SAMS^® Accredited Marine Surveyor

ABYC Member

NFPA Member

IAMI Member

Lieutenant Commander, U.S.C.G. (Retired)

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In order to earn the title Accredited Marine Surveyor® (AMS®) I had to have a minimum of 5 years experience and pass a written examination by the SAMS testing committee.  I must also meet continuing education requirements in order to maintain that title. 

I have over 30 years of training and experience in the regulation and inspection of vessels, including schools in the survey of fiberglass, wood and steel vessels.

I have over 30 years of training and experience in marine accident investigations for the
 U.S. Coast Guard and marine industry.

I spent two years as an Engineering Officer on a Coast Guard Cutter.

I have a Bachelor of Science degree from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy where I majored in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering.

I have been an avid boater from childhood; I learned to row and sail on the Long Island Sound at the age of 4.  I operated the family boats as a teenager after completing the U.S.C.G. Auxiliary boating safety course.  I built a kayak and partially constructed a 16 foot wooden sailboat during my teenage years.  While attending the U.S. Coast Guard Academy I crewed on the "Tall Ship" EAGLE during Operation Sail '76.  I have experience on sailing vessels of all types from the square rigged Bark EAGLE to IOR 50s to J-24s to sunfish, and many in between.  I currently own and a laser and a Cobalt 226 for recreation with family and friends. 

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Inspection & Investigation Experience

Highlights of Qualifications

Work Experience

OVER TEN YEARS: Independent marine surveyor and expert consultant for admiralty claims. Doing business as Sharpe Surveying & Consulting. Member of Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors receiving designation as Accredited Marine Surveyor in November 2001, ABYC and NFPA member. Conducting condition and value and damage surveys for yachts and small craft. Testified in liability cases in deposition and at trial. Liaison and technical consultant for M.H. System's alternative to double hull tank vessel design concept using the AUPS hydrostatic balancing system. Surveyor for conversion of 133 ft. car ferry to pleasure vessel and office complex. Liaison and technical consultant for Divecon Services Inc.  Liaison for the builder of the Wyliecat 65, DEREK M BAYLIS, obtaining initial Coast Guard certification as a small passenger vessel. 

THREE YEARS: U.S. Coast Guard department head, responsible for conducting investigations into the cause of marine accidents and personnel action cases involving merchant seaman. Area of responsibility included the California coast from the northern boarder, to Monterey. Supervising 5 full time and 11 part time investigators. Completed hundreds of marine casualty investigations.

ONE YEAR: U.S. Coast Guard assistant department head supervising the inspection of commercial vessels in northern California. This included both small passenger vessels and large freight and tank vessels. Point of contact for both industry and field inspectors on technical questions regarding the federal regulations applicable to different types of commercial vessels. Personally conducted the most complex inspections while training new inspectors.

THREE YEARS: U.S. Coast Guard department head for commercial vessel inspections, accident investigations and personnel action cases against merchant seaman in San Juan, Puerto Rico. This included both small passenger carrying vessels, large cruise ships, deep draft freight vessels and tank vessels. The second largest cruise ship port in the United States and the largest number of foreign vessel exams in the Seventh Coast Guard District.  Conducted several major accident investigations including the major pollution incident in Puerto Rico from the barge MORRIS J. BERMAN. Made safety recommendations that were adopted into regulation.

FOUR YEARS: Staff position in Coast Guard Headquarters, Washington D.C. Responded to regulatory appeals and policy questions from the marine industry. Drafter of Passenger vessel Safety Act. Worked on revision to small passenger vessel regulations. Point of contact for interpretation of Bareboat Charter issues. Responded to many regulatory appeals regarding interpretations of shipping regulations.

FOUR YEARS: In charge U.S. Coast Guard independent field command in the Florida Keys. Conducted annual safety inspections and biennial drydock inspections for a fleet of 100 small passenger vessels. Conducted accident investigations into the cause of casualties for commercial vessels and personnel action cases against mariners.

Member:

SAMS ^® Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors: AMS^®

ABYC  American Boat and Yacht Council

NFPA  National Fire Protection Association

SNAME  Society of Naval Architects & Marine Engineers

IAMI  International Assoc. of Marine Investigators

BOAT U.S.  Boat Owner's Assoc. of The United States

U.S. SAILING  United States Sailing Association