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The webinar includes speakers from the French maritime authorities the Préfet maritime de la meditérranée, DONIA mooring app, Bonifacio Marina, and the Mediterranean Posidonia Network, discussing all the key anchoring laws that captains need to be aware of this summer, updates on the mooring buoys in the South of France and Corsica and how to book them, and new information on the anchoring laws in the Balearic Islands. Posidonia legislation for superyachts in the Med by YP To All news 23 May 2023 If you missed the webinar about the Posidonia legislation for superyachts in the Med by Yachting Pages on 15th May 2023, you can find the recording here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DJ_HCm9C1E0 Useful links: Yachting Pages – French anchoring laws Yachting Pages – underwater lights and noise laws Yachting Pages – Mooring buoys in South of France and Corsica Yachting Pages Forum – Posidonia Q&A Yachting Pages – Med book marks Préfet maritime de la méditeranée – Official source for decrees DONIA – mooring app Bonifacio Marina – mooring buoys in Corsica PYA – Posidonia information Mediterranean Posidonia Network – Posidonia legislation across the Med Contact details of panellists - in case you have any questions: Fred Villers – Office français de la biodiversité frederic.villers@ofb.gouv.fr Ornella Valls – Préfet maritime de la méditerranée ornella.valls@intradef.gouv.fr Pierre Descamps – DONIA mooring app pierre.descamp@andromede-ocean.com Michel Mallaroni – Bonifacio Marina directeur@bonifaciomarina.com Marcial Bardolet – Mediterranean Posidonia Network marcialbardolet@gmail.com Steve Crowe – Yachting Pages steve.crowe@yachtingpages.com Thank you to Yachting Pages for all these fantastic resources. They will update their website soon. If you would like to share any feedback with them about the webinar or the Posidonia resources available to you, you can contact hannah.rankine@yachtingpages.com More news Summary of the Sea Changes Forum 2025 In September, we hosted our annual Sea Changes Forum, bringing together key voices from across the yachting industry. The event delivered encouraging updates for the sector and inspiring insights into how we can continue to evolve and improve as a community. Below, you will find a summary of the presentations shared by our expert panelists, along with access to each full presentation for further details. Read more The PYA Christmas Ball Returns for Its 33rd Edition The 33rd edition of the PYA Christmas Ball returns at the iconic Hôtel Martinez in Cannes on Friday 5th December 2025, this year with a glamorous 1960s theme. Join us for a night of celebration with the yachting community — featuring a gourmet dinner, live band, raffle prizes, and plenty of opportunities to connect with fellow professionals from across the industry. A much-loved PYA tradition, the Christmas Ball promises elegance, entertainment, and a touch of vintage sparkle as we come together to close the year in style. Read more PYA - the Voice of yacht crew Discover how our actions go beyond membership to strengthen the entire yachting sector. Read more

In 2019, the PYA was approached by more than 135 members of crew requesting urgent advice from the PYA Members’ Assistance Team, with numbers increasing in 2020. Many of the issues were contract-related or due to the crew member not having a contract at all, particularly those working on private yachts. PYA Crew Contracts Survey Report 2020 To All news 8 October 2020 In 2019, the PYA was approached by more than 135 members of crew requesting urgent advice from the PYA Members’ Assistance Team, with numbers increasing in 2020. Many of the issues were contract-related or due to the crew member not having a contract at all, particularly those working on private yachts. Due to the prevalence of these issues, we decided to conduct a survey and ask crew a range of questions to get a better understanding of how widespread the problems are within the industry, the types of contracts being issued, the quality of those contracts and the conditions under which they had been provided. Having no contract at all, or only an inadequate one, can result in misunderstandings on both sides. Sometimes crew don’t know what is expected of them or in some cases may end up being treated unfairly by their employers. The PYA’s aim is to promote the use of fair and equitable contracts which are adhered to, thus ensuring protection for both parties. Look at the results of the Crew Contract Survey: Crew Contracts Survey - EN .pdf Download PDF • 4.50MB More news Summary of the Sea Changes Forum 2025 In September, we hosted our annual Sea Changes Forum, bringing together key voices from across the yachting industry. The event delivered encouraging updates for the sector and inspiring insights into how we can continue to evolve and improve as a community. Below, you will find a summary of the presentations shared by our expert panelists, along with access to each full presentation for further details. Read more The PYA Christmas Ball Returns for Its 33rd Edition The 33rd edition of the PYA Christmas Ball returns at the iconic Hôtel Martinez in Cannes on Friday 5th December 2025, this year with a glamorous 1960s theme. Join us for a night of celebration with the yachting community — featuring a gourmet dinner, live band, raffle prizes, and plenty of opportunities to connect with fellow professionals from across the industry. A much-loved PYA tradition, the Christmas Ball promises elegance, entertainment, and a touch of vintage sparkle as we come together to close the year in style. Read more PYA - the Voice of yacht crew Discover how our actions go beyond membership to strengthen the entire yachting sector. Read more

