Revolutionising the Yachting Sector: AV/IT Training Programme Empowers Crew with Essential Technical Skills

Charting a course to meet the increasing demand for skilled yacht crews, The Professional Yachting Association (PYA) unveils an avant-garde AV/IT training programme tailored to the evolving needs of the industry. Working in collaboration with key stakeholders, including equipment manufacturers, installation and maintenance specialists, and training providers, the initiative seeks to familiarise crews with the technological systems found on modern yachts. These are not just any system, but those that greatly influence on-board operations, guest experiences, and cyber-security. The courses chart a new destination, not leaning towards a degree-level certificate of competency in electrical systems, but rather a practical proficiency in audio-visual and IT systems – a requirement slowly gaining more traction.

Level one provides foundational insights into common AV/IT systems onboard superyachts. Level two, on the other hand, targets crew members keen on spearheading the role of an on-board AV/IT expert. It includes training on the types of data circulating within on-board networks, common terminologies, and the integration between the yacht’s internal systems and external networks. Level three focusses on operational expertise around installation and integration of AV/IT systems during new builds and refitting projects. This pioneering initiative bridges the gap between the industry’s increasing requirement of tech-proficient crews and presently unmet training needs, paving the way for a future where technology and yachting are not separate entities, but co-pilots in a harmonious journey.