About AYSS | AYSS Superyacht Support Network

The Association of Yacht Support Services (AYSS)

The Association of Yacht Support Services has been assisting the captains and crew of the worlds Superyacht fleet since 1991. With our offices spread throughout the world’s cruising grounds, our combined knowledge and experience can ensure that every port you visit, is a port you will wish to return to, again and again.

The AYSS was founded as an association of highly qualified agents to bring together local suppliers and yacht captains, and to assist the smooth passage of superyachts across the region.

The oceans of the world have now become the gateways offering travellers sights, sounds and experiences to behold! Countries and ports become simple stepping stones along the route: destination to destination; experience to experience; culture to culture. From the Atlantic Ocean through to the Pacific, across the Indian Ocean and around the massive land masses of South Africa and South America, and through the mighty canals of the Panama and Suez. The romantic imagery evoked of times gone by is still there, but in modern times and with a different sort of commercial pressure, it is essential that support is in place at each of the destinations.

AYSS is an organisation established to provide the very best in support service and amenities for owners, guests and crew. From your home port onwards you can come under the wing of AYSS, and no matter where you are, you will be supported through your travels

AYSS currently has 71 agents strategically placed throughout the world to offer vessels and crew the guidance and support needed to take advantage of everything that each country has to offer, and ensure that owners and guests are provided with the best there is. We will smooth your passage through the mountains of beauracracy that clog up your chart tables, assist with visas, cruising permits and port control requirements; suggest wonderful sights and places to discover; provide you with the best in the way of culinary delights from the region; and assist with all of the essential day to day requirements of any superyacht.

With AYSS agents you will be linked from one destination to another so that you will never be far from professional help and a friendly face. The experience that all our agents have in their own country will encourage you to take full advantage of your time in each destination and taste the different flavours that each has to offer. The team have developed a family bond creating an unrivalled network of professional service providers.

The sights you can experience are so varied and exotic; you can only truly appreciate them with the help of a local. From sophisticated Ancient European Cultures to the Middle Eastern and Asian mystic, the quirky Australian and New Zealand sense of humour, the traditions of the Pacific, the soul of the Latin people in South and Central America, and the energy from the Caribbean Nations to the advanced American attitude – the magic beckons…

Join our AYSS family and take the amazing journey that the great oceans have to offer! Live the dream!

A superyacht cruising through a narrow inner waterway

Member Benefits

AYSS validates all its member agents in the industry by conducting a thorough vetting process with prospective members. Only when an agent meets strict criteria, outlined in our mission statement, can they use the AYSS brand to signify their professionalism within the industry. All members subscribe to and fully comply with the AYSS Code of Ethics and Conduct.

This means captains, owners and yacht managers can have the highest degree of confidence in selecting an AYSS agent at their destination.

Mission Statement
AYSS is a worldwide, self governing body, created to raise the otherwise mostly unregulated industry of yacht agents to a transparent and more professional level. Potential yacht agent members are strictly vetted before being accepted, requiring a minimum of 2 years in business and 3 sets of recommendations each from Captains, Industry and Fellow AYSS members. These recommendations are updated every 5 years approximately.

Membership advantages

There are many advantages to membership with AYSS, including:

Demonstrating your professional excellence within the industry, which in turn makes you the obvious choice for customers
Entering a community of like-minded professional agents
Regular representation at superyacht shows and events across the world
Professional online social media marketing of your company under the AYSS brand
Blog articles focussing on your company and shared within the online superyacht media
Access to reliable information about other jurisdictions
One hour of free consultation with our valuable and highly-renowned associate-member lawyer, Benjamin Maltby
Access to discounts from marine suppliers (contact our Executive Director for details)
Support and advice from fellow members if/when needed

All members strive to work in the spirit of fairness with clients, who are entitled to an honest and transparent business relationship with an AYSS agent. Members are devoted to high professional ethics, integrity and courtesy. The AYSS policy of business transparency means clear and accurate information coupled with concise and easy to understand quotes and accounting.

In the unlikely situation that poor service has been experienced, the AYSS board will help solve any issues. AYSS yacht agents who do not comply with the code of ethics will be queried, and in extreme circumstances will be asked to resign from the association.

For more information about applying for membership, please fill in our contact form and we will be very pleased to discuss the application process with you.

Aerial view of a superyacht in a beautiful marina

Code of Ethics
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
1. 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.

2. 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.
Group is not operating the Executive Secretary will submit the request directly to the Council.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

3. 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.

