The Certified Professional Boat Broker (CPBB) Career Pathway moved into its next phase at BrokerFest, held during this year’s Southampton International Boat Show.
The highly popular event brought brokers together to network and learn more about the CPBB, while the Association of Brokers and Yacht Agents (ABYA) and the British Marine Boat Retailers & Brokers Association (BRBA) recognised the first individuals who had completed the pilot process and opened the pathway to boat brokers across the industry. The programme gives boat brokerage a clear professional development route and an independently assessed standard.
Introduced at the 2025 show, CPBB builds on the established Practical Yacht Broker Course delivered by ABYA and BRBA. Over the past year, ABYA and British Marine have worked with practising brokers to test the route, develop the supporting online learning and formalise the portfolio and assessment requirements. This has included developing examination papers, a handbook and the final assessment.
Candidates begin with the two-day Practical Yacht Broker Course and examination before progressing through a 12 to 18-month programme. This includes a professional portfolio, five specialist online sessions covering RCD/RCR, Know Your Client requirements, VAT, brokerage law and digital marketing, followed by a final professional assessment. An Experienced Broker route has also been established for those with substantial industry experience, while annual Continuing Professional Development keeps certification current.
Chris Ibbotson, Chair of ABYA, said: “Boat brokerage brings together legal, financial, technical and commercial responsibilities, so professional recognition has to reflect more than theoretical knowledge. The pilot has helped ensure CPBB is grounded in the realities of the job and capable of supporting brokers, employers and clients.”
Far more than evidence of course attendance, candidates must apply their knowledge, demonstrate their professional practice and continue developing after qualification. For employers, it provides a clearer structure for developing talent. For boat buyers and sellers, it offers greater confidence that a certified broker has been assessed against recognised standards of competence and conduct. At its heart, the pathway is designed to create greater consistency in the way boats are sold and brokered, helping the boat-buying public to identify and choose a broker certified through ABYA and BRBA.
Chris Manners, Committee Member of BRBA and Director of British Marine, said: “We took the time to test each part of the pathway. Candidates must complete structured learning, demonstrate proficiency through their portfolio and assessment, as well as maintain their development through annual CPD. That is what gives the qualification lasting value. For brokers, certification provides a clear point of distinction and demonstrates the quality and professionalism of the service we offer.”
To learn more about CPBB visit: https://abya.co.uk/certified-professional-boat-broker/
Book now: The next Practical Yacht Broker Course takes place on 9 & 10 November 2026. The member price is £645 including VAT and the non-member price is £900 including VAT.
