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  • PYA to launch Lithium-ion Batteries webinar with Seascope France

    © Jéan Cloete PYA to launch Lithium-ion Batteries webinar with Seascope France To All news 9 November 2023 The PYA in collaboration with Seascope France will launch a webinar this November covering lithium-ion battery awareness and a new training course based on the MCA’s MGN 681. The discussion will welcome a number of experts from across the yachting industry familiar with lithium-ion battery systems and their implementation on board yachts of various sizes. The webinar will also explore the important areas that underpin safety on vessels and the often overlooked component of lithium batteries including their role in the yachting industry. “Leading yacht industry experts will be taking part in our latest webinar with Seascope France to better understand the safety aspects of yacht management and lithium-ion batteries. This discussion follows a number of fires on yachts in recent months and will enable yacht crew to learn valuable insights on safety procedures. We want to thank Seascope France for working with us to arrange our latest webinar which will bring in-depth knowledge to the industry,” said Christophe Bourillon, CEO for the PYA. Yachting industry experts with years of experience in areas such as health & safety, fire & rescue training, the merchant navy, surveying and maritime law will share their unique insights. Discover our guest speakers Mr Kevin Howlette, Director of Ferndale Fire Ltd. and Emergency Fire & Safety Ltd Kevin is a Health & Safety Consultant who specialises in fire and rescue training. His companies specialise in providing cutting-edge solutions for extinguishing Lithium Ion Battery Fires, including robotics. Ferndale Fire Ltd is a Joint Venture between Emergency Fire & Safety Ltd from Belfast and Ferndale Lane Investments Ltd from Cork, London and Dublin. Working both locally and widely abroad, Kevin, a former member of the NIFRS, has extensive health and safety knowledge in the fire & rescue sector and a proven track record for managing and delivering training in his field. Master Mariner Gerard Pollock, who developed the course around the MCA’s MGN 681 Gerard Pollock is a Master Mariner who began his career in the merchant navy before entering yachting 20 years ago. Gerard has worked on several prominent yachts, including as Master on MY Musashi. Since moving ashore in 2016, Gerard has worked as a Port State Control Officer before joining the Pacific Maritime Safety Programme as a Maritime Advisor to governments in the South Pacific. Gerard is also an author and writes on maritime safety and regulation. His third book is due out from Witherby’s later this year. Captain Herbert Magney Herbert Magney is an active captain of a 135' private yacht and in the U.S.C.G. Auxiliary. He works with Sectors Miami and Boston Commanders in the Accident and Incident Investigation Branches. After launching a working group initially made up of members of the ISS, Captain Magney has worked with several flag and class surveyors plus various law firms, insurance underwriters and insurance providers. He has also led the creation of On Board Safety Management Plans and On Board Training for large and small vessels of various types of construction. Allan Love, MCA Policy Lead – Fire Safety & Engineering Allan Love represents the MCA on policy and works within the UK Technical Services Ship Standards. He is the main author for The MAC’s MGN 681. To take part in this webinar, you can reserve your place by booking via our event page . If you would like to host a webinar with the PYA, please contact us on info@pya.org with the subject ‘Webinar Partner’. We look forward to welcoming you to our latest webinar hosted by the PYA and Seascope France. To access our previous webinars, you can visit our website to see the latest discussions in the archive . More news 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 Fatigue in Captaincy and PYA initiatives An Update From The Bridge - an article written by the Captain's Committee of the ISS. The PYA’s mission is “to represent the interests of Professional Yacht Crew and to encourage and maintain the highest professional standards”. For this reason, we have been talking with Captains and crew in the yachting industry to better understand some of the current issues we are facing: Read more

