PYA

⚠️ NEW MANDATORY PSSR TRAINING REQUIREMENT

The MCA has published MGN 718 (M+F), introducing additional mandatory training on preventing and responding to violence and harassment at sea.

The requirement applies to:

- Holders of a UK PSSR certificate issued before 1 January 2026
- Holders of UK Certificates of Competency or Proficiency
- UK-certified officers and ratings

If you completed an MCA-approved PSSR course on or after 1 January 2026, the additional content was already included and you do not need to complete the supplementary module.

How to complete the training:

1️⃣ Visit the Ocean Learning Platform
2️⃣ Search for course 0900
3️⃣ Add it to your basket and use code mca_prvh26
4️⃣ Create an account and access the course
5️⃣ Complete all 16 lessons
6️⃣ Download and retain your digital Verification of Training

The module is free, takes approximately one hour and has no final assessment.

📅 Deadline: 31 March 2027

Your Verification of Training is the official evidence accepted by the MCA, so make sure you keep a digital copy.

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Last chance to join the conversation!

On 7 September 2026, the PYA, together with its project partners, will bring together yacht crew, training providers, industry professionals and local businesses for the SYQF Networking Evening in Antibes.
Discover how the Superyacht Qualification Framework (SYQF) aims to strengthen professional standards, improve the recognition of qualifications and support clearer career pathways across the superyacht industry.

📅 Monday, 7 September 2026
🕖 7:00 PM–10:00 PM
📍 International Yacht Club d’Antibes, Port Vauban

Places are limited — register now to secure your spot:
🔗 https://form.jotform.com/261972152853058

Learn more about the SYQF project:
🔗 https://www.pya.org/knowledge-base/project-superyacht-qualification-framework-

The SYQF project is co-funded by the European Union through the Erasmus+ programme.

🌊 Sea Changes Forum 2026 is coming back!

We are proud to officially announce the next edition of the Sea Changes Forum by PYA, taking place on Thursday 24th September 2026 at the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) in Monaco.

Since 2011, this key industry forum has brought together professionals, regulators, and stakeholders to explore the latest developments in yachting, from regulations and certification to crew welfare and career progression.

📍 Location: IHO, Monaco
🕓 Forum: 16:00–18:00
🥂 Reception: 18:00–20:00

Join us for an afternoon of insight, exchange and meaningful dialogue, followed by an evening of networking in the heart of Monaco.

🔗 Register here: https://form.jotform.com/252021609617351

We look forward to welcoming you.

✨A heartfelt thank you to our sponsors, without whom this event would not be possible:

MYBA Worldwide Yachting
Bluewater Yachting
VSF Group
IAMI GUEST Program for Yachting
Memetti Superyacht Agency

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Understanding Visa Requirements 🛥️

Planning to travel to France or another Schengen country for yacht training or to look for work? Make sure you understand what your nationality and visa status legally allow you to do.

The French Border Police is currently investigating the yachting industry, particularly foreign nationals entering France to undertake training or seek employment on yachts. The key point is simple: for non-Schengen nationals, permission to enter the Schengen Area does not automatically include permission to look for or undertake work.

🔹 Schengen, EU and EEA nationals

You can attend maritime training courses, look for work, participate in interviews, dockwalk and undertake daywork or permanent employment without requiring a visa or work permit.

🔹 Visa-exempt non-Schengen nationals

This includes nationals from countries such as the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, the United States, Canada and Brazil.

You may attend short-term training courses during a visa-free stay of up to 90 days within any 180-day period. However, visa-free entry does not allow you to legally seek employment, dockwalk or undertake paid daywork.

To work legally, you must secure a formal job offer or employment contract and obtain the appropriate authorisation before entering EU.

🔹 Non-Schengen nationals requiring a visa

This includes South African nationals, who must obtain a Type C Schengen Visa before travelling.

If your maritime training lasts fewer than 90 days, you may apply for a Type C visa for professional training. The purpose must be clearly declared and supported by an official acceptance or invitation letter from the training provider.

A standard Type C visa does not permit job hunting, dockwalking or paid daywork. It also cannot be converted into a work permit while you are in France.

🚨 Your documentation must always reflect the exact purpose of your visit. Entering with the wrong visa or providing incorrect information could result in detention, fines, deportation or a Schengen-wide travel ban.

The investigation also covers crew placement agencies. Agencies operating in France must comply with French registration requirements and the Maritime Labour Convention, must not charge recruitment fees to seafarers and must verify qualifications, medical certificates and employment agreements before placement.

Please share this information with anyone planning to travel to the Schengen Area for yacht training or employment.

Join us in Antibes for the SYQF Networking Evening! 🛥️

On 7 September 2026, the PYA will bring together yacht crew, training providers, industry professionals and local businesses for an evening of networking, discussion and new connections.

