About NAMSGlobal

Since 1962, the National Association of Marine Surveyors (NAMSGlobal) has served the marine survey profession by providing the maritime industry with recognition and CERTIFICATION of highly qualified marine surveyors in three general surveying disciplines: YACHTS AND SMALL CRAFT, CARGO, and HULL AND MACHINERY.

NAMSGlobal members are dedicated to professional goals. They cooperate with interested parties and engage in a free exchange of information concerning current approved practices in the marine survey profession. NAMSGlobal members are required to maintain certification by participating in a professional recertification program, which is monitored annually.

NAMSGlobal’s roots extend back to 1948 when the Underwriters Laboratories’ Marine Department, then known as the Yacht Safety Bureau, organized a group of independent surveyors to function as consultants and an equipment-review group. The participating marine surveyors assisted the Yacht Safety Bureau until 1960 when it was reorganized.

The surveyors — then a group of 125 experts — continued to meet independently through the Fall of 1961. In late 1961, an organizational committee was formed and in the Spring of 1962, the National Association of Marine Surveyors was established by 84 charter members. Today NAMS has a global membership reach.

All NAMSGlobal Certified Marine Surveyors have completed a ​stringent application process and ​evaluation ​prior to being allowed to sit for the NAMS-CMS test. NAMSGlobal members are required to maintain certification by participating in ​a professional recertification program​, which is monitored annually.

To maintain the NAMS-CMS status, each member must complete at least 24 hours of continuing education credits each reporting period. A reporting period is two years in length, from 1 January of odd numbered years to 31 December of the following even numbered year.