Heinemann Yacht Assessment
Your guide to the water sports industry.

Welcome to Heinemann-Yacht-Assessment (HYA)!

HYA stands for technical excellence, sound advice and tailor-made solutions. Our goal is to help you realize your projects through targeted support - whether certification, new construction, conversion or purchase of yachts.

Our services.

Heinemann-Yacht-Assessment offers its customers ...........

CE certifications in accordance with the 2013/53/EU Recreational Craft Directive (RCD)

Heinemann-Yacht-Assessment (HYA) conducts inspections in accordance with the EU Recreational Craft Directive on behalf of the International Marine Certification Institute (IMCI) in Brussels, which is the largest Notified Body for CE certification of boats and yachts up to 24 meters in length and their components. For this certification, the standards of (ISO TC 188) are applied. CE certification can be carried out in conjunction with US certification (see below) to help keep costs down.

NMMA certifications for the USA market

HYA conducts assessments on behalf of the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) in Chicago. This certification applies the standards of the American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC) are applied, which impose stricter requirements than those mandated by U.S. law through the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG). This certification offers manufacturers the best protection against questionable consumer claims in the U.S. More than 85% of all boats on the American market are certified by the NMMA. NMMA certification can be obtained in conjunction with CE certification (see above) to help keep costs down.

Advice on the application of ISO or ABYC standards

HYA offers customized seminars for your employees. These training courses provide practical knowledge of EU and US legislation and the application of ISO and ABYC standards - for legally compliant and standard-compliant implementation of your projects.

Marina certifications

HYA conducts assessments of marinas on behalf of the IMCI . The institute operates a certification system (Blue Star Marina) based on the ISO 13687 and ISO 21406 standards, awarding marinas up to 5 stars.

Handover evaluations

A comprehensive pre-purchase report ensures that your new or used boat is in exactly the condition specified in the contract at the time of delivery. All relevant aspects are carefully inspected and documented so that any potential defects or discrepancies can be identified early on. This not only provides you with transparency regarding the boat’s actual condition but also gives you the assurance that it fully meets your individual expectations and requirements.

Restructuring of boat and yacht shipyards

Your company has potential—we’ll help you realize it to the fullest. Are things not running as smoothly as you’d like? Then now is the right time for a fresh start. With HYA, you can get your business back on track for success: We’ll take a close look at your processes, uncover hidden weaknesses, and turn them into real opportunities. With clear strategies and streamlined processes, we ensure that you work more efficiently and reduce costs sustainably. Rely on new energy, clear structures, and tangible improvements! We’re not just thinking about a quick fix for a crisis, but also about continuous organizational development: stabilizing in the short term and evolving in the long term…!

Access to a global network of experts

Heinemann Yacht Assessment is part of a constantly growing global network of experts with whom we have enjoyed working since 1996. No matter where you are, we will be happy to connect you free of charge with an expert in your area who understands your needs and can address them on an individual basis.

The expertise.

This chronology presents Ulrich Heinemann's professional development and activities in the field of yacht building, shipbuilding and the certification of watercraft.

Overall, he shows himself to be a leading expert in the field of yacht and shipbuilding, not only active in the development and certification of watercraft, but also playing a central role in standardization and technical standardization at international level.

Here is an overview of the most important stations:

- Training
The start of his professional career includes his studies and research work in the field of plastics processing and ship and marine technology at the RWTH Aachen with a degree in engineering (1983) as well as his first boat and yacht developments and participation in numerous international regattas.

- Scientific activities and development
Work as a research assistant at RWTH Aachen University, research into loads on sailing yachts and development work in shipbuilding at Blohm + Voss in Hamburg.

• Founding of Heinemann-Yacht-Design
After working at Blohm + Voss, Ulrich Heinemann founded an engineering firm specializing in yacht and shipbuilding in 1986. The firm focuses on the design and development of yachts and small vessels, as well as consulting and research. Vessels ranging in length from 5.50 m to 118 m were designed.

- Technical and managerial functions
Expert activities for the German Boat and Shipbuilding Association (DBSV) and the Verband der Sportboot- und Schiffbau-Sachverständigen e.V. (VBS) and for the International Marine Certification Institute (IMCI), where he took over the leading position as Managing Director in 1999.

- Standardization and certification:
Many years of work in various standardization committees and as Belgium's national delegate to international organizations such as the ISO and CENwith a focus on the development and certification of watercraft and their components, emissions and safety standards.

- Leadership and involvement in associations
Activities in leading positions, e.g. as Chairman of the Recreational Craft Sectoral Group (RSG), as Chairman of the Technical Committee of the International Council of Marine Industry Associations (ICOMIA) and as a member of the Technical Board of the American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC).

• Renamed to Heinemann-Yacht-Assessment
After more than 25 years of managing IMCI and having issued more than 66,700 certificates, Ulrich Heinemann will be leaving the institute at the end of 2024 at his own request. The engineering firm Heinemann-Yacht-Design will immediately thereafter be renamed Heinemann-Yacht-Assessment (HYA).

• Current activities of Heinemann-Yacht-Assessment
The firm’s core professional focus encompasses a wide range of international consulting and committee work. For example, HYA serves as a so-called HAS consultant on behalf of Ernst & Young (EY) in Brussels, HYA supports the EU Commission services in implementing Article 10(5) of Regulation (EU) No. 1025/2012 on European standardization.

In addition, the organization serves as a permanent observer on the Recreational Craft Sectoral Group (RSG) and serves in an advisory capacity for renowned yacht builders.

Another key focus remains on the inspection of a wide variety of vessels with the aim of obtaining subsequent CE certification through IMCI and/or NMMA certification.

This profile is complemented by regular speaking engagements at international conferences as well as active involvement with the Global Marine Business Advisors (GMBA). He is also actively involved in the Certification Advisory Board of The Foiling Organization (TFO).

Professional networking is facilitated through membership as an Associated Individual Member of the International Council of Marine Industry Associations (ICOMIA) as well as membership in the German Maritime Industry Association (VMWD) underscores our professional networking.

Why us?

- Experience & expertise
HYA has many years of experience in yacht and shipbuilding as well as in certification.

- Individual support
Every project is unique - HYA takes the time to understand and implement your wishes and requirements.

- Quality & reliability
HYA aims to meet the highest standards so that you can realize your project without any worries.

Ulrich Heinemann

Naval Architect

Get in touch with us today!

Heinemann-Yacht-Assessment

Habsburgerallee 24, 52062 Aachen, Germany

  • tel: +49-241-406295
  • cell: +49-171-5245731
  • e-mail

Secondary address:
Via Nicola Giangi 7, 47924 Rimini (RN), Italy

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