Should clients attend their Survey?
We especially recommend at least a representative be present to furnish access, and grant permission to board and conduct the survey. However, boats can present somewhat of an enigma, a distracted surveyor is in no one's best interest. In a perfect world the client would only approach the surveyor at the end of the survey to go over findings. In general, surveyors are happy to provide verbal comments (during the survey) but remember a survey is not over until the report is written, there is much to mull over prior to issuing a final verdict.
How long does the process take?
Anywhere from 5 to 12 hours depending on the size of the vessel then another 5 to 8 hours in the office to thoroughly prepare the survey report. Larger vessels may take 1-3 days.
What should be known about private organizations and societies that assist independent marine surveyors?
There is a world of private organizations that assist independent marine surveyors. All compete to obtain your business and as such, a conflict of interest inherently exists. That is something to be aware of. No one society: governs, certifies, licenses, accredits or qualifies a marine surveyor's operation, nor does the coast guard or government. The unfortunate reality of the trade is a lack of requirements, regulation and licensure that can create formidable challenges surrounding consumer protection. When seeking a reputable marine surveyor, it is best to ensure they practice ABYC, USCG and NFPA standards over any advertised, listed or paid affiliation.
What are and what is the difference between private organizations that independent marine surveyors may or may not choose to affiliate with?
Five private organizations in the United States and many others world wide assist independent marine surveyors.
Overseas, there is the:
Domestically, a few reputable organizations include:
NAMS is the oldest organization, established in 1962. Both USSA and SAMS appeared afterwards in the mid 1980s (1986 and 1987 to be exact), and ACMS was established during the mid 1990s.
Be mindful, marine surveyors are cut from a diverse cross section of maritime backgrounds, which could include: boat captains, engine mechanics, boat builders, marine insurance specialists, professional or competitive sailors, etc. Most all are self-employed. They use various credentials, letters or terms (i.e. “Accredited,” “Certified,” or “Qualified”) to describe their operations. Regardless of what you hear or are told, these qualification terms represent training and certification through a number of private organizations that may have marketed themselves aggressively, claiming to be the best or the only one.
Why has East Coast Marine Surveyors chosen to affiliate with USSA and IIMS?
Both organizations are 30+ years established. Accredited members are held accountable to continued education requirements, published ABYC, USCG and NFPA standards as well as adherence to strict societal code of ethics. Founded in 1987 United States Surveyors Association, USSA was originally as a captains licensing school and eventually became endorsed by the American Institute of Marine Underwriter's (AIMU) as a highly reputable institute for marine surveying professionals. Offices are based in Fort Myers, FL and have trained a generation of working surveyors including members of USSA holding the AMMS designation as well as members of SAMS holding the AMS designation. All accredited members are subject to a vetting process, code of ethics, resume documentation and continuing education requirements. The International Institute of Marine Surveying, IIMS, celebrated its 25th Anniversary in 2015. As a progressive forward thinking organization, IIMS is independent, non political, and promotes the professionalism and training of Marine Surveyors worldwide.
Can a Bank or Insurance company require use of a particular marine surveyor or affiliation?
An insurance company or lender can reject any surveyor's report if they do not approve the content or there is inadequate content to make a sound underwriting decision. However, rejection of a survey based on paid private societal affiliations alone would be a conflict of interest. In most states such action would be illegal, classified as restriction of trade or interference with business. A boat survey should be performed by an independent (non-biased) professional so that no conflict of interest is present. No undue influence should impact your choice of independent marine surveyor or determine who is best qualified to inspect your vessel.
We especially recommend at least a representative be present to furnish access, and grant permission to board and conduct the survey. However, boats can present somewhat of an enigma, a distracted surveyor is in no one's best interest. In a perfect world the client would only approach the surveyor at the end of the survey to go over findings. In general, surveyors are happy to provide verbal comments (during the survey) but remember a survey is not over until the report is written, there is much to mull over prior to issuing a final verdict.
