Business Details
17 Years
experience
Professional Marine Surveying Services in Fort Lauderdale
Founded in 2009, Marine Surveyor is a licensed and insured marine surveying firm dedicated to upholding the highest standards in the boating industry. Our founder, Capt. John Banister, brings over 30 years of boating experience and a wealth of certifications, including SAMS Accredited Marine Surveyor, ABYC Gasoline Engines Technician, and ITC Certified Level III Master Thermographer. We specialize in comprehensive marine surveys, engine diagnostics, and infrared thermal imaging for sail and power vessels across the United States, the Caribbean, Belize, and Costa Rica. Our mission is to provide unbiased, thorough inspections that meet the rigorous standards of SAMS, USPAP, and ABYC, ensuring clients receive accurate appraisals and actionable insights. With a focus on transparency and client education, we conduct surveys as if we were the vessel owners ourselves, prioritizing client needs and delivering reports within 3-5 business days.Our technical expertise extends to marine engine diagnostics, ultrasonic testing, and expert witness testimony, supported by advanced tools like professional-grade Flir thermal imaging cameras. We maintain active memberships in industry organizations such as SAMS, ABYC, IAMI, and NFPA, and our work is grounded in formal training from institutions like the Chapman School of Seamanship and McFatter Technical College. By combining decades of hands-on experience with cutting-edge technology, we empower clients to make informed decisions about vessel purchases, insurance, and maintenance. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our meticulous attention to detail, adherence to ethical standards, and dedication to continuous professional development through annual SAMS-mandated education.
Services
Pre-purchase Marine Surveys
Marine Engine Surveys
Insurance Marine Surveys
Infrared Thermal Imaging
Valuation Inspections
Vessel Damage Investigations
Marine Engine Diagnostics
Oil Sample Analysis
Expert Witness Services
Ultrasonic Thickness Testing
Details
- Year established: 2009
Highlights and features
- We have over 30 years of boating and surveying experience.
- Our team holds SAMS accreditation and multiple manufacturer certifications.
- We offer 24/7 availability for urgent survey requests.
- We use professional-grade Flir thermal imaging technology.
- Our reports meet SAMS, USPAP, and ABYC industry standards.
Associations and certifications
- Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors (SAMS)
- American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC)
- International Thermographic Certification (ITC)
- Yamaha Certified Outboard Engine Technician
- Mercury/MerCruiser Certified Technician
- Honda Certified Outboard Engine Technician
Services
Pre-purchase Marine Surveys
Our pre-purchase marine surveys provide a comprehensive evaluation of vessel condition, including hull integrity, electrical systems, propulsion components, and safety equipment. We conduct out-of-water inspections and sea trials to assess functionality and performance. The survey includes market value analysis and condition ratings to help buyers make informed decisions.
Marine Engine Surveys
We perform detailed marine engine evaluations using computerized diagnostics, compression testing, and thermal imaging. Our certified technicians inspect Yamaha, Mercury, Honda, and other gasoline engines to identify maintenance needs and potential failures. This service helps determine accurate vessel valuation and prevents costly repairs post-purchase.
Infrared Thermal Imaging
Our ITC-certified thermography service detects hidden issues through temperature anomaly analysis. Using professional Flir cameras, we identify overheating components, electrical faults, and hull delamination. This non-invasive technology enhances survey accuracy by revealing problems undetectable through conventional methods.
Insurance Marine Surveys
We conduct insurance surveys to evaluate vessel risk factors for underwriters. Our reports assess structural integrity, safety compliance, and intended usage according to SAMS standards. These surveys determine replacement values and ensure adherence to insurance requirements for marine policies.
Vessel Damage Investigations
Our damage investigations determine the extent and cause of marine casualties. We provide detailed reports with repair cost estimates and photographic evidence for insurance claims. This service includes forensic analysis of mechanical failures and structural damage to support claims settlement processes.
People
Capt. John Banister
Owner and Lead Surveyor
With over 30 years of boating experience, Capt. Banister is a SAMS Accredited Marine Surveyor and certified technician for Yamaha, Mercury, and Honda engines. He holds an ITC Level III Master Thermographer certification and has served as an expert witness in marine cases.
Questions
What services do you offer for boat buyers?
We provide pre-purchase surveys, engine diagnostics, and thermal imaging to assess vessel condition and value.
Are your marine surveys accepted by insurance companies?
Yes, our SAMS-accredited surveys meet insurance requirements for structural and risk assessments.
Do you service boats outside Florida?
We conduct surveys throughout the Caribbean, Belize, Costa Rica, and other US locations.
How quickly will I receive my survey report?
Reports are typically delivered within 3-5 business days after the inspection.
What certifications do your surveyors hold?
Our lead surveyor has SAMS accreditation, ABYC certifications, and manufacturer-specific engine certifications.
Can you perform emergency marine surveys?
We prioritize urgent requests and offer weekend/holiday service availability.
