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View all the webinars we've hosted Explore our recent webinars and discover insights and perspectives from yachting profesionals across the industry. Below you will find a list of our recently hosted webinars with guests sharing their knowledge and expertise as well as providing guidance and advice for yacht crews in different parts of the world. If you are interested in hosting a webinar with the PYA, please get in contact with us. Webinar 31: Working in Enclosed Spaces Webinar 30: Sexual Harassment, Bullying, Harassment and Abuse-Know Your Rights! Webinar 29: Morocco & Tunisia Yachting Destination Webinar 28: STCW Endorsements & Global Acceptance - Clearing the Myths and Misconceptions Webinar 27: Yacht New Builds & Refits Webinar 26: Social Security and Crew Insurance Webinar 25: Greece Yachting Destination Webinar 24: Crew Welfare Mental Wellbeing and Trauma Webinar 23: Visas and Crew Immigration Webinar 22: Lithium-Ion Battery Solutions and Safety Management on Your Yacht Webinar 21: What is the meaning of "Leadership" In The Yachting Industry? Webinar 20: Lithium-ion Batteries Safety Awareness with Seascope France Webinar 19: PYA Welfare Group & the Flag States Webinar 18: Scandinavia Yachting Destination Webinar 17: Introducing the PYA Welfare Group & talking about Bullying and Harassment Webinar 16: Advice for crew on Russian-linked vessels Webinar 15: EU Immigration Regulations for Crew Webinar 14: Women in Yachting Webinar 13: Medical Onboard Webinar 12: Posidonia anchoring regulations in French waters Webinar 11: Brexit advice for yacht crew Webinar 10: Caribbean Travel Regulations Webinar 9: Yacht Crew Training Update Webinar 8: Preparing to work in the USA & Caribbean Webinar 7: The Benefits of Service Record Book & Seaman's Books Webinar 6: Conflict Resolution & Leadership Onboard 9th September 2020 Webinar 5: Mediterranean Season Update 18th June 2020 Webinar 4: PYA Seachanges Webinar Webinar 3: Yachting Post Lockdown Update 14th May Webinar 2: Yachting Post lockdown 30th April Webinar 1: COVID 19 Situation update Webinars To Knowledge Base

Know more about regulations and guidelines including Sea Service Verification, Seaman Discharge Book, French Anchorage regulations and more. Webinars View all the webinars we've hosted Read more Employment contracts Learn about contracts for seafarers and use our template Read more Ship Cooks Certificate You are a Chef? Learn everything you need to know about the MCA's Ships' Cook Certificate Read more French Anchorage Regulations France has introduced anchorage regulations (enforced in March 2021) which prevent yachts over 24m (78ft) from anchoring within areas containing protected Posidonia seagrass beds. Last update: 12/06/2024 Read more Seaman Discharge Book (SDB) and others What is a Seaman Discharge Book (SDB), how to obtain one and what makes it different Read more Sea Service Forms & Guidelines Learn everything you need to know about these essential forms for Deck, Engineering, Interior. (sea service testimonial, sea service record, seatime, logs, log forms, logbook, watchkeeping, miles) Read more Knowledge Base Explore the world of yachting and its regulations

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

The PYA provides many different services. Become a member to get access to Sea Service Verification, Yacht Rating Certificate, Yacht Training Record Book and more. Learn more Sea Service Verification The PYA is authorised by the UK Maritime Coastguard Agency (MCA) and by Transport Malta to verify yacht sea service testimonials for all yacht crew worldwide. Learn more Career Advice Support and Advice are available to members and potential new members to provide professional advice and one-to-one support to seafarers in yachting. Learn more Yacht Rating Certificate Some vessels require crew to have a Yacht Rating Certificate as part of their safe manning requirements. Having this certificate can improve your chances of finding a job. Learn more Application Support Support and Advice to obtaining your NOE, CoC, Action Plan, Revalidation and Conversion. Learn more OOW 3000 Deck Training Record Book The OOW 3000 Deck Training Record Book (TRB) is part of the requirements for the Officer of the Watch (Yachts) Certification – OOW 3000 (Y). Learn more Research & Insights Research and surveys are carried out on a regular basis by the PYA to learn about yachting industry issues from crew retention and recruitment through to safety, welfare and new technologies. Learn more Certification of Documents for NoEs The PYA is authorised by the MCA to certify hard copies of all original documents for MCA purposes, i.e. for NOE applications Learn more Interior Certificate of Competency The GUEST Certificate of Competency is a program designed by IAMI to provide yacht crew with an opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in guest services. Learn more Member Assistance Service The MAS is a confidential support service that offers practical support to PYA members facing difficulties or challenges in their professional lives, including all work-related issues. Learn more Welfare Group The PYA Welfare Group aims to educate, support & guide yacht crew ensuring their well-being is safeguarded. Empowering crew with knowledge to protect their rights, and to steer them in the right direction for legal and professional assistance. Learn more 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. Learn more Partner Offers PYA Partners offer our members special benefits Services we offer Join the PYA membership to get access to the services listed below.

