GUEST Program

Spotlight on the IAMI Specialist Sub Group…

IAMI's Specialist Sub-Group meets four times each year and is chaired by the Sub-Group Secretary John Wyborn.

The focus of the meetings are the Superyacht and restricted tonnage / area programmes and certification. At this meeting IAMI members can discuss current educational issues accross deck and engineering, including the recent IAMI Deck Yacht exams.

MCA Officials attend this meeting to provide direct feedback on issues, and inform members of forthcoming certification changes.

All IAMI members are welcome.

Come and hear John speak at the IAMI Annual Conference, 22nd

October at The Hilton Liverpool.

IAMI and the IAMI GUEST Program are founding members of the Superyacht Alliance and are committed to supporting its aims.

The Safe Design Initiative Survey has so far revealed that 28% of respondents directly linked crew accommodation and fatigue to onboard safety.
"Rested crews make better decisions, respond faster and operate more safely."
Another respondent simply stated:

"A well-rested crew is ultimately a safer crew."

Several participants highlighted how design decisions are impacting operational safety, including concerns around:

- Poor soundproofing
- Excessive vibration
- Crew cabins located beneath noisy deck areas
- Inadequate insulation in crew accommodation

We want to hear your experience. Every response helps build a stronger evidence base for safer yacht design.

Take the anonymous survey here: https://lnkd.in/ehYFiRpH

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Professional development is not simply about adding another certificate to a CV. It demonstrates commitment, ambition and professionalism. It shows employers that an individual is prepared to invest in their own future and contribute positively to the teams they join. As technology advances and operational practices continue to evolve, the ability to learn may become one of the most valuable professional skills of all.

So what are the characteristics that mark out the industry’s most respected professionals?

Their commitment to continuous improvement.

They ask questions.

They remain curious.

They seek feedback.

They continue learning, regardless of rank or experience.

Supporting a Professional Industry

As an industry, we often talk about attracting and retaining talented people. Yet retention is influenced by more than salary or rotation patterns.

People stay where they feel valued.

They stay where they are challenged.

They stay where they continue to grow.

Creating accessible pathways for continuous professional development is therefore not simply beneficial for individuals; it strengthens the entire industry. Better-trained crew contribute to safer operations, stronger leadership, improved wellbeing, greater professionalism and a more sustainable future for everyone working within the sector.

This is an extract from an article we have published on LinkedIn this week - If you would like to read it in full - head over to LinkedIn and follow the IAMI GUEST Program.

Have you ever stopped to think about where operational feedback actually goes?

Crew solve problems every day.

They adapt to awkward layouts.

They find safer ways to work around design challenges.

They develop practical solutions through experience.

But how often does that knowledge make its way back to the people designing the next generation of superyachts?

The SYA Safe Design Initiative is helping close that gap by collecting operational insight and turning it into meaningful design guidance.

Your experience doesn't just describe today's challenges—it has the potential to improve tomorrow's yachts.

https://lnkd.in/evFfrVv7

IAMI and the IAMI GUEST Program are founding members of the Superyacht Alliance and are committed to supporting its aims.

Is experience alone enough for today’s superyacht industry?

For many years, the pathway into the superyacht sector has been built on the tried and trusted paradigm of mandatory training, gaining sea time and learning on the job.

Experience remains invaluable, as does the power of taking time to qualification, but is it enough for an industry that continues to evolve at such a rapid pace?

Today’s yachts are more technologically advanced, with new technologies being introduced year on year, owner expectations are higher, and crew are expected to demonstrate not only technical competence but also leadership, communication, emotional intelligence, problem-solving and professionalism.

These are skills that don’t always develop by chance…..

The most successful professionals understand that learning doesn’t end once mandatory qualifications have been achieved. In fact in many ways, that’s where it begins.

Operational training and professional development provide opportunities to refine specialist skills, broaden knowledge, build confidence and prepare for the challenges of the next role—whether on deck, in the engine room, within the interior team or in a leadership position.

A commitment to continuous learning also sends a powerful message. It demonstrates curiosity, professionalism and a willingness to invest in yourself—qualities that employers increasingly recognise and value. It also signifies an individual who recognises that there is always more to learn no matter how senior or how far along they are in their career journey.

The IAMI GUEST Programme was created with this philosophy in mind. Developed by industry for industry, it focuses on recognised accredited operational, training that supports real career progression and reflects the changing needs of the superyacht sector.

Perhaps the question isn’t whether we can afford to invest in professional development. It’s whether the industry can afford not to.

We are delighted to report that TheSuperyacht Forum Crew Voices programme applications are filling quickly but we still have places available. The initiative is open to senior current, onboard crew including -

Captains

Chief Officers

Chief Engineers

Pursers

Cheif Steward/ess

At The Superyacht Forum 2026, the Crew Voices initiative is designed to bring real onboard perspectives into the conversations shaping the future of the superyacht industry.

This is an opportunity to share lived experience, add depth to the dialogue, and help connect what happens onboard with the decisions being made across the wider industry.

If you have a perspective that deserves to be heard, are interested in getting more involved in the decisions that affect your industry, and would welcome the opportunity to network and grow your community - now is the moment to apply.

Join the conversation. Contribute to meaningful change. Help shape a more connected, forward-thinking industry.

More details of the opportunity and the application form can be found in The Superyacht Forum Website.

The superyacht industry is strongest when operational experience helps shape future improvements.

The Safe Design Initiative Survey gives crew and operational professionals a direct opportunity to contribute to safer yacht design.

By sharing your experience, you can help identify common challenges linked to layout, access, equipment placement, and system design aboard new builds.

- Around 10 minutes

- Confidential and voluntary

Survey Link:

https://Inkd.in/evFfrVv7

IAMI and the IAMI GUEST Program are founding members of the Superyacht Alliance and are committed to supporting its aims.

Follow The Superyacht Alliance for more industry collaboration and innovation.

The IAMI 2026 conference & networking dinner planning is well underway!

Our conference planning team came together in Liverpool for an exciting session to shape what promises to be a fantastic IAMI 2026 Conference on Thursday 22nd October at The Hilton.

We've been busy identifying inspiring industry speakers, developing a valuable and engaging agenda, and finalising arrangements for the networking dinner venue. The enthusiasm and ideas around the table say one thing - this year's event is set to be bigger and better than ever.

From thought-provoking presentations to meaningful networking opportunities, we're working hard behind the scenes to deliver a day and dinner that brings together the very best of the maritime education and assessment sector.

It's shaping up to be an event you won't want to miss.

Places are limited and registrations are already coming in, so be sure to secure your place soon. For those who register we'll send you the discount link for accommodation at Hilton Liverpool City Centre

Register here: https://Inkd.in/evKGGzTZ

We look forward to welcoming you to Liverpool in October!

Your experience matters.

IAMI are founding members of the Superyacht Alliance and are committed to supporting and spreading awareness of its work.

The Safe Design Initiative Survey is now open and seeking feedback from crew and operational professionals across the superyacht sector.

This is your opportunity to put operational experience directly in front of the decision-makers who design and build superyachts.

✅ Confidential
✅ Voluntary
✅ Around 10 minutes to complete

Survey Link:
http://form.typeform.com/to/lzRvlvu2

Follow The Superyacht Alliance and join the conversation around safer operations and better design.