AYSS Code of Ethics

25.11.2010

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you, Hazel, Steve and the whole team for your assistance in the UAE. It is clear that your support made our visit a pleasurable one and improved our guest experience!

Thanks and best regards,

Captain Tim Armstrong
M/Y Dilbar

AYSS Agent Goals

To facilitate the best quality service to superyachts
To offer reasonable prices
To raise the profile of the superyacht industry throughout the world
To increase membership of our association
To facilitate members passing business to each other
To uphold business ethics in the superyacht industry

AYSS CODE OF ETHICS & CONDUCT

In achieving the aims and objectives of AYSS through cooperative effort and combined marketing initiatives, each Agent/Member Company, its employees and directors shall agree to subscribe to and fully comply with the AYSS Code of Ethics and Conduct.

This agreement is a condition of membership and exhibits the Association’s commitment to maintain the highest level of professional standards in the yachting industry. All members will strive to work in the spirit of fairness to all clients, their employees, sub-contractors and fellow members of the AYSS.

A strong devotion to high ideals of professional integrity and courtesy is essential.

AYSS, as an organisation, shall

Strive to achieve a co-operative and positive climate within the industry by demonstrating loyalty towards the members and showing respect to the stakeholders in achieving the purpose of the organisation.

Professional Integrity and Courtesy

An AYSS Agent/Member Company shall

Uphold at all times the tradition and integrity of the AYSS, and conduct themselves and their businesses in such a manner that will bring credit to the member, the Association and all fellow members.
Use the spirit of honesty, excellence, reliability, innovation and customer satisfaction to guide their decisions and commercial focus.
Refrain from associating with or conducting commercial transactions with persons or companies of questionable character.
Avoid operational practices that may diminish the overall integrity of the yacht services industry; especially fraudulent, illegal or discriminatory practices.
Treat as confidential and privileged any information obtained regarding the business or social affairs, financial position, state of health, technical methodology or processes of all clients, their employees, sub-contractors and fellow members of the AYSS.
Not disclose or use for the benefit of non-members commercial information received from, or in connection with the AYSS and its members, unless specifically approved by the Executive Secretary or the Chairman.
Refrain from using aggressive, improper or questionable methods when advertising or promoting their business or commercial activities.
Seek no unfair advantage over fellow members.
Not voluntarily disparage the business, products or services of a fellow member. If an opinion is sought regarding an AYSS member, it should be provided with discretion, professional integrity and courtesy.
Refuse to pay in any manner, direct or indirect, commissions to clients, crew or other employees of possible clients for the purpose of influencing them in his favor.

Standards of Products and Services

An AYSS Agent/Member Company shall

remedy promptly and equitably any genuine case of dissatisfaction honoring all guarantees and undertakings given as to quality or service
render their products and services based on the highest standards
not use the AYSS mark in such a way to bring discredit to AYSS

Cooperation and Avoiding Conflict

An AYSS Agent/Member Company shall

So conduct his business as to avoid controversies with his fellow members. In the event of controversy or grievances among members, AYSS may be requested to intervene. Litigation is very strongly discouraged and used only as a last resort.
Avoid conflicts of interest with the Association or with other members or, where unavoidable, declare these openly or, if appropriate, to the Council of AYSS in confidence.
Inform a client or employer of all interests, affiliations, conflicts, or potential conflicts of interest which might influence decisions or the quality of services rendered.

AYSS Code of Conduct

General
The present Code of Conduct is intended to set down the particular conditions under
which the Association operates and to define some of the customs and practices of the
profession. In the case of a contradiction between the Constitution and the Code of
Conduct, the Constitution will prevail. All Members are bound to comply with the rules
of practice and conduct set down by the Association
Membership applications criteria and procedures
All Membership applications shall be submitted to the Membership Working Group on
comprehensively completed membership application forms together with supporting
documents.

All successful applicants shall have a clear knowledge and understanding of the
Association’s Code of Ethics and Conduct as included on all member applications. All
successful applicants agree to comply with the AYSS Code of Conduct and shall have
a copy of the AYSS Constitution for their reference and use.

All applications shall be endorsed & supported by three AYSS Full members in good
standing.

The Membership Working Group shall verify all required conditions are satisfied and
shall submit the request to the Executive Secretary who shall review the candidature
and make recommendations to the Council for approval or rejection. If a Membership
Working Group is not operating the Executive Secretary will submit the request directly
to the Council.
Professional Insurance
All Members are strongly encouraged to carry adequate insurance cover for world-wide
Professional Indemnity at a level appropriate to the members operations and exposure.
Disciplinary and Mediation Procedures

COMPLAINT AGAINST A MEMBER
If the AYSS Ethics and Grievances Working Group receives a complaint against a
Member of the Association (The Respondent) who is alleged to have contravened the
Code of Ethics and Conduct or to have acted unethically or unprofessionally, the Ethics
and Grievances Working Group shall examine the facts of the complaint, in order to
take any action as the Council may eventually deem necessary.

To avoid conflicts of interest any Ethics and Grievances Working Group member or
Council Member involved in the complaint or closely associated to any or all parties
shall not participate in any communications, deliberations or proceedings by the
Working Group or the Council relating to the complaint. However, these members may
be consulted for input and information deemed critical to the subject matter and
circumstances of the complaint.

DISCIPLINARY ACTION AGAINST A MEMBER
Any Member who has been found by a Council decision to have failed to comply with
the Code of Conduct or to have acted unethically or unprofessionally may be subject to
a membership review, suspension or expulsion from the Association.

Complaint Procedures

Any Member having a justifiable cause for complaint against another Member shall
make a request in writing to the Chairman and Vice Chairman of the AYSS. The
Member shall submit a written statement of the facts and circumstances together with
digital copies of all relevant documents and communications. A complaint can be laid on
this online form.
The Chairman and Vice Chairman will present the circumstances to the Council who
will decide if there are sufficient grounds for the working group to investigate the
circumstances. If so the Ethics and Grievances Working Group shall respond to the
complaint within thirty (30) days of receipt of such documents. A decision taken in
conjunction with the Council on the merits and legitimacy of such a complaint will be
sent to the complainant in writing.
If the Council identifies grounds for a legitimate complaint the Respondent(s) will be
notified in writing and receive copies of all documents and communications submitted
by the Complainant. The Respondent will have fifteen (15) days to respond with
supporting documents to the Ethics and Grievances Working Group as well as the
Complainant.
The Respondent(s) will have fifteen (15) days to respond with supporting documents
to the Ethics and Grievances Working Group as well as the Complainant.
Following this response, the Ethics and Grievances Working Group will report to the
Council who will decide an appropriate course of action and any disciplinary action
within fifteen (15) days and inform all parties in writing.

Appeal Procedures

Any Member found to have contravened the Code of Ethics and Conduct or acted
unethically or unprofessionally as a result of the Complaint Procedures above has
fifteen (15) days from the date of notification to submit a written appeal to the Council.
If the Council does not find in favor of the appeal within thirty (30) days of receipt of
the appeal, any disciplinary action(s) including the Member’s suspension or expulsion
from the Association as decided upon by the Council, shall become effective upon
notification in writing.