  • PYA to attend Improving Yacht Crew Retention Conference in Nice, France

    ​ PYA to attend Improving Yacht Crew Retention Conference in Nice, France To All news 30 January 2024 The PYA will be attending the 2024 Improving Yacht Crew Retention Conference in Nice, France on March 7th. This year's 3rd annual conference will bring together a panel of experts from the industry to discuss crew welfare and retention issues. The speakers will also share their insights on a wide range of topics related to the industry's current recruitment landscape. Among some of the guest speakers include representatives from IAMI, UKSA, Hill Robinson, Wilson Halligan, PG Legal, Northrop & Johnson SYM, Bluewater, the WMU and Impact Crew to name but a few. PYA’s CEO, Christophe Bourillon, will also attend a panel discussing the importance of recruitment in the industry and retaining skilled seafarers: “This year’s conference will provide us with additional opportunities to build on the progress made in the past year on crew retention. These discussions will be an important step forward in addressing some of the imminent challenges. We will also be sharing our insights following recent consultations with recruitment agencies and employers.” We are offering 2 free delegate passes for people interested in coming to the event plus a 15% discount to all PYA members who would like to take part in the conference. You can register your attendance by visiting the Improving Yacht Crew Retention Registration page and typing in "PYA" into the promo box to add your discount. The full schedule for the event will be made available soon. We look forward to seeing you in March! More news 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 Fatigue in Captaincy and PYA initiatives An Update From The Bridge - an article written by the Captain's Committee of the ISS. The PYA’s mission is “to represent the interests of Professional Yacht Crew and to encourage and maintain the highest professional standards”. For this reason, we have been talking with Captains and crew in the yachting industry to better understand some of the current issues we are facing: Read more

  • Anchorage regulations on the French Riviera and how to avoid infringement

    ​ Anchorage regulations on the French Riviera and how to avoid infringement To All news 9 August 2023 New anchorage regulations in the South of France have caught a number of yacht captains by surprise, leading to court summons by the Maritime police. Following our discussions with captains as well as exchanges with the Prefecture Maritime’s office, we are issuing new guidelines to all captains with some of the best practices to reduce risks when anchoring in France near restricted maritime areas. At present, other than in the Bay of St Tropez, the Gendamerie Maritime does not have a large number of vessels on patrol. However, they will rely on radar, AIS and other electronic means to confirm anchoring in restricted areas. They can also rely on visual assessments from sworn officers, on watch in the local radio station (semaphore). The anchoring regulations are such that, the anchor may be outside a restricted area but if the vessel is seen within the restricted area, it is infringing the regulation. The vessel, anchor and chain must remain outside the restricted area at all times. Avoiding breaches of regulations There are a number of ways to avoid being summoned by maritime authorities. See our guidance list below: Ensure that you have the latest charts, publications and local bylaws. Select a safe anchoring area for the vessel. Always seek confirmation with the local radio station (semaphore) that you are within an authorised area. If not, ask them for coordinates for an authorised area. Record the radio exchange with the radio station (their own calls are recorded). Take photos of your vessel’s position, from your displays on the bridge, note the latitude and longitude of the anchor position in the Log Book. When at sea and at anchor, maintain a listening watch on Channel 16 at all times. From our discussions with the Prefecture Maritime, it appears that a number of vessels previously anchored in restricted areas had missed one or two calls from the Semaphore. Being able to contact you is extremely important for maritime authorities. Mooring buoys are available in Cannes, Beaulieu Sur Mer and Golfe Juan, these can be booked via the Donia App. The Prefecture Maritime’s own recommendations are as follows: Choose sandy areas, easily identifiable by their clear bottom, using sonar. If unsure, anchor at a depth greater than 30m in the French Riviera or 40m in Corsica. Reverse at a maximum of 0.5 knots and lift the anchor with the bow of the boat directly above it. For short mooring periods, avoid using excessive chain length. Please note that as safety is paramount, if you have to seek shelter in a restricted area, you can. However, you will have to demonstrate afterwards that the conditions of the vessel and/or weather were such that you could not avoid anchoring in the restricted area. In any case, it is important that you maintain communication with the radio station (semaphore) at all times. You can find the latest information on the topic here . To get the latest updates on changes to regulations directly in your inbox keep a lookout for our newsletters. If you are not yet registered as a member, you can explore options here . More news 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 Fatigue in Captaincy and PYA initiatives An Update From The Bridge - an article written by the Captain's Committee of the ISS. The PYA’s mission is “to represent the interests of Professional Yacht Crew and to encourage and maintain the highest professional standards”. For this reason, we have been talking with Captains and crew in the yachting industry to better understand some of the current issues we are facing: Read more

