Grades of YDSA Membership

YDSA has three grades of professional members, reflecting the level of expertise and experience they have as a marine surveyor. YDSA members specialise in yachts, powerboats, inland boats (such as narrowboats and barges), RIBs and workboats. These types of vessel are sometimes referred to as "small craft" and can be for leisure use, either private or commercial. Some YDSA members also work with other types of commercial craft and super yachts. However, YDSA members do not survey container ships, P&O cruise ships, etc.

In order to ensure that clients find the right grade of member for the job the grades or membership are set out below:

Full – a Senior Member of the Association, who will typically have an area of specialisation and who may well undertake Expert Witness and other litigation work. Achieved by submission of 3 surveys as for Accredited member. Fellow – conferred at an AGM by the members for services to the Association and who is still practising as a Surveyor. (Associate or Full Member).

Accredited – upgrading to become an Accredited Member is achieved through passing the in-house examination and submission of three full condition surveys for assessment (or equivalent in the case of a member who is specialising in a particular area).

Affiliate – entry level of membership for those who are fairly new to surveying, but will have a good knowledge of small craft from having worked in other areas of the industry over a number of years. Applicants provide three full condition/pre-purchase surveys for assessment, together with two professional references and evidence that they hold PI and PL insurance.

Advertising using the logo and letters YDSA is permitted to Accredited, Full and Fellow Members only. Affiliates are solely entitled to refer to their membership within the body text of their website.

It is mandatory for all members to hold PI and PL insurance for the protection of their clients and themselves.

Fellowships are awarded at an AGM by the members in recognition of the services given to the Association by the member.

Honorary membership is conferred at an AGM by the members for services to the Association for someone who is now retired from practice.