Over the years, I’ve gotten many inquiries about the difference between an accredited marine surveyor and a non-accredited surveyor.
Why should you have a survey done, and what benefit will you get from having it done by an accredited marine surveyor?
What is the difference between a SAMS accredited marine surveyor and a marine surveyor?
Anyone with an interest in becoming a marine surveyor can open a business – but a SAMS ACCREDITED marine surveyor is a member of a nationwide organization of professionals. When you see ‘AMS’ following a surveyor’s name, you can be confident that surveyor adheres to strict educational, technical, ethical and professional guidelines.
Capt. Manny Rebelo is a proud, 32+ year member of SAMS!
SAMS active membership requires 60 hours of education over a five year period, with at least one mandatory seminar in that time.
I received Honorable Mention at the 2023 Montreal Seminar for 32 years active membership!
Why have a survey done by an ACCREDITED marine surveyor?
A survey performed by an accredited marine surveyor will accurately and fairly determine the condition and value of a vessel.
All banks and lending institutions (under normal circumstances) will require a survey report performed by either a SAMS or NAMS accredited marine surveyor.
Insurance companies will require a survey performed by a well trained, accredited marine surveyor to determine condition and value of the vessel in order to issue a policy.
What is a marine survey?
A marine survey is an in depth examination of a boat’s systems and overall condition. It will note and document any serious deficiencies, defects, worn out equipment and questionable structural integrity.
An accredited marine surveyor will point out structural and mechanical repairs that could adversely affect the value of the vessel. These problems may also affect the safety of the vessel and her crew.
A marine survey will also point out value added improvements, upgrades and additional features that affect the asking price of the boat.
Why choose Rebelo Marine Surveyors?
I’ve been actively surveying since 1992 in the NY Tri-State area… which makes me the senior most accredited marine surveyor in New York’s Hudson Valley.
I went from working captain to marine surveyor – not as a late in life retirement “hobby” – but as an extension of my lifetime of professional involvement in the maritime industry.
Boating, in some way, shape or form has been my lifelong career. I got my feet wet as a teenage shipwright and enjoyed a 35 year career as a working commercial captain in the maritime industry.
Along the way, I accumulated decades of hands-on vessel repair experience – including fiberglass work and carpentry on wooden as well as fiberglass boats. This practical experience comes in very handy finding small, well hidden problems long before they become costly, major headaches!
For you, as a potential buyer or seller, this extensive experience means I’m uniquely qualified to notice things during an inspection that surveyors with little or no actual captaining or hands-on repair and general boating experience will not.
What happens after you hire me?
When I step on board a boat to perform a survey for you, you’re encouraged to come along ‘at my elbow’. Together, we’ll go through an extensive check list of inspection points and systems.
During this time, I’ll describe and explain each facet of the vessel’s construction and systems for you, noting defects as well as positive assets.
In short, you – as the potential buyer – will have the opportunity to thoroughly learn the boat inside and out – good points as well as issues that require attention – before making your final decision to purchase.
While this complimentary service adds time to each survey, I enjoy sharing the knowledge I’ve gathered over the years. I want you, your family and guests to enjoy many years of safe fun and great memories on the water!
And if you’re planning on selling your boat, after we’ve gone through our extensive check list you’ll be confident knowing you’ve represented your vessel’s condition and value accurately and honestly.
What types of boats do we survey?
We survey boats of all makes and models – from wooden crafts to aluminum, fiberglass and steel hulled boats, fishing boats, tug boats, speed boats, pontoon boats, yachts, pleasure craft – even barges!
From dinghys to commercial tugs, sailboats, motorboats and yachts, Rebelo Marine Surveys has you covered.