  • Octo Marine

    Accredited to ISO 9001:2015 and 14001:2015 standards, Octo Marine is the market leader in the design, supply, and maintenance of water treatment products and services for the marine industry. We offer watermakers, softeners, drinking systems, pumps, water sterilisation services, water analysis, and more. With our headquarters in the South of France, our technicians can intervene from Marseille to Genoa, and further afield by request. We also have an office in Barcelona, and we have agents in Palma de Mallorca, Fort Lauderdale, Greece and Thailand. Services Water analysis Watermaker supply, maintenance and repair Water Softeners Drinking systems Sterilisation systems Consumables Special offer for members With the purchase of the Octo Marine Slimline drinking system, we offer PYA members 1 free set of the 5 replacement filters. Please quote your PYA member number and expiry date with your purchase. Contact information Octo Marine International info@octomarine.net +33(0) 4 93 65 04 84 www.octomarine.com Octo Marine Barcelona tom@octomarine.net +33 (0)6 74 70 60 96 Octo Marine Octo Marine is the market leader in the design, supply, and maintenance of water treatment products and services for the marine industry. We offer watermakers, softeners, drinking systems, pumps, water sterilization services, water analysis, and more. Visit website Back to All Partners With the purchase of the Octo Marine Slimline drinking system, we offer PYA members 1 free set of the 5 replacement filters. Please quote your PYA member number and expiry date with your purchase. Become a member and enjoy the exclusive offers from our partners. Become a member

  • PYA Christmas Ball 2023 Highlights

    ​ PYA Christmas Ball 2023 Highlights To All news 14 December 2023 This year’s PYA Christmas Ball took place at the Martinez in Cannes and welcomed esteemed guests from across the yachting industry. With a night packed full of entertainment and networking, the 2023 PYA Christmas Ball brought together international yacht crews, captains of industry and leading institutions for an evening of celebration after a year of exciting developments in yachting. Set in the ballroom of the Martinez, guests arrived in style for the themed masquerade evening with a photocall capturing the elegance and fashionable attire of this year’s attendees. A host of media interviews also took place on the sidelines of the event. Following a drinks reception, the evening got underway with a gourmet dinner followed by dancing and live music into the early hours of the morning. Christophe Bourillon, CEO for the PYA said, “It’s been a tremendous year of change for the yachting industry and we are delighted to have been able to welcome guests from around the world in Cannes for our annual Christmas Ball gala. In addition to being a festive event, the setting offered many opportunities for bilateral discussions.” Ksenia Kokoshkina, Crewing Manager for The Crew Network added, “We truly enjoyed another PYA ball! It was a success. Great networking opportunity, amazing venue and meals this year were exceptional. Thank you very much for your time organising this beautiful event!” “Thank you to the PYA for organizing a splendid Christmas gathering, bringing together the Seascope Team for our festive work celebration. From entering the impressive Martinez, elegantly dressed in glamorous attire, balancing in our high heels, into a tastefully decorated dining room, where we enjoyed delicious cuisine, an endless array of drinks, and an incredible band that kept us on our feet dancing until we were ready to drop,” said Sophie Sevier, Director for Seascope France. Adrien Rizzi, Business Development for Riviera Radio in Monaco said, “I would like to thank all the team at PYA for organising such a fantastic Christmas ball at the Martinez! It was a perfect moment for connecting with colleagues and celebrating the end of the year together in style. Can’t wait for next year’s edition. Thanks again!” As in previous years, the PYA also unveiled its special Christmas ball raffle, offering a number of exciting prizes and unique experiences for lucky winners of the 2023 draw. This year’s event could not have been made possible without the generous support of our sponsors including Fort Insurance , whose contribution enabled the PYA to make this year’s ball an extra special occasion. We also want to thank this year’s guest of honour, the Italian Yacht Masters , an association which aims to promote and develop activities related to seafaring and boating. With the impact of our industry being felt around the world, we are coming up to the end of the calendar year, and what a year it’s been. We wish everyone a Happy Christmas and we look forward to seeing you again in the New Year! Christmas Ball Sponsors This year’s event could not have been made possible without the support of our sponsors. Learn more about their important work below and be sure to consider collaborating with them for your future projects and events: Premium Yacht Sponsor: Fort Insurance Fort Insurance is an Independent Superyacht Insurance Broker. They are committed to finding their clients the best possible cover at the most competitive prices. Their team of industry-leading experts combines decades of experience allowing them to help you choose the insurance policies suited for you by doing a thorough assessment of your specific needs. Their global panel of insurers allows them to find the best solutions available in the insurance market, whether it’s in continental Europe, Lloyd’s of London, the Americas, the Middle East or Asia. Burgess Founded in 1975 and now with 14 offices worldwide, Burgess is the global superyacht industry leader, uniquely specialising in yachts of over 30m (100ft). Renowned for its professional yachting services, the company leverages its expertise to guide clients through every aspect of the yachting experience, including sale and purchase, new construction, charter and operational yacht management. Nautech Group Shipyard Founded in 1998 in Marseille, Nautech is one of the oldest shipyards in France, dedicated to the refit and repair of luxury yachts and superyachts. The foundations of Nautech in Marseille were laid in 1998 when the opportunity was taken to create a refit and repair Shipyard at a location of strategic and commercial importance. Marseille has the most westerly drydocks in the South of France and is a genuine centre of maritime maintenance operations. Over the years, Nautech has continued to expand. Nautech has developed a loyal superyacht clientele who are looking for convenient and flexible shipyard services in the South of France and the Caribbean. MYBA MYBA , The Worldwide Yachting Association is an internationally renowned professional organisation, founded in 1984, whose Members are involved at all levels within the Superyacht Industry. Members of MYBA are widely represented in all fields of brokerage, charter, technical management and construction of large yachts. GWS Global Wine Solutions are the leading supplier of fine wines and spirits to the yachting industry, with offices in all the major yachting hubs worldwide. They understand the unique requirements of the superyacht community and have an unwavering commitment to excellence, an extensive global network of suppliers and producers, and a passionate team of experts who can curate a portfolio of wines that rival the most exclusive cellars in the world. Christmas Ball 2024 Next Year’s Christmas Ball will take place on 6 December and return to the Martinez in Cannes. Stay tuned for more details when tickets become available. More news 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 Fatigue in Captaincy and PYA initiatives An Update From The Bridge - an article written by the Captain's Committee of the ISS. The PYA’s mission is “to represent the interests of Professional Yacht Crew and to encourage and maintain the highest professional standards”. For this reason, we have been talking with Captains and crew in the yachting industry to better understand some of the current issues we are facing: Read more

