Hello, my name is Domagoj Vakante, and I am the instructor for Yacht Surveying 2.
I began my professional career in 1997 in the Merchant Marine, where I developed a strong foundation in navigation, vessel operations, and the responsibilities associated with working at sea.
In the early 2000s, I became increasingly interested in the yachting industry and decided to continue my career in that sector.
I spent most of my professional life as a yacht captain. Over the years, that role extended beyond navigation and daily vessel operations.
It included technical management, maintenance planning, shipyard and refit periods, project oversight, and superintendency support as needed.
Working directly with yacht owners, crews, technicians, contractors, and shipyards gave me a practical understanding of how yachts are operated, maintained, repaired, and managed throughout their lifespan.
After many years on the operational side of the yachting industry, I moved into yacht and small-craft surveying, a natural next step in my professional journey.
This transition allowed me to build on my operational experience and apply it to independent surveying and technical consulting.
My educational background includes a university degree in Nautical Science and a diploma in Yacht and Small Craft Surveying.
I am also a member of the International Institute of Marine Surveying.
Today, I am the founder and principal marine surveyor of Yacht Survey Adriatic, based in Split, Croatia.
My work includes pre-purchase and condition surveys, warranty and damage assessments, acceptance support, refit and repair verification, technical consulting, and vessel valuations.
I work with both motor and sailing yachts, from smaller production boats to larger, more complex vessels.
My approach to surveying is strongly shaped by my operational background.
I believe that a surveyor should understand not only how a yacht is assembled but also how its systems interact, how it is used in practice, and why an observed finding may be significant.
I also believe that professional competence develops through experience, careful observation, continuous learning, and an understanding of our limits.
This is the practical perspective I bring to Yacht Surveying 2.
I look forward to sharing it with you throughout the course.