In early 2024, five leading classification societies — Lloyd’s Register (LR), Bureau Veritas (BV), RINA, DNV, and the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) — announced the formation of the Yacht Safety and Environmental Consortium (YSEC). This collaborative initiative was created to address the absence of a unified classification framework tailored specifically to the needs of yachts over 24 meters.

Historically, yachts have fallen outside the scope of the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS), which provides oversight for commercial ships. As a result, safety and environmental standards in the yachting sector have been inconsistently applied, creating challenges for builders, operators, and owners navigating a fragmented regulatory landscape.

Objectives of YSEC

YSEC aims to bridge this regulatory gap by:

• Promoting harmonized safety and environmental standards for yachts

  
  

• Supporting the development of consistent guidelines for tonnage and load line assignments

  
  

• Advising designers and shipyards on best practices for sustainable construction and operation

  
  

• Serving as a platform for information-sharing among industry stakeholders

Scope of Work

Although still in its early phases, YSEC has committed to issuing formal guidance and technical notes that reflect the collective expertise of its member societies. Key areas of focus include:

• Standardizing approaches to structural safety and design verification

  
  

• Supporting emission reduction efforts through engineering-based guidelines

  
  

• Creating frameworks for digital compliance monitoring and risk management

Leadership and Structure

YSEC is governed by a rotating chair and vice-chair structure, with leadership responsibilities changing every two years. This ensures fair representation among member societies and shared ownership of its initiatives.

Industry Implications

The formation of YSEC is a significant milestone for the superyacht sector. By establishing a consistent regulatory backbone, it is expected to:

• Reduce ambiguity for shipyards and designers

  
  

• Help owners and operators better understand compliance expectations

  
  

• Encourage investment in cleaner, safer technologies

As the yachting sector continues to evolve, YSEC’s efforts may also contribute to closer alignment with international maritime regulations, ultimately simplifying the process of building and certifying yachts for global operations. We’re excited to simplify Yacht Management for everyone, through our software, education, and community.

Team Aquator