About
KURT MEROLLA
President, CMS by NAMS
(a member of NAMS 30+ years and Surveyor since 1980)
YotSurveyR_aol.com
7,000+ Surveys Conducted Worldwide
National Association of Marine Surveyors
http://www.office_NAMSGlobal.org
Marine Surveying is not a regulated profession, and surveyors are NOT licensed by the U.S. federal government, nor the U.S. Coast Guard, nor individual states. What does this mean to you? Basically it means you are almost always left to your own discretion in choosing a surveyor to inspect your vessel. Accordingly, you must choose your marine surveyor wisely and one who has years of experience and integrity. Anyone can title him or herself a Marine Surveyor and start a business and many have tried and grossly failed the public. Surveyors such as myself a member of (NAMSglobal.org) have undergone the minimum of 5 years apprenticeship prior to opening their own business. As a tested marine surveyor I am permitted to use a designation denoting membership in accrediting organizations (CMS) that require members to meet strict professional, technical, and ethical standards as well as required and continued education to remain in good standing. Surveyors should provide you with a professionally prepared report that can be accepted by your bank and/or insurance company. Talk with prospective surveyors and ask questions! What does the survey include, and what type of reporting format is used? Do they use ABYC, NFPA, and USCG standards in their surveys? How much will the inspection cost? How long will the on board inspection take? A thorough inspection will NOT be rushed and will depend on the type of survey required based on size, equipment, and on board systems. There may be additional services available such as engine surveys, oil analysis of machinery, compression testing for gas engines, galvanic and stray current corrosion testing, ultrasonic testing, moisture meter testing, and well as other non-destructive tests. There may be additional charges for these and other services.__----------------------------------------------------------
RESUME.docx
South FL & Fort Lauderdale Offices
Classes
Pre - Purchase Buyers Survey
A Pre-Purchase survey is a thorough inspection of the vessel's structural integrity, system's installation, and operatal conditions, as well as the performance of the vessel underway under normal operating conditions. A comprehensive report is issued which includes an equipment list and detailed list of deficiencies and recommendations. Replacement value and Market values (in US dollars) is estimated. Most lending institutions and insurance companies require a Pre-Purchase survey
New Construction Survey
New construction surveys are conducted on a progressive inspection schedule throughout the vessels construction. Inspection includes observations of the structural integrity of the hull and stringer systems, installation of equipment, wiring and plumbing installations, proper machinery installations and cosmetic fit and finish of the vessel upon completion.
Insurance Surveys
Insurance surveys are conducted to determine Marine risk and Value of a vessel, a complete inventory of the vessel is listed and are often used for re-insurance of vessels every 3-5 years or prior to new coverage, as per request of the Underwriter.
US Customs Surveys
US Custom's surveys are conducted on foreign registered vessels which are being imported into the United States in order to determine value for duty (tax) assessment. Inspections can also assist the owner with comments on a foreign built vessel prior to use to determine compliance with US Standards and to assist in correct needs when not built in the US.
Damage Inspections
Damage inspections determine the scope of damage and aid in the formulation of a repair plan. Progressive inspections of the repair work are often requested, along with a final inspection of completed repair work to assure proper replacement installations and operational conditions.
Financial Valuation Surveys
An inspection to determine the vessel's value is conducted primarily for Loan approval, Refinancing, Estate settlement, Donation of Vessel or in Divorce asset Valuation.
Teachers
Marine casualty investigations
Marine casualty investigations are conducted to determine the cause or circumstances leading up to a marine casualty including sinking, grounding, collision, intentional damage, neglect and fraud.
Maintenance Inspections
A list of maintenance recommendations is compiled in order to prioritize maintenance items. This is often conducted prior to the vessel's scheduled shipyard service, prior to long cruises and periodically for owners who may not have the time or desire to crawl into areas and "Find" preventative problem items.
Ultrasound Testing
Ultrasound testing using an audio gauge devise for determing the actual thickness of metal plating for aluminum and steel for bottom and tankage conditions.
Repair Work Inspection
Inspections of repair work are conducted to attest to the level of integrity, quality of workmanship, standard in the industry of repairs conducted and cosmetic quality of shipyard and/or sub-contractor repair work.
Hull & Machinery Inspections
Hull bottom inspections are conducted to ascertain the integrity of the hull, Identify any damage due to groundings or contact with submerged objects, and check for proper alignment of the running gear. Moisture meter, Audio gauge testing, Sounding with phenolic hammer are ways of determine bottom conditions. Propellers, cutlass bearings, struts, thru hull conditions, stray current erosion condition remarks, bonding protection, lack of zinc or decayed zinc anode condition failures, oil sample inspections and lab analysis, hull defects in construction and core sample analysis are all options which can be performed.
Insurance claim consultations
Insurance claim consultations are conducted to verify the scope of damage and settlement issued by an insurance adjuster or surveyor. I will represent you as your "Expert" in disputes, as a mediator or your company in cases where unfair practices, payments or disputes arise.
Moisture meter testing
Moisture meter testing of hulls, bottoms, decks and structures for abnormal content, delaminations which have entraped moisture or uncured resins are identified and located. Areas must be dried for several days prior to testing to obtain accurate reading (Not possible during short haul inspections). IF desired the vessel should be ashore for several days and without external rain or leaks to get accurate findings
Consultations & Value advise
Merolla Yacht & Boat Surveyors, Inc. provides consultation services in ALL aspects of vessel's new construction, vessel operations, condition of renovations and vessel repairs, litigation as expert witness and general advice of all kinds Expert Witness & Testimony
Merolla Yacht & Boat Surveyors, Inc. has provided expert witness services for prior cases, attorneys and clients of all kinds
