Introduction

This Standard Letter provides potential clients with essential information on what they can expect from their surveyor and what the surveyor will expect from them during the survey or consultancy process.

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What You Should Expect from Your Surveyor

• Qualifications & Experience: Your surveyor should be able to prove their professional qualifications and experience upon request.

• Neutrality: The surveyor is an impartial third party, uninvolved in emotional or political issues, and will not favor any party, regardless of who is paying the fee.

• Technical Focus: The surveyor’s primary role is technical. They will represent your best interests but will only state and comment on technical facts.

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Marine Insurance Considerations

• Survey Requirements: Underwriters require a survey before granting coverage. The surveyor must protect both your interests and those of the Underwriters.

• Survey Types: There are no different types of surveys. A survey is comprehensive, whether for purchase, insurance, a bank loan, or as a promotion document for selling.

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Surveyor Responsibilities

During the survey, the surveyor will inspect and comment on key aspects, including:

• Structural integrity

• Watertight integrity

• Underwater condition (e.g., electronic moisture content readings for GRP hulls, ultrasonic testing for steel or aluminum vessels)

• Machinery

• Electrical and power generation systems

• Plumbing

• Tankage

• Mast, rigging, and sails

• Steering systems

• Anchor equipment

• Safety and firefighting equipment

• Electronic navigational aids

Survey Report: The report will include a market value of the vessel, "Surveyor’s Comments," and a "Recommendations" section for significant structural or safety issues.

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Understanding Deficiencies

Identifying deficiencies does not necessarily mean the vessel is bad; it may indicate maintenance needs or other factors. The surveyor can provide a repair specification with cost estimates.

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Preparation & Information Required from Clients

• Enquiry: Clients should make survey enquiries in writing, preferably via email.

• Scope of Work: An agreed Scope of Work must be defined in writing before the survey begins.

• Documentation: Provide as much documentation as possible before the survey, such as the current Certificate of Registry, Builder’s Certificates, and Construction and Equipment Specifications.

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Seller’s Preparations for Survey and Sea Trial

To best prepare the vessel for survey and sea trial:

• Inventory: A well-prepared inventory saves time and money.

• Accessibility: Ensure all relevant areas (e.g., tanks, electrical systems, engine) are accessible.

• Testing: Have the engine, sails, winches, and other equipment tested and ready for inspection.

• Documentation: Provide certificates for recent safety equipment inspections and a list of known deficiencies.

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Method Statement

The survey will be conducted according to mandatory standards, including those from Transport Canada, USCG, ABYC, and NFPA. Blue Pacific Marine Surveyors have consultants, electrical, and mechanical engineers on hand to assist.

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Project Organization

Qualified in-house Master Marine Surveyors will conduct the survey. Marine engineers will handle consultancy or approval work at Blue Pacific Marine Surveyors' offices.

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Disclaimer

The survey is for informational purposes only, and Blue Pacific Marine accepts no liabilities. The information within the survey is time-sensitive and based on technical facts only.

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Rates, Costs, and Schedules

• Survey Duration: A full survey, including the report, typically takes four days.

• Notice Period: A 48-hour notice is appreciated for scheduling.

• Fees: Blue Pacific Marine Surveyors' fees are based on world standard rates. Costs are discussed with the client, and expenses, if billed, are communicated first.