Facebook Linkedin Linkedin
  • ins@ins-survey.com

What people ask

Frequently Asked Questions

INS offers global coverage with 24/7 availability

What does a marine surveyor do?

A marine surveyor is a qualified specialist who examines vessels, yachts, cargo and maritime installations to assess their condition, safety, value and regulatory standing. Acting impartially, the surveyor prepares detailed reports for buyers, sellers, insurers and solicitors. Their expertise covers hull construction, machinery, onboard systems, certification and statutory requirements. The aim is to protect assets, enhance safety and provide clear technical evidence where questions or disputes arise.

A pre-purchase survey is a thorough inspection arranged before committing to the purchase of a ship, floating object, or yacht. The hull, superstructure, engines, electrical systems, safety equipment, and paperwork are reviewed. Any defects are identified, the overall condition is assessed, and likely repair costs can be indicated, together with an opinion of current market worth. A full written report is supplied to assist with negotiations or to inform a decision on whether to proceed. These reports are suitable for insurers and financial purposes if required.

The duration varies according to the vessel’s size, design and the level of inspection required. A standard yacht survey may take between half a day and a full day, while larger commercial craft can require several days. Sea trials, tank inspections or other additional checks will extend the timeframe. Cargo inspections may range from a few hours to multiple days depending on the nature of the goods and the operation. Estimated timescales are confirmed when booking. We recommend that the time window is large enough so that the full survey can be take place.

An on-hire survey records the vessel’s condition at the commencement of a charter. An off-hire survey documents its state upon return. Comparing the two reports provides objective evidence of any changes during the charter period, helping to determine responsibility for damage or deterioration. We also verify the correct quantity of bunkers and equipment on board before and after. Parties need to agree on a final delivery time and place; if attendance is not possible (E.O.S. upon arrival), the surveyor shall adjust the calculations based on consumption.

Insurers frequently require an up-to-date professional survey before issuing or renewing cover, particularly for older or high-value vessels. An insurance survey considers safety arrangements, maintenance standards, and potential risk areas. This process benefits both the owner and the underwriter by identifying concerns before terms are agreed. Some policies also stipulate follow-up inspections at set intervals. A regular survey is also beneficial for owners from a safety and responsibility point of view. Most insurance policies do not cover lack of maintenance.

A damage survey examines deterioration arising from events such as collision, grounding, or severe weather. The surveyor determines the probable cause, identifies affected structures or systems, and evaluates the scope of remedial work. The resulting documentation supports insurance claims or legal proceedings, and attendance during repairs can be arranged to verify satisfactory completion.
A damage survey determines the history, the cause, and the extent of damage.

In certain surveys the surveyor expert shall assist in salvage of ship and/or cargo.

Cargo surveys verify the condition and quantity of goods at loading, during transit, or at discharge. The inspection may include measuring weights or volumes, reviewing stowage methods and packaging, and noting any contamination or shortfall. Independent findings help shippers, consignees, and insurers avoid or resolve disagreements.

Non-marine surveys apply comparable inspection standards to land-based facilities. Warehouses, storage depots, pipelines, and industrial sites can be assessed for structural integrity, operational suitability, and compliance with safety requirements relating to cargo handling and storage.

Yes. Goods transported by lorry, rail, or inland waterway can be examined for quantity, condition, packaging, and securing arrangements. Comprehensive reporting provides reliable evidence if discrepancies or claims occur.

A condition survey offers a general evaluation of a vessel’s current state and upkeep. Owners often request this type of inspection ahead of insurance renewal, sale, or extended cruising. The report details structural, mechanical, and safety observations and may assist with maintenance planning.

Surveyors can act as independent experts in arbitration or court proceedings. This includes preparing technical reports and, where required, presenting evidence relating to vessel damage, cargo disputes, or contractual matters.

An expert surveyor often works for one of the involved stakeholders (such as an owner, charterer, buyer, seller, or insurer). His or her task is to assist in the defence of that party’s position.
Alternatively, a court may appoint an expert surveyor who works solely to assist the judge with technical information and expertise. The judge alone delivers the verdict and determines the consequences, although the expert’s conclusions are often followed.

A mediator brings the parties together, evaluates the facts, and encourages the parties to find a solution themselves outside court proceedings (or while court action is placed on hold). This process requires agreement between the parties, and confidentiality is respected. If mediation fails, court proceedings remain open.

An arbitrator is often appointed before an operation or contract commences, so that any dispute can be managed through arbitration. An arbitrator must be independent and not previously involved in the matter. The arbitrator investigates the case and issues conclusions that are often binding on all parties. For this reason, it is preferable for parties to nominate the arbitrator before the start of the contract, although in some cases the appointment is made after a dispute arises. This requires agreement by all parties, or the arbitrator may be appointed by a judge. An arbitrator’s decision is, in most cases, final and binding.

A counter survey provides an independent reassessment when an earlier report is challenged. By conducting a fresh inspection and reviewing previous findings, the surveyor supports clients in negotiations or claim discussions. Many insurance policies include legal assistance, which then covers the costs of the counter‑expertise.

Technical expertise can be used to clarify the facts in contentious situations and to narrow differences between parties. Objective analysis often assists in achieving settlement without formal litigation. Read more about our mediation services.

Safety inspections can be undertaken to confirm compliance with international conventions and local regulations, as well as general safety requirements.