  • genoa superyacht hub

    Genoa Superyacht Hub – a brand with two souls – is an initiative by Amico & Co and Pesto Sea Group. Genoa Superyacht Hub’s mission is to let the world know how attractive this location is and, at the same time, improve what Genoa offers to superyachts and their crew. Not only do superyachts have on hand Amico & Co, one of the world’s most modern and most capable superyacht refit and maintenance yards – complete with 4,000-ton ShipLift – and the expertise of Pesto Sea Group, one of Italy’s most renowned yacht and ship agents, but also more than 50 other superyacht related businesses in the immediate area together with easy access to superyacht contractors, services and suppliers in the nearby yacht building district. There’s much more to Genoa Superyacht Hub than those supplemental services. Our brand includes two marinas: Marina Molo Vecchio, right in the city center, can host yachts up to 150 meters LOA, while Waterfront Marina can welcome vessels up to 110 meters LOA and offers crew sports and leisure facilities. At Genoa Superyacht Hub, we go beyond providing a great place to stay. We aim to create a home away from home for crews. We organize crew socials and events, fostering a sense of community. Moreover, we offer crew training courses to help crew members stay on top of their core skills. Our training center, in collaboration with the best professional training providers, offers a wide range of specialist crew courses, ensuring personal and professional growth for all. Genoa Superyacht Hub is not just a home port, it’s a vibrant community. From our top-notch facilities and opportunities for upskilling to the world-class superyacht services on offer, we strive to create a sense of belonging. Isn’t it about time you considered making Genoa your new home port? List of services: Training Events and community Refit shipyard Yacht agency Marinas Bunkering Chandlery Contact information: Address: Calata Molo Vecchio Mod. 3, 16128 Genova GE info@genoasuperyachthub.com Phone: +39 010 270 1305 https://genoasuperyachthub.com/ Genoa Superyacht Hub Amico & Co and Pesto Sea Group have joined forces to create Genoa Superyacht Hub, a brand meant to deliver the highest quality services to our Genoa-based customers: training, events, refit shipyard, yacht agency, marinas, bunkering, chandlery. Visit website Back to All Partners ​ Become a member and enjoy the exclusive offers from our partners. Become a member

  • PYA CEO to Moderate “Environment and Sustainability” Panel at Superyacht Conference in Monaco on 27 June

