How do I become a Small Craft Surveyor?

To become a surveyor you must have a broad range of skills, knowledge and experience.

A surveyor inspects vessels of all types and sizes, commercial and private, you may work for insurance organisations, finance houses or private owners, who are all contracting you to give them a detailed report on certain aspects of a yacht or watercraft, examining, testing and collecting evidence that shows the craft's state. To become a surveyor, gaining relevant experience in every aspect of boat design, building and certification is essential as your role is to know everything about the craft in question.

When you're ready to participate in surveyor training, consider your options, depending on your situation, you may explore in-person or distance learning options. The YDSA has listed the current courses available below and through the completion of one of these courses you will have access to our initial membership levels in order to help you start your professional small craft surveying journey. 

Once you have completed your training, you will obtain a marine surveying certificate, the next step will be to apply to join a professional organisation such as ours. A valid professional membership gives you access to supplementary training resources and industry events. It also makes it easier to network with other surveyors, engineers and marine industry specialists, which you can use to build your reputation, and gives you accreditation to which prospective clients will always reference.

If you don’t have a qualification but are looking to become a surveyor using your marine related experience then you may also enter our membership as a provisional member and we can assist you in gaining the experience or training needed to achieve the first professional level of surveying, affiliate surveyor level.