Some of Our Most Frequently Asked Questions
A marine survey is a detailed inspection of a vessel in order to determine its value, condition, safety and appropriateness for its intended purpose.
There are several reasons to schedule a marine survey:
- Financial – Most finance and insurance agencies will require a marine survey before providing a loan or insurance coverage. Such a survey assists the vessel's buyer or current owner in determining if you have enough insurance coverage for the current value of the vessel. For anyone who is considering purchasing, a good survey will inform you of the actual market value of the vessel as well as any issues which may require repairs.
- Technical Concerns – If you have issues with your engine, electrical wiring or electronic devices you may wish to consider a targeted survey of the problematic system. Many surveyors also offer a comprehensive corrosion analysis where warranted.
- Safety - A marine survey can determine if the vessel you currently own or are considering purchasing meets legally required safety criteria.
- Peace of Mind – Even knowledgable boat owners can miss existing or potential issues. A detailed marine survey, conducted by an accredited surveyor, can assure you of the vessel’s condition and highlight areas in need of attention.
A marine surveyor is a qualified professional who conducts a detailed examination of vessel to assess and report on the condition, valuation, and safety to ensure compliance with various government standards and accepted institutional recommendations and specifications. Their experience and background may vary, but a good surveyor should be a member of either SAMS (Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors®) or NAMS (National Association of Marine Surveyors®). All of CBW’s Surveyors and Consultants are members, as appropriate, of SAMS®, ABYC®, NFPA®, and hold USCG Masters Licenses.
Generally, insurance companies and banks will only accept a marine survey completed by a licensed, accredited, and unbiased professional. An accredited surveyor has both the experience and training to determine if a vessel meet the standards required for it’s type, location, and intended use.
Every responsible boat owner, however, should perform regular inspections of their vessel and have a checklist of potential problem areas. A survey by an accredited surveyor can provide a guide for the vessel's owner and will note any areas that need regular checkups.
Surveyors charge a fee based on the size of the boat, its complexity, age and/or the specific needs of survey requested. At CBW we charge by the foot for smaller, less complicated vessels with a minimum charge of US$1000 for a Condition and Valuation (C&V) Survey. Day rates and fixed quotes are provided for larger or more complicated vessels.
The cost of the survey, haul out if required, and transportation are the responsibility of the buyer; the seller will provide a captain for the trial run and move the boat a yard for the haul out.
At CBW, we highly recommend that the prospective buyer be present, especially during trial runs. Sellers are usually represented by their brokers but are always welcome to attend. If you (the seller) cannot attend, please provide a way to access any locked areas and grant permission to go aboard the vessel. Also provide your preferred contact information so that the surveyor can contact you with any questions or problems.
1. To ensure the most accurate & efficient survey, please remove any unnecessary gear, clutter and personal effects from the lockers and cabin. Safety gear, however, must be available for inspection. If this is a live-aboard vessel, the surveyor may request the owner to clear lockers and storage areas one at a time.
2. Please bring or make available the necessary keys and documentation papers including your engine and maintenance logs; if you have a prior survey, please have that available. Ideally, the bilge and machinery should be clean (no hornet nests in the engine, please).
3. There should be sufficient battery charge or shore power to test all powered equipment. For pre-purchase surveys: freshwater plumbing, air conditioning systems, ice-makers, etc. need to be commissioned to allow operational testing especially if the boat has been stored. This is in addition to commissioning of the engines and AC generator. Surveyors do not commission these systems.
4. The surveyor may request minor, non-destructive dismantling of interior ceilings, headliners, flooring, etc. in order to gain access to certain structural areas.
5. If your vessel has been hauled out consider power washing the hull. Check that there is at least two feet (2') of clearance on all sides
6. For a trail run, please arrange for a captain, so the surveyor is free to move about the boat.
Most surveys are completed on one (long) day including inspection aboard, inspection while hauled, and a limited trial run to test machinery. They surveyor will share immediate findings orally and you should expect a written report in 3-5 business days.
Your insurance policy should stipulate how often you need a survey, based on age and value of the boat.
Standards vary according to the country and location where a vessel is used.
In the United States, standards include the USCG administered Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 33, 46, & 47, the voluntary recommendations of the American Boat and Yacht Council® (ABYC®), the recommendations of the National Fire Protection Association® where applicable , and any state-specific requirements.
In Canada, Transport Canada's TP11717E (1994) cover standards for the construction and inspection of small passenger vessels and ABYC® recommendations have been adopted.
European standards are similar to those of the USCG and ABYC®. EU Law includes the following directives: 2013/53/EU recreational and personal watercraft and 2016/425 Personal protective equipment. Eur-Lex Regulation 391/2009 covers common rules and standards for ship inspections and survey organizations.
In Australia standards and regulations are published by the Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA)
A prospective buyer will need a “Condition and Valuation” survey while a prospective seller may choose to commission a “Pre-Listing” survey to identify any needed repairs and to help the broker in setting the listing price. Insurance renewal surveys are based on the specific requests of the carrier. Damage surveys follow casualty claims and can be used to assist with insurance settlements and repair work. A detailed listing of our services is provided here.
