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The firm that defines Value

Your Source
For Marine Survey
and Appraisal

Founded in 1968, DLS is the leading worldwide marine surveying firm comprised of the largest concentration of NAMS-CMS and ASA-certified marine appraisers in the industry

Our Story
Why Choose DLS

The most highly trained and accredited team in the industry

DLS Marine is a leading worldwide marine surveying firm comprised of the largest concentration of NAMS-CMS surveyors and ASA-certified marine appraisers in the industry. Since its founding in 1968, DLS maintains its commitment to providing marine surveying services and appraisals with the highest degree of standards and ethics.  

Its team averages twenty years of relevant field experience and provides technology-forward, innovative solutions spanning all major maritime areas to include appraisals, marine survey, hull and machinery, marine business valuations, digital inspection, cargo and inland.  

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SINCE 2012
Growing List of Services

One source for marine survey and appraisal services

Survey and Appraisal

50 years of marine vessel and equipment appraisal

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Hull and Machinery Surveys

The largest concentrations of NAMS surveyors in the marine industry

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Digital Inspections

Digital inspections utilizing professional drone and imaging services

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Marine Business Valuations

Trusted business valuation & transaction advisory services

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Inland Equipment Surveys

We provide comprehensive and accurate surveys

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Cargo Damage Surveys

Assisting with cargo loss investigations, condition & mitigation for insurance, and salvage

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Project Management & Construction Inspections

PM and new construction inspection services to vessel owners and builders

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DLS Marine takes a deep dive into survey and appraisal topics for owners and operators with our monthly insights

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Featured Insight

Bits-and-Pieces

In 1939, the U.S. Navy Research Laboratory began exploring the construction of a nuclear-powered submarine. By 1955, the USS Nautilus was at sea. Soon after, the USSR
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Trusted by some of the most recognizable names in the Maritime Industry

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Our TEAM is what makes us stand out from other appraisal services

Meet The Team
DLS Survey and Appraisal
Client testimonials

This is what others say about us

Patriot Contract Services
“DLS has been our go-to firm for asset and business valuation and M&A support. Their team is responsive and knowledgeable, and they’re among the best in the US maritime industry.”
Ryan Pereyda
CEO/Owner Patriot Contract Services
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“DLS has been providing top-notch USPAP-compliant vessel appraisals for our team for many years. We trust the DLS team due to their long history, deep industry knowledge and commitment to integrity.”
Roseanne Neill
Vice President, Director Equipment Finance Asset Management Hancock Whitney Equipment Finance, LLC
DroneUp
“As our partner in the marine and offshore wind industries, DLS Marine has worked hard with our team to pioneer next-generation digital survey products for our mutual clients. We’re proud to be associated with the superb DLS tea.”
Tom Walker
CEO, DroneUp
Blessey marine Services
“DLS provided a great solution for our marine business valuation needs. Their unique blend of vessel appraisal and financial analysis capabilities made them the right choice for us.”
Pat Voss
CFO, Blessey Marine
Explore Firm News

Opinions Agree on an Interesting Economic Year

Changes in the maritime industry are expected to occur due to geopolitical shifts during the year. These changes will influence economic reasoning and patterns. With 80% of the world’s raw and completed products moving via merchant vessels, changes affecting the maritime sector will impact product costs for consumers.

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IT’S ALL UP IN THE AIR

The technical areas of maritime shipping increase rapidly with multiple ways of reducing emissions from dual-fuel engines and wind assistance and to computerized control of engines, wind assistance, and route planning. With these increasing technical advances, the certification and ongoing inspections of the systems grow more difficult. Technical advancements are also being made for vessel inspections. One of the fastest growing in all forms of vessel inspections is the use of drones.

