ABOUT US
Your Premier Yacht Crew Employment Provider
At PYC Cayman, we are dedicated to simplifying and elevating the experience of yacht crew employment, payroll and administration. Based in George Town, Cayman Islands, we boast a committed team that oversees every aspect of yacht crew employment, payroll and administration, ensuring the highest standards of quality and compliance.
"You and your team have done a wonderful job for us and I thank you."
DAN, CAPTAIN, 164′ YACHT
LEADERSHIP
Graeme Lord
Director of PYC Cayman
Graeme Lord's journey to founding PYC Cayman began far from any yacht marina. Born and educated in Zimbabwe, he completed a rigorous four-year apprenticeship in diesel and petrol mechanics with Ford UK before transferring to Ford South Africa. After serving with the National Sea Rescue Institution along South Africa's Cape Coast—where mistakes cost lives—Graeme developed the calm under pressure that colleagues still recognise today. His path eventually led him to yachting, where he rose from Second Engineer to Chief Engineer within seven years, responsible for mechanical systems on vessels worth tens of millions.
It was during these years aboard that Graeme witnessed firsthand the growing complexities facing the industry. "Over the years, I have watched as the complexities of managing yacht crew grew to be more and more intricate," he explains. "Slowly, yacht crew management began to take up the bulk of time at yacht management companies as social security and tax laws evolved, and the MLC convention was put into place." This observation would ultimately drive him to create an innovative solution.
"That Segregated Portfolio Company becomes the employer and leases the crew back to the Owner. This concept allows for the crew to be covered by US tax laws, MLC requirements, and be protected by the vessel's P&I policy, whilst allowing the Owner to be protected from frivolous litigation and crew complaints."
— GRAEME LORD, FOUNDER & DIRECTOR
Before founding PYC Cayman in 2019, Graeme established the first comprehensive crewing and compliance management division at Fraser Yachts and helped transform IYC from a local Florida entity into a global presence. In 2011, he founded Fairport Yacht Support—named after the three-masted cargo sailing ship commanded by his great-grandfather, Captain Armstrong, in 1898. His grandmother and her sister were raised aboard that vessel, rounding Cape Horn in storms so severe they had to cut down the masts to survive. This heritage of resilience, seamanship, and family continues to inform everything PYC Cayman represents today.
As a recognised industry leader, Graeme holds several influential positions: Chairman of the Cayman Islands Shipowners Advisory Council, board member of the Yacht Committee of the Marine Industry Association of South Florida, and member of the United States Coast Guard steering committee. He regularly speaks at prestigious events including the Superyacht Forum and International Yacht Brokers Association conferences, and serves as an expert witness to maritime law firms. Industry partners consistently describe him as ethical, knowledgeable, and built on integrity.
Under Graeme's leadership, PYC Cayman operates from dedicated offices in George Town, Cayman Islands, with a Cayman National Bank account for payroll and full compliance with both MLC requirements and European GDPR regulations. His expertise in Segregated Portfolio Company structures and Cayman Islands maritime law has positioned PYC Cayman as the premier provider of crew employment solutions—protecting yacht owners from liability whilst ensuring crew members receive stable employment with comprehensive benefits.
INDUSTRY LEADERSHIP
Recognition & Influence
Graeme Lord regularly speaks at prestigious industry events, serves on influential maritime committees, and shapes the future of yacht crew management globally
Speaking at international yachting conferences and industry forums
Networking at Superyacht Americas and maritime industry events
Family values and mentorship remain at the heart of PYC Cayman's culture
Featured panelist at IYBA Superyacht Law Summit, sharing expertise on maritime employment law
Building relationships with industry leaders at maritime conferences
Representing PYC Cayman at West Palm Beach yachting industry events
CLEAR Member
PYC Cayman is a proud member of CLEAR (Crew Legal Employment & Advice Resources), demonstrating our commitment to ethical crew employment practices and industry best standards.
OUR JOURNEY
Building Excellence Since 2011
From pioneering independent crew management solutions to establishing the industry's most comprehensive SPC structure, PYC Cayman's evolution reflects our unwavering commitment to operational excellence and crew welfare.
Fairport Founded
Graeme Lord established Fairport to address the gap in the yachting industry for independent crew management solutions, laying the groundwork for innovative employment structures.
PYC Cayman Launched
Professional Yacht Crew (PYC) Cayman founded with revolutionary Segregated Portfolio Company (SPC) structure, protecting yacht owners from frivolous litigation whilst ensuring full MLC compliance for crew members.
Maritime Legal Approval
PYC's SPC structure vetted and approved by the industry's leading maritime attorneys, establishing credibility and legal foundation for comprehensive crew employment solutions.
Industry Recognition
Graeme Lord appointed Chairman of Cayman Islands Shipowners Advisory Council and board member of MIASF Yacht Committee, solidifying PYC's position as industry thought leader.
Full-Scale Expansion
Following Fairport's merger with IGY Marinas, Graeme focused exclusively on PYC, establishing dedicated George Town offices with Cayman National Bank partnership and full GDPR compliance.
Global Crew HR Solution
PYC Cayman now serves as the comprehensive crew HR solution for the global yachting industry, managing hundreds of crew members across dozens of vessels worldwide with unmatched compliance and protection.
OUR STRENGTHS
What Sets Us Apart
Compliance and Regulation
Our procedures stand as a testament to our commitment to regulatory compliance. We meticulously follow the stringent requirements of the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) and the European General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR). This ensures that your crew's welfare and data privacy are safeguarded at all times.
Financial Expertise
Transparency and efficiency define our financial operations. We maintain a dedicated bank account at Cayman National Bank, streamlining crew payments. All financial matters are centralised, right here in the Cayman Islands, ensuring seamless financial management.
Legal Assurance
The Cayman Islands serve as the robust legal jurisdiction for all our operations. This provides a solid legal framework, instilling confidence in our clients and crew members alike.
Comprehensive Insurance
Your peace of mind is paramount to us. We are included as additional insured under your yacht's P & I insurance without any additional charges. In the unfortunate event of crew sickness, injury, or fatality, our comprehensive crew medical insurance and P & I coverage offer swift and thorough protection.
Efficient Operations
Our streamlined setup process ensures that creating a new Segregated Portfolio Company (SPC) takes a mere two days. This agility enables us to deploy your crew promptly and efficiently.
Tax Compliance
Navigating the complexities of taxation is our expertise. We handle all tax reporting to the IRS, providing W-2 and W-4s to crew members subject to US taxes. Our diligent approach ensures compliance with the IRS 20 questions, making tax-related matters a breeze for our clients.
Collaborative Excellence
Choose PYC Cayman, your trusted provider for yacht crew employment, payroll and administration. Our unwavering commitment to excellence ensures that your yacht and crew receive unparalleled care and attention. PYC is an independent company that works directly with yacht owners, captains and crew, as well as yacht management and brokerages worldwide to provide a seamless experience.