ABYA OFFERS THREE GRADES OF PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIP – ASSOCIATE, ACCREDITED AND FULL – RECOGNISING THE DIFFERENT STAGES OF A BROKER'S PROFESSIONAL JOURNEY. EACH GRADE REFLECTS A MEMBER'S KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE AND COMMITMENT TO MAINTAINING THE HIGHEST STANDARDS OF PROFESSIONALISM WITHIN THE YACHT BROKERAGE INDUSTRY.

Associate Membership

Associate Membership is for individuals who are actively involved in the brokerage industry and are working towards achieving the standards of professional competence required for Accredited Membership.

Entry Requirements

To qualify for ABYA Associate Membership, applicants must:

• Complete the ABYA Associate Sales & Purchase and Code of Practice Exam
• Achieve a minimum pass mark of 80%

Upon successfully passing the examination, Associate Membership will be awarded.

Additional Requirement

All Associate Members are required to attend the next available Practical Yacht Brokers Course after being awarded membership.

Failure to complete the Practical Yacht Brokers Course may result in suspension of membership.

Accredited Membership

Membership for Accredited Members is for Brokers with a number of years’ experience but may be less than that of a Full Member. For example, you may often be working with another broker.

Entry Requirements

To qualify for ABYA Accredited Membership, applicants must:

• Complete the ABYA Accredited Assessment
• Achieve a minimum pass mark of 90%
• Submit a Bill of Sale

Upon successfully passing the Assessment, Accredited Membership will be awarded. 

Full Membership

Membership for Full Members is for senior brokers with 10+ years’ experience – usually managers or business owners. 

Entry Requirements

To qualify for ABYA Full Membership, applicants must submit the following:

• Listing Agreement
• Proof of KYC/AML checks
• Inventory / Sales Particulars
• Bills of Sale
• Builder’s Certificate
• Transcript of Registration (where appropriate)
• VAT Invoice/Status
• RCD Certificate or photo of RCD Plate
• Sale and Purchase Agreement
• Receipt for (a) deposit and (b) balance
• SSR or Part One Registration Certificate
• Management Statement – Buyer
• Completion Statement - Seller

--Other Membership and Recognition

Fellow Membership
Fellowships are awarded at an AGM for services to the Association and are additional to the above grades.

Honorary Membership
Awarded at an AGM to retired members and non-members for services to the Association.

Partner Membership

Partner members are professional organisations or individuals who offer services which are complementary to the membership of YBDSA, such as marine insurance, law, finance or in technical areas. Partners are listed on our website and are welcome at Association events at the discounted member rate.

Why Partner with ABYA & YBDSA?

Partner Membership is a cost-effective way to raise your profile, strengthen industry connections, and showcase your expertise to a highly engaged audience.

Whether you're looking to attract new clients, build valuable relationships, or establish your business as a trusted name in the marine industry, our Partner Membership provides the platform to help you achieve your goals.

Join a network that's committed to supporting professionalism, excellence, and growth across the UK marine industry.

If you wish to become a Partner Member, please contact us by email membership@ybdsa.co.uk

RE-ELECTION AND UPGRADING

Re-election is available to those who have been out of Membership for some time and wish to re-join.

Members are encouraged to upgrade to Full Member after a suitable experience as an Accredited Member. Experienced brokers/agents may apply for membership as a Full Member.