The Professional Yachting Association's (PYA) Safety Group is dedicated to fostering a culture of safety and well-being for all crew members on board. Introducing the Onboard Safety Group , a dedicated space for yacht crew, Captains, shoreside yachting professionals, and onboard safety experts to share knowledge and experiences to help elevate safety standards. Why the Onboard Safety Group? In response to safety challenges arising in the yachting industry, the Onboard Safety Group has been formed to promote a culture of awareness and bring together collective knowledge and experience. The Group’s goal is to ensure crew members are equipped with the tools, training, and knowledge necessary to help prevent accidents that could result in casualties and fatalities. A Collaborative Platform for Safety Through our Telegram group and via email at onboardsafety@pya.org , we encourage you to participate by sharing your experiences, concerns, queries, and questions. Your input will help highlight key safety issues and incidents occurring onboard. Scope of Discussion Safety Equipment and Gear Emergency Procedures (excluding medical) Fire Safety (including lithium-ion risks) Awareness and Safety Precautions for Personal Electronic Devices Training and Drills Comprehensive Safety Plan (SMS) Understanding the standardisation of safety procedures onboard and how they align with the IMO's SOLAS Convention How We Aim to Help By identifying emerging safety concerns and real-life risks shared within the group, we work alongside a panel of experts to research best practices and provide guidance. Our aim is to ensure crew members and yachts are better prepared for potential safety threats. Additionally, we strive to develop safety guidance and recommendations tailored specifically to the yachting industry to help enhance onboard safety. Discretion and Disclaimer We respect your privacy. Any details you share will remain strictly confidential and will not be disclosed to anyone outside the PYA without your express permission. Please note that we are not lawyers or representatives of a regulatory body. Any advice we provide is based solely on our knowledge and experience and is given in a personal capacity, not on behalf of the PYA. By working together, we can strengthen safety culture in yachting. We look forward to your participation! Join the Group Stay connected with the Yachting Safety Group: Email: onboardsafety@pya.org Join our Telegram group: Click Here Join the group Included in all paid memberships Become a member Onboard Safety Group The Professional Yachting Association's (PYA) Safety Group is dedicated to fostering a culture of safety and well-being for all crew members on board. To All services Discover our plans to get access to all the services we provide. Become a member

Resolutions, detoxes and diets...How's it going? Are you living in a haze of green smoothies and dawn yoga sessions, or have you fallen off the wagon and eaten half the crew mess Pringles? The Weight of Expectations - Yacht crew & eating disorders To All news 8 April 2021 If you’re locked down in a port or shipyard, maybe getting fit is the only thing you can do right now, but fad diets are ever present, aren't they? In this privileged world of yachting, food is abundant, there are lunch and dinner buffets, crew mess cupboards bursting with snacks, leftover guest lobster… and it’s ironic that amidst all this glorious food, many of us are trying very hard not to eat it. Continue reading here . Author: The K Flag More news Summary of the Sea Changes Forum 2025 In September, we hosted our annual Sea Changes Forum, bringing together key voices from across the yachting industry. The event delivered encouraging updates for the sector and inspiring insights into how we can continue to evolve and improve as a community. Below, you will find a summary of the presentations shared by our expert panelists, along with access to each full presentation for further details. Read more The PYA Christmas Ball Returns for Its 33rd Edition The 33rd edition of the PYA Christmas Ball returns at the iconic Hôtel Martinez in Cannes on Friday 5th December 2025, this year with a glamorous 1960s theme. Join us for a night of celebration with the yachting community — featuring a gourmet dinner, live band, raffle prizes, and plenty of opportunities to connect with fellow professionals from across the industry. A much-loved PYA tradition, the Christmas Ball promises elegance, entertainment, and a touch of vintage sparkle as we come together to close the year in style. Read more PYA - the Voice of yacht crew Discover how our actions go beyond membership to strengthen the entire yachting sector. Read more

