Welcome! This directory is designed to help you find a marine surveyor in your area. Please note that we do not endorse or guarantee the performance of surveyors. No warranties expressed or implied are intended or created by this directory. Any questions regarding the scope of a surveyor's inspection, their cost or the content of the reports should be discussed with the surveyor.
Here's how to get the most useful survey for your money:
- Be sure to let the surveyor know the purpose for which you are requesting the survey. If the reason is for the purchase of a boat, or to fulfill an insurance requirement, ask for a full condition and value (C&V) survey. This type of report will give you the current market value and replacement value for the boat as well as a detailed description of the construction and condition of the hull and major systems (i.e. electrical, fuel, machinery, etc.).
- Make certain it is clear from the report that the surveyor has inspected the boat for compliance with the boating safety standards set by the National Fire Protection Association (N.F.P.A.) and the American Boat and Yacht Council (A.B.Y.C.), as well as U.S. Coast Guard standards.
- Some surveyors offer abbreviated one or two page opinions, which they'll call an insurance survey. This type of brief format will usually be rejected for insurance purposes since it omits details that are necessary for underwriting.
- It is always appropriate to ask the surveyor for a copy of a resume, as well as a sample survey of the type that you are requesting.
If you are selecting a surveyor, please note the following:
- Generally surveys completed by persons directly associated with boat yards, marinas or brokers will not be accepted for insurance due to the potential for a conflict of interest.
- In most cases surveys done by insurance company personnel will not be accepted due to their brevity and lack of detail.
- Hauling is generally required on boats which have sustained damage, and hulls over 20 years of age.
The National Association of Marine Surveyors (NAMS) and the Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors (SAMS) are professional organizations that have instituted rigorous examination programs for their membership. Marine Insurance underwriters will accept surveys from any surveyor who has received the designations "AMS" from SAMS or "NAMS-CMS" from NAMS.
Click here to go to SAMS or here for NAMS.
If you have any questions call (866)-274-2455
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