Vetting & Standards

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must demonstrate substantial professional experience in yacht delivery operations. Minimum requirements include:

• A minimum of 30,000 nautical miles of yacht delivery experience, supported by verifiable proof (logbooks, delivery records, references, or equivalent documentation).
• Valid master mariner certification or equivalent recognized maritime qualification
• Documented delivery experience across multiple vessel types
• Verifiable professional references from yacht owners, brokers, or maritime industry professionals
• Clean professional record with disclosure of any maritime incidents or insurance claims
• Current professional liability insurance coverage

Meeting these minimum requirements does not guarantee membership approval. All applications are subject to discretionary review and verification.

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Application Review Process

Applications undergo comprehensive review and verification. The process includes:

• Initial Assessment:

Review of submitted credentials, qualifications, and experience documentation. Applications failing to meet minimum standards are declined at this stage.

• Reference Verification:

Direct contact with provided references to confirm experience, professional conduct, and incident history. References must be independent and verifiable.

• Credential Validation:

Verification of maritime qualifications, certifications, and insurance coverage through issuing authorities and providers.

• Background Review:

Investigation of professional history including previous incidents, insurance claims, and disciplinary actions by maritime authorities.

• Final Determination:

Discretionary decision based on complete review findings. IADS is not obligated to provide detailed explanations for declined applications.

The review process typically requires 4-8 weeks. Applicants are notified of the outcome but are not entitled to appeal declined applications.

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Verification of Experience and References

All claimed experience and references are subject to independent verification. IADS conducts direct outreach to:

• Yacht owners and operators for whom deliveries were performed
• Maritime brokers and agents involved in delivery arrangements
• Insurance providers regarding claims history and coverage status
• Maritime authorities regarding certifications and incident records

Applicants who provide false or misleading information are permanently barred from membership consideration. Verification failures result in automatic application decline.

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Professional Conduct Expectations

Members are required to maintain professional standards throughout their membership. Expected conduct includes:

• Adherence to maritime regulations and international conventions
• Maintenance of current certifications and professional liability insurance
• Prompt disclosure of maritime incidents, insurance claims, or regulatory actions
• Professional conduct in all client and industry interactions
• Accurate representation of credentials and IADS membership status

Failure to maintain these standards may result in membership suspension or revocation without prior warning.

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Disciplinary and Removal Process

IADS maintains ongoing monitoring of member conduct and professional standing. Disciplinary procedures may be initiated based on:

• Maritime incidents involving negligence or professional misconduct
• Regulatory violations or sanctions by maritime authorities
• Multiple insurance claims indicating pattern of poor practice
• Client complaints regarding unprofessional conduct or contract violations
• Lapse in required certifications or insurance coverage
• Misrepresentation of credentials or membership status

Disciplinary actions may include immediate suspension pending investigation, mandatory remediation requirements, or permanent membership revocation. Members subject to disciplinary proceedings are notified and provided opportunity to respond, but final determinations are at IADS’s sole discretion.

Revoked members are permanently barred from reapplication and are publicly listed as removed from membership in the verification system.

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