Under UK flag jurisdiction these are placed into law by a Statutory Instrument (Act of Parliament) in the UK Merchant Shipping Acts - as amended. These standards are therefore international in application and NOT subject to changes in the political membership of the EU. Brexit and UK CoCs To All news 14 February 2018 The PYA is aware of concerns now being articulated in the maritime press regarding the possible future validity of UK certificates of competency. Crew should be aware and will appreciate that their UK MCA Certificate of Competency is strictly governed under an IMO Convention - Standards of Training and Watch keeping Certification (STCW). Under UK flag jurisdiction these are placed into law by a Statutory Instrument (Act of Parliament) in the UK Merchant Shipping Acts - as amended. These standards are therefore international in application and NOT subject to changes in the political membership of the EU . Separately, the EU Directives (regulations) governing employment within the EU may be affected by BREXIT negotiations. The PYA will continue to monitor the ongoing discussion between the EU and the UK on maritime related issues and advise members of any significant developments. More news Summary of the Sea Changes Forum 2025 In September, we hosted our annual Sea Changes Forum, bringing together key voices from across the yachting industry. The event delivered encouraging updates for the sector and inspiring insights into how we can continue to evolve and improve as a community. Below, you will find a summary of the presentations shared by our expert panelists, along with access to each full presentation for further details. Read more The PYA Christmas Ball Returns for Its 33rd Edition The 33rd edition of the PYA Christmas Ball returns at the iconic Hôtel Martinez in Cannes on Friday 5th December 2025, this year with a glamorous 1960s theme. Join us for a night of celebration with the yachting community — featuring a gourmet dinner, live band, raffle prizes, and plenty of opportunities to connect with fellow professionals from across the industry. A much-loved PYA tradition, the Christmas Ball promises elegance, entertainment, and a touch of vintage sparkle as we come together to close the year in style. Read more PYA - the Voice of yacht crew Discover how our actions go beyond membership to strengthen the entire yachting sector. Read more

Asset V is the quintessential management company, with a 150-year legacy in the marine industry. Our integrity heightens the best interests of our clients and partners. We offer seamless solutions through extensive experience and expertise for superior technical and operational management of a wide variety of vessels. Asset V Yachting Division provides a complete range of yacht management services, including flag registrations, crew and daily operational management, technical and safety management, accounting, project management for new build and refits, and more. Operating from its offices in Malta and the UK, and with presence in Italy, Monaco, and France, Asset V specialises in the crewing and daily management of superyachts. Its services are designed to minimise financial risk and ensure assets are secure and maintained at the best quality standard, whilst also keeping the asset at the highest investment level. Services Safety Management: We provide complete ISM (as well as Mini ISM) and ISPS management in addition to a full array of safety and security services and audits. Technical Management: We provide full technical management services to ensure that your yacht is operated in a safe, reliable, efficient and compliant fashion. Our skilled technical teams monitor vessel performance and condition though regular reporting from the yacht and detailed on board inspections. Operational Management: We provide operational support to ensure a smooth and unrestricted enjoyment of your yacht. Crew Management: Our Crew Placement team focuses on finding reliable, motivated candidates who have the right combination of experience, skills and personalities to ensure that the placement will work for the owner and crew alike. Project Management: We can manage all kinds of project, taking care of every stage and keeping clients updated on the project’s progress throughout the entire period. Contact information Mobile: +33 677 65 62 21 (Stefano Bombardini) Email : info@asset-v.com Website : www.asset-v.com ASSET V Asset V is the quintessential management company, with a 150-year legacy in the marine industry. Our integrity heightens the best interests of our clients and partners. We offer seamless solutions through extensive experience and expertise for superior technical and operational management of a wide variety of vessels. Visit website Back to All Partners Become a member and enjoy the exclusive offers from our partners. Become a member

