About True Heading

Douglas has been the owner and sole proprietor of True Heading Marine Surveying & Consulting since 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, 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 can also attend the sea trial of your prospective vessel as a performance consultant to see if it meets the manufacturer’s specifications.


Douglas McDaniel

Doug began his apprenticeship with True Heading in 2012 and began surveying full time upon his retirement with the Alexandria Fire Department in 2015. To date, Doug has performed approximately 2000 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), the American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC), and the National Fire Protection Association.

Learning is never done and Doug strives to increase his knowledge and certifications by attending seminars, conferences, and training classes throughout the 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
  • NVCC Associates of Applied Science – Fire Science Administration
Contact Us

True Heading Marine Surveying & Consulting | Alexandria, VA