STRAIGHT TALK ABOUT YOUR MARINE SURVEYOR
WE AT US SURVEYORS ASSOCIATION ARE COMMITTED TO EXCELLENCE AND PROFESSIONALISM IN THE MARINE SURVEYING BUSINESS. PLEASE TAKE A MOMENT TO REVIEW THE FOLLOWING FACTS ABOUT YOUR MARINE SURVEYOR AND THE MARINE SURVEYING PROFESSION.
If you are in the market for a used boat or 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 required 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 surveyor.
- Marine surveyors use many credentials, letters, and terms such as "Accredited", "Certified", and "Qualified". No one organization is in charge of Marine Surveyors. The US Coast Guard does not approve nor certify Marine Surveyors. At best, these terms represent training and certification by private organizations that 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 of a certain organization. This would be restriction of trade, interference with business and in some cases 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 surveyor's 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 so doing. 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 certifications.
- Ask for your surveyor's resume. Length of time in surveying business does not always guarantee a qualified surveyor, however, a surveyor who claims to have been in the boating business or some other related boating experience field for at least two years is a good rule of thumb.
- 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 non-profit organizations are the benchmark of a good marine surveyor.
- In addition to the above non-profit organizations , there 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 boatowner or experienced mariner, insurance underwriters and lenders would like to see you do the following to play your part in reducing your risk and loss:
- Inspect, or have your boat inspected by a qualified marine mechanic at least twice a year and immediately upon the advice of your surveyor.
- Repair and properl replace,any defective equipment as recommended by your surveyor.
- Install theft prevention devices on all electronics, engines, outdrives and trailer hitches.
- 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.
- Always follow responsible, safe boating practices, PFD's, Rules of the Road, speed limits, no-wake zones and safe refuelling practices.
THANK YOU!
US SURVEYORS ASSOCIATION 
1 - 800 - 245 - 4425
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