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Mondi Semsar - DLS Marin

Mondi Semsar

Hull, Machinery, & Digital Surveyor

Areas of Expertise:

  • Bulk Commodity Management
  • Digital Surveying Techniques
  • Quality Control and Safety Compliance
  • Operational Efficiency Optimization

Education:

  • CFR Part 107
  • AS in Accounting
  • AS in PTEC (Oil Processing and Operations)
  • AA in Allied Health
  • NASM CNC (Certified Nutrition Coach)
  • NASM BCS (Behavior Change Specialist)

Background:

Mondi Semsar joined the firm in 2024, bringing over a decade of expertise in bulk commodity management, operational efficiency, USDA grade standards for grain inspection, and quality control. Prior to this, he worked as a Surveyor and Bulk Commodity Supervisor at Russell Marine Group and served as a Manager and Instructor in the health and wellness industry. With specialized knowledge in large-scale grain operations and regulatory compliance, both domestically and internationally, Mondi applies a holistic, disciplined approach to every project, prioritizing precision, safety, and client engagement.

msemsar@dlsmarine.com
Anthony J. “Tony” Anselmi - Hull & Machinery Surveyor - DLS Marine

Anthony J. “Tony” Anselmi

Hull & Machinery Surveyor

Areas of Expertise:

  • Hull and Machinery
  • Damage Surveys
  • Condition Surveys
  • Trip in Tow/Trip Under Own Power Suitability Surveys
  • On/Off Charter Surveys

Education:

  • B.A. – Political Science – Nicholls State University
  • NAMS Certified Marine Surveyor
  • USPAP and ME 201 – American Society of Appraisers

Background:

Anthony started his maritime career on shrimp trawling vessel working with his grandfather at the age 15. While studying at Nicholls State University, Anthony worked for Danos & Curole during the summers and breaks as a rigger/roustabout working at shoreside facilities between Galliano and Port Fourchon, Louisiana. Anthony joined DLS in May 2024. Anthony brings seventeen years of marine surveying experience working on a variety of inland and offshore vessels/barges and is a Certified Marine Surveyor with the National Association of Marine Surveyors. Anthony is based in Louisiana and accepts assignments in hull and machinery damage surveys, condition surveys for financial, insurance and pre-purchase purposes, on/off hire surveys, trip in tow/trip under own power surveys, damage claims review, and salvage monitoring.
tanselmi@dlsmarine.com
Matt McDaniel DLS Marine Survey and Appraisal

Matt McDaniel

Hull & Machinery Surveyor

Areas of Expertise:

  • Hull and Machinery
  • Damage Assessment and Repairs
  • Condition
  • Inspections
  • Project Management

Memberships / Professional Certification:

  • NAMS-CMS

Background:

Matt began marine surveying in 2014 and has experience with damage causation, reviewing transit plans, new construction, cargo transfers, salvage operations, on/off charters, and general condition surveys. He joined the Hull & Machinery department at DLS in 2019.

mmcdaniel@dlsmarine.com
Charles Sterling - DLS - UAV Supervisor | Digital Inspection Manager

Charles Sterling

UAV Supervisor | Digital Inspection Manager

Areas of Expertise:

  • Uncrewed Aerial Vehicles & ROV’s
  • Digital Inspections
  • Computer Technology

Professional Certifications:

  • AS, Computer Information Systems
  • BS, Information Technology
  • FLIR Infrared Training Institute

Certified Specialist in Caterpillar diesel engines to include:

  • CFR Part 107
  • Level 1 sUAS Thermographer
  • Microsoft Certified System Engineer

Background:

Charles joined the firm in 2024, after managing an enterprise drone service provider based in New Orleans. He also teaches basic and advanced UAV class at Delgado Community College. Charles has extensive experience planning, flying complex missions in the Industrial, Chemical and Oil & Gas industries.

csterling@dlsmarine.com

Ave P. Boudreaux

Marine Surveyor

Areas of Expertise:

  • Hull and Machinery
  • Project Management Supervisor (QC) – overseen numerous construction and delivery schedules for vessels
  • Extensive knowledge of U.S. Coast Guard and ABS rules and regulations for vessel construction and repair

Education:

  • Rolls-Royce Z-Drive Failure Analysis Seminar
  • Flex-Core and Aluminum Welding Course
  • Extensive training in engine, gear, and shaft alignment
  • Extensive training in vessel repair and new construction

Memberships / Professional Certification:

  • NAMS-CMS

Background:

Mr. Boudreaux has 15 years experience with offshore supply vessels, crewboats, and anchor handling tugs. During this time, he served 8 years in vessel repair and new construction, 3 years in vessel operation and logistics, and 4 years as a vessel port captain.

