Diksia.com - A yacht broker is a professional who sells yachts and boats to clients, either new or used, on behalf of the owners or manufacturers. Yacht brokers are similar to real estate agents, but they specialize in the marine industry. They have to know the market, the products, the laws, and the regulations related to yachting. They also have to build relationships with clients, negotiate prices, handle contracts, and provide after-sales service.
Becoming a yacht broker can be a rewarding and lucrative career, especially if you love the water and have a passion for yachting. However, it is not an easy job, as it requires a lot of skills, qualifications, and hard work. In this article, we will share with you some of the steps and tips to become a successful yacht broker in 2024.
Step 1: Get Educated
The first step to become a yacht broker is to get educated. There is no formal education requirement to become a yacht broker, but having a high school diploma or equivalent is usually expected. However, having a college degree or a certificate in a related field can give you an edge over the competition. Some of the relevant fields include:
- Business
- Marketing
- Sales
- Finance
- Management
- Marine engineering
- Marine biology
- Nautical science
You can also take courses or workshops that teach you the basics of yachting, such as:
- Yacht design
- Yacht construction
- Yacht maintenance
- Yacht operation
- Yacht safety
- Yacht etiquette
You can find these courses online or at local yacht clubs, marinas, or sailing schools.
Step 2: Get Licensed
The second step to become a yacht broker is to get licensed. Depending on where you live and work, you may need to obtain a license or a certification to sell yachts and boats legally. For example, in the United States, you need to be licensed by the state where you operate, and you may also need to join a professional association, such as the Yacht Brokers Association of America (YBAA) or the International Yacht Brokers Association (IYBA). These associations provide you with training, networking, and ethical standards to follow.