Understanding the Duties of Marine Surveyors

While the duties of a marine surveyor are broad in nature, the essential function is to assess the entire marine venture to determine the potential risks. In turn, Marine Surveyors Insurance is able to be effectively written and clients can use the information to modify safety and efficiency of operations.

According to Ron Reisner, president of the National Association of Marine Surveyors (NAMS), marine surveyors are categorized into three classifications: yacht and small craft surveyors, hull and machinery surveyors, and cargo surveyors. The breakdown of the duties for each discipline is as follows.

Yacht and Small Craft- These surveyors handle the inspection of vessels prior to purchase and evaluate damage of pleasure boats. What’s more, Reisner explains that sometimes these surveyors represent parties during the repair or construction of the watercrafts.

Hull and Machinery- These commercially concerned surveyors handle the machinery and equipment on these vessels.  Reisner specifies “There’s not a terribly convenient line there, but the hull and machinery guys tend to deal with things like tugboats, barges, engines in ships, cranes as they relate to their use in the water.” He also states that there are also specialists for specific marine equipment evaluation.

Cargo- While these surveyors don’t manage vessel itself, they are in charge of the cargo the ship carries. For example, the goods, equipment, and the loads are all evaluated by these individuals.

What’s more, Barry Tarnef, a professional marine surveyor, told Insurance Journal that marine surveyors also complete inspections of yacht condition and valuation, commercial hull valuation, cargo packing, cargo load and stow, cargo outturn, marine liability, towing, and draft.

While there are no specific requirements or accreditation needed to become a surveyor, professionals in the field recommend getting to know the surveyor and discover their knowledge and experience. Tarnef noted that the client should always have expectations of the survey that should be clearly conveyed. “The surveyor should be given specific parameters of scope and authority. This clarity of responsibility should improve the likelihood that the survey and the subsequent report will cover the necessary items,” noted Tarnef.

At Merrimac Marine Insurance, LLC, we are committed to providing coverage solutions for the marine industry. We are experts in the field and strive to meet your clients’ needs to protect against a variety of risks. For more information, we invite you to contact us today at (888) 344-1687.