MARINE
INSURANCE SERVICES
62 Commonwealth Road, Barrie, Ontario, L4M 0C9, Phone (705) 728-7437, Mobile
(705) 528-8841
E-Mail: downer@csolve.net
MARINE SURVEYS
You've
heard the old adage, "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of
cure?" In many cases, the initial expense of a marine survey could prevent
a substantial loss. Marine insurance is one good form of protection for boat
owners against accidental loss. Unfortunately, statistics show that most yacht
losses are due to defects, and problems which can be discovered and prevented
by a quality Marine Survey. Safe, and sound boats are good insurance risks that
help both boat owners and insurers--ultimately reducing premiums for boat
owners, and assuring profitability for insurers. A renewal of the Marine Survey
should be required periodically; most insurers request surveys every five
years. This will help ensure that the vessel continues to be kept in fair condition.
The value will be re-assessed so that the amounts of coverage and premium can
be adjusted.
A
Marine Survey is a general view, inspection or investigation of the condition
and value of a vessel and all of its parts. This should not be confused with a
Marine Appraisal, which is performed after a vessel has sustained some damage.
A Marine Surveyor is a person professionally engaged in performing Marine
Surveys, qualified to give expert opinion, suggestions and recommendations
concerning vessels and all their parts.
Our
Surveyors determine an accurate value of the vessel in its present condition,
which allows the owner to carry a suitable amount of insurance. The survey also
provides thorough identification of the boat, improving the chances of recovery
if the vessel is stolen. Most importantly, the survey ensures that the vessel
meets the current Coast Guard safety equipment standards and reveals mechanical
and structural defects which could pose safety threats. Boat owners may wish to
have a survey conducted as an aid to selling their boat; prospective buyers may
request a survey as proof of value and safety.
The
Ontario Marine Surveyors Association (OMSA) provides standards of
professionalism and ethics in this field. OMSA surveyors have proven experience
and expertise; OMSA accredited marine surveyors are established throughout
Ontario.
|
Marine Survey Rates Sheet |
|
|
SERVICE |
MARINE SURVEY |
|
Base Survey |
$18.00 Per Foot Overall Length |
|
Mileage per km |
$0.50 |
|
Photographs |
Included |
|
Office Fee/Report |
Included |
|
Phone/Mobile |
Phone Rates |
Conditions
The
marine survey is given without prejudice and the surveyor, his company or agent
cannot be held liable for any and all actions, causes of actions, claims and
demands for damages howsoever arising in consequence of making his inspection
and appraisal. The survey is given completely without prejudice as a result of
a general examination only and it is understood that no liability is assumed
for any error or omission.
Scope of Survey
The
purpose of this survey inspection is to determine, inasmuch as is possible
within limitations of visual and physical accessibility, through
non-evasive/non-destructive means, the condition of the subject vessel's
structure, systems, cosmetics, levels of compliance with currently applicable
mandatory and voluntary standards, and other industry standards and common
practices. The survey of the vessel is based solely on a careful visual
inspection of all accessible portions of its structure and available equipment.
Certain parts of the hull and structure, equipment and machinery, plumbing and
electrical systems and rigging can be inspected only be removal of flats, sole,
decking, bulkheads, headliners, tanks, and joiner work. This would be
destructive in nature, prohibitively time consuming and expensive to restore,
and therefore, has not been done. Components requiring access with tools or by
disassembly will not be inspected. Complete inspection of machinery,
auxiliaries, piping, tanks, and systems can be made only by disassembly or by
continuous operation. This has not been done. Where dirt, marine growth,
coatings buildup, rust, or corrosion obscure ability to inspect this limitation
will be noted in report text. Conditions detected with the use of electronic
meters may be further subject to invasive testing for confirmation. No
destructive or invasive methods are involved in usual survey practices.
Sailboats' rig and rigging are inspected at deck level only. Unless otherwise
known to be fact spars and standing rigging are presumed to be original
equipment. Where open water voyaging or extended cruising is planned it is
advised that a qualified marine rigger be employed to go aloft for inspection
of rigging. Masts and rigging should be struck periodically for inspection and
routine preventive maintenance. No mechanical tests are performed nor are fluid
samples drawn on propulsion or auxiliary generating machinery. Only the
installation and external condition of machinery and accessories are visually
inspected. This should not be considered a complete mechanical inspection.
Qualified marine mechanics experienced with brand specific engines should be
employed to survey engine(s) and generator(s). Propulsion and rudder shafts are
not drawn for inspection although this action may be recommended. Inspection of
flexible piping is limited to condition of its external casing and only where
accessible for visual inspection. Electronic and electrical equipment is tested
by powering up and observing function. No calibrations or adjustments are made.
Load testing is not performed on batteries but may be recommended. Only the
external condition of electrical wiring, connections, and systems' installments
will be visually inspected. No attempt is made to perform a complete analysis
of marine electrical systems as to do so often requires extensive removals of
joinery, disassembly of panels, etc., to gain access to components. Generally
it is the surveyor's experience that few vessels surveyed today meet all of the
applicable standards for marine electrical system fabrication and installation.
This fact is further aggravated by the wet and corrosive marine environment and
owners' tolerances for poor installations, "do it yourself" add-ons,
and a general lack of preventive maintenance. Therefore, when this surveyor's
limited visual inspection of an electrical system raises standard compliance
questions the recommendation will be made to employ a qualified marine
electrician for a thorough inspection. Attention to compliance with electrical
standards is critical to avoiding conditions which will lead to fires,
explosions and personal injury or death. Sea trials are strongly recommended
and conducted at the request of the client. The vessel must be operated by the
owner or his authorized agent. If no sea trial is requested operation of
propulsion engine(s) and steering system is observed in static mode and only if
vessel is afloat. If vessel is blocked ashore no machinery is operated. Vessels
in a state of winter lay-up preclude operation of winterized systems. Sails, Bimini
tops, dodgers, awnings, winter covers, etc., are not laid out for inspection.
Sails will be hoisted on sea trials but are not hoisted or unfurled otherwise.
Used sails are accepted to have conditions of normal wear and tear for age.
Meaningful evaluation of sails is best carried out by a sail-maker laying sails
out in a loft. Other "canvas" is visually inspected when in position
in installations. Ship's systems and vessel component parts have a limited
useful life and must be considered perishable. Conditions affecting
"useful life" include original material specifications, fabrication
and manufacturing techniques, atmospheric exposures, history of use, etc. These
systems and component parts often give no visually detectable indications of deterioration
or impending failure. The federal Rules and Regulations for Recreational Boats,
published by the American Boat and Yacht Council, along with the voluntary
Standards and Practices for Small Craft, also published by ABYC, and those of
the National Fire Protection Association, Section 302 (NFPA), provide some of
the reference bases for the surveyor's recommendations where applicable. Where
compliance with a standard cannot be determined this will be so noted.
Insurance underwriting standards vary and may or may not be known by the
surveyor. The foregoing commentary on the scope of the survey process and its
limitations is designed to give the purchaser of the service some perspective
about what can and cannot be expected from the survey inspection. Since records
of history of use of the vessel and its maintenance schedules may not be
available the findings of the surveyor are necessarily limited to the current
condition of the vessel as accessible for visual inspection. Further
qualification remarks may be found in the body of the survey report as may be
required with reference to a specific part of the vessel or its equipment. Survey reports are sent in .PDF format by
email only.
Michael B. Downer, A.A., B.Sc., President
Marine Insurance Services E-Mail
downer@csolve.net
HOME
MEMBERS: OMSA, ABYC, IAMI
A Division of Downer & Associates Insurance Adjusters Limited