United Marine Surveying, Inc.

Who Is A Marine Surveyor?  

Marine surveyors conduct inspections, surveys or examinations of marine vessels to assess, monitor and report on their condition and the equipment on them. They also ascertain the nature , extent and cause of damage, and write recommendations for repair.  Marine surveyors also inspect vessels to ensure compliance with various standards or specifications.  Marine surveys typically include descriptions of the construction, machinery and equipment and the general condition of a vessel.  It also includes opinions on the condition of the vessel.

What Is A Marine Appraiser?

An appraiser is expected to perform valuation services competently and in a manner that is independent, impartial, and objective. A Certified Marine Surveyor is not necessarily a Certified Marine Appraiser unless they carry that distinct qualification.  These are two (2) separate professions.

Prior to 1987, Marine Surveyors were considered qualified to perform appraisals.  A Marine Surveyor is not a Marine Appraiser unless they have the training, education and certifications. Marine appraisers are required to follow standards and the science of marine appraisals.  Marine surveyors have no such requirements nor do the Marine Surveyor organizations such as (NAMS) or (SAMS) educate, qualify, or certify appraisal practices.  Do you really want to know what a vessel or barge is worth?  Then hire a Marine Appraiser. Marine Appraisers should be familiar with and should have passed the mandatory 15 hour course on the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) and be current with USPAP which changes every (2) years.

Marine appraisals are part art and part science.  You should expect to get opinions on value backed up by facts, comparable sales, and history.

Only the American Society of Appraisers certifies Marine appraisers who must pass the USPAP course, and ethics exam, and a professional exam based on their field of specialty.

Look for the designation “ASA”.  There are no others.

WHAT IS USPAP?

Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice first developed in 1987 by the Appraisal Foundation as authorized by U. S. Congress as the source of Appraisal Standard and Qualifications. 

The purpose of the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) is to promote and maintain a high level of public trust in appraisal practice by establishing requirements for appraisers.  It is essential that appraisers develop and communicate their analyses, opinions, and conclusions to intended users of their services in a manner that is meaningful and not misleading.

The appraiser’s responsibility is to protect the overall public trust and it is the importance of the role of the appraiser that places ethical obligations on those who serve in this capacity.  USPAP reflects the current standards of the appraisal profession.

WHAT IS A CERTIFIED MARINE SURVEYOR?

A Marine surveyor is a person who conducts inspections, surveys or examinations of marine vessels to assess, monitor and report on their condition and the products on them, as well as inspects damage caused to both vessels and cargo.  Marine surveyors also inspect equipment intended for new or existing vessels to ensure compliance with various standards or specifications.  Marine surveys typically include the structure, machinery and equipment (navigational, safety, radio, etc) and general condition of a vessel and/or cargo.  It also includes judging materials on board and their condition.

There are only two (2) organizations in the United States that certify Marine Surveyors through screening, exams, and recertification.  These are the National Association of Marine Surveyors (NAMS) and the Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors (SAMS).