Disclosures worth having in writing.

The commission structure being applied (IYBA flat 10 percent, MYBA sliding scale), and the resulting fee.

Any dual agency on the transaction, documented in writing beyond the standard form clause.

The brokerage’s ownership structure (PE-backed, public-parent, founder-led, yard-tied).

Each ownership pattern carries different incentives.

For each party the brokerage has introduced (lawyer, surveyor, management company, paint specialist, insurance broker, recruitment agency): the referral or retrocession arrangement, if any, and at what rate.

Written disclosure of every referral relationship and retrocession arrangement on every introduction.

Referral fees are legal only if disclosed (OnboardOnline legal column).

If disclosure is declined, a parallel adviser whose only role is to scan for and document the relationships.

Independent advisers document referral relationships as part of their standard scope.

The candidate’s introduction route (broker, seller, or independent agency engaged by the buyer).

Any prior commercial relationships with brokers, yards, suppliers, or management companies that might continue into employment.

The captain’s pay structure (straight salary, or any bonus, charter share, or referral-related elements).

An understanding of which parties in the transaction would walk away from a deal that did not benefit the buyer.

The independent adviser, paid only by the buyer, is the party for whom this is structurally true.

At least one party in the transaction whose income is contingent only on the quality of advice given, not on the deal closing.