©  ACMS 2023
Inspection, description and details of the Head. The Head compartment is yet another straight forward, uncomplicated area to inspect and report. The Head typically consists of a marine toilet, hand wash basin, and some type of shower arrangement. There is often an overhead hatch and side port to be inspected. All devices should be checked for proper operation except for the macerator and overboard discharge. The headliner, sole and all accessories that comprise the interior of the head should be inspected and their condition should be indicated in the report. Inspection, description and details of the engine and mechanical space. As we are working on a vessel where the engines are located beneath the deck of the main salon there should be two large hatches in the sole allowing plenty of entry space for a thorough compartment inspection. Typically, once the hatches are open, we should have good access to inspect the compartment and its components. The engine beds (stringers) and the metal engine motor mounts must be thoroughly inspected. The outboard stringers are often difficult or impossible to access and that should be noted. Engines should be checked for excessive corrosion and improperly secured components. Fuel lines, both rubber and hard line should be checked for condition, routing, and proper attachment to the structure. Motor numbers should be noted if available and the type and condition of the reduction gear should be indicated. The shaft, connection to the reduction gear, and shaft log condition are next. The exhaust system, including manifolds, risers, hoses and silencers should be thoroughly checked. Through hull devices should be bronze with smooth operating ball valves. All hoses and raw water intake strainers should be approved for their current application. Double clamps are suggested by many insurers and rusted hose clamps are to be replaced. All hoses should be checked for crimps, kinks,and other situations that may restrict the flow of liquid. Excess water and oil in the bilge should be noted. Are the bilge pumps and float switches working properly and is there a high-water alarm? An automatic fire suppression system must be properly inspected and dated. Inspection, description and details of the electrical system The inspection of the vessels electrical system (AC and DC) should start at the main breaker panel. All circuits should be checked for proper operation, condition and security of the wiring and electrical devices as can be inspected. Ground fault interrupter breakers should be installed according to code. Shore power supply receptacles should be in good, clean condition. If an isolation transformer is installed, is it properly connected? AC and DC ground systems should be verified. Is the engine compartment wiring properly routed and secured? Engine and mechanical spaces require a very thorough inspection of all wiring, AC and DC. All wiring AC and DC wiring should be checked for routing, secured properly, excessive terminal corrosion, and shielding missing or corroded. Batteries: Batteries should be properly boxed or otherwise secured and protected from shorting or movement. Terminal corrosion should be noted. All current carrying wire should be marked as stranded marine grade conductor, and should be protected with a circuit breaker that is suitable for the wire size and load it will carry in a proper control panel. Frequently the engine room space house the water heater, components of the septic system, a battery charger, and other miscellaneous equipment. All should be inspected for visible defects, wear, and other problematic issues. Safety equipment While it is OK to make a peripheral inspection of onboard safety equipment, most marine surveyors do not have the technical experience to know the exact condition of all the safety equipment required by the Coast Guard for all size vessels. I have included this line in the recommendations paragraph of just about every survey I have written. (Ensure that a complete Coast Guard Safety and Signaling Package for this size vessel be included in the inventory). Page 4 of 7 go to Page 5