This year’s Sea Changes Forum at the Monaco Yacht Show was the largest gathering of industry professionals since the annual conference was launched in 2011. © PYA PYA Sea Changes Forum 2023 Highlights To All news 4 October 2023 This year’s Sea Changes Forum at the Monaco Yacht Show was the largest gathering of industry professionals since the annual conference was launched in 2011. Taking place on September 28th, the PYA welcomed a host of international speakers from across the yachting world to discuss important industry issues. Areas including crew hiring, retention, welfare and exploration among others were discussed including new initiatives that have been set up to map the ocean floors - a scientific endeavor that demonstrates how our industry is making a difference to research among other things. With more than 150,000 people directly employed in the yachting industry and a global turnover exceeding 24 billion euros a year, there has never been a more exciting time for yachting with a booming maritime industry that is set to bring economic benefits to many countries. Christophe Bourillion, CEO for the PYA commented: “We want to say another big thank you to all our attending guests, partners and supporters that made this year’s event a big success for everyone involved. We had some great discussions and were introduced to insightful topics that have broadened our perspective about what is happening in the yachting industry today - and what is also to come. It is our hope that this year’s Sea Changes Forum can be the melting pot that helps our industry stay informed while advancing technological innovations. We hope to see you all again next year!” As part of this year’s Sea Changes Forum, the PYA welcomed the following guest speakers: Mr John Wyborn, IAMI Board member - who discussed the work IAMI does for yacht training including the Deck Certification Report. Miss Joey Meen, IAMI Guest Program Director - who shared insights on the importance of soft skill training & the CPD opportunities of bespoke (non-mandatory) education to support yachting careers – with the Yacht Owners Representative Program being provided as an example. Mr Richard Falk, Director of Training and Qualifications, Royal Yachting Association - who introduced “RYA Training and Qualifications, Rising to the Challenges of the Future”. Miss Angela Wallace, PYA Director of Interior Training, PYA Welfare Group - who discussed current issues in the industry regarding crew including recruitment and retention. Mr Jo Assael, Republic of Marshall Islands (RMI) Yacht Register, International Registries Inc - who introduced the RMI’s Master (Yachts) Unlimited Tonnage Certificate of Competency (CoC). Mr John Everett Nyberg, Technical Director, IHO - who discussed the IHO’s international mapping project. Guests in attendance included captains and seafarers from across the industry including representatives from various organisations in yachting. Following the forum, we took part in a cocktail gathering on the roof of the IHO HQ at the Monaco Yacht Show. See some of the gallery highlights below The PYA wants to say a big thank you to our supporting sponsors who made this year’s event possible including the IHO , Ocean Drive , IAMI , Guest Program , Bluewater , MYBA , YPI Crew , SeaScope . We look forward to seeing you all next September for the 2024 Sea Changes Forum! More news Sea Changes Forum 2026 highlights - Navigating the future of yachting The PYA Sea Changes Forum 2026, held on 24 September at the IHO in Monaco, brought together Flag States, maritime authorities and industry experts to address critical yachting updates, safety compliance, crew training and welfare, and ocean stewardship initiatives. Read more Sea Changes Forum 2026 The PYA is pleased to invite you to the 2026 Sea Changes Forum, taking place on Thursday, 24 September 2026, at the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) in Monaco, during the Monaco Yacht Show. Read more Upcoming Webinar: Water Safety On Yachts The Professional Yachting Association is pleased to invite yacht crew and industry professionals to an upcoming live webinar dedicated to Water Safety On Yachts, taking place on 10 June 2026 from 15:00 to 16:00CET. Led by recognised experts in water management and regulatory compliance, this session will explore the common bacteria found in vessel water systems, the risks they pose to crew, guests and operations, and the practical measures that can be implemented to maintain safe onboard water standards. Read more

