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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'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 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

The Professional Yachting Association (PYA) and the Italian Yacht Masters Association (IYM) sound the alarm on a hidden danger: a surge in unqualified crew with fake or purchased Certificates of Competence, which raises potential safety issues for crew, passengers, and vessels. A surge in unqualified crew with fake or purchased CoCs To All news 2 July 2024 The Professional Yachting Association (PYA) and the Italian Yacht Masters Association (IYM) sound the alarm on a hidden danger: a surge in unqualified crew with fake or purchased Certificates of Competence, which raises potential safety issues for crew, passengers, and vessels. It is also in the best personal interests of all crew not to waste money on any CoC which is not recognised by the major Flag states in yachting. The same principle applies to any type of training course (deck, engineering or interior) which is not accredited by the rigorous requirements of national educational establishments, or the industry-driven IAMI accredited GUEST courses , which exercises rigorous requirements in both its prerequisite regulations and educational standards. While there are procedures in place to identify fraudulent licenses - Flag states such as MCA (UK Maritime Coastguard Agency) and TM (Transport Malta) can denounce any fraudulent tickets they encounter - there are still loopholes. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) maintains a "White List" of countries that meet strict minimum training and certification standards for seafarers ( STCW ). Holders of a CoC (Certificate of Competency - license) from a non-white list country will most likely be denied a Certificate of Equivalency, they will likely be rejected as a viable manning solution for white list flagged vessels, and their sea time and training may either be highly scrutinised or not accepted at all towards a CoC from a white list country. The PYA and IYM urge all yacht crew, managers, recruiters, and insurers to only accept white list CoCs to ensure the safety and legitimacy of your yachting operation. The IMO White List is available here: https://gisis.imo.org/Public/STCW/CertificateRecognition.aspx and here: https://wwwcdn.imo.org/localresources/en/OurWork/HumanElement/Documents/MSC.1-Circ.1163-Rev.12.pdf Or you can consult with high-quality Flag states directly. For more information, feel free to reach out to srb@pya.org The PYA and the IYM 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

You are a Chef? Learn everything you need to know about the MCA's Ships' Cook Certificate What is it? The Ships’ Cook Certificate is a mandatory requirement for all chefs on commercially registered vessels operating more than 60 miles offshore, or with 10 or more crew on board. This qualification is run in accordance with the requirements of MLC (Maritime Labour Convention) and the ILO (International Labour Organisation) with respect to ship’s cooks and other catering personnel to confirm that applicants have the necessary skills and knowledge. Requirements be at least 18 years of age have completed a minimum of 1 month of actual sea service service in any capacity have completed training in accordance with the learning outcomes and assessment criteria set out in annex 1 and annex 2 MSN 1846 (M) MLC 2006 food and catering ship's cooks and catering staff - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) have completed the following standards of training certification and watchkeeping (STCW) basic safety courses: personal survival techniques (STCW Code A-VI/1-1) fire prevention and fire fighting (STCW Code A-VI/1-2) elementary first aid (STCW Code A-VI/1-3) personal safety and social responsibility (STCW Code A-VI/1-4) security awareness hold a current seafarer medical fitness certificate (ENG 1) or equivalent. How to apply Complete the MSF 4395 application form and post it together with the required documentation by post to: Registry of Shipping & Seamen Anchor Court Keen Road Cardiff CF24 5JW Should you not want to send your originals, we are authorised to issue certified copies for the MCA. Ship Cooks Certificate To Knowledge Base

Denison Yachting has long been a leader in the yachting industry with a rich family history dating back to 1948, and the start of Broward Marine in Fort Lauderdale. Denison Yachting has long been a leader in the yachting industry with a rich family history dating back to 1948, and the start of Broward Marine in Fort Lauderdale. Today, the company provides complete yachting services worldwide, from sales and charter, yacht management, to crew placement and new construction. Denison Yachting has 20 waterfront offices around the world with a new office planned in London in 2023, as well as a team of more than 120 sales & charter brokers. This huge pool of experience provides a deep client roster, extensive industry contacts, as well as a long-term perspective on the market dynamics combined with a genuine passion for yachting. Denison Yachting Denison Yachting has long been a leader in the yachting industry with a rich family history dating back to 1948, and the start of Broward Marine in Fort Lauderdale. Visit website Back to All Partners Become a member and enjoy the exclusive offers from our partners. Become a member

