| What exactly is it that a motor boat surveyor does? | | | | represents a low risk for insurance purposes and also |
| A Marine Surveyor is somebody who performs an | | | | as to value.So that they can properly provide and |
| inspection on a boat in order to assess the Vessel's | | | | quote the cover required to insure the vessel. |
| overall condition. | | | | Also marine surveying will be required in the case of |
| The type and detail of the marine survey will vary | | | | any accidental damage as insurers usually will not |
| depending on the client's actual instructions and | | | | have the training or experience needed to perform the |
| requirements. For example if the survey is prior to | | | | required assessment of any damage or repairs |
| buying a boat and the owner is happy with the | | | | required to a vessel. |
| operating equipment on the vessel then the survey | | | | Sometimes a surveyor could be employed directly by |
| may simply be restricted to the condition of the Hull | | | | an insurer but even then they are always regarded as |
| and Bulkheads. | | | | having that certain degree of professional |
| Alternatively the proposed purchaser may require a full | | | | independence so that they present the facts in an |
| survey of the vessel including all the operating | | | | unbiased way. |
| equipment and the engines. | | | | More often than not an independent surveyor will be |
| Some surveyors will simply defer the report on the | | | | retained by the pleasure boat clients of the insurance |
| engines to a marine engineer but some surveyors will | | | | company in order to provide expert evidence to |
| actually be marine engineers,in their very own right, and | | | | support any claims for damage that are made against |
| therefore will be prepared to report on the engines. | | | | the insurer. |
| This varies from surveyor to surveyor. | | | | An insurer cannot, of course, direct its clients to use a |
| A Marine Surveyor can also inspect the vessel and its | | | | specific surveyor but will often be willing to provide a |
| related equipment to ensure that they comply with any | | | | listing of surveyors who they approve of or indeed are |
| relevant legislation for their intended purpose. This could | | | | known to them. |
| apply, for example, to vessels being used for charter | | | | There are very many ways to train to become a |
| or in a commercial way. | | | | marine surveyor. There are even correspondence |
| This would include all the related safety issues related | | | | courses which cover some of the theory. But as with |
| to the operating of vessels in such circumstances. | | | | most things there is nothing that beats real hands on |
| A Marine survey would normally cover the following: | | | | experience. |
| -The structure of the vessel which would include the | | | | Some people do an apprenticeship and have perhaps |
| Hull and Bulkheads. | | | | gained a lot of practical knowledge and experience |
| -The operating machinery and related equipment. | | | | from working in the marine industry. |
| -Navigational requirements and systems including | | | | Others may simply open a marine business based on |
| lighting. | | | | their commercial experience. |
| -Safety requirements. | | | | The American U.S. Coast Guard does not in any way |
| -Radio and Radar equipment where applicable. | | | | certify or approve Marine Surveyors. |
| -The general condition of the vessel will be taken into | | | | Many small craft surveyors will tend to specialize in |
| account including the equipment on board and its | | | | dealing with smaller vessels that in the main will be |
| operational condition. | | | | used for pleasure boating and recreation. |
| Marine Surveying can be very useful in the field of | | | | In conclusion whilst there are many other tasks that a |
| marine insurance and the underwriting of insurance | | | | Marine Surveyor can do probably the most useful one |
| risks. Depending on the age and manufacturer of the | | | | is that of a pre purchase survey report for a client |
| vessel an insurance company may insist on a survey | | | | seriously considering buying a boat. This is a very good |
| before insuring a vessel. | | | | idea as it will high light any problems and possibly save |
| They may wish to know both as to condition of the | | | | serious sums of money if any problems are detected. |
| vessel as to whether it is sea worthy and therefore | | | | |