Bringing professionals from all sectors of the industry together; sharing ideas, influencing regulatory decisions and encouraging professional excellence through collaboration, education and recognition is the core purpose of the International Superyacht Society.

The yacht industry is comprised of organisations, including the IMO, Flag-states, Port-states, IACS members, associations and companies: insurers, refit and building shipyards, co-makers, designers, new build owners’ representative firms, berthing facilities, suppliers, service providers, publications, law firms, educators, brokerages, charter and operational managers, medical and security firms, crew placement firms, crew care organisations, crew and all of the professionals serving the within the industry.

With the exception of the IMO and IACS, all of the aforementioned sectors are represented in International Superyacht Society membership – making the Society best positioned to represent the industry generally but also specifically with the IMO and other regulatory bodies.

At this publication, Society membership of roughly 1,200 is comprised of over forty nationalities. There is an obligation of the Society to represent their multi-national interests with concrete action. The Society expects membership to continue to increase due to new ISS initiatives.

The twenty-four member Board is comprised of twelve nationalities, internationally based, representing many sectors including Flag-state, insurers, builders, marinas, manufacturers, operation managers and seagoing members. This widens the scope of understanding that provides the Society with practical input to support all aspects of the large yacht industry.

Organisations, companies and individuals are coming together to focus on matters of mutual importance. These matters include actions to protect and sustain the environment, to support relief efforts, education, youth mentoring, develop professional standards, influence regulatory mandates and to support the development of an international crew welfare programs.

The continued development of environmentally smart yachts is also key to how our industry will look in twenty years. Designers, builders, equipment suppliers and operations managers are invested in this project – the Society is providing a vehicle for these different sectors to work for achievement.

January 1st is the first day in office for the new Executive Committee. Please join me in welcoming President Glen Allen, V.P. Erin Ackor, Treasurer Melissa Orlick, Secretary Rebecca Cahilly Taranto and EC Board Representative John Venables.

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