The Superyacht Builders Association (SYBAss) has formally recognised the value of proper training of interior crew, by endorsing the Professional Yachting Association’s (PYA) GUEST Program (Guidelines for Unified Excellence in Service Training).

“Following conversations with Robert van Tol, operations director of SYBAss, over the last year, Robert agreed that there is a mutual benefit for the shipyards to promote professional practices for all crew in each department,” explains Joey Meen, PYA Director of Training and Certification (pictured, right). “He told us that SYBAss members are convinced that their clients deserve – and will have – a better experience if professional and regularly trained crew are serving them.”

A number of shipyards now offer training programmes for crew, including interior crew, such as the recently announced Heesen Yacht Academy. Coupled with the SYBAss endorsement, it is clear that shipyards are now recognising the importance of training, a topic that was discussed at length, across all sectors of the industry, during November’s Global Superyacht Forum.  

This SYBAss endorsement comes after MYBA’s formal support of the PYA, and before the almost-certain endorsement from the International Superyacht Society (ISS), of which news is expected very soon.

This SYBAss endorsement comes after MYBA’s formal support of the PYA, and before the almost-certain endorsement from the International Superyacht Society.

“This is a huge step forward for the interior department, to have an industry-recognised platform of training available that meets the needs for the roles on board. Through the learning outcomes of the programme, we are able to ensure a more professionally trained crew, as SYBAss members have asked for,” says Meen, who adds that SYBAss members have offered to reach out to maritime training schools local to the respective members, and encourage them to apply to become GUEST training providers.

“One of the main goals of SYBAss is to elevate the level of professionalism throughout the superyacht industry, and professional training and qualifications play a vital role in this,” says SYBAss Secretary General Theo Hooning. “SYBAss is therefore pleased to support the GUEST Program, recognising as we do that the first-class yachts built by our members are only enjoyed to their full potential when operated by first-class crew.”   

Profile links

Professional Yachting Association

Superyacht Builders Association (SYBAss)

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