The Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors, Inc., held its annual International Meeting and Educational Conference in Newport, Rhode Island at the Hyatt Regency Newport Hotel and Spa from October 26th through the 29th. This time frame was dedicated to a formal education program which was open to both members and other interested parties involved in the maritime industry. Saturday, October 29th, was dedicated to the organization's annual Membership Meeting, Regional Caucuses, and a Board of Directors Meeting. Also during this conference, new officers were elected to serve in the Board of Directors.

SAMS is an international organization of more than 1,000 members dedicated to enhancing the profession of marine surveying through communication, cooperation, and education. Members must abide by a code of ethics and participate in a program of continuing education. AMS members are surveyors who have accumulated time in the profession and have demonstrated the technical skills necessary for designation as Accredited Marine Surveyors. Surveyor Associates are practicing surveyors who are working toward receiving their AMS designation. Affiliate members are non-surveying individuals and/or businesses providing products or services to the marine industry.

The following officers were elected to serve for 2017:

President Lloyd Kittredge, Chesterton, IN

Executive Vice President Robert V. Horvath, Chagrin Falls, OH

Secretary/Treasurer Bill Trenkle, San Diego, CA

Vice President - Meetings/Conventions: Joseph B. Lobley, Waldoboro, ME

Vice President - Membership: Gary Frankovich, Jacksonville, FL

Vice President - Education: Kenneth Weinbrecht, Long Island, NY

Vice President - Testing: Kristoffer A. Diel, Mandeville, LA

Vice President - Public Relations: John N. Lowe, East Northport, NY

More information can be found on the official website.

Photo credited to Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors, Inc.