Equipment such as life-saving appliances, fire-fighting equipment, pollution prevention arrangements, and navigational systems are examined to ensure lawful and safe operation.

A safety survey is often required when transshipment takes place or when heavy or dangerous cargoes are handled. In such cases, the safety surveyor prepares for and follows up on the cargo operations.

Audits of safety management systems, operational processes, and regulatory compliance can be performed. Reports highlight deficiencies in documentation or practice and set out practical steps for improvement. A contract partner may request an audit, and companies may also have internal audits carried out by an external partner to improve the quality of their systems. This includes ISM, ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001.

A heavy lift survey assesses whether a vessel is suitably prepared to handle exceptionally large or heavy items. Structural strength, crane capacity, stability calculations, and load distribution are reviewed to confirm that the proposed operation can be completed safely.
Lashing and securing are also witnessed to confirm they are carried out in accordance with the method statement and requirements for safe cargo transport.

A heavy lift survey aims to prevent damage from occurring or to ascertain any damage upon arrival. It is common for an independent surveyor to be present alongside specialists from the shipping company and the handling terminal.

Yes. Jetties, harbour installations, storage buildings, and related infrastructure can be surveyed. Inspections consider structural soundness, safety compliance, and operational efficiency, with documentation suitable for insurers or regulatory authorities.

A surveyor can also assist in improving operations relating to safety, logistical flow, technical systems, time management, and damage prevention.

We offer evaluations and audits, which can be carried out on a regular basis.

Training programmes are available for both new entrants and experienced practitioners. Subjects include inspection techniques, report preparation, and understanding of relevant regulations, combining classroom learning with practical vessel and cargo assessments. Basic training typically ranges from a minimum of six months to two years, and full professional experience often takes more than two years to achieve.

Professional skippering services can be arranged for deliveries, sea trials, or temporary command. Qualified skippers manage navigation, passage planning, and vessel handling for coastal or offshore passages. Inland navigation via rivers and canals is also possible.

Read more at www.yachtsurveyor.com

Modern yachts are nowadays aften constructed from fibreglass GRP (Glass Reinforced plastic). When the construction is made this is never 100% perfect and some impurities, small airgaps and unharden chemicals can remain in the hull.  This sometimes react only visible after many years but can happen sudden after building to. When water find his way into the laminate, often bypassing the gelcoat a chemical reaction take place. The water molecules get struck and put more and more pressure, the osmosis and hydrolysis process continue and giving osmosis blisters on the gelcoat or can create a severe delamination and damage the structural integrity of the hull. An increased moisture is not directly a problem but by years of experienced we know that a higher moisture content is a higher risk for the development of osmosis and delamination. Just put a moisture meter is not enough to make a correct evaluation. Ask an expert to evaluate if the problem is serious or just local. A full osmosis treatment can cost more as the sale value of some yachts.

Ultrasonic waves are waves with a length that are too short  for the human ear detection. These short waves are send and received on instruments and giving us valuable information about the remaining thickness, irregular noise creation on moving parts or for leak detection.

These below are  examples where ultrasonic testing is used:

  • A ultrasonic probe and instrument measure the thickness of a commodities. In the shipping industry this is frequently for used for steel or aluminium ships and yachts. This to defect failures and corrosion. Measurements are carried out for the hull plates, frames and watertight bulkheads, deck & upper structures, ballast tanks and other tanks.
  • An engine, an axle, a bearing creates a sound. We can hear this and we unusual we shall react and made the conclusion a deeper investigation is required. But this problem often starts earlier and create ultrasonic sound only. This remains undetected for the human ear unless  we use special equipment as ultrasonic instruments. This is a reason that ultrasonic instruments are used to predict defect in an early stage and for the  control of general maintenance.
  • Another use of ultrasonic it that it can be used for leak detection. Example are a vessel cargo hold to load 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 get out of the space. This method allows to detect very small leaks than otherwise remain undetected.

Charges depend on factors such as vessel type, dimensions, location, and the scope of work involved. A clear quotation is issued in advance so clients know the anticipated cost. Commissioning a professional survey can prevent significantly greater expense by identifying issues early or supplying robust evidence in the event of a dispute.

For certain frequent services, we offer standard fixed fees based on the required survey. Other survey fees are calculated based on time, complexity, and any additional costs involved (time and effort).

An approved valuer shall make a throughout investigation of the ship – yacht or object that need to be valued.  Many factor shall be consider and used for the calculations 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 if an object is very common or not. For similar ship or object the selling shall be close. Is an object very rare and special then it  often only attract a limit of potential buyer. If the market is more oriented with many candidate buyers the price can reach  up high.  The absence of buyers can bring a value to nearby scrap. A factor that is important for commercially used ships and objects  is what the new buyer can earn with the ship.  Is there huge demand he shall need to make a high bit.  Is the commercial earning for the sector negative the sellers shall need o accept less.

This is the value corrected for the purpose and earning possibilities with it. 

A similar object or ship van have different value and this related to the place where the object is located and the area it can be sold. These have an influence on the effective price a seller can realise. The need and reputation and other factor are geographical influenced.  A given value shall therefore often been connected with a sales area.  

This value taking into account the possibilities that are related to certain area. 

At last, but not at least the time the sale is desired to be released is an important factor. Sales made  under pression or at an auction shall have a different outcome then when a seller can wait for the right buyer.  Based on experiences 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 what can be worst case scenario for a ship or object and see this as a risk evaluation.

This is the time pressure factor on the value.