EXPLORE What we CAN OFFER…..

ABOUT US

Based in Wareham, just west of Poole, we provide a friendly, prompt and reliable service for surveying both leisure and commercial vessels. Offering certification and assurance for boat owners, fleet operators, charter companies, builders, lawyers and insurance companies. A fully qualified marine surveyor accredited by the Royal Yachting Association (RYA), Mecal and Lloyd’s Maritime Academy. My expertise and certification allow me to conduct the following surveys:

  • MCA Coding for Commercial Vessels, Workboats, and vessels in the Commercial Pleasure sector

  • MCA Midterm and Annual Inspections

  • OSR Keel and Steering Gear Inspections

  • Tonnage Surveys

  • Pre-Purchase Surveys and Hull Surveys

  • New Build Pre-Delivery Inspections

  • Accident and Damage Surveys

  • Insurance Surveys

I have been immersed in the industry from an early age. After finishing school, I gained practical experience in boatbuilding, laminating and structural bonding on small yachts while actively participating in yacht and dinghy racing along the South Coast and Northern France.

I hold a Commercial Ocean Yacht Master certificate, which includes the Standards of Training, Certification and Watch-keeping for Seafarers (STCW), training in radar operation, sea survival, an MCA-approved engine course and firefighting. Additionally, I completed the RYA Professional Practices Responsibilities (PPR) course and earned the Yacht Master Offshore Certificate, required for commercial endorsement.

Professionally, I have served as First Mate on commercial vessels, worked on hydrographic survey boats and wind farm crew support vessels. My qualifications also include RYA certification as Day Skipper, Sailing and Windsurfing Instructor and Advanced Powerboating.

Lloyd's Maritime Academy logo, purple circle with white text
Maritime & Coastguard Agency logo with Royal Coat of Arms and text about certifying authority.
Mecal Logo

MCA CODING AND INSPECTIONS

modern ship cockpit with multiple screens and controls

All commercial vessels must adhere to the standards set by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) Code of Practice and obtain certification from an authorised certifying authority. As an authorised inspector through the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) and Mecal, I am certified to code vessels up to 24 meters load line length. With extensive experience and expertise, I provide vessel coding services and compliance advice to ensure your vessel meets all required safety and stability standards. This applies to commercial vessels used for sport, pleasure, workboats and pilot boats, ensuring they are fully certified and fit for purpose.

OSR KEEL AND STEERING GEAR

underside of a boat on land showing keel and rudder

Yachts participating in OSR Category 0-2 races must undergo an inspection of the keel and steering gear within two years prior to the race start. As approved surveyors authorised by the Royal Yachting Association (RYA), we conduct these inspections to ensure compliance with the World Sailing Offshore Special Regulations 2021, Regulation 3.02.3. This process adheres to the principles and practices outlined in Appendix L of the regulations which focus on maintaining the structural integrity of keels and rudders. Subject to a satisfactory inspection, the RYA will produce a simple ‘Statement of Compliance’ which can be used by owners to demonstrate to organising authorities that they have complied with the new OSR requirements. 

TONNAGE Survey

Person using a level tool on a boat deck at a marina.

When financing a vessel a Part 1 registration is generally needed to allow lenders to register their charge. To enable registration with UK Ship Register a Tonnage survey is required. A brief survey that requires a few measurements to be taken that can be done while the boat is in the water. As MCA-approved surveyors through the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) and Mecal, we are authorised to perform Tonnage measurements on commercial and pleasure vessels up to 24 meters in load line length. This applies to the Channel Islands, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands to name a few.

INSURANCE SURVEY

Person applying filler to a boat hull

An insurance survey is a thorough inspection of a vessel focused on its seaworthiness, structural condition and safety. Insurance companies often require a new survey once a vessel reaches a specific age. However, the exact requirements vary depending on the insurer, the value and age of the vessel.

PRE PURCHASE SURVEY

Two sailboats racing in the ocean, cloudy sky above.

As a first-time buyer or an experienced boat owner you will want to be confident that what you’re getting is worth the money, as well as an expert opinion of the condition of the vessel. You will want to avoid any surprises. We carry out a thorough check on every aspect of the vessel and will provide a detailed report before you proceed with the purchase, identifying any defects, highlighting any areas of concern and providing recommendations for any remedial work required. Pre-purchase surveys for second-hand boats are always advisable and cover a thorough inspection of all areas of the vessel, which offers great peace of mind.

Hull AND STRUCTURE SURVEY

Hand holding a Tramex Skipper Plus moisture meter against a surface, with a reading visible. Chalk markings "2 STBD" are seen on the surface.

Some clients are comfortable with the general condition of the vessel, but require specialist advise for the hull structure as damage here can prove expensive to repair. Arguably, one of the key parts to a pre-purchase survey is the hull. If you're confident with the interior and systems but are unsure in verifying the hull’s condition we will certainly give you clarity. While we conduct surveys throughout the vessel our specialty lies in the hull structural integrity. This will include percussion tests and moisture meter readings.

Large catamaran hull in a workshop setting

PRE DELIVERY INSPECTION

A Pre-delivery inspection of a new boat ensures that it meets all the agreed specifications and that it’s systems function properly before acceptance from the manufacturer or dealer. This inspection happens, with or without a sea trial, after the boat is commissioned and deemed ready for delivery. We will carry out a thorough check on the vessels structure, interior, exterior and systems. We will provide a detailed report identifying any defects to be remedied, before you complete the purchase.

ACCIDENT OR DAMAGE SURVEY

Person inspecting underside of a boat hull outdoors.

An Accident or Damage survey is usually carried out at the request of your insurance company. We have experience in assessing expert damage assessments for vessels after accidents or natural events, providing a detailed inspection of structural and system failures. We evaluate all materials, wood, GRP, or metal and onboard systems offering professional advice on repair methods and costs to restore the vessel. We have experience in assessing these vessels for storm damage throughout Europe.

Please contact us for a Quotation by either clicking on the email address or the telephone number, both at the foot of the page, or by completing the contact form to discuss the details of your survey. We are very keen to work with you.

CONTACT US

Sailboat on open sea with blue sky and fluffy clouds