How to Be Yacht Surveyor - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Apr 12, 2023 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The role of a yacht surveyor is an important one, as they are responsible for inspecting and evaluating a vessel's condition. This process is essential to ensure the safety of those on board and the wellbeing of the vessel itself. When a surveyor inspects a yacht, they will assess the hull, superstructure, deck, machinery, and electrical components to ensure they meet national and international standards.

If any issues are found, the surveyor will provide advice on how to rectify them. This process will help protect the vessel from potential damage caused by wear and tear, or from disasters such as fires, floods, and storms. In addition, it will provide assurance to any potential buyers that the yacht is of sound condition.

Without the expertise of a yacht surveyor, it would be impossible to guarantee the quality of a vessel and its ability to withstand the elements.

Steps How to Become

Pursue a Degree. The first step to becoming a Yacht Surveyor is to pursue a degree in marine engineering or boat building. Many surveyors also have degrees in naval architecture, marine surveying, or a related field.
Obtain Experience. Most employers will require you to have at least two years of experience working on boats before they hire you as a yacht surveyor. This can be obtained through an apprenticeship, working in a boatyard, or volunteering with a local yacht club.
Get Certified. The Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors (SAMS) offers certification programs for yacht surveyors. To become certified, you must pass a written examination and complete an apprenticeship with a SAMS-accredited surveyor.
Join a Professional Organization. Joining a professional organization such as the National Marine Surveyors Association (NMSA) or the International Federation of Marine Surveyors (IFMS) can help you stay up-to-date on industry trends and connect with other professionals in the field.
Maintain Continuing Education. Once youre certified, its important to maintain your knowledge and skills through continuing education courses, webinars, and other training opportunities.

In order to stay qualified and up-to-date as a Yacht Surveyor, it is important to stay abreast of the latest maritime regulations and industry news. This can be achieved through regularly attending training courses, reading industry publications, and joining professional organizations such as the International Institute of Marine Surveyors or the National Association of Marine Surveyors. These organizations provide an important forum for networking with fellow professionals, as well as providing access to educational resources and materials.

it is important to maintain a valid surveyors certificate, as this serves as proof of your qualifications. Keeping up with certifications and continuing education requirements will ensure that you are able to provide the best possible service to your clients.

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Job Description

Inspect yachts for damage, wear and tear, and other defects.
Test and evaluate all yacht systems, including engines, electrical systems, plumbing, hulls, and other components.
Document findings in reports and provide recommendations for repair or replacement of components.
Determine the value of the yacht based on condition and features.
Advise yacht owners and brokers on safety issues and regulatory compliance.
Certify yachts for purchase or sale.
Monitor and report on the progress of repairs and maintenance.
Consult with marine contractors and suppliers on materials and services.
Educate boat owners on best practices for yacht care and maintenance.
Attend boat shows and other events to promote services.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of maritime safety regulations, maritime law, and engineering and structural principles.
Familiarity with various types of yachts, boats, and other vessels.
Ability to inspect vessels for structural integrity, safety features, and overall condition.
Ability to identify and assess mechanical and electrical systems.
Ability to perform thorough and accurate measurements and calculations.
Proficiency in using various tools and measuring instruments.
Knowledge of material selection and corrosion protection methods.
Excellent communication and writing skills.
High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Having a good knowledge of the different materials used in yacht construction is essential for a successful yacht surveyor. This includes not only the materials used for the hull, decking and cabin, but also the equipment and rigging. To properly assess the condition of a yacht, it is important for the surveyor to have a thorough understanding of the different materials and how they interact in the environment.

a yacht surveyor must have an eye for detail and be able to recognize signs of wear and tear. Being able to spot discrepancies between what they see with the naked eye and what the manufacturer's specifications state is essential. Having a good knowledge of construction codes, regulations and safety standards is also important for a yacht surveyor, as this allows them to ensure that the yacht meets all required standards.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in yacht surveying?
How do you stay informed with changes in regulations and standards of yacht surveying?
Describe a difficult situation you encountered in the past when surveying a yacht and how you successfully resolved it.
In what areas do you specialize as a yacht surveyor?
What methods do you use to evaluate the condition of a yacht?
How do you ensure accuracy and thoroughness when conducting a yacht survey?
How do you create detailed reports on the findings of your surveys?
What safety protocols do you use when surveying a yacht?
How do you handle customer complaints or disagreements during a yacht survey?
What challenges have you faced when surveying yachts in marine environments?

