Choosing a competent marine surveyor is as crucial as choosing a mechanic or home inspector. You will trust this person to evaluate your yacht and determine its condition.
The most common type of boat survey is a Condition and Value (C&V) Survey for pre-purchase or insurance purposes. This is a limited inspection, and everything needs to be dismantled for access.
Experience
A marine surveyor’s job is to report on the condition of ships and other seagoing vessels. They also inspect docks, ports, and facilities. They also conduct cargo and stability surveys. They may also investigate maritime casualty investigations on behalf of insurance institutions and shipowners.
Their responsibilities in Florida marine construction include inspecting port state control and conducting marine warranty surveys. Moreover, they must ensure that load regulations and limits calculated for a vessel are accurate. They also check the gross and deadweight tonnage, as well as checking the weight distribution on board.
A marine surveyor must be able to assess the value of a boat to perform a pre-purchase or repurchase survey. They need to have a good understanding of both the condition and value of boats and can clearly and concisely present this to their clients.
Certifications
Marine Surveyors are trained to inspect all kinds of boats, ships, vessels, barges, and even oil rigs for pre-purchase evaluation, insurance claim resolution, regulation compliance, and marking insurance eligibility. They also inspect ship cargo and facilities like dry docks and canals.
Some surveys require testing equipment under simulated emergency conditions, such as abandon ship and man overboard drills. These are conducted weekly, monthly, six-monthly, or annually, depending on the requirements laid down in relevant international conventions.
An excellent marine surveyor must be knowledgeable of his craft, thorough in his evaluation, skilled at partnering, and transparent in communication. Additionally, they must be capable of addressing any issues that arise. This is what makes them a valuable asset to the industry.
Equipment
The equipment used to perform marine surveys can make or break the result. It would help if you had the right tools to complete the job, from specialized cameras to sophisticated thermal imaging solutions. A good marine inspection service provider will have everything you need to do the job.
Just like a mechanic inspects a car before it goes on the market or a home inspector assesses a house, marine surveyors must have high-quality equipment to ensure the accuracy of their inspection results. For example, a boat’s steering system or tunnel thrusters are vital in maintaining vessel movement and speed while reducing fuel consumption.
These systems also help in navigating through heavier seas and confined spaces. As such, they require periodic inspections to ensure proper function and compliance with classification rules or statutory regulations.
Reputation
Marine inspection service providers with a good reputation will be highly esteemed by ship owners, brokers, and managers worldwide. Such companies can provide inspection, repair, and maintenance services to vessels, hulls, mooring units, and other machinery.
Mats India is one such company with branches/associate offices in major ports in India and associates services with the far east, the Middle East, and throughout the globe. Their NDT team offers inspections and non-destructive testing to composite materials, fabricated structures, and airport assets. They can also reach even the most remote areas of a marine port with elite divers and subsea drones.
Pricing
The pricing for marine inspections will vary depending on the scope of work. Some surveyors will charge a per-foot or per-meter price, while others will have flat rates. The location or time of year can also affect the cost of a marine survey.
Insurance companies and banks often require a marine survey before approving an insurance policy or loan. These surveys help determine the condition of a vessel and ensure that it meets safety guidelines.
A standard pre-purchase marine survey typically costs between $18 and $22 per foot. This inspection includes a visual examination, moisture readings, and testing of thru-hulls, stringers, and bulkheads. It does not have an engine survey or operational testing. Infrared thermal imaging is another service offered by some marine surveyors and can be a valuable tool to troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, or hull problems.