What people ask
Frequently Asked Questions
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Who needs marine surveying services?
- Ship buyers and sellers
- Ship owners and charterers
- Private yacht owners
- Cargo shippers in yachting, traders and receivers
- Insurance companies and brokers
- Legal and justice departments
- Governments and authorities
- Manufacturers
- Port terminals
- Financial institutions
- Others
What is included in a pre-purchase survey?
Modern yachts are nowadays often constructed from fibreglass GRP (Glass Reinforced plastic). When the construction is made, it is never 100% perfect and some impurities, small air gaps, and unhardened chemicals can remain in the hull. This sometimes becomes visible only after many years but can happen suddenly after building too.
When water finds its way into the laminate, often bypassing the gelcoat, a chemical reaction takes place. The water molecules get trapped and put more and more pressure. The osmosis and hydrolysis processes continue, giving osmosis blisters on the gelcoat or creating severe delamination and damaging the structural integrity of the hull.
An increased moisture level is not directly a problem, but from years of experience, we know that a higher moisture content is a higher risk for the development of osmosis and delamination. Just using a moisture meter is not enough to make a correct evaluation. Ask an expert to evaluate whether the problem is serious or just local. A full osmosis treatment can cost more than the sale value of some yachts.
What to ask for a valuation? And are the received outcome values just random digits?
An approved valuer shall make a thorough investigation of the ship, yacht, or object that needs to be valued. Many factors shall be considered and used for the calculations, such as the original purchase, the maintenance, and repairs made.
This is the technical value.
A second important part is the use of the object or ship and whether an object is very common or not. For similar ships or objects, the selling price shall be close. If an object is very rare and special, then it often only attracts a limited number of potential buyers. If the market is more active, with many candidate buyers, the price can reach higher levels. The absence of buyers can bring a value close to scrap value. A factor that is important for commercially used ships and objects is what the new buyer can earn with the ship. If there is huge demand**,** they shall need to make a high bid. If the commercial earning for the sector is negative, the seller shall need to accept less.
This is the value corrected for the purpose and earning possibilities.
A similar object or ship can have a different value, and this is related to the place where the object is located and the area it can be sold. These factors have an influence on the effective price a seller can realise. The need, reputation, and other factors are geographically influenced. A given value shall therefore often be connected with a sales area.
This value takes into account the possibilities that are related to a certain area.
At last, but not least, the time the sale is desired to be released is also an important factor. Sales made under pressure or at an auction shall have a different outcome than when a seller can wait for the right buyer. Based on experience**,** a valuer can make an estimation of this effect on the value. The efforts that are made for a sale influence the final outcome. Financial institutions are often interested in what the worst-case scenario is for a ship or object and see this as a risk evaluation.
This is the time pressure factor on the value.
How and why moisture measurements, osmosis, and delamination examinations are carried out?
Modern yachts are nowadays often constructed from fibreglass GRP (Glass Reinforced plastic). When the construction is made, it is never 100% perfect and some impurities, small air gaps, and unhardened chemicals can remain in the hull. This sometimes becomes visible only after many years but can happen suddenly after building too.
When water finds its way into the laminate, often bypassing the gelcoat, a chemical reaction takes place. The water molecules get trapped and put more and more pressure. The osmosis and hydrolysis processes continue, giving osmosis blisters on the gelcoat or creating severe delamination and damaging the structural integrity of the hull.
An increased moisture level is not directly a problem, but from years of experience, we know that a higher moisture content is a higher risk for the development of osmosis and delamination. Just using a moisture meter is not enough to make a correct evaluation. Ask an expert to evaluate whether the problem is serious or just local. A full osmosis treatment can cost more than the sale value of some yachts.
What are the purposes for which ultrasonic measurements and investigations are made?
Ultrasonic waves are waves with a wavelength that is too short for the human ear to detect. These short waves are sent and received on instruments, giving us valuable information about the remaining thickness, irregular noise generation in moving parts, or for leak detection.
These are examples where ultrasonic testing is used:
An ultrasonic probe and instrument measure the thickness of materials. In the shipping industry, this is frequently used for steel or aluminium ships and yachts. This is used to detect failures and corrosion. Measurements are carried out for hull plates, frames and watertight bulkheads, deck and upper structures, ballast tanks, and other tanks.
