Surveying Services

Seaworthy is rooted in 16 years experience utilizing the Uniform Standards for Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) as a professionally licensed appraiser and business owner, 10 years experience as an educator at the college and university level, and an additional 30 years combined experience within Marine Surveying, marine maintenance, and yacht ownership. Seaworthy merges these experiences with a passion for the marine industry, as well as the credibility of having a Master Marine Surveyor accreditation (MMS #31022), a SAMS (Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors) SA credential, being an ABYC (American Boat & Yacht Council) Certified Advisor, certified in USPAP (Uniform Standards for Professional Appraisal Practice), numerous other credentials, a commitment to continuing education, and an ethical obligation and deep desire to build public trust by providing our customers accurate, professional, informative, and high-quality reporting of a vessel’s condition, quality, and a true fair market value valuation. Ultimately, by providing an extremely educational and invaluable service, Seaworthy aims to become our clients' most trusted advocate and resource within the marine industry.

FAQs

What is a Marine Survey?

A marine survey is a comprehensive inspection of a vessel to determine its condition and perform a valuation (based on a predetermined and specific scope of work). The results are a written report of the condition and inventory of any findings and recommendations, as well as a comprehensive appraisal of the vessel based on appropriate methodologies and market analysis. If you are familiar with purchasing a home, it is like having a home inspector and real estate appraiser combined to inspect, examine, test, assess, advise, research, report, and appraise your investment.

Does a Surveyor need qualifications?

Unlike the real estate appraisal industry, marine surveyors do not hold a government-regulated and/or issued license. That is why it is imperative for customers to ensure the survey produced on their behalf is acceptable to their standards, as well as accepted by insurance companies, lenders, attorneys, and marinas. Seaworthy Marine Surveyors are individuals of experience, ability, integrity, and who adhere to the boat building standards set forth by the American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC) by holding the ABYC’s Standards Certification and are accredited by the United States Surveyors Association (USSA) as a Master Marine Surveyor (#31022), credentialed as an SA through the Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors (SAMS), and certified in the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP). SAMS and USSA are of a few respected marine surveying accrediting bodies that are universally accepted by insurance companies, lenders, marinas and the like. Please be aware, there are some organizations that claim to issue an accreditation, but essentially offer paying customers mail order certificates, and offer little oversight or sanctions for unprofessional or unethical conduct. Seaworthy is committed to building public trust by providing professional, comprehensive, and quality services while increasing our customers' knowledge and satisfaction with the information we provide. Lastly, our unwavering participation in continued education and proper credentials assures our clients of the most up-to-date knowledge on safety issues, construction standards, regulations, industry trends, and market conditions within the boating industry.

Survey Request Form

Please feel free to call us at (949) 416-0124 with any questions you may have, or if you'd prefer to chat before filling out the information below.

Reason for survey

Other reason for survey

The “CLIENT” Name(s)

First Name

Last Name

Address

Address 1

Address 2

City

State/Province

Zip/Postal Code

Country

Phone

(###)

###

####

Representative’s Name (if Client will be unavailable for survey)

Name of Vessel

Reg. or Official Number

Year, Make, Type, and Length

Owner’s Name (if not Client

Vessel Location

Address 1

Address 2

City

State/Province

Zip/Postal Code

Country

Specific Vessel Location Directions (gate codes, basin & dock designations, marina office locations, etc.)

Client Service Agreement

Read through the next section carefully, and check the appropriate box indicating you understand the service agreement.

1. Client and Surveyor

The individual identified above as “Client” is either the managing owner of the Vessel or a prospective purchaser of the Vessel. If this Agreement is executed by Client’s Representative, Client and Representative shall be liable jointly and severally for the obligations of Client set forth herein. The Surveyor is a marine surveyor experienced in performing condition and valuation surveys and inspections of yachts and small craft. By this Agreement, Client retains Surveyor to inspect the Vessel (the “Marine Survey”).

2. Fee and Maritime Lien

In exchange for the surveying services described in this Agreement, Client shall pay to Surveyor a fee amounting to US$ ______ (the “Survey Fee”). The Survey Fee must be paid prior to the commencement of the Marine Survey. The services provided by Surveyor are “Necessaries” to the Vessel and are represented by the Client to be authorized by the owner of the Vessel, and as such all unpaid amounts owed to Surveyor pursuant to this Agreement shall be secured by a maritime lien upon the Vessel.

