Marine survey report criteria The marine surveyor must remember that his description of a vessel will guide the buyer, lender, and insurer which path to take. If the report is not clear, as to the description and condition of the vessel, or lacks detail the user of the survey will not be able to make an educated decision, thereby rendering the survey useless. ACMS does not recommend a specific format for the survey report as the information contained within the report far outweighs the format. By listening to buyers, lenders, and insurers, we have determined that the information below provides a guideline for a professional report. All surveys Page one should include the clients name, the location and date of the inspection, the reason for the inspection. A statement commenting on whether the vessel was hauled or afloat, and a list of the standards and regulations used for guidance in determining the condition and value of the vessel. ACMS relies on the “Code of the Federal Register and/or ABYC current standards. Page one should also include the type of vessel, the manufacturer, and other specifications of the vessel. (length, breadth, draft, year of manufacture, vessel name, and identifying numbers). Many lenders and insurers require a tracing or photo of the hull number. Photos should be included on the page that includes a defect or questionable issue. Fiberglass Vessels, Power and Sail up to forty feet in length A description of the outside sections of the hull: a. Freeboard Appearance and condition of the gel coat or paint, results from percussion soundings, and results of the moisture meter readings. Pay special to the condition of the transom and swim platform if outboard are installed. The Security of all through hull devices as inspected from the outside, including exhaust ports, and all other ports. b. Below the waterline The appearance and condition of gel coat or paint. Results of percussion soundings. (Use light metal or hard plastic mallet), and result of the moisture meter readings, assuming that the use of the moisture meter is appropriate. Keep in mind that many bottom coatings defeat the use of most moisture meters. The condition of the keel attachment, rudders, rudder posts, struts, propellers, propeller shafts, cutlas bearings, shaft alignment, and trim planes. Security of all through hull devices as inspected from the outside, including exhaust ports, ground plates, zincs, and all other below the waterline devices you may encounter. c. Deck attachments The appearance and condition of all hardware attached to the deck, including the hull/deck attachment, and the results of the internal composition inspection, ie, soundings and moisture meter readings. Include what the deck inspection revealed regarding the security and overall condition of the entire deck structure. Gunwales should be considered part of the deck structure. If there is a cabin, either moulded into the deck structure or mechanically attached, the same inspection protocol should be followed as the deck protocol. Special attention should be paid to all ports, hatches, and other devices that could provide a pathway for water to enter into the cabin. If the cabin is mechanically attached, the attachment hardware should be carefully inspected for the presence of corrosion. A description of the interior sections of the hull should include the following: a. appearance and condition of the interior of the hull, (sections that can be observed), also including stringers, frames, engine supports, bulkheads, hatches, all through hull devices, and any other devices that are attached to the interior of the hull. b. appearance and condition of all engines, running gears, (including complete exhaust system), fire suppression equipment, shafts, logs, and mechanical spaces. c. appearance and condition of fuel supply system, Backfire flame arresters, fuel tanks, fuel lines, filters, and all related supports and attachments. Fuel lines should be identified as Type and Code, approved or not, and how they are secured. d. appearance and condition of all installed electrical and electronics devices, wiring, circuit overload protection systems, proper harnessing, use of proper size and type wire, GFCI, isolation, reverse polarity indicators, ground system, bonding system, especially the condition of the bonding system terminals regarding corrosion, and any other miscellaneous electrical devices that are permanently installed. e. appearance and condition of all installed devices of the interior of the vessel, including galley components, head and related head hardware, operating station, including all related, permentially installed hardware and equipment, and any other fixtures that are permanently attached to the vessel. f. appearance and condition of all potable and waste water installed devices, tanks, ines, and connections, including fixtures, pumps, and lock out mechanisms. Appropriate pump out sinage. g. appearance and condition of Safety Equipment, ground tackle, and backup ground tackle. Sailing vessels: All the above plus the Rudder and rudder tube, Tiller and below deck steering equipment, quadrant and connecting hardware and other devices unique to a sailing vessel. If sailing vessel is to be used off shore: Suggest a professional rigger pull the mast and confirm the sailing equipment, lines, shrouds, and entire rig is suitable for such sailing along with a written report. Sails should be checked by the local sail loft if off shore sailing is a possibility. Over time, several lenders and insurers have expressed an interest in the following items being grouped on one page at the end of the report. This sample page would be included in the body of the report. Sample below Title, (Item specific page). 1. Coast Guard Safety and Signaling package..... The package is aboard and is properly dated and sized fot this size vessel Electrical 2. AC/DC Isolation....... The Isolation system is installed and is in good condition, a GFCI installed 3. AC/DC ground system...... DC ground in accordance with ABYC standards, Bronze Dynaplate mounted on transom AC ground, as originally equipped (Closed loop system). 4. DC control panel..... original, at control station, well maintained. DC wiring is original stranded copper with original harnessing in place. All electrical wiring must be of the proper type and size, and well secured. 5. AC Main control panel..... In main salon in original condition. 6. Fuel system: Fuel lines.... Flex line, are in good condition, properly secured, US Coast Guard approved type rubber reinforced lines. 6a. Fuel line shut-off valve...... Two bronze valves, one at each tank. Both are in good condition and secure. 7. Fuel tank..... Aluminum, well secured, sections that can be observed are in good, clean condition, no oxidation noted. 8. Propulsion system….. Carburetor back fire flame arrester..... installed on each carburetor, US Coast Guard approved type. 9. Exhaust system.....US Coast Guard Approved type rubber, appropriate silencers, in good condition, with original supports in place. Condition of all exhaust system components must be indicated. 10. Engine mounts..... secure 11. Engine shaft logs..... They are secure, properly clamped. Hull and Mechanical systems 11A. Engine compartment ventilation.....There are two Coast Guard Approved type 12 volt blowers along with appropriate flexible ductwork to hull outlets. There in good condition and properly secured. 12. Rudder shaft logs.... Both are secure and free from excess corrossion. 13. Rudder tower.... Both rudder towers are steel, with lots of corrosion and needs service. 14. Steering gear and controls.... Hydraulic to manual, lines and hardware are original and are in good condition. 15. Overboard fittings..... all bronze fittings below the water line, shut-off valves are working and are well maintained, appear original. Related hoses are US Coast Guard approved type and are double clamped. Overboard fittings are plastic above the the waterline and in good condition. 16. Backup ground tackle....... not observed Look for the ACMS seal or logo on your next Marine Survey report.