The Professional Yachting Association offers MCA compliant sea service verification, career advice, and yacht rating certification for members. Join our association and gain access to industry events, networking opportunities, and professional development resources. Explore all the services See what else you can get by becoming a PYA member. See all the services Sea Service Verification The PYA is authorised by the MCA by MIN 543 and by Transport Malta, to verify yacht sea service and has been verifying yacht sea service for the MCA since 1994. Learn more Yacht Rating Certificate Some vessels require crew to have a Yacht Rating Certificate as part of their safe manning requirements. The PYA is authorized to issue Yacht Rating Certificates on behalf of the MCA. Learn more Career Advice The PYA encourages and mentors new entrants into professional yachting, as well as offers career advice to experienced crew. Learn more Influencer partners Start Now Start Now Start Now 10518 Collective membership as of 01/01/2025 6784 D-SRBs generated as of 01/01/2025 1679 Member Assistance Service cases as of 01/01/2025 +9000 One-to-one advice & help as of 01/01/2025 Announcements What our members say "Throughout my yachting career, I have found the services of the PYA to be a fantastic "go to" resource. The support I received whilst achieving different grades of qualification was second to none." Robbie Murtagh "It's such a happy bunch running the PYA - they're friendly and welcoming!" Graham Tindall "As a 30 year yacht veteran, I have relied mostly on the idea of 'it's a who you know' industry, but as the constantly changing certification & litigation requirements become more complex, there is no doubt that the excellent service & support the PYA offers to every level of crew member makes membership an absolute must have! When my crew need support & correct advice, I always refer them to the PYA." David White "I have had only ever had positive experiences with the PYA - always helpful!" Jonathan Whitwell > > "Throughout my yachting career, I have found the services of the PYA to be a fantastic "go to" resource. The support I received whilst achieving different grades of qualification was second to none." Robbie Murtagh "It's such a happy bunch running the PYA - they're friendly and welcoming!" Graham Tindall "As a 30 year yacht veteran, I have relied mostly on the idea of 'it's a who you know' industry, but as the constantly changing certification & litigation requirements become more complex, there is no doubt that the excellent service & support the PYA offers to every level of crew member makes membership an absolute must have! When my crew need support & correct advice, I always refer them to the PYA." David White "I have had only ever had positive experiences with the PYA - always helpful!" Jonathan Whitwell "The PYA is indispensable in its representation of Superyacht crew, using feedback directly from the crew to initiate major changes in the industry. Having worked with various regulatory bodies the PYA has not only offered a career pathway for crew but raised awareness of the career as one to be recognised in the professional realm. The Crew Report continues to support the PYA in its proactive and professional approach." Lulu Trask The most important factor in my moving up the ranks has been accurately recording my sea time and courses, and being aware of changes to requirements. The PYA has been a great help to me over the years, helping me gather and compile my sea service testimonials and offering advice on crew issues/ seafarer legalities. With me from junior deckhand right through to Master 3000 - PYA thanks for your help and making my life a lot easier! Rick Dubois "Thank you very much for being here, so we do not feel alone in our problems." Robin "PYA to the rescue!! I reached out for some assistance and PYA were there for me...that's what it's all about!!! Good job team." James Clephane "I would just like to say thank you for all the help the PYA is doing for not just for us crew but for the industry too." Stefhan Le Roux "Thank you for [your advice] - that was extensive and very helpful. I am a paying member of the PYA - mostly because of how fantastically useful you are!" Thomas Blencowe "I will continue to tell my friends about the PYA. You have been a fabulous support, and I would highly recommend anyone joining the yachting industry to sign up." Sarah Leppard "Thank you for your solid advice and support, it has meant a lot to the crew and to myself. Thank you from all on M/Y xxxx, you gave us timely support where we were getting none." Tadg Clarke "I just wanted to let you know that I passed my Master 3000gt oral on Monday. Thank you very much for all your help over the years in getting to this stage. It is very much appreciated and I have been singing your praises over the years in order to encourage more seafarers to join the PYA, if nothing else, just for the assistance you provide!" Robbie Murtagh "Good service, professional, friendly. Bravo!" Max O'Shea "Thank you so much for the advice today - it has settled my concerns. I am thrilled with the service at the PYA!" Travis Cross "I have successfully passed my stability exam and even received my NoE. Thank you very much for helping me out with all the paperwork for the NoE application, it was much easier to do it with your assistance." Ilya Kravtsov Industry news PYA Christmas Ball 2024 Highlights The PYA Christmas Ball, held on 6 December 2024, was an exceptional evening celebrating the yachting community in style. This year’s theme, Peaky Blinders meets Downton Abbey, provided the perfect blend of elegance and vintage charm, creating a truly memorable atmosphere. Read more Our annual Christmas Ball is Back Again! Get ready for an unforgettable evening at the 2024 PYA Christmas Ball, returning to the iconic Martinez in Cannes December 6th! Join us as we celebrate a year of incredible industry achievements, bringing together delegates and leaders from across the yachting world to honour progress, connect, and set our sights on the future. Read more Sea changes Forum 2024 Highlights 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. Read more Interested in more articles? Check out news section Run by yachting professionals, for yachting professionals. Join the PYA and get all the benefits! Become a member The Professional Yachting Association The Voice of professional yacht crew worldwide. Run by yachting professionals, for yachting professionals since 1991. New to yachting? Become a member PYA Testimonial Form

