yacht and small craft surveyor

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Yacht & Small Craft Surveying (YSCS)

180 hours / 6 weeks.

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WHAT YOU’LL LEARN

Program overview.

Dubbed “The Industry Standard,” this program will prepare you to enter the field of marine surveying as a confident professional.  You will be able to prepare vessel appraisals for condition and value in the purchase or sale of vessels.  You will also be able to assist insurance companies in obtaining an insurance value and a “to do” list to make the vessel insurable.  A great prerequisite to insurance adjusting.

NEXT START DATE - Oct 28, 2024

(6-week program).

My family (wife, 2 sons and myself) had a great weekend at Chapman this past weekend to complete the CPC 100 Boating Essentials Course. Captain Al was awesome to add vivid examples to the didactic so we could all understand better.

- ralph gousse, cpc boating essentials course (2022), 2024/2025 class schedule.

EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES

• To prepare men and women for entry into the field of yacht and small craft surveying.
• To give them the needed technical knowledge and the highest sense of ethical, business and professional honesty.
• To provide others in the marine industry, such as insurance adjustors and underwriters as well as corporate, government and military personnel with in-depth knowledge of boat systems and values.

A competent marine surveyor requires in-depth technical and market knowledge. Involved is the knowledge of hull design, construction methods & materials and what happens to them under various conditions of use and service. The same applies to vessel propulsion, navigation, communication, electrical and waste disposal systems.

The course is designed to equip the student to recognize, evaluate and communicate findings in such a manner as to leave no doubt as to the condition of the vessel at the time of survey. Instructional methods include classroom lecture and on board demonstration, guest lecturers noted for their expertise in the field, practice surveys, and report preparation.

Our goal is to provide a balanced curriculum developing technical knowledge coupled with high business integrity.

Hull Design, Construction, and Materials

The hull is a boat’s essential element, and hull integrity is the result of proper design and construction. Students will study design and give consideration to fiberglass, wood, steel, aluminum, ferro cement, and other boat building materials and methods. Special emphasis is given to the detection of deficiencies.

Propulsion & Support Systems

An examination of sail and engine powered propulsion systems, including all components and test methods. Navigation, communication, fresh water, galley, heating, venting, air conditioning, waste disposal, running, rigging, electrical and fuel systems are also studied.

Business, Professional & Legal Considerations

An exploration of marine surveying as a business and its professional, ethical, and legal aspects.

Surveys & Survey Reports

A professional surveyor follows a step-by-step procedure that begins with an assessment of the hull’s seaworthiness and a detailed inspection of the vessel’s systems. Each student will conduct three (3) complete surveys and prepare Reports of Survey.

Important Note:

The school requires that all student survey reports be typed. In order to comply with this requirement students must supply a personal computer or typewriter.

To qualify for admission, the student must be 18 years of age or older and in overall good health. The successful student must be able to use mathematical skills and the English language in order to fully benefit from the program. Foreign students should score at least 500 on the TOEFL exam or its equivalent.

A high school graduation, state secondary equivalency diploma (GED), or evidence of a student’s ability to benefit from instruction is required. Please have a copy of your high school, college, or previous training transcript sent to the Registrar.

The review process takes into consideration the applicant’s prior education, experience, and expressed desire to learn. Previous training and education will be evaluated and appropriate credit will be given. With this in mind, it is desirable for the applicant to be a graduate of the Professional Mariner Training Program at the Chapman School or have survey-related marine industry experience.

The Enrollment Agreement must be completed and signed (by the parent or guardian if the applicant is younger than 18) and returned to the School along with the $150.00 Non-refundable Registration fee and the Refundable Tuition Deposit. Class starting dates are listed in the program schedule. Students may enroll in this course through the second day of class.

Students must have an official photo ID at the start of class. Please see the listing of approved ID types.

Maximum class size is 16 students. Early registration is encouraged for the January and March classes which generally fill early.

