Preparing your vessel for a survey isn’t just about being helpful, it directly impacts the quality of the inspection.

If a surveyor has to spend time emptying lockers to access the hull for example, their survey time is reduced to focus on important elements such as the structural integrity of your vessel.

We’ve put together a comprehensive pre-survey checklist to follow before your surveyor arrives.

Accessibility (clear the way)

  • Empty the Lockers: Surveyors need to see the structure of the vessel. Clear out sails, fenders, loose equipment and personal items to provide access to the internal hull, frames, stringers, chainplates, etc.
  • Clear the Bilge: Ensure bilges dry and clean. A dirty or full bilge hides leaks and structural issues.
  • Remove Sole Boards: If they aren’t screwed down, lift them. If they are, ensure the surveyor has permission (or help) to access them.
  • Cushions and Bedding: Move cabin cushions and mattresses away from inspection hatches or engine access panels.

Documentation and Paperwork

  • Gather the “Ship’s Library”: Place all manuals, service records and previous surveys on the salon table or navigation station.
  • Proof of Ownership: Have the registration document, VAT status documents and insurance papers ready for inspection.
  • Equipment List: Provide a printed list of all electronics, safety gear (with expiry dates) and recent purchases / upgrades.

Mechanical and Electrical

  • Batteries: Ensure all batteries are fully charged so the surveyor can test electronics, electric bow thruster, electric winches, electric windlass, navigation lights, inverter function etc.
  • Engine Access: Clear the engine compartment where possible and make sure the bilges are not full of water. However, care to be taken not to clean too much away, as some oil drops / pooling etc may indicate a problem that might otherwise be missed by visual inspection.
  • Shore Power: Ensure the vessel’s shore power cable is ready for use and in good condition.
  • Tenders and Outboard Engines: If these are included in the sale, ensure the outboard is accessible including the key / kill chord.

Safety and Rigging (Sailing Yachts)

  • Clear the Decks: Remove sail covers if the surveyor needs to inspect the mast or boom.
  • Safety Gear: Lay out life jackets, flares, fire extinguishers and life rafts in one area so the expiry dates can be checked efficiently.

Logistics and Keys

  • The “Permission to Board”: Ensure the marina office knows the surveyor is coming.
  • Keys and Codes: Provide a full set of keys and or key codes (including ignition and padlocks) and any alarm codes or Wi-Fi passwords for electronic testing.
  • Haul-out Coordination: If an out of water inspection is scheduled, confirm the time with the yard and ensure the pressure washer is ready to clean the hull immediately upon lifting.

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