Services - Malta Yacht Surveys - pre-purchase condition & insurance surveyors and consultants

MALTA YACHT SURVEYS

Independent Marine Surveyors and Consultants

Services

A wide range of services and advice are available. All work is completed promptly and efficiently throughout Malta and the central Mediterranean area.

A report detailing the areas examined, defects found, how serious they are and how they can be rectified, is normally posted and/or e-mailed within 48 hours. Colour photographs are included where appropriate, to provide a better understanding of any defects found.

Click on the links below for detailed descriptions of each service.

Surveys

Pre-purchase Survey
Insurance Survey
Damage Survey
Appraisals and valuations
Warranty Survey
MCA and MMA Coding
Tonnage and registration
Superyachts
Osmosis surveys for GRP hulls
Ultrasonic surveys for metal hulls

Other Services

Infra Red thermography
Battery testing
Galvanic protection testing
"Fuel bug" testing
Engine oil and fluid analysis
New build and refit supervision
Dispute resolution
Documentation and Manuals
Pre-survey work for major Classification Societies

Pre-purchase Condition Survey

As when buying a house or a car it is essential when buying a boat to ensure that the vessel is not only structurally sound, but also that equipment and fittings are in good condition. It is often the case that sellers are not aware of non-visible defects and by the time the buyer has noticed any faults the sale has completed and there is no means of recourse from the seller.

When buying a new or second-hand vessel, the normal procedure is to make an offer “subject to survey”. In other words, an offer is made to purchase the vessel at a price agreed between the vendor and purchaser. A deposit is then paid (usually 10% to a yacht broker), subject to a satisfactory survey. If a yacht broker is handling the sale, a contract is drawn up between the two parties. This states the time limits during which a survey must be completed, followed by acceptance or rejection of the vessel, or re-negotiation of the purchase price, within the terms of the contract.

When buying direct from the vendor, it is also advisable to have a recognised form of contract which states the deposit is returnable if the survey highlights material defects. At the time of agreeing to purchase “subject to survey” the arrangements should be confirmed with the surveyor. If you need any advice before paying a deposit or signing a contract, we will always be pleased to help.

Our Pre-purchase condition survey reports contain the following sections:

Hull, Deck and Structure.

1.   Details of Subject Vessel

2.   Keel

3.   Hull below Waterline

4.   Topsides above Waterline including Rubbing Strake

5.   Deck Moulding & Coachroof

6.   Cockpit

7.   Hull/Deck Join

8.   Bulkheads and Structural Stiffening

Steering, Stern Gear, and Skin Fittings

9.   Rudder and Steering

10. Stern Gear

11. Cathodic Protection

12. Skin Fittings and other through Hull Apertures

On Deck

13. Main Companionway and other Accesses to Accommodation

14. Ports & Windows

15. Pulpit, Stanchions, Pushpit, Lifelines and Jackstays

16. Rigging Attachment Points

17. Ground Tackle and Mooring Arrangements

18. Other Deck Gear and Fittings

19. Davits and Boarding Ladders

Rig

20. Spars

21. Standing Rigging

22. Running Rigging

23. Sails and Covers

Safety

24. Navigation Lights

25. Bilge Pumping Arrangements

26. Firefighting Equipment

27. Lifesaving and Emergency Equipment

Engines

28. Engines and Installation

29. Generator

30. Fuel System

Accommodation and on Board Systems

31. Accommodation General

32. Gas Installation

33. Fresh Water Tanks and Delivery

34. Heads

35. Electrical Installation

36. Electronic and Navigation Equipment

Recommendations, Conclusions and a Valuation

Osmosis Survey

A detailed examination of the external underwater area of the hull for osmosis and other types of gel coat blistering, which normally includes removal of sample sections of the anti-fouling paint around the hull. (This is included in Pre-purchase Condition and Insurance surveys)

We use a Sovereign Quantum Survey Meter. This is a state-of-the-art electronic meter which has superceded the previous generation of analogue instruments such as the Tramex Skipper. Specifically designed for marine use, including a calibration check facility, with both Deep and Shallow functions for in depth or near surface moisture detection in GRP, or for measuring moisture content in timber. Air temperature and humidity are automatically compared for Dew Point temperature to be displayed. Spot surface temperature readings can also be taken to warn of potential condensation problems, misleading moisture readings, or unsuitable conditions for commencing coating applications. Surveyors can establish a datum reading and then select the Comparative function to display readings automatically above or below selected datum, enabling large surface areas to be quickly assessed. A bright traffic light series of LEDs display instant visual information and below this a numerical readout is available for recording specific readings.

Insurance Survey

A survey required by an insurance company, prior to issue, or renewal of an insurance policy. Usually similar to a Pre- Purchase Survey.

Damage Survey

Damage Survey Reports can be instigated by Insurers or Owners to estimate the extent of necessary repairs and their cost. Damage Surveys are usually required by an insurance company to assess the extent of damage to a vessel resulting from an accident. The surveyor will carry out a thorough examination and report on the resulting condition of the vessel, the probable cause of the damage, recommended repairs, and an estimate of the cost of such repairs. This will require liaising with the client, boat yards or repairers and transportation specialists.

It should be noted that insurance companies expect immediate reporting of accidents / incidents, and speedy damage assessment and reporting by a surveyor. Every effort should also be made to minimise further damage or deterioration of the vessel following the incident. Machinery should protected internally from further corrosion after immersion. Electrical or Electronic accessories should be removed or salvaged where this is feasible.

MCA Small Commercial Vessel and Workboat Code of Practice

All Red Ensign vessels in commercial use, up to 24 metres load line length, which go to sea and carry no more than 12 passengers and/or cargo, are required by law to comply with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) Small Commercial Vessel and Workboat Code of Practice. Malta Yacht Surveys are Appointed Examiners for the Code which covers:

Sailing charter vessels, both skippered and bareboat

Motor charter yachts, both skippered and bareboat

Angling and dive boats

RIBs operating commercially

Workboats

Pilot boats

All yachts covered by the Code will have to undergo a compliance examination, "which is an examination of the vessel, its machinery, fittings and equipment to ascertain that they comply with the requirements of the code. Part of the survey should be conducted out of the water. Yachts will be issued with a Certificate of Compliance with the Code.

Apart from direct improvement in terms of yacht, crew and passenger safety, Code compliance and certification will enhance the image of the yacht in the charter and brokerage markets. Even yachts not engaged in commercial activity are encouraged to seek compliance not only for safety reasons but to increase their perceived value.

The MCA can certify the yacht for charter use within limited voyage ranges, between 60 an 120 miles from a safe haven. A 60-mile range can be quite adequate for charters in the Mediterranean and Caribbean. By having a limited voyage range, some negotiation on difficult areas and requirements of the rules will be possible.

Tonnage Surveys

As an Appointed Surveyor I am able to carry out Tonnage Surveys for Part 1 British Registration for all of the Red Ensign registries (UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man, Cayman Islands, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Gibraltar, Anguilla, Falkland Islands, Montserrat, St. Helena, Turks & Caicos Islands)

Appraisals and Valuations

Appraisals can be made of a number of craft which fit the intended use and budget of the client and a recommendation made as to which is the most suitable. A valuation is a superficial examination of a vessel to determine her current market value. It can be combined with a Basic or Full Survey, when required by Insurance and Finance Companies.

Supervision of Construction

Periodically inspecting the construction or conversion of a new vessel at critical stages, to check quality control.

Supervision of Repairs

Making periodic inspections of repairs to ensure they are completed satisfactorily.