Tuition & Fees

• The Enrollment Agreement must be completed and signed (by a parent or guardian if the applicant is younger than 18) and returned to the Chapman School along with the $150 non-refundable registration fee and the refundable Tuition Deposit.
• Tuition balance is due in full 30 days prior to the start of class.
• Tuition does not include housing, board, or transportation.
• All costs are payable in U.S. currency only.
• The Chapman School accepts American Express, Discover, Visa, or MasterCard
• If a credit card is used as the method of payment, a convenience fee of 3.0% of the total amount charged will apply to all transactions

Financial Assistance

The School offers, depending upon availability and need, supplemental scholarships to qualified students who are eligible for employment in the United States. Other opportunities to consider in planning for financial aid assistance are:

Veteran’s Education Benefits – If you are a U.S. military veteran, you may be eligible for education benefits.

Rehabilitation Benefits – You may be eligible for education benefits due to job-related injuries that preclude continued employment in your present trade or profession.

Retirement Benefits – You may be eligible for education benefits offered by some firms upon retirement.

Retraining Opportunities – You may be able to secure retraining benefits if you are a dislocated worker or eligible for programs offered by other retraining agencies.

Student Housing

Description

Campus housing consists of dormitory apartments. Each unit contains a bedroom, convertible living room/bedroom, bath, kitchenette, and a covered porch. The number of students per unit during this program is a maximum of three. All units are air-conditioned, fully furnished, and equipped with a refrigerator, countertop range, and cooking utensils. Housing is offered on a space-available basis. The School is not responsible for the loss of any personal property. Sorry, no pets.

Housing Fees (Shared Rate)

Housing fee includes utilities.

Housing Fees are due 30 days prior to the first day of classes.

Housing Refund

• If a student cannot attend the class in which he or she is registered, housing fees are refundable.
• Once a student moves into the facilities, no fees will be refunded
• In the event any student does damage to the accommodations, he or she will be responsible for the replacement cost and labor required to repair the damaged Chapman School property.
• If a credit card was used as the original method of payment, a convenience fee of 3.0% of the total amount charged will apply to all transactions

Student Responsibilities

Students are required to observe proper standards of personal conduct. Justification for dismissal from the School would include any action that would be considered offensive by the faculty, the student body, or the community at large. Student conduct is taken into consideration for employment recommendations.

Proper dress, including shoes, shirt, and pants or shorts must be worn in the classroom and Administration Building. Work clothes are recommended for shop and boat maintenance lab work. To safeguard against infection from minor scrapes or punctures, we suggest obtaining a current tetanus booster before arrival on campus.

The School requires that all student survey reports be typed. In order to comply with this requirement, students must supply a personal computer or laptop.

Attendance Requirements

A student must attend at least 153 hours (85%) of the 180-hour program. An accumulation of 27 hours of absences from classes is considered excessive and may result in dismissal from School. Veterans’ benefits are interrupted at this point.

Class Schedule

Classes meet daily, Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm. Lunch is from 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm.

Lateness for any part of an hour will be counted as a full hour of absence.

Unexcused Absences

More than 12 hours or (2) full class days of unexcused absences in any (2) two-week period is considered excessive and may also be cause for dismissal from the School.

Excused Absences

A request for absence must be submitted in writing by the student and approved by a member of the administrative staff prior to the absence, except in case of illness or another emergency.

A student who must take extensive leave beyond the allowed attendance policy limits due to special circumstances such as prolonged illness, family emergency, called to active duty etc., will be permitted to re-enter at the phase of training that is identical to the one he or she left. Earlier phases of training may be repeated at no additional tuition cost as determined by the School. Veteran students must be terminated for pay purposes.

Re-Admittance Policy

If a student has been terminated for attendance reasons and can give evidence that the cause for poor attendance has been eliminated, the student may be re-admitted on a probationary basis for a three-week period. Six hours or one full class day of unexcused absence during this period will result in termination.

Veterans’ benefits may be resumed during the probationary period.

Tests & Examinations

Periodic tests will be given throughout the 6 weeks as a measure of each student’s progress. These will include practice surveys. A comprehensive final exam will be given at the end of the course.

Final Grade

A minimum final grade average of 80% must be achieved in order to qualify for a graduation certificate. The final grade will be based on a weighted average of all test and exam scores as follows: 50% – Periodic Test Scores 50% – Final Examination

Student Progress

All student records will be kept on file for viewing by the student and authorized parties.

Student progress will be carefully monitored on a regular basis. If a student’s average falls below 80, he or she will be considered on academic probation until the average is brought up to passing. If grades are not brought up to passing within two weeks, the student will be terminated for unsatisfactory progress. At this point, veterans’ benefits may be interrupted. Re-entry will be at the discretion of the School’s administration.

