How to Prepare for the SAMS Survey

Are you in need of a SAMS survey? If you are, the first thing you need to do is find a marine surveyor in Annapolis that is SAMS accredited or associated. As you may already know, SAMS has strict accreditation requirements which require at least five years of experience acquired over a period of 10 years and the completion of an admission exam. SAMS members are further required to adhere to strict codes of ethics and standards. Finding a verifiable SAMS surveyor is, therefore, the first thing you should do.

Once you find a surveyor that is accredited to offer a SAMS survey, the next step will be getting ready for the survey. It is obvious you need to find a boat you wish to buy first. The boat should then be clean and with all papers and gear. In most cases, before a boat surveyor in Annapolis arrives, you will need to make the necessary arrangements with the seller. This often involves paying an agreed down payment and arranging for hauling. You may also need to find a captain for a sea trial.

Keep in mind the work of the surveyor is to inspect the boat and compile a survey report. You should never ask them to prepare the boat. Keep in mind that you may be required to arrange for the minor dismantling of some components to facilitate the inspection. You may be asked to dismantle the ceilings, flooring, headliners, and other areas to allow access to the suspected problem areas. Any dismantling and reassembly of parts must be done by qualified personnel. Make sure you make arrangements for this before the marine surveyor arrives.

Another very important thing you will need is an authorization from the seller. The surveyor has no way of knowing if the boat being inspected belongs to you or is stolen. To avoid problems, you will need authorization from the boat’s owner. The authorization may have to be in writing. You will also need to provide ownership papers from the seller. The authorization should also allow the dismantling of components.

After retaining a boat surveyor in Annapolis, it is good to note that the surveyor only works for you. This means the surveyor will only report to you and not to the seller unless with your express permission. You will also be the person paying for the services and making arrangements that facilitate the inspection. With that being said, make sure you are on-site during the inspection and ask all the questions you may have.

SAMS Survey