CYBA Code of Ethics

Protecting the Public

It is the duty of the Member to protect the public against fraud, misrepresentation, or unethical practices in the yacht brokerage profession. Members should endeavor to eliminate any practices which could be damaging to the public or to the dignity and integrity of the yacht brokers Association in regulating the practices of Brokers and Salespersons in California.

Fiduciary Duty to Client

In accepting a position as an agent, Member pledges himself to protect the interests of his client. This obligation of absolute fidelity to the client's interest is paramount, but it does not relieve the Member from obligation of dealing fairly with all parties to the transaction.

Dual- Agency

Since the Member may be representing one or more parties to a transaction, he should not accept compensation from more than one party under any circumstance, without the full knowledge of all parties to the transaction.

Agreements in Writing

Member, for the protection of all parties with whom he deals, should see that financial obligations and commitments regarding brokerage transactions are in writing and express the exact agreement of the parties. Copies of such agreements must be placed in the hands of all parties involved at the time the agreements are executed, or as soon thereafter as practical.

Segregation of Funds

Member must segregate from his own funds all monies being held for other persons. Special bank trust accounts must be used for this purpose.

False Consideration and Deposits

Member should not be a party to the naming of a false consideration in any document or statement. No offer should be submitted either to an owner or to a cooperating Broker, without adequate cash deposit on hand from the offered.

Nature of Deposits

No offer should be presented to a seller, or a cooperating brokerage, without specifying the exact nature of the deposit.

Multiple Offers

In the event that more than one written offer on a specific vessel is made before the owner has accepted any offer, any other written offer presented to the Member, whether by a prospective purchaser or another brokerage, should be transmitted immediately or as soon as practical to the owner for his decision. In the event of an accepted offer, Member is required to present to seller any and all additional offers to purchase.

Accuracy of Facts, Misrepresentation Thereof

Member should use his best efforts to ascertain all pertinent facts concerning every vessel for which he accepts the agency so that he may fulfill his professional obligation to avoid error, exaggeration, misrepresentation or concealment of pertinent facts.

Knowledge of Current Markets

It is the duty of the Member to be well informed on current market conditions in order to be in a position to advise clients as to the fair market value of vessels.

Member Financial Interest in Vessels

Member should not acquire an interest in, or buy for himself, any member of his immediate family, his firm or any member thereof, or any entity in which he has a substantial ownership interest, vessels listed with him, or his firm, without making the true position known to the listing owner. When selling vessels owned by him, or in which he has such interest, the facts should be revealed to the purchaser.

Appraisals

Member should not undertake to make an appraisal that is outside the field of his experience unless he obtains the assistance of an authority on such types of vessels, or unless the facts are fully disclosed to the client. In such circumstances, the authority so engaged should be identified and his contribution to the appraisal should be clearly set forth.

Recommending a Surveyor

Member should always recommend to the buyer that the buyer should select and employ, in a timely manner, an independent qualified marine surveyor as a condition precedent to the completion of a brokerage transaction.

For Sale Signs

Signs giving notice of any vessels for sale, rent, lease or exchange should not be placed on any vessel unless specifically authorized by the owner. There should not be more than one broker's signage on a vessel.

Advertising and Listing Agreements

Member should not submit or advertise vessels without having a valid listing agreement, and in any vessel advertising, the price quoted should not be other than the gross price agreed upon with the owner as the vessel asking price.

Disclosure of Broker Status in Advertising

Member in his advertising should be especially careful to present a true picture and should neither advertise without disclosing his identity nor permit others in his brokerage entity to use individual names or telephone numbers, unless the connection with the Broker/ Brokerage is obvious in the advertisement.

Legal And/or Tax Advice

Member should not engage in activities that constitute the practice of law and / or accountancy and should recommend that legal and / or tax counsel be obtained when the tax liability or legal interest of either party requires it.

Co-ops and Broker Commissions

Member should cooperate with other Brokers on vessels listed with him whenever it is in the best interest of the client. All cooperative agreements should be executed as early as possible and prior to the submission of an Offer to Purchase, and should designate the percentage of the commission and all commission splits. Negotiations concerning a vessel listed on an exclusive/central basis with one Broker should be carried on with listing Brokerage, not the owner, except with express consent of the listing Broker.

Central Agency Listings

The agency of a Member who holds an exclusive/central listing should be respected. A Member cooperating with the listing Broker should not invite the participation of a third Broker without the express consent of the listing Broker

Respecting Competitors

A Member should not disparage the business practice of a competitor, nor volunteer an opinion of a competitors transaction. If his opinion is sought, it should be rendered with strict professional integrity and courtesy.

Sharing Information

A Member should not seek unfair advantage over his fellow Brokers and should willingly share with them the lessons of his experience and study.

Knowledge of Laws, Legislation

To better serve those who place their interests in his care, the Member should endeavor always to be informed regarding laws, proposed legislation, governmental orders, and other essential information and public policies which affect those interests.

Keeping Informed of Boating Issues

Member should keep himself informed as to activities affecting recreational boating in his community, state and the nation so that he will be better able to contribute to public thinking on matters of taxation, legislation, marine use, waterfront planning and other issues affecting boating interests.

Avoiding Controversy

A Member should conduct his business so as to avoid controversies with his fellow Brokers. In the event of a controversy between members, such controversy should be arbitrated in accordance with the arbitration procedures of the Association, rather than litigated.

Violation of Ethics

When a Member is believed to be in violation of ethical practice,, he must place all pertinent facts before the Ethics Committee of the Association for investigation and recommended action.

Settling Controversies

Controversies between parties who are Members or non-members should be submitted to arbitration in accordance with the arbitration rules of the California Yacht Brokers Association.

Loyalty to Cyba

It is in the best interest of society, of his associates, and of his own business that the Member be loyal to the California Yacht Brokers Association and be active in its work.

Ownership & Control of Surveys

All survey reports, photos and related documents are the property of the party that has paid for them, and should not be released by the Member to any individual or entity without the express, written consent of the party that owns said documents.

Plagiarism

To responsibly represent a clients vessel and interests, Member shall at all times respect the intellectual property and creative efforts of a fellow broker, or others in the industry. In the event a Member is appointed listing agent on a previously listed vessel, any previous specification sheets, inventory lists, photos, survey reports, videos or internet postings shall not be copied and disseminated without written consent of the original author(s).