Start new chapter

If you wish to start a new chapter, reach out! You will find the contact information to the different regional representatives under Contact us. They can guide you through the process. Below, what is needed to set up a new chapter is summarised. Before a new chapter can be kicked off, we need an application which answers out each of the six sections. But the first step is to set up an introduction meeting with the relevant regional representative.

Applicants should describe the local maritime community and show how a YoungShip chapter could become relevant within it. The application should give an overview of the local maritime cluster, including key companies, institutions, universities, academies, existing networks, and the general profile of young maritime professionals in the region. The purpose is not to prove that the cluster is already large or mature, but to show that the applicants understand the local maritime ecosystem and have a realistic view of where YoungShip can create value. A chapter may be built around a smaller, close-knit group of 20–50 engaged members, provided there is a clear strategy for making YoungShip attractive locally, or aim for many more members. Applicants should also outline how they plan to recruit and engage members, including whether specific companies, universities, organisations, or industry partners may support the chapter during its establishment phase.

Applicants should present the proposed founding board and explain how the team will provide the capacity, continuity, and local network needed to establish the chapter. The founding board should normally include around five committed individuals, with roles covering leadership, finance, communications, events, and internal governance. Each proposed board member should be introduced with a short professional biography, current role, and maritime affiliation. Board members should generally be under the age of 35 and connected to the maritime industry. Students may be included where relevant, provided that the board remains anchored in the professional maritime community. YoungShip encourages gender diversity and broad company representation, and applicants should aim to avoid having the board concentrated around a single employer or network. In jurisdictions with more complex legal, administrative, or compliance requirements, the applicants should also consider whether legal or professional guidance is needed during the establishment phase.

Applicants should describe the intended legal and financial setup for the chapter. The chapter should normally be established as a non-profit organisation, registered association, or equivalent local legal structure suitable for operating a YoungShip chapter. Its articles of association should be aligned with YoungShip International’s requirements. Applicants may use the example articles of association provided by YoungShip International as a starting point. The chapter should also have a dedicated bank account tied to the organisation, with appropriate financial controls such as a two-signature policy where practical. The chapter should be able to provide transparent financial reporting to its members on an annual basis.

Applicants should present a plan for the chapter’s first events and explain how these will help attract, engage, and retain members. The plan should include ideas for a launch or kick-off event, as well as the types of events the chapter intends to organise during its first months of operation, such as company visits, industry panels, networking evenings, student–professional events, or informal social gatherings. The chapter should aim to create regular meeting points for its members, and it is often a good idea to organise at least one event per month during the establishment phase. The purpose is to build an engaged core membership, demonstrate early value to the local maritime community, and create momentum for further growth.

Applicants should present a simple plan for how the chapter will be financially sustainable. The application should describe the expected sources of income, such as membership fees, corporate partners, event contributions, sponsorships, or support from maritime organisations. Applicants should also explain how they intend to work with local companies and partners: for example, whether companies will mainly support the chapter by hosting events and providing speakers, or whether the chapter will organise and control its own events and revenues. The purpose is not to require a detailed budget from the outset, but to show that the applicants have considered how the chapter can fund its activities, maintain independence, and create value for both members and partners.

Applicants should explain how they understand the YoungShip mission and how the proposed chapter will contribute to it locally. The application should describe how the chapter intends to support YoungShip’s purpose of attracting, developing, and retaining young talent in the maritime industry, while also building a local community that reflects the needs and opportunities of its own maritime cluster. Applicants should refer to the “About us” section on the YoungShip International website and briefly discuss how they see their chapter contributing to the wider YoungShip network, including cooperation with other chapters, participation in international initiatives, and use of YoungShip’s brand and governance standards.