Setting an example: Insurance broker Yacht-Pool awards seal of approval

It runs like a common thread through the history of the Yacht Pool, which Dr Friedrich Schöchl founded more than 45 years ago as a "pool of policyholder interests" and still wants it to be understood as such today. Whether it was a matter of what he saw as unacceptable insurance conditions, gaps in cover in the area of charter insurance, "toxic" clauses in charter contracts or unsecured advance payments by charter customers to fleet operators, it always sparked a spark for change in him. Schöchl became one of the pioneers of all-risk cover in yacht hull insurance, inventing skipper liability insurance and subsequently six other charter insurance policies. For example, he developed a "Charter-Fairtrag" (www.charterfairtrag.de), in which the rights and obligations of both the charter company and the charterer are clearly and fairly regulated. For example, Yacht-Pool guarantees a refund of the down payments with a "security certificate" in the event of the fleet operator's insolvency or inability to pay.

Yacht-Pool awards quality seal

Today, Yacht-Pool awards the "Checked & Trusted Financial Security System" quality seal to charter companies whose creditworthiness, business behaviour and fleet condition have been rigorously checked beforehand. This seal, like the "Fair Charter" logo (Terms & Conditions), is awarded annually. However, boat life constantly brings to light new deficits that call for compensation. Yacht-Pool is now launching two new quality seals. The first - "Checked & Trusted Skipper" - is based on complaints from charter companies about the "increasing lack of quality among charter skippers", "with yachts becoming more and more expensive at the same time". The consequences are increasing damage costs, which will also be reflected in higher insurance premiums in the long term. Yacht-Pool is therefore working on a virtual training programme. It is intended to provide skippers who have already obtained a licence with knowledge that is not covered by conventional training.

This "Post Graduate Skipper Programme" can be completed from home. At the end of the programme there is also a virtual exam and, if successful, a certificate. Because experience has shown that some marinas leave a lot to be desired when it comes to looking after their own boats and other things, Yacht-Pool has developed a detailed quality code in collaboration with leading marinas, which also focuses on damage prevention and the service that can legitimately be expected. Marinas that fulfil it receive the "Checked & Trusted Secure Marina" certificate and boat owners moored in such marinas receive a bonus on their insurance.

• Further information: www.yacht-pool.com

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