News & Resources

Since 1987, across more there 20 different countries around the world, the honorable Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors® (SAMS®) has sought to elevate the standards of the marine surveying profession and ensure the provision of superior maritime services worldwide. To assure this, all members are “expected to follow a course of continuing education to maintainContinue Reading >>

The Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) is defined as the “codification of the general and permanent rules published in the Federal Register by the executive departments and agencies of the Federal Government.” It covers subject matter related to everything from aeronautics, domestic security, and public health, to postal services, labor, and transportation, and is designedContinue Reading >>

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is an international group that was founded in 1896 and defines itself as “a global self-funded nonprofit organization devoted to eliminating death, injury, property, and economic loss due to fire, electrical, and related hazards.” However, if you’re like most people, you likely don’t even know what that all means.Continue Reading >>

The American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC) is a well-known “non-profit, member organization that develops voluntary global safety standards for the design, construction, maintenance, and repair of recreational boats.” Excellence in technician education and professional development is integral to this organization, and marine industry professionals throughout the world have benefited from their wealth of resourcesContinue Reading >>

While the laws regarding marine survey requirements for insurance may very from state to state, any insurance company out there will tell you obtaining marine insurance in Michigan is different than obtaining any other insurance out there for numerous reasons. Vessels in Michigan are more susceptible to freezing, ice damage, muskrat/varmint damage, damage from sunken/submergedContinue Reading >>

Even according to the nationally trusted American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC), “choosing a trusted marine surveyor can be challenging since it is not a regulated or licensed industry and anyone can call him or herself a marine surveyor.” That’s why, doing your research ahead of time can significantly pay off when it comes toContinue Reading >>

If you’re looking at a particular vessel owned by someone claiming the boat has recently been overhauled in any sort of way, beware, and get a marine surveyor onboard right away. The Biggest Problem With Overhaul Claims One of the biggest issues with sellers claiming their boats have been overhauled is that nine times outContinue Reading >>

A marine surveyor, also sometimes referred to as a “Yacht & Small Craft Surveyor,” a “Hull & Machinery Surveyor,” or a “Cargo Surveyor,” is merely the official title for a person responsible for conducting in-depth surveys that thoroughly inspect/examine vessels to determine and document a boat’s condition. Qualifications In order to actually become a professionalContinue Reading >>

Whether or not you need a marine survey to get boat insurance often just depends on your financial lender or insurance company. If it is required, more often than not you will need what is called a Condition and Valuation Survey (C&V), more commonly known as a “pre-purchase survey.” Just keep in mind, even ifContinue Reading >>

So many people wonder what their marine survey experience is going to be like, or how they can be better prepared for it, and that is precisely the kind of curiosity marine surveyors love. People who are willing to try and be prepared ahead of time for marine surveys are such a joy to workContinue Reading >>