Surveying Services
Pre-purchase Surveys
The Pre-Purchase survey is an in-depth investigation of the vessel's structure, machinery, systems and equipment that directly or indirectly affect the safety of the vessel and its passengers, the vessel's financial value, and its ability to meet the Client's expectations.
The major structures of the vessel are closely inspected using non-destructive methods. Hull penetrations, sea valves, rudder attachments, internal structural members, deck hardware and the hull/deck joint are some areas of concentration. On fiberglass vessels, a combination of mechanical sounding and electronic moisture detection may be used to indicate the condition of laminates and/or the presence of "active" osmotic blistering.
Inspection also includes the condition and appropriateness of PFDs, life rings, signaling devices, flares, radar reflectors, life rafts, fire fighting devices, etc. and their compliance to current codes and Canadian Coast Guard requirements. LPG, CNG, petroleum, alcohol, and solid fueled appliances are closely inspected for installation, condition, and compliance to NFPA & ABYC standards.
Limitations: Certain elements of the hull, deck, equipment, machinery, plumbing, electrical systems, can only be inspected by removal of bulkheads, headliners, tanks, joiner work, etc. This would be destructive in nature, prohibitively time consuming and expensive to restore. Components requiring access of this nature and/or disassembly will not be inspected, since no destructive/invasive methods are used in the survey process. It must also be understood that ships' systems and components have a limited useful life in the marine environment and often give no visible or other indication of deterioration or impending failure.
Condition & Value Surveys
Also called a Condition and Value (C&V) survey, this is the most common and most comprehensive inspection that a surveyor will conduct. It is specifically designed to meet the needs of insurance companies and lending institutions, which need to evaluate and assess the financial risk involved in insuring or financing the boat. As the name suggests, the express purpose of this inspection is to report on the boat's condition and value at the time of the survey. Generally, a C&V survey will only involve a detailed visual inspection of the boat, unless the insurer or lien-holder requires a sea trial or operational testing. It will evaluate the safety and sea-worthiness of your boat, based on the current condition of its systems, structure and equipment. It will also provide an evaluation of the boat's fair market value.
A marine insurance survey will generally be required prior to coverage being provided. A similar survey will also be required every four or five years as a pre-requisite for coverage renewal. In the event of an accident, theft or vandalism, a damage survey will be conducted to evaluate the extent and cost of damage to the vessel.
An insurance survey is typically conducted on your behalf as the boat's owner. As such, you are responsible for commissioning and paying a surveyor to conduct the inspection.
Limitations: Certain elements of the hull, deck, equipment, machinery, plumbing, electrical systems, can only be inspected by removal of bulkheads, headliners, tanks, joiner work, etc. This would be destructive in nature, prohibitively time consuming and expensive to restore. Components requiring access of this nature and/or disassembly will not be inspected, since no destructive/invasive methods are used in the survey process. It must also be understood that ships' systems and components have a limited useful life in the marine environment and often give no visible or other indication of deterioration or impending failure.
Damage Surveys
The Marine Surveyor will typically perform this type of survey on behalf of an insurance company. It is conducted so as to provide an unbiased estimate of the extent and cost of repairs or loss resulting from an accident, vandalism or theft. The surveyor may also recommend the repairs required. Damage assessments are also conducted, at the request of the vessel owner.
Rigging Surveys
TEC offers rig checks and complete rig surveys. Typically a rig will be removed from the yacht to allow for complete and thorough inspection of all connections, coatings and components of a sailing yacht rig. A rig may also be inspected while stepped, however there may be limitations. Call us to discuss your yacht's rig.