Our recent Leadership in Yachting webinar has been released, revealing insights into industry practices and expert opinions from a host of guest speakers. Leadership in Yachting 2024 - Webinar now available To All news 1 February 2024 Our recent Leadership in Yachting webinar has been released, revealing insights into industry practices and expert opinions from a host of guest speakers. Our latest webinar focused on the strength of leadership as a force for good in the wider industry, with perspectives shared from our guests who have a range of experiences in crew management, welfare, working onboard vessels, and within the education sector. “We want to thank our members and participating guest speakers for sharing their industry knowledge during our Leadership in Yachting 2024 webinar. We look forward to furthering these discussions in the near future on the important topic of leadership in our industry,” said Kim Llorente, Office Manager for the PYA. The PYA regularly engages with the industry in order to highlight evolving standards, new technologies and the latest training for yacht crews. You can see who was involved in our latest webinar below. The speakers Marianne Danissen, Camper & Nicholsons Head of Management. Captain Micheál Pierse, PYA member and MCA Master / HELM instructor for Bluewater. Karen Passman, Founder of Impact Crew. Captain Kelly Gordon, an advocate of strong leadership and a spokeswoman for mental health awareness. Robin Weninger, Co-Founder and Managing Director of the executive education company Global Institute of Leadership and Technology (GILT). The core safety leadership qualities Confidence and authority Instil respect and command authority Lead the team by example Draw on knowledge and experience Remain calm in a crisis Empathy and understanding Practise “tough empathy” Be sensitive to different cultures Recognise the crew’s limitations Motivation and commitment Motivate and create a sense of community Place the safety of crew and passengers above everything Openness and clarity Communicate and listen clearly Leading for Safety: Additional resource This a comprehensive guide published by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA). It aims to assist leaders and senior officers in the maritime industry in improving their leadership and people management skills to ensure safety on board. This resource emphasises the critical role of leaders in developing and maintaining a safe maritime environment. For more details, you can refer to the official guide https://www.gov.uk/guidance/leading-for-safety To access the full webinar visit: https://youtu.be/6wrwByg6JNY More news PYA Christmas Ball 2024 Highlights The PYA Christmas Ball, held on 6 December 2024, was an exceptional evening celebrating the yachting community in style. This year’s theme, Peaky Blinders meets Downton Abbey, provided the perfect blend of elegance and vintage charm, creating a truly memorable atmosphere. Read more Our annual Christmas Ball is Back Again! Get ready for an unforgettable evening at the 2024 PYA Christmas Ball, returning to the iconic Martinez in Cannes December 6th! Join us as we celebrate a year of incredible industry achievements, bringing together delegates and leaders from across the yachting world to honour progress, connect, and set our sights on the future. Read more PYA response to ISS From the Bridge article "There is no second shift" perfectly summarises the growing challenge in the yachting industry: balancing unlimited guest expectations with limited crew resources. As yachts get smaller, the ability to deliver exceptional experiences while adhering to the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) becomes increasingly difficult. Even on larger yachts, extended guest occupancy and short turnaround times strain compliance with work and rest regulations. Read more

