant number of yacht crew internationally. Since then, the Philippines has undertaken substantial initiatives to meet the stringent requirements outlined by the Commission. Notably, improvements were focused on critical aspects such as the oversight, monitoring, supervision, training, and assessment processes. There are currently an estimated 50,000 Filipino masters and officers actively serving on EU-flagged vessels. In the following months, the Commission is expected to provide additional technical support to further bolster the Philippines' education, training, and certification system for seafarers. This commitment aligns with discussions held between President Ursula von der Leyen and President of the Philippines Ferdinand Marcos on the sidelines of the EU-ASEAN summit last December. The European Commission's decision stands as a pivotal moment in sustaining the flow of skilled maritime professionals from the Philippines into the European and global shipping industry. It underscores the importance of maintaining rigorous standards and collaborative partnerships to ensure the safety, efficiency, and quality of maritime operations worldwide. With seafarer certification playing a major role in the maritime industry, yacht crews can expect to receive further guidance in the future for upcoming changes in maritime law and requirements for training. The PYA is authorised by the MCA and Transport Malta to verify yacht sea service testimonials for all yacht crew worldwide. Explore our service or consider subscribing as a full member to receive this service for free. More news Kickstart Your Yachting Career: Next Generation in Yachting Forum on May 3rd, 2024 This is the first forum ever created for the next generation of yacht crew. Representatives from top recruitment agencies and other yacht professionals, will be joining to answer your questions and guide you on your yachting journey. Read more PYA to Address Crew Concerns at Palma Boat Show Panel The PYA is excited to announce their participation in a panel discussion on “Crew Careers, Retention, Health and Wellbeing” at the upcoming Superyacht Breakfast Seminars by Estela Superyacht Agency during the Palma Boat Show. Read more YARE 2024: Captains Brainstorm Solutions for Finding the Right People The recent Yachting Aftersales and Refit Experience (YARE) event in Italy brought captains, yacht managers and other stakeholders, together for a lively discussion on a critical topic: The Human Capital – Finding the Right People. Read more

​ Sustainability in the Yachting Industry To All news 27 April 2021 These have launched with the hopes of developing effective designs and practices to minimise yachting’s impact on the world’s resources, but also to combat the perception that the industry isn’t committed to protecting the very environment that it depends on. As the Covid-19 pandemic has affected the daily realities of the market, how many of these initiatives have continued and had a genuine impact? And is there space for newer programmes to fill in the gaps that still exist in the superyacht industry? Read the full story More news Kickstart Your Yachting Career: Next Generation in Yachting Forum on May 3rd, 2024 This is the first forum ever created for the next generation of yacht crew. Representatives from top recruitment agencies and other yacht professionals, will be joining to answer your questions and guide you on your yachting journey. Read more PYA to Address Crew Concerns at Palma Boat Show Panel The PYA is excited to announce their participation in a panel discussion on “Crew Careers, Retention, Health and Wellbeing” at the upcoming Superyacht Breakfast Seminars by Estela Superyacht Agency during the Palma Boat Show. Read more YARE 2024: Captains Brainstorm Solutions for Finding the Right People The recent Yachting Aftersales and Refit Experience (YARE) event in Italy brought captains, yacht managers and other stakeholders, together for a lively discussion on a critical topic: The Human Capital – Finding the Right People. Read more

​ Join the war on single-use plastic with Clear Ocean Pact To All news 6 October 2019 Following the mailing we sent out earlier this year which called for our members to join the war against the use of single-use plastic, the not-for-profit organisation, Clear Ocean Pact, has received a positive increase in the number of yachts and crew who signed up. Included, was a well-known 107m yacht which the organisation is hoping will have a strong influence on other vessels joining the PACT. The organisation’s Founder, Richard Orme, is hoping to get 1,000 superyachts signed up to the initiative by November 2020. With 52 yachts and >575 crew already committed, the organisation still has some work to do before reaching their goal. By joining the PACT, yachts and crew commit themselves to a set of 5 common goals to help reduce the industry’s dependence on single-use plastics, to share information about viable alternatives to single-use plastic and to inspire other industries to take on the same approach. Do you want to join the fight against single-use plastic? Follow these simple steps: Visit their website clearoceanpact.org Sign-up to the PACT Inspire other yachts and crew to do the same Contribute to Clear Ocean Pact’s Blog If you’d like to contribute to raising awareness against single-use plastic by becoming a guest writer on their blog, please contact Richard Orme at richard@clearoceanpact.org . More news Kickstart Your Yachting Career: Next Generation in Yachting Forum on May 3rd, 2024 This is the first forum ever created for the next generation of yacht crew. Representatives from top recruitment agencies and other yacht professionals, will be joining to answer your questions and guide you on your yachting journey. Read more PYA to Address Crew Concerns at Palma Boat Show Panel The PYA is excited to announce their participation in a panel discussion on “Crew Careers, Retention, Health and Wellbeing” at the upcoming Superyacht Breakfast Seminars by Estela Superyacht Agency during the Palma Boat Show. Read more YARE 2024: Captains Brainstorm Solutions for Finding the Right People The recent Yachting Aftersales and Refit Experience (YARE) event in Italy brought captains, yacht managers and other stakeholders, together for a lively discussion on a critical topic: The Human Capital – Finding the Right People. Read more

