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What Every Yacht Owner Should Know About Marine (Yacht and Small Craft) Surveys

Updated: 17 minutes ago

Marine (yacht and craft) surveys are the cornerstone of responsible yacht purchasing and ownership, providing the critical foundation for informed decision making, safety aboard, insurance confidence, and long-term vessel value preservation. Our services are designed especially for international yacht owners—Brits, Scandinavians, Germans, Dutch, and others—seeking globally recognised standards and trusted guidance wherever they choose to sail. You’ll benefit from our practical expertise, broad industry experience, and a commitment to service quality for owners who expect and appreciate the highest standards.


What Is a Marine Survey and Why Should Every Yacht Owner Consider One?

A marine survey is a comprehensive professional inspection of a yacht that should be conducted by an experienced and qualified yacht surveyor. It assesses your vessel’s structural integrity, systems functionality, and overall seaworthiness against internationally accepted benchmarks. Surveys provide objective evaluations that protect owners from unexpected issues, support insurance applications, establish real market value, and provide peace of mind.


Our surveys examine every critical aspect of a yacht—from the complete hull, to engine and system installations, to all safety equipment. This process helps owners maintain outstanding vessels, ensure safety at sea, and meet the expectations of insurers, brokers, and buyers worldwide.


What Functions Do Marine Surveys Serve?

Marine surveys serve several essential purposes for yacht owners - from establishing market value for insurance to identifying potential safety hazards before they become dangerous and providing peace of mind through expert assessment. For buyers, sellers, and long-term owners alike, timely professional surveys demonstrate responsible ownership, ongoing maintenance, and unwavering commitment to vessel care.


Types of Marine Surveys for International Yacht Owners

As an independent surveying company, we specialise in delivering exceptional pre-purchase surveys, insurance condition reports, and detailed independent vessel assessments for clients operating across Europe and beyond. Our focus is on buyers and owners who value a high level of detail, expert insight, international standards, and an experience led, practical, hands-on approach to yacht surveys.


Pre-Purchase Surveys

A comprehensive pre-purchase survey is invaluable for buyers. Our process follows a meticulous, logical order that ensures nothing important is overlooked, for example:

  • Hull and deck structure

  • Structural reinforcements

  • Hull apertures including keel and rudder inspection

  • Thru hull fastenings including skin fittings and seacocks

  • Complete standing and running rigging inspection

  • Deck fittings

  • Electrical installation

  • Electronics and navigational equipment

  • Onboard systems

    • Autopilot

    • Bilge pumps

    • Gas installation

    • Diesel heater

    • Water maker

  • Anchoring and mooring arrangements


Examining these areas thoroughly allows you to purchase with confidence, knowing you understand the true condition and value of your investment.


Insurance and Condition Surveys

Many insurance providers require a recent, independent survey before offering a policy or renewing coverage. Our surveys are widely accepted by international underwriters and are tailored to highlight the key risk factors, maintenance needs, and strengths of your vessel—ensuring you get the right policy and fair terms.


Valuation and Damage Assessment Surveys

For valuation or after an incident, Our independent surveys provide the clear documentation, impartial reporting, and professional credibility needed to support your insurance claims or resale negotiations.


Theo Wakefield Marine Surveys - Contact Theo Now

Qualifications, Training, and Professional Approach

I, Theo Wakefield, hold respected qualifications including a diploma in yacht and small craft surveying. What makes my approach different is my training with the Marine Survey Associates (MSA) (previously British Marine Surveyors Europe - BMSE), where practical, hands-on experience under the tutelage of senior surveyors is at the core of learning. Yacht surveying is a tactile, complicated, multifaceted, and hands-on profession best mastered by direct mentorship and guidance in genuine real-world situations, not just by theory or correspondence study.


I have committed to continued professional development with certifications from the ABYC (American Boat & Yacht Council), the Maritime Training Academy, and NavalApp in areas such as yacht design, onboard system surveys, engine inspection and maintenance surveys, incident investigation, lithium batteries, electrical installations, and yacht repair - reflecting my commitment to a complete understanding of every aspect of a yacht, and the internationally recognised best practices therein. Furthermore, I am a member of the ABYC, the Royal Institution of Naval Architects (RINA), and Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST). I have the goal of broadening my accreditations when the time allows. In all regards, my clients’ needs drive my commitment to learning, and I continually adapt my skills to the evolving standards of the marine industry.




