Ethics | Igoe Marine Survey LLC

Ethics Statement

Preamble

Members of the Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors® (SAMS®) are held to the highest standards of integrity, conducting their professional affairs with unwavering ethical conduct. A member shall not violate, attempt to violate, or knowingly facilitate the violation of the Code of Ethics and Rules of Practice. Above all, members are dedicated to the preservation of life and property within the marine environment.

I. Advancement of the Marine Surveying Profession

To uphold the standing of the profession, the surveyor shall:

Demonstrate Excellence: Maintain competence, promptness, and diligence in all undertakings. Competence entails the specialized knowledge, skill, and thorough preparation necessary to complete an assignment effectively.
Maintain Professional Standing: Cultivate and sustain a reputable presence within the business community.
Foster Professional Growth: Actively contribute to the evolution of marine surveying by:
- Sharing expertise to further the profession’s commitment to public service.
- Exchanging non-proprietary information and insights with peers and associates.
- Supporting the initiatives of technical societies, regulatory bodies, and professional education programs.

II. Continuous Professional Development

To ensure technical proficiency, the surveyor shall:

Commit to Lifelong Learning: Actively participate in continuing education programs as mandated by Society regulations to stay abreast of industry advancements.

III. Professional Business Conduct

In the management of their practice, the surveyor shall:

Exercise Prudence in Engagement: Accept only those assignments that fall within their scope of professional competence.
Maintain Marketing Integrity: Advertise services in a dignified manner, ensuring all promotional materials are accurate and free from misleading claims.
Uphold Confidentiality: Strictly respect the sensitive and private nature of all surveying data and client information.

IV. Independence, Integrity, and Objectivity

To ensure unbiased reporting, the surveyor shall:

Provide Objective Analysis: Endeavor to present factual data and professional opinions without prejudice or external influence.
Ensure Factual Accuracy: Refrain from suppressing, over-emphasizing, or manipulating data to reach a desired conclusion.
Maintain Financial Independence: Establish fees based solely on the scope of work performed. Members must avoid any compensation structures that could be perceived as compromising their professional judgment.

V. Mitigation of Conflicts of Interest

To preserve impartiality, the surveyor shall:

Avoid Conflicts: Decline any assignment that creates a conflict of interest.
Ensure Transparency: Disclose to the client any business connections, interests, or affiliations that could potentially influence professional judgment or impair the disinterested nature of a survey.
Disclose Multi-Party Compensation: Accept compensation from more than one source only with the express consent of all interested parties.
Uphold Professional Courtesy: Refrain from making false, deceptive, or unfair statements regarding the services, qualifications, or integrity of fellow member surveyors.