Time and additional expense can be saved by preparing the vessel for inspection and making her more accessible. Arrange to present a clean, orderly boat, and have all papers and miscellaneous gear ready. If applicable, you will need to make arrangements with the marina to haul the vessel for bottom inspection, and retain a captain for a trial run. Lockers and cabin areas should be cleared of all miscellaneous gear.

For pre-purchase inspections, the client (prospective buyer) should obtain permission for the surveyors to board the vessel and provide written verification by signing the vessel Boarding Agreement/Contract and forward electronically to the surveyor(s) prior to the inspection

Preparing a Vessel for an Inspection

Douglass Marine Company LLC respectfully requests that clients requesting a marine survey inspection read and initial the following so that the vessel to be surveyed is properly prepared at the time of survey to avoid additional expense and delays in completion of the marine survey inspection.

1. The owner or representative has given written permission for the marine survey inspection.
2. The broker’s listing has been made available to the surveyor if applicable.
3. The owner’s manuals and service records are aboard or otherwise available to the surveyor.
4. The registration and/or documentation is available to the surveyor either aboard, scanned and emailed or faxed to the surveyor to be included in the report.
5. All safety equipment as required by the U.S. Coast Guard (such as PFD’s, fire extinguishers, etc.) is aboard and accessible.
6. All protective covers have been removed to allow total access to all areas of the vessel.
7. Keys or combinations of locks and ignition key(s) are available at the time of the survey inspection.
8. Batteries are charged and AC power is available.
9. All electronics to be reported on survey report are installed.
10. Marine toilets are clean and ready for use.
11. Bilges are dry and clean with operational bilge pumps.
12. The owner/broker has been requested not to hose down the vessel on the day of the survey as this precludes reliable moisture meter readings.
13. If a hull inspection is requested do not apply new anti-fouling bottom paint prior to inspection.
14. If hauling and/or launching are required, appropriate arrangements have been made in advance with the boatyard or marina.
15. If a trial run is requested, appropriate arrangements have been made in advance:
    1. The vessel must be operated by the owner or his/her authorized representative
    2. The owner has the vessel adequately insured.
    3. Sufficient fuel is on board to operate the vessel for at least two hours.
    4. The engine(s) is/are operational and fluid levels have been checked.
    5. Sufficient crew is available to handle the vessel and dock lines without involving the surveyor(s)
       assistance.
    6. The vessel has adequate safety equipment for all those participating in the trial run.
       

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