From shipping and commodity trading to logistics, finance, insurance and technology, Switzerland is home to a world-class maritime ecosystem. YoungShip Switzerland exists to connect, inspire and empower its future leaders.

Our mission:

• Build a strong maritime community
• Create meaningful connections
• Foster new ideas and opportunities
• Connect young professionals with industry leaders
• ⁠Give emerging talent a voice

We welcome members aged 20 to 40 from all corners of the maritime community, including shipping, commodity trading, logistics, finance, insurance, legal services, technology, sustainability, consulting, and other industry-related fields. From students and graduates exploring career opportunities to experienced professionals looking to expand their network, YoungShip Switzerland brings together the next generation of maritime leaders. By connecting diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and expertise, we aim to inspire innovation, create meaningful relationships, and contribute to a strong and sustainable future for our industry.

1. Purpose

This Code of Conduct sets out the values, expectations and behavioural standards that apply to all members, corporate members, sponsors, partners, speakers, guests and participants (“Participants”) at YoungShip Switzerland (“YoungShip Switzerland” or the “Association”) events, meetings and online communications. Its purpose is to foster a professional, inclusive and respectful environment in which the maritime community in Switzerland can network, learn and build lasting relationships.

2. Scope

This Code applies to:

• All in-person events organised or co-organised by Youngship Switzerland (networking events, conferences, workshops, social gatherings, AGMs);
• All virtual or hybrid events and meetings;
• Official Youngship Switzerland communication channels, including email, social media pages and any collaboration platforms used by the Board or members;
• Interactions between members, sponsors, partners and guests that take place in connection with Youngship Switzerland activities.
• This Code also applies to any educational content, presentations, workshops, webinars, recordings, publications, templates, or other materials created, distributed, or made available by YoungShip Switzerland, whether in person, online, or in digital format. 

3. Core Values

Youngship Switzerland expects all Participants to act in a manner consistent with the following values:

• Respect – treating every person with courtesy, dignity and fairness, regardless of background, seniority or affiliation;
• Integrity – acting honestly and transparently in all Association-related dealings;
• Inclusivity – welcoming people of all genders, nationalities, cultures, abilities and career stages;
• Professionalism – representing oneself, one’s employer and the maritime industry positively;
• Collaboration – supporting the Association’s mission to connect and develop young maritime professionals.

4. Expected Behaviour

Participants are expected to:

• Engage with others courteously and professionally at all times;
• Respect personal boundaries and obtain consent before taking photos or video of identifiable individuals for publication;
• Consume alcohol responsibly where it is served at events, and refrain from any conduct that could endanger themselves or others;
• Respect the venue, its staff and any rules communicated by the Board or event organisers;
• Disclose and manage any conflict of interest arising from sponsorship, partnership or business discussions conducted through the Association;
• Respect the Association’s intellectual property, branding, educational materials, presentations, recordings, and confidential information, and refrain from copying, reproducing, distributing, modifying, or using them without the Association’s prior written authorization. 
• Use official Youngship Switzerland channels and branding only as authorised by the Board.

5. Unacceptable Behaviour

The following conduct will not be tolerated at any Youngship Switzerland event or in connection with any Association activity:

• Harassment, bullying or intimidation of any kind, whether verbal, physical or written;
• Discriminatory remarks or conduct based on gender, race, ethnicity, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, nationality or any other protected characteristic;
• Unwelcome sexual attention, comments or physical contact;
• Deliberate intimidation, stalking or following;
• Disruption of events, presentations or meetings;
• Use of Association events or channels for unauthorised commercial solicitation;sales activities, or promotional activities beyond the scope expressly approved by YoungShip Switzerland. 
• Any behaviour that could bring Youngship Switzerland, its members, sponsors or partners into disrepute.

6. Reporting a Concern

Any Participant who experiences or witnesses behaviour inconsistent with this Code is encouraged to report it as soon as possible to a member of the Board, either in person at the event or by email to [contact / mailbox to be defined]. Reports will be treated confidentially and taken seriously. Where appropriate, the Board may involve the event venue or relevant authorities.

7. Consequences

The Board may take any action it considers appropriate in response to a breach of this Code, including but not limited to:

• A verbal or written warning;
• Removal from the event without refund;
• Suspension or termination of membership, sponsorship or partnership status;
• Referral to law enforcement, where the conduct may constitute a criminal offence.

Decisions on consequences rest with the Board, acting reasonably and proportionately in light of the circumstances. The Board’s decision shall be final.

8. Acceptance

By registering for or attending a Youngship Switzerland event, or by holding membership, sponsorship or partnership status with the Association, Participants agree to abide by this Code of Conduct.

9. Review

This Code of Conduct will be reviewed periodically by the Board to ensure it remains fit for purpose and reflects best practice among comparable associations.