MaritimeMT opened in 2010 initially to provide training to the Malta Maritime Pilots and in 2015 the Training Centre started offering its services to all seafarers and shore-based personnel. New PYA Partner – MaritimeMT To All news 18 July 2022 Today, MaritimeMT has three academies with campuses in Malta and Athens. The Superyacht Academy offers career progression training and education to seafarers working in the Deck, Hospitality and soon, Engineering departments (IMO STCW Convention as accredited by the Malta Flag Registry). Their 2 other Academies offer training programmes for Merchant Seafarers and Recreational Seafarers. Hence, they offer career routes across different segments, be it Merchant or Superyachts. In addition, they welcome seafarers from all over the globe and seek to make their training programmes available remotely through a digital learning platform through which course participants have access to the classroom-based training modules allowing them to save time and money on their training. Why did you decide to start a training school in the Maritime Sector? Education is the foundation for all sectors, and we truly believe that our industry in particular requires high level quality training. It is only natural that our shareholders, all Master Mariners in their own right, would want to invest in the sector which has given so much back to them. Also, Malta is a Maritime Island Nation... we have a mission to sustain the sector! What makes your business unique? MaritimeMT is a dedicated Maritime Training Centre, whose main concern is the career progression and satisfaction of seafarers and shore-based personnel. We do not only offer training, but also support and mentoring to our students. We get to know our students to be able to build solid and healthy relationships that last a lifetime. We applaud and celebrate the success of all our students and a student at MaritimeMT is not just a number. Where can I stay while taking courses? Students who travel to Malta to undergo training, have a number of options. At MaritimeMT we can assist students depending on their preferred arrangements. Malta is a small island, so depending on the type of accommodation and surroundings required, we can assist you, knowing that nowhere in Malta is too far! What types of certifications do you offer? We offer STCW certificates and courses leading to COCs, certificates and licences issued by the Malta Flag Registry under the accreditation of Transport Malta. It is important to note that we are also an SQA Certified training and examination centre, as well as duly approved by DNV to deliver training and simulator training. We also offer bespoke courses which are normally organised based on the requirements set out by the customer. What’s your pass rate for Master courses? We can proudly declare that since we started offering the Master of Yachts <200GT up to 150Nm, and then the OOW-Yachts <3000GT Reg II/1 and Master of Yachts <500GT / Chief Mate <3000GT Reg II/2, we have had close to 95% Pass rate amongst our participants. Who are your teachers? All our teachers are selected as per the Standards for Qualifications of Instructors issued by Transport Malta. We currently boast an Academy of 4 full-time Master Mariners who develop and deliver training, assisted by a compliment of 40 other professionals, including Master Mariners, Chief Mates, Engineers, First Aiders, Fire Fighters, Lawyers, and others, who work with us in their down-time and off contract periods. Our team of teachers is constantly growing to reflect the demand of the market, the industry at large and our stakeholders. To discover more about MaritimeMT and their services check out their website here . More news Summary of the Sea Changes Forum 2025 In September, we hosted our annual Sea Changes Forum, bringing together key voices from across the yachting industry. The event delivered encouraging updates for the sector and inspiring insights into how we can continue to evolve and improve as a community. Below, you will find a summary of the presentations shared by our expert panelists, along with access to each full presentation for further details. Read more The PYA Christmas Ball Returns for Its 33rd Edition The 33rd edition of the PYA Christmas Ball returns at the iconic Hôtel Martinez in Cannes on Friday 5th December 2025, this year with a glamorous 1960s theme. Join us for a night of celebration with the yachting community — featuring a gourmet dinner, live band, raffle prizes, and plenty of opportunities to connect with fellow professionals from across the industry. A much-loved PYA tradition, the Christmas Ball promises elegance, entertainment, and a touch of vintage sparkle as we come together to close the year in style. Read more PYA - the Voice of yacht crew Discover how our actions go beyond membership to strengthen the entire yachting sector. Read more

