Vessel Owners
Why should I have a vessel surveyed?
For the safety of passengers and crew and most insurance companies and banks will require them on older vessels to know vessel condition and market value.
Who should I hire?
If you do not have personal knowledge of a marine surveyor, you can start by doing a basic search. Surveyors should provide you with a professionally prepared report that can be accepted by your bank and/or insurance company.
Questions to Ask
- What does the survey include and what type of reporting format is used?
- How much will the inspection cost?
- How long will the on-board inspection take?
Ask about their qualifications and experience and see if they can provide a sample survey they have done on a similar boat.
Although inspection methods are standard and will depend on the type of survey required, some surveyors may have specialised methods and charge for these services. Be sure to confirm details with the surveyor.
Surveyors are not magicians; the surveyor reports the condition of accessible areas that exist at the time of inspection.
Points to Consider:
- When you contact a surveyor, you may not always receive an immediate response as they may be conducting a survey or be out of phone range.
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Most surveys are conducted outdoors so delays are sometimes unavoidable. The vessel may also need to be moved or other boats may need to be moved to conduct an inspection. Be patient and don’t rush the process.
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Prepare for the inspection by removing any unnecessary gear or panels that may be in the way. The vessel and inspection areas should be clean so the surveyor can examine the space. Generally, surveyors don’t use tools to remove panels or to access areas to be inspected, that is the responsibility of the owner or owner’s representative.
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If you cannot attend in person, make sure to leave a number where you can be contacted during the inspection time. This allows the surveyor to contact you directly should they need to talk to you about their findings before they leave the boat.
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The surveyor is there to inspect the operation of the vessel; if you get a chance, familiarise yourself with the vessel and arrange a charter on the same boat or type of boat ahead of the survey inspection.
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Ask questions before the survey takes place, this allows the surveyor to address any questions or concerns ahead of time. Once you receive the report, take the time to read through it carefully and if required consult with the surveyors to make an informed decision.