LES
CROSBY, (AMS®)
- 40 years marine experience
in sailing, commercial fishing,
chartering, boat building and
surveying.
- Licensed Master (Retired)
- Member of Society of Accredited
Marine Surveyors (SAMS®)
CHOOSING A MARINE SURVEYOR
Anyone can title
him or herself a Marine Surveyor
and start a business. Certain marine
surveyors are permitted to use a
designation denoting membership in
accrediting organizations that require
members to meet strict professional,
technical, and ethical standards.
Surveyors should provide you with
a professionally prepared report
that can be accepted by your bank
and/or insurance company.
Talk with prospective surveyors and
ask questions!
- What does the survey include
and what type of reporting format
is used?
- Do they use ABYC, CFRS
and USCG standards in their surveys?
- How much will the inspection
cost?
- How long will the inspection
take?
A thorough inspection will not be
rushed. It will depend on the type
of survey required, and based on
size, equipment, and onboard systems.
There may be additional services
available such as engine surveys,
oil analysis, galvanic and stray
current corrosion testing, ultrasonic
testing, moisture testing, as well
as other non-destructive tests. There
may be additional charges for these
and other services.
Well-conducted surveys can
provide good information on the vessel's
condition, but they are not guarantees.
The surveyor reports the condition
in accessible areas only as it existed
at the time of inspection.
Why should you have the vessel
surveyed? The buyer needs to know
her condition and approximate fair
market value. Most insurance companies
and banks will require a current
survey on older vessels in order
to underwrite and/or finance the
vessel. Finally, the most important
reason to survey your vessel is for
the safety of your crew and guests.

ABOUT SAMS®
SAMS® is the international
Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors®,
Surveyor Associates, and Affiliate
Members who have joined together
to promote the good image and general
well-being of our profession.
Our Accredited Marine Surveyor (AMS®)
members must have a minimum of five
years of experience and must pass
an examination by our testing committee
in order to earn this designation.