NLyachts.com is an alliance of brokers organised in the Coöperatie Nederlandse Jachtmakelaars. This cooperative features two distinct groups: certified NBMS brokers and the HISWA brokers group of companies.
The HISWA brokers group of companies has existed for around 25 years, as a group of companies from the HISWA association of water sports businesses. The certified yacht brokers were originally organised here under the HISWA.
The NBMS, the Dutch association of ship brokers, was established in 1940 for certified brokers involved in Rhine and inland navigation and maritime shipping, subdivided into fishing vessels, dredgers and seagoing vessels. During the past few decades, increasing numbers of yacht brokers have been certified and become a member of this association in a private capacity.
In 2002, the Netherlands was the last country in Europe to remove protection of title and certification from the commercial code. Since then, the EMCI, European Maritime Certification Institute, has been providing certification for yacht and vessel brokers. It defines the training requirements and supervises the CPD, Continuing Personal Development, formerly known as permanent education and also organises the complaints and disciplinary measures for the brokers. For more information.
HISWA brokers use the HISWA Conditions for Mediation and Conciliation. These conditions arose under the auspices of the SER and in consultation with the ANWB and the Consumers’ Association, and also feature a dispute settlement mechanism. In case of disputes, the parties concerned are obliged to comply with a judgment issued by this Water Recreation Disputes Settlement Committee. As an additional security, the HISWA Association, the water sports industry trade association, provides financial security for its members up to a maximum of €14,000.
This website is the fulfilment of a longstanding wish to enable wide-ranging cooperation within the professional Yacht brokerage sector: http://nlyachts.com