​ French Social Security Clarification To All news 25 June 2018 The French authorities have provided official clarification regarding social security payments for yacht crew. The document, provided in French and English, has answered the question of how French residency is determined (more than 6 months in total during a 12 month period), and also specifies that time spent in the shipyard does not count towards the days you have spent in France / French waters. It also confirms that you do not need to subscribe to ENIM if you can show that you have suitable equivalent insurance from a different provider in place. Please do take the time to read this document. English Version Social Security clarification from French authorities - ENGLISH .pdf Download PDF • 78KB French Version Social Security clarification from French authorities - ENGLISH .pdf Download PDF • 78KB We are grateful to the French authorities for providing clear explanation and for being receptive to the negotiations from the yachting industry. More news Kickstart Your Yachting Career: Next Generation in Yachting Forum on May 3rd, 2024 This is the first forum ever created for the next generation of yacht crew. Representatives from top recruitment agencies and other yacht professionals, will be joining to answer your questions and guide you on your yachting journey. Read more PYA to Address Crew Concerns at Palma Boat Show Panel The PYA is excited to announce their participation in a panel discussion on “Crew Careers, Retention, Health and Wellbeing” at the upcoming Superyacht Breakfast Seminars by Estela Superyacht Agency during the Palma Boat Show. Read more YARE 2024: Captains Brainstorm Solutions for Finding the Right People The recent Yachting Aftersales and Refit Experience (YARE) event in Italy brought captains, yacht managers and other stakeholders, together for a lively discussion on a critical topic: The Human Capital – Finding the Right People. Read more