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 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

Our team at the PYA office in Antibes works continuously to verify sea service testimonials for our members around the world (in peak times, up to 400 per month!). PYA Verification Procedure and MCA Applications To All news 1 October 2020 Our team at the PYA office in Antibes works continuously to verify sea service testimonials for our members around the world (in peak times, up to 400 per month!). Due to the large number of crew and testimonials that we verify, it’s important that to understand and follow the correct process below when submitting your testimonials to us. We have also included some guidelines for submitting your applications to the MCA online. A step-by-step guide to verifying your sea time: 1. Upload your testimonial documents to your member profile on the PYA website, making sure all details are correct, the responsible's person email address is valid and filled-in following our guidelines. 2. When you upload your documents, your file goes into a queue for verification with our Sea Service team. 3. When your file gets to the team, your testimonials are checked for possible issues, including inconsistencies, missing info, errors. To improve the efficiency and speed at which we process your testimonials, make sure all details are correct before uploading your documents to your profile. 4. If errors are found in your testimonials, we contact you for clarification/correction. If not, we contact your signatories by email for verification. This includes summing up the information you’ve submitted and asking them to confirm it. NB: you will receive a notification email when your signatories have been contacted, and one for each reply we receive. 5. Only when we receive all replies for all testimonials in your file do we submit it to an SRB Officer who will review it. If there are any queries from the SRB Officer, your file is flagged up and we will contact you or the signatory to clarify the issue. Once clarified, we have to re-submit your file to the SRB Officer for review and approval. 6. Once all details have been approved by the SRB officer, they appear as VERIFIED on your online profile. 7. Your Digital Service Record Book (D-SRB) will be updated, made available on your profile and you'll get an email to inform you that it's ready for download. (If you are a non-member, you will receive digitally signed copies of your testimonials, that will be available for download as soon as you are notified). NB: From this point on you can apply for an NOE/Revalidation if you fulfil the rest of the requirements. Please note, you will need to have full membership or pay the non-member fee. How long does it take to verify your sea time? Turnaround time varies with our workload and the quality of the testimonials submitted. Generally, it takes less than 2 weeks but the process can take up to 25 working days if there are issues with your documents. Applying for your NOEs/Revalidations with the MCA The MCA accepts online applications (except for first time applicants), so you can apply for NOEs/Revalidations as long as you fulfil all the requirements and you have a copy of your D-SRB (or digitally signed testimonials for non-members). Please read MCA MIN 655 for the latest updates. For NOEs, you'll need to send everything to deck@mcga.gov.uk For Revalidations, you'll need to send everything to revalidation@mcga.gov.uk For further assistance, you can contact us srb@pya.org . Further information More information about PYA membership and sea service verification can be found below: Sea Service Verification process Membership fees and benefits Updated 22/02/2023 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 truth is that many people don’t fully appreciate the value of working with a good yacht manager. They are often perceived as an interference and sometimes even as a threat but they are actually there for a good reason. The Merit of Working with a Good Yacht Manager To All news 10 October 2022 The truth is that many people don’t fully appreciate the value of working with a good yacht manager. They are often perceived as an interference and sometimes even as a threat but they are actually there for a good reason. Growing vessel sizes, fiscal issues and changing regulations are making the smooth functioning of a superyacht increasingly complex and having a professional partner that complements the work of the crew can make the difference between good and great results. Yacht managers should be the go-to person when there is a problem but that is not their only role. They are there to clarify, simplify, synthesise, unify and ultimately forge relationships. In order to successfully manage and maintain a superyacht everyone must trust and believe in each other. It’s a matter of connection, contribution and constantly asking oneself “how can we do this better?”. In a nutshell, yacht managers are there to offer their support and expert guidance so that captains and crew can excel and owners can enjoy. Among the many advantages of working with an experienced yacht manager, is their foresight. Due to their solid experience, they can anticipate and effectively deal with matters before they turn into a crisis. A high level of proactivity is needed when running a yacht as it allows owners to enjoy their asset whilst remaining confident of their personal safety and the vessel’s compliance with standards and regulations. Owning a yacht is a luxury that comes with a lot of responsibilities but working with a good yacht manager means that they can be met without having to be involved in day to day tasks. Yacht managers are usually responsible for a fleet of vessels and, over time, have accumulated an excellent working knowledge of flag state laws. They are well versed with the International Safety Management (ISM), International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Codes, Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Convention and Port State Control. They are aware of the manner in which relevant bodies and authorities interact and have resolved multiple issues ranging from the unpleasant such as repairs due to accidents to the more attractive such as planning improvements and working towards reducing impact on the environment. Managing a fleet means that there are long standing and trustworthy relationships in place with shipyards, suppliers and vendors, and this can lead to an economy of scale. Whether it concerns a refit due to age or change of ownership, planned maintenance or urgently needed spare parts, they have the contacts and connections to ensure cost savings and as little downtime as possible. Which brings us to the matter of financial control and accounting. Yachts usually proceed with a very large number of transactions in a variety of currencies and this requires experienced bookkeepers. They may require debit cards for their day to day expenditures, processing of purchase orders and verification of invoices. Superyacht crew are not trained accountants and appreciate the contribution of a yacht manager in this area as it allows them to concentrate on their principal task: to offer services that exceed the owner’s and their own expectations. Good yacht managers are also multitaskers and team players with strong communication skills. They know how to listen, maintain their composure under pressure and look out for others. These skills allow them to execute and oversee the tasks associated with the overall functioning of a yacht and which require cooperation with a wide range of personalities and job descriptions. All things considered, choosing to work with an experienced and skilled yacht manager is key to stress-free yachting. MYBA recognises the importance of yacht managers to the smooth operation of a yacht and has long established a Yacht Management Committee (YMC) whose actions are guided by MYBA’s commitment to establishing and maintaining the highest quality of standards and service. The aim of the YMC is to connect the world’s superyacht professionals in an endeavour to create a sustainable future for the superyacht industry. By working collaboratively to open and maintain dialogues with relevant bodies & authorities, raise industry-wide concerns, address common challenges and foster the exchange of information and expertise, it strives to lead an industry transformation towards environmentally friendly and socially responsible practices and attitudes. Trusted by authorities and regulatory bodies, MYBA possesses a strong voice which it uses to represent and defend the interests of the superyacht sector. The strength of this voice also brings with it the responsibility to promote education and that is why the YMC, in cooperation with The Training Academy , decided to add a Yacht Management Seminar to the annual agenda to follow the successful MYBA Superyacht Brokers' Seminars. The new Seminar is currently taking place in the South of France (October 10-12, 2022) and offers a basic introduction to the world of yacht management including subjects such as registration, VAT, ownership structure and safety management. 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