The Marine Surveying Process: What to Expect

A professional marine survey is a thorough, multi-stage process designed to deliver real knowledge, peace of mind, and actionable insights for yacht owners and buyers.

Initial Documentation Review: Before stepping on board, we review all available vessel documents—previous surveys, maintenance logs, registration papers, and owner notes, to understand the yacht’s history and tailor the inspection for your unique needs.


Owner Consultation and Requirements: Before the survey commences, I invite owners to share any concerns, upcoming plans, or vessel history that may affect the vessel’s value and condition. This collaborative dialogue ensures the survey addresses what matters most.


Comprehensive Hull and Systems Inspection: The examination starts with the hull and deck structure, structural reinforcements, keel and rudder, and all underwater fittings. Onboard systems—engines, steering, plumbing, electricals, anchoring arrangements, rigging, chainplates, navigational and electrical equipment, etc—are checked for condition and operation. Safety equipment (life rafts, life jackets, flares, EPIRBs, fire extinguishers, LPG alarms, etc) is inventoried and tested. All navigation electronics and mooring hardware are reviewed for readiness and wear.


Out of Water Inspection / Haul-Out Inspection: Haul-out arrangements allow for close physical inspection of the hull laminate / hull plating / hull planking, keel(s), rudder(s), thru hull fittings, stern gear, bow / stern thruster(s), anodes, grounding plates, etc, to inspect for condition, functionality, damage, fouling, corrosion, coat failures, and so on. Out of water inspections are vital. Do not let a broker, owner, or surveyor tell you otherwise.


Photographic Documentation and Record-Keeping: Every finding is documented with clear photos, annotations, and notes for complete transparency and future reference.


Report Preparation and Client Debrief: After inspection, you’ll receive a detailed written report with findings, recommendations, and photographic documentation. we always offer post-survey consultations to clarify every aspect, discuss options, and help you move forward with confidence.


How to Prepare for a Marine Survey

Proper preparation enhances the efficiency and value of your survey:

  • Assemble vessel papers, ownership documents, and maintenance records

  • Ensure access to all compartments, systems, and lockers

  • Have the vessel clean, tidy, and ready for inspection (including keys for engine/system checks)

  • Arrange haul-outs if needed for hull inspections

  • Be available for questions or clarifications about your vessel


Why Work with an Independent International Surveyor?

Unlike surveyors whose focus is limited by jurisdiction or local authorities, we provide truly independent advice guided by internationally recognised standards. Our goal: to empower yacht owners and buyers with authoritative, unbiased assessments supporting smart decisions and worldwide mobility.


Clients choose our services for:

  • Numerous five-star reviews for detailed, attentive, and transparent service

  • Continued professional education and active industry involvement

  • Sample reports you can review to see our standards first-hand

  • Approachability and genuine commitment to your best interests—whether buying, selling, insuring, or maintaining your yacht


By building a strong reputation and continually exceeding expectations, our growth is driven by word-of-mouth, repeat business, and outstanding results—not simply by logos or memberships.


Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a survey for my yacht insurance?

Most insurers require a current, comprehensive survey—especially for older vessels, larger yachts, or new policy applications.


How often should my yacht be surveyed?

A full pre-purchase or insurance survey every 5 years is standard for most owners, with more frequent assessments advised for commercial use or higher-value craft.


Can you provide reports valid for buyers outside my region?

Absolutely. Our reports are prepared to internationally recognised standards and accepted by buyers, insurers, and authorities across Europe and farther afield.


What if I am moving my yacht between countries or buying overseas?

As an internationally qualified, experienced surveyor, I specially tailor advice for owners and buyers operating in cross-border environments.


Can I see an example of your reports or speak to past clients?

Of course. We encourage prospective clients to review example reports and references— We take pride in transparent, detailed work and our satisfied clients are proof of that. Always ask for an example survey so that you know what you will be paying for.


Reputation, Reviews, & Client Assurance

Our reputation is built on detailed reporting, clear communication, and exceptional client satisfaction—demonstrated by solid five-star reviews and continued demand. We am happy to provide sample reports and references so you may judge our yacht survey reports for yourself.


Trusted International Yacht Surveyor—Your Next Step

Whether you are buying, selling, insuring, or simply seeking peace of mind, we offer highly detailed, hands-on surveys supported by international credentials and a thorough, approachable service style. Let’s work together to protect your investment and support your passion for yachting.


Contact us today to learn how independent, internationally focused marine surveys can support you—wherever your next adventure leads.


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