​ Guidelines for being stamped in and out of the Schengen area for visa holders To All news 6 October 2019 There's a lot of misinformation and confusion amongst yacht crew who hold Schengen visas when it comes to being stamped in and out of the Schengen area when starting and finishing their employment onboard a vessel. Unfortunately, far too many yacht crew are still taking their questions to yacht crew Facebook groups with the hope of finding answers. Whilst advice from fellow yacht crew might provide some general guidance, we would highly discourage members from relying on this information as visa advice is tailored to each individual's passport, visa and circumstances. In addition, visa regulations are constantly being updated by authorities, so it's important to get advice which is current and in line with the latest information. By relying on advice from unqualified sources, you might end up breaking the rules of your visa which could prevent you from being granted future Schengen visas and, subsequently, jeopardise your career in yachting. We interviewed immigration officials at the Cannes and Nice Ports in France on 3 October 2019, which are two ports in the French Riviera which have immigration offices. They have provided the following guidance for yacht crew with Schengen Visas: Stamped out - To be stamped out of the Schengen area, the crew member should visit the immigration office at Le Vieux Port Cannes or Nice Port with a valid passport and Schengen Visa. Stamped in - Once a crew member has returned from their time at sea, they can visit the immigration office with a valid passport and visa to be stamped back into the Schengen area, provided they still have available days left on their visa. Please note: The crew member needs to be present in order for their passport to be stamped. Also, the type of Schengen visa a crew member holds might affect their ability to be stamped back in and out multiple times, so we advise crew to check if this possible in advance. Documents required - Only a valid passport and Schengen visa. However, be prepared to show additional documentation to prove your employment, such as an Employment Agreement and/or the Crew List, a Seafarer’s Identity Document, the Yacht’s Certificate of Registry and/or a return ticket back to your home country. The flag under which the boat is registered - This does not affect the immigration requirements and crew can still be stamped in and out of the Schengen area when working on a boat which is registered in a Schengen country. The PYA does not currently provide tailored visa advice, however, we've put together some basic guidelines you should follow: Most of the Schengen countries are in the European Union, BUT some are not. It's important not to confuse the Schengen Area with the EU. Yacht crew can be stamped out of the Schengen area by a Port's Immigration Officer with an official immigration stamp in their passport. Due to the fact that a crew member is officially on a vessel and out of Schengen territory, the number of days that they're allowed in the Schengen area on their visa should not be affected and they should be able to pick up where they left off when being stamped back in by immigration officials. Please note - this is usually only allowed if your visa grants you multiple entries and should be confirmed by an official source. Many Schengen authorities are very strict on stamping crew back into a Schengen country once they've completed their employment on board a vessel and will only do so if the crew member has a repatriation ticket back to their home country. Do not rely on your Captain, management company or the vessel's owners to solve your visa issues. Make sure you know the rights and the regulations of your visa without your employer's assistance. Never ever overstay the number of days allowed on land on your visa. Never overstay your visa expiry date without being stamped out the Schengen area. If you are looking to leave your vessel via a Schengen airport after overstaying your original visa, you will usually need to apply for a transit visa which can usually be issued by an agent at the port of disembarkation. If MLC 2006 applies to your Seafarers Employment Agreement, the cost of this visa and agent should be covered by your vessel. Important - The type of visa and passport you hold might affect the guidelines provided above. We advise all crew to discuss their situation with the port's immigration officials or a verified visa agent. We recommend our members search online for a verified visa agent or speak directly with their local Immigration Officials. Here's a list of useful resources you can also refer to, although be mindful some of this content might be out of date: Official Schengen Visa Website Onboard Online - The Dilemma: Yachting and Schengen Visas (published 21.05.2015) Crew Compass App (published 27.04.2018) Please note: The information provided in this article is believed to be correct at the time of publishing (07.10.2019) and has been verified to be the best of the PYA's ability, however, cannot be guaranteed. More news Kickstart Your Yachting Career: Next Generation in Yachting Forum on May 3rd, 2024 This is the first forum ever created for the next generation of yacht crew. Representatives from top recruitment agencies and other yacht professionals, will be joining to answer your questions and guide you on your yachting journey. Read more PYA to Address Crew Concerns at Palma Boat Show Panel The PYA is excited to announce their participation in a panel discussion on “Crew Careers, Retention, Health and Wellbeing” at the upcoming Superyacht Breakfast Seminars by Estela Superyacht Agency during the Palma Boat Show. Read more YARE 2024: Captains Brainstorm Solutions for Finding the Right People The recent Yachting Aftersales and Refit Experience (YARE) event in Italy brought captains, yacht managers and other stakeholders, together for a lively discussion on a critical topic: The Human Capital – Finding the Right People. Read more

International Luxury Training YACHT & VILLAS is a consulting & training provider with more than 15 years of experience based in Barcelona. Focused on education for the International Luxury Super Yacht and Villa segment, we have industry-recognized qualifications. We provide a full range of specific training courses for the Interior & Maritime areas Onboard, on-class, live sessions, on-site. We offer bespoke training tailored to your yacht or private state needs & requirements. Our training program is based on the Guest Superyacht Interior Training Program. All our courses are international recognized , and we follow the highest yacht industry standards of the G.U.E.S.T. Program & IAMI Association. Also, we provide consulting and recruitment services. Services 1. Training: you will learn standards for all levels of Yacht crew working in the hospitality & service Interior departments of a Super Yacht. All courses are available on class, online, on board or on site. a. For Junior Stewardess – entry level b. For Senior Stewardess – Advanced hospitality and specialist program c. For HoD and Chief Stewardess – Advanced Management program 2. Consulting: Performance managemet design and implement tailored to your yacht or Estate, create operation standards procedures, internal communication, job satisfaction, procedures optimization, improve productivity and guest experience, efficiency and effectiveness 3. Recruitment: we provide crew recruitment services, offering career opportunities and development adapting to our customer’s detailed requirements Contact information maytebruguera@barcelonacrew.com | training@barcelonacrew.com Call (+34) 63655398434 WhatsApp Website: https://www.barcelonacrewacademy.com/ Instagram: @barcelonacrewyacht https://www.instagram.com/barcelonacrewyacht/ Facebook: BarcelonaCrew Yacht Academy https://www.facebook.com/barcelonacrewyachtacademy/ International Luxury Training - Barcelona Crew Academy We are a consulting & training provider with more than 15 years of experience. We offer consulting services & bespoke training tailored to your yacht or private state needs & requirements. Our training program is based on the Guest Superyacht Interior Training Program. Visit website Back to All Partners 5% discount by using the discount code: 'PYABCN'. Become a member and enjoy the exclusive offers from our partners. Become a member

