A vessel’s survey does not answer every question about its crew, vendors or history. FSO Guard investigates yacht and maritime matters in Miami and Fort Lauderdale. We assist owners, captains, managers, brokers, attorneys and insurers. Our licensed yacht and marina security practice can provide related protection support.
Services for owners, captains and managers
Crew vetting and background checks
Crew members may live aboard and have access to private spaces. Checks can cover identity, work history, references and relevant records. We also verify licenses and certificates. U.S. hiring checks follow FCRA requirements. See our background check services for more detail.
Contractor and vendor due diligence
Before granting a vendor access, confirm who will arrive and what work is approved. We can review business identity, licenses, insurance and available references for yards, technicians and other contractors.
Theft, fraud and misconduct aboard
Onboard inquiries may concern missing property, fuel use, invoices or misuse of funds. We gather records and accounts discreetly. Findings can help the owner and counsel decide what to do next.
Onboard incident investigations
After an incident, the first task is to preserve the record. We document timelines, gather statements and help preserve camera footage. Counsel and authorities are involved as the case requires.
Guest and charter vetting
Charter checks help owners and brokers assess concerns about a prospective client. We also examine suspicious inquiries and payment schemes.
Services for buyers, brokers and insurers
Pre-purchase vessel due diligence
Before a purchase or dispute, we review available ownership records, company structures, liens and vessel history. The scope may also include the seller, broker or manager. Explore corporate due diligence and asset searches.
Locating vessels and parties
Locating a vessel or person can require several sources. Licensed skip tracing, marina inquiries, AIS data and open records can help assess leads after a default or disputed sale.
Marine insurance claims investigations
Claims work can include scene records, vessel photographs and witness interviews. We coordinate with surveyors and counsel to examine the circumstances of a theft, fire, collision or other loss.
Charter and sale fraud
Our fraud investigations can help examine a false listing, suspicious broker identity or altered payment instructions.
Security assessments and protection
FSO Guard is also a licensed security agency. Clients can combine an inquiry with onboard and dockside security officers, sweeps for trackers and hidden cameras or close protection. Start with our yacht security checklist when reviewing practical protection needs.
How we work
- Discuss the concern privately. We identify the vessel, people involved, available records and question you need answered.
- Agree on scope and price. A crew check and an extended onboard inquiry need different plans. Both begin with a written quote.
- Gather facts through lawful methods. These may include records, interviews, observation and marina or yard inquiries. Restricted databases are used only with a documented permissible purpose.
- Receive a report with sources and exhibits. The findings support your decision and counsel’s review. Investigators can provide testimony where needed.
Maritime investigators in Miami, Fort Lauderdale and Palm Beach
FSO Guard Security Service holds Florida Private Investigative Agency License A 1000095 and Security Agency License B3100530. We are based in Hollywood, FL. Investigators work in English, Spanish and Russian. Call 888.881.8099 or text us for a confidential discussion. Explore investigation services.
