A vessel cannot be completely dismantled for inspection – internal access is limited to easily removable panels.  If further intrusive access is required or recommended - this can only be gained with the owner’s approval.

The Pre-Purchase - Condition Survey
The pre-purchase survey is carried out for the prospective owners of second-hand / used power and sailing vessels.  The survey comprises a full out of water inspection of the hull, its structure, machinery and all major systems and where practical an in water inspection and sea trial.

The Insurance - Condition & Valuation Survey
The insurance survey is performed for underwriters to determine whether a vessel is an acceptable risk under marine insurance policies.  A full out of water inspection is made for the intended or declared use and includes a determination of the vessel’s fair market value. 

Most insurance companies now require insurance surveys on craft over 20 years old and usually accept that such reports remain valid for up to 5 years. 

The scope of survey and reports satisfies all leading insurers:

• Specifications, construction & scantlings
• Hull / deck external - underwater, topsides, decks, cockpit, superstructure
• Hull / deck internal - structural and fit-out
• Propulsion machinery & running gear 
• Plumbing - thru-hull fittings, bilge, fresh water & sullage systems
• Electrical system - DC and AC circuits and equipment
• Fire-fighting and LPG installation
• Rudders, steering gear and autopilots
• Spars, sails, standing and running rigging
• Auxiliary machinery - generators, desalinators etc.
• Safety equipment and ground tackle

Survey reports
We provide clear, concise but detailed reports in a readily understood format.  Defects are clearly referenced and classified with recommendations that can readily form the basis of a repair schedule. 

The report is normally communicated within 48 hours by email or facsimile and followed by mailed hard copy with compact disc of survey photographs.

The report format is under constant review and your feed-back is welcomed.

Our survey fee covers the survey inspection, travel costs and the survey report. 

We will normally provide a quotation for pre-purchase and insurance surveys of the vessel to be surveyed, based on information supplied either through the survey request form or by telephone.

Apart from large vessels, our fees are predicated on completing the survey in one day (except for interstate travel).  Payment in full is requested at the date of inspection - prior to communication of the survey report.

Delivery, slipping, berthage and any associated yard costs are at your additional cost. 

Standard scope and limitations of survey inspections

• The hull, deck and structure are inspected visually and percussion-sounded by hammer
• No thru-hull fittings, rudder, chainplate, keel or other fastenings are drawn for examination
• Internal structure – examined within limitations of access (portable/screwed panels removed)
• Engines & running gear – identification / visual inspection of controls/meters/electrics, shafts, alignment, propellers / struts, sterndrives, cooling, fuel/tankage and exhaust systems
• Plumbing, electrical & systems – identification, visual inspection and operational testing
• Spars, standing & running rigging – inspected from deck only, unless the rig is unstepped
• Sails – identified only, unless otherwise specified and space is available
• Fire fighting & LPG – identification / visual inspection, accredited plumber required for testing

Note: the survey report may contain recommendations for further intrusive inspection to areas of limited access and fittings where the presences of subsurface defects are suspected.

Sea trials cover operational testing of the propulsion engines, auxiliary machinery and all major systems, including navigation/electronic equipment and observation of the hull structure, systems and fittings under load.  A marine mechanics inspection is usually recommended for engine installations.

Guidance notes for inspections

• Permission of the owner or his representative / broker and the keys made available
• Confirm all arrangements for slipping, berthage and sea trial for the date of inspection
• Title documentation, manuals and broker’s/manufacturer’s specifications available
• Batteries charged, engine/s in commission, instruments and systems connected
• All vessel’s gear and equipment to be in same location as the vessel
• Recent and past service records and repair invoices made available
• Removal of all personal equipment, loose gear and stores - we need to access every space
• The underwater surface should be clean of weed growth and barnacles – arrangements made with the yard for pressure water blasting

Sydney      Central Coast      Lake Macquarie     Newcastle    Port Stephens     Coffs Harbour