If a guy wanted to be a yacht broker, how would he go about it? Is there a special license certification you have to get like in real estate? I'm considering a midlife career change and I've always loved boats (even powerboats!) so I figured, "why not." I know it's tough in the boat sales market these days, but I am up for the challenge. Thanks all.
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Having worked as a broker,
my guess is that the rules vary by state. When I was a broker, there was no state certification or licensing required, per se, but there a number of associations that "certify" their members meeting certain standards. See the link below for the Yacht Brokers Association of America. I believe being a boat broker is somewhat similar to being a boat surveyor, that is, just about anyone can hang out a shingle and call himself a broker or a surveyor. While there are no licensing authorities for becoming a surveyor that I am aware of, most serious surveyors belong to, and are certified by, a number of private groups likes NAMS, SAMS, etc. Same thing with brokers.
my guess is that the rules vary by state. When I was a broker, there was no state certification or licensing required, per se, but there a number of associations that "certify" their members meeting certain standards. See the link below for the Yacht Brokers Association of America. I believe being a boat broker is somewhat similar to being a boat surveyor, that is, just about anyone can hang out a shingle and call himself a broker or a surveyor. While there are no licensing authorities for becoming a surveyor that I am aware of, most serious surveyors belong to, and are certified by, a number of private groups likes NAMS, SAMS, etc. Same thing with brokers.
Brokers
There are different requiremets in different states. Florida is one of the most regulated of all. Not sure there are any requiremets for Louisiana. From my dealings with brokers over the past couple of years, there might be a requirement to apprentice as a used car dealer for a year, or maybe a college course to learn how to be a sleaze ball and a liar. There should be a bright future as a broker for someone who is honest, truthful and forthright. Even brighter if he or she has some knowledge and a love for boats.
There are different requiremets in different states. Florida is one of the most regulated of all. Not sure there are any requiremets for Louisiana. From my dealings with brokers over the past couple of years, there might be a requirement to apprentice as a used car dealer for a year, or maybe a college course to learn how to be a sleaze ball and a liar. There should be a bright future as a broker for someone who is honest, truthful and forthright. Even brighter if he or she has some knowledge and a love for boats.
If you considering surveying as well.............
The Chapman School of Seamanship in Port Salerno, Florida offers a great Surveying course. I believe they offer a SAMS Certification. Check out their web site. I believe that a surveying certification would compliment the broker and possibly make all the difference in getting the deal closed faster! It might be easier to get a position as a broker with the survey certification as well. Bob
The Chapman School of Seamanship in Port Salerno, Florida offers a great Surveying course. I believe they offer a SAMS Certification. Check out their web site. I believe that a surveying certification would compliment the broker and possibly make all the difference in getting the deal closed faster! It might be easier to get a position as a broker with the survey certification as well. Bob
Broker/Surveyor
While being a broker and a surveyor is an interesting idea, please keep in mind that brokers represent sellers and so one would not want to have the broker you may be using to buy a boat also be the surveyor...
While being a broker and a surveyor is an interesting idea, please keep in mind that brokers represent sellers and so one would not want to have the broker you may be using to buy a boat also be the surveyor...
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