Recertification is accomplished through annual and semi-annual meetings and workshops held in some of the world’s major seaports and maritime hubs.
NAMS was formed in 1962 as the culmination of a 14-year process that began when the Underwriters Laboratories Marine Dept (Yacht Safety Bureau, as it was known at the time), convened a body of independent expert surveyors to conduct equipment-review and consult with the YSB.
NAMS has expanded since that time to an international membership with members in Puerto Rico, the Caribbean Islands, Canada, Europe, South America, the Middle East, and Asia.
Candidates for certification are then screened by NAMS governing bodies for professional ethics, technical work products, and reputation.
NAMS surveyors work in one or more of five disciplines: Yachts & Small Craft, Hull & Machinery, Cargo, Marine Warranty, and Fishing Vessels.
NAMS’ ethical stance can basically be understood as bifocal: firstly, they aim to ensure that no NAMS surveyor practices outside of his/her discipline, and secondly, that within their specialty, no consideration prompts them to take a position against their professional judgment, as is stated in their credo: “No surveyor shall take any position contrary to his or her own knowledge or opinion for any direct or indirect monetary gain or its equivalent.” [3] In both ways, ethical standards are intended to ensure reliability and objectivity on the part of surveyors, from whom utmost professionalism is demanded in all “dealings with clients, associates, and fellow members.” The Code of Ethics outlines general best-practice principles for surveyors, professional conduct standards, and protocol for investigation in the event of an accusation.
Numerous chaired committees monitor and oversee special purposes within the association (e.g. Qualification and Certification, Technical, Ethics, Education, Conference, and Finance).