An engine, an axle, or a bearing creates a sound. We can hear this, and if unusual, we shall react and make the conclusion that a deeper investigation is required. But this problem often starts earlier and creates ultrasonic sound only. This remains undetected by the human ear unless we use special equipment such as ultrasonic instruments. This is a reason that ultrasonic instruments are used to predict defects at an early stage and for the control of general maintenance.
Another use of ultrasonic is that it can be used for leak detection. Examples are a vessel cargo hold for loading sensitive cargo, a window or hatch, or a tank. For this detection, a sender is placed and ultrasonic equipment is used to detect if ultrasonic waves can escape from the space. This method allows the detection of very small leaks that would otherwise remain undetected.
How do I choose the right surveyor?
In many countries, the terms surveyor, expert, inspector, or investigator are not legally regulated. Anyone can claim to be a specialist, but professional surveyors – experts invest in training, specialist tools, and keeping up to date with current regulations. Select a yacht surveyor with demonstrable experience, technical expertise, and a record of continuous professional development. Membership of recognised professional associations is a strong indicator of commitment to maintaining skills and standards.
Must I use the surveyor appointed by my insurer?
After an accident, damage, or irregularity, insurers often assign a surveyor to assess the cause, evaluate loss, and verify policy compliance. Their primary duty is to the insurer, not to you. You are fully entitled to appoint an independent surveyor to represent your interests alongside the insurance-appointed professional, ensuring impartial assessment and protecting your position. For complex cases, it is recommended to appoint the contra-expert as soon as possible. Evidence can be affected by time.
Why engage a marine surveyor?
A qualified surveyor provides independent, neutral advice that carries credibility in transactions and disputes. Key benefits include:
Evidence and documentation: A surveyor can confirm that procedures were correctly followed or that no issues exist, providing authoritative records.
High-value transactions: Yachts, cargo, and equipment often represent substantial investments. Banks, insurers, and other stakeholders may require independent survey reports.
Due diligence: Appointing a surveyor is standard practice for organisations to ensure proper due diligence and risk management.
How does a professional marine surveyor protect me?
Surveyors strengthen your position in disputes and provide legal protection:
Preventive measures: Witnessing operations, recording quantities, or assessing condition creates reliable evidence that is stronger than internal documentation alone.
Proactive support: In the event of a claim, immediate surveyor involvement preserves evidence, protects your interests, and informs your legal team on the best course of action.
How does a professional marine - yacht surveyor protect me?
Surveyors strengthen your position in disputes and provide legal protection:
Preventive measures: Witnessing operations, recording quantities, or assessing condition creates reliable evidence that is stronger than internal documentation alone.
Proactive support: In the event of a claim, immediate surveyor involvement preserves evidence, protects your interests, and informs your legal team on the best course of action.
Can a marine surveyor assist with legal matters?
Surveyors are not lawyers, but many have legal knowledge and can act as court-appointed experts, mediators, or arbitrators. They may provide technical guidance during legal proceedings or act independently on behalf of courts or arbitration panels.
What are the risks of not hiring a professional surveyor?
Failing to appoint a surveyor at critical moments can save money in the short term but may lead to substantial financial loss, legal complications, and reputational damage.
Examples of high-risk scenarios include:
- A condition before a transfer or risk/ownership or other event can only be made at the time and place. Not being present can result in a weak position in case of an accident or claim.
- Companies are often under high pressure and, whether we like it or not, failures and accidents happen. A surveyor’s task is to be there for your yacht or asset and take preventive actions, even requesting a stop until the risk has been evaluated and addressed. Better safe than sorry.
- Use a surveyor that is specialised. An INS surveyor has experience in your field of survey.
- A professional survey has a certain cost, indeed. But often the value of a professional is only recognised after hiring a non-professional amateur.
What due diligence should I carry out when appointing a surveyor?
Client responsibilities:
Clearly define the survey scope and provide relevant information at the time of instruction.
Surveyor responsibilities:
Confirmation and transparency: Confirm the instruction formally and explain fees and any additional costs.
Communication: Ask questions to ensure understanding of the scope and expectations.
Conflict of interest: Decline appointments where impartiality could be compromised, such as prior involvement with another party.