Discover how the Superyacht Qualification Framework (SYQF) aims to strengthen professional standards, improve the recognition of qualifications and support clearer career pathways across the superyacht industry.

📅 Monday, 7 September 2026
🕖 7:00 PM–10:00 PM
📍 International Yacht Club d’Antibes, Port Vauban

Places are limited, so register in advance:
🔗 https://form.jotform.com/261972152853058

Learn more about the SYQF project:
🔗 https://www.pya.org/knowledge-base/project-superyacht-qualification-framework-

The SYQF project is co-funded by the European Union through the Erasmus+ programme.

Don’t navigate your career alone. 🛥️

When it comes to your sea service, qualifications and career progression, you need more than promises. You need an experienced and trusted organisation that understands the industry and stands behind yacht crew.

Since 1991, the PYA has been a strong and consistent voice for crew, representing their interests, raising their concerns with industry bodies and authorities, and working to ensure their experience, qualifications and professional needs are properly acknowledged. Alongside this advocacy, the PYA delivers practical and recognised services that members can rely on throughout their careers, including Sea Service Testimonial verification, MCA-accepted PYA Service Records, career guidance and confidential assistance when they need it most.

Not every organisation offers the same level of professionalism, recognition or industry credibility. Choosing the right one, matters. That’s why we are here: to represent, verify, guide and support you throughout your journey.

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Training is not an optional extra. It is the foundation of safer vessels, stronger leadership and a more professional yachting industry.

In The Future of Crew Training, published by The Triton, PYA CEO Christophe Bourillon highlights the urgent need for training standards to evolve alongside new technologies, increasingly complex vessels and the changing responsibilities of crew.

From leadership and people management to alternative fuels, dynamic positioning and emerging technologies, the industry must move beyond minimum requirements and invest in the skills crew genuinely need.

As Christophe puts it:

“At the end of the day, a better-trained crew is a better and safer boat.”

The future of yachting depends not only on innovation, but on ensuring crew are properly prepared to manage it.

🔗 Read the full article here: https://tinyurl.com/4ee452x2

🇫🇷 French maritime authorities have introduced new anchoring rules in Pampelonne Bay.

The former western anchoring area for 45–80-metre vessels is now designated for 24–45-metre vessels and incorporated into the Zone de Mouillages et d'Équipements Légers (ZMEL) while yachts measuring 80 metres or more must anchor in a separate zone from those between 45 and 80 metres. As nautical charts have not yet been updated, captains should consult the official order before anchoring.

🔗Read the full article: https://tinyurl.com/bde4wx97

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Why should you verify your sea service?

Your sea service is more than just time spent on board, it is essential evidence of your professional experience and career progression.

Whether you are working towards becoming a Captain, advancing your engineering career or applying for your next certification, you will need to have your sea service officially verified.

Why choose the PYA?

Under the mandate granted to us by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency , maritimecoastguard, approved testimonials are added directly to each member’s PYA Service Record, which is approved by the MCA, Transport Malta , Royal Yachting Association & International Yacht Training Worldwide .

Through the PYA Portal, you can:
- Have your sea service testimonials verified in as little as one week*
- Access a complete record of your verified sea time
- Store and manage your professional certificates securely
- Apply for your Yacht Rating Certificate
- Access the OOW 3000 Training Record Book

Take control of your professional journey and make sure your sea service is ready when your next career opportunity arises.

👉 Discover all the benefits of PYA membership at www.pya.org/plans

⚠️ For a limited time, receive 20% off PYA Full Membership:
🔹 Use code MIDS20

*Subject to all required information, documentation and signatory information being complete and in order.

Two years ago, the PYA set out to create a secure digital platform designed specifically for yacht crew. One year since its launch, the PYA Portal continues to evolve thanks to the valuable feedback of our members.

Complete our short questionnaire and tell us which features you would like to see added or improved.

🔗 https://tinyurl.com/3f7835nm

The Portal brings already essential career tools together in one secure and accessible space, helping crew to:

✅ Manage their professional records in one place
✅ Store and access important certificates securely
✅ Complete sea service verification through a faster, safer and fully digital process
✅ Reduce paperwork and simplify administrative procedures
✅ Keep an accurate, recognised record of their sea service
✅ Access relevant information and industry updates
✅ Manage their careers with greater confidence and peace of mind

Under the mandate granted to us by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA), approved testimonials are added directly to each member’s PYA Service Record, which is approved by the MCA, Transport Malta, Royal Yachting Association and International Yachting Training.

The verification process takes just three simple steps:

- Complete your Sea Service Testimonial on the PYA Portal.
- Add your signatory’s details for digital signature.
- Submit it for verification by the PYA team.

But this is only the beginning. We want to develop the Portal into the best possible digital space for yacht crew—and we need your input.