The report is the property of the client requesting the survey, it can be passed to the yacht broker or agent or even the boat owner so that a purchase can be discussed further, but it remains solely the property of the client.

Pre Purchase Survey:

Carried carried out for the purchaser - its purpose is to establish the general condition of the vessel in terms of defects, state of wear and tear and maintenance, build quality, and to identify and assess significant past repairs. The survey will cover the structure, as well as an inspection and test of all installed electrical, mechanical and static equipment and systems. Internal and external finished surfaces and furnishings will also be inspected. The vessel will need to be out of the water for some of the survey although testing of equipment may only be carried out effectively with the vessel in the water. Key points covered may include overall structural condition, steering, keel, deck fittings and surfaces, safety equipment, hatches, windows, tanks, instruments, heating, emergency systems, hull fittings, furnishings and domestic equipment including gas installation. Am inspection of the rigging can also be undertaken provided that safe access can be provided - this may include extra staff members to assist.

An initial opinion can be given and this would be followed by a full written report and any follow up advice needed.
 

Insurance Survey:

Most insurance companies will insist on a survey on older vessels and it is now common for this to be required every 3 or 5 years. The purpose of this survey is to highlight any defects  that could be an unacceptable risk to the insurer but also to point out to owners safety issues or advice for ongoing maintenance. 

This type of survey is very thorough and generally covers all the aspects of a pre- purchase survey. It will also include a full list of recommendations and include timescales within which work should be completed. Your insurer may require notification of completion of advised work before any cover can be put in place. 

Damage Survey:

We all accept that accidents sometimes happen. This maybe collision, grounding or fire (sadly there are many other reasons). Quite often damage that seems insignificant can be more widespread e.g. after a grounding there maybe damage to the keel reinforcement matrix. Again many insurance companies insist on the use of a third party surveyor before a settlement or agreement for repair can be reached. It is also often wise to employ a surveyor when commissioning repairs or modifications to ensure the vessel remains compliant with regulations or recreation craft directives. This is especially important when considering new electrical or propulsion systems.

Refit Management or Boat Management.

Even when undergoing a minor refit it is often impossible for an owner to be present at key moments or to be available to discuss technical options with the yard carrying out the work. I can make life simple by carrying out a pre refit meeting with the owner and then acting as "the owners agent" for the full refit ensuring all work is carried out correctly and any concerns are complied with - allowing for a more controlled final result. I can also act as the naval architect overseeing design changes or repairs - and as the ongoing vessel manager, ensuring that maintenance is carried out on time and the vessel is available and ready for use when required by the owner. More details can be found on the refit page.