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marine surveyor
The first step in acquiring
a marine surveyor is to ask
questions. Is the surveyor an
accredited marine surveyor?
There are accrediting
organizations for marine
surveyors which require strict
adherence to the professional,
technical, and ethical
standards that apply to marine
surveys. What does the survey
include, and what type of
reporting format is used?
Accredited marine surveyors
will provide you with a
professionally prepared report
that can be accepted by banks
and insurance companies.
Do they use ABYC, NFPA, IMO
Code of Federal Regulations,
and USCG Standards in their
surveys? How much will the
survey cost? How long will it
take? A thorough inspection
cannot be rushed. The time it
takes will depend upon the type
of survey required and the size,
equipment, and onboard systems
involved. Marine surveys can
include engine surveys, oil
analysis, galvanic and stray
current corrosion testing,
ultrasonic testing, moisture
testing, as well as other
nondestructive tests. Ask what
additional charges could be
incurred for these and any
other services.
Well conducted marine surveys
on yachts and vessels provide
solid information about a
vessel's condition, but they
are not guarantees. Marine
surveyors can only report the
condition of the areas that are
accessible to them at the time
of the inspection. Why should
you have a vessel surveyed? A
prospective buyer needs to know
the condition and fair market
value of the vessel before
purchasing it. Most insurance
companies and banks require a
current survey on older vessels
in order to underwrite/finance
the vessel. Finally, the most
important reason to survey a
vessel is to ensure the safety
of its passengers and crew.
Yachtinternational-Marine Surveyors are accredited experts in yacht and vessel inspection services worldwide. We are fully accredited and a member of the Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors.
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A Pre-Purchase
Survey is the most
comprehensive type of
inspection and is strongly
recommended when purchasing a
new or used vessel. Marine
surveyors examine the condition
and overall operational
capability of the vessel which
includes structural integrity,
out of water inspection, sea
trial, electrical systems,
propulsion system, fuel system,
machinery, navigation,
miscellaneous onboard systems,
cosmetic appearance,
electronics, and overall
maintenance. The prospective
buyer should be aware that if
the survey is done at any port
for the seller, it might not be
accurate and could cause damage
that would require extensive
repairs.
An
Insurance Survey
is performed so the
insurance company can determine
whether or not the vessel is an
acceptable risk. They are
interested in its structural
integrity and safety for the
vessels intended use. Most of
the insurance companies require
a survey on older boats, and
they also want to know the
vessel's fair market value.
An Appraisal Survey
is performed to gather enough
information to justify or
determine the fair market value
of a vessel. This is normally
needed for financing, estate
settlements, donations, and
legal cases.
A Damage Survey
is performed to assess the
extent of damage, recommend
repairs, estimate repair costs,
and if requested, the probable
cause of the damage.
You
can save time and additional
expense by having the vessel
accessible and prepared for the
inspection. It should be clean,
and you should have all
paperwork and miscellaneous
gear available. If applicable,
you might need to make
arrangements with the marina to
haul the vessel for bottom
inspection, and have a captain
available for a sea trial.
Lockers and cabin areas should
be cleared prior to the arrival
of the surveyor. The marine
surveyor may request minor
dismantling of interior
ceilings, headliners, and
flooring in order to gain
access to certain areas. The
dismantling and re-installation
of the parts should be done by
a qualified professional and is
the responsibility of the
person who orders the survey.
Written authorization from the
owner of the vessel might be
needed to board and/or remove
any part of the vessel. Once
retained, a surveyor works only
for you and reports to no one
else. Remember, the surveyor is
there to protect your interest.
Yachtinternational-Marine
Surveyors expects payment on
the day of service; absolutely
no information will be released
either verbally or written
without payment. Payment is by
cash, personal check, money
order, or wire transfer.