SAMS Accredited Marine Surveyor
Accredited member of the Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors in the Yachts & Small Craft discipline.
About & credentials
Experience is most valuable when it brings clarity.
For 20 years, Dana Whitfield has helped clients understand vessels, document condition, and make consequential decisions with better information.
DWSAMS® Accredited
Marine Surveyor
Marine Surveyor
Dana Whitfield, AMS®
Independent judgment.
Direct communication.
A survey should make a complicated vessel easier to understand—not bury the client in jargon or leave the important questions unanswered.
Dana founded Meridian Marine Surveying to provide careful inspection, plainspoken reporting, and direct access to the professional doing the work. The practice serves private buyers, owners, insurers, lenders, attorneys, and marine-industry professionals throughout Southern California.
With more than 1,200 completed surveys across a wide range of power and sailing vessels, Dana brings a disciplined process to each engagement while recognizing that no two boats—or client decisions—are the same.
Professional standing
Credentials that carry responsibility.
Accreditation is not a badge for the footer. It reflects ongoing education, ethical obligations, and a standard of professional practice.
Years in marine surveying
Two decades of field experience inspecting recreational power and sailing vessels throughout the region.
Completed assignments
Pre-purchase, condition-and-value, appraisal, and damage surveys for clients with varied needs.
The Meridian process
One surveyor, start to finish.
- 01
Scope before scheduling
Vessel, purpose, access, logistics, fees, and timing are confirmed in writing.
- 02
Methodical inspection
Dana performs the fieldwork personally and maintains independent judgment.
- 03
Plainspoken reporting
Findings are organized by significance and supported with clear photographs.
- 04
Available after delivery
Questions are addressed directly, without routing you through office staff.
Questions, answered
Frequently asked questions
Do insurers require a current marine survey?+
Many insurers request a recent condition-and-value survey, especially for older vessels, newly acquired boats, higher agreed values, or a change of carrier. Requirements vary, so confirm the survey type and age limit with your underwriter before scheduling.
Can you work with an out-of-state buyer?+
Yes. Much of the practice serves buyers who cannot attend in person. Dana coordinates directly with the broker, yard, and seller, provides prompt notice of material findings, and schedules a phone debrief after the inspection.
Is haul-out included?+
Haul-out and yard fees are separate and paid directly to the facility. For pre-purchase surveys, an out-of-water inspection is strongly recommended and normally coordinated for the same day.
How quickly can a survey be scheduled?+
Availability varies by location, vessel, and yard schedule. Escrow and insurance deadlines are considered when possible. Send the vessel details and deadline for a direct response on timing.
Have a vessel and a deadline?