The first amendments to MLC, 2016, are about to be implemented, providing guarantees of seafarer financial protection in particular areas of contractual rights and dues. Amendments to MLC To All news 18 January 2017 The first amendments to MLC, 2016, are about to be implemented, providing guarantees of seafarer financial protection in particular areas of contractual rights and dues. As from 18th January 2017, all MLC compliant vessels must display the following certificates: Confirmation from an insurer or other financial security entity that insurance or other coverage is in place to cover the costs of crew repatriation, and up to 4 months wages and other entitlements, consequent upon abandonment; Confirmation of similar coverage for claims arising from death or personal injury. More news Summary of the Sea Changes Forum 2025 In September, we hosted our annual Sea Changes Forum, bringing together key voices from across the yachting industry. The event delivered encouraging updates for the sector and inspiring insights into how we can continue to evolve and improve as a community. Below, you will find a summary of the presentations shared by our expert panelists, along with access to each full presentation for further details. Read more The PYA Christmas Ball Returns for Its 33rd Edition The 33rd edition of the PYA Christmas Ball returns at the iconic Hôtel Martinez in Cannes on Friday 5th December 2025, this year with a glamorous 1960s theme. Join us for a night of celebration with the yachting community — featuring a gourmet dinner, live band, raffle prizes, and plenty of opportunities to connect with fellow professionals from across the industry. A much-loved PYA tradition, the Christmas Ball promises elegance, entertainment, and a touch of vintage sparkle as we come together to close the year in style. Read more PYA - the Voice of yacht crew Discover how our actions go beyond membership to strengthen the entire yachting sector. Read more

Have questions about the PYA or the services it provides? You can check the frequently asked cuestions about the organisation, Sea Service Testimonials, Yacht Rating Certificate, Training Record Book and more. Frequently asked questions General Questions Digital Service Record Book (D-SRB) What is an NOE or Notice of Eligibility? NOE stands for Notice of Eligibility. The MCA issues this document and it means you have met all the requirements to sit an oral examination with the MCA for a Certificate of Competence (CoC). Before you can book a date for an oral exam, you must have obtained an NOE. It will come with instructions on how to book an oral and details on how the oral exam works. What is a testimonial? Why can’t Reference Letters or Seaman Discharge Books be accepted instead? A testimonial is documentary proof of your onboard yacht service and sea service. It contains the details of the yacht, your position, and your detailed sea service, with days at sea, standby, shipyard, and watchkeeping (whichever applicable). Most of the time, letters do not contain all the necessary information related to your sea service, so even if they can serve as a reference, they will not qualify as a testimonial as well. The same applies to Seaman Discharge Book (SDB) entries. They refer only to your dates and role on board but do not specify the sea service you acquired. Testimonials must be signed by the Master of the vessel on board which the qualifying service has been performed, or can also be signed by the Chief Officer or Chief Engineer (where engineers are concerned). In the case of service as Master, the testimonials must be signed by the owner or a responsible person from the Yacht Management Company such as a company director or yacht manager. When should I get a testimonial? The best would be to get a testimonial every 6 months or seasonal. You can always ask for a testimonial afterwards but it may prove more complicated as people might move on to other jobs in the meantime and not necessarily have access to the required information later. You can ask the Captain, Chief Officer, Chief Engineer (if you were working in an engineering role and weren't the Chief Engineer onboard), yacht manager, owner or owner's representative to sign your testimonials and verify them. What happens if my Captain no longer works on the boat where I was employed? You can still use the captain as a signatory, as long as you have their contact information (email). When can a testimonial be ‘declined’? This can happen for various reasons: If the definitions of sea service have been disregarded, i.e. standby time exceeds days at sea, sea service totals are higher than employment period, etc. If the testimonial is self-signed If the testimonial for a Master is signed by another Master and does not fall in an exceptional situation. See guidelines . What is the procedure to issue/update my D-SRB? How do my testimonials get verified? How do I know the status of my testimonials’ verification? Log into your PYA profile and upload your testimonials/certificates to ‘your documents’. The documents will then go through our verification process. You can verify the status of your documents in your profile under ‘your documents’. How does the sea service verification work? Please read here. How does the PYA D-SRB work? Please go back to the D-SRB FAQ here. What is Seaman's Discharge Book (SDB)? What is the difference between the SDB and the PYA D-SRB (Digital Service Record Book)? A Seaman's Book / Seaman's Discharge Book / Discharge Book is a physical booklet, issued by maritime authorities all around the world, which, traditionally, has two