Q. What is involved in an insurance survey or a pre-purchase survey, and limitations.
A. An insurance or pre-purchase survey takes a full day, and the vessel must be out of the water for the inspection. The following 38 sections are inspected in a pre-purchase survey, and the sections with an asterisk are not included in an insurance survey.
Hull, Deck and Structure.
1. Details of Subject Vessel.
Unless specifically noted otherwise, no measurements or calculations will be performed during the Survey. The specifications listed within the report are believed to be correct; however, accuracy is not guaranteed. I would recommend obtaining accurate measurements and performing calculations as desired or verifying all vessel specifications and capacities with the vessel’s builder.
Naval architecture and engineering analysis were not a part of this Survey. Furthermore, no stability characteristics or inherent structural integrity will be determined, and no opinion has been expressed. Compliance with identification and reporting on all standards, codes, and regulations are not guaranteed.
This report will be submitted for the exclusive use of the instructing client. No liability will be accepted to any third party who may subsequently read or hold a copy of the report or its contents. Copyright remains with the surveyor. The surveyor’s report shall not be passed to a third party or copies made or distributed other than to the owner’s insurers or authorised repairers.
2. Keel.
3. Hull below Waterline.
During the survey, an out-of-the-water inspection of the hull’s wetted surfaces and below the waterline gear will be made were access alows.
4. Topsides above Waterline.
5. Deck moulding.
6. Coachroof.
No fittings or fastenings will be removed for examination other than where specified. In some cases, latent and hidden defects cannot be detected without destructive testing, which is only possible with the owner’s consent.
7. Cockpit.
8. Hull and Deck joint.
9. Bulkheads and structural stiffening, including internal mouldings.
A visual inspection will be conducted only on accessible structures; no destructive testing will be performed. Therefore, parts of the vessel that are covered, unexposed or inaccessible due to fixed panels, mouldings, coatings, etc., will not examined. Therefore, I will not be able to say that these areas are free from defects other than were specified in the text.
Steering, Stern Gear and Skin Fittings etc.
10. Rudder and Steering.
11. Stern Gear.
12. Cathodic Protection.
13. Skin Fittings and other through Hull Apertures.
On deck.
14. Main Companionway and other Accesses to Accommodation.
15. Ports, Windows, and Ventilation.
16. Pulpit, Stanchions, Pushpit, Lifelines and Jackstays.
17. Rigging Attachment Points.
18. Ground Tackle and Mooring Arrangements.
19. Other Deck Gear and Fittings.
20. Davits and Boarding Ladders.
Rig.
21. Spars.
22. Standing Rigging.
If the mast is stepped, and the rigging is under tension; an inspection can only be done from deck level. The mast would need un-stepping for a thorough inspection of the rigging. Other defects could become apparent when the rig is unstepped.
According to industry standards, the anticipated lifespan for stainless steel rigging is 10-12 years for wire and 15-20 years for rod. Of course, several factors affect a rig’s lifespan, including load, sailing conditions, mileage sailed, and fatigue from cyclic loading. Removing and inspecting the standing rigging every five years and replacing it every ten years is generally recommended.
Marine Insurance policies contain clauses that place full responsibility on the owners to maintain their vessels. Therefore, failure to maintain your yacht’s mast and rigging to an acceptable standard will most likely result in your insurer refusing cover for any claim relating to rig failure.
23. Running Rigging.
24. * Sails and Covers etc.
To inspect sails properly, they must be given to the local sailmaker to spread out in his loft. Also, inspecting sails can be done when sailing so that they can be hoisted up and their shape and condition can be seen properly; therefore, sea trials are recommended.
Safety.
25. Navigation Lights.
26. Bilge Pumping Arrangements.
No vessel should have only one pump; it was common sense that there should always be a backup pump ready to go. The reason was not only in an emergency but also in case the main pump failed.
It is recommended that when a vessel is kept afloat in a marina or mooring. A float switch should be connected to the bilge pump so the pump can automatically pump the bilges when the vessel is unattended.
Any oil in your bilge must be skimmed off or filtered before pumping out the bilge. MARPOL was the International Convention for Pollution at Sea. Even small pleasure vessels can get into trouble if they deliberately pollute the sea.
27. Firefighting Equipment.
The Recreational Craft Directive (RCD) stipulates that vessels conform to ISO standard 9094 Fire Protection. This standard specifies minimum requirements for firefighting equipment, fire detection, and escape routes. Just because there are no statutory requirements, any vessel made of combustible material or carrying combustible material (especially petrol) must carry firefighting equipment.
Fire extinguishers do not last forever; they should have a usable life of 6 to 12 years. However, an expiration date is not printed on most extinguishers. External factors, such as corrosion and wear and tear etc., can affect whether it is fit for duty, and these are taken into account during the inspection.
A fire blanket is an important part of fire fighting equipment. In boats with cooking facilities, a fire blanket must be kept nearby, ready for immediate use, so any pan fire can be dealt with swiftly and prevented from spreading. A fire blanket can also aid escape by shielding you or somebody else from the fire.
Insurance companies ask if the firefighting equipment onboard was adequate for the type of vessel and the extinguishers’ in-service date. If firefighting equipment was inadequate, insurers might repudiate any claim arising from fire damage.
28. Lifesaving and Emergency Equipment.
A radar reflector is still required even if you have a Radar or AIS transmitter. A radar reflector is a requirement of SOLAS V and must be fitted or another means to enable detection by other ships.
Flares contain explosives; once they expire, out-of-date flares or Time Expired Pyrotechnics (TEP) must be disposed of carefully. Dumping flares at sea, on land, or letting them off in anything other than an emergency is illegal.
Engine.
29. Engine and Installation.
30. Fuel System.
The inside of the diesel tanks can not be tested during the survey because it usually means unbolting a cover. One of the main marine diesel engine breakdown issues is blocked and contaminated fuel systems. Before any long voyage, ensure that the diesel in your tank is clean and free from water contamination.
Accommodation and onboard systems.
31. Accommodation General.
32. Gas Installation.
33. * Fresh Water System.
34. * Heads.
35. Electrical Installation.
Electrical and electronic equipment was powered up, and some may have been tested for basic or limited function only. The wiring was inspected, where it was accessible and generally serviceable unless otherwise noted. If a detailed report on the condition and capacities of the wiring and electrical components is desired, it is recommended that a Certified Marine Electrical Engineer be engaged.
36. * Electronic and Navigation Equipment.
37. * Heating and refrigeration.
38. Miscellaneous
Q. How do I arrange a survey?
A. You will first make an offer for the vessel you want to buy; if the offer is accepted, you must pay a deposit to the broker. You can then find a surveyor who will give you a price for the vessel’s size, age, and material and let you know their availability.
Q. What is a sea trial, and how do I arrange a sea trial?
A. A sea trial is a good way to try the vessel out on the water and test some of the equipment onboard a vessel that can not be tested with the vessel out of the water. The broker arranges the sea trial on a separate day from the out-of-the-water survey.
A breif description of the type of equipment that can be tested further on a sea trial.
A general visual inspection of the engine and installation will be made on an out-of-the-water-survey without running the engine. However, it should be appreciated that some components may appear serviceable but be found defective when the engine is run during sea trials.
If the sails are in bags, spreading them out in the boatyard will not be possible. Inspecting sails can be done when sailing so that the sails can be hoisted up and their shape and condition can be seen properly. You must inform the broker that you want to see the sails rigged.
Other equipment, like the toilets, can be flushed, the autopilot, speed and depth, can be tested, and if a generator is onboard, this can be run etc.
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