Port Assist offers a comprehensive marine craft surveying and inspection service which includes the following survey and inspection types;
MCA SVC Code Compliance Survey
Port Assist is authorised to undertake MCA under 24m small commercial vessel (SVC) code compliance surveys on behalf of the Society of Consulting Marine Engineers & Ship Surveyors (SCMS) and Mecal MCA Certifying Authorities.
MLC Survey
Port Assist are accredited to undertake commercial vessel MLC (Maritime Labour Convention) survey on behalf of SCMS & MECAL certifying Authority's; conducting inspection of vessel facilities, documentation and crew contract documents in Compliance with MGN 490(M).
General Condition and Pre-Purchase survey
A full inspection of the vessel that usually takes place with the craft out of the water and may be undertaken prior to any purchase. The key areas to be inspected during survey are;
- Hull
- Keel
- Rudder, propellers and running shafts
- Machinery
- Mast & rig
- Sea inlets & plumbing
- Fuel installation
- Gas & Electrics
Survey Report
Upon completion of a survey, we will contact you to for a brief verbal report of the overall condition, with particular emphasis on any areas that require swift attention. The next stage is to produce a comprehensive written report, which we aim to have with you within 3-4 working days. The use of complicated and intimidating language will be kept to a minimum, however where technical terms are necessary, they will be clearly explained. Photographs of problems and defects will also be used throughout the report, to help add further clarity.
Just because you have received the report, it does not necessarily mean the end of our working relationship. We will always be happy to discuss the findings or answer any queries that you may have and provide further advice where necessary.
Insurance & Damage survey
This survey will cover the same criteria as the full general condition survey, it shall be conducted out of the water to the vessel insurers requirements and shall cover the structural and watertight integrity of the craft evidencing the general safety of the vessel.
If your vessel is damaged as a result of an accident your insurer or certifying Authority if applicable may require a damage inspection survey prior to and after the required repairs.
Other Services
Port Assist shall also undertake tonnage measurement survey and sea trails as requested. As a highly qualified and experienced mariner, Port Assist will also offer consultancy and advice services to cover a range of client instructions which may include; pre-purchase advice and support, overseeing repairs and offering advice during new builds, refit and any other relevant request for assistance.
Prepare your vessel and yourself for survey – notes for guidance
The below are the basic requirements to consider prior to undertaking a vessel survey inspection.
Port Assist will contact the vessel owner / operator prior to the inspection date and confirm the following;
- Has the vessel insurer or certifying authority been notified and approved the survey / surveyor?
- Full vessel details including; make & construction, Age and operational history including any previous damage etc.
- Vessel location – where is the survey to take place.
- Access to vessel – safe and easy?
- H&S requirements – lifejackets and LSE if on / near water, is ladder access or staging required? Is the immediate area subject to H&S requirements i.e. hard hat area?
- On most craft the interior of the hull is mainly visible in the bilge and inside lockers. Please remove as much personal gear as possible such as bedding, tools paint pots etc, and leave bilges and engine rooms clean.
- It is very helpful if lists of equipment are available, especially for items which may be removed from the vessel at time of survey such as GPS, electrical goods, dinghy's, liferafts, sails and outboards. An inventory is part of the survey and may be of great help to you at a later date if anything is stolen.
- Make a list of work recently completed or money spent, especially on engines, sails and standing rigging and previous survey.
- On the day of the survey make sure arrangements for access to the vessel and all lockers are available, along with any paperwork requested. By all means come down to open the boat and say hello, but please don't stay to watch us working unless asked to assist. A brief summary of the survey findings will be provided on completion, either by phone or in person, and the full written report will be produced on receipt of payment, usually within a couple of days.
- Remember the surveyor is acting on your instruction in your interests and for your safety, tell us about any known defects or areas of concern as we may be able to suggest solutions.
- Remember being properly prepared may avoid excess time or repeat visits that shall save both time and money for all concerned, remember we are acting in your best interest.
Fees
Because the type of survey, vessel design and construction vary so much, the appropriate applicable charge for professional surveying is charged at £50 per hour, inclusive of attendance for survey, travel time and report writing.
Mileage will be charged at £0.45 per mile for surveys out with the 25mile radius from the operating office.
Professional fees are based on industry standard, and we believe them to be very competitive. We do not charge VAT or travelling expenses to any survey within 25 miles from the Port Assist Office. Where the client requires travel further afield, expenses will be charged on a case-by-case basis, and we will always endeavor to keep them as low as reasonably possible.
If you would like more information about a particular service, please get in touch.
