|
Scope of Surveys
The purpose of a marine survey inspection is
to determine - insofar as possible within the limitations of visual and
physical accessibility - through non-invasive and non-destructive means,
the boat's structure, systems, cosmetics, and levels of compliance with
currently applicable law and commonly accepted industry standards and
practices.
Certain parts of the boat's structure,
systems, and equipment can only be inspected after removing, bulkheads,
joinery, headliners, tanks, etc. This is prohibitively time consuming,
potentially destructive, and costly to restore. Unless specifically agreed
upon prior to the survey, and only after having received permission by the
Owner or his/her representative, components requiring access with tools or
by disassembly will not be inspected.
Where dirt, marine growth, coatings buildup
or corrosion restricts the surveyor's ability to inspect, this limitation
will be noted in the report. Conditions suspected or discovered using
non-destructive methods may be further subject to invasive testing for
confirmation. No invasive or destructive methods will be utilized during
the inspection without the express permission of the boat's owner or
his/her representative.
Hull and deck mouldings will be subject to
close visual inspection, random percussion sounding, and Protimeter
Moisture Meter readings. Moisture readings can only be taken on clean and
dry surfaces, and can only be conducted when air temperatures and the
temperature of the laminate of hull and decks are above freezing. They are
only a guide and are not a guarantee against present or future moisture
intrusion into the laminate or core material or against the existence of,
or future development of osmotic blisters. They are generally not reliable
on bottom laminate, which is painted with cupreous paints, or on salt
covered decks and topsides.
The use of electronic moisture detection
equipment in marine surveying is a relatively new technology. These
instruments and their readings are subject to expert techniques and
interpretations. In my opinion, moisture detection equipment should
never be relied upon exclusively or out of context of other usual and
customary survey observation practices and field testing methods (some
invasive and/or destructive).
If the mast remained is stepped, it will be
viewed from deck level only. Complete inspection of machinery, plumbing,
electrical systems and equipment can only be made by disassembly or
continuous operation. This will not be done, but may be advised. No
mechanical tests will be performed on propulsion or auxiliary generating
equipment. No compression tests will be performed. No fluid samples will
be drawn. Only the installation and external condition of machinery and
accessory equipment will be inspected. This should not be considered a
complete mechanical inspection. Qualified marine mechanics experienced
with the specific machinery installed should be employed to survey
propulsion engines and auxiliary generators. Propulsion and rudder shafts
will not be drawn for inspection and no engine/propeller shaft alignment
will be checked. The inspection of flexible piping will be limited to the
condition of its external casing and only where readily accessible for
visual inspection.
Electronic and electrical equipment will be
tested by powering up and their basic function will be observed. No
measurements will be taken; no calibrations or adjustments will be made.
Batteries will not be load tested. Only the external condition of
electrical wiring, connections, and system installation will be inspected.
No attempt will be made to perform a complete analysis of the boat's
electrical systems, as to do so would require disassembly with tools,
removals, etc, to gain access to components.
Generally, it is my
experience that few boats surveyed today meet all of the applicable
standards for marine electrical system fabrication and installation. This
situation may be further aggravated by the wet and corrosive marine
environment, and often by the owner's tolerance for poor installations,
do-it-yourself add-ons, and a general lack of preventative maintenance.
Therefore, when the surveyor's limited visual inspection of an electrical
system raises significant concern regarding standards compliance, the
recommendation will be made to employ a qualified marine electrician for
an in-depth inspection. Attention to compliance with electrical standards
is critical to avoiding conditions that may lead to fires, explosions,
personal injury, or death.
A sea trial is strongly
recommended and will be conducted if requested by the client. The boat
must be operated by its owner or the owner's authorized agent. If no test
run is requested, and if the boat is afloat, operation of propulsion and
auxiliary machinery and the steering system will be observed in static
mode. If the boat is blocked ashore, no machinery will be operated. Boats
in a state of winter lay-up preclude operation of winterised systems.
Sails, bimini tops, awnings, winter covers, etc., that are furled or
stowed below decks, are not rigged or laid out for inspection, will not be
evaluated. Absent documentation to the contrary, used canvas will be
assumed to be original equipment. Meaningful evaluation of biminis,
awnings, and winter covers is best made by a qualified canvas
maker.
Boat systems and their 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 exposure, service
history, etc. These systems and their component parts often give no
readily detectable external indication of deterioration or impending
failure.
An assessment whether the boat is in full
compliance with all of the rules regulations and standards will be beyond
the scope of the survey. The surveyor will not warrant expressly or
implied, or guarantee compliance of the boat with above mentioned rules,
regulations or standards.
The foregoing commentary is provided to give
readers of this page an understanding of the survey process and its
limitations. Since records of the boat's history of use and past
maintenance are typically not made available to the surveyor, reported
observations will necessarily be limited to the boat's condition at the
time the inspection is performed. |
