A. SURVEY CONTENTS:
The survey report shall contain the following:

• 1. The surveyor firm, individual name, address, phone number, professional surveyor affiliations, if any, and credentials, including accreditations and designations, if any.
• 2. The location of the survey, the date performed, and whether the vessel was hauled out or not.
• 3. The party on whose behalf the survey was performed, the extent of the party's participation and if the surveyor reviewed the findings with the party or not.
• 4. A description of the vessel including:
  • a. Vessel hull dimensions including Length Overall (LOA) and/or Length On Deck (LOD), Length at Water Line (LWL), maximum beam, maximum draft, and displacement.
  • b. Hull Identification Number (HIN) and tracing if traceable, US Coast Guard official number and/or state registration number. (If a tracing is not possible, then the source of the HIN must be noted. SINCE THE PRESENCE OF A HULL IDENTIFICATION NUMBER IS REQUIRED ON ALL RECREATIONAL VESSELS, ACCORDING TO FEDERAL LAW [33 CFR 181.21 - 181.35] AND WASHINGTON STATE LAW [WAC 308-93-620], THE RECORDING OF THE CORRECT HIN IS ESSENTIAL.)
  • c. Name of builder and model.
  • d. Description of propulsion and auxiliary machinery, the serial number of such and its components, if practical.
  • e. A list of included equipment provided by the present owner, or the owner's representative.
  • f. A description and inventory of the pertinent systems. i.e., plumbing, electrical, fuel, etc.
  • g. A description of the vessel's condition conforming to the BUC Glossary of terms, also known as the "Condition and Equipment Scale" (See Addendum A) or terminology commonly incorporated in the recognized price and condition guides and publications within the marine industry.
• 5. Findings and Recommendations: The survey report shall contain a list of deficiencies that adversely affect personal safety or the safe operation of the vessel, that adversely affect the actual or potential structural integrity of the vessel, or items that are not in compliance with guidelines as listed below.
  • a. Guidelines for findings shall include:
    • 1. American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC) Standards;
    • 2. National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Standards;
    • 3. United States Coast Guard (USCG) requirements in accordance with the Code of Federal Regulations;
    • 4. State and local laws;
    • 5. General experience of the Marine Surveyor when applicable.
  • b. Deficiencies shall be prioritized: i.e., as those requiring immediate attention, those requiring attention during the next haulout, those requiring continued monitoring, and those items noted that are part of routine ongoing maintenance requirements of the vessel to preserve condition, normal operation and value.
  • c. Each finding shall be accompanied with an appropriate recommendation.
• 6. Market Valuation: The survey shall show at least two valuations:
  • a. Estimated Fair Market Value: The amount in US dollars a willing, well-informed buyer will pay a willing, well-informed seller in an open market, neither being compelled to buy nor sell, given a reasonable amount of time to sell. It is understood the value of the vessel is "As Is, Where Is," in its current condition, without recommendations accomplished. Consideration should be given to the selling price, used boat pricing guides, and market comparables.
  • b. Replacement Value: The value if the vessel were replaced new.
• 7. Limits and waivers of the survey.
• 8. Timely release of the survey report: The report should be released within three business days to the appropriate parties, or the time agreed upon between the surveyor and the party for whom the survey was performed.

B. SURVEYOR CODE OF ETHICS:

• 1. The surveyor should conduct himself or herself so as not to reflect a conflict of interest or the appearance of a conflict of interest.
• 2. The surveyor shall not perform repairs to a vessel he or she has surveyed, or survey a vessel he or she has repaired.
• 4. The surveyor should limit the scope of the survey to the specific vessel he or she is surveying and its quantitative aspects such as condition, equipment inventory and valuation.
• 5. The surveyor shall not take a position contrary to his or hers own knowledge for any direct or indirect gain.
• 6. The surveyor shall perform services only in the areas of his or her expertise.
• 7. The surveyor shall not report anything he or she has not viewed, checked, or examined personally. The surveyor shall not report as fact any information regarding the condition of the vessel or any of its components, fixtures or furnishings received from the owner, broker, captain, crew, etc. When reporting such information in the report the surveyor shall clearly state the source of the information.

Short profiles of these associations, and links to their web sites, are available HERE.