How to prepare for a Marine Survey

Arrange to present a clean, shipshape boat, have all paperwork, repair receipts, documentation and miscellaneous safety gear ready. If applicable, you will need to make arrangements with the marina to haul-out the vessel for hull bottom and running gear inspection, and retain a captain for sea trials. Lockers and cabin areas should be cleared of all miscellaneous gear, and stander-by personnel should be kept to a minimum.

The surveyor should never be asked to prepare a boat for inspection. The surveyor may request minor dismantling of interior ceilings, headliners, flooring, etc. in order to gain access to suspect areas. Random removal and examination of below-the-waterline fasteners on wood boats may be required, although prior arrangements will usually have been made. Any dismantling and re-installation of parts should be performed by qualified personnel and is the responsibility of the person ordering the survey.

Written authorization from the owner may be needed to board and/or to remove parts of the vessel.

ONCE YOU ENGAGE AND RETAIN THE SURVEYOR, HE OR SHE WORKS ONLY FOR YOU AND REPORTS TO NO ONE ELSE UNLESS OTHERWISE SPECIFIED, THE SURVEYOR IS THERE TO PROTECT YOUR INTERESTS! AND YOUR INTEREST ALONE.

THE SURVEY REPORT IS YOUR REPORT, AND CAN ONLY BE TRANSFERRED OR RELEASED PHYSICALLY OR VERBALLY BY YOUR WRITTEN AUTHORIZATION.