Requirements for Graduation

The Chapman School awards a certificate. All attendance requirements must be met and any financial obligations to the School satisfied. A final average of 80% or better is required.

Job Search Assistance

Most surveyors are self-employed individuals who have worked to gain the recognition of marine insurers, influential yacht dealers, brokers, and owners. Through its influence in the marine industry, the Chapman School is building its contacts with the same clientele in order to assist successful graduates in gaining entry into the profession.

The School cannot guarantee job placement. Complimentary resume preparation is offered to graduating students.

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Who is a marine surveyor – responsibilities, qualifications, and skills.

Shipyards take great care in designing and building ships , with regular inspections. They know every mistake will cost them heavily in terms of delays and fines.

Once the construction of a ship is finished, the shipowners must then ascertain that the vessel meets the standard laid out in the building contract.

Although most organisations employ in-house specialists, they ensure that the vessel meets the benchmark, and an independent inspection may sometimes be required for the same.

Third-party inspectors may need to survey a vessel separately. Generally, marine insurers might require an assessment of the condition of a ship before some legal arbitration. Or standardisation bodies might need people qualified to ascertain a ship’s seaworthiness before being registered. In all these scenarios, specialists with enormous maritime experience and knowledge often handle the situation.

These specialists who inspect and monitor various ships using advanced inspection methods are known as “Marine Surveyors”. Considered to be one of the most prestigious vocations in the industry, it demands a great deal of technical know-how. A marine surveyor should know how to inspect a vessel’s hull, marine engines, electrical system, and other electronics, check for water intrusion, proper functioning of the heat and airconditioning etc.

This article will dive into marine surveyors’ world and analyse their responsibilities, qualifications, and skills.

Table of Contents

What are the Duties of a Marine Surveyor?

Marine surveyors conduct inspections of vessels of all types, including commercial vessels, cargo vessels, passenger vessels, barges, tugboats, warships, ferries and pleasure yachts that are under 20 meters, all the way up to tankers measuring over 200 meters. They also inspect marine cargo and facilities like drydocks, canals, docks and oil rigs for pre-purchase evaluation, insurance claim resolution, regulation compliance and marking insurance eligibility.

A good surveyor can work with most vessels and help the buyer ascertain the long-term suitability of his asset.

To ensure proper functioning and disbursement of duties, there are several different responsibilities that these surveyors are required to fulfil.

The primary responsibility of a marine surveyor is to conduct thorough and extensive surveys of a ship. Before delivery, a complete analysis of the entire vessel must be carried out, as this determines the initial seaworthiness of the ship.

While playing an important role in maritime arbitration and insurance, it also lets the shipowner know that the vessel they are receiving is in the best possible condition.

Various surveys are carried out during the vessel’s life for different reasons. These could be annual surveys used to study vessel performance yearly. Or there could be interim surveys intended to inspect specific parts of a ship. Special surveys can also be conducted in case of registration or other formalities.

Another responsibility of a marine surveyor is to ensure that machinery and equipment are functioning as required. This includes essential components such as engines, communications and navigation. It also needs emergency and safety equipment to be checked under realistic operating conditions. The surveyor must witness the tests and ascertain that any generated reports fall within acceptable standards.

Along with inspections, surveyors must ascertain the load regulations and limits calculated for a vessel. Gross tonnage and deadweight tonnage (DWT) are to be cross-checked with the values stored in the stability handbook of the ship. Checking the load lines and draft markers is also required, as some companies may attempt to overload their boats. The surveyor assists in load line assignments and checks weight distribution as well.

The next duty that surveyors are required to perform is the investigation of maritime accidents. This could be part of insurance institutions or from the shipowners’ side when claiming marine insurance; ascertaining the ship’s condition before the accident is essential.

Determining the extent of the damage is also required. For this, marine surveyors consult reports of the vessel before the accident. In case of being submerged, salvage operations may be necessary. Before commencing a salvage, surveys may also be conducted to ensure that the wreck can be safely moved without damaging the vessel and the surrounding biosphere. Protection and Indemnity (P&I) insurance companies can also employ these marine surveyors as third-party specialists for ascertaining damage compensation.