Mr. Boudreaux served over 3 years as a marine surveyor performing numerous types of surveys in the marine industry prior to joining DLS.

 aboudreaux@dlsmarine.com

Norm Laskay - DLS Marine Valuation

Norman F. Laskay

Of Counsel

Mr. Laskay joined Stickney, Dufour & Associates, Inc. in 1988 as a partner. He is now of Counsel. He became a Marine Surveyor in 1974, having gained prior experience in steamship agency, bulk cargo handling and vessel operations. He has been involved in many aspects of marine surveying including hull, machinery and cargo, both inland and ocean. Since becoming an Accredited Senior Appraiser of commercial marine equipment, he has been active with the American Society of Appraisers’ International Machinery and Technical Specialties Committee. He has written a comprehensive exam for the Commercial Marine Appraisal specialty and has written a 30-hour course for the American Society of Appraisers on appraising commercial marine vessels and yachts and is the lead instructor.

Areas of Expertise:

  • Commercial Marine Appraisal
  • Hull Damage and Repair
  • Cargo Loading, Securing and Trip in Tow Preparation

Education:

  • Maine Maritime Academy Graduate
    B.S. in Marine Transportation
  • Continuing education credits in Law, Appraisal, Marine Survey, and Diesel Repair.

Professional Certification/Memberships:

  • NAMS Regional Board of Directors Member 1989-1994
  • American Society of Appraisers – Chapter Treasurer 1991-1994
  • American Society of Appraisers – Chapter President 1994-1995
  • Mark Twain Club (Charter Member)
  • Machinery and Technical Specialties International Committee 1995-Present

Publications

  • The Journal of the International Machinery & Technical Specialties Committee of the American Society of Appraisers “TUGBOAT DESIGN 101” Vol 13 No. 2 Fall 1996
  • The Journal of the International Machinery & Technical Specialties Committee of the American Society of Appraisers “KEEPING AN EYE ON YOUR MARINE ASSET” Vol 13 No. 3 Winter 1996
  • Marine Money, The Ship Finance Publication of Record “ASSET BASED APPRAISAL:, Vol. 21, No. 3, May/June 2006 Wrote the chapter on Marine Asset Appraisal for the American Society of Appraisers text book: “VALUING MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT: THE FUNDAMENTALS OF APPRAISING MACHINERY AND TECHNICAL ASSETS” Second Edition. In 2008, revised the chapter for the future Third Edition and wrote an accompanying Work Book section.

Email: nlaskay@dlsmarine.com

  

Harry Ward President DLS Marine

Harry Ward

President

Harry Ward is the President of Dufour, Laskay & Strouse, Inc. Harry is a US Navy veteran and has spent much of the past decade in the maritime industry in sales, finance and general management. He has extensive experience in asset and business valuation and is working to maintain DLS leadership in marine appraisal and survey for another 50 years. Harry is a graduate of the US Naval Academy and served as a helicopter pilot and survival instructor through multiple tours of duty. He has an MBA from San Diego State University.

Areas of Expertise:

  • Fleet and Vessel Appraisals
  • Marine Business Valuation
  • Transaction Support – Due Diligence
  • Transaction Support – Marine M&A Advisory
  • Digital Inspection – Marine and Offshore Wind

Education:

  • U. S. Naval Academy, Annapolis, MD – 1991, Bachelor of Science
  • San Diego State University, San Diego, CA – 1999, MBA with emphasis in Finance

Licenses and Professional Associations

  • FINRA Licenses, Series 63 and 79 (Investment Banking)
  • American Society of Appraisers, AM
  • Certified Exit Planning Advisor, CEPA (Business value assessment and strategy development