A few months ago, the PYA announced that the MCA would start recognising Maltese Yacht-restricted CoCs. Some of our members contacted the MCA without receiving any concrete information. We have reached out to the MCA several times and finally received the following statement: The MCA & Red Ensign Group recognise Maltese Yacht-Restricted Certificates of Competence To All news 24 May 2024 A few months ago, the PYA announced that the MCA would start recognising Maltese Yacht-restricted CoCs. Some of our members contacted the MCA without receiving any concrete information. We have reached out to the MCA several times and finally received the following statement: The United Kingdom Administrations shall issue Flag State Endorsements (FSE) issued against the Maritime Administration of Malta Yacht CoCs providing the training and assessment has been conducted by the approved training centres listed. The United Kingdom Administrations shall issue FSEs against the following Maltese Yacht CoCs : • Officer of the Watch (Yachts) <3000GT (STCW II/1) • Master of Yachts <3000GT (STCW II/2) • Master of Yachts <500 (STCW II/2) Maritime Administration of Malta approved Training Centres : 1. Maritime MT, Hal Far Industrial Estate, Birzebbugia, Malta 2. XONE Superyacht, Skyway Offices Block C, 179 Marina Road, Pieta, Malta Candidates with Maltese Yacht CoCs applying for a Flag State Endorsement (STCW I/10) to the Red Ensign members must, in addition to mandatory requirements submit a course completion certificate from one of the above-named approved centres. The Cayman Islands Ship Registry has also confirmed that the " REG now have an agreement in place and yes we are accepting specific Yacht-restricted CoCs issued by Malta. We will be issuing a new version of our STCW CISN in the near future to confirm this and provide the necessary details ". The PYA is authorised to carry out sea service verification on behalf of Transport Malta. The PYA D-SRB can be used to prove your sea time. If you want to apply for a Maltese Yacht CoC, don't hesitate to contact us. If you have any questions or experience any issues, please don’t hesitate to contact us at srb@pya.org More news Sea Changes Forum 2026 highlights - Navigating the future of yachting The PYA Sea Changes Forum 2026, held on 24 September at the IHO in Monaco, brought together Flag States, maritime authorities and industry experts to address critical yachting updates, safety compliance, crew training and welfare, and ocean stewardship initiatives. Read more Sea Changes Forum 2026 The PYA is pleased to invite you to the 2026 Sea Changes Forum, taking place on Thursday, 24 September 2026, at the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) in Monaco, during the Monaco Yacht Show. Read more Upcoming Webinar: Water Safety On Yachts The Professional Yachting Association is pleased to invite yacht crew and industry professionals to an upcoming live webinar dedicated to Water Safety On Yachts, taking place on 10 June 2026 from 15:00 to 16:00CET. Led by recognised experts in water management and regulatory compliance, this session will explore the common bacteria found in vessel water systems, the risks they pose to crew, guests and operations, and the practical measures that can be implemented to maintain safe onboard water standards. Read more

Find out which RYA certificates are now valid for Spanish-registered vessels. 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 Sea Changes Forum 2026 highlights - Navigating the future of yachting The PYA Sea Changes Forum 2026, held on 24 September at the IHO in Monaco, brought together Flag States, maritime authorities and industry experts to address critical yachting updates, safety compliance, crew training and welfare, and ocean stewardship initiatives. Read more Sea Changes Forum 2026 The PYA is pleased to invite you to the 2026 Sea Changes Forum, taking place on Thursday, 24 September 2026, at the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) in Monaco, during the Monaco Yacht Show. Read more Upcoming Webinar: Water Safety On Yachts The Professional Yachting Association is pleased to invite yacht crew and industry professionals to an upcoming live webinar dedicated to Water Safety On Yachts, taking place on 10 June 2026 from 15:00 to 16:00CET. Led by recognised experts in water management and regulatory compliance, this session will explore the common bacteria found in vessel water systems, the risks they pose to crew, guests and operations, and the practical measures that can be implemented to maintain safe onboard water standards. Read more

The PYA is partnering with Genoa Superyacht Hub (GSH) to develop a number of initiatives in support of yacht crew commencing in March 2024. 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 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

