STRAIGHT TALK ABOUT YOU MARINE SURVEYOR

We at US Surveyor Association are committed to excellence and professionalism in the Marine Surveying business. Please take a moment to preview the following facts about you Marine Surveyor and the marine surveying profession.

If you are in the market for a used boat, or if you are in the market for insurance coverage for a boat you own, you should know that if the vessel is over two years old, or has never had a marine survey, then you will be requires to provide your finance company or your insurance company with a current marine survey.

The facts...

  • Marine surveyors may be self-employed, which is generally the case, or some may work for a marine surveyor group. In all cases, the survey report is the responsibility of the marine surveyor.
  • Marine surveyors use many credentials, letter, and terms such as "Accredited" "Certified" and "Qualified". No one organization is in charge of Marine Surveyors. The US Coast Guard does not approve or  certify Marine Surveyors. At best these terms represent training and certification by private organizations they may claim to be the "best one".
  • Your insurance company or underwriter cannot require you to use a certain surveyor or a surveyor who is a member or a certain organization. This would be restriction of trade, interference with business and in some case unfair "blackballing". The decision to hire a marine surveyor is yours. Certain organizations keep a "vanity" list of approved surveyors which the surveyor has paid to be included in. You should be aware that such a list does not guarantee the surveyors' qualifications. Organizations that tell you a marine surveyor is not "qualified" because he or she is not on their list have a conflict of interest in doing so. You should be suspicious of the relationship between your company and the surveyor especially if you are buying a boat that needs work. Your surveyor should be "independently qualified".
  • Always call the organization that a surveyor claims to be a member of and check for current membership dues, current certification.
  • Ask for your surveyor's resume.
  • Always make sure your surveyor will perform his inspections, analysis and reports based on American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC), National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and US Coast Guard safety and inspection guidelines and standards. These nonprofit organizations are the benchmark of a good Marine Surveyor.
  • In addition to the above nonprofit organization, these are three major surveying organizations. NONE are better than any of the others. EACH ONE has its own set of qualifications and ALL are highly competitive for your business. While we hope you choose a Navtech US Surveyors Association qualified member, you are under no obligation to hire based on a marine surveyor's membership in a private organization.

Whether you are a first time boat owner or experienced mariner, insurance underwriters and lender would like to see you do the following to play your part in reducing your risk and loss:

  1. Inspect, or have your boat inspected by a qualified marine mechanic at least twice a year and immediately upon the advice of your surveyor.
  2. Repair and replace any defective equipment properly as recommended by your surveyor.
  3. Install theft prevention devices on all electronics, engines, outdrives, trailer hitches.
  4. Install alarm systems on your boat for high bilge water levels, and cabin intrusion, theft, fire and smoke. Always keep your boat in a safe area.
  5. Always follow responsible safe boating practices, PFD's, Rule of the Road, speed limits, no wake zones and safe refueling practices.