After two years of discussions, the main orders prohibiting mooring in the French protected areas of the Mediterranean have been published. This means that yachts will have to anchor further from the shore and beaches. The three main yachting associations: PYA, ECPY and GEPY met recently with the services of the Maritime Prefecture, to discuss the new regulation and its implementation. French regulations regarding anchorage and Posidonia – Updated To All news 1 April 2021 After two years of discussions, the main orders prohibiting mooring in the French protected areas of the Mediterranean have been published. This means that yachts will have to anchor further from the shore and beaches. The three main yachting associations: PYA, ECPY and GEPY met recently with the services of the Maritime Prefecture, to discuss the new regulation and its implementation. The maritime authorities The maritime authorities recognise, the positive economic impact of the yachting industry on the Mediterranean coasts, as well as the efforts of yachting professionals to protect the environment.The three associations raised concerns regarding the complexity of the new rules and the need to implement clear information campaigns about the implementation of the rules (up-to-date charts, etc.). Key facts The maritime authorities will encourage the creation of organized buoy fields and moorings, with public as well as private funding. These facilities will be under the responsibility of land-based authorities and local communities. In case of adverse weather, the authorities have confirmed that safety and security will take precedence. Vessels that may take shelter in forbidden zones (Posidonia meadows) may be required to provide justification for their decision. The maritime authorities are attempting to speed up the update of the new charts published by SHOM. It is also understood that messages regarding the anchoring rules will be broadcasted through CROSSMED, both in French and in English. It is understood that the restricted areas will also be displayed on the Donia application. There are areas such as the beach of Pampelonne in Saint Tropez/Ramatuelle where the regulations are not yet clarified. The authorities have indicated that, in future regulation, they will adopt a limitation of mooring time to 72 hours. This will not apply to yachts in routine operation, with crew on board, but rather to vessels left without supervision and presenting a risk of stranding. To enable this management of mooring times, the Maritime Prefecture has agreed to establish a list of yachts (24-45m) benefiting from an implicit renewal every 72 hours, for the whole season. Unlike the Spanish or Italian authorities, France elected to sanction the position of the vessel itself. This can lead to serious consequences as the maritime infraction can amount to 150,000€, whereas the environmental infraction is "only" a hundred euros. In addition, several of the means to be used to establish potential offences, such as human observation from aircrafts, boats or land-based platforms can lead to arbitrary decisions. PYA, ECPY and GEPY will continue to work closely with the maritime authorities (Préfecture maritime de Méditerranée), to propose a joint Préfecture maritime / Yachting professionals observatory to monitor incidents during the season. Anchorage regulations: Doc 1 .pdf Download PDF • 2.76MB Doc 2 .pdf Download PDF • 2.71MB Doc 3 .pdf Download PDF • 2.82MB Doc 4 .pdf Download PDF • 3.57MB Doc 5 .pdf Download PDF • 2.01MB Doc 6 .pdf Download PDF • 600KB For further information, please visit the website of the Préfecture Maritime de la Mediterranée: https://www.premar-mediterranee.gouv.fr Watch our webinar now: More news PYA Christmas Ball 2024 Highlights The PYA Christmas Ball, held on 6 December 2024, was an exceptional evening celebrating the yachting community in style. This year’s theme, Peaky Blinders meets Downton Abbey, provided the perfect blend of elegance and vintage charm, creating a truly memorable atmosphere. Read more Our annual Christmas Ball is Back Again! Get ready for an unforgettable evening at the 2024 PYA Christmas Ball, returning to the iconic Martinez in Cannes December 6th! Join us as we celebrate a year of incredible industry achievements, bringing together delegates and leaders from across the yachting world to honour progress, connect, and set our sights on the future. Read more PYA response to ISS From the Bridge article "There is no second shift" perfectly summarises the growing challenge in the yachting industry: balancing unlimited guest expectations with limited crew resources. As yachts get smaller, the ability to deliver exceptional experiences while adhering to the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) becomes increasingly difficult. Even on larger yachts, extended guest occupancy and short turnaround times strain compliance with work and rest regulations. Read more

