Percussive soundings, if done thoroughly and carefully by an experienced surveyor, provide audible clues of developing problems in vessel structures. membership in a marine surveying society or association. This trend seems to be prevalent in Ontario, likely due to opportunities created by increased boat sales activity over the past couple of years. Allowing and encouraging unqualified marine surveyors to submit opinions on vessel condition and value significantly increases the risk for boaters and insurers in the coming years. Professional marine surveying associations maintain an updated membership roster, along with recognized qualifications for each surveyor on their list. If in doubt, reach out to the marine surveying associations providing accreditation (or certification). Weblinks to the three primary marine surveying associations in North America are provided below. Taking relative moisture readings on hull bottoms using a capacitance type meter; part of how surveyors determine the condition of fibreglass laminates. * Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors - SAMS marinesurvey.org * NAMSGlobal | An International Association of Marine Surveyors | The National Association of Marine Surveyors, Inc. namsglobal.org * IIMS, The International Institute of Marine Surveying iims.org.uk Timothy J. S. Martin Director Lewis Martin & Associates Ltd. (Marine Surveys Canada) CANADIANYACHTING.CA 45http://www.marinesurvey.org http://www.namsglobal.org http://iims.org.uk http://sideshift.com http://www.CANADIANYACHTING.CA