About True heading

True Heading Marine Surveying and Consulting | 111 Channel Cove Stafford VA 22554 US | 571-277-6945

​​True Heading Marine Surveying and Consulting was founded in 2014.  We are proud to offer complete and thorough marine surveying and consulting services available to the DC, Maryland, and Virginia areas.  We offer surveys for Pre-Purchase Condition and Valuation, Insurance, Financing/Refinancing, Damage Claims, and Marina Safety (required by some marinas prior to leasing a slip).

In addition, we offer consulting and orientation services for the first-time boat owner.  We will also attend the sea trial of your prospective vessel as a performance consultant to see if it meets the manufacturer's specifications.

Doug McDaniel began his apprenticeship with True Heading in 2012 and took over the day-to-day operations of True Heading in 2014.  Upon his retirement as a captain in the Alexandria Fire Department in 2015, Doug became the owner and sole operator of True Heading. To date, Doug has performed more than 1000 marine surveys.  He is a member in good standing of the Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors (SAMS®) as an Accredited Marine Surveyor®. In addition, he is a member of the International Association of Marine Investigators, Inc. (IAMI), American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC), National Fire Protection Association, and the Aquia Harbour Yacht Club (AHYC). 

Doug continually strives to increase his knowledge and certifications by attending several several seminars, conferences, and training classes each year.

Doug's certifications and education include:

*SAMS® Accredited Marine Surveyor®

*ABYC - Marine Standards and Marine Systems Certified
*Chapman School of Seamanship - Yacht and Small Craft Surveying Graduate

*Chapman School of Seamanship - Damage Claims Survey Training Graduate        

*Fire Officer III      *Fire Instructor II

*Hazardous Materials        *EMT-D

*All Technical Rescue Discipline (Rope, Trench, Vehicle, Confined Space)

*Incident Safety Officer      *NIMS ICS-100, 200, 300, 400, 700, 701, 800

*Associates of Applied Science - Fire Science Administration