This MIN details a new route for applicants looking to gain an UK OOW yachts, less than 3000 GT, unlimited area, II/1 Certificate of Competency. New route to Officer of the Watch To All news 12 October 2018 This MIN details a new route for applicants looking to gain an UK OOW yachts, less than 3000 GT, unlimited area, II/1 Certificate of Competency. MIN 580 can be found here. It essentially is a new route for Seafarers wanting to gain an OOW Yachts Licence but don’t have the relevant service on smaller yachts due to the nature of the industry. More news PYA Christmas Ball 2024 Highlights The PYA Christmas Ball, held on 6 December 2024, was an exceptional evening celebrating the yachting community in style. This year’s theme, Peaky Blinders meets Downton Abbey, provided the perfect blend of elegance and vintage charm, creating a truly memorable atmosphere. Read more Our annual Christmas Ball is Back Again! Get ready for an unforgettable evening at the 2024 PYA Christmas Ball, returning to the iconic Martinez in Cannes December 6th! Join us as we celebrate a year of incredible industry achievements, bringing together delegates and leaders from across the yachting world to honour progress, connect, and set our sights on the future. Read more PYA response to ISS From the Bridge article "There is no second shift" perfectly summarises the growing challenge in the yachting industry: balancing unlimited guest expectations with limited crew resources. As yachts get smaller, the ability to deliver exceptional experiences while adhering to the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) becomes increasingly difficult. Even on larger yachts, extended guest occupancy and short turnaround times strain compliance with work and rest regulations. Read more

The PYA takes privacy seriously and is committed to providing you with clear and comprehensive information on how your personal data is collected and used. When using our sea service verification process, you agree to let us use your personal data in accordance with our Privacy Policy. You also agree to let us share certain data with the person who has signed the testimonial in order to verify its contents. It is your responsibility to ensure that when somebody signs your testimonial, they agree to pass on their personal data to the PYA (name, address, email, phone number, company/yacht, job title, CoC number) so that we can lawfully process it for the purpose of verifying your sea service. Our new GDPR-compliant testimonial templates include this statement as standard. We require users to agree to this policy before using our services, so we recommend that you take the time to read this document carefully. If you have any questions, please contact the PYA at info@pya.org . New Privacy Policy and Terms of Use 2024 - final .pdf Download PDF • 305KB Privacy Policy The PYA takes privacy seriously and is committed to providing you with clear and comprehensive information on how your personal data is collected and used.

Northrop & Johnson has been one of the leading players in the yachting industry for the past six decades and has on staff a highly experienced team of professionals to support you. Our crew services experts specialize in accurately placing crew members on the appropriate yachts and guiding the successful careers of thousands worldwide. Our global presence allows us to deliver quality results in all the main yachting hubs around the world. Northrop & Johnson has been one of the leading players in the yachting industry for the past six decades and has on staff a highly experienced team of professionals to support you. Our crew services experts specialize in accurately placing crew members on the appropriate yachts and guiding the successful careers of thousands worldwide. Our global presence allows us to deliver quality results in all the main yachting hubs around the world. Northrop & Johnson Northrop & Johnson has been one of the leading players in the yachting industry for the past six decades and has on staff a highly experienced team of professionals to support you. Our crew services experts specialize in accurately placing crew members on the appropriate yachts and guiding the successful careers of thousands worldwide. Our global presence allows us to deliver quality results in all the main yachting hubs around the world. Visit website Back to All Partners Become a member and enjoy the exclusive offers from our partners. Become a member