Frequently Asked Questions

A full boat survey, also known as a marine survey, is a detailed inspection of a boat’s interior and exterior, as well as its mechanical components. The surveyor will note any issues and provide documentation about the boat’s current condition, seaworthiness, and value. The survey will include:

• Structural integrity: The hull, deck, and superstructure will be examined for damage, corrosion, or weakness.
• Equipment: The engine, steering, pumps, bilge pumps, electrical, and plumbing systems will be inspected.
• Systems: The navigation, communication, and safety systems, including the GPS, radar, and life-saving equipment, will be evaluated.
• Overall condition: The boat’s cleanliness, maintenance, age-related wear and tear, connections, and deck fixtures will be assessed.

Surveys can be cost-effective compared to other data collection methods, such as interviews and focus groups. Here are some reasons why:

• Scalability: Surveys can be distributed to a large number of people at a low cost.
• Standardization: All respondents receive the same questions in the same format, which makes responses more comparable.
• Anonymity: Respondents may feel more comfortable sharing their true opinions when their anonymity is guaranteed.
• Automation: Online surveys can be processed automatically, and results are accessible at any time

Here are some ways to prepare for a marine survey:

• Clean the boat: Make sure the boat is clean and free of personal items.
• Have papers ready: Have registration papers, document manuals, owner’s guides, and user manuals on board.
• Ensure safety gear is compliant: Check that flares, PFDs, fire extinguishers, bells, and horns comply with federal regulations and update if necessary.
• Have batteries charged: Make sure all batteries are charged and in good condition.
• Prepare equipment: For pre-purchase surveys, have fresh water systems, air conditioning systems, and icemakers ready.
• Fix broken or inoperable items: Make sure any known broken or inoperable items are fixed.
• Have keys ready: Have the keys to the vessel’s ignition, as well as keys to all locks and cabinet spaces.
• Provide contact numbers: Provide contact numbers for the seller and buyer

A ship inspection assesses a vessel’s general condition, while a ship survey is a more thorough inspection that determines a vessel’s lines of possession.

MWS is typically a requirement of the insurance policy for the review and approval of high risk marine operations and transportations. If the MWS is satisfied that the risks are acceptable, they issue a Certificate of Approval (CoA). The CoA identifies the operation, the vessels and equipment to be used, and whether the CoA is subject to compliance with recommendations or requirements.

A marine warranty surveyor’s (MWS) scope of work includes:

• Inspection: An independent third-party survey inspection.
• Risk reduction: Reducing the risks associated with the operations to an acceptable level.
• Review and approval: Performing the review and approval activity.

MWS activities include:

Suitability surveys: Assessing the suitability of ships, barges, and tugs for their intended use.
On-hire and off-hire surveys: Comparing the condition of a vessel before and after a contract or phase to see if there was any damage.

Review of certificates: Reviewing certificates for cranes, slings, shackles, pins, jacking systems, mooring ropes, winches, classification certificates, bollard pull certification, and weighing certificates.

Review engineering documents and calculations: Review engineering documents and calculations, verify equipment and related certificates, review marine operation procedures, attend marine operations, prepare a report.