In case of an accident, a marine surveyor will be required to investigate the occurrence from an official capacity as deemed by a relevant maritime law court. They report to the court in all matters about the condition and performance of the ship. They also act as expert witnesses who can depict the ship’s condition. In case of any deaths, the surveyor may have to assist the coroner in ascertaining probable causes and locations of demise. Thus, marine surveyors also play an important role in maritime law and serve as advisors to a court of law.

Lastly, surveyors can also be tasked with a fair and unbiased evaluation of maritime assets. When buying a ship from another party, it would be wise to engage a marine surveyor to determine the condition of the boat that you are receiving. In case you wish to sell a ship, surveyors provide a realistic figure for the ship’s market value, known as the Fair Market Value, from an unbiased analysis. During damage reports or component replacements, marine surveyors may also determine the expected costs to be incurred while accounting for various factors in the industry.

Some of the other duties that marine surveyors can perform include:

1. Marine warranty surveys 2. Charter surveys 3. Flag state surveys 4. Offshore structural surveys 5. Hull and equipment surveys 6. Cargo surveys

The Different Types of Surveyors

Since this industry is incredibly diverse and vast, different surveys are carried out by specialised surveyors who are experts in their respective fields. This section will look at the various types of surveyors and the organisations they fall under.

There can be two main types of surveyors depending on their primary objectives- proactive and reactive surveyors. Proactive surveyors aim to identify problems before they occur. They are generally responsible for assessing vessels before purchase or during routine checks.

In case any flaw or damage is located, a potential mishap is averted. Hence, the surveyors are considered to be proactive. On the other hand, reactive surveyors are called in after some incident has occurred. They include insurance, arbitration, and claimant surveyors. Since they assess the vessel as reacting to some occurrence, they are referred to as reactive surveyors.

Cargo surveyors are specialists hired by a charterer or organisation transporting cargo bulk. The cargo owner entrusts the surveyor with ensuring that the cargo is loaded and unloaded appropriately. In addition to assessing the cargo operations, the surveyor calculates the permissible loads and maximum and minimum drafts and cross-checks the manifest with the loaded cargo.

In the case of loose goods carried in bulk carriers, there may also be necessary to ensure sufficient provisions to prevent cargo from shifting during the journey. For expensive and high-value goods, the surveyor may be required to oversee the loading and unloading operations personally. When transporting goods prone to contamination or infection, the surveyor is responsible for ensuring that precautions are taken to secure the goods safely. As the name suggests, the cargo surveyor is responsible for all cargo-related operations and inspections.

Classification surveyors are representatives of the classification society and ensure that a vessel adheres to pre-set regulations. A classification society is a standardisation body responsible for ensuring that ships are built and operated safely. They may impose restrictions on boats based on the vessel class and require the ship to maintain these standards to retain their registration under the society.

The Lloyd’s Register, Bureau Veritas, and Indian Register of Shipping are prominent classification societies. These surveyors must inspect a vessel and its machinery to ensure it meets the set standards. They also serve as representatives of the vessel’s flag state to ensure that domestic statutes are adhered to. A flag state refers to the country’s flag under which a ship operates. This surveyor checks a vessel’s construction, outfitting, maintenance, pollution levels, etc., and passes a recommendation to both the flag state and the classification society. If there are any issues, a window of time is provided to correct the problem. These surveyors usually work alongside government surveyors.

Government surveyors are officials representing two main points of interest- a flag state representative and a port state representative. The flag state official ensures that a vessel registered under its country meets satisfactory requirements to continue its registration. In case of any prolonged and uncorrected issue, the flag state has the power to suspend or revoke a registration. This prevents the ship from entering any port, as it no longer has any affiliation. On the other hand, the port state official reports to the government of a country where a particular ship is docked. They are tasked with ensuring that all incoming and departing ships satisfy the requirements of that specific port. In addition to surveying vessels, they can also be responsible for ensuring that the draft limits of a port are maintained.

A yacht and small craft (Y&SC) surveyor is responsible for inspecting and monitoring a small boat. They check the various equipment and machinery onboard. Since most of these vessels are for personal pleasure, the owners hire surveyors to inspect their vessels. Although some surveyors operate under organisations, the vast majority of these hires are independent surveyors.

