Preparing the vessel for inspection is an owner's (or owner's representative) responsibility. Specifically, there should be reasonable access to all areas of the vessel (lazarette, lockers, machinery compartments including steering, fuel spaces, etc.). This may mean the temporary relocation of sail bags, inflatable small boats, heavy furniture, carpets, etc.; and personal equipment and gear, especially in the case of live-aboard boats, prior to the arrival of the surveyor. Bilges should be as clean and dry as possible. There should be DC and AC power readily and fully available (fully charged batteries, shore power as applicable) for operational testing. Equipment and gear to be inspected and tested should be properly installed. The surveyor will not start or operate combustible fueled machinery or equipment, therefore, the owner or owner's representative must be available to do so, and to execute any other reasonable inspection requests, when asked to do so.

Prior to the Survey, the prospective buyer should request from all parties to the sale, full disclosure including, but not limited to, drawings, operational records and logs, maintenance and repair records and logs, casualty / damage loss experience, vessel and equipment manuals, registry status, existing liens, etc.

The purchaser of a vessel has certain responsibilities and is strongly encouraged to be present for the on-site inspection. While the surveyor's first priority is to the inspection process, the purchaser is encouraged to accompany the surveyor during the on-site inspection, and an on-site consultation will follow the inspection to address any questions the purchaser has; and to qualify important findings. Other interested invited parties may attend the on-site inspection (but not the on-site consultation). The surveyor's findings and opinions are reserved for the purchaser (except for high risk findings which may place the vessel in imminent danger).

The commissioning party (usually the purchaser) is responsible for all payments. This includes payment to the surveyor which is required at the time of the on-site inspection unless other terms are approved in advance by the surveyor. For general survey fee information, please visit our Survey Fee page (link at left).

The commissioning party (again probably the purchaser) is also usually responsible to coordinate others employed in the course of a survey, and for payment of fees to them. This would include fees for haulout services (and bottom cleaning), engine / machinery surveys, rigger's inspections, etc.