SYBAss Accreditation: What It Means for Owners

The Superyacht Builders Association (SYBAss) is the trade body of the world's largest superyacht builders. Its members include Lürssen, Feadship, Royal Huisman, Heesen, Oceanco, Benetti, Sanlorenzo, and the other major yards that deliver yachts above 40 metres. SYBAss accreditation of an owner's representative or consultancy firm is a vetting by the people on the other side of the table from the owner.

This piece explains what SYBAss accreditation covers, what it does not cover, and why owners commissioning a new build or a major refit should care.

What SYBAss Is, in One Paragraph

SYBAss was founded in 2007 as the industry body of the largest superyacht builders. It represents around thirty yards, collectively responsible for the great majority of large superyacht deliveries each year. It sets industry standards on technical matters, on sustainability, on safety, and increasingly on professional qualifications for the people who work alongside its members on owners' behalves.

What SYBAss Accreditation of a Consultancy Covers

SYBAss does not run a single accreditation scheme. It runs a structured ecosystem of qualifications, registers, and partner programmes. The four that matter to owners are:

SYBAss member firm endorsement. A small number of consultancies are formally recognised by SYBAss as competent to act on the owner's side of new build projects with its member yards. This is not a paid membership. It is a professional standing.

The Yacht Owner Representative Programme (YORP). Launched by SYBAss with IAMI and GUEST. A twelve-week programme covering role and responsibility, foundations of a new build, management and compliance, and legal and contracts. Graduates can apply for the Yacht Owner Representative Register.

The Yacht Owner Representative Register. A public list of individuals who have completed YORP and been independently verified. Maintained by the Superyacht Alliance, sister body to SYBAss.

IAMI qualifications. The International Association of Maritime Institutions runs the academic qualifications underpinning YORP. IAMI certificates are awarded unit by unit and can be held independently of the register.

A consultancy that lists "SYBAss-accredited" should be able to explain which of the above it holds, and at what level. A consultancy that lists "SYBAss-accredited" with no further detail should be questioned.

What SYBAss Accreditation Does Not Cover

It does not certify integrity. It certifies competence. An accredited representative who works for a yard, a broker, and an owner simultaneously is still accredited, but is no longer independent. Always ask about commercial relationships separately.

It does not guarantee the firm has delivered a project on the scale of yours. Accreditation is necessary, not sufficient. Always ask for recent project references.

It does not extend to all parts of a refit. SYBAss is primarily focused on new build, where its members operate. A SYBAss-accredited firm may or may not have the specialist refit experience for, say, a classic sailing yacht restoration. Ask about the specific yard relationships.

Why It Matters to an Owner

Three reasons, in order of weight.

First, signal value at the yard. A SYBAss-accredited owner's representative arrives at a SYBAss member yard with credibility. The yard's commercial team treats them as a counterparty, not an obstacle. Negotiations are faster, decisions are cleaner, and the yard does not waste time trying to route around the representative to reach the owner directly.

Second, baseline competence. The IAMI units are technically demanding. A representative who has passed them has demonstrated knowledge of contracts, classification, technical specification, and project finance. This does not guarantee competence on a specific project, but it raises the floor.

Third, industry network. Accredited firms attend SYBAss events, meet member yards regularly, and have direct relationships with naval architects, classification societies, and flag state administrators. That network compresses the timeline on every part of a project.

Foreland Marine and SYBAss

Foreland Marine is an SYBAss-accredited consultancy. We act for owners only, on new build and refit projects between 24 and 60 metres. We do not own a yacht management company. We do not hold a brokerage licence. We do not have a commercial relationship with any shipyard. Our SYBAss accreditation is what allows us to work credibly alongside the major yards while keeping that independence intact. See our owner's representation service for how this works in practice.

Verifying Any Firm's Claim

If a firm claims SYBAss accreditation, ask three questions:

1. Which specific SYBAss endorsement or register entry do you hold?
2. Which individual at your firm holds the relevant IAMI qualification?
3. Are you happy for me to confirm this directly with SYBAss?

A real accreditation will produce confident, specific answers. A false claim will produce hesitation or deflection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is SYBAss accreditation legally required?

No. There is no legal requirement for an owner's representative to hold any qualification. Accreditation is voluntary and reputational.

How many firms are SYBAss-accredited?

The number is small, in the low tens internationally. SYBAss does not publish a public list of all accredited firms, but it will confirm individual accreditation on request.

How long does YORP take to complete?

Twelve weeks, delivered online with masterclasses, self-study, and guest lectures from industry experts.

Can a single individual hold both YORP graduation and SYBAss firm accreditation?

Yes, and many lead representatives do.

Where can I find the Yacht Owner Representative Register?

It is maintained by the Superyacht Alliance. The register is searchable and public.

If you are evaluating an owner's representative and want an independent view on credentials and structure, see our guide to choosing a representative.