There is no one simple answer to this, however there are several drivers for the requirement to engage a professional surveyor. These being:

Increasingly stringent insurance requirements
There are increasingly stringent requirements for vessel insurance, with many insurers requesting either a survey or condition report as a condition of insurance.

Marina berthing and boatyard compliance requirements
Most marinas require comprehensive insurance to be in place prior to allowing berthing or the use of boatyard services.

As is industry practice in the EU, US and Australia, marinas are tending towards increased compliance, which can include berthing prerequisites such as evidence of Electrical Warrant of Fitness, LPG Safety Certification, smoke and CO detectors, functional bilges, sealed holding tanks, serviceable mooring lines and fenders.

This is especially relevant for the safety of live-a-board vessels, in high wind and storm prone areas such as Wellington.

Vessel provenance (history)
Owners are becoming far more aware of the benefits of having provenance with the vessel. This significantly benefits the owner when it comes to selling the vessel. An owner's survey can capture the condition of the vessel, including any work, repairs or inspections undertaken. These surveys can be periodically updated. Marsden Marine Ships Surveyors suggest that leisure vessels should be surveyed every 5 years.

Surveying industry development and professionalisation
Insurers are moving away from a competency-based surveying model. Previously a ‘competent’ person such as a boat builder could assess a vessel to the satisfaction of the underwriter. 
The Ships Surveying industry is continuing to be professionalised. Many insurers now request evidence of suitable training, recognised qualifications, professional body membership and ongoing CPD.

Increased focus on due diligence
Clients are becoming far more aware of the requirement to undertake due diligence as part of Sale and Purchase activities. This is not only to make sure that the vessel represents how it is described but also to satisfy third party requirements.

Legislation and consumer protection
If buying through a brokerage, the vessel can be subject to both the Consumer Guarantees Act and the Fair Trading Act. A survey provides a baseline of the actual state of the vessel prior to a Sale and Purchase.

'Survey' is the preferred term of the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS). A survey should result in documented 'findings' and possibly 'recommendations'. A survey is performed by a qualified marine surveyor and can include the examination of the vessel’s documentation as well as the vessel itself.  The purpose of a survey is to determine if the vessel meets with agreed standards, rules or regulations, or to provide a baseline state at a specific moment in time.

Marine surveys typically include the structure, machinery and equipment (navigational, safety, radio, etc.) and general condition of a vessel and/or cargo. It also includes judging materials on board and their condition.

To survey ships under the Maritime Operators Safety System (MOSS), a surveyor must hold a Certificate of Surveyor Recognition.

The recognition framework outlines the surveyor recognition categories defined by Maritime New Zealand, and the qualifications and experience required for surveyors seeking recognition to perform surveys of a particular category.

More information can be found here https://www.maritimenz.govt.nz/commercial/safety/surveyors/surveying-under-moss.asp

A marine surveyor (including "Yacht and Small Craft Surveyor", "Hull and Machinery Surveyor" and/or "Cargo Surveyor") is a person who conducts inspections, surveys or examinations of marine vessels, to assess, monitor and report on their condition and the products on them. They also inspect damage caused to vessels and cargo. Marine surveyors also inspect equipment intended for new or existing vessels to ensure compliance with various standards or specifications.

To survey ships under the Maritime Operators Safety System (MOSS), a surveyor must hold a Certificate of Surveyor Recognition.

The recognition framework outlines:

• The surveyor recognition categories defined by Maritime New Zealand.
• The qualifications and experience required for surveyors seeking recognition to perform surveys of a particular category.

'Surveyor' and 'Inspector' are often considered to be one and the same but should not be confused.

You should choose a surveyor who has a recognised qualification to undertake the work and is a member of a professional body.

The surveyor should be appropriately insured to conduct the work.

The surveyor should be able to provide a high quality report in a timely manner.

Qualified Ships Surveyors such as those qualified through Lloyds are usually able to survey vessels up to 24m.

Qualified surveyors are also usually members of professional bodies such as the International Institute Of Marine Surveyors, Society of Consulting Marine Engineers and Ship Surveyors, or Australasian Institute of Marine Surveyors.