How long does the process take?
Anywhere from 5 to 12 hours depending on the size of the vessel then another 5 to 8 hours in the office to thoroughly prepare the survey report. Larger vessels may take 1-3 days.
What should be known about private organizations and societies that assist independent marine surveyors?
There is a world of private organizations that assist independent marine surveyors. All compete to obtain your business and as such, a conflict of interest inherently exists. That is something to be aware of. No one society: governs, certifies, licenses, accredits or qualifies a marine surveyor's operation, nor does the coast guard or government. The unfortunate reality of the trade is a lack of requirements, regulation and licensure that can create formidable challenges surrounding consumer protection. When seeking a reputable marine surveyor, it is best to ensure they practice ABYC, USCG and NFPA standards over any advertised, listed or paid affiliation.
What are and what is the difference between private organizations that independent marine surveyors may or may not choose to affiliate with?
Five private organizations in the United States and many others world wide assist independent marine surveyors.
Overseas, there is the:
- International Institute of Marine Surveying (IIMS)
- Professional Yacht Designers & Surveyors (YDSA) Association
- Royal Institution of Naval Architects (RINA)
- Society of Consulting Marine Engineers and Ship Surveyors (SCMS)
- Australasian Institute of Marine Surveyors (AIMS)
- Marine Surveyors in Indonesia (AIMI)
- Association of Marine Surveyors in British Columbia (AMSBC)
- Society of Consulting Marine Engineers & Ship Surveyors (SCMS)
- Independent Marine Surveyors Association (SIMSA)
Domestically, a few reputable organizations include:
- The United States Surveyors Association (USSA)
- Association of Certified Marine Surveyors (ACMS)
- Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors (SAMS)
- National Association of Marine Surveyors (NAMS)
NAMS is the oldest organization, established in 1962. Both USSA and SAMS appeared afterwards in the mid 1980s (1986 and 1987 to be exact), and ACMS was established during the mid 1990s.
Be mindful, marine surveyors are cut from a diverse cross section of maritime backgrounds, which could include: boat captains, engine mechanics, boat builders, marine insurance specialists, professional or competitive sailors, etc. Most all are self-employed. They use various credentials, letters or terms (i.e. “Accredited,” “Certified,” or “Qualified”) to describe their operations. Regardless of what you hear or are told, these qualification terms represent training and certification through a number of private organizations that may have marketed themselves aggressively, claiming to be the best or the only one.
Why has East Coast Marine Surveyors chosen to affiliate with USSA and IIMS?
Both organizations are 30+ years established. Accredited members are held accountable to continued education requirements, published ABYC, USCG and NFPA standards as well as adherence to strict societal code of ethics. Founded in 1987 United States Surveyors Association, USSA was originally as a captains licensing school and eventually became endorsed by the American Institute of Marine Underwriter's (AIMU) as a highly reputable institute for marine surveying professionals. Offices are based in Fort Myers, FL and have trained a generation of working surveyors including members of USSA holding the AMMS designation as well as members of SAMS holding the AMS designation. All accredited members are subject to a vetting process, code of ethics, resume documentation and continuing education requirements. The International Institute of Marine Surveying, IIMS, celebrated its 25th Anniversary in 2015. As a progressive forward thinking organization, IIMS is independent, non political, and promotes the professionalism and training of Marine Surveyors worldwide.
Can a Bank or Insurance company require use of a particular marine surveyor or affiliation?
An insurance company or lender can reject any surveyor's report if they do not approve the content or there is inadequate content to make a sound underwriting decision. However, rejection of a survey based on paid private societal affiliations alone would be a conflict of interest. In most states such action would be illegal, classified as restriction of trade or interference with business. A boat survey should be performed by an independent (non-biased) professional so that no conflict of interest is present. No undue influence should impact your choice of independent marine surveyor or determine who is best qualified to inspect your vessel.
