Pre-Purchase condition of vessel Surveys

Pre-Purchase condition of vessel Surveys
For over 20 years AIM Control has been providing "Professional Marine Services" to Vietnam, International area ship’s owners.
Pre-Purchase Surveys/inspections
A pre-purchase survey is a thorough inspection of the vessel’s structural and watertight integrity, system’s installations, and operating condition, as well as performance. A comprehensive report is issued which includes an equipment list, specifications and detailed list of deficiencies and recommendations. Replacement and market values [in US dollars] are assigned to the vessel. Most lending institutions and insurance companies require a pre-purchase survey.
Also known as a "Buyer's Survey", it is a detailed examination/inspection of a vessel to determine its condition and value. The survey is done for a prospective buyer prior to the actual purchase.
Although a particular vessel may have a well-documented history of use and maintenance, it is in the best interests of the client that the findings of the surveyor result specifically from its current state. The survey is therefore based solely on a careful inspection of all accessible portions of its structure and available equipment such as:
• Hull/Deck/Coachroof laminates and cosmetic condition
• Underwaterbody through hulls and seacocks
• Interior frames/bulkheads and supporting structures
• Rudder and steering gear
• Propeller, shaft, cutless bearing, strut
• Deck fittings, lifelines, stanchions, mooring cleats
• Accommodation spaces - Interior finishes
• Galley equipment - refrigeration
• Fresh water tanks, pumps, hoses, heaters
• Marine Sanitation Devices (MSD) - holding & discharge systems
• Engine, fuel system, exhaust system
• Electrical systems - 12VDC & 120VAC
• Storage batteries - load testing
• Navigation equipment/ electronics
• Ground tackle, windlass
• Spars and rigging
• Fire fighting and Safety Equipment
• LPG and CNG systems
Under ideal circumstances, the Pre-Purchase Marine Survey consists of three phases:

Phase I:
Ashore with full access to the underwater body. All areas of the underwaterbody, sideshells and deck/coachroof are inspected by "sounding" and testing with a moisture meter to determine the structural integrity of the vessel. The keel, rudder, hull penetrations, and propulsion components are evaluated. Electrical systems and electronics are tested. However, some testing of systems and verification of certain components, such as sea valves, stuffing boxes, and steering systems can only be done while afloat under operational conditions.
Phase II:
Afloat with all tanks filled and all systems operating. Propulsion machinery is operated, but in a static mode only and not under load. The integrity of sea valves and hull penetrations can be verified. Certain auxiliary systems can also be run, but only to a limited extent.
Phase III:
Sea trial underway with all machinery and systems operating. Sea trials are at the request of the client with the vessel operated by the owner or the owner's authorized agent. Propulsion machinery is operated under load and all systems and components can be tested under actual sea conditions. Generally, the following activities take place:
• 40-60 minutes at normal cruising engine revolutions
• Engine Instrumentation & controls checks
• Engine block & exhaust temperature measurements
• Engine exhaust system integrity evaluation
• Full power trials (maximum engine revolutions)
• Hard over to hard over (steering systems test)
• Emergency stop
• Steering astern
• Operation of marine electronics and navigation gear
• Demonstration of electrical system(s)
• Demonstration of bilge pumping system(s)
• Demonstration of potable water system
• Demonstration of marine sanitation system
• Demonstration of galley equipment
Contact with us for a Sample Marine Pre Purchase Survey Report
The Insurance Survey/Casualty Investigation
Insurance underwriters periodically require that an inspection be done to verify that the vessel is an acceptable insurance risk. In this inspection, the insurance company is concerned with the overall structural condition of the vessel, its fair market value and, most importantly, the presence of any hazardous conditions that would affect its safety at sea.
Insurance surveys can be done when the vessel is afloat or ashore. If the vessel is afloat, the insurance company may require that it be hauled so that the condition of the underwaterbody, keel, rudder, and propulsion equipment can be evaluated.
The insurance survey is not as detailed as the pre-purchase survey and is not intended to be as comprehensive. Only critical systems are tested and cosmetic conditions are only noted when they markedly affect the vessel's value. Safety and structural issues are the primary concerns. The insurance survey should never be accepted in lieu of a full pre-purchase survey when purchasing a vessel.
The Appraisal
This inspection determines the fair market value of a vessel and is used for a variety of purposes such as collateral, estate assessment, litigation, etc. The focus is upon the condition and value of the boat's structure and its accessories/equipment.