YDSA - Yacht Designers & Surveyors Association

16/10/2026

⚡ LITHIUM BATTERY SYSTEMS ON BOATS – WHAT EVERY YACHT BROKER NEEDS TO KNOW! ⛵
As lithium battery systems become increasingly common on boats, it's essential that yacht brokers understand the implications for listings, documentation, safety and sales.
Join ABYA for a practical and informative webinar presented by Ross Wombwell, Marine Technical Consultant, designed specifically for yacht brokers and agents.
📅 6 November 2026
🕣 8.30am – 10.30am
💷 £54 including VAT
📋 Includes a practical handout
What will you learn?
✅ How to recognise lithium battery installations and identify potential concerns.
✅ What paperwork to request and which questions to ask.
✅ When lithium retrofits may require recertification.
✅ What to look for during a visual inspection.
✅ Safe storage and charging considerations.
✅ How to accurately describe lithium-equipped boats in your sales particulars.
No technical background is required. This webinar is about knowing what to ask, what to record and when to seek specialist advice.
🔗 BOOK YOUR PLACE HERE: https://form.jotform.com/262882088040055

15/10/2026

Meet some of the YDSA team👋

Rebecca and Dawn are part of our Certifying Authority team, bringing their industry knowledge and expertise to professional standards across the sector.

Morgan is our YDSA Executive, supporting members throughout their journey and helping to deliver training, events and opportunities for professional development.

Just a few of the people working behind the scenes to support our members and the wider industry.
Interested in YDSA membership? Get in touch to find out more: https://pulse.ly/mwnlfi7pys

14/10/2026

YDSA Northern Forum 2026 – Lithium-Ion Battery Safety & Compliance
🔋 Are you up to date with lithium-ion battery safety and compliance for small craft?
Join us for the YDSA Northern Forum on Thursday 5th November 2026 at the Ellesmere Port Boat Museum.
Led by Simon Boyde, this informative event will explore lithium-ion battery systems, their safe use and how to assess compliance with relevant standards for small craft under 24m, primarily recreational vessels subject to the RCR/RCD.
An excellent opportunity to gain valuable insights, share experiences, ask questions and network with fellow marine professionals.
📅 Thursday 5th November 2026
📍 Ellesmere Port Boat Museum, Cheshire
🕘 9:30am – 4:00pm
https://ydsa.co.uk/courses/ydsa-northern-forum/

13/10/2026

Two days of YDSA training in Swansea this November

Join us at 4 Fish Market Quay, Swansea for two separate practical training opportunities:

2 November | Tonnage Training & Practical Assessment Day
Cover the theory of tonnage and measurement before putting it into practice measuring a variety of vessels.

3 November | Essentials to Coding Training Day
Explore MCA Codes and YDSA procedures, with practical stability testing and vessel assessments for those looking to progress towards becoming a YDSA CA surveyor.

Book your place via the YDSA website: https://pulse.ly/sj7inzggx0

13/10/2026

Missed the Workboat Code 3 Webinar? There's Still Time to Catch Up!
⏰ The 13 December 2026 deadline is fast approaching!
If you missed our YDSA Workboat Code 3 Webinar on 7 October, the full recording is now available to purchase.
Catch up on the latest requirements, practical guidance and important changes affecting workboat owners, operators and surveyors.
🎥 Recording Price: £150 (including VAT)
📩 To purchase the recording, please email [email protected].
Don't leave it until the last minute – make sure you're prepared for the upcoming deadline!

09/10/2026

UNLOCK NEW REVENUE STREAMS – BECOME A CODING SURVEYOR!
Are you looking to expand your surveying services and develop new opportunities?
Join YDSA for our Essentials to Coding Training amp; Practical Course in Swansea on 3rd November 2026.
✅ Gain valuable insight into MCA Codes and YDSA procedures
✅ Develop practical skills in stability testing and vessel assessments
✅ Build your knowledge, confidence and professional expertise
📅 3rd November 2026📍 Swansea Marina
🔗 Secure your place https://ydsa.co.uk/courses/ca-training-practical-course/

06/10/2026

The marine industry is moving fast towards electrification and hybrid solutions, with lithium batteries at the centre of that shift.

But regulation, guidance, and day‑to‑day practice haven’t always kept pace.

That’s where the YDSA has stepped up.

Through its technical panels and specialist auditors, the YDSA has been:

Assessing lithium battery systems in service – focusing on safe system design, installation, and ongoing management
Interpreting complex legal requirements so owners and operators know what “good” looks like in practice
Feeding real‑world findings back into the sector through work with leading builders and innovative electric projects

The aim is simple:
➡️ Protect crews, passengers, and assets
➡️ Reduce fire and failure risks
➡️ Provide clear, practical leadership on lithium safety

To stay ahead of evolving best practice – talk to the YDSA about membership: https://pulse.ly/tk9oijec2b

04/10/2026

The Workboat Code 3 deadline is fast approaching. Join YDSA online on 7 October for a final half-day webinar covering what you need to know before the 13 December deadline, plus the opportunity to put your questions directly to the YDSA Certifying Authority team.

Don’t leave it too late. Book your place now: https://pulse.ly/qehwchpxyx

02/10/2026

Thank you to everyone who joined us for our CA Training Day last week!

A brilliant day of industry insight, rounded off with a live liferaft inflation demonstration from Ocean Safety Ltd

Also, a big thank you to all our speakers for sharing their time and expertise.

01/10/2026

Last chance to book! 📣

Our upcoming YDSA Report Writing Course is nearly here.

Designed for surveyors looking to strengthen their report writing skills, this four-part interactive course offers practical guidance to help you produce clear, professional reports with confidence.

If you’ve been thinking about joining us, now’s the time to secure your place.

Book your place here:

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.