Work Programme

Discover collaborative projects that turn shared safety and environmental challenges into practical, technically grounded action for the sector.

A marina with several white yachts docked in calm water, with high-rise buildings and construction cranes visible in the background under a clear blue sky.

A collaborative approach to technical progress

YSEC’s work programme is directed by a Steering Committee comprising representatives from each founding member.

Potential projects are considered collectively and progressed where members agree that coordinated technical collaboration can provide meaningful value. Relevant specialists are then brought together through focused working groups to examine the subject and contribute their respective expertise. This approach allows YSEC to:

  • Combine knowledge from across five classification societies.

  • Consider challenges from multiple technical and statutory perspectives.

  • Engage with relevant industry organisations and standards bodies.

  • Support greater understanding and consistency across the yacht sector.

  • Develop outputs grounded in professional and scientific principles.

The Terms of Reference establish that YSEC’s projects are selected unanimously and delivered through working groups of domain experts from its member organisations.

Our Process

Plan with purpose

Together, we outline a path forward that’s realistic, strategic, and tailored to your specific needs.

Bring experts together

Specialists combine their technical, statutory and operational perspectives through focused working groups.

Develop practical approaches

The working groups examine evidence, compare requirements and collaborate with industry partners to develop clear, technically grounded solutions.

Share industry value

Approved guidance, research and technical contributions help improve understanding, support best practice and advance safer, more sustainable yachting

Current work

Through specialist working groups, YSEC examines areas where greater clarity, consistency or collective technical input could benefit the wider yacht industry. Its programme supports research, knowledge sharing, and the development of practical, fact-based approaches to challenges affecting yacht design, construction, and operation.

Aerial view of yachts docked at a marina, with several boats lined up side by side and a sidewalk with parked cars below.

  • Supporting credible and measurable environmental progress.

    Improving the environmental performance of large yachts requires credible assessment methods, consistent data and collaboration across the industry. YSEC contributes classification and statutory expertise to initiatives intended to improve how environmental performance is understood, assessed and communicated. Its environmental programme includes collaboration with yacht-sector organisations and participation in the development of international technical frameworks.

    Environmental index development

    YSEC is supporting the Superyacht Builders Association greenhouse gas working group with work relating to the development of an environmental index. The initiative reflects the industry’s growing need for credible and consistent approaches to understanding greenhouse gas performance across the yacht sector.

    Status: In progress
    Area: Environmental assessment and greenhouse gas performance
    Collaboration: Superyacht Builders Association

    Water Revolution Foundation YETI Index

    YSEC is contributing to the ongoing development of the Water Revolution Foundation’s Yacht Environmental Transparency Index.

    The YETI initiative is intended to support a clearer and more structured understanding of yacht environmental performance, helping the industry identify where meaningful improvements can be made.

    Status: Ongoing
    Area: Yacht environmental performance
    Collaboration: Water Revolution Foundation

    ISO/CD TS 23099

    YSEC is participating in the development of ISO/CD TS 23099, a methodological framework for assessing the environmental performance and credentials of large yachts of 30 metres and above.

    Participation in this work allows YSEC members to contribute collective technical experience to the development of a consistent international approach.

    Status: In development
    Area: International standards and environmental assessment
    Collaboration: International Organisation for Standardisation

  • Supporting safer design, construction and operation

    Large yachts operate within a complex technical and regulatory environment. Differences in vessel design, operational profile and regulatory interpretation can create areas where further guidance or industry alignment may be valuable. YSEC’s safety programme brings together specialists from its member societies to examine specific challenges and support practical, technically grounded approaches.

    Guidelines for load line assignment for yachts

    YSEC is developing guidance relating to load line assignment for large yachts. The work is intended to support greater clarity and consistency in the consideration and application of relevant load line requirements across the yacht sector.

    Status: In development
    Area: Load line assignment and regulatory interpretation

    Large Yacht Code comparison

    YSEC is undertaking a comparison of relevant Large Yacht Codes. The work will examine areas of similarity and difference to improve industry understanding of how requirements may vary between regulatory frameworks and administrations.

    Status: In progress
    Area: Regulatory comparison and industry understanding

    Pilot boarding arrangements for yachts

    YSEC is examining pilot boarding arrangements as they apply to large yachts.

    The work aims to support safe, practical arrangements that reflect the specific design and operational characteristics of yachts while addressing the needs of pilots and vessel operators.

    Status: In development
    Area: Operational safety and pilot transfer

  • YSEC’s work may lead to different forms of industry output depending on the subject and maturity of each project. These could include:

    • Technical guidance.

    • Comparative studies.

    • Contributions to standards development.

    • Research and evidence gathering.

    • Best-practice recommendations.

    • Industry presentations and technical papers.

    • Support for external assessment frameworks.

    All external outputs are subject to collective review and approval by YSEC’s Steering Committee.

  • YSEC’s work programme will continue to develop in response to emerging safety, environmental and regulatory challenges affecting the yacht industry. Future areas of activity will be considered by the Steering Committee and progressed where collective technical collaboration can provide clear value to the sector.