An insurance and warranty surveyor inspects vessels for insurance and P&I purposes. Either party in an insurance claim can hire them. For instance, insurance companies often hire staff surveyors to estimate the damage and determine whether it falls under a valid insurance claim. On the other hand, the claimant would employ a surveyor to conduct a private inquiry and may use their report in a court of maritime law. Although insurance companies often suggest that claimants hire a surveyor to run their analysis, both parties prefer involving an unbiased third party. It is illegal for an insurance company to force a particular surveyor on the claimant.

Lastly, an independent surveyor is an individual who carries out surveys independently, without being associated with any organisation. They are usually hired to run private third-party reports on a vessel’s construction or incident. They offer their services in pre-purchase surveys, evaluation, draft surveys, confidential insurance enquiries etc. Independent surveyors rely mainly on goodwill and publicity to increase their customer base.

Training, Qualifications and Accreditation

Being a marine surveyor requires several skills that need to be certified by official bodies. The training and certification phase is critical as it creates a foundation for being a successful surveyor. Working in that field for several years can be helpful to show expertise in specific skills.

For instance, to be a surveyor for container ships , having worked onboard a ship or at a port, a terminal can serve as a certification prospective clients wish to see. On the other hand, if you want to survey a domain with no valid experience, being certified by some third party is possible. Taking specific courses is relatively easy, as there are a large number of bodies that conduct them. These include Lloyd’s Register, Maritime Training Academy, and Det Norske Veritas Germanischer Lloyd (DNV GL). It is interesting to note that most standardisation societies provide certification on many maritime courses.

Regarding certification for Marine Surveying itself, there are relatively few options available. This may be because surveying is a skill learnt with extensive experience and is not something that can be picked up overnight with a classroom course. Reputation is king in this industry, and no amount of certification will bring in clients unless you possess certain vital qualities.

Nevertheless, there are specific international organisations providing certification in this surveying. These include Lloyd’s Maritime Academy, the International Institute of Marine Surveying (IIMS), the National Association of Marine Surveyors (NAMS), and the Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors (SAMS). Members of SAMS, known as Accredited Marine Surveyors (AMS), hold valid certification and represent a large group of surveyors who establish precedents and maintain standards for all members to follow. Most societies suggest getting direct experience under a marine surveyor after completing their courses. However, one can also directly approach an experienced surveyor first instead of joining a class.

The primary skills that prospective clients look for in a surveyor are subjective. Generally, well-spoken and confident individuals portray a positive image. However, anyone who can prove their expertise in this field is quickly given opportunities. A candidate must be able to write reports compact yet detailedly. Since survey reports are the first impression of any surveyor, they must stick to mutually acceptable standards. In addition to these skills, having prior experience in any field of the maritime industry is preferred. Training under an experienced surveyor is the best method to pick up essentials and valuable skills.

Salary and Perks for Marine Surveyors

The enormous responsibility of determining the condition of a ship is by no means an easy job. Livelihoods, industries, and large amounts of money hang in the balance waiting for the marine surveyor’s approval. Being thorough is a necessity, as any error on their part can affect the global shipping industry. Thus, being adequately compensated for their skills is also a must. The marine surveying industry has specific standards that ensure its members are provided with adequate benefits.

Marine surveyors usually require a minimum of experience in the various industry domains they are tasked to handle. The more the experience, the higher the package they can expect to receive. In addition, certifications from prestigious institutes can also go a long way in ensuring that clients value your opinion. Although starting your career as an independent surveyor will ensure you receive your entire fee, you will lack in terms of other perks and benefits organisations can provide you.

The annual salary for a marine surveyor in the USA ranges between $60,426 and $81,974, with the average salary coming in at $70,089. This salary can depend on the size of the vessel to be surveyed, its location, costs you may incur to prepare a report, the cost of travelling etc. Also, enjoying goodwill amongst reputable ship-owning companies will provide you with a good client base. When estimating the average fee or commission per survey, it is crucial not to follow a ‘one size fits all strategy. The perks and benefits enjoyed by surveyors engaged with organisations include medical insurance, rent allowances, travel allowances etc. It also provides them with a network of like-minded individuals involved in the same field.

Report preparation is considered a tricky subject in the marine surveying industry. It can be the make-or-break component in any surveyor’s career. A well-written and detailed report would increase their client base through word-of-mouth marketing. On the other hand, a poor report could also effectively tank their prospects. Thus, most marine surveyors go to great lengths to learn the skill of report writing.

