As more and more people join the industry to become marine surveyors, it is becoming more important to only work with accredited or associate surveyors. This is because not every person that claims to be a great surveyor in Palm Beach will be able to offer the services you need. To avoid landing in the wrong hands, you should consider working only with an accredited surveyor such as that offering a SAMS survey.
The SAMS is an internationally recognized society that accredits marine surveyors. SAMS offers two membership classes of marine surveyors: Accredited Marine Surveyor and Surveyor Associate. Each class requires varying qualifications. To be able to offer SAMS survey as an accredited boat surveyor, you will be required to have at least five years of experience that has been accumulated over a period of 10 years. You will also need to complete a written or oral exam. The surveyor associate class is for surveyors who have not met all the prerequisites for acceptance as Accredited Marine Surveyors.
The best thing about working with SAMS surveyors is that they adhere to a strict code of ethics and standards. The associates are also required to adhere to these standards. Here are some of the things a surveyor has to do to become either an accredited surveyor or an associate.
Applying to become an accredited marine surveyor
- Complete a SAMS application
- Complete a SAMS admission exam
- Submit one-year survey for every survey they have done in the past five years
- Submit a resume
- Business card
- Notarized affidavit that attests to the completion of 12 surveys per year for the past five years.
- A non-refundable application fee of $150
Applying to become a surveyor associate
- Complete a SAMS application
- Complete the SAMS admission exam
- Submit a survey report of at least one year
- Submit a resume
- Business card
- A non-refundable application fee of $150
The SAMS is very strict when accrediting marine surveyors. All their members are also required to adhere to strict standards. This shows why it is so important to work with a marine surveyor in Palm Beach that is accredited.
While being accredited is a great thing, it is good to always remember that marine surveyors are not the same. You need to take some time interviewing a surveyor to make sure they are a perfect fit for you. If you don’t feel comfortable working with them, you should keep looking for a surveyor that you trust.