Skip to content
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.  

more about us
cargoship
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

view details

Hull and Machinery Surveys

The largest concentrations of NAMS surveyors in the marine industry

view details

Digital Inspections

Digital inspections utilizing professional drone and imaging services

view details

Marine Business Valuations

Trusted business valuation & transaction advisory services

view details

Inland Equipment Surveys

We provide comprehensive and accurate surveys

view details

Cargo Damage Surveys

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

view details

Project Management & Construction Inspections

PM and new construction inspection services to vessel owners and builders

view details

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

Article library

Featured Insight

THE FUEL RACE REVISITED…and other subjects

The fuels of the future will be impacting everything that we do. They are already impacting commerce, from moving to more electric and natural gas-powered vehicles in
Read More

Trusted by some of the most recognizable names in the Maritime Industry

1200px-Kirby_Corporation_logo.svg
bognarlogo-500x137-1
VaneBro
hoslogone
download-1
logo-color
logo
express-marine-logo

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
Hancock_Whitney150
“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

A Look at Kirby Corporation and Inland Trends

While most vessel owners/operators keep their numbers under wraps, publicly traded companies, such as The Kirby Corporation, publish an annual report of their performance for shareholders. These reports are a wealth of information that can help us understand trends in our industry.

Kirby’s income increased over 2021 despite still dealing with the fallout of Covid-19 as well as low water conditions in the Mississippi River during the 4th quarter.

Read More »

Cash, Coal, and Corporations

While corporate lenders, shippers, and charterers are moving towards more eco-friendly operations, problems with green financing are growing. Stricter lending requirements are going into effect faster than owners can produce their long-term compliance plans. Banks do not want to end up with loans on stranded assets that can no longer earn money to pay their debt. A vessel with a low level of compliance becomes essentially unemployable.

Read More »

The Inland River Scene & Revisiting Tugboats 101

As we have seen in worldwide marine commerce, and in commerce in general, the inland trade has been bouncing around a bit like an EKG strip. Weather patterns and international conflict have affected the grain trades, coal trade, and inverted some of the petrochemical trade. The world economy has stifled steel production and shipping and has had a knock-on effect on coal and ores.

Read More »

Get A Quote

The Fastest Way To Get Your Project Started

DLS Marine Valuation Logo
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
Jessie Page DLS Marine Survey and Appraisal

Jessie Page

Hull & Machinery Surveyor

Areas of Expertise:

  • Hull and Machinery
  • Diesel Technician
  • Marine Repair and Fabrication
  • Engine Causation Analysis
  • Equipment Damage
  • Vessel Conditions and Safety

Professional Certifications:

  • NAMS-CMS

Certified Specialist in Caterpillar diesel engines to include:

  • Small Engine Fuel Systems
  • Medium Engine Fuel Systems
  • Engine Diagnostics
  • Electronic Sensors and Control Logics
  • Electric and Electronic Troubleshooting
  • 3500 A/B/C Diesel Engine Master Mechanic I MUI/MEUI

Background:

Jessie joined DLS in 2021 with extensive experience in the marine industry. Jessie began his career as a shipfitter, machinist, and propulsion machinery installer at a shipyard. He then spent ten years as a diesel technician doing everything from routine mechanical repairs to complete engine overhauls and dynamometer testing. Jessie specializes in engine failure analysis and recognizing improper maintenance and installation. He is able to make recommendations regarding failure causation and potential imminent failures. Jessie transitioned to marine surveying in 2016 and is now a part of the DLS Hull & Machinery department.

jpage@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