About HMS
Eric Smith
Eric Smith, founder and owner of Homeport Marine Surveys, is an accomplished maritime professional and retired U.S. Coast Guard Master Chief Boatswain’s Mate, aka Puddle Pirate. He served over 20 years specializing in maritime law enforcement, vessel Inspections, search and rescue, marine salvage, pollution response, towing assistance, aids to navigation, marine construction and waterborne heavy lift operations.
He is a graduate of the U. S. Coast Guard National Motor Life Boat School and was one of a few selected test captains to prototype and configure the 45′ Response Boat Medium now being used by the U.S.C.G. nationwide for emergency response, towing and salvage operations.
Eric holds a current 100-ton Captain’s license with commercial towing and assistance endorsement.
Originally from Bristol, Pennsylvania, today Eric proudly calls Gloucester home with his family.
Homeport Marine Surveys was established to serve the maritime community of Virginia and beyond. Please contact us directly at 804-832-7996 for an estimate today.
Education
| 2017 | Chapman’s School Of Seamanship Yacht & Small Craft Surveying |
| 2015 | Mariner’s Learning System course, OUPV with upgrade to 100 Ton Master Captain with Assistance towing endorsement |
| 2012 | U.S. Coast Guard Master Chief Boatswain Mate |
| 2007 | Boat Forces Command Cadre course, U.S. Coast Guard Academy, New London, CT |
| 2004 | U.S. Coast Guard Chief Petty Officer Academy |
| 2004 | Shipboard Damage Control Repair Party Leader, Navy Fleet Training Center, San Diego, CA |
| 2003 | Advanced Shipboard Firefighting, Navy Fleet Training Center, San Diego, CA |
| 2001 | U.S. Coast Guard Coxswain, graduate of the National Motor Lifeboat School |
| 2000 | U.S. Coast Guard Deck Watch Officer |
| 1996 | Maritime Law Enforcement Boarding Officer School, NERFTC, Cape Cod, CT |
Credentials
| Current | Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors®, AMS® |
| Current | International Association of Marine Investigators® (IAMI), CMI® |
| Current | ABYC Standards, Electrical, Corrosion & Diesel Certifications |
| Current | U.S. Coast Guard 100 Ton Near Coastal Captain’s License with assistance towing endorsement |
| Current | US Department of Homeland Security Transportation Worker Identification Credential |
| Current | NAUI Open Water Diver Certification |
| 1996 – 2015 | USCG Maritime Law Enforcement Boarding Officer |
Ethan Smith
As a recent addition to the Homeport Marine Surveys team; Ethan is a current SAMS, Surveyor Associate (SA), specializing in pre-purchase, Condition and Value surveys of yachts and small craft.
He has over a decade of experience working in and around the marine trades. Ethan is also a recent graduate of Chapman’s School of Seamanship and is ABYC Standards certified.
Originally from St Mary’s, Georgia, today Ethan proudly calls Gloucester, VA home with his family.
Education
| 2022 | Chapman’s School Of Seamanship Yacht & Small Craft Surveying |
Credentials
Current Current | Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors®, SA® ABYC Standards Certification |
Homeport Marine Surveys, LLC
Gloucester, Virginia
Copyright 2017.
All rights reserved.