The essential points to look out for include language that is easy to comprehend, a detailed analysis of the various areas of the vessel, photographs or other visual media to emphasise a particular finding, and concisely preparing a report. Most clients find reading bulky and oversized reports to be counterproductive. They prefer to avoid surveyors who use too many words to convey a simple concept. Writing succinct reports that even laypeople can understand will go a long way in attracting more customers.

The marine surveying job also features benefits that go beyond the monetary aspects. It is a prestigious occupation that allows you to utilise your skills even after you retire from active sailing. It is also an opportunity to pass on knowledge to other individuals and actively connect with them.

The bottom line is that this industry presents a fantastic chance for motivated individuals to face new daily challenges that put their skills to the test. Based on your marketing and performance, you may be able to make much more than the industry average. It is essential to realise that this field has no fixed salary or income, unlike other industries. Although the above figures are based on extensive studies and research, the actual values may differ depending on your expertise and geographical location.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. what is the job of a marine surveyor.

The primary responsibility of a marine surveyor is to conduct thorough and extensive surveys of vessels. Before the delivery of a new ship, such surveys are essential to ensure the proper functioning of all onboard systems and guarantee the vessel’s seaworthiness.

2. How do you become a US Marine Surveyor?

Marine surveyors are needed to have a certain amount of experience in the several industry domains they are trained to handle. The more experience and projects are completed, the better the salary package. Additionally, maritime institutes’ certifications can help get clients’ trust.

3. What are some of the surveys conducted by marine surveyors?

Some of these surveys include marine warranty surveys, charter surveys, flag state surveys, offshore structural surveys, hull and equipment surveys and cargo surveys.

4. What is AC and V Survey?

A repurchase survey is conducted when someone is thinking of buying a vessel. It is quite a comprehensive ‘Condition and Valuation’ or C&V Survey that incorporates operational testing of all the onboard equipment and includes a sea trial of the vessel in question. Also, the ship is inspected thoroughly, both inside and out.

5. What is the need for a marine survey?

A marine survey is essential for determining what repairs or upgrades are required so a vessel might operate under safe conditions at sea. Marine surveys ensure that all systems onboard vessels run smoothly, so there are no accidents, loss of life or property at sea. They also help to know the actual value of a boat or vessel.

You might also like to read.

• Different Types of Marine Insurance & Marine Insurance Policies
• 50 Marine Careers Essential Guide
• How to Become a Hydrographic Surveyor?
• What is Marine Asbestos Survey?
• Interview: Job Of Claims Executive In The Maritime Industry

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About Author

Ajay Menon is a graduate of the Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, with an integrated major in Ocean Engineering and Naval Architecture. Besides writing, he balances chess and works out tunes on his keyboard during his free time.

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Very well said, so useful so wonderful it emphasize clear views direct to the point. Many thanks wish to read more from you soon.

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I’m really very close to choosing my route to become a Marine Surveyor. This was really helpful

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Yacht & Small Craft Professional Qualification

The IIMS is an award-winning, recognised educator of marine surveyors and has been doing so successfully for more than 15 years. The Institute is committed to delivering the best education for existing yacht and small craft marine surveyors and is passionate about developing the next generation of surveyors.  The yacht and small craft professional qualification marine surveying course material is current, accurate and is regarded to be the best material of its kind anywhere in the world. Furthermore, IIMS is the only professional body to offer a formal marine surveying qualification. It has been produced by authors who are passionate and knowledgeable about their specialism and who are recognised experts in their fields. The course has been written to produce the best possible learning outcome for those who study it.

The Yacht & Small Craft Professional Qualification in Marine Surveying  course allows you to decide when and where you want to study.

To achieve the qualification you are required to study and pass four CORE units plus an additional four SPECIALIST units of your choice from the ten that are available. Students have two years to complete the course. It is then possible to upgrade your qualification to an Advanced Professional Qualification in Yacht & Small Craft Marine Surveying. This means a further one year of study and an additional four SPECIALIST units to pass.

If you travel, you can take the units with you to continue studying and make good use of your travelling time.

The benefits of studying with the Institute are that you become a Student Member of the Institute whilst training and you can, therefore, participate in all the Institute activities, including one-day training courses, seminars and conferences.

