International Association of Delivery Skippers
A non profit association maintaining a verified registry of yacht delivery skippers who meet rigorous vetting standards for experience, competence, and conduct.
Professional yacht delivery has a credibility problem. Anyone can advertise themselves as a delivery skipper.
The internet has made it easier than ever to look like a professional.
AI has made it even easier.
Twenty years ago, reputation was built through sea miles and word of mouth.
Delivering a yacht safely across an ocean depends on knowledge that cannot be manufactured—judgement developed through 10s of thousands of sea miles, unfamiliar vessels and real operational decision-making.
Membership isn't about telling people who you are.
It's about giving yacht owners confidence in who you are not.
Independent Verification
Credentials and experience are independently verified.
Professional Standards
Members adhere to strict protocols for safety and conduct.
Accountability
ongoing monitoring ensures members uphold the highest standards.
Why It Matters
Professional yacht delivery requires far more than a sailing qualification. It demands extensive offshore experience on dozens of different boats across sail, power, mono and multi. These qualities are difficult for owners and insurers to assess.
Our Role IADS is an independent non-profit established to provide third-party verification of professional yacht delivery skippers.
The industry is full of self-appointed delivery skippers.
We're raising the bar.
Standards of Excellence
IADS serves yacht owners, insurers, and brokers by providing third-party verification of professional credentials. Membership is discretionary and based on demonstrated competence, verifiable experience, and adherence to established standards of conduct.