​ Are Your Air Handling Units Spreading COVID-19? To All news 5 October 2021 Air conditioning and air handling units are one of the most important and comprehensive systems onboard. Snaking around, covering all decks and spaces, these almost-invisible systems keep crew and guests air-conditioned and comfortable. From the whirring, thumping and buzzing compressors, through to the sea-water cooled heat exchangers and individual controls in each cabin - the technology in these systems is designed to keep the air onboard clean and safe. However, it is important to know if these onboard systems are spreading COVID-19 or any other airborne illness and, if there is anything we can do to be safer? The UK government recently released their COVID-19 sanitary recommendations for buildings but they don’t readily translate well to yachts. For example, their suggestion of regularly opening windows and increasing the flow of fresh air would be an Engineer’s worst nightmare and ultimately impossible. So, what potential upgrades to onboard AHU systems can keep crew and our guests safer? HEPA Filters SARS/CoV-2 is a relatively ‘large’ virus, so installing a certified HEPA filter can block up to 99% of the virus particles from passing through your AHU system. But, it’s important to note that these filters have increased costs - not only do they come at an inflated purchase price, but to stop more particles than your standard AHU filter, they will need an increased level of regular changing. To overcome this, vessels can carry sand-changing filters onboard. This is an easy and non-invasive solution that requires no additional cost or time to modify as they slide straight in place of your regular filters. UV Lighting Installing UV lamps on the AHU supply side can provide a 90% reduction in the generalised viral load, plus doubling the time in contact with the virus would increase the potential reduction to over 95%. The downside of adding UV lamps to existing AHU systems is that it is usually an invasive and costly method to retrofit to an already complicated system. However, it is a viable and good option for a new-build vessel. Local Applications Local applicants are the ‘go-to’s’ and standard minimum practice on superyachts. They act as disinfectants and, as an option, emit a fresh scent throughout the yacht. Applicants are applied directly in the AHU or locally within each plenum and come as gels and sprays. Gels sit in small pots or are spread in crucial areas, whereas sprays are applied directly in the baffles to keep the air circulating virus-free. Increased Maintenance A thoroughly clean and disinfection of the AHU system’s piping is recommended on a yearly basis and is usually done by external contractors during shipyard periods. The planned maintenance onboard usually calls for daily, weekly and monthly checks and, if issues are seen, corrective measures can be put into place to help prevent future problems. These checks, when done correctly, are very effective at maintaining the system at its designed optimum. It’s important to regularly check whether or not your AHU system needs an upgrade to the hardware or if changing your PMS will provide increased safety. Small changes can make big differences in the long term for the smooth and safe operation of your onboard system. ----- Article author: Adrian Coetsee, PYA Director of Training (Engineering) More news Kickstart Your Yachting Career: Next Generation in Yachting Forum on May 3rd, 2024 This is the first forum ever created for the next generation of yacht crew. Representatives from top recruitment agencies and other yacht professionals, will be joining to answer your questions and guide you on your yachting journey. Read more PYA to Address Crew Concerns at Palma Boat Show Panel The PYA is excited to announce their participation in a panel discussion on “Crew Careers, Retention, Health and Wellbeing” at the upcoming Superyacht Breakfast Seminars by Estela Superyacht Agency during the Palma Boat Show. Read more YARE 2024: Captains Brainstorm Solutions for Finding the Right People The recent Yachting Aftersales and Refit Experience (YARE) event in Italy brought captains, yacht managers and other stakeholders, together for a lively discussion on a critical topic: The Human Capital – Finding the Right People. Read more

Need to apply for an MCA NOE, CoC, Conversion, Flag State Endorsement, Revalidation, or Action Plan? We can help you.If you are a Full or Associate member, this service is included in your membership and you can contact the Sea Service team at srb@pya.org to help you. If you are in Antibes and would like to make an appointment, please contact srb@pya.org ​ Included Full and Associate memberships ​ Become a member Application Support Support and Advice to obtaining your NOE, CoC, Action Plan, Revalidation and Conversion. To All services Discover our plans to get access to all the services we provide. Become a member