Becoming a member
YDSA is a professional association for yacht surveyors and designers. It does not provide entry-level training which can be achieved in a variety of ways - through practical work within boatbuilding, or perhaps from a general interest in boats and studying - such as the IBTC Practical Surveying course - or the Southampton Solent University degree in Yacht Technology and Surveying. Applicants need to be proficient, professional surveyors when they apply and support their on-going development through attendance at training events to maintain their standards. These do not have to be YDSA events but should provide valuable knowledge for the surveyor or designer. This often includes events run by senior YDSA members to pass on the knowledge and expertise they have gained through their own surveying or designing careers.
Applications for the December 2011 meeting must be with the secretariat by Friday 25th November to be considered at the December meeting.
Applications - Surveyors are asked to provide:
- three example surveys of the work they do;
- a CV, as this gives an overview of their practical and academic experience within the small craft marine industry;
- evidence they hold appropriate PI insurance, and two professional references.
The Sample Report Pack provides a good guide to what is expected from applicants' surveys. Download in the members area or contact the office for a FREE copy.
Professional Indemnity Insurance is required, to a minimum of £100,000 each and every claim or £250,000 aggregate. However, the cover should be discussed with insurers as it needs to reflect the work done by the surveyor, and include sufficient for legal costs as well as boat value. YDSA has a scheme with Winter & Co (Marine) who are specialist marine brokers and understand the cover needed by a surveyor or designer. Public Liability insurance is also required. See Winter & Co's website or call 01255 831111.
To request a Membership Pack contact the YDSA offices in Petersfield and we will be pleased to talk to you and send you a pack. Non-members are welcome at events such as the YDSA Annual Conference held in March in London each year.
Membership applications are put before the YDSA Committee for assessment and membership may be offered immediately, an interview may be requested, comments on the reports may be made and more reports requested in due course, or membership may be offered at a different grade to that requested.
Partner organisations offer complementary services to the membership of YDSA, such as marine insurance, law, finance or in technical areas. Contact Jane Gentry for further details of how to become a partner.
FAQs