You might have seen the news that South Africans who earn income abroad will be liable for 45% tax on all of their earnings after the ZAR1million threshold from March 2020. If you’re a South African yachtie and think you might be exempt from declaring your income because you fall within this exemption bracket, or haven’t bothered registering with.. Think you’re exempt from South African tax due to the 'days out of South Africa' rule? Think again... To All news 4 August 2019 You might have seen the news that South Africans who earn income abroad will be liable for 45% tax on all of their earnings after the ZAR 1 million threshold from March 2020. If you’re a South African yachtie and think you might be exempt from declaring your income because you fall within this exemption bracket, or haven’t bothered registering with the South African Revenue Service (SARS) because you think you don’t meet the residency requirements...think again. According to United Advisers Group, unless you are a resident and registered taxpayer in another country, it’s important that you declare your income to SARS to avoid being liable for tax evasion. ‘South African expatriate workers have relied upon the ‘days out of South Africa’ to negate any tax payable on their remuneration. This will no longer be the case, and no matter the period of time you spend outside of SA, tax will be payable.’ It’s important to know that there are a few exemptions affecting international yacht crew earnings, and you might fall into this bracket, however, your status is heavily scrutinised by SARS and it’s important to consult professional tax advice to ensure you are following the correct process. According to an article recently published by Super Yacht News, ‘Something as simple as the mere position held by the seafarer, or the title on the vessel can affect this. Thus, seafarers need to understand the law and how it applies to their individual circumstances to be able to protect their foreign earned income.’ If you’re unsure about how these new tax laws affect you, we advise you to seek help from a professional tax advisor. Alternatively, you can contact Seafarers Global: www.seafarersglobal.com . You can also learn if the new tax law affects your situation by reading the Tax Smart Solutions Personal Guide. Image Credit: Photo by Captureson on Unsplash 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