Read about the MCA's updates on manning tables, conversion from foreign licenses, dual role, and training record book Hello I am a new text. Update from the MCA on Engineering To All news 14 June 2023 The PYA Sea Service team attended the latest IAMI Subgroup meeting for engineering on 13th June 2023, together with the MCA, Colleges and Training Providers that offer MCA engineering training. The MCA announced that manning tables and conversions from foreign CoCs to SV ones will be published next week on the UK Government website. The SETO (Senior Electrical Technical Officer) modernisation workgroup is discussing questions for exams and aims to make the first one available in December. The same modernisation process will then happen for the ETO after the SETO exam is finalised. The MCA is working on a new non-mandatory course that will focus on alternative fuels for the domestic market. Clarification on the SV entry requirements for the dual role and the filling in of the Engineering Training Record Book was provided. For those working in a dual role , who have been doing a minimum of 4h daily duty in the engine room (on average) while the vessel is at sea, their time will be accepted at 100% ( evidence might be required ) towards the entry requirements for the SV Experienced Route (minimum 24 months onboard service, of which at least 6 months at sea on vessels > 200 kW). Post registration, this rule won’t apply , therefore the sea service requirements as stated in MSN 1904 will be doubled for anyone working in a dual role. Regarding the completion of certain tasks that may prove difficult, the MCA will not make any exceptions unless the candidate can prove the impossibility of doing so otherwise. The MCA explained that the SV CoC will enable the engineer to work on a variety of yachts and other vessels that will have the equipment mentioned in the TRB on board, therefore the lack of it on the boat that they are serving on will not justify the non-completion of related tasks. The candidate must find alternative ways to complete the requirements. An example of this is inviting a Senior Engineer on board who will mentor the candidate, followed by a detailed report on what was learned showing one understands the principles. The burden of proof relies on the candidate and the workbook is an imperative tool that must record the essence of the tasks and show they’ve been done correctly. Incomplete tasks are likely to be the subject of examination during the oral assessment. The matter showed the potential need for training providers and colleges to fill in the gaps. We advise you to contact your college/training provider should you not find alternative ways to complete some of the tasks. We also suggest creating a detailed sheet for every piece of equipment on board for each boat that you’ve worked on and that a copy be sent to us . This will allow the PYA to start a dossier to submit to the MCA for tasks requiring review based on what equipment is commonly found on board and what isn’t. Concerning the signing off tasks by a captain, if the captain has engineering competence that can be proven, then his/her signatures will be fully accepted, if not, they will need to be countersigned by someone with an engineering background/license. Specific circumstances will always be assessed on an individual basis by contacting engineering@mcga.gov.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 GO-TO global Directory of RECOMMENDED Yacht Services & Suppliers - by Captains & Crew. THE CAPTAIN'S INSIDE GUIDE Since 2002, the Superyacht Services Guide has been a trusted platform offering personal recommendations from hundreds of experienced captains and crew. With an extensive database of over 12,000+ vetted services and suppliers, who have each received at least 3 x recommendations from within the industry, and destination information, it helps fast-track crew and owners to the very best the global yachting industry has to offer. With a team of authors who bring deep industry knowledge, and feet on the ground research, the Superyacht Services Guide remains the most trusted, go-to resource for excellence in the superyacht world and yachting industry. Contact: info@superyachtpublications.com Website: https://www.superyachtservicesguide.com The Superyacht Services Guide The GO-TO global Directory of RECOMMENDED Yacht Services & Suppliers - by Captains & Crew. Visit website Back to All Partners Become a member and enjoy the exclusive offers from our partners. Become a member

Find out the latest details regarding the recent job scam alert, including information about the companies involved. Yacht Job Scam Alert - Disclaimer To All news 22 June 2021 Following the recent notification by the PYA (direct email and blog post ) which revealed the modus operandi of an entity seeking to defraud people looking for positions in the yachting industry, more information has come to light as the PYA pursued further investigations and received feedback from other parties concerned. It appears that an Eastern European cyberspace entity calling itself TMT Yachts Holding, has compiled a fake web profile by stripping parts from the web pages of an authentic yacht management company, TWW Yachts, using their logo, and an authentic commercial ship company C-bed Holding A/S, and illegally displaying the logos of other prime organizations such as Lloyd’s, on their material. In addition, they have been pushing out crudely butchered employment “contracts”, purporting to come from Lesia Group in Guernsey, or from the PYA. Presumably such false contracts are intended to serve as bait when offering nonsensical courses, to be paid for upfront by job candidates as a pre-condition of employment. This Disclaimer is to affirm that the PYA does not issue crew contracts, and that any and all implied or overt affiliations between TMT Yachts Holding and the PYA, or Lesia Group, or TWW Yachts, or YPI, or any individual yacht named by TMT Yachts Holding, or any other legitimate body which may have been targeted by TMT Yachts Holding, are totally spurious and invalid. Our members are advised to ignore all postings, job offers, training courses, and any other online content emanating from TMT Yachts Holding. If any direct contact has already been made, the safe approach is to sever it forthwith, and change passwords to all personal and financial records. 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

