International Yacht Bureau (IYB) recently finalized the commercial certification of the Marshall Islands‐flagged motor yacht My Colors, a Westport 130 model. This internationally recognized approval for safety and pollution prevention allows the yacht to operate as a commercially‐registered yacht. She is the first Westport 130 to achieve this status worldwide.
The series of intensive plan reviews, hull and machinery examinations, safety and lifesaving equipment inspections, and crew skills’ demonstrations were completed over several weeks under the supervision of surveyors from IYB. Wright Maritime Group provided overall all project coordination. My Colors is commanded by Capt. Dan Gulley.
Capt. Jake DesVergers, Chief Surveyor for the International Yacht Bureau states, “The unique nature of the Marshall Islands’ Commercial Yacht Code allows well‐built, maintained, but unclassed yachts less than 500 gross tons, such as the Westport 130 series, the option to operate as a commercial charter yacht. We hope that the example set by My Colors will demonstrate to the industry that while obtaining commercial certification is no easy task, it is achievable for the right type of yacht. Raising the standard for international safety is no longer limited.”
International Yacht Bureau is an organization dedicated to the safety, environmental protection, and security activities of private and commercial yachts. With its appointment, International Yacht Bureau provides statutory certification services through plan review, inspection, audit, and survey. It is authorized to issue certificates verifying compliance with the applicable international standards. IYB has an established network of professional surveyors at the world’s main yachting centers.
Wright Maritime Group is the parent company of new construction, yacht management, ISM operation and charter management divisions serving the industry worldwide. WMG is currently handling yachts from 288ft to 125ft with over 550 ft of large yachts under construction today. Michael Hand of Wright Maritime said: “WMG selected International Yacht Bureau for the company’s knowledge, ability and relationship with Flag. It was quite a challenge and a significant success that leads the Westport small yacht fleet into legal commercial operation."