Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors
Encyclopedia
The Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors (SAMS) is an organization of professional Marine Surveyors
who have come together to promote the good image and general well being of their chosen profession. Accredited Marine Surveyor (AMS) members are surveyors who have accumulated time in the profession, and have proven the technical skills necessary for designation as AMS. There is, through the Surveyor Associate program, the opportunity for less experienced members to participate in SAMS and hone their skills under the tutelage of Accredited Marine Surveyors in their local area. Affiliate members, who benefit from the association with the Society's members, are professionals, corporations, and organizations active in the marine field.
Jim Robbins and Fred Lowe founded the Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors during the early part of 1987 and enlisted Michael Strocchi of Strocchi & Co. to join them on the original Board of Directors. A carefully chosen cadre of fifty (50) Charter Members was solicited to be the foundation of the organization. Over the next 18 months and three national meetings, the organization of SAMS was put into place. The Society headquarters was moved to Jacksonville, Florida, where it continues to provide services to its members.
Accredited Marine Surveyors are expected to follow a course of continuing education to maintain their accreditation. Members are guided by a code of ethics and are encouraged to participate in other organizations relative to the marine field.
1. STRIVE TO ENHANCE THE PROFESSION OF MARINE SURVEYING
The surveyor will:
2. MAINTAIN AND ENHANCE THEIR PROFESSIONAL KNOWLEDGE & EXPERTISE
The surveyor will participate in continuing education as required by the rules of the Society.
3. CONDUCT THEIR BUSINESS IN A PROFESSIONAL MANNER
The surveyor will:
4. MAINTAIN INDEPENDENCE, INTEGRITY & OBJECTIVITY
The surveyor will:
5. AVOID PREJUDICE AND CONFLICT OF INTEREST
The surveyor will:
• The International Institute of Marine Surveying (IIMS) website http://www.iims.org.uk
• The National Association of Marine Surveyors (NAMSGlobal) website http://namsglobal.org/
Marine surveyor
A Marine Surveyor is a person who conducts inspections, surveys or examinations of marine vessels to assess, monitor and report on their condition and the products on them. Marine Surveyors also inspect equipment intended for new or existing vessels to ensure compliance with various standards or...
who have come together to promote the good image and general well being of their chosen profession. Accredited Marine Surveyor (AMS) members are surveyors who have accumulated time in the profession, and have proven the technical skills necessary for designation as AMS. There is, through the Surveyor Associate program, the opportunity for less experienced members to participate in SAMS and hone their skills under the tutelage of Accredited Marine Surveyors in their local area. Affiliate members, who benefit from the association with the Society's members, are professionals, corporations, and organizations active in the marine field.
History and Philosophy
The Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors (SAMS) has its roots in the International Maritime Technical Institute Conference held in Brunswick, Maine during the latter part of 1986. Most of the participants expressed a desire to belong to a professional society of Marine Surveyors who would have a different purpose and outlook than found in the existing professional organizations of the day. Among the participants were Jim Robbins of C.A. Hansen Corporation and Fred Lowe, formerly Instructor of Marine Surveying at the Chapman School of Seamanship, Stuart, Florida.Jim Robbins and Fred Lowe founded the Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors during the early part of 1987 and enlisted Michael Strocchi of Strocchi & Co. to join them on the original Board of Directors. A carefully chosen cadre of fifty (50) Charter Members was solicited to be the foundation of the organization. Over the next 18 months and three national meetings, the organization of SAMS was put into place. The Society headquarters was moved to Jacksonville, Florida, where it continues to provide services to its members.
Accredited Marine Surveyors are expected to follow a course of continuing education to maintain their accreditation. Members are guided by a code of ethics and are encouraged to participate in other organizations relative to the marine field.
Code of Ethics
Members of the Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors (SAMS) must be persons of integrity, who conduct business in a professional, ethical manner. Members shall not violate or attempt to violate the Code of Ethics and Rules of Practice, or knowingly assist or induce others to do so. Members shall be dedicated to the preservation of life and property in the marine environment.1. STRIVE TO ENHANCE THE PROFESSION OF MARINE SURVEYING
The surveyor will:
- Be competent, prompt, diligent and demonstrate respect for the survey profession. (Competence requires knowledge, skill, thoughtfulness, and preparation reasonably necessary for the assignment).
- Enjoy a favorable reputation within the local business community.
- Cooperate in developing the marine surveying profession by:
- Contributing one’s skill and knowledge to further the profession’s commitment to serving the public.
- Exchanging general information with peers and associates.
- Contributing to the work of technical societies, regulatory agencies, and specialized professional education.
2. MAINTAIN AND ENHANCE THEIR PROFESSIONAL KNOWLEDGE & EXPERTISE
The surveyor will participate in continuing education as required by the rules of the Society.
3. CONDUCT THEIR BUSINESS IN A PROFESSIONAL MANNER
The surveyor will:
- Accept only assignments that can be completed with professional competence.
- Advertise only in a dignified manner, being careful to avoid misleading statements.
- Respect the confidential nature of marine surveying.
4. MAINTAIN INDEPENDENCE, INTEGRITY & OBJECTIVITY
The surveyor will:
- When representing the client: endeavor to present facts and opinions without prejudice.
- Refrain from suppressing, over-emphasizing or manipulating facts.
- Set fees based on work performed for a client and avoid any form of compensation that could be perceived as corrupting judgment.
5. AVOID PREJUDICE AND CONFLICT OF INTEREST
The surveyor will:
- Avoid assignments that would create a conflict of interest.
- Inform the client of any business connection, interest or affiliation that might influence judgment or impair the disinterested nature of a survey.
- Accept compensation from more than one source only with the full knowledge of the interested parties.
- Not make false, misleading, deceptive or unfair statements concerning member surveyors or the surveyors services, qualifications or integrity.
Further reading
• Marine SurveyorMarine surveyor
A Marine Surveyor is a person who conducts inspections, surveys or examinations of marine vessels to assess, monitor and report on their condition and the products on them. Marine Surveyors also inspect equipment intended for new or existing vessels to ensure compliance with various standards or...
• The International Institute of Marine Surveying (IIMS) website http://www.iims.org.uk
• The National Association of Marine Surveyors (NAMSGlobal) website http://namsglobal.org/