Step 1: Membership Application Pack

To begin the application process, please request a membership application pack by telephone or email membership@ydsa.co.uk

Our Membership Coordinator will then send you a link to complete an online membership application form.

Step 2: Application and Assessment Dates

Applicants must complete the YDSA Membership Application Form in full and provide all required information and supporting documentation.

Once your application has been submitted, the YDSA Membership Coordinator will contact you with details on how to pay the application fee.

Completed applications will only be assessed once the application form has been fully submitted and the application fee has been received.

Step 3: The Assessment Process

The entry requirements for YDSA Affiliate and Accredited Membership are as follows:

Online Entry Exam

Applicants must complete the YDSA  online entry examination.
A minimum pass mark of 70% is required to progress.

Assessment Panel

Applicants may also be invited to attend an online Assessment Panel (via Microsoft Teams). This is to discuss the application and confirm that it meets the required standard for the requested membership level.

Full details of required documents are outlined in the online application form.

YDSA maintains high professional standards to ensure members are able to provide a competent and reliable service to their clients. Given the diversity of materials, vessel types, and onboard equipment, assessors are looking for more than a purely technical description of issues. There is therefore no fixed reporting style, as designers and surveyors are expected to develop their own professional layout and approach.

The full membership  matrix for all levels, can be found in the membership forms.

NB: Professional Indemnity (PI) Insurance

We require members at all grades of professional membership to hold appropriate Professional Indemnity Insurance. This PI Insurance is to cover a minimum of £100,000 each and every claim or £250,000 aggregate and cover the work done by the YDSA Member, and includes sufficient legal costs cover as well as boat value. Designers and Surveyors should discuss their specific business with insurers so they have sufficient cover.