YDSA Courses and Events

YDSA launched its training pathway - YDSA Academy - in 2019.  Various training opportunities are rolled out for Members to support their own career progression using online modules, practical events and interactive events online. Members are also able to submit other training activities for consideration towards their pathway, leading ultimately to YDSA professional certification for Members. All events count towards a member's Continuous Professional Development points.

YDSA offers more events throughout the year to assist Surveyors and Designers in their professional development and provide great networking opportunities. These include visits to factories or boatyards, practical training days, our annual London Conference in March and our Certifying Authority training day during the Southampton Boat Show each year.

22 Sep 2026

Join us for a comprehensive and engaging Certifying Authority Training Day hosted by the YDSA—designed for professionals looking to stay up to date with the latest standards, best practices, and regulatory developments in the marine industry.

Held at the modern and conveniently located Novotel Southampton (Combo Novotel–Ibis), this one-day event offers a valuable opportunity to enhance your knowledge, connect with peers, and strengthen your professional expertise

What You’ll Learn

Our expert-led sessions will cover a wide range of essential topics, including:

  • WB3 and Sport or Pleasure Updates
    Stay informed on the latest changes and how they impact certification and compliance.
  • Safety Management Systems
    Understand effective frameworks for maintaining safety standards across vessels and operations.
  • Risk Assessments
    Learn practical approaches to identifying, evaluating, and mitigating risks.
  • Fire Extinguishers
    Gain insight into correct selection, maintenance, and onboard compliance.
  • Life Rafts
    Review requirements, servicing standards, and best practices for emergency preparedness.
  • And More…
    Additional updates and discussions tailored to current industry needs.

Location

Combo Novotel- Ibis Southampton
1 West Quay Road
Southampton
SO15 1RA

05 Oct 2026
Online

MCA - MLC Update & Examiner Obligations

5th October at 3.00pm

We are hosting a 90-minute webinar on 5th October with Sophie Peacey of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA), focused on the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 (MLC).

What's on the agenda?

Sophie will address recent MLC changes and their operational impact, with particular focus on the expectations placed on examiners during the transition period.

The session will tackle a question that is directly relevant to how examiners and operators are working together right now.

This is an opportunity to hear the MCA's position directly, ask questions, and ensure your practice is aligned with current expectations.

Time: 3.00pm (UK)
Duration: 90 mins
Member Price: £30 exclusive of VAT
Non-Member Price: £50 exclusive of VAT

05 Oct 2026
Online

 YDSA REPORT WRITING COURSE

Improve your reports. Strengthen your professional practice.

 A surveyor’s report is more than a record of an inspection — it is your professional product.

Join our 4-week online Report Writing Course, designed to give surveyors the practical skills and confidence to produce reports that are clear, consistent, professional and defensible.

Whether you want to sharpen your existing skills or develop a more structured approach to report writing, this course offers practical guidance you can apply directly to your work.

4 Weeks | 2 Hours Per Week

Mondays: 5th, 12th, 19th & 26th October

Time: 08:30–10:30

Over the four sessions, we’ll cover:

  • Contracts, liability & preparation
  • Survey types, tools & recording evidence
  • Clear, professional report writing & formatting
  • Report structure, grading, recommendations & quality assurance

The course includes practical guidance, a specimen report and working template, plus assessments leading to the YDSA Certificate of Competence in Report Writing.

Course Fee

YDSA Members: £110 + VAT
Non-Members: £160 + VAT

Write with clarity. Report with confidence.

BOOK YOUR PLACE TODAY

Places are limited — register early to secure your place.

02 Nov 2026
4 Fish Market Quay, Maritime Quarter, Swansea SA1 1UP

Join us for this intensive one-day training and practical course, where we guide you through the theory side of surveying for Tonnage and Measurement in the classroom, followed by a practical afternoon measuring a variety of vessels.

The training includes both the theoretical and practical components required to become an Authorised Tonnage Measurer. After completing the course, you'll receive access to the online exam, which you can complete at your convenience.

 

03 Nov 2026
4 Fish Market Quay, Maritime Quarter, Swansea SA1 1UP

Come and join two of YDSA’s experienced Coding Surveyors at 4 Fish Market Quay for an introduction day about becoming a YDSA - CA surveyor. The day will cover all relevant levels of coding, along with YDSA policy and form requirements to complete and submit a new vessel and mid-term application. There will also be some excellent practical elements in this session, so a comprehensive full-day for you to be able to take this next step in your professional surveying journey.

 

Here’s what you’ll gain:

  • Deep insight into MCA Codes and YDSA procedures
  • Hands-on stability testing and vessel assessments
  • Expert guidance to strengthen your portfolio and credibility
  • Whether you’re looking to advance your career, expand your services, or simply go beyond the basics, this course is your next step.

 

The day will conclude with a review and Q&A.

05 Nov 2026

The YDSA Northern Forums are held twice a year, on the first Thursday in March and the first Thursday in November.

The meet usually takes place in the North East and topics cover all aspects of surveying and boats. Each meet is themed and speakers are arranged to present and discuss based on the theme. Recent themes have included:

  • Electric marine propulsion and battery systems
  • Small Craft LPG systems and ventilation
  • Safe working practice
  • The Boat Safety Scheme, past present and future

The Northern Forum is open to Members and Non-Members alike.

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