Common Tools in Industry

GPR (Ground Penetrating Radar) . A tool used to identify potential objects/structures buried beneath the surface of the water, such as debris, rocks, or other obstructions. (eg: scanning the seabed to assess potential hazards to navigation)
Sonar . A tool used to detect underwater objects and measure their depth. (eg: finding submerged wrecks or other objects on the seafloor)
Digital Camera . A tool used to capture images or videos of surfaces or objects underwater. (eg: photographing a boat hull for damage assessment)
Ultrasonic Thickness Gauge . A tool used to measure the thickness of materials such as metal and fiberglass. (eg: measuring hull thickness to assess corrosion and other damage)
Moisture Meter . A tool used to measure moisture content in various materials, such as wood and fiberglass. (eg: checking for excessive moisture in the hull of a boat)
Magnetic Compass . A tool used to measure the direction of a boat relative to magnetic north. (eg: assessing navigation systems on a vessel)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Society of Marine Surveyors (ASMS)
National Marine Surveyors Association (NMSA)
Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors (SAMS)
National Association of Marine Surveyors (NAMS)
International Institute of Marine Surveyors (IIMS)
International Association of Marine Investigators (IAMI)
International Association of Classification Societies (IACS)
International Maritime Pilots Association (IMPA)
Royal Institute of Naval Architects (RINA)
International Federation of Shipmasters' Associations (IFSMA)

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Common Important Terms

Condition and Value Survey. A comprehensive survey of the condition and value of a yacht, typically used to assess a vessel's insurance requirements.
Pre-purchase Survey. A detailed survey of a yacht prior to sale to assess its condition and value.
Structural Survey. An in-depth inspection of the hull, superstructure, and other components of the vessel to determine its structural integrity.
Sea Trial. A test of the vessel's performance out on the open water.
Equipment Inspection. An examination of all onboard systems, including navigation, electrical, and mechanical equipment.
Corrosion Survey. An inspection to identify and assess corrosion damage to a yacht's hull.
Safety Equipment Survey. Evaluation of all safety equipment onboard the vessel, such as fire extinguishers and life jackets.
Ultrasonic Testing. A non-destructive testing method used to detect cracks, defects, and corrosion within the structure of a yacht.
Damage Assessment. An examination of damaged areas of a yacht following an accident or incident at sea.
Insurance Survey. An evaluation of a vessel's condition and value for insurance purposes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Yacht Surveyor?

A Yacht Surveyor is a professional who specializes in inspecting and evaluating the condition of yachts, vessels and other watercraft. They assess the hull, machinery, and any onboard systems to identify any potential issues and to ensure the vessel meets all safety requirements.

What qualifications are required to be a Yacht Surveyor?

To become a Yacht Surveyor, professional qualifications such as a Marine Surveyor certification from the American Boat & Yacht Council (ABYC) or a membership in the Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors (SAMS) are often required. Additionally, experience in the marine industry and knowledge of marine engineering and construction are helpful.

What kind of inspections does a Yacht Surveyor perform?

Yacht Surveyors typically conduct inspections for pre-purchase, insurance, damage, and loss assessment, as well as for structural integrity and compliance with safety standards. The surveyor will inspect the hull, decks, machinery, onboard systems, and any other related components.

How long does a typical yacht survey take?

A typical yacht survey usually takes between 4-8 hours, depending on the size and complexity of the vessel being inspected.

How much does a Yacht Survey cost?

The cost of a Yacht Survey can vary greatly depending on the size and complexity of the vessel being surveyed. Generally, the cost is based on an hourly rate plus any additional expenses incurred by the surveyor such as travel costs.