The 2024 Sea Changes Forum at the Monaco Yacht Show brought together a diverse group of stakeholders from across the yachting industry to tackle key issues such as training, welfare, safety, and new & upcoming regulations.  Held at the International Hydrographic Organisation (IHO) headquarters in Monaco on September 26th, this year’s forum featured insightful presentations from leading maritime policymakers and industry experts. With a full auditorium of international guests, this year’s event continued the PYA’s tradition of fostering important discussions that shape the future of yachting. 

Christophe Bourillon, CEO of the PYA commented:

Conference presentations from guest speakers:

Below you can view and download a list of presentations from some of our speakers this year. These can be used for research and educational purposes. If you would like to request permission for commercial use, please get in contact with us at info@pya.org  

16.00 Christophe Bourillon, CEO of the Professional Yachting Association (PYA) & Kim Llorente, Operations Manager (PYA) - who welcomed speakers and guests and introduced new PYA services such as the new Onboard Safety Group a platform open to Captains, ETOs, Engineers, DPAs, Managers, Insurers, Auditors and Trainers to ask questions or create awareness of current and emerging safety concerns/risks to crew on yachts. You can contact the group at onboardsafety@pya.org or join the Telegram Group here https://t.me/+Fr1UrdTNIzw2NjE0. Also introduced is the new app for getting Digital Sea Service Testimonials through the N-Cap Wallet, secured on blockchain and easily verified by the PYA. The launch date is expected in the coming weeks. An email notification will be sent out to inform our members. 

 16:03 John Wyborn, International Association of Maritime Institutions (IAMI) Board member, Superyacht Alliance - who introduced the new AV/IT level 1 and 2 courses (Audio Visual & Information Technology), centered on AV and IT technologies relevant to Superyacht operations under the IAMI-GUEST Program. First classes are expected to be opened in Spring 2025. He also reminded us of the importance of the E-TRB (Electronic Training Record Book) for yacht crew’s professional development and the progress its made so far. 

16:11 Joey Meen, IAMI Guest Program Director - gave updates on the Superyacht Alliance,  the importance of accredited training, and industry-led training. Introduced the new Yacht Mental Health & Wellbeing course “a conduit towards a long-term solution to Mental Health issues within the Yachting Industry” also under the IAMI-GUEST Program. 

 16:19 Angela Wallace, Director of Interior Training, Head of Welfare Group, PYA - who shared insights on the welfare of the yachting industry through statistics from Yacht Crew Help. 

 16:27 Ajit Jacob, Chief Examiner, Head of Seafarers Technical Delivery, UK Seafarer Services, Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA) - discussed the modernization program the MCA has gone through, updating a lot of the syllabuses with current needs. The consultation for the Approved Electric propulsion course (AEPC), covering batteries, electronics on electric and hybrid vessels, appropriate first actions in case of failure, etc., has been approved. A draft Merchant Shipping Notice (MSN) on the modernization of the Master 500 Restricted CoC transferability to other sectors is available for consultation. The MCA also announced that they are creating a pathway to a Master Yacht Unlimited size, removing the 3000 GT limitation. Developments will be followed closely by the PYA because it is of particular interest to long term career Deck Officers. Finally, in consultation with the PYA, they are going to simplify sea service definitions and requirements, with the use of the E-TRB and Simulator time. 

16:42 Julian Smith, Principal Surveyor - Cayman Islands Ship Registry - shared insights on the recently updated REG Yacht Code. Significant changes will be summarized and promulgated in a further PYA advisory. 

 16:57 Gerard Griffiths, Professional in maritime safety and training, delivering STCW courses, Seascope France - who highlighted how lithium-ion fires can easily be triggered on board and the importance of knowing how to deal with batteries and avoid potential issues through training.  

 17:02 Mark Savona, Safety Coordinator, Technical Department, Transport Malta (TM) - who presented the origin of the different Maltese Codes. What the advantages are under the Maltese Flag. What certification is currently available for crew under the Maltese scheme. 

 17:17 Pierre-Luc Lecompte, Senior Maritime Affairs Administrator, Division of “State Action at Sea”, Head of the Marine Protection and Sustainable Development Unit, French Maritime Administration (Préfet Maritime de la Méditerranée) - who discussed the origin and issues that the Administration faces regarding the implementation of certain restrictions in the South of France, including the Posidonia and speed limitations in certain areas. 

 17:32 Richard Falk FRIN, Director of Training and Qualifications, Royal Yachting Association (RYA) (By video Link) – gave an update on the Superyacht Personal Watercraft Safety Scheme that continues to grow, with around 450 yachts now using this scheme to ensure their guests are well equipped to use their onboard PWC’s safely and confidently. Port State authorities are not formally obliged to accept these certificates for use in their waters, but to date, they are unaware of any which do not, other than on rare occasions where anti-social behaviour has been demonstrated by the operators of the craft. The RYA Yachtmaster celebrated its 50th anniversary last year, which also saw the 100,000th RYA Yachtmaster Certificate of Competence issued, a fitting milestone for such a special year. The RYA continues the evolution from traditional navigation towards more emphasis on the electronic navigational tools available across all manner of craft. “Digital First”, is the name given to the strategy that supports the push from hydrographic offices around the world to move (eventually) away from paper charts. 

 17:42 Gregory Romano, Managing Director, Romano Energy - introduced how their biofuel is produced and how it can easily replace traditional fuel to diminish a yacht’s carbon footprint. 

To see the full presentation of this year’s Sea Changes Forum 2024, please refer to the PDF document attached below.

After the forum, we hosted a networking cocktail reception in the same room as the conference at the IHO. It offered a great opportunity for attendees to continue discussions and connect with fellow industry professionals in a relaxed setting. 

We want to say another big thank you to our supporters and partners:

including the IHO, VSF Group, Macor & Yachtelec (Amarix Group), Bluewater, IAMI / Guest Program, MYBA, Romano Energy, Seascope France, Amico & CO for making this event possible.