MARINE
INSURANCE SERVICES
62 Commonwealth Road, Barrie, Ontario, L4M 0C9, (705) 728-7437, FAX
(705) 730-0518
E-Mail: downer@marineinsureservices.com
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 |
$12.00 Per Foot Overall Length |
|
Mileage per km |
$0.45* |
|
Travel |
$40.00 Per Hour* |
|
Photographs |
Included |
|
Office Fee/Report |
Included |
|
Phone/FAX |
Phone Rates |
|
Postage |
Included |
*Discounts may be available.
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.
Michael B. Downer, A.A., B.Sc., C.I.P.,
President
Marine Insurance Services E-Mail
downer@marineinsureservices.com
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A Division of 113495 Ontario Limited