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.

CLICK HERE FOR OUR CAREER PROGRAMS REFUND POLICY

YOUR JOURNEY STARTS HERE

Read to begin your journey with Chapman? Request information, schedule a visit or start the admission application process. If you require assistance please call or email for immedidate support.

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Request information, schedule a campus tour, apply for admission.

4343 S.E. St. Lucie Blvd. Stuart, Florida 34997

772-283-8130 | [email protected]

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• Lloyd's Maritime Academy

Delivered by digital learning over 12 months

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Aimed specifically at surveyors of small commercial and leisure vessels

Specialise in small craft surveying and focus on vessels up to 24 metres in registered length..

Diploma in Small Craft Surveying

Core modules.

• 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
• A – Inland Waterways and Canal Craft
• B – Power Leisure and Sail Leisure Vessels
• C – Fishing Vessels
• D – Small Commercial Craft

What you'll learn

• The practicalities of surveying small pleasure and commercial craft
• Legislative issues, regulatory bodies, codes and conventions specific to small pleasure and commercial craft
• Technical skills required for hull, structural and engineering surveys of small pleasure and commercial craft
• Commercial skills and knowledge required to run a successful surveying business

How you'll learn

Every course is broken down into manageable modules, designed to accelerate your learning process through diverse learning activities:

• Work through your instructional material online
• Interact with your peers and learning facilitators through the online forum to discuss subject related issues and to network with your fellow learners
• Investigate relevant, real-world case studies

Assessed and awarded by North Kent College

Delivered in partnership between the National Maritime Training Centre at North Kent College and Lloyd’s Maritime Academy, the course continues to be the ideal professional development course for existing ship managers, prospective ship managers and for those who work alongside the ship management sector.

100% Online

• Accessible – 24/7 availability from wherever you have an internet connection
• Flexible – take control of where, when, how and the rate at which you study
• Professional – industry leading course directors and tutors
• Quality – study the same course used by corporations for internal training
• Network – with tutors and like-minded professionals from around the world. Use our online tutorial forum to ask questions and share knowledge
• Save money – no additional travel or accommodation costs

Get the Latest Course Updates

You may also be interested in, diploma in marine surveying, marine surveying training to give you invaluable technical and management knowledge, diploma in marine surveying of offshore units, study the operational, management and technical requirements for surveying offshore units, msc marine operations management (continuation), develop management, research knowledge and advanced technical skills to boost your professional standing and further your career.

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McVay Marine Services, LLC

Yacht and small craft surveyor and consultant.

Prepurchase Survey, Insurance Survey, Damage and Claims Survey, Consulting

Upon retiring from the United States Army, Will, Tracy Anna and George cruised the east coasts of the United States and Canada as well as the Bahamas before settling back down in Savannah. Will is an American Boat and Yacht Council Certified Standards advisor and he attended Chapman School of Seamanship where he took their Professional Mariner’s Training, Yacht and Small Craft Survey Course and the Damage and Claims Course. Will and Tracy love helping others realize their cruising dreams and will be right back out there when the kids head out to college.

(912) 856-2877

will@mcvaymarine.com

25 Burnt Tree Court, Savannah, Georgia 31419-2446

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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The Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors

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Classifications

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

• Accredited Marine Surveyor (AMS®)
• Surveyor Associate (SA)
• Affiliate Member (AFF)

The Board of Directors shall have freedom to establish additional designations pertaining to areas of specialization with these three (3) classes. Qualifications for membership and rights of members in each class shall be as follows:

Accredited Marine Surveyor

1. Candidates must be currently practicing marine surveyors with at least five (5) years surveying experience, accumulated within the past ten (10) years, in the field of expertise which accreditation is desired. Credit of up to three (3) years of the five (5) years required may be granted for related marine experience. Acceptability of related marine experience shall be determined by the membership committee and/or Board of Directors.

2. Applicants must affirm that they will abide by the By-Laws Code of Ethics, Standards, official decisions and amendments to such of the Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors® (SAMS®).

3. Candidates must complete an application form, supply a complete resume and submit for review a number of surveys as may be required by the Membership Committee.

4. Candidates must successfully complete a written exam on their selected field of accreditation as prescribed by the Testing Committee and conducted by that Committee or their designated representative. Cost related to administration of said examination shall be born by the candidates. Examinations will be reviewed by the Testing Committee and submitted to the Membership Committee.

5. Applicants must agree to participate in and meet all requirements of the Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors® (SAMS®) program of continuing education as established by the Education Committee and/or Board of Directors.