4. 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
1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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
1. 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.

2. 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.

A beautiful aerial view of Caleta Tortel just after sunset with boats cruising on the water

Constitution

1. NAME

The name of the non-profit making Trade Association shall be THE ASSOCIATION OF YACHT SUPPORT SERVICES

2. OBJECTIVES AND AIMS

The objectives, for which the Association is established, are defined as follows:

2.1. To serve, watch over, promote and advance the interests of superyachts

:a) By upholding a professional code of conduct to provide a high quality service to clients

b) Ensuring that the membership consists of the majority of those eligible

c) Representing the superyachting Industry to official bodies

d) Liaising with other trade associations on matters of mutual interest

e) When the need arises, presenting the industry, in a positive fashion, to the general public.

2.2. To promote the welfare of the members of the Association, within the framework of international law, by:

a) Providing a forum to establish standards and referral procedures

b) Arranging meetings and opportunities to ‘network’ and discuss common problems and interests

c) Organising activities of any kind which will promote the Industry or the Association to the benefit of members

d) Informing members about legislative developments affecting the industry

2.3. To promote assistance to users and potential users in the selection and use of The Association of Yacht Support Services members by:

a) Extending awareness through public relations, advertising and other marketing activities

b) Promoting good practices in health and safety and environmental management.

3. REGIONS

The Association shall be divided into regions, determined by Council from time to time, to service the needs of its worldwide membership.

4. MEMBERSHIP

4.1. There shall be four categories of Membership of the Association, namely Full Membership, Prospective Membership, Associate Membership and Corporate membership.

4.2. Full membership shall be open to companies which are actively engaged in providing services or products to the yachting industry and whose membership is, in the opinion of the Council of the Association, desirable.Applicants for full membership will normally be required to provide information about:

a) Annual turnover

b) The period for which the applicant company has been supplying to the superyacht Industry

c) Support and/or technical facilities available

d) Willingness to support and contribute to the objectives and activities of the Association

e) Evidence of the intent to be a long-term participant in the industry

4.3. Associate membership shall be open to companies which are engaged in any business ancillary to superyachting and who supply services to full members. The decision on applications by such companies shall be at the absolute discretion of Council.

4.4. Corporate membership shall be open to companies which are engaged in non-marine business and wish to supply non-marine services to full members. The decision on application by such companies shall be at the absolute discretion of Council.

4.5. A Full Member shall be eligible to propose members for, or serve upon, the Council of the Association or any special sectional committee and shall exercise one vote only per company in each matter put to the vote at the Annual General Meeting and any Special General Meetings of the Association,

4.6. An Associate Member shall be eligible to attend Annual General Meetings and Special General Meetings but may not vote at these meetings on matters which are put to the vote, such as election of Council members. Trade members are not eligible for election to Council but may serve on special interest groups or steering committees, subject always to the approval of Council.

4.7. A Corporate Member shall be eligible to attend Annual General Meetings and Special General Meetings but may not vote at these meetings on matters which are put to the vote, such as election of Council members. Corporate members are not eligible for election to Council but may serve on special interest groups or steering committees, subject always to the approval of Council.

4.8. A Prospective Member shall be eligible to attend Annual General Meetings but may not vote at these meetings. Prospective members are not eligible for election to Council but may serve on special interest groups or steering committees, subject always to the approval of the Council.

5. APPLICATIONS FOR MEMBERSHIP

An application to become a member of the Association shall be made in writing to the Secretary or Executive Director of the Association and shall specify the name and place of the business of the applicant. Such applications shall be on the form available for this purpose and shall include the information requested on that form. All members of the Association shall be given the opportunity to comment in writing within fourteen days on the suitability or otherwise of any potential member. If not voted by the membership an applicant may be elected at the discretion of the majority vote of Council. The Association reserves the right not to assign any reason for any rejections.

6. RESIGNATION

A member wishing to resign from the Association shall give six months notice in writing to the Secretary or Executive Director of the Association, to expire at the end of the current year of the Association,If a member fails to give six months notice of resignation he shall be invoiced for half of the annual subscription agreed for the year following and shall be liable to the same extent as the other members for any financial commitment entered into by the Association prior to receipt of his written resignation.

