PYA launches AV/IT course to produce job-ready technicians for catamarans

The Professional Yachting Association (PYA) has rolled out a dedicated AV/IT training programme designed to produce job-ready technicians for modern catamarans and powercats. Launched on Jan 21, 2026, the course responds to growing onboard systems complexity and rising expectations for guest-facing audio-visual, communications and integrated systems.

The programme is aimed at practical technicians rather than full electro-technical officer (ETO)-level electrical specialists. It focuses on hands-on AV and IT skills, together with cyber and security awareness relevant to today's yacht systems. Providers delivering the training are accredited under the IAMI GUEST framework, giving owners and managers confidence that the curriculum meets recognised standards for marina and superyacht operations.

Increasingly sophisticated entertainment suites, satellite communications, networked control systems and sensor-driven automation have expanded the technical workload on board. Captains and chief engineers frequently report a mismatch between the level of specialist AV/IT support required and the qualifications of available crew. The PYA course targets that gap by producing technicians who can step into maintenance and operational roles quickly, reducing reliance on shore-based contractors for routine troubleshooting and guest-service support.

For owners and managers of large catamarans and powercats, the practical upside is immediate. Hiring graduates of the programme should cut downtime for AV and communications faults, streamline refit and install processes, and improve guest experience through better-maintained systems. For captains, the course offers a pool of technicians who understand the particular demands of multihull installations, integrated entertainment architectures and the need for resilient communications while underway.

The training's emphasis on cyber and security awareness also responds to industry concerns about vulnerabilities introduced by connected systems. Technicians with that baseline knowledge can help enforce network segmentation, secure guest Wi-Fi, and maintain software hygiene that protects both operations and guest privacy.

For technicians and shore-side contractors, the PYA route presents a clear pathway into the yachting fleet without the longer timeline of achieving ETO status. For vessel operators, investing in graduates or training existing crew promises quicker fixes and more consistent onboard service levels.

Expect to see the first cohorts enter the market later this year, and watch for operators to adjust staffing plans accordingly. For captains, owners and fleet managers, the new course offers a practical way to keep AV, IT and integrated systems shipshape while improving resilience and guest satisfaction.