Who (or What) is MarineSurveyor.com?

MarineSurveyor.com is a directory website featuring an international database of credentialed marine surveyors from multiple organizations worldwide. It serves as a resource for individuals seeking marine surveyors and provides information about the practice and disciplines of marine surveying.

What is a Marine Surveyor?

A marine surveyor acts as an objective consultant, similar to a home inspector and appraiser combined for boat purchases. They perform thorough inspections, identify deficiencies, and may specialize in areas such as commercial inspection, damage claim investigations, or valuation services.

Why get a Marine Survey?

Obtaining a marine survey before purchasing a boat is standard practice among experienced boaters. The survey report serves as a negotiation, planning, and budgeting tool, often identifying maintenance issues or deficiencies that could result in significant expenses if left unaddressed.

How much does a marine survey cost?

The cost of a marine survey varies based on factors such as the size and type of the vessel, its age, the scope of the survey, location, and the surveyor's experience. Additional services like sea trials or specialized inspections may incur extra charges.

What are the types of marine surveys?

Common types of marine surveys include pre-purchase surveys, insurance surveys (also known as Condition and Value surveys), appraisal inspections, damage claim investigations, engine inspections, rigging inspections, coatings inspections, and various commercial marine inspections.

How does one become a marine surveyor?

Becoming a marine surveyor typically involves choosing a professional organization, such as the Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors (SAMS®) or the National Association of Marine Surveyors (NAMS®), and pursuing relevant education and training. Practical experience and continuous learning are essential components of the profession.

What is SAMS® (Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors)?

SAMS® is an international organization that maintains ethical and educational oversight of its member surveyors. It offers designations such as Surveyor Associate (SA) and Accredited Marine Surveyor (AMS®) to qualified professionals.

What is NAMS (National Association of Marine Surveyors)?

NAMS is a professional organization that offers designations including Apprentice, Associate, and Certified Marine Surveyor. It provides training and upholds standards for marine surveyors globally.

True Heading Marine Surveying & Consulting - Marine Surveyor Marine Marketplace

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Surveyor Details

Full Name	Douglas McDaniel
Company Name	True Heading Marine Surveying & Consulting
Credentials, Designations, and Titles	ABYC ABYC Standards SAMS® SAMS® Accredited Marine Surveyor SAMS® Yachts and Small Craft
Accepts Assignments In	Houseboats Pre-Purchase Surveys - Yacht and Small Craft Insurance Surveys - Yacht and Small Craft
Work Phone	571-277-6945
Mobile Phone	571-277-6945
Contact	Contact Surveyor
Website	Visit Website
Bio	The current version of True Heading Marine Surveying & Consulting was founded in 2014. We are proud to offer complete and thorough marine surveying and consulting services available to the DC, Maryland, and Virginia areas. We offer surveys for Pre-Purchase Condition and Valuation, Insurance, Financing/Refinancing, Damage Claims, and Marina Safety (required by some marinas prior to leasing a slip). In addition, we offer consulting and orientation services for the first-time boat owner. We will also attend the sea trial of your prospective vessel as a performance consultant to see if it meets the manufacturer's specifications. Douglas McDaniel Doug began his apprenticeship with True Heading in 2012 and took over the day-to-day operations of True Heading in 2014. Upon his retirement as a captain with the Alexandria Fire Department in 2015, Doug became the owner and sole operator of True Heading. To date, Doug has performed more than 1100 marine surveys. He is a member in good standing of the Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors (SAMS®) as an Accredited Marine Surveyor®. In addition, he is a member of the International Association of Marine Investigators, Inc. (IAMI), the American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC), and the National Fire Protection Association. Doug continually strives to increase his knowledge and certifications by attending several seminars, conferences, and training classes each year. Doug's Certifications and Education Include SAMS® Accredited Marine Surveyor® ABYC - Marine Standards and Marine Systems Certified Chapman School of Seamanship - Yacht and Small Craft Surveying Graduate Chapman School of Seamanship - Damage Claims Survey Training Graduate Fire Officer III Fire Instructor II Hazardous Materials EMT-D All Technical Rescue Discipline (Rope, Trench, Vehicle, Confined Space) Incident Safety Officer NIMS ICS-100, 200, 300, 400, 700, 701, 800 NVCC Associates of Applied Science - Fire Science Administration
Address	2003 Clark Place, Alexandria, VA 22308, USA View Map Get Directions

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True Heading Marine Surveying & Consulting

Surveyor Details

Doug's Certifications and Education Include