purposes: Identity document, and Record of your employment history Additionally, a Seaman's Book can be useful when passing through an airport or when taking shore leave. You can read more about SDBs here. A D-SRB (Digital Service Record Book) is a PYA-generated electronic document that replaced the PYA's physical Service Record Book (SRB). The PYA's SRB (now D-SRB) was introduced to make it easier for yacht crew to prove to the MCA their experience and that they held the relevant qualifications required to apply for a Certificate of Competency (CoC). It is recognized by the MCA and Transport Malta but not necessarily by the maritime authorities of other countries. We recommend that you have BOTH. As they serve different purposes. You can read more about the PYA D-SRB by going back to the FAQs here. What is a TRB or Training Record Book? TRB stands for Training Record Book. For deck, the OOW 3000 Yachts MCA Training Record Book is a requirement that must completed before you can apply for an OOW 3000 Yachts CoC. You can download this online on the MCA website or ask us for a free bound copy when you are a PYA member. For engineers going through the Small Vessel Route, the Engineering TRB can only be obtained after you've registered into the Program and from Training Providers or Colleges that offer SV courses. To register, you have to prove you satisfy all the entry requirements. How can I get certified copies of documents? Who can certify documents that I need to submit to the PYA? Do they all (testimonials and certificates) need to be certified? The certification of your documents for PYA use can be done by anyone holding a CoC, a management company, a training provider, or other professionals such as doctors, lawyers or teachers, who declare that the copies are true copies of the originals. Only certificates need to be certified as true copies, not testimonials. We cannot process your testimonials without confirming your identity so your file will remain pending until you upload a certified copy of your passport. Text sample: ----- "I certify that this/these is a/are true copy/ies of the original/s." Full name, COC number and issuing authority (if available), stamp (if available), signature. ----- Whoever is certifying your documents can: - write the declaration on each copy; Alternatively, you can go to one of our Agents listed in the Contacts section, or any notary public, or MCA-approved nautical colleges, or IYT NOE Application documents and certificated are send to the MCA via EMAIL ONLY at deck@mcga.g.uk or engineering@mcga.g.uk Is the Y route still available to engineers? No, the Y route was closed at the end of December 2022. Now, the route has been completely replaced by the Small Vessel Program. To learn more about it you can read MCA's MSN 1904 or contact us at srb@pya.org . Does the MEOL still exist? Yes, it is the new SV MEOL CoC. You can learn more about it by reading the MCA's MSN 1904 or contacting srb@pya.org Want to get personalised support? Choose the plan that fits you. 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Get involved with PYA and help shape the future of the yachting industry. By joining the PYA, you will not only be taking your career to the next level but also helping to shape the future of yachting. Your involvement strengthens the community and ensures the professional growth of the industry.  - Career Development: Access expert guidance, and networking opportunities.  - Verified Sea Service: Ensure your records meet MCA standards.  - Industry Representation: Have your voice heard in key regulatory discussions.  - Events & Community: Join exclusive events that connect you with peers and industry leaders.  If your are a yacht crew By joining the PYA, you will not only be taking your career to the next level but also helping to shape the future of yachting . Your involvement strengthens the community and ensures the professional growth of the industry. Career Development: Access expert guidance , and networking opportunities. Verified Sea Service: Ensure your records meet MCA standards . Industry Representation: Have your voice heard in key regulatory discussions . Events & Community: Join exclusive events that connect you with peers and industry leaders. See all services for crew For Industry Partners Collaborate with PYA to strengthen your presence in the yachting industry and support its professionals: Access to professionals – Connect with skilled yacht crew and other industry leaders. Brand Visibility – Increase exposure through event sponsorships and partnerships. Industry Influence – Play a role in shaping professional standards and crew welfare. Join the Network – Engage with key players driving the future of yachting. See all benefits for Industry Partners Make an Impact As an industry partner, your collaboration with PYA supports the growth and evolution of the yachting sector. Together, we drive high standards and create new opportunities for crew and companies alike. Ready to Get Started? PYA is here to support you. If you need more information, feel free to reach out – we are happy to help! Contact us at pya@pya.org To About us Why Join The PYA