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.. Join the war on single-use plastic with Clear Ocean Pact To All news 7 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 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 flag states are essentially the ‘nationality’ of the yacht. For example, if it is registered in the Isle of Man, the yacht will be governed by the laws of the Isle of Man, so it’s a relatively important decision for the owner to make, not to mention the fiscal implications of the country that they choose. The Flag State and the Seafarer To All news 20 June 2022 For those of you that have been in yachting for a while, you’ll know all about the flag states. But for those that need an introduction, this is essentially the ‘nationality’ of the yacht. For example, if it is registered in the Isle of Man, the yacht will be governed by the laws of the Isle of Man, so as you can imagine, it’s a relatively important decision for the owner to make, not to mention the fiscal implications of the country that they choose. The flag state holds a lot of power because they can govern the legislature and regulations that are likely to influence the yacht and international maritime issues. As early as the Roman Greek empire, flag states have played a role, often being selected for protection and benefits for that specific port when it came to trading. Obviously, these days, the more important issues such as regulations, tax and general standards dictate how flag states are chosen. What were once known as “open registers”, which back in the day were chosen for their trading advantages, are now known as “flags of convenience” which are generally laxer with their regulations, standards and often have sanctions to trade in contrabands and dangerous goods. Additional points that attract ship owners to these registries is the ability to hire crew of any nationality, freedom from tax & fiscal control and the mere simplicity of the registration procedure. However, what’s in the interest of the owner, is not necessarily in the interest of the seafarer. Fortunately, the majority of yachts tend to register with the red ensign group, which are a group of British Shipping Registries which are well known for their high standards and strict adherence to rules and regulations that provide safe work environments for seafarers as well as the protection of the marine environment. SOLAS, the IMO, MARPOL, the STCW and other conventions also contribute to these objectives. The red ensign group, along with any registries of the Paris White List, are registries under which you would be wanting to work. The Paris MoU Annual Report gives an extensive list of registries ranked in order from quality to poor performance flags. With your HOD, Captain and DPA all being points of contact for any contentious issues onboard, the flag state is also responsible for seafarers that are working under its jurisdiction and are not to be ruled out when issues onboard arise. As with their responsibility to protect seafarers, so it is the responsibility of the seafarer to report any incidents to the flag state. Failing to do so not only skew any reporting but also has a knock-on effect to potential flaws in registration and protection of seafarers in the long term, so it is important to take this responsibility seriously. Flag states are considered a bit of a weak point when it comes to the protection of seafarers, as they are one of the highest authority figures to go to. There is work being conducted to illuminate ways in which to improve the situation, however, there is very little action that can be taken to ensure flag states are taking every measure possible to oversee the good of the maritime industry. They like to remain diplomatic with other flag states and IMO sanctions have many legal and fiscal effects that make it an unattractive solution. Not to mention the numerous different regulations within the commercial sector that they need to oversee which is time-consuming and requires specific expertise which can be a strain on resources. This brings us back to the point of taking every action as a maritime professional to work together with the authorities towards creating improvements, which includes the reporting of incidents. There are many organisations that can also assist seafarers in need and can facilitate communication in difficult circumstances, namely Nautilus , the PYA , The Seafarers Rights International (SRI) and it’s important to make use of these organisations and the flag states to strive for better conditions in the maritime industry throughout. Dominique Smit Founder VIRTUAL PURSERS 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

Capt. Schofield, who commands the yacht WHITE ROSE OF DRACHS, has been President of the PYA since 2008 and has played a significant role in bringing the PYA to its current position as the only world-wide body devoted exclusively to the interests of seafarers working on superyachts. Award of Merchant Navy Medal to PYA President To All news 10 October 2018 Capt. Schofield, who commands the yacht WHITE ROSE OF DRACHS, has been President of the PYA since 2008 and has played a significant role in bringing the PYA to its current position as the only world-wide body devoted exclusively to the interests of seafarers working on superyachts. Following the award ceremony, Captain Schofield stated “The success of the PYA’s initiatives is the result of the hard work of many people who volunteer their time to make them a reality along with the diligence of our staff. I would like to acknowledge this and accept the honour on behalf of this collective effort”. In addition, Capt. Schofield is one of main instigators of the IHO’s scheme to collect ‘crowd-sourced’ bathymetric data from yachts in order to improve chart data in areas infrequently, or never, surveyed. This Queen’s award, presented by Princess Anne on her behalf, is welcome proof that the United Kingdom acknowledges the importance and value of super-yachts to the Red Ensign group of flag administrations. 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