7. CESSATION OF MEMBERSHIP

Membership shall cease:

a) If the member withdraws under the provisions of clause six.

b) If the member company is dissolved or takes steps for liquidation, except for the purposes of reconstruction or amalgamation.

c) If the member’s subscription is unpaid six months or more after the date of the Annual General Meeting, unless Council decides otherwise.

d) If an unappealed arbitration award or a final judgment of a court of law is made against a member for a monetary amount in excess of US$ 1,500 (or the equivalent in a foreign currency) and such award or judgment remains unsatisfied for more than 21 days.

e) If in the opinion of Council, continued membership is deemed to be no longer consistent with the objectives of the Association.

8. FINANCE

The financial year of the Association shall run from the 1st July to the 30th June in the year following.

9. ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTIONS

The annual subscription and/or levy shall be such sum, as the Association, upon the recommendation of Council, shall determine. It shall be the responsibility of the Council, bearing in mind the financial situation of the Association, for the time being, to make such recommendation to the appropriate General Meeting. The subscription shall become due, in the case of existing members, on 1st October each year, and in the case of newly elected members, on the date of election, proportionate to the part of the year remaining.Annual Membership subscriptions may be raised without notice by 2.5%.Newly elected members shall pay a joining fee of $300 (or equivalent), or such other sum as from time to time may be determined by Council and shall not be entitled to participate in the activities of the Association until this fee and that part of the annual subscription which is due is paid.

10. COUNCIL, OFFICERS AND MANAGEMENT

10.1. Honorary presidency of the Association may be awarded on the recommendation of the Council with support by the majority vote of Full Members in a General Meeting. Such recommendation shall only be made if it is felt that special recognition should be given for services to the Association and the superyacht industry.

10.2. The management of the Association shall be the responsibility of Council.

10.3. A Chairman, being a representative of a full member, shall be appointed by the elected Council at the first Council meeting following the Annual General Meeting. He may hold office until the end of the first Annual General Meeting after his appointment. He shall be eligible for immediate re-appointment.

10.4. A Vice-Chairman, being a representative of a Full Member, shall be appointed by the elected Council at the first Council meeting following the Annual General Meeting. He may hold office until the end of the first Annual General Meeting after his appointment. He shall be eligible for immediate re-appointment.

10.5. The duties of the Chairman will be to preside over meetings of the Council and of the Association. In his absence these duties shall pass to the Vice-Chairman. In all matters put to the vote at any meetings of the Council or the Association the Chairman, for the time being, shall be entitled to exercise a casting vote.

10.6. A Treasurer shall be appointed by the elected Council at the first Council meeting following the Annual General Meeting. He may hold office until the next Annual General Meeting after his appointment and shall be eligible for re-appointment. The Treasurer will usually be a representative of a Full Member but, at the discretion of Council, may be an independent individual. In the latter case he will have no voting rights and he shall be paid such remuneration annually as the Council may from time to time determine

10.7. A Secretary or Executive Director shall be appointed by the elected Council at the first Council meeting following the Annual General Meeting. He may hold office until the next Annual General Meeting after his appointment and shall be eligible for re-appointment. The Secretary or Executive Director will usually be a representative of a Full Member but, at the discretion of Council may be an independent individual appointed by the Council, subject to contract, for such period as the Council shall determine. In the latter case he will have no voting rights and he shall be paid such remuneration annually as the Council may from time to time determine. The Secretary or Executive Director shall keep a minute book recording all business of Council and General Meetings. He shall also keep all necessary books of accounts, with or without assistance, and be responsible for them to the Association through the Treasurer. He will hold the cheque book and be one of the signatories on the bank accounts along with an appointed member of Council. He shall carry into effect all lawful orders of the Association through Council and shall carry out all such other lawful duties as may be requested by the Council from time to time. He will be responsible for invoicing and collection from the association’s financial activities.

10.8 The Council may be comprised of twelve full members with a minimum of nine to be elected by the full members through their representatives at the Annual General Meeting. Each elected Council member shall stand for a three year term set in such a way as to have up to four Council members standing down each year. Therefore at each Annual General Meeting up to four new Council members may be elected. This is intended to provide continuity to the Council while guaranteeing a gradual turnover. If the Council deems it necessary, such elections shall be determined by secret ballot, the procedure for which shall be agreed by the Council. To ensure that no one region dominates the composition of Council, not more than two members from each region or Island groups can sit on Council, unless otherwise decided by Council.

10.9. Any elected Council member who misses three consecutive meetings shall cease to be a member and shall not be eligible for re-election at the next Annual General Meeting, unless otherwise decided by Council.