3. Scope of Services

• The Vessel will be examined by Surveyor or Surveyor’s agents from all accessible areas of the interior without removal of secured panels, destructive testing, or disassembly. • The hull bottom laminate, plating, and/or planking will be examined by percussion sounding and visual inspection only. No moisture content readings will be taken and no destructive testing will be performed. • Exterior hardware will be examined for corrosion damage and drive components will be tested by sight only. • Client expressly acknowledges and understands that inspection of engines, generators, machinery and related mechanical systems are not within the scope of this Agreement or the marine survey contemplated hereby. Only a brief cursory inspection of the machinery will be conducted and no opinion of their overall condition will be formed. Client shall retain the services of a qualified mechanic or engine surveyor or other expert to inspect such engines, generators, machinery and related mechanical systems. • Tankage will be inspected from visible surfaces only and no opinion will be rendered as to their overall condition. • On sailing vessels, the rig will not be inspected aloft, nor will sails be inspected unless they are visible during a sea trial. Client shall retain the services of a qualified rig surveyor or other expert to inspect such rigging and equipment. • The electrical system will be visually inspected where accessible, and electronic and electrical components powered only in the presence of the vessel's owner or agent. No in depth testing or examination of the electrical system schematic will be conducted. • Client warrants that the inspection and survey contemplated in this Agreement are authorized by the owner of the Vessel, and that the areas of the Vessel that are to be inspected will be accessible to Surveyor. If, in the sole judgment of Surveyor, inspection of the Vessel is not possible or practical because clutter from personal property, gear, or poor housekeeping render significant areas of the Vessel inaccessible, or because of poor maintenance of the Vessel, or because of the actions of the Client or the Vessel owner, the Marine Survey may, at Surveyor’s option, be terminated prior to completion without the preparation of a Survey Report and with no refund or credit of the Survey Fee. • Reported specifications will be taken from published sources. No actual measurements or calculations will be made (other than a measurement of the vessel’s overall length for fee estimation purposes). The recommendations will be based on federal and state regulations, industry standards, and/or Surveyor’s own personal experience. The market value will be based on research of available new/used vessel publications for the geographic area where the vessel is located and for comparable vessels, and it assumes that the recommendations listed in the Surveyor’s report are completed. Industry statistical information of average selling prices may also be referenced.

4. Release and Limitation of Liability

Surveyor and Client shall each release, defend, hold harmless and indemnify each other and their respective employees and representatives, of and from any and all disputes, actions, claims, demands, liabilities, judgments, and attorneys fees, which are related to or arise directly or indirectly from the services and activities contemplated by this Agreement, howsoever caused, including, without limitation, those due to the negligence, fault or other act or omission of Surveyor or Client or of their respective employees and representatives. Without limiting the effect of the foregoing, the maximum liability of Surveyor to Client under any circumstances shall be the amount of the Survey fee.

5. Survey Report

Surveyor shall produce a report (the “Report”) of Surveyor’s findings after the completion of Surveyor’s inspection of the Vessel. Notwithstanding delivery of the Report to Client, the Report shall remain the sole and exclusive property of Surveyor, and distribution of the Report to anyone other than Client’s insurers and Client’s lenders is strictly prohibited without Surveyor’s express written authorization. Notwithstanding any provision in this Agreement to the Contrary, Client expressly agrees to release, defend, hold harmless and indemnify Surveyor and Surveyor’s employees and representatives, of and from any and all disputes, actions, claims, demands, liabilities, judgments, and attorney’s fees, which are related to or arise directly or indirectly from Client’s distribution or sharing of the Report to, or any use of the Report by, any entity, person or persons without such express written authorization by Surveyor.

6. Governing Law; Arbitration of Disputes

The validity, interpretation, and performance of this Agreement shall be controlled by and construed under the laws of the State of California, the state where it is deemed to have been executed. Any dispute, claim or controversy which arises from or is related to this Agreement shall be resolved by binding arbitration, before and pursuant to the Commercial Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association or ADR Services, Inc., to be conducted within the County of Surveyor’s business as identified on the first page of this Agreement. This includes any dispute whatsoever or any claim for any act or omission. However, any claim that may be alleged within the jurisdiction of the Small Claims Courts of said County may be brought in such a Court.

7. Counterparts; Execution

This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which when so executed shall be deemed an original, and such counterparts together shall constitute one and the same instrument. Delivery of an original, faxed or e-mailed signature shall be sufficient to bind such party to this Agreement. The Surveyor and Client each acknowledge that they have read and that they fully understand all of the terms and conditions of this Agreement before signing it, and that they have received a copy of this Agreement upon execution by all parties.

8. Cancellation Policy

If in the event any part of the survey appointment is cancelled within 48 business hours (Monday through Friday) of the originally scheduled time, the surveyor will retain 50% of the overall survey amount as a cancellation fee.

9. Baseline Fees

The client agrees to pay for a $39.00 administration fee for the surveyor's proprietary software use, as well as any taxes associated with the payment using credit card or any online payment form.

Acknowledgment of Agreement

Check the box below to indicate that you have read and understand the agreement.

I have read, understand, and agree to the aforementioned Service Agreement.

Surveying Services