Services

Savannah, GA • Jacksonville, FL • Charleston, SC

Services - Introduction

When considering buying a boat, you really need to know what condition the vessel is in and what deficiencies are present. Some will be obvious, other’s will not. It is much better to understand exactly what you are about to buy, rather than finding a bunch of hidden faults down the track. That can be an extremely costly mistake, but one which is easily preventable.

An informed ACCREDITED MARINE SURVEYOR can advise you on the real condition of the boat you are looking to buy and offer a “Recommendations” list which can be used in price negotiations or become your first “work list”. Using an ACCREDITED MARINE SURVEYOR will satisfy any insurance company when seeking to find coverage for your new investment.

When choosing a MARINE SURVEYOR, it’s important to know what their experience is, do they have marine qualifications, do they have engineering experience or qualifications, are they members of an Accredited Marine Survey Association, i.e. SAMS or NAMS, have then been around; old enough to have witnessed first hand potential issues you can’t yet imagine and more importantly, do they have integrity, honesty, are they professionals and do they write easily understood survey reports.

I am a full-time Marine Surveyor, which means I will provide my full attention to you, the client, ensuring you will receive a well-informed, easily read, survey report. I am an ACCREDITED MARINE SURVEYOR and a member of NAMS. I have over 40 years of experience as a professional yacht captain/engineer. I have sailed multiple oceans and cruised in very remote locations while maintaining all systems on the yachts I was captaining. I have overseen refits in shipyards all over the world and the United States. Sometimes things have not always gone to plan, but fully understanding engineering has always allowed me to complete the tasks at hand and successfully complete each project.

I have undertaken a formal marine surveying apprenticeship with NAMS and have been mentored by some of the most experienced surveyors in the industry. I hold a Master Yacht 3000t license from New Zealand and a Master 1600t license issued by the United States Coast Guard. Both qualifications required many years of sea time, months of classroom time, and days of exams.

I have attained a Diploma of Cargo Surveying from Lloyd’s Marine Institute.

I am based in Savannah, GA, and offer my services between Jacksonville FL to Charleston SC including, St. Simons, Brunswick, Darien, Richmond Hill, Thunderbolt, Tybee Island, Whitemarsh Island, Wilmington Island, Isle of Hope, Hilton Head, Beaufort, and Port Royal.

I am available 5 days per week and endeavour to provide a written survey report in PDF format within 24 hours of completing the inspection of the vessel. My survey reports will provide, among other things, relevant details of the vessel, Hull Identification Number, registration number, engine serial numbers, gearbox serial numbers, USCG requirements and deficiencies, electronic and electrical condition, structural integrity, engineering details, previous maintenance, cosmetic condition, general layout, observations, recommendations, overall condition, and Current Market Value. My survey reports are backed by NAMS.

The Services We Provide

Pre-Purchase Marine Survey

A pre-purchase survey is usually performed when an individual is considering purchasing a yacht and/or an owner is looking to sell their yacht.

This is our most detailed and in-depth examination. Systems and equipment are operated and proven. A sea trial is performed and a haul out for bottom and running gear examination is performed. A written report is issued complete with a list of equipment seen onboard along with a detailed list of deficiencies and recommendations. Replacement and current market values are assessed using comparable yacht sales in the current market. The majority of lenders and insurance companies require a pre-purchase survey prior to binding a contract.

This survey can also assist a seller in evaluating what repairs and/or upgrades should be completed in order for the yacht to be placed on the market at a competitive price. Read More…

Condition and Valuation Survey

Condition & Valuation Surveys consist of visual examination and operational testing of yacht and systems, afloat or in dry dock. There is no trial run or haul out required, unless it is specifically requested.

This type of survey can serve as an official document stating the condition of the yacht, its identification numbers, compliance with applicable standards, the general condition of equipment seen onboard, and the fair market value. This type of survey is usually requested by the insurance company or a financial lending institution in regard to condition and value, however it can be used for other reasons, such as estate settlements and legal proceedings. Read More…

Container Inspections

Inspection of containers to comply with the International Organisation for Standardization (ISO). An ISO container inspection will access the structural integrity of a container, which will guarantee the durability of the container and the safety of any cargo transported.

Frequent inspections will ensure the safety of cargo transported, will keep costs down by detecting defects early and will help to maintain a good reputation for the shipping company.

Cargo Surveys

Cargo pre-loading survey and pre-shipment inspections.

Cargo loading and discharge.

Cargo damage.

Container Inspection.

Boat Handling Instruction

Become a more knowledgeable and confident boat captain with hands-on instruction, using your boat at your boat ramp or marina. My hands-on instruction will provide valuable lessons which will provide you with the confidence to maneuver your boat, impressing your friends and family along the way. No more embarrassing situations approaching the dock or boat ramp.

Learn how to evaluate the effects of wind and tide on your boat as you approach the dock, plan your maneuver with a thought to a plan B should things not proceed as you first thought. Understand the importance of instructing your friends/family on board so that they can assist in the docking procedure. Being able to understand the forces of wind and tide, having a docking plan in mind and a crew ready to assist is vital.

I’ve captained all sorts of boats from 20-ft inflatables, walkarounds to large (180-ft) yachts. I approach every dock the same way, check the current, wind, dock structure, possible dangers, dockside assistance if any, and provide precise instructions for my crew. Should things not go according to plan, have an emergency plan(Plan B) in place and know when to implement that plan. It’s better to pull back and have another try rather than crashing on the first try!

Damage Surveys

Damage Surveys are completed to determine and describe the nature, extent and likely cause of damage to a yacht or other vessel. Damage surveys are often requested by insurance companies, owners and managers. Damage surveys assist in the settlement of insured damage claims and the preparation of detailed repair specifications.

Follow up examinations are typically performed to document the repairs and other events related to the damage incident. We work with specialist engineers and investigators as needed, to help resolve outstanding issues. Read More…

Consultancy, Repair, & Refit

We offer a variety of repair and refit related services. We can expertly assist with preparation of repair specifications and bid packages, as well as following the repair project through completion. Read More…

Yacht and Boat Delivery Services

We offer delivery services, preparing a vessel for sea, moving the vessel to the destination of choice and ensuring the vessel is fit for its intended use upon delivery. Read More…

Request a Quote

We’ll prepare a proposal and walk you through every step of the process.

Contact