Yes, a surveyor should provide an objective, independent assessment of the vessel.

Yachting New Zealand have a nationwide network of yacht inspectors who are always available for advice and assistance with all aspects of yacht safety. These inspectors are appointed by Yachting New Zealand under delegation from Maritime New Zealand. Yachting New Zealand Yacht Inspectors can check Category 1, 2 and 3 Safety Inspection requirements.

More information can be found here https://www.yachtingnz.org.nz/racing/safety-inspections

Boatbuilders can be extremely competent and knowledgeable, however before engaging a boatbuilder to undertake your survey you should check that your insurer will accept the boatbuilder's report.

It should be confirmed that the boatbuilder will provide a written report, and that the boatbuilder will sign and underwrite the report should there be any issues downstream.

Surveys are usually charged per metre of length overall (LOA). This may be  more on large vessels or on catamarans. A minimum rate is usually charged for smaller vessels. Surveyors will also usually bill travel time and claim any disbursements. Should a survey be cancelled, a cancellation/rescheduling fee may also be payable.

Marsden Marine Ships Surveyors deliver the reports within 5 working days. Should you require the report expidited this can be done for an additional fee.

Yes, Marsden Marine Ships Surveyors will travel throughout New Zealand, the South Pacific and worldwide to undertake inspections.

We have a detailed standard pricing schedule available upon request.

Yes, we have a dedicated affiliate, TS Marine Services,  who provide our mechanical survey capability. This is undertaken to a specific framework. Should you require it, we can send you the inspection framework.

Yes, Marsden Marine Ships Surveyors can provide court arbitration and dispute resolution services.

Marsden Marine Ship Surveyors can assist accident investigators when necessary. Accident investigators are those individuals forming an investigation team on behalf of an investigating authority. Accident investigators may use the surveyor to work with them to bring a specialism to the investigation team after the incident/accident has occurred.

Yes, we work extensively with Mariner Marine and Club Marine insurers, and can prepare the condition reports and risk assessments. We have also provided reports and risk assessments direct to insurers such as VERO and NZI.

It is usual to assess both the inside and outside of the vessel, depending on the scope and requirements of the survey. This will therefore normally include a lift or slip.

Surveys are completed to the requirements set by the client. Hull inspections, percussion tests and moisture surveys can all be undertaken.

Marsden Marine Ships Surveyors work with a number of specialist affiliates to provide specialist services. The specialist affiliate can be managed by us and the specialist report be attached as an appendix to the survey. Please get in touch with us to discuss your requirements.

Marsden Marine Ships Surveyors work with a number of specialist affiliates to provide specialist services. The specialist affiliate can be managed by us and the specialist report be attached as an appendix to the survey. Please get in touch with us to discuss your requirements.

It is the Captain or owner’s responsibility to provide safe access and a safe working environment for the surveyor. This includes access to the vessel, and the provision of safe ‘working at height’ equipment such as ladders and platforms.

A moisture survey will investigate the moisture content in the hull structure. It should be noted that all timber and GRP materials will absorb some moisture. What we look for is anomalous high readings which may signify a weakness and resultant excessive moisture ingress.

See our page on Common Issues here https://www.smallshipssurveys.co.nz/common-issues

The Recreational Craft Directive, Directive 94/25/EC on recreational craft, [1] as amended by Directive 2003/44/EC, is a European Union directive which sets out minimum technical, safety and environmental standards for the trade of boats, personal watercraft, marine engines and components in Europe. It covers boats between 2.5 and 24m, personal watercraft, engines and a number of components. It ensures their suitability for sale and use in Europe.

A link to how it is used in NZ can be found here https://www.maritimenz.govt.nz/commercial/safety/surveyors/documents/CE-certified-recreational-craft.pdf

Gelcoat is the the outer coating of fibreglass vessels. The gel coat shrinks when it cures and, due to the tensions (especially on single or double radius), when impacted it can cause cracking. This is sometimes called spidering.

It can be extremely difficult to tell if the laminate underneath has become compromised. Spidering is quite common on older GRP vessels and whilst unsightly is not usually structurally significant.

A 42ft boat!