How to prepare for a Marine Survey

After you have scheduled your survey, there are a few things that need to be in order to ensure the entire survey is performed and completed as promptly as possible without any delay of the sale or purchase. In order to get the job done properly the involvement and collaboration of the marine surveyor, the client and the seller or seller’s broker need to work together with preparation of the vessel for surveying.

Please review the following and then download the Marine Pre-Survey Checklist below.

• Keys for the vessel ignition as well as any and all keys or combinations for all locks and any cabinet spaces need to be available and on hand for the survey.
• Contact numbers should be provided for the seller and buyer.
• The vessel should be clean and free of personal items.
• Items blocking any hatches of panels need to be moved or removed to allow access.
• Vessel papers need to be on board such as Documentation, Registration etc.
• Document manuals, owner’s guides and user manuals for the various systems and electronics should also be on board.
• Make sure that all of the equipment, electronics, sails, etc. are on board for inspection.
• Please have DC and AC voltages should be available to power the various systems.
• If the vessel is housed at a Boat Yard or Marina, the management needs to be informed of the marine survey date and marine surveyor’s name.
• If the vessel is housed at a residence, the homeowner needs to be advised of the marine survey date and marine surveyor’s name.
• Other personnel such as family and friends should be limited whenever possible.
• An appointment will need to be arranged with the hauling yard to haul the vessel on the day of the marine survey.
• Know in advance if zincs or bottom cleaning are required and who will pay for them.
• A captain or the owner will be required to pilot the vessel. The marine surveyor will not pilot the vessel.
• If the inclement weather occurs on the day of the marine survey an alternate day should be planned.

The marine surveyor will typically begin as early as possible in the day, starting in the engine room and proceeding later to the hull, deck, and interior.  The marine surveyor will ask the owner to have the vessel moved to a yard for hauling.  Some boatyards like to haul around noon so the vessel can be surveyed when the yard personnel is on lunch break. Transit time from the vessel’s slip to the marina will have to be taken into account. Once the wetted surfaces and machinery are examined the marine surveyor will then ask the owner to have the vessel put back in the water for a sea trial.