Decoding PYC

If you’re building a new yacht for charter, then it may be time to navigate the waters of Passenger Yacht Code.

- Glynn Smith

Every charter captain who’s been in the industry long enough has had to explain the 12-guest limit on board. While a growing number of charter clients understand the rules, limits can still be a point of contention. During my career as a charter captain, I’ve heard all the arguments, from “I know the maximum is 12 sleeping, but some of us won’t sleep—we plan to party all night” to “I’m only asking for a extra few friends on board, and there are plenty of couches, so what’s the big deal?” Another common angle is to discount children for being small, as if they can be stowed in a closet.

The past 15 to 20 years have seen big changes in the charter industry, including the introduction of cruising regulations with such acronyms as ISM, ISPS, MLC, LY3 and, now, PYC—a certification that allows yachts to charter with as many as 36 guests plus crew, if owners choose to build or refit their yachts to the PYC standard.