Care should be taken when choosing a Marine Surveyor.
Any legitimate practicing surveyor would be expected to be a member of some form of surveying organization. For example like; The International Institute of Marine Surveying (IIMS), The Yacht Designers and Surveyors Association (YDSA) or at least The Chamber of Marine Engineers (GMO). Before you choose any surveyor please check their credentials.
The buyer’s best friend when it comes to inspecting and evaluating the condition and seaworthiness of a boat is a competent marine surveyor well versed in boat construction, as well as safety and manufacturing laws, requirements and practices.
Hire your own surveyor to be sure the inspection is done with your interests in mind. Make sure that the seller is acting independently before you use a surveyor recommended by the seller /broker, and don’t rely upon a survey report provided by the owner. It could pre-date existing conditions that need repair or gloss over problems that are expensive to fix, even downright dangerous.
Gulets should be surveyed both in and out of the water. Haul-out and other fees are at the buyer’s expense. Engines should also be inspected by an independent marine mechanic. Follow up the survey inspection with a sea trial to see how the boat handles underway. Are there performance problems that make the boat unstable? Does all the gear work properly?
Surveys and sea trials that turn up flaws or problems can either allow you to back out of the contract without penalty or can be used to renegotiate the purchase price of the boat.
There are internationally recognized independent surveyors and experts in Turkey who can assess the condition and suitability of a Gulet for its intended purpose. The marine surveyors exist on their expertise and independence. They all have personal experience of the majority of boatyards and repair facilities in Turkey and understand the Gulet charter business.
MARINE SURVEY TYPES & SERVICES
Pre-Purchase Marine Surveys: This is the most extensive and inclusive type of inspection and is advisable when considering the purchase of any pre-owned boat or yacht regardless of its age or reputation. Outward appearance, condition, and functionality of the boat should be covered including, the hulls structural integrity, electrical components and wiring, the drive system, fuel transfer system, other propulsion modules, electronic and navigation equipment, onboard support systems, and additional safety equipment. The evidence of previous maintenance, or lack of, should also be considered. Additionally, an out of water bottom inspection and a operational sea trial should be included.
Insurance Marine Surveys: This service is performed to assist the insurance carrier in the determination of risk involved for a particular vessel. Their interests include structural integrity, safety, as well as its intended use. Many insurance companies require a survey on a particular boat or yacht before coverage is offered. They will also have a vested interest in the boats fair market and replacement values.
Valuation Inspection: This inspection is performed in order to obtain adequate data or information solely for the determination the fair market value of the boat, yacht, or ship. This is often required for financial considerations, estate dispositions, charitable donations or litigation.
Damage Inspection: This investigation is performed to demonstrate or determine the extent and cause of a reported casualty. The resulting report may be used for claim indemnification or protestation. Normally, this inspection is required to assist in the insurance claims settlement process and could include recommended repairs, estimated repair costs, and if requested, possible cause.
Shipping / Cargo / Container Survey: This type survey inspection generally involves the verification and inspection of cargo for transport via ocean going vessels. A detailed report may include the quantity and condition of the cargo, the method of handling, loading, or stuffing, the techniques used for blocking, lashing and bracing, the type and location of hazardous materials, and a review of the bill of lading and other shipping documents.
Video Presentation: This examination is offered to save the prospective buyer the time and expense of visiting the vessel personally. A video of the entire boat will be converted to right format and shipped or posted as directed. This method can be very useful in determining if further interest in a particular boat, yacht, or ship is warranted.
SURVEY FAQ’S
Why do I need a marine survey?
As a buyer, you need a survey to satisfy the requirements of lenders and underwriters. More importantly, you need to be aware of the condition and value of the boat you are about to purchase, from the perspective of an independent, experienced professional. Issues that affect the vessel’s safety, performance, and general condition are always easier to deal with when you know about them before you have finalized your purchase. After you complete your purchase, you will also need a survey to obtain insurance, and you will need to provide your insurance company with updated surveys every few years.
What kind of survey do I need?
For purposes of insurance, financing or the establishment of value you need our basic condition and valuation survey. This survey is performed with the vessel in static mode, without any of its systems running. This type of survey does not include a sea trial. This survey can be performed in or out of the water. If the purpose of your survey is for insurance, you should contact your insurance company to determine whether they require an out-of-the-water bottom inspection. If you are purchasing a vessel you need a pre-purchase survey. This survey includes operation of all the equipment on the vessel, a running sea trial, and a haul-out and bottom inspection. In the case of sail boats, it also includes a complete rig inspection, with the surveyor going aloft.
What is a Condition and Value Survey?
Simply put, a Condition and Value Survey (CVS) is a report which details the current condition of a boat and estimates its value. The surveyor will complete a thorough visual inspection of the boat you intend to purchase. Some non-destructive testing, such as sounding the laminate with a hammer or testing with a moisture meter may be included. If you want the bottom inspected on boats in the water you will need to arrange for haul out and pay for this before the survey appointment. The surveyor won’t be able to take things apart (destructive testing) because you don’t own the boat.
How should I choose a marine surveyor?
Anyone can call themselves a marine surveyor. To be certain the surveyor you hire has the experience, ethics, and professionalism to properly represent your interests, be certain that he or she has a professional accreditation. If you are buying a yacht, you are making a major purchase. The surveyor should have expert-level knowledge about yachts and boats in general, and should be knowledgeable about the type of boat you are considering purchasing. You should choose a surveyor who is experienced, who will be thorough, and who takes the time to answer your questions in a way that makes you feel comfortable.
What good does it do me as a boat owner?
Most importantly, the survey helps determine the overall condition of your vessel, that it meets the safety criteria which safeguard your passengers and crew. For individuals buying or selling a boat, a Condition and Value Survey helps determine the actual value of a craft. The survey also helps you determine whether you’re carrying the proper amount of insurance coverage. Remember that you are hiring our surveyor for his or her objective opinion of the condition of the boat and its value. You may not agree with their final findings in either regard but you have benefited from their professional opinion.
Who pays for what in a pre-purchase survey?
In a pre-purchase survey, the buyer pays for the survey and also pays the shipyard for the haul-out. The selling party is typically responsible for any expenses related to the day’s operation of the vessel, for example, the costs of fuel, captain/crew, etc. In a perfect world, one of the brokers will provide a sumptuous lunch.
