National Association of Marine Surveyors - Certification

Certification

NAMS certified surveyors are considered to be as highly qualified within their specific area as anyone else in the industry. They are fit to serve as consultants, special project directors, and educators. The amount of knowledge and experience required to become a NAMS-CMS in part explains their slow numeric growth over the last 45 years. The certification process begins when a member has “served as professional marine for not less than five years,” although provisions are made for those with less surveying experience when it is coupled with extensive industry experience in other capacities. Candidates for certification are then screened by NAMS governing bodies for professional ethics and reputation. Finally, they are examined for high competence in the portion of the industry they represent. NAMS surveyors work in one or more of three general disciplines: Hull and Machinery (commercial and large vessels), Yacht and Small Craft (which includes vessels of up to 300 feet in length), and Cargo. Surveyors often specialize further within these three categories, subdividing into NAMS Codes of Service. Demonstration of mastery over a NAMS Code of Service is the last step in the certification process. Once certified, NAMS Surveyors are required to earn 6 continuing education credit hours every year. Once certified, NAMS members are not to consult in areas in which they are not certified to work.