10.10. Nominations for Council, duly seconded, and with confirmation that the person nominated agrees to stand, shall reach the Secretary of the Association not less than fourteen days before the date of the Annual General Meeting.

10.11. The Council shall have power at its discretion to fill Council vacancies from representatives of Full Members of the Association. All such members so appointed shall hold office only until the end of the Annual General Meeting following, but may present themselves for election.

10.12. The Council shall meet as often as circumstances require with a minimum being set at once a year. The quorum for Council meetings shall be five members personally present. Notice of council meetings shall be, as Council shall determine. Voting shall be by simple majority. Where necessary, in the event of a tie, the Chairman will have the casting vote.

10.13. The Council may from time to time form project groups to deal with any matter which they believe is best treated in such a way. They will select the project group chairman and decide the terms of reference and composition in broad terms.Council may form steering committees relating to spheres of activity of the Association as appropriate. It is the responsibility of Council to review and monitor the overall performance of any committees or working parties reporting to them.

10.14. Council is responsible for deciding budgets and, therefore, subscription levels. In this process due note will be taken of the requirements indicated by any project groups and steering committees.It is open to any special interest group within the Association to propose expenditure to Council for a matter of concern to its members but not necessarily to the generality of members of the Association. Should Council decide that such a proposal is appropriate, it may, in exceptional circumstances, allow for funding to be provided out of the general funds of the Association. In general, however, Council will take the view that the members of the special interest group shall fund any costs.

10.15. In the event there are surplus funds available to invest; the Council shall have the power at its discretion to invest in any lawful investment.

10.16. The Council shall have the power at its discretion to borrow money if it is deemed necessary by the Council to achieve the objectives of the association. The decision to borrow money will be determined by a quorum of the Council.

11. ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

An Annual General Meeting of the Association shall be held each year, in a location to be decided by council, to receive and consider the audited statement of Income and expenditure, the balance sheet and the reports of the Council, to appoint Auditors, to elect council members as the case may be and to transact any other appropriate business. It would be understood that the hosting country would make all the necessary arrangements for the meeting with the exception of the agenda of the meeting itself.

The Annual General Meeting shall be held not later than three calendar months after the end of the preceding financial year.

The calling notice, agenda and other relevant papers shall be circulated to members not less than twenty-eight days before the date of the Annual General Meeting.

12. SPECIAL GENERAL MEETING

The Council at its own discretion may convene a Special General Meeting of the Association or if so required by a notice signed on behalf of ten or more Full Members of the Association by their duly authorised representatives. Such notice shall state the business to be considered and shall be served on the Secretary not less than twenty-eight days before the Special General meeting is required. Not less than four days notice of any Special General Meeting of the Association shall be given to each Member. This shall be sent by email. Such notice shall state the purpose for which the meeting is called.

13. QUORUM FOR ANNUAL OR SPECIAL GENERAL MEETINGS

The quorum for an Annual General Meeting or a Special General Meeting shall be the representatives of one third of the total number of full members or the nearest number to that fraction as applicable. If no quorum is present the meeting shall be adjourned for seven days. If at the commencement of the adjourned meeting a quorum is not present then the representatives of members present shall be deemed to constitute a quorum.

14. PROXY VOTES

Full members unable to attend Annual or Special General Meetings may empower another Full Member with a proxy vote. Full members may only cast up to two proxy votes.

16. POSTAL VOTES

Full members may also make their voting wishes known in writing to the Secretary prior to Annual or Special General Meetings. All letters or faxes must be signed. Electronic mall will not be accepted.

17. AUDITORS

The auditors shall be appointed annually at the Annual General Meeting.

18. WINDING UP

At the request of 10 or more Full Members the Council shall call a Special General Meeting to consider the question of winding-up and if a resolution to that effect be carried by a two thirds majority of all Full Members of the Association, the Association shall be wound up and any surplus funds shall be divided amongst members in proportion to the total amount each member has contributed to the funds in the year then current. Any deficiency shall be recoverable from the members by contribution proportionate to subscriptions then current.

19. ALTERATIONS TO CONSTITUTION

An alteration to the constitution can be effected by a proposal of amendment to a General Meeting by two or more Full Members of which due notice has been given, provided that such proposal is carried by a two thirds majority of the representatives of Full Members present and entitled to vote at such a meeting.

20. GENERAL

Throughout the foregoing the use of the masculine gender is deemed to include the feminine gender.