Services

MarineCheck offers four different types of service.

The Damage Survey

This type of survey is usually instructed by an insurance company to assess the extent of any damage resulting from an alleged casualty and any subsequent claim. The surveyor's ideas on recommended repairs, an estimate of the cost of such repairs and the probable cause of any such casualty and consequent damage, maybe required.

The Pre-Purchase Survey

This is usually the most comprehensive type of marine survey and is to be most strongly advised when a client is purchasing a new or, more particularly, a second hand or used craft. It takes place when a prospective owner asks an independent Marine Surveyor to inspect the craft, her machinery, rig, service systems and equipment and to check it all thoroughly to find as far as practical any faults in the structure, rig, machinery and other items whether these are major, minor or merely cosmetic. This type of survey should also cover both the condition and the operation of the craft, its machinery, rig, service systems and equipment. A pre-purchase survey starts with a full out of water inspection of the hull including a thickness or wetness measurement of the shell as appropriate. A survey of the structural integrity and water/weathertightness of the hull, rudder and stern gear follows. This will include the size and condition of the cathodic protection, a detailed examination of the machinery (non-invasive), propulsion, fuel, electrical, gas, sewage, water and other 'domestic' or service systems. A sea trial should be conducted, where practical. The nautical items, cosmetic appearance and an assessment of the overall level of maintenance, general condition, structural and mechanical seaworthiness of the craft should be considered. Ideally the pre-purchase survey should be carried out first with the craft out of the water then afloat, although this will incur extra charges

The Insurance Survey

This survey is performed so that a prospective underwriter can determine whether or not as vessel is an acceptable risk under the Institute of London Underwriters Yacht or similar marine insurance policy clauses. It includes an out of water inspection and covers the structural integrity and general safety of the vessel for the intended or declared use. Most insurance companies will require such surveys on craft over fifteen years of age and they will usually accept that such survey reports remain valid for a period of time (up to five years in some cases). They will also require to know the vessel's fair market value.

The Valuation or Insurance Appraisal Inspection

This inspection is often carried out at the same time as the pre-purchase survey. It is performed in order to determine or justify the fair market value of the craft and is normally needed for insurance, mortgage or other financing, probate, donations and/or legal cases. It should be borne in mind that, in the latter case, the surveyor may also have to justify his assessment of value before the Courts and should be able to confirm his assessment from published or other publicly available data for similar types of craft. It should also be clearly stated in the surveyor's report that this type of survey does NOT constitute a pre-purchase survey and it should not be offered or regarded as such.