Surveyor Associate

1. Applicants must be marine surveyors who do not yet meet prerequisites for acceptance as Accredited Marine Surveyors.

2. Applicants must affirm that they will abide by the By-Laws, Code of Ethics, Standards, official decisions and amendments to such of the Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors® (SAMS®).

3. Applicants must complete an application form, provide a complete resume and submit for review survey reports prepared by the applicants from each year of experience.

4. Applicants must agree to participate in and meet all requirements of the Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors® (SAMS®) program of continuing education as established by the Education Committee and/or Board of Directors.

Affiliate Member

1. Applicants must be currently operating businesses or individuals either of which must provide a product or service to the marine industry. Practicing marine surveyors are not eligible for this category.

2. Applicants must affirm that they will abide by the By-Laws, Code of Ethics, Standards, official decisions and amendments of such of the Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors® (SAMS®)

Y&SC – Yachts and Small Craft

An AMS® member who has acquired at least five years of professional surveying experience on yachts and/or small commercial vessels up to 200 Gross Domestic Registered Tons, (500 ITC), and has attained a passing grade on the SAMS Yachts and Small Craft examination.

H&M – Hull and Machinery

An AMS® member who has actively engaged in conducting surveys of commercial vessels greater than 200 Gross Domestic Tons or 500 ITC for five of the last ten years and has attained a passing grade on the SAMS® Hull and Machinery examination. A member who holds an Unlimited Merchant Mariners license for Third Mate, Third Engineer or higher category is considered to have met the examination requirements.

C – Cargo

An AMS® member who has actively engaged in performing surveys of the loading, unloading, inspection, and shipment of cargo on merchant vessels for five of the last ten years and has attained a passing grade on the SAMS® Cargo examination. A member who holds an Unlimited Merchant Mariners license for Third Mate, Third Engineer or higher category is considered to have met the examination requirements.

E – Engines

Gasoline An AMS® member who has actively engaged in performing surveys of gas marine engines for a minimum of five of the last ten years and has attained a passing grade on the SAMS® Gas Engine examination. This designation covers gasoline powered Inboards, Inboard/Outboard, Outboards and Pod Drives. Diesel An AMS® member who has actively engaged in performing surveys of diesel marine engines for a minimum of five of the last ten years and has attained a passing grade on the SAMS® Diesel Engine examination. This designation covers gasoline powered Inboards, Inboard/Outboard, Outboards and Pod Drives.

FV – Fishing Vessel

An AMS® member who has actively engaged in performing surveys of commercial fishing vessels for five of the last ten years, and attained a passing grade on the SAMS® Fishing Vessel examination.

T & B – Tug & Barge

An AMS® member who has actively engaged in performing surveys of tugs, barges, and trips in tows for five of the last ten years and attained a passing grade on the SAMS® Tug and Barge exam.

CW – Commercial Workboat

An AMS® member who has actively engaged in performing surveys of inspected or uninspected commercial workboats, below 1600 GT, for five of the last ten years, and has obtained a passing grade on the SAMS® Commercial Workboats examination. commercial dive boats Commercial Workboats include, but are not limited to, vessels such as, offshore supply vessels, lift boats, dredges, utility boats, commercial dive boats, and inspected passenger vessels. Commercial Workboats does not include tugs and barges.

The Specialization Designations listed above indicate the areas of the Surveyor’s experience. The listing of these designations is provided solely to guide users of this roster in their selection of a SAMS® surveyor, and is not intended to certify or imply the certification of competence of individual members.

Honorary Designator: The honorary designator Senior Marine Surveyor (AMS®-SMS) is reserved for Accredited Marine Surveyors who have made significant long-term contributions to the Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors and who have documented active participation in the profession of marine surveying for at least 20 years. Designees must be nominated by two past presidents and be approved by SAMS® Board of Directors. The designator must be displayed as AMS®-SMS in all advertising.

The acceptance of and the responsibility for satisfactory performance of assignments rests solely with the individual member. Neither the Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors Inc., nor any of its officers, directors, committee chairpersons nor employees assume any responsibility concerning misrepresentations, errors in judgment or negligence on a part of an individual member of the Society.

Commercial Workboat

Yachts & small craft, fishing vessel, hull & machinery, tug & barge.

Third Party Fishing Vessel Examiners

SAMS® has been designated by the Commandant, U.S.C.G., as an Accepted Third Party Organization. The following members have been designated to perform inspections under the SAMS® U.S.C.G. Third Party Examiners Program in accordance with the Commercial Fishing Industry Vessel Safety Act of 1988.

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