Yacht & Small Craft Surveying (YSCS)

Hull Design, Construction, and Materials

The hull is a boat’s essential element, and hull integrity is the result of proper design and construction. Students will study design and give consideration to fiberglass, wood, steel, aluminum, ferro cement, and other boat building materials and methods. Special emphasis is given to the detection of deficiencies.

Propulsion & Support Systems

An examination of sail and engine powered propulsion systems, including all components and test methods. Navigation, communication, fresh water, galley, heating, venting, air conditioning, waste disposal, running, rigging, electrical and fuel systems are also studied.

Business, Professional & Legal Considerations

An exploration of marine surveying as a business and its professional, ethical, and legal aspects.

Surveys & Survey Reports

A professional surveyor follows a step-by-step procedure that begins with an assessment of the hull’s seaworthiness and a detailed inspection of the vessel’s systems. Each student will conduct three (3) complete surveys and prepare Reports of Survey.

Important Note:

The school requires that all student survey reports be typed. In order to comply with this requirement students must supply a personal computer or typewriter.

To qualify for admission, the student must be 18 years of age or older and in overall good health. The successful student must be able to use mathematical skills and the English language in order to fully benefit from the program. Foreign students should score at least 500 on the TOEFL exam or its equivalent.

A high school graduation, state secondary equivalency diploma (GED), or evidence of a student’s ability to benefit from instruction is required. Please have a copy of your high school, college, or previous training transcript sent to the Registrar.

The review process takes into consideration the applicant’s prior education, experience, and expressed desire to learn. Previous training and education will be evaluated and appropriate credit will be given. With this in mind, it is desirable for the applicant to be a graduate of the Professional Mariner Training Program at the Chapman School or have survey-related marine industry experience.

The Enrollment Agreement must be completed and signed (by the parent or guardian if the applicant is younger than 18) and returned to the School along with the $150.00 Non-refundable Registration fee and the Refundable Tuition Deposit. Class starting dates are listed in the program schedule. Students may enroll in this course through the second day of class.

Students must have an official photo ID at the start of class. Please see the listing of approved ID types.

Maximum class size is 16 students. Early registration is encouraged for the January and March classes which generally fill early.

Tuition & Fees

Student Housing

Description

Campus housing consists of dormitory apartments. Each unit contains a bedroom, convertible living room/bedroom, bath, kitchenette, and a covered porch. The number of students per unit during this program is a maximum of three. All units are air-conditioned, fully furnished, and equipped with a refrigerator, countertop range, and cooking utensils. Housing is offered on a space-available basis. The School is not responsible for the loss of any personal property. Sorry, no pets.

Housing Fees (Shared Rate)

Student Responsibilities

Students are required to observe proper standards of personal conduct. Justification for dismissal from the School would include any action that would be considered offensive by the faculty, the student body, or the community at large. Student conduct is taken into consideration for employment recommendations.

Proper dress, including shoes, shirt, and pants or shorts must be worn in the classroom and Administration Building. Work clothes are recommended for shop and boat maintenance lab work. To safeguard against infection from minor scrapes or punctures, we suggest obtaining a current tetanus booster before arrival on campus.

The School requires that all student survey reports be typed. In order to comply with this requirement, students must supply a personal computer or laptop.

Attendance Requirements

A student must attend at least 153 hours (85%) of the 180-hour program. An accumulation of 27 hours of absences from classes is considered excessive and may result in dismissal from School. Veterans’ benefits are interrupted at this point.

Class Schedule

Classes meet daily, Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm. Lunch is from 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm.

Tardiness

Lateness for any part of an hour will be counted as a full hour of absence.

Unexcused Absences

More than 12 hours or (2) full class days of unexcused absences in any (2) two-week period is considered excessive and may also be cause for dismissal from the School.

Excused Absences

A request for absence must be submitted in writing by the student and approved by a member of the administrative staff prior to the absence, except in case of illness or another emergency.

Leaves

A student who must take extensive leave beyond the allowed attendance policy limits due to special circumstances such as prolonged illness, family emergency, called to active duty etc., will be permitted to re-enter at the phase of training that is identical to the one he or she left. Earlier phases of training may be repeated at no additional tuition cost as determined by the School. Veteran students must be terminated for pay purposes.

Re-Admittance Policy

If a student has been terminated for attendance reasons and can give evidence that the cause for poor attendance has been eliminated, the student may be re-admitted on a probationary basis for a three-week period. Six hours or one full class day of unexcused absence during this period will result in termination.

Veterans’ benefits may be resumed during the probationary period.

Tests & Examinations

Periodic tests will be given throughout the 6 weeks as a measure of each student’s progress. These will include practice surveys. A comprehensive final exam will be given at the end of the course.

Final Grade

A minimum final grade average of 80% must be achieved in order to qualify for a graduation certificate. The final grade will be based on a weighted average of all test and exam scores as follows:
50% – Periodic Test Scores
50% – Final Examination

Student Progress

All student records will be kept on file for viewing by the student and authorized parties.

Student progress will be carefully monitored on a regular basis. If a student’s average falls below 80, he or she will be considered on academic probation until the average is brought up to passing. If grades are not brought up to passing within two weeks, the student will be terminated for unsatisfactory progress. At this point, veterans’ benefits may be interrupted. Re-entry will be at the discretion of the School’s administration.

Requirements for Graduation

The Chapman School awards a certificate. All attendance requirements must be met and any financial obligations to the School satisfied. A final average of 80% or better is required.

Job Search Assistance

Most surveyors are self-employed individuals who have worked to gain the recognition of marine insurers, influential yacht dealers, brokers, and owners. Through its influence in the marine industry, the Chapman School is building its contacts with the same clientele in order to assist successful graduates in gaining entry into the profession.

The School cannot guarantee job placement. Complimentary resume preparation is offered to graduating students.

CLICK HERE FOR OUR CAREER PROGRAMS REFUND POLICY