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 

2017Chapman’s School Of Seamanship Yacht & Small Craft Surveying
2015Mariner’s Learning System course, OUPV with upgrade to 100 Ton Master Captain with Assistance towing endorsement
2012U.S. Coast Guard Master Chief Boatswain Mate
2007Boat Forces Command Cadre course, U.S. Coast Guard Academy, New London, CT
2004U.S. Coast Guard Chief Petty Officer Academy
2004Shipboard Damage Control Repair Party Leader, Navy Fleet Training Center, San Diego, CA
2003Advanced Shipboard Firefighting, Navy Fleet Training Center, San Diego, CA
2001U.S. Coast Guard Coxswain, graduate of the National Motor Lifeboat School
2000U.S. Coast Guard Deck Watch Officer
1996Maritime Law Enforcement Boarding Officer School, NERFTC, Cape Cod, CT

Credentials

CurrentSociety of Accredited Marine Surveyors®, AMS®
CurrentInternational Association of Marine Investigators® (IAMI), CMI®
CurrentABYC Standards, Electrical, Corrosion & Diesel Certifications
CurrentU.S. Coast Guard 100 Ton Near Coastal Captain’s License with assistance towing endorsement
CurrentUS Department of Homeland Security Transportation Worker Identification Credential
CurrentNAUI Open Water Diver Certification
1996 – 2015USCG 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 

2022Chapman’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

(804) 832-7996

Copyright 2017.

All rights reserved.