One of the most beneficial factors of distance learning study is that you apply your learning immediately. So, as the course progresses you can apply the knowledge, skills and expertise gained to your work.

Click any of the links below for more information on a specific unit.

The CORE Units Core Unit 1: Introduction to Marine Surveying Core Unit 2: Materials and Corrosion (Unit is in two parts) Core Unit 3: Stability Core Unit 4: Report Writing

The SPECIALIST units Specialist Unit 18: Marine Incident Investigation Specialist Unit 21: Marine Coatings Specialist Unit 23: Inspecting Yacht & Small Craft Engines Specialist Unit 24: Surveying Small Craft Systems & Mechanical Installations Specialist Unit 25: Surveying FRP Craft Specialist Unit 26: Surveying Steel & Aluminium Alloy Small Craft Specialist Unit 27: Surveying Inland Waterway Narrowboats Specialist Unit 28: Inspecting Small Craft Rigs & Sails Specialist Unit 29: Surveying Wooden Craft Specialist Unit 31: Maritime Law & Insurance Specialist Unit 32: Hulls & Machine Damage Claims Specialist Unit 35: Business Management

Student comments Read what past students who have studied with IIMS have had to say.

‘Many thanks for the feedback and all your support over the duration of the course. To say that I am delighted is an understatement as I am over the moon with delight’. Mr J O’Sullivan ‘I would like to thank all involved in the very valuable and excellent course. I certainly lived up to my expectations and more’. Mr G Parrotte ‘Thank you for the opportunity to take part in the course. I have really enjoyed completing the assignments. It was a very thorough and well thought out introduction to the marine surveying profession’. Mr K Butterfield

Read the course prospectus: Yacht & Small Craft Professional Qualification in Marine Surveying Prospectus

Click to register your interest in the IIMS Professional Qualification in Yacht & Small Craft Marine Surveying

Or if you are ready to apply (no money is required at this stage) please go to the online application form.

Read the Course FAQ’s

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The Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors

Welcome to The Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors®

Find a marine surveyor.

Locate By: U.S. States | Canadian Provinces | Other Countries

Types of Surveys

Tug & barge, commercial workboat, yachts & small craft, fishing vessel, hull & machinery, what type of survey do i need.

How To Choose a Surveyor?

The Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors® (SAMS®) has three (3) primary classes of memberships

Accredited Marine Surveyor

Surveyor Associate

Affiliate Member

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Find awesome listings near you.

CALL US NOW

+44 (0)1472 826 820

• Auditing Services
• Dispute Management
• Inspection and Survey
• Marine Consulting
• Maritime Cyber Security
• Maritime Expert Witness
• Maritime Insurance Quotes
• Marine Surveying Services
• Operational & Technical Audits
• Project Management
• Technical Support
• Third Party Intervention
• Third Party Witness
• Classroom Based Maritime Courses
• Training Workshops
• Maritime Distance Learning Courses
• Safety Inspection Certification
• Source & Supply / Procurement
• Condition Surveys
• Damage Surveys
• Offshore Installations Surveys
• On-hire / Off-hire Surveys
• P&I Entry Surveys
• Pre Purchase Surveys
• Probate Surveys
• Surveys for Insurance Purposes
• Valuation Surveys – Private Boats
• Larsens Maritime Training
• Maritime Cyber Security Training
• Certificate in Classification and Statutory Surveys
• Certificate in Marine Surveying Practices.
• Diploma in Marine Surveying
• Diploma in Naval Architecture
• Diploma in Small Craft Surveying
• Diploma in Surveying of Offshore Floating Units
• Maritime Registrar

Diploma in Small Craft Surveying, the leading international marine and ship surveying training course by distance learning.

Over the 12 months of the course you will explore:.

• Introduction to Small Craft Surveying.
• Naval Architecture for Small Craft.
• Small Craft Engineering & Systems.
• Stability of Small Craft.
• Small Craft Surveys and Repairs.
• Survey Management and Reporting.
• Health & Safety for Surveyors.
• Marine Law relating to Surveying & Surveyors
• Marine Insurance for Surveyors
• Business Skills for the Surveyor
• Choice of specialist modules in Inland Waterways and Canal Craft, Power Leisure and Sail Leisure Vessels, Fishing Vessels and Small Commercial Craft.

