In 1985 Ray Shepherd, a well-established builder of semi custom trawlers with many years of experience in the marine industry, was approached by a major Toronto marine insurance broker to inspect a boat where there were some underwriting concerns. After consultations with that broker, now deceased, but with the same family successfully carrying on the brokerage firm, it was concluded that there was a considerable need for Insurance related boat inspections or "Marine Surveys". Consequently "Marine Surveyors" was added to the Q.C. Yacht Constructors name. In 2011 the focus of business changed again with the retirement of Ray Shepherd. We carry on, proudly serving our clients today as Q. C. Marine Surveyors. With roots firmly planted years ago, marine survey associates, Donald Roe, Stephen Scott, and Ray Shepherd (now retired), present a formidable team with knowledge and boating expertise acquired over a combined 125 years in the Greater Toronto area. In 2016, Paul Eisfeld joined Donald and Stephen, adding QCMS coverage in the Bay of Quinte and Thousand Island areas. Bill Clark joined the QCMS Team in 2022, adding additional coverage for Toronto and East.

​

​

 

Q. C. Marine Surveyors inspect and report on vessels using the following reference standards and directives

(The Headings Below are Links)

​

TP1332E - Transport Canada Construction Standards for Small Vessels

​

ABYC - The American Boat & Yacht Council

​

U.S. Coast Guard Minimum Requirements For Recreational Boats

 

TP511E - The Safe Boating Guide (Canadian Safety Equipment Requirements

 

NFPA - The National Fire Protection Agency

 

CSA - Canadian Standards Association

​

Occupational Safety and Health Administration

 

RSG-CE - The Recreational Craft Directive and RSG Guidelines 94/25/EC​

​

​

​

 

Transport Canada & the U.S.C.G.    These entities do not approve or certify Marine Surveyors, nor is there any legal requirement for Marine Surveyors to be accredited or certified. The prime single requirement that a Marine Surveyor must possess is the ability to provide a professional. informative and accurate vessel inspection report, prepared within the scope of the survey requested and presented in a format acceptable to your insurance company.

​​

Certification & Accreditation     There are a number of private membership certification and accreditation organizations in the United States and Canada.  Each has its own fee structure, code of ethics, membership qualifications and education requirements. Several of these private organizations are listed on our "Important Links" page.