Captain Chris Avallone -SA SAMS Yacht Surveyor Boat Inspection

Marine Surveyor

Captain Chris Avallone is a marine surveyor based in Portland, Maine and servicing New England and the East coast of the United States with marine surveying and consulting services. Chris, as, owner and principal of Dirigo Maritime Yacht Surveying, has comprehensive knowledge of the maritime industry, based on 20 years of experience – building, maintaining, racing, towing, and fishing – on a multitude of different vessels. Formal endorsements include:

Marine Surveying Formal Qualification

  • USCG 100 Ton Master Captain credential, sailing and towing endorsements
  • Chapmans School of Seamanship Yacht and Small Craft Surveying
  • Chapmans School of Seamanship Damage and Claims Surveying
  • Member ABYC-American Boat and Yacht Council-Standards Qualified
  • Member NFPA-National Fire Protection Association
  • USPAP-Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice
  • University of Southern Maine, Portland, Maine; Bachelor of Science, Business; major in Finance, minor in risk management

A descendant of Charles Melville Scammon – a famous 19th-century whaleman, author and later naturalist – Chris has the ocean in his blood. Chris has been a lifelong boater and resident of Maine, and understands the cycles of harsh weather that the vessels of New England endure. Chris has developed a thorough knowledge of offshore fishing vessels, their systems, both racing and cruising sailboats, rigging – and the potential stresses that can lead to costly repairs and structural failures in equipment.

Chris spent 4 years on the east coast of Florida to continue his marine experience by accepting a position as the lead Captain and office manager of a large Sea Tow commercial assistance towing Franchise. He assisted over 300 boaters a year between Florida and the Bahamas in high-stress situations from engine failures, electrical issues, lightning strikes, groundings and salvage operations, and advanced and refined his marine diagnostic and inspection skills as a necessity to help keep his clients safe on the water.

In addition to the time spent on the water assisting disabled vessels, Chris maintained a strict maintenance schedule for the company’s working boat fleet, and aided in the procurement and retrofit of retired navy vessels for the commercial towing and salvage operations. With a BS in finance and minor in risk management from the University of Southern Maine, he played a role in marine salvage and admiralty law reporting, and as liaison for any marine casualty involving damage claims and/or total loss. With close ties to the marine community in the Stuart, Florida area, Chris is available for surveying, consulting, and transportation appointments on the Treasure Coast throughout the year.

In addition to satisfying all of your marine surveying and consulting needs – Chris can schedule a shark or tuna fishing trip or a cruise of Casco Bay for you and your friends on his charter fishing boat. When he’s not working, you can find him cruising the waters off the coast of Maine, or if the snow is falling, in Western Maine, skiing the mountains he grew up on.

Throughout his career Chris has accumulated thousands of hours and miles on the water – this combined experience allows him to confidently investigate and report for any sort of vessel or project.

Chapman School of Seamanship
American Boat & Yacht Council
Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice