What does it take to become a Boat Surveyor?

[Captain Graham]

I started a thread about getting some advice in starting a boat delivery business.
The response was very interesting and some talked about being a boat surveyor.

I would like to learning more.
Can anyone explain the business and the requirements needed.

Thanks in advance.

[boatman61]

Diploma in Small Craft Surveying

[Dsanduril]

National Association of Marine Surveyors

Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors

ABYC on Surveyors

[LuvSun]

I looked into it when I was younger, my uncle is a Surveyor and Marine/Diesel mechanic.

He put me off, working in tight spaces in 45 degree celcious heat, not fun. Surveying you dont stick around but you still have to get into those spaces.

Clearly some people must enjoy it so perhaps look to tag a long with one and see if its for you.

[Jim Cate]

In some areas all it takes is some business cards and self confidence. It's these sorts that give the trade bad reviews. Being a good surveyor requires a lot of experience with all sorts of craft and familiarity with general naval engineering and with various equipment codes and the ability to crawl into tiny spaces and the ability to cope with intransigent owners who don't appreciate their boats being poorly rated.

Hell of a job!

Jim

[boatpoker]

Enjoy ... How To Become a Marine Surveyor ... my cynicism is showing

Proud to say that I have been recently banned by North South Nautical Group from surveying any vessels they list

[Captain Graham]

I did a little (very little) checking on the mother of all knowledge "the internet"

It seems in the US there are no specific requirements or licenses to become a boat surveyor.
There are some classes you can take and some trade organization you can join, but they are optional.

LuvSun above suggested to tag along with a boat surveyor and watch him.
Some websites recommend you apprentice with a boat surveyor for 5 years as a way to get trained.

Not knowing much about the subject I would think you would need to know the following
1. Engine's, inboard, outboard, gas and diesel.
2. Electrical system both AC and DC
3. Sailboat rigging, masts and sails.
4. Plumbing and the rules for discharging waste.
5. Hulls. Structural requirements, material, etc.
6. Health issues like Rot, mold, etc.
7. Electronics and communications equipment.
8. Ground tackle gear. Windless, anchors, rode, etc.

Am I missing anything?

[boatman61]

Suggest you specialise and get a good name in a particular type..
I have a friend who specialises in Wooden boats in the UK and is also an RYA sailing instructor.
As a result she goes all over the UK and Europe doing both jobs as a result of a well earned reputation.
It also helps her rep that she was skipper of the tradional gaffer Provident for a couple of years.

https://goo.gl/images/uu3jBs

[Captain Graham]

Originally Posted by boatman61

Suggest you specialise and get a good name in a particular type..
I have a friend who specialises in Wooden boats in the UK and is also an RYA sailing instructor.
As a result she goes all over the UK and Europe doing both jobs as a result of a well earned reputation.
It also helps her rep that she was skipper of the tradional gaffer Provident for a couple of years.

https://goo.gl/images/uu3jBs

Thank you that is a very good suggestion.

[RobinScurr]

As has been stated, at least in the United States, all that is required to be a surveyor is to declare yourself to be one.... no licensing is required, no code of ethics that must be followed, etc.

Knowledge of what a boat is would be a good idea!

[meirriba]

Originally Posted by Captain Graham

I did a little (very little) checking on the mother of all knowledge "the internet"

It seems in the US there are no specific requirements or licenses to become a boat surveyor.
There are some classes you can take and some trade organization you can join, but they are optional.

LuvSun above suggested to tag along with a boat surveyor and watch him.
Some websites recommend you apprentice with a boat surveyor for 5 years as a way to get trained.

Not knowing much about the subject I would think you would need to know the following
1. Engine's, inboard, outboard, gas and diesel.
2. Electrical system both AC and DC
3. Sailboat rigging, masts and sails.
4. Plumbing and the rules for discharging waste.
5. Hulls. Structural requirements, material, etc.
6. Health issues like Rot, mold, etc.
7. Electronics and communications equipment.
8. Ground tackle gear. Windless, anchors, rode, etc.

Am I missing anything?

You need all above AND:
Safety equipment
Legal requirements for vessels, at least in the state/country where you do majority of your work
Basic business management if you do not want to go broke
Pricing structure for surveying related jobs.
Basic marketing and human relations skills.
Writing proper survey reports (you may find good and bad samples on the web).
Good luck.

[Capn Rick]

The best training for hopeful marine surveyors is Chapman's School of Seamanship in Stuart FL. They have a Yacht and Small Craft course. When I was there it was a six week course. The next step would be to apply to the National Assoc. of Marine Surveyors (NAMS) or Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors (SAMS). Both have an apprenticeship period before you can test to become certified.

While it is true there are no requirements to call yourself a marine surveyor, these organizations have educational and ethical requirements and their certifications are accepted all over. They also have recommended survey report content.

While there are some good independent surveyors, it is becoming more difficult to get established without being a member of one of these two organizations. Many insurance companies and banks will not accept surveys from new surveyors who are not members.

Surveyors need a working knowledge of all systems found on recreational boats and American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC) standards.

[boatpoker]

Originally Posted by meirriba

You need all above AND:
Safety equipment
Legal requirements for vessels, at least in the state/country where you do majority of your work
Basic business management if you do not want to go broke
Pricing structure for surveying related jobs.
Basic marketing and human relations skills.
Writing proper survey reports (you may find good and bad samples on the web).
Good luck.

I have some hilarious examples at Sample Marine Survey Reports

[meirriba]

Originally Posted by boatman61

Diploma in Small Craft Surveying

I took this course as a start for surveying career and was satisfied.
Web correspondence and textbooks + monthly assignments + London based physical attendance seminars + final test.
But - it assumes the student has basic hands on experience in the subjects/skills listed in the posts above.
When you are ready to go out and work, you will also need some tools, e.g. good camera (preferably waterproof), headtorch, humidity meter (and to know how to read it - not entirely straitghtforward as it may look), avometer and more of such gizmos.

[fatherchronica]

I have had dealings with a fellow who has no affiliations with surveyor societies and has hung his shingle in several states where he writes surveys that do not even have the right information, i.e. engine brand and size, brands of electronics, boat length and beam, but his surveys are accepted by insurance companies anyway. His greatest strength is his belief that he is the reincarnation of Scarlett O'Hara.