“We need a surveyor” covers a wide range of work. The right surveyor, and a useful report, both depend on being clear about the question the survey needs to answer. Here are the survey types buyers ask for most often, and how to brief them.
Condition surveys
A condition survey records the general state of a vessel: hull, machinery, equipment, accommodation and maintenance standards. Owners use them before insurance renewals, financiers before lending, and managers when taking over a vessel. Say what the report is for, because an insurer, a bank and a new manager will each look for different things.
On-hire and off-hire surveys
When a vessel is delivered into or redelivered from a charter, on-hire and off-hire surveys record its condition and the bunkers on board. Comparing the two helps settle who pays for damage or differences in fuel. They are often carried out jointly on behalf of owner and charterer, which reduces disputes later.
Damage surveys
After an incident, a damage survey establishes what happened, the extent of the damage and the likely repair cost. It may be requested by the owner, insurers, P&I clubs or cargo interests, and each party may appoint its own surveyor. Act quickly: evidence and photographs are most useful when gathered soon after the event.
Pre-purchase surveys
Buyers of used vessels, and especially yachts, commission a pre-purchase survey to understand what they are buying. It can include an out-of-water inspection, machinery checks and sea trials. Agree the scope in writing, including what is excluded, and allow time for specialist inspections such as engine oil analysis or rigging checks where relevant.
Cargo and draught surveys
Draught surveys calculate the quantity of bulk cargo loaded or discharged by measuring the vessel’s draught before and after. Cargo surveys check the condition, quantity or quality of cargo, and may involve sampling. These are time-critical and usually tied to the loading or discharge schedule.
Warranty surveys for offshore operations
Marine warranty surveyors review and approve high-risk offshore operations such as tows, heavy lifts and rig moves on behalf of insurers. They are usually appointed early in a project so that procedures can be reviewed before the operation, not just attended on the day.
Briefing a surveyor
Whatever the survey, a good brief states who is instructing, what question the report must answer, the vessel and location, access arrangements and timing, and any documents the surveyor should see. Ask about the surveyor’s experience with your vessel type and the relevant class or flag, and agree the format and delivery date of the report. A clear brief is the best way to get a report you can rely on.
