Marine surveys

full out-of-the-water inspection is made of the entire structure of the vessel, checking for hull defects such as wasting or thinning of the hull material in the case of steel or aluminium or moisture content and lamination integrity in the case of Composite or wooden hulls.

Each onboard system and installation is inspected and tested where applicable. Those items that require the vessel to be afloat are tested and checked once it has been launched for the sea trial, where the engines and systems are thoroughly tested and inspected.

On small to medium yachts and motorboats, the pre-purchase survey process can typically be achieved in one day (depending on boatyard service schedules etc.).

Larger vessels with more onboard systems can take 2 or more days.

Like the pre-purchase survey, this survey is normally a detailed and comprehensive one, and any discovered issues can be mitigated. Potential buyers may also be reassured by a full and recent survey report that can be passed into their name upon purchase if required (a fee applies).

For example, a vessel due for major modifications will often instruct a pre-works survey of the area to be affected, or a newly built vessel that is still covered by its builder's warranty may only require a hull survey for insurance or finance purposes. Further inspections are often needed during and after the works are completed. Engine and rigging inspections are further examples of partial surveys. They will usually only require one or more short visits by the surveyor, and the report can generally be completed in a few days (depending on the survey subject).

This will include gathering important facts such as the extent of the damage and circumstances surrounding the incident. This normally includes taking witness statements and accurate compiling of all evidence. It is often necessary to provide an appraisal of the damage and gather estimates. Further inspections can be made during and after repair works. The damage survey report will focus on the facts of the incident and provide an account of the damage sustained. Often an insurance company or finance house will appoint their preferred surveyor or loss adjuster to provide the information required for them to decide on any settlement. Boat owners, however, will appoint the surveyor of their choice to provide them with an independent service aimed at assisting with the settlement and repair process.

During each assessment, information is gathered, and a walkthrough inspection is made of the vessel to determine the fair and current market value. Boat owners often commission such an appraisal to determine a realistic value before selling.

As with a pre-purchase survey, a Condition Survey involves a comprehensive inspection process, including inspection and testing of most onboard systems. Depending on the construction type and materials used, non-destructive tests on the hull and superstructure are carried out to establish their integrity. Although a Condition Survey is generally required by and tailored to the demands of an insurance company, the boat owner will also benefit from the report, which will provide them with a current and accurate view of the condition of their vessel.

Osmosis is a term used since the 1970s to describe blistering often found on GRP hulls. The hull is constructed of a mixture of polyester resin reinforced with glass fibres and built up to create a laminate. Any voids, micro cracks or air pockets within the laminate are susceptible to water molecules diffusing into it where they condense. The laminate may also contain unreacted constituents and solvent particles from the manufacturing process. Hydrolysis occurs as a result of a reaction increasing the cavities and forming a hygroscopic solution. This process creates the much-dreaded blisters that, if left unattended, can eventually affect the structural integrity of the hull laminate.

The scope of the survey will include external examinations of the engines and drive systems before, during and after a series of test runs. The performance and engine information is recorded during each stage, and the results of a series of operational tests involving the remaining onboard systems such as steering, trim, and navigation equipment. Any vibrations or excessive noise can be monitored and investigated during the sea trial.In the case of sailing yachts, sails should also be hoisted and inspected. This also enables the testing of running rigging and sail handling systems.

As with the Pre-Purchase Survey, this inspection is extensive as the entire vessel, and its contents and equipment should be inspected and tested. Often a PDI will be instructed following a major refit.

Annual engine oil sampling can detect small changes in contaminate levels within the oil sample, often highlighting issues such as water ingress or possible engine component failure.

Samples of materials such as composites and metals can be taken for analysis. These tests often highlight structural issues or material fatigue and allow a suitable repair to be made in good time. 

A report listing any notable findings will follow any analysis.

Peter has been carrying out comprehensive rigging inspections for more than 20 years and is as comfortable aloft as ashore. However, it is sometimes necessary to remove the mast or carry out the inspection from an independent cradle such as a cherry picker or small portable crane. This depends on the mast's age, type, condition, and rigging to be inspected.