    ​ PYA CEO to Moderate “Environment and Sustainability” Panel at Superyacht Conference in Monaco on 27 June To All news 17 May 2024 Christophe Bourillon, the CEO of the Professional Yachting Association (PYA) will be moderating a panel on “Environment and Sustainability” at the upcoming NextGen Owner: Managing Tomorrow's Superyacht conference, to be held in Monaco on 27th June 2024. The event will bring together industry leaders and experts to discuss the future of superyacht ownership. A Focus on Sustainability with Fresh Perspectives The panel will delve into the critical topic of environmental responsibility within the superyacht industry. Recognizing the need for a broader perspective, the panel will feature a sustainable development expert from outside the yachting industry , fostering a fresh exchange of ideas. This commitment to fresh voices reflects PYA's belief that true progress requires collaboration beyond traditional industry circles. Sustainable development strategies and reporting are very codified, very much like financial reporting. Undertaken with due consideration to all external requirements and expectations, “Sustainability” is an important pillar for the future of the superyacht industry. Christophe’s analysis of the future of the superyacht industry and its implementation of sustainable development activities, were published in a two-part article by Superyacht News (links below). Unmanaged risk: Part 1 https://www.superyachtnews.com/opinion/unmanaged-risk Unmanaged risk: Part 2 https://www.superyachtnews.com/opinion/part-2-unmanaged-risk- Conference Details Date: Thursday 27th June 2024 Location: Le Meridien Beach Plaza, Monaco Website: https://quaynote.com/conference/nextgen-owner-managing-tomorrows-superyacht/ More news 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 Fatigue in Captaincy and PYA initiatives An Update From The Bridge - an article written by the Captain's Committee of the ISS. The PYA’s mission is “to represent the interests of Professional Yacht Crew and to encourage and maintain the highest professional standards”. For this reason, we have been talking with Captains and crew in the yachting industry to better understand some of the current issues we are facing: Read more

  • Updated application for safe manning documents

    ​ Updated application for safe manning documents To All news 10 April 2020 If you are looking to apply for a Safe Manning Document for Yachts, the MCA has just released the MSF4208 application form . Applications will need to complete the form and send it (with the appropriate fee and enclosures) to the address in panel 8 on the form. All queries should be sent to large.yachts@mcga.gov.uk . More news 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 Fatigue in Captaincy and PYA initiatives An Update From The Bridge - an article written by the Captain's Committee of the ISS. The PYA’s mission is “to represent the interests of Professional Yacht Crew and to encourage and maintain the highest professional standards”. For this reason, we have been talking with Captains and crew in the yachting industry to better understand some of the current issues we are facing: Read more

