Trusted Marine Surveyors with Global Reach
Delivering Accuracy. Integrity. Excellence.
Over 60 years of combined experience in the marine surveying and risk management industry.
DS Oram & Associates
DS Oram & Associates cc was established in July 2008 by Dave and Syd Oram. Based in Durban and operating across Europe, the Americas, and Sub-Saharan Africa, we provide expert marine cargo surveying, claims investigation, and risk management services with a global footprint. With over 60 years of combined industry experience, our team delivers impartial reporting, technical precision, service excellence, and integrity. We are internationally appointed and work closely with major underwriters, insurers, and engineering groups to deliver precise and accountable survey results.
Our core values are Technical Competence, Service Excellence, and Integrity
Meet Our Experts
Dave Oram
Port Captain / Supercargo / Surveyor
Managing Member
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Dave began his marine surveying career in 1998, training under industry leaders. His expertise lies in Project Cargo and Heavy Lift surveys.
After founding DS Oram & Associates cc, he joined a specialist team to assess heavy super-load logistics through the Port of Durban and he was awarded Marine Surveying Services Expert of the Year in South Africa (Leaders in Law, 2022)
Brent Massey
Port Captain / Supercargo
Senior Marine / Project Cargo Surveyor
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Brent joined the DSO Team from a leading survey practice which focused on P&I, surveys, Owners / Charterers claims, Bunker & Draft Surveys and heavy lift surveys. Brent began his career in shipping with a leading Durban lashing and securing company and is well versed on cargo securing particularly in containers / on flatracks. This foundation has proven to be invaluable when assessing claims where cargo has shifted causing damage. In addition, Brent is tasked with the bunker and draught surveys and provides back-up to Dave on the heavy-lift / project cargo surveys.
Eugene Munsamy
Marine Surveyor / Trainee Cargo Specialist
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Eugene recently joined the DSO Team and has been involved in the industry since 2019. Eugene continues his development and training directly under Brent’s tutelage and has already proven to be calm and thorough under pressure which often occurs in this industry.
Eugene has strong skills in the draught and on-hire vessel surveys where his attention to detail is particularly important.
We will be continuing Eugene’s development into the project cargo handling and heavy-lift surveys area as part of our longer-term succession planning.
Roger Ryan
Heavy Lift Surveyor / Supercargo
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Roger is a key member of our Projects Team and brings with him a wealth of experience from a career spanning more than 45yrs both at sea and heading up shore operations for major international port services providers.
Roger steps in to assist the Team with mentoring and operations where complex heavy lifts and discharge surveys are required. In addition, Roger attends to lashing surveys of cargo and we provide back-up to Roger in respect of marine insurance claims
Mags Bodenstein
Administration / Accounts
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Mags has over 30 years experience as an Office Manager, Bookkeeper and Personal Assistant in accounting and administrative roles across various industries.
Honoring the Life and Legacy of Syd Oram
1943 - 2025
Syd Oram was not only a founding partner of D S Oram & Associates, but also a guiding force whose integrity, technical excellence, and mentorship shaped the company’s identity.
With over four decades in the Marine Insurance, Risk and Legal Services industry, Syd’s meticulous standards and commitment to fairness earned him deep respect across South Africa and beyond.
Beyond his professional achievements, Syd will be remembered for his warmth, humility, and steady leadership. His legacy continues to steer our course – in every survey, every report, and every commitment we make to our clients.
Fair winds and following seas, Syd.
Need an experienced marine surveyor?
Our team is ready to assist with your cargo surveying and
risk management requirements
Our Clients Include
Leading South African marine underwriters, shippers, and importers.
Major project clearing and forwarding agents across Southern Africa.
European specialist marine insurers and their local representatives.
Vessel Agents.
Vessel Agents.
Warehousing and distribution facility operators.
Transport and logistics operators.
What Defines Us
At DS Oram & Associates, our values are the compass that guides every survey and inspection – integrity in action, accuracy in execution, and trust in every result.