About the Register
The success of a new build yacht project depends strongly on a good collaboration between the shipyards and the Owner. The Yacht Owner’s Representative plays a crucial role in this achievement.
YORP (the Yacht Owner’s Representative Program) was developed to set a qualification standard for this role, and it is now shouldered by a Register of experienced individuals: the Yacht Owner Representatives Register.
Established by the Superyacht Alliance for Professional Standards, a non-profit organization based in Malta and founded by MYBA, SYBAss, and IAMI, the Register was launched in 2024.
The Register aims to provide current and future Superyacht Owners with a centralized listing, a database of qualified Owner’s Representatives whose expertise is carefully screened, verified and validated by the Professional Council.
Levels of Membership
Principal Yacht Owner’s Representative, experienced and qualified members who have distinguished themselves in developing and promoting the profession.
Experienced Yacht Owner’s Representative, qualified members with experience with the full or main responsibilities of an Owner’s Representative with at least 2 or more verified projects.
Qualified Yacht Owner’s Representative, members who have successfully completed the full IAMI Yacht Owners Representative Program (YORP).
“The YORP program creates a professional standard so that both Owners and Shipyards know what they can expect from an Owner’s Representative.”
Definition of a Yacht Owner Representative
FINAL RESPONSIBILITY
The Yacht Owner Representative is the spokesperson for the Owner’s Team. They can delegate responsibilities to a technical surveyor, for example, for the acceptation of certain parts of the yacht, but retains the responsibility of final decisions.
CENTRAL POINT OF CONTACT
The Owner Representative structures and coordinates the communication between the Owner, his/her team, and the shipyard representative, but also between the designer, the Owner and the shipyard. He has the authority to represent the owner with the shipyard.
PLAN AND MONITOR
Allocate the funding by Owner, plan and monitor the acceptance of construction and vessel, organize procurement of owner’s supplies, Set up and control the financial administration of owner’s supplies and cost of representation.
SET UP FOR LAUNCH
Prepare the yacht for operations, set up system(s) for project and yacht documentation.
ASSESS AND MONITOR RISK
Including managing the warrantee period.
FINAL RESPONSIBILITY
The Yacht Owner Representative is the spokesperson for the Owner’s Team. They can delegate responsibilities to a technical surveyor, for example, for the acceptation of certain parts of the yacht, but retains the responsibility of final decisions.
CENTRAL POINT OF CONTACT
The Owner Representative structures and coordinates the communication between the Owner, his/her team, and the shipyard representative, but also between the designer, the Owner and the shipyard. He has the authority to represent the owner with the shipyard.
PLAN AND MONITOR
Allocate the funding by Owner, plan and monitor the acceptance of construction and vessel, organize procurement of owner’s supplies, Set up and control the financial administration of owner’s supplies and cost of representation.
SET UP FOR LAUNCH
Prepare the yacht for operations, set up system(s) for project and yacht documentation.
ASSESS AND MONITOR RISK
Including managing the warrantee period.
How to get listed
Requirements:
To be listed on the Register, each applicant’s file will be reviewed thoroughly by the Professional Council, ensuring the integrity of information provided and determining a high accuracy of the Register.
The applicants’ requirements are as follows:
- OR - Completion of the full IAMI Yacht Owners Representative Program (YORP), which includes the four courses: YOR Role & Responsibility Skills Unit 40, YOR Foundations of a New Build Project Unit 41 , YOR Management & Compliance Obligations Unit 42 and YOR Specialist Project, Legal & Administrations Unit 43.
- OR - Experienced Owner’s Representatives may apply onto the Register under the “grandfather clause”, which expires on the 30 June 2027, (on a case-by-case basis). This clause exempts completion of the full IAMI YOR Program, however evidence to commit to professional development by attending the YOR Role & Responsibility Skills Unit 40 / or equivalent is required before 30 June 2027.
- OR - Demonstrate experience with 3 New Build projects of yachts over 30 meters while employed as the Owner’s Representative, with completion of YOR Role & Responsibility Skills Unit 40 / or equivalent.
- All applicants must endorse the Register Code of Conduct
- The applicant is available, now or in future, to be appointed as an owner’s representative for a new build project.
The Process:
- The applicant submits a request of information and application documents by emailing info@superyachtalliance.org
- Completion of the Superyacht Alliance “Professional Register Application Form” and the “Experience Assessment Form” (includes agreeing to the Register T&Cs and the “Yacht Owner Representative Code of Conduct”)
- Payment of the Application fee
- The Application and Experience Assessment Form are passed on to the Professional Council for the YOR Register for approval.
- Notification of Acceptance. At this stage, each successful member’s profile is automatically published on the Register (live from end of November 2024).
Fees & Terms
Application fee: EUR130
Yacht Owner’s Representative Register - Code of Conduct
Owner’s Representatives are expected to meet a set of standards and responsibilities when signing on to the Register.
The program / education
The Yacht Owner’s Representative Program (YORP) is the IAMI accredited qualification designed to set a new industry standard for the role of a Yacht Owner’s Representative (YOR) for New Build Projects.
The program has been developed by a team of experienced Owners Representatives and shipyard Project Managers.
The full Yacht Owner’s Representative Program is made up of four courses (units), leading to IAMI GUEST Certification:
- GUEST YORP Unit 40 – Role and Responsibility Skills
- GUEST YORP Unit 41 - Foundations of a New Build Project
- GUEST YORP Unit 42 – Management and Compliance Obligations
- GUEST YORP Unit 43 – Specialist Project, Legal and Administrative Knowledge
Participants on the YORP will come away with a deep understanding of the occupational competencies and responsibilities that qualify for the role of a YOR, and feel confident to take this knowledge into their future build projects.