Partnered with The Society of Consulting Marine Engineers and Ship Surveyors (SCMS)

• Receive 50% off SCMS membership fee for new members who have completed the Diploma in Small Craft Surveying in the year of application
• Receive 20% off SCMS membership for existing members who have completed the Diploma in Small Craft Surveying as part of their CPD in the year of doing the course

VISIT SCMS WEBSITE FOR MORE INFORMATION

Apply for this course with lloyd’s maritime academy, key information.

• Qualification: Lloyd’s Maritime Academy Professional Development Diploma, awarded by North Kent College
• Delivery: Part-time Tutored Distance Learning
• Duration: 12 months
• Apply for this course via Lloyd’s Maritime Academy
• CPD/CEUs: 21 hours / 2.1 CEUs

Learning Outcomes

• Explain the unique nature of the small craft surveying business
• Identify the various professional skills required by the marine surveyor for conducting surveys on small craft vessels
• Analyse the role of the marine surveyor in relation to clients, insurance companies, classification societies and regulatory bodies
• Describe the methodology required to prepare for and perform various types of survey on small craft
• Understand small craft and their structure from a naval architecture perspective
• Discuss the marine survey business with clients with a view to offering accurate, valuable marine survey services
• Demonstrate a clear, logical approach to performing marine surveys
• Module 1 – Introduction to Small Craft Surveying
• Module 2 – Naval Architecture for Small Craft
• Module 3 – Small Craft Engineering & Systems
• Module 4 – Stability of Small Craft
• Module 5 – Small Craft Surveys and Repairs
• Module 6 – Survey Management and Reporting
• Module 7 – Health & Safety for Surveyors
• Module 8 – Marine Law relating to Surveying & Surveyors
• Module 9 – Marine Insurance for Surveyors
• Module 10 -Business Skills for the Surveyor

Course Director

Euring allan larsen ceng cmareng frina fimarest fcms.

Managing Director, Larsens Marine Surveyors & Consultants

Allan is a European Engineer registered with FEANI, Fellow of the Royal Institution of Naval Architects, Fellow of the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology and a member of The Society of Consulting Marine Engineers and Ship Surveyors in addition to holding professional accreditation as both a Chartered Engineer and Chartered Marine Engineer.

Bespoke On-site Training

Larsens marine surveyors and consultants provide the complete training and consultancy package for your business..

Larsen’s Marine Surveyors & Consultants are advocates of continual professional development (CPD) and up-skilling the marine industry workforce. At Larsen’s Marine Surveyors & Consultants, we can provide your company with a wide range of course subjects that will help your workforce to continue to deliver a professional service to your clients, here at Larsen’s Marine Surveyors & Consultants, we can call upon a wide range of maritime industry knowledge, with lecturers that have a wealth of experience within the maritime industry.

To see how we can help you company maintain and grow your workforce’s skills to compete in the modern high pressure maritime industry, contact us at  [email protected]  or via telephone at +44 (0)1472 826 820 to see how we can help.

As we usually produce material specific to each client we would require a time period to produce the material for any bespoke training courses delivered.

To discuss your training needs or find out more information call us on +44 (0)1472 826 820, send an  e-mail to [email protected] or use the contact button below to send us a quick message and we will contact you.

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Marine Survey Associates

• Pre purchase survey considerations
• Instructing a Surveyor
• Multiple Locations Surveys
• Insurance Surveys
• Tonnage Survey
• Small Craft Surveys
• Canal / Narrowboats
• Superyacht Surveys
• Classic and Wood
• Steel / Alloy
• Knowledge Pool
• Northern Ireland
• Channel Islands
• Map of Surveyors

• Where is your boat located?
• Search for a Surveyor

FIND A MARINE SURVEYOR

We are a network of trained and experienced yacht and small craft surveyors operating to the highest standards in the industry to provide skilled yacht surveying services to boat owners, purchasers, insurers, finance companies and lawyers. Please spend a few minutes looking around the site.

We communicate on a forum daily discussing new technology, emerging trends, new repair methods and industry issues as well as individual vessel’s defects. This tool and the diverse experience held within the membership means that we are able to undertake any survey on all types of vessels.

Survey Images

• Extremely Bodged Repairs
• Fuel Systems
• Gas Installations