  • Training - How to spice up fire drills onboard

    ​ Training - How to spice up fire drills onboard To All news 25 June 2020 Now that the Covid-19 lockdowns have been eased in Europe and some Caribbean yachting centres, most yachts are focused on returning to some type of “normality”. Whilst some boats might already be cruising, or due to depart in the next few days, others might not see such an immediate return to active yachting. There are two considerations to bear in mind. Globally, we have not seen an instant return to the pre-pandemic world as we knew it. The hospitality industry, of which we are a part, is in parlous straits, and no leading analysts are forecasting a full recovery in less than 18 to 24 months from now. International air travel continues to be restricted. St. Tropez with 50% capacity and social distancing in bars and cafes, with service staff wearing masks and gloves, might not feel like the old St. Tropez. The same dampening of destination ambience will apply all across the Mediterranean. So, we might experience some reduction in out-of-port cruising activity this summer. The other consideration is that the easings are tentative and come with a warning that a secondary spike in infection and mortality rates may mean a return to local or general lockdowns to try to contain the second wave. So some planning is advisable in case we might see more of the same lockdowns in the year ahead. This does not have to be a glum prospect. There is an opportunity here to develop a culture of mentoring on board by encouraging the creative talents among crew members. The same creativity and artistic skills which make theme nights a charter success can be applied to training in disaster preparedness. To illustrate, while basic drills are fundamental to effective emergency responses, embodying some drill aspects into a theatrical scenario that could actually happen adds a new level of teamwork. For example, fire drills tend to be repetitive and do not recreate the experience of the mandatory fire fighting courses. But a surprise themed drill can go a long way towards sharpening the edge of responders. How to run a surprise themed fire drill One tried and proven example is for the captain to conspire with the chief engineer to set up a realistic morning fire drill for the crew. Here are the simple steps: Captain and Engineer on standby to isolate and shut off power to all lighting, including emergency lighting, in the crew area. In the early morning darkness before their normal wake-up times, block all exits except for the emergency exit with chairs and set up strobe lights wrapped in red rags. On a couple of laptops have YouTube running with clips of burning buildings. Load up the toaster, burn the toast, call the chief on the radio to shut off power, and retire to a dark corner as the fire alarm sounds. As half-asleep and half-dressed figures emerge and smell burning, yell “Move! Move! Get out!”. The unreal lighting is disorientating. Is it real or a drill, but the captain is urging them to get out fast. Observe. Who are the quick thinkers? Who leads the way out? Who thinks to check all the cabins for anybody left behind? When everybody reaches the assembly point the exercise is over. Later in the morning, conduct a debriefing to bring up lessons learned, and suggestions about ways to improve future fire drills. For a change it will be the crew, not the captain, doing all the talking. Endless variations can be played on this theme. By giving crew (single or in pairs) the opportunity to create, write and direct any type of scenario which can be worked into routine drill schedules, it will help get further buy-in from them. They will become more capable and confident in their safety roles and will start to develop their own leadership skills. This example is intended to stimulate crew to produce their own scenarios so as to maintain a high level of interest and involvement in safety drills. We will follow up next week with some ideas on preparing engaging first aid drills and preparing for annual audits/surveys, including specific chart exercises. Rodney A. Hatch - Director for Deck Training Rod hails from Southampton. His connection to the sea goes back to early memories of the city skyline being dominated by the last generation of the great trans-Atlantic liners, and when the only yachts on the River Hamble were wooden ones, sympathetic neighbours of one of the last wooden hulks from the Royal Navy's Napoleonic wars. After graduating from Sheffield University, and prior to actually running away to sea, he was a Lecturer in Economics and Liberal Studies at South Bank Polytechnic, London. His yachting career and commercial sea time span over fifty years, and he is still active as a Relief Captain. From its shores to its inland hills, Rod embraces the Mediterranean littoral, with special affection for the ancient magic of the Greek islands, the glories of Renaissance Italy, France for the historic ties with England, and every vineyard along the way. Rod can be reached at deck@pya.org More news 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 Fatigue in Captaincy and PYA initiatives An Update From The Bridge - an article written by the Captain's Committee of the ISS. The PYA’s mission is “to represent the interests of Professional Yacht Crew and to encourage and maintain the highest professional standards”. For this reason, we have been talking with Captains and crew in the yachting industry to better understand some of the current issues we are facing: Read more

  • Barcelona Crew Academy

    International Luxury Training YACHT & VILLAS is a consulting & training provider with more than 15 years of experience based in Barcelona. Focused on education for the International Luxury Super Yacht and Villa segment, we have industry-recognized qualifications. We provide a full range of specific training courses for the Interior & Maritime areas Onboard, on-class, live sessions, on-site. We offer bespoke training tailored to your yacht or private state needs & requirements. Our training program is based on the Guest Superyacht Interior Training Program. All our courses are international recognized , and we follow the highest yacht industry standards of the G.U.E.S.T. Program & IAMI Association. Also, we provide consulting and recruitment services. Services 1. Training: you will learn standards for all levels of Yacht crew working in the hospitality & service Interior departments of a Super Yacht. All courses are available on class, online, on board or on site. a. For Junior Stewardess – entry level b. For Senior Stewardess – Advanced hospitality and specialist program c. For HoD and Chief Stewardess – Advanced Management program 2. Consulting: Performance managemet design and implement tailored to your yacht or Estate, create operation standards procedures, internal communication, job satisfaction, procedures optimization, improve productivity and guest experience, efficiency and effectiveness 3. Recruitment: we provide crew recruitment services, offering career opportunities and development adapting to our customer’s detailed requirements Contact information maytebruguera@barcelonacrew.com | training@barcelonacrew.com Call (+34) 63655398434 WhatsApp Website: https://www.barcelonacrewacademy.com/ Instagram: @barcelonacrewyacht https://www.instagram.com/barcelonacrewyacht/ Facebook: BarcelonaCrew Yacht Academy https://www.facebook.com/barcelonacrewyachtacademy/ International Luxury Training - Barcelona Crew Academy We are a consulting & training provider with more than 15 years of experience. We offer consulting services & bespoke training tailored to your yacht or private state needs & requirements. Our training program is based on the Guest Superyacht Interior Training Program. Visit website Back to All Partners 5% discount by using the discount code: 'PYABCN'. Become a member and enjoy the exclusive offers from our partners. Become a member

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