About Us

Ray Johnston spent 22 years in the Kent County Constabulary, as a detective officer investigating major thefts and fraud. He also served on a regional crime squad specialising in organised crime involving motor vehicles, boats, including insurance frauds.

During his career within the Police Service he took an active interest in sailing and gained a considerable knowledge of yachts and small craft.

On leaving the Police Service in 1992, and having already considerable experience working with major UK Insurers and leading marine loss adjusters, he set up R.D. Johnston & Co. Marine Loss Adjusters and Investigators. At the same time he continued his studies and graduated from the Chapman College of Seamanship in Florida, Yacht and Small Craft Surveying. He passed the qualifying examination of the Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors as an Accredited Marine Surveyor (AMS).

On return to the UK he pursued his small craft surveying career in South East England and continued his studies as a member of the Yacht Designers and Surveyors Association with whom he has since qualified as a Full Surveyor Member of the Association. He continues to be an active member of the premier surveying organisation in Europe, the Yacht Designers and Surveyors Association (YDSA).

The company has recovered a number of high value stolen yachts and motor yachts across the World in such places as the Cape Verde Islands, Morocco, Tunisia, Spain, France and Norway. We have also undertaken claims assignments in the Caribbean, USA, and throughout the entire European continent and in Turkey.

In 2002, Ray Johnston set up the company Yacht Claims Limited, to specifically provide a professional service in Marine Loss Adjusting and Surveying to Marine Underwriters.In addition the company provides Marine